"Don't say that!" She said scoldingly. "You've had a lot to deal with. Do not just bury yourself further in the ground. Stop being so hard on yourself." Erais said a bit mad at his attitude during the current moment. She didn't want him like this, it hurt her to see him so deep in pain. "You need to knock it off, you are only hurting yourself more. So stop doing this to yourself and be more optomistic. What's done is done. You can't change it, so stop acting like you can. All you can do is live right now, not in the past and not in the future, just now." Her voice was a little bit hard, but her face soon softened.

"You've been through a lot, we all have. Just try and sort through your own feelings and thoughts. You need to let this go." She said softly. Erais felt tired once again and felt her eyes start to close, knowing that they were fairly safe with the pouring rain as a protection, she let herself fall into a rather deep sleep.

Erais and Arden's dreams melted to each other, it was a really strange combination and finally Erais woke up. Stretching she moved out from underneath Arden's wing. That was truly the strangest dream I have ever had. Erais shook her head, trying to clear her head of the dream. Looking over to Arden who was still asleep, she finally realized it. She smiled, shaking her head slightly at him.

She finally looked around and everything was soaked through. Though she loved the smell after a long rainstorm. Also, how everything looked fresh, clean, and almost like new. She closed her eyes, just relaxing in the current moment. It felt so nice right now. At least it did until everything flooded back. She groaned slightly, and didn't open her eyes, afraid of what she might see. So for the moment she kept her eyes closed.

Erais opened her eyes finally, it was a childish thing to do, but she didn't want to face reality. Looking around she saw Daidrea a little ways away meditating, and Mesaraih was leaving. Inside she felt a small glimmer of hope shatter. Why is he leaving? Why didn't he talk to me? She thought hurt. What had gone on that made him walk away? ... Looking over at Daidrea she realized the error in her mistakes. Since the whole ordeal with Aerdiad, she hadn't exactly paid any attention to Mesaraih. As far as she knew, she hadn't even looked at him.

She felt the guilt to start building up. She wasn't sure if she should run after him, or let him be. It had been his choice. But why didn't he talk to me about it?! She thought upset as he was walking away. Why didn't he just come and ask me? Why is he letting his stupid pride and jealousy get in the way? Once again her troubled thoughts drifted into Arden's mind and it woke him. Go talk to him your self...let me sleep. He said grumpily and shifted his position, falling back into a deep sleep.

Erais opened her mouth, wanting to scream for him to stop. She wanted to know what in the world had got into his mind; but her mouth was sealed shut. She could only watch him walk away with wide eyes. More than anything she felt like she had been slapped in the face and betrayed. Slowly she could feel angry tears burn her eyes, he hadn't done anything but walk away. He left without saying anything! She yelled at herself. She couldn't help but start to feel bitter towards him.

Erais was sitting against Ardens exposed belly. She was glaring at her hands, the tears were at the brim. She couldn't really help it, she was rather mad at Mesaraih and felt bitter towards him. She didn't bother paying attention when he came back, he talked to her. Erais didn't respond, she was to upset with him. So she just sat there, not willing to look up at him. What he said was sweet, but he had already made one promise and broke it. So what made him think he could just make another one?

"How can I trust you with that when you carelessly break a different one?" She asked him bitterly. Her eyes trained on her hands, she wasn't in the best mood and she felt betrayed by him.

Erais couldn't help but listen to Daidrea. He was right and she knew it, but Mesaraih had lost her trust for now. "Then don't promise me anything. I can't know if you'll keep it or not, and you can't keep something that could change in the future. Just try to live it up right now...I don't want to get my hopes up for something in the future." She said as calmly as she could. After that she fell quiet, not really wanting to speak anymore as feelings of betrayal, hurt, and bitterness washed through her. Finally she looked up towards him, her eyes expressing more than her mouth would. "I don't want you making me anymore promises." Her voice was strained slightly, and after a few minutes she shut her eyes, feeling slightly tired.

