It was worse than Farore had realized; the girl was heavily traumatized by her experiences. Or maybe, she thought with some sadness, she'd become too accustomed to a world where only death brought any certain victory. As long as the kings of Rumnir allowed their people to engage in such barbarism, there could be no understanding, no compromise between them.

"You killed them all...how could you? They were people, just like you and me. They were...what right did you have? Please stop! I don't want to see any more death. Please stop killing...please! The blood is covering us all...no more blood...no more...no more..." Eris pleaded, panicked and half-mad. She was so young. Seeing her reminded Farore of those days twenty years ago when she had committed her first murder. Self-defense, but the guilt remained even now. Farore was covered in the blood of her enemies, but Eris couldn't understand just yet.

She didn't try to touch Eris as she spoke, her voice gentle yet absolute.

"I know child, I know. Only the gods themselves have the right to choose life and death for the world of man. However, what they did was not right and if I did not stop them, they would have kept on as they were. It is a harsh world, but sometimes only death can purge the evil that taints their souls. What is done cannot be undone. Come with me, come to Lothua, and I will show you what it is we're fighting for. Maybe with your help we can change the way things are and make this violence part of the past. Will you help us?"

As she spoke Aega came to her. Farore discreetly leaned against the mare, masking her own exhaustion. She'd used too much of her magic. Her strength was slipping away with her age and soon she feared she'd not be able to travel far beyond Haven. She needed someone to take over for her in the next few years. Someone like Eris...