The nightmare of Uldren was not an unfamiliar presence to Hawk. For the past week, it had clung to Crow as persistently as his own shadow, slowly draining him of strength. She had watched helplessly as it taunted him relentlessly, day by day, sleepless night after sleepless night. But now, the memory drifted in the air before her, calm and alone. Crow was free, but she was not.

She approached it slowly, cautious but unafraid, although her heart leapt in her mouth regardless. This not-Uldren's eyes twinkled mischievously, but he observed her in calm silence before the hint of a grin betrayed him, "I wondered if you might grace me with your presence, Guardian," Hawk half expected him to mockingly bow, but he only nodded his head instead, "Why have you come?"

"I've come for answers,"

"Ah, of course," he chuckled, "but why not ask your dear friend, Crow? He has all the answers you seek,"

The hunter paused for a moment, her head tilting towards the stairs. She had considered asking him countless times, but lately their roles had been reversed. Now he was the one keeping secrets, but they weren't his tales to tell. She needed closure, something Crow couldn't give her, even if he wanted to tell her everything. Until a few hours ago, she didn't think she'd ever get it. "I need to hear it from you,"

"I see," his grin faded, and for a moment Hawk was caught off guard. Before her floated not the Uldren she was used to, nor some echo of Crow either. Someone else, someone younger, but so full of sorrow, "What is it you wish to know?"

"Everything you can tell me,"

"I don't have to tell you to be careful of what you wish for, Guardian,"

He peered down at the hunter, but she did not remove her helmet. She would not let him see her face, but no matter. He could sense her resolve. He sighed, and thought quietly for a moment. 

"Take a seat, Katryn. We have a lot to talk about,"

And from where he skulked by the entrance, Crow felt his breath catch in his throat.

CATEGORIES