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Sasha gently regurgitated James. She rubbed him with her tongue to wake him up. “Morning", James said half asleep.

Sasha gently let James out of her mouth.

“Drink this. It's a remedy my ancestors said me to make and give you for your wound", Sasha said.

James took a sip. His eyes widened and James strained himself to swallow it. He coughed and had dry heaves.

“Jesus fucking Chist! That's awful! James screamed.

“Really?" Sasha said.

“Tastes like shit, piss, and grass", James said as he continued with the dry heaves.

“We'll, we got called in for duty as leaders. So I guess you'll have to take your seat, you'll actually have a vote on a very important matter. It's an economic matter and you need to drink this to ensure you have both the strength and clear thinking to do your task", Sasha said.

“I ain't drinking that!" James exclaimed.

“Don't make it more difficult than it has to be. You will drink it, or I will help you drink it. I spent hours looking for the herbs to make this while you were sleeping", Sasha said.

James pinched his nose to dull his sense of taste and quickly drank it. Moments later it was gone. James removed his hand from his nose. He then began coughing violently, followed by dry heaves as if he was going to vomit.

“Good human", Sasha said teasingly.

“Stick your tongue in this cup, I dare you", James said.

Out of curiosity, she did. She winced at the taste.

“Oh… that is awful. Well, medicine isn't supposed to taste good. So, there's that. Go get dressed, we must go", Sasha said.

“Where is Gale and Moonlight?" James asked as he was putting on his clothes.

“Already at the nursery. I know you haven't seen them in four days, after we finish the matter with a vote, we'll have the rest of the day to spend time with them", Sasha said.

“Ok, let's go", James said.

James dressed himself. He was lacing his shoes. James gasped as he turned and stared at the south corner of the cave with a wide eyed stare.

“What is it", Sasha said as she looked at him curiously.

“I thought something was there, it's nothing", James said.

“You've been acting in a very strange sense in your battle, James. I'm beginning to get concerned", Sasha said.

“Get my hagstone, please?

“Your rifle? James you're not going to fire it in the cave are you? Sasha asked.

The hagstone is mounted on the rifle. It's that I want to use, not the rifle itself, I need to know", James said.

Sasha grabbed James's rifle and handed it to him.

He pointed his rifle at the corner and looked through the hagstone mounted on the rifle, there was no revenant.

James sighed in relief and lowered his rifle.

“James, are you alright? That was… Odd to say the least" Sasha asked.

“I think so", James said.

As he placed his rifle back with his battle gear.

He grabbed his revolver and placed it in his holster.

James then moved towards Sasha and climbed on her back.

“That was very… Strange… And not your usual kind of strange. James, what is going on?"

“I keep feeling the revenant is still there, stalking me", James said.

“I used magic to get rid of that vile being once and for all. That was three weeks ago, James. That revenant can never hurt you or me again", Sasha said.

“It's haunting me", James replied.

“We'll resolve that issue, but in the meantime, we got to go", Sasha said.

James sighed, shaking his head side to side, skeptical of getting this resolved due to him not knowing what his problem was.

Sasha began walking outside the cave.

“I've had these feelings since that battle. But they seem to intensify day after day", James said.

“It's ok not to be ok. But please… Be ok for this. I've been told this matter is a big change to our society. I've been briefed on it and we would be able to further expand our society, Sasha said.

“Ok, I'll do it for you", James said as he rubbed her neck.

“That was sincere. I sensed it, thank you James", Sasha said. Sasha took flight for the leader cave.

James and Sasha were lying among the other leaders. James was not in his spot however.James sat on Sasha's shoulders as she lay next to the others due to his wound and needed to be with her.

A dwarf stood in front of the dragons, proposed a monetary system of paper currency and a private central bank. Explaining to the clan how it enables growth by means of credit, the dragons were amazed how such a system would work.

“Do we have a vote? I'd expect it to be unanimous", Sasha said eagerly.

“I have many counter arguments for such a monetary system", James said.

“I'd expect you to side with me on this, James", Sasha said.

“You didn't mention a centralized bank.

The surface world has such a system. It's one of the many ways the rich get richer and the poor get more poor. Inflation, then deflation, particularly product deflation causes major economic recessions that can rob a generation ten years of their potential financial growth. As we gain credit from a private corporation, means the whole clan is in debt. It'll eventually only mandate us to pay the interest as the debt rises. Essentially selling out our citizens for expansion. I'd love to carry on Andrew Jackson's death bed quote, I killed the bank", James said.