Erais sat quiet, the warmth from the sun felt good on her face. So much had happened in such little time that she almost couldn't believe it. Arden finally decided to wake up. How are you feeling? He asked in concern. Strained, and almost weak. She replied. So many things had gone out of focus that she didn't know what she wanted to do or what was going to happen. I'm just not sure what to do now. I still want to work towards over throwing Galbatorix, but I'm not sure what will happen before we're strong enough for that. Erais had thought about possibilities, but none of them seemed to be much of a reality.

Sometimes she just wished she was someone else. Someone who led a small life and didn't have such weights put on her shoulders; but she knew that that would never happen and she had to fight for all those who couldn't for themselves. "What should we do now?" Erais finally asked Daidrea and Mesaraih. She needed to have something to do, but what? Her life was just so tangled right now.

Erais was a bit confused, but got up anyway. Daidrea had been rather abrupt and his tone was slightly off. Shrugging it off she walked over to him. "What is it?" She asked quietly, coming up beside him. Still wondering what was going on with him.

Erais listened to him, she was pretty sure she knew exactly what he meant. She gave a small sad smile, she didn't know what she could say to help him. She wasn't sure herself about some of what he said. "Daidrea," she paused, trying to think of something that would help him. "I don't know, I really don't know. I've just been so confused, and I'm not the kind of person who gets confused; but everything has just happened in such a strange way that I can't help it. I don't know what to do either." She admitted, wanting to say something that would help him, anything.

"I think that you need to search inside yourself for what to do. Don't let me cloud your judgement. Emotions are what make us human, but sometimes they seem more like a hinderance than a blessing. Right now you need to put them aside and see what it is you really want to do. I don't know how the future will unfold, but maybe it will work for us one day...or not. I don't know, we just need to be patient and work with what we know right now." Erais said, not sure where this was going, but it sounded like the right thing to be said. "I can't tell you what to do, I can only advise you to think about what it is you truly want to do. Not what you think it may be."

Erais went back over to Mesaraih, to let Daidrea think. She hoped she hadn't said anything to upset him, that probably wouldn't have ended good. Sitting back down she watched the clouds for a while, wondering herself what she should do. She looked at him startled, surprised at how his voice had turned, but she decided it would probably be best. "No idea, I can't really think of much to do...I don't know..." Erais said, trying to think of something...well more training could always be done.

"Says the elf who decided to cut Galbatorix's head off..." Erais mumbled with slight sarcasm. "I don't know, from what I think I know...Arden and I need to work more with each other. We have a strong bond, but we aren't very good at working together. We could still help the Varden, but I think it might be best to go back to Oromis." Erais said after a minute of thought. Arden rumbled in agreement. They weren't the best team, and everyone always had room for improvement.

"Yes, back." She said quietly. Arden got to his feet, shaking off the water that had lodged inbetween his scales. Good, we can get back to training, and you can finally clear your head. It's one thing to have to listen to it all day, but another to try and get some sleep. I don't know how you get any at all with your strange and confused thoughts. Arden said with a flick of his tail. Erais turned to Mesaraih. "You coming? Or would you rather cause a little fuss in the Empire?" She asked him with a small smile.

Erais looked at Mesaraih for a moment. "If you come you won't be a distraction, but it's up to you. I don't want you to come if you just feel obligated to protect me." The last part was said seriously. She didn't want them having to think they had to protect her at every whim. After all, she was a rider. That and the fact that she hated it when people thought she wasn't strong enough to protect herself. She had killed enough Shades to prove that she could handle herself. Because of her the Empire had lost very valuable assests.

Erais smiled, she would be glad to have him near. Oromis wasn't exactly a soft teacher. When you trained with him, you trained. After you woke up you train all day, only to fall asleep before you could wind down. "Than lets go...it'll be good to see Oromis again...even if he is a hard teacher." Erais said, glad to be able to become more active. She didn't mind these kinds of breaks, but this one was starting to drag on. She wanted to feel that exhaustion, knowing that her limits had been pushed.

Erais was quietly standing next to Arden, she was watching the two for a moment, thinking of places around that wouldn't arouse the Empire. She knew the area quite well, after spending so much time here. Erais pulled away from Arden and walked over to Daidrea and Mesaraih. "I know a place. It's a very small town and is often over looked by Galbatorix. They are very trustworthy, having hid me several times from soldiers and twice from Galbatorix himself. They are honest people and are surprisingly good and blocking their minds. It's only a two and a half day ride, four if it's by foot and about a day by dragon." She said. The small town the one spot that she didn't have to worry about anything.

