"I cannot turn against my own."

"I am sorry, Elody." Vrasha said. "But you say that the future is not set?"

"That is true." Elody said sadly. "What I see is merely what is likely. It is possible for me to be surprised, for something that didn't even register to come to be the truth path. All I can tell you is the things that I have seen, and even spirits have a limit on that. We know a lot, but not everything. Never everything."

"Then, I can't." Vrasha said. "I am sorry. I am a sworn soldier of the empire. My brother is going to be the Emperor. Even if he drags us into more wars, my duty is set in stone. I defend my people, I lead my armies. I protect those of my nation. Even if he sets the world against us, then I will fight the world for him."

"That is what you want?"

"Want doesn't come into it." Vrasha said stubbornly. "It is what I am. even if what you've said is the truth, even if I hate it with every fibre of my being, I am not an oathbreaker. I am warrior, a hero to many. I cannot betray my own. I must fight for the good of the empire. If I turned against my brother, there would be civil war. People would die. Innocent people, who had done nothing but be in the wrong place at the wrong time. And other countries might invade as they see we are weak. If I did this thing, it would hurt us all. What you're asking me is... it's beyond what I can do. I am truly sorry."

"I see." Elody said. "Then you will serve him."

"I must."

The Forest Spirit nodded slowly. "Then, the future is set. Know that he may kill you for the threat you represent, but if you can prove your loyalty to him, then you will live well by his side. Your people will come to know you as a hero, and you will grow old and wealthy on the lives of those who have crossed your empire. Perhaps you will rule yourself one day, I do not know."

Elody slowly walked around the side of the fire, meeting Vrasha's gaze with her own. her brown eyes were flicked with silver in that moment, and she seemed even more unworldly than she had when they had first met. Slowly, she extended a hand, which Vrasha grasped, and then to her surprise, Elody pulled her into a hug. The spirit's arms closed behind her, and Elody kissed her almost tenderly. Not the lustful, driven kiss of a lover in need, but something deeper, weightier.

When they broke apart, Vrasha was surprised to find that it was herself who was blushing.

"The path you have chosen will be dark and long." The spirit whispered. "It may destroy who you are. Know that as long as you are yourself, you will be welcomed in my forest. But your brother will never tread my earth. Whether it be on his own, or through you. I hope one day we meet again. I hope that you are the same person then as you are now. But time changes us all, Vrasha. Even you."

She stood back.

"Goodbye."

"Elody, wait!"

Vrasha reached forwards, but she was already too late. The avatar of the spirit faded away in an instant, going from solid, to spectral, to non-existent. In a flash, Vrasha stood alone by the fire. For a long moment, she did nothing. Said nothing.

Then, she went to gather her clothes.