Sasha gave an audible sigh… “James, we don't have enough gold and other precious metals to keep growing as a society. We need more funds, this system makes sense", Sasha said.

“This system will turn our people into wage slaves just as people are so on the surface world", James stated.

“James, it's still a free market", Sasha said.

“I always said on the surface world, the market may be free, but not for you and me. Heed my warning, Sasha. I lived this", James said.

“It's in the best interest of the Clan, my vote is yay", The purple dragon said.

“Is it the best interest for the clan, as in dragons?

Dragons being the elite in this society? Maybe so… But for the smaller folk running businesses, or for employees of such businesses, it is not. I'm not willing to vote for something that helps one group, but harms the other. I must vote my conscience… My vote is nay", James said.

We dwarves have this. Having a similar monetary policy as us would be a mutual benefit in trade", the dwarf said.

“If we keep our money in gold and other precious assets, their currency will weaken in time. This makes trade cheaper for us this way. Trade is another means of growth. Especially in arms and other goods, which would be a particular boon to our defenses over time since most of our weaponry and armor comes from the dwarves. Also, makes other trade goods cheaper. This means our businesses will be able to eventually buy those goods at a lesser cost to them, increasing their profits, increased profit for business means more jobs and more growth. Not to mention with their currency devaluation every decade, they'll have some assets from the gold we pay them. This somewhat will back up their currencies to help offset the issues they'll face. So it's not all a loss on their side of the deal, essentially backing up an ally of ours", James said.

“Ooohhh, look who is thinking in the long haul now", Sasha thought back.

“They made their mistake, as a society we shouldn't follow suit in the same madness. Better for us to start mining for the additional gold we need. Want wealth, grab a shovel and a pick axe", James said.

“I'm with James. Nay", Sasha said.

“That was a quick change of mind, Sasha. My vote is yay, we must move forward as a society", the green dragon said.

“Move forward… A vague phrase used by individuals of various ideals. Moving forward politically often means social control, or robbing people of their economic liberty in some unintended way. Who could think allowing a corporation to oversee our financial policies as a good thing. That is a major threat to our ways and way of life. I ask the rest to trust that I am truly speaking with sincere concern", James said.

Yay!

Nay!

Nay!

“That's four nays and two yays. Monetary change did not pass", Amazing statesmanship, James. That drink I gave you must have helped", Sasha said.

“This is an outrage! You dragons are so greedy!" The dwarf said.

“I object to that statement. You, dwarf expect us to be in debt to your societie's bank, make our citizens pay more in taxation to pay off the interest, and make our people wage slaves for your gain, the means it enables growth is also detrimental to our way of life. The ones who would suffer are the elves, dwarves, and humans that live here! When it comes to greed? You, little dwarf are projecting! I won't stand for it!" James shouted.

The dwarf had a look of anger on his face.

“It's not the last time we meet, human", the dwarf said.

“Fuck the system… That has always been my way of thinking", James thought to Sasha.

“Well… That is true", Sasha replied in thought.

“I killed the bank", James thought.

“I'm sure you're proud of that", Sasha thought.

“You have no idea… Did you see how that little midget stormed out of here in anger? And what he said? He'll be a problem in the future. Keep eyes on him. And… Thanks for making me drink the nasty medicine", James said as he patted Sasha's neck.

“Well, the next order of business is one more task for me to do. That'd be to read what people are requesting of the clan with their petitions. And yes, the dwarf's actions are noted. You can lay down and rest if you'd like, James. I'll wake you up if you're needed for a vote and read the petition to you", Sasha said.

James laid down on Sasha's back, closing his eyes. Several minutes later, he began a subtle snore.

Sasha was reading petitions from the smaller folk.

James began mumbling in sleep talk.

Sasha looked over her shoulder, watching James. She found it to be adorable.

Sasha then turned her focus back to the petitions.

In James's dream, he was in pure darkness, searching for an exit.

The revenant lit up the ceiling of the dark room with a flash of light as well as its ear piercing scream.

James woke up screaming and rolled off of Sasha's shoulders, drew his revolver and continued screaming as rapidfired six rounds at the cave ceiling.

The revolver clicked as James continued to pull the trigger even though he spent all six rounds.

“James! What the hell is that!" Sasha exclaimed.