Erais nodded slightly and started to walk at a fast pace. Arden lumbered behind them, shaking the ground slightly as he walked. Many places were a familiar sight which was part of the strange winding road that lead to the small town. It would be a few days before they got there, but it was the closest thing to home for Erais...that is if she ever had a home. The people were simple and honest, though were tough and often did things right under Galbatorix's nose without him knowing.

It was starting to get dark before Erais decided they should take a break. The sound of a small brook came to her ears and she got off the path and walked over to it. "If you guys are okay, we can make better time during the dark. We are about to tread on dark ground, allies of the Empire litter the path ahead. Arden will have to stay airborne most of the time. Though night travel is much easier on the roads. That way we won't cause any trouble or suspicion." Erais told them after drinking some of the water.

Erais had been sitting against a tree after they had agreed to rest for a few hours before continuing in the dark. She had tried to fall asleep, but her body was restless and she wasn't tired in the least bit. Sighing she gave up and decided to just keep an eye out on the surrounding areas. You should at least attempt at some rest. Arden told her. He had to take his own resting at a higher elevation, so he wouldn't be spotted. Even if I tried, I couldn't. I'll be okay, get some rest yourself. Erais told him before leaving his mind.

It was quiet, which was nice compared to what it had been. She let her eyes drift close and let her thoughts wander, since she couldn't sleep. It had all been quiet until she noticed that Daidrea had become rather restless in his own sleep. Her eyes snapped open and she quickly got up. As she was making her way over to him, he woke up yelling in what seemed to be pain. Quickly she slid down next to him. He had stopped yelling, and he seemed to be out cold. "Daidrea?" She asked taking him by the shoulders

Her stomach began to feel uneasy and she was afraid something had happened. Something that might had done with Aerdiad. "Come on Daidrea, you need to wake up!" She said shaking him. He wasn't responding, which only made her become more worried. "Daidrea!" She said more loudly and slapped his face lightly. He wasn't waking up and fear gripped her as a thousand terrible possibilities filled her head.

Erais searched his face worriedly as he wasn't responding. It seemed as if he wouldn't come out of it, until he was bolt upright yelling "No," At the air and pointing his drawn sword at nothing. She looked at him startled, what in the world had just happened? He covered his face, looking closer she saw that it was a bit red. "Are you okay? What happened?" She asked him, putting her hand on his shoulder subconsciously, wondering what had happened. In her mind she hoped no one had heard them. That would be an encounter she wanted to avoid.

Erais frowned at Aerdiads name. The fact that he was still a possible threat wasn't good. Hopefully Daidrea had a grip on himself and wouldn't give in again. If he did, than Erais knew they probably wouldn't be able to pull him out of it. It could be possible, but only if they took very drastic measures. I hope he will be able to stay ahead of Aerdiad, and not fall into the same trap. Erais thought absentmindedly. "Do you want to talk about it?" She asked quietly.

Erais got the same strange feeling of leaving reality. It was a very peculiar thing, but by now she was getting used to it. Being absorbed into the vision she watched it carefully. After it ended she looked at Daidrea, not sure how to respond to what she had seen. "I can understand that, thank you for letting me see. He is strong Daidrea, but you are most certainly stronger than him. Don't let him fool you, what you may think be a lost cause, just might not be one some day." She said softly, not sure how everything would unfold.

Erais slapped on the face. "How dare you say that!" She said mad. "Your life is just as important as mine or Mesaraihs, or anyone elses for that matter. Stop letting him affect your life like this. It is by your own choice that you're letting your self feel this way. Just stop!" Her voice was stern and her eyes were on fire. "The darkness may spread through you, but you have something that will always win against it. So stop wallowing in self pity!" She continued to say while staring him straight in the eye.