James kept his weapon pointed at the ceiling with a wide eyed stare as he breathed heavily. His hands shaked as he kept his revolver trained on the ceiling. Acting as if he never heard Sasha.

“James! Oh… Shit!", Sasha said as she looked at James's face, and realized she's seen similar behavior from some soldiers who where smaller folk.

“Hey, James… Sasha spoke softly…

Moments passed…

“James, are you ok?" Sasha asked.

“James began to cry. “No, I'm not". James replied.

“Everything is ok. Just… Give me the gun", Sasha said softly as she extended her paw.

“Come on, hand it over. Where safe, it was just a dream", Sasha said.

James let out a loud sigh. He lowered his weapon and handed the revolver to Sasha.

Sasha gave a loud sigh herself.

“Was it really that bad, James?" Sasha asked in a sympathetic voice.

James nodded his head affirmatively as he tried to stop crying.

“Leader meeting is over for the day. We'll read petitions some other time. I'll deal with James", Sasha told the other four dragons. They nodded, noting James's reactions.

“Come on James. Get on my back. We should go", Sasha said.

James was ignoring Sasha, staring at the ceiling.

“It felt so real", James whispered to himself.

“I understand, let's go. You need help", Sasha said.

“Hey! I ain't crazy", James said.

“You said it felt real, you did not say it was real. Therefore, you understand it isn't real. You're not insane. You're aware of what is reality and what is not, but you fired a gun multiple times out of a fight and flight reaction. You need help because your experience with the revenant is causing you to relive it. That I can say for a fact. It's not a weakness to need help. However, if you don't get help, it'll bring you to your knees", Sasha said.

James got on his knees as he relived the experience with the revenant, as if Sasha's words flipped a switch in his consciousness.

Sasha sighed as she recalled the revenant injuring James to his knees during the fight. “I shouldn't have said that. It just caused him to snap back into it" Sasha thought.

“Come with me, James… I know… I saw that too", Sasha said softly as she moved to bite on James's shirt. She picked him up, and placed him on her back.

“You're not taking me to a shrink are you?" James said as they exited the cave.

What is a shrink?" Sasha asked.

“Someone who tries to diagnose you with some mental condition and medicate the living shit out of you for it", James said.

“No, well… Kind of… Except there is no medication. Think of it as someone to give you council. She's someone who helps smaller folk like you deal with the issues you have. And just to spark your curiosity, I doubt you can guess who it is", Sasha replied.

“I don't need a shrink. I need time", James said.

“If you love me, you will do as I ask", Sasha said.

“I do love you", James said.

“I'll be spread pretty thin from now on, James. I have a clan to lead, I have to help you, I have offspring, I'm also a scout. I cannot do all those things by myself forever. I need you to get help. Your clan and your family rely on you getting help", Sasha said.

Sasha sighed… “It's my fault he is this way. I should have stopped him before he entered that cave", Sasha thought. .

“James, did you hear that?" Sasha asked.

“Hear what?" James replied.

“He didn't hear me… Good… She thought.

“Oh it's probably nothing. It really pains me to see you suffer", Sasha said.

“Sorry for spazzing like thatI didn't mean to do that in the leader meeting", James said.

“I know you didn't. I've seen other smaller folk who have behaved as you just did. It comes from combat. In your case, combat with the revenant. That's why I know you need help. Without it, it'll only get worse. Then it'll continue to intensify and you could lose your mind completely. That would only be a matter of time. I wouldn't be pressing the matter if I didn't have a very good reason to do so. If I let this continue, it wouldn't be just bullets in the ceiling. Over time, you could turn into a real threat to yourself, which means being a threat to me, and… Ugh… I don't want to think that far.

“Oh I'm not suicidal… If I was, I would have done that long before I came here",James said.

“Ok… I get it, it's just… I'm very concerned for you. I love you", Sasha said as they approached the jailhouse.

“Why the jailhouse? I'm not considered a fifty one fifty am I? James asked.

“James! Not now! Stop using terms even I don't understand", Sasha said.

Alenia is laying down, going over a list of those arrested and those ready to be released.

“Hi Alenia, long time no see", James said.

“James! I heard what happened. You've been going through a lot the last several days", Alenia said.

“Yah, I suppose… Wait? You're taking me to Alenia for council? James asked.

“Yup! She knows more about humans than most of us dragons do", Sasha said.

James shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe this won't be so bad. Oh wait… I'm going to jail", James said.

“Why"? Sasha asked.