"It won't happen again because you're strong. You hear me? It won't happen again." Erais wouldn't let him look away from her. "No matter how hard it gets, you are so much stronger than Aerdiad lets you think. He only takes what you give him. He's powerless if you stay positive." She stopped for a moment to take a breath before continuing. "I wouldn't be throwing my life away, if it meant saving yours." Erais said quietly, more kindly as well.

Daidrea was taken back by the hit. He turned away from her feeling hurt. Not by the actual hi but what it meant. He remained silent for some time, unable to say anything.
"I'm sorry...you are only trying to help and I thank you."
He turned towards her again and embraced her with her head over his shoulder.
He didnt want to hink of anything else besides that for now.

Erais felt a bit embarrassed at her outburst towards him, but she didn't regret it. She hugged him back, wondering what would happen if Aerdiad did take a chance to come back. Inside she knew she was afraid of the outcome, it only spelled trouble. It was the kind of trouble she wanted to avoid. Erais couldn't deny that she felt whole when Daidrea embraced her, it was a strange feeling. "We need to rest a bit more before we travel again." Erais told him, pulling out of his embrace almost unwillingly.

Erais moved back over to the tree she had been sitting under previously. Letting herself relax, she realized she was tired. Glad that she could get some sleep, even if it was only four about an hour, she let herself fall into a dreamless sleep.

"You failed once...what makes you think you won't fail again?" A sinister voice broke through Erais' mind defenses. "You let Erador die, what makes you think that this is no different?" The voice asked her darkly. Erais only stood in the dark, confused as to what was going on. "Why are you even bothering to travel with those two? Mesaraih, the stubborn and jealous man; and what about Daidrea? You're traveling with someone who is split inside. We both know he'll crack soon." The voice laughed coldly.
"You shouldn't let them stay with you, you'll only be their deaths. Why are you even trying to hold onto what you can't have?" He muttered right night to her ear, but when she turned around to see who was there, all she saw was empty space. Erais felt cold as she woke up. The moon was partly covered in dark clouds.

She had no idea what it had meant, she wasn't even sure if it was an actual dream, or someone breaking into her mind. Either way she was troubled and got the feeling who ever it was was right. She'd only ever brought death to the ones she loved, what did make this different? Standing up she walked over to where the other two were. "Lets go, if we start now we can cover a lot of distance without being noticed." Her voice was dull and hollow as she woke them up.

Erais felt chilled on the inside, she wasn't sure what she should do now. Her eyes had seemed to dim and the life had left them. She blinked a few times before turning to face towards Daidrea. It had taken her a moment to comprehend what he had said. She opened her mouth to speak, but the strangers words flooded her mind and she closed her mouth. What was the use of speaking to them?

"Fine, just...nothing." She finally muttered, her voice seemed empty as she spoke. Slowly she lifted her eyes to Daidrea's face, wondering what was going through his head. "Lets just keep moving," She said slowly, the words haunted her and she immediately fell quiet and looked away from him.

Erais watched Daidrea dully as he came up in front of her. He had a concentrated expression as he stood in front of her. She could care less, her life felt meaningless right now. She stared at him dully, but her eyes grew wide as it looked like he was going to hit her. She cringed back, but when the blow didn't come she opened her eyes and only say a foggy cloud over her eyes.

The strangest feeling came to her as the strange presence was being detached from her. It took most of her energy, so she started to sway as it left her body. She felt dizzy, but luckily Arden had come just in time to help hold her up. Her eyes fluttered, trying to clear the strange fog that had settled over her vision. It was finally cleared and she looked around, even though the dark thing had been removed, its work had almost been done. The doubt and self pity was still lodged into her, her eyes were still lifeless and her thoughts seemed more clear, but they were depressing.

She looked over at Daidrea, he seemed worried and almost in panic. Looking past him she saw a dark shape. So that's who it was... She thought to herself, almost grateful to it for opening her eyes up to the truth. At least that was how she saw it. "She's too far in..." The voice hissed at Daidrea, laughing coldly. Erais could feel herself giving up, she would have fallen if Arden hadn't been there to hold her up. He wouldn't go into her mind, it was to painful for him.

Erais didn't respond as he talked. Her mind only drifted further and further into the place that Daidrea was fighting to keep her out of. The dark creature may have been removed from her, but it's hold on her was stronger then it should have been. He walked over to her, but she gazed past him, not really seeing anything.