“My actions with my flashback and panic attack. I plead the fifth on those details. I can't incriminate myself", James said.

“Plead the fifth?" Alenia said.

“Right, otherworld… Not America… No constitution or fifth amendment… Damn cops", James said as his heart began to flutter.

“James… You're stressing again. I can hear your heart racing. And… You're acting like a dork… You're in the guard yourself. You are a cop", Sasha said.

“Eh, I always say something that makes a dork out of myself", James replied.

“I've noticed", Sasha said.

“Let's cut to the chase… Flashbacks and Panic attacks are no laughing matter. As a friend, I am concerned for you. If you tell me everything as a friend, I won't incriminate you.

However, if I find out you left one single detail, I will do a full investigation with the clan leaders, I know you were there, sense you're one yourself. Then I will throw the book at you and have you locked up as long as I can lock you up. I'm sure that would give you plenty of time to decide whether or not you want to talk about your issue", Alenia said.

“This tough love thing sucks", James said as he looked at Sasha.

“You need it", Sasha said in a matter of fact tone.

“I'm all ears", Alenia said.

“And here comes the judgement", James said.

“The human mind is as frail as their own bodies. I'm not going to look down on you for what you are", Alenia said.

I fought in the drow war…

I stopped the war and utter obliteration of the clan from Mannan Mac Lir and his armies. I beat a dragon in a duel. It's why I'm a leader. How can I not be judged after such deeds, only to lose my shit later? Taking a nap on Sasha's back due to me still being weak from my encounter, waking up screaming from a flashback dream, and shooting the cave ceiling like a madman in front of the other four leaders. It makes me a laughing stalk. It makes Sasha one too", James said as he lowered his head.

Alenia sighed… “I see your point. But who ever knew a human could be that good? You were… You are that good...

However, a human is a human. And will always be a human. Your mind is as frail as your body regardless of your heroic deeds. Nonetheless, your deeds are still very impressive. You saved my life as well. I hope you recall that fact. I am always willing to help a little hero.

For a dork, you're a pretty damn good one", Alenia said.

“Don't feed his ego!" Sasha screamed.

“Sasha, silence!" Alenia screamed.

“James, please… Tell me what happened", Alenia said.

James told the story. About him hiding from Sasha in a hunting game. How he fell and met a naga who turned out to be a revenant.

“Revenants… They're powerful, and extremely dangerous", Alenia said.

James then told her how he got stabbed by a revenant blade and fought the revenant for two days in the land of the dead.

“Two days? Lore has it, those who get stabbed don't last a day in the soul fight. That may be a new record", Alenia Said.

James noticed he became more comfortable with speaking to Alenia.

“The fight felt so hopeless. Every time I wound the revenant, it just… Reappeared… Every wound it gave me? I'd feel the pain. I'd scream in agony.

Every defensive and offensive move I made, I could feel my strength slowly fail. I… Never felt such darkness, hopelessness, fear, pain, and as I'd fight, wounding the revenant… It'd regenerate when I could not. It was as if I was in hell", James said as he cried.

“Revenants can feed from both your energy and will as you fight. It's what makes them so dangerous. It also makes sense the revenant stabbed you instead of Sasha. You're a smaller, easier target in its point of view. Although, it underestimated you. Obviously you're dealing with trauma. Sounds to me like you've developed an anxiety issue of some sort from your encounter. An issue involving your fight and flight instinct. In my opinion, it's understandable that you have issues after facing such a foe alone for so long", Alenia said.

“It was the most horrifying experience I ever had in my life", James said as he cried.

“One as strong minded as you, I'm certain is was. It's ok, James. You're in good company. However.

I need a word with Sasha, alone", Alenia said.

James exited the jailhouse. Sasha turned her attention to Alenia.

“See how I got James to lower his guard with me and he left not one single detail out? It's a tactic, I used it on Gillian all the time. Sometimes males who feel they're weak will not talk about issues because they feel it to be a weakness. In those times, they need to be reminded they're not weak. Remind them that they aren't weak, they'll just open up to you", Alenia said.

“That was impressive", Sasha said.

“Works every time. It helps me with those males who have combative personalities like James does, and with conditions like James, it's a very useful tactic, go ahead and use it whenever you please. Its a tactic that will be something he never figures out, because it boosted his self-esteem. Giving him that boost clouds him from seeing it as a tactic. In my relationship with Gillian, it worked on him as well", Alenia said.