Light flooded her vision and she had to blink rapidly as her eyes adjusted to the quick light. It had been enough to pull her out of her current state a little bit. Erador? Erais asked in disbelief, not hearing a single word Daidrea was saying. She only stared dumbly at her deceased dragon. Just staring at Erador made all the unwanted memories she had locked away flood back, pulling her back, and further into depression.

Erais, Erador said, she stood up from her lying down position. The setting sun glinted on her white scales. Her silver eyes staring at Erais sadly. You've put your self through to much. You need to let my passing go. Arden is a great dragon, but you need to trust him as you trusted me. Erador said calmly to Erais who stood there in numb shock.

I can't Erador. It was my fault your dead. I have caused so much death, I can't go back. I should have left everyone alone, I should have stayed in the mountains and let myself wither away and die. Erais finally spoke to Erador, her grief at seeing Erador again was making things worse. No Erais, you have saved lives! Eradors voice echoed loudly through her mind.

After that Erais shut her mind off from Erador. Erador felt despair as Erais was falling further away from help. She tried to battle through her defenses to talk to her, convince her that it wasn't her fault; but she was too strong.

Erais walked away from Erador, sadness consuming her. "Daidrea, please, take me back." She pleaded with him as she came close enough for him to hear her. This seemed to just make things worse for her. "I don't want to be hear," Her voice cracked slightly and she could feel the emotions starting to build into tears.

Erais felt numb more than anything as she felt the tears run down her face unwillingly. She didn't even realize when they were back in reality. She let herself fall to the ground, sitting there while trying to stop weeping. Even though she was more herself, there was still a hold on her and she still was a bit unresponsive. The scream of the dying reached her ears, but it did nothing to help her, or stop her.

Erais, please don't be like this. Arden told her gently, but left her mind when he realized that she wouldn't respond to any of them for a while. "We should keep moving." Erais said standing, her eyes weren't as dimmed and dull as they had been, but the life hadn't returned to them. As soon as I can, I need to leave them. I won't bring about their deaths, or help it along. Not as long as I can keep from them. Erais told herself, her mood worse than it had been.

Erais stopped walking, and turned around. "No, we need to keep moving." Erais said slightly coldly. "If we don't move now, than when we travel during the day, we will be caught and the Empire will be alerted." Erais said, started to walk forward again. "I know what I'm doing," She said quietly, her voice almost dark.

I would, and I know. Glaedr taught me much, but she doesn't trust me fully. She has become very good at sealing her mind off, or at least parts of it. Everything from her past, its all sealed off. She knows how to keep me out when she isn't strong enough to put up strong blocks. If you knew what she was thinking right now, you wouldn't speak with her either. I've tried, please believe me, I have. Arden told him, trying to speak with Erais after he spoke with Daidrea.

Erais kept her gaze forward, she heard what he said, but she deiceded to ignore him. She needed to start now if she was ever to keep them out of her life, she had to stay cold and indifferent to them. Erais kept her expression calm and blank. His words stung her greatly, and they reached deep, but she didn't move or respond. She had become very good at concealing her emotions and thoughts. "Maybe I don't want help, maybe I don't want you to help." Her voice had an edge to it, and her words were said harshly.

"I'm running because I need to. I would only run harder if you followed." Erais had been shocked when he appeared almost out of nowhere in front of her; but she held her ground and didn't flinch.

Erais didn't make any sign that she had heard him, but she did, and it hit home. Something inside her snapped, but she wasn't sure what it was. She turned around and watched Daidrea walk away from them, confused. Erais! Arden roared loudly in her head, startling her. I know that you haven't ever been able to trust me fully, not once have you allowed yourself to put your life in my capable claws. Now you are just being a stubborn fool! He broke through her mind, scattering all her thoughts as he went on, letting his pent up energy loose.

Daidrea has risked a lot for you! Now you're letting him go! I fear Aerdiad might come back into power, and from what you've done, I doubt that you could save Daidrea! You are a darn fool! Erais wanted to say something against Arden, deny what he was saying, but as she watched Daidrea's retreating figure, she couldn't. He loves you, he tried helping you, he has given a lot for your sake. Then you just go and throw it away! Arden couldn't express how much emotions were built against her right now. I swear, if you don't go after him now, than I'm afraid you both will be lost. His tone was grave, but it held a threat.

Erais began to feel torn. She wanted to proceed after him, but her pride and doubts were clouding her mind and judgement. So she stood there, watching Daidrea walk away. Arden left her mind and took to the sky, needing to be alone on his own. Erais had made a grave mistake, and he knew she'd pay for it. He just hoped she'd come to realize her errors before Daidrea was gone completely.
Deep inside Erais, she screamed at herself to go after him. She yelled his name over and over, but she couldn't break through the barrier that was keeping her from getting out.

Erais could feel everything vanish from her, now she just felt empty for what she had done. Daidrea had left...Aerdiad was mostlikely in his place. What have I done? Erais asked as the reality of what had happened had settled in. I drove off my dragon, I drove Daidrea away, and I'll most likely drive Mesaraih away. Erais took a sharp intake of breath as a pain shot through her side.

"He's...gone...Aerdiad...I...gone..." Erais sputtered, not really hearing Mesaraih's question. All she could think about it what she had done. She began to gasp for air, she felt trapped and she felt like dying for what she had done. "He's...lost...death..." Erais barely choked out. "What have I done?" Erais asked aloud, her eyes snapping up to the place where Daidrea had faded into the night. How could she get him back? Why should she try? You need to at least try, you made this big mess, so get rid of it. She told herself sternly.

Erais took a few steps before stopping. She knew if Aerdiad was able to take control again, she doubted that she'd live through the encounter. "Mesaraih...I've...I messed up." She said, still in shock of what happened. Her breaths were spread out and she tried gasping for air, she bent over as a tear fell away. She was scared, not the death kind of scared, but scared of what she had caused.

Erais began to shake terribly as she wept over what had happened. She had driven Daidrea away, and from what she understood, it seemed like a hopeless cause. "Daidrea...I'm so...I'm so sorry." She wept against the ground. The moon was covered by thick clouds and it was almost completely dark. It was cold and Erais shivered on the ground, her tears stopping as she sat up. "Mesaraih?" She asked catiously. He didn't answer. She hadn't heard him leave at all.

Erais thought about what had to happen now. An idea came to mind, but she knew that it was suicide. Daidrea was probably gone, and this sacrifice of her own life for him was probably a waste; if there was any ounce of Daidrea in Aerdiad body, than Erais knew he'd be able to hear her. Arden, before I do this, I need to know that you are willing as well. I hate throwing your life away with mine, but I need to take this chance. Erais sent the thought out, hoping Arden would understand. Go. He whispered back to her sadly.

Erais got to her feet and ran. Soon she saw a town completely devastated and lifeless. Aerdiad and Mesaraih were fighting. Daidrea...please... She felt a sob choke out, hoping she wasn't too late. She ran forward and threw Mesaraih aside with her body weight. Stay back, this is the only way. Please do not interfere. Erais told him, her voice was strained as she stood a few feet away from Aerdiad.

"I know you took your chance at this again Aerdiad, but if Daidrea is still alive in you, than hear this. I can't say anything to justify for what I have done. I can't take back anything I did. I can't make you come back, but I'll put my life down for you, right here and now." Erais said, hoping Daidrea had heard it. She ripped her sword off and threw it to the side. "Now Aerdiad, if Daidrea's really gone. Than kill me, but if he's the person I know, than you'll be frozen where you are and won't harm me. I was a stupid fool for what I did, but I hope Daidrea can forgive me. If he loves me the way he says he does, than he'll come back strong and keep you from slaying me." She said defiantly in Aerdiad face. Mesaraih I swear if you intervene, you'll regret it.

Erais smiled slightly to herself, Daidrea wasn't gone. He was still in there. So she hadn't ruined everything completely. There was one more thing she could try before she'd have to fight Aerdiad. "Wait!" She shouted and ran towards him. Mesaraih look away, or you'll get hurt. Erais quickly told him before she moved in front of Daidrea. "Daidrea I was a fool, I'm sorry, and I love you." Erais said quickly while Aerdiad was caught off guard.

Quickly she put her hands on his shoulders and kissed him. It wasn't quick, but she didn't linger on it for very long. "I know Daidrea had to have felt that." She said pulling away. "Daidrea I really was a fool, please come back. I'll try to do what I can, I know I can't say much to repair what I've done to you; please come back to me." Erais quickly backed away from Aerdiad after whispering that in his ear. Now she had to wait, see if Daidrea was willing to come back. Or stay locked away behind Aerdiad.

Erais watched as his eyes returned normal instantly and the last traces of Aerdiad were gone. She sighed in relief, smiling slightly when he said her name. She able to to catch him in time before he hit the ground. Carefully she lowered him and herself to ground. Erais wasn't sure if she should be worried about him passing out, or if it was from all the events crashing down on him. She decided against trying to wake him up, and just let him be; but she wasn't going to leave his side. She knew now that even though that her doubts and fears were true, she wouldn't be able to leave him.

Erais slowly stood up from Daidrea's side and walked over to Mesaraih, a bit worriedly. "You okay?" She asked him, a bit worried about his reaction. "I'm sorry for how I acted earlier, I shouldn't have given into doubt. I'm really sorry for how I treated you and Daidrea. Forgive me?" She asked him quietly, her face towards the ground in embarrassment from her earlier actions. She regretted them greatly, but knew no matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't exactly take it back.

"Not true." Erais said quietly. "I was being selfish and cold, I should have never treated either of you like that. I was trying to look for some sort of salvation or redemption from what I've done in my past...but there is none. I realize now that I could never really leave either of you." She said sternly, making him look her straight in the eye. "Please, be honest. How are you really doing?" She felt as though he was keeping something from her.

"No it was not!" Erais said loudly. "I should have listened to Daidrea, but I didn't and now I'm paying for it!" Her tone was slightly angry. The dead appearance with Mesaraih hurt her, she wasn't exactly sure why he was this way, but she had a feeling that it was probably her fault...again. The smoke stung her nose and the heat from the fire was in the extremes, but her attention was far from that. The way Mesaraih looked was killing something inside her, and soon she felt hollow and a bit empty.

Erais felt her cheeks heat up in embarrassment. "Oh, sorry. I didn't mean too, sorry." Her voice seemed strained now. "No, I guess I just got to caught up in my thoughts." Erais quickly said, now feeling bad that she had yelled at him. "I didn't mean to, sorry." She whispered.

In a split instant Erais remembered Daidrea when Mesaraih mentioned his name, still back in the flames. "Oh no," She said quietly and looked at the tall and thick flames, the smoke would be suffocating in there. How could I have left him in there? She thought to herself and quickly ran towards the flaming city, feeling bad for leaving Mesaraih alone, when he seemed to be hurting. Looking around, she knew it was a death trap. Erais let her mind wander for a moment, nothing. Without thinking twice about what the consequenses might be, she ran straight into the fire. She tried remebering where she had left him passed out. After a while she was able to make it there.

Her lungs ached and her eyes stung, she coughed and coughed, not able to breathe properly in the thick smoke. "D-Da-i..." She tried coughing out, but she couldn't fully form the word without breaking into a fit of coughs. She became worried, wondering where he could have gone. Looking up she realized that the flames seemed to be closing in. She felt trapped, for a few short seconds a pathway opened near a burning building. Erais took her chance and ran, only to find herself in a maze of fire. This was a mistake, She thought to herself upset, and stumbled off, trying to find a way out of the flame and smoke.

Erais was laying against the ground, coughing until small bits up blood were coming up. It felt as though she was suffocating, she could barely breathe with the smoke hanging about like a thick fog. Her eyes were half way open when she saw the flames disappear, but that didn't take the smoke away. She continued coughing weakly as she kept inhaling smoke. I'm so sorry Daidrea, She thought quietly, cursing herself for leaving him behind. Lying against the ground, she didn't know how this could get any worse. It was so painful and agonizing that she wish she were dead, instead of barely being able to breathe and coughing up blood.