“Wait? Gillian? Needed a boost in self-esteem? Sasha said with a puzzled look.

“Help him raise his self-esteem and just like magic, you'll always get what you want out of him. It really is that easy. Males love positive feedback from their mates", Alenia said.

“It can't be that easy", Sasha said.

“How do you feel if he says you're pretty? Maybe… Sexy? He raised your self esteem if he did. Therefore you feel positive.

It's no different for males really. Say they're a good mate, a good father, or in this particular case, say they're strong. Suddenly they start acting like it. Then they aren't embarrassed to say how they feel", Alenia said.

“Makes sense", Sasha said.

“You are really good in terms of knowing how others think", Sasha said

“I'm not captain of the guard without reason, I deal with all kinds of people, all kinds of personalities. I know how different minds work. James is a good mate for you. You both have a natural way with each other that makes you two a good team, and both of you keep each other in check and in balance.

However, James is weak emotionally, mentally, and physically. Does he have other behavior I should know about"? Alenia said.

“Always tired, short attention span, stares into nothing, along with the anxiety issues he's having", Sasha said.

“He very well could have both shellshock and battle fatigue. The battle fatigue will go away in time, but if he has shellshock? That's a very lasting condition. Often, it can be disabling, Sasha. He needs you now more than ever. His fight isn't over. It's going to be a very long uphill struggle", Alenia said.

Sasha coughed up an item out of her throat.

“James's revolver", He can't keep it in the cave. I don't want him having access to his weapons while he has flashbacks and panic attacks", Sasha said.

“It's not his, it's an issued weapon. It belongs to the clan's guard. I'll also need the rifle back. James is suspended without pay till further notice", Alenia said.

“Without pay?" Sasha asked.

“He fired his revolver inside the city without justifiable reason. I'm not putting him in jail over it, since no one was harmed, and he has been through too much already. However, there needs to be some consequence", Alenia said.

“Fair enough, and thanks for the help", Sasha said.

“I'm always willing to help", Alenia said.

“Thanks, I have a feeling I'm going to need it", Sasha said.

Sasha exited the jail house, she noticed James was gone. “Damn it, James" She thought.

“Why did you say damn it, James? James asked as he approached Sasha.

“Oh… There you are… Sorry", Sasha said.

“I'd like a drink or two. Just to calm my nerves. I'd like you to join me", James said.

“Fine, we'll go", Sasha said.

“You said fine… You really don't want one?" James said, raising an eyebrow.

On second thought, something to relax me sounds good. My nerves are shot", Sasha said.

“You're telling me… My nerves are shot to the point of my brain having a short circuit", James said.

Sasha sighed, thinking about James's situation and remembering his situation is indeed far worse than her's. “I'm sorry you went through so much. Don't worry, I have your back, you're the best mate I could ask for", Sasha said.

“You are as well, I love you. And, I know it'll be hard for you as I", James said, as he heard a scream and began to have a flashback. James stared in the distance.

“James!" Sasha raised her voice tapping on his shoulder with a claw.

James turned his focus back to Sasha.

“As I deal with my condition". James said, finishing what he was trying to say.

“Yes… This is bad, but we'll get through it together. We always do", Sasha said as they entered the tavern.

Sasha smiled thinking about calling him the best mate. How it actually caused him to acknowledge it's going to be hard for her. Sasha is now beginning to understand how this works.

“Did you hear it's scream?" James asked.

“I heard a child scream when you said you love me. Sounded like a playful scream. Did that make you stare?" Sasha asked as they stood at the bar.

“The stare is me reliving the event that caused it. Alenia told me it's some anxiety issue, but I know it's more severe than just anxiety", James said.

“Alenia called it shell shock and battle fatigue when she spoke to me", Sasha said.

“PTSD", James said.

“What is that?" Sasha asked.

“Post Traumatic Stress Disorder… It can be managed, but in severe cases, it can completely disable those who suffer from it because of frequent flashbacks. In the surface world, I've seen a homeless man screaming marine corpse, semper fi, meaning always loyal, always ready, and just… Reliving his past traumas. I just hope I don't go a similar way", James said.

“You won't… For one, you acknowledge your issue. Also, you will always have a home. You'll always have me, who will do anything for you because I'll never let you go. At the river where I first approached you on the surface world, I said you'd thrive.And it's really turning out not to be so", Sasha said.

“Knock off the horseshit. I've got the most beautiful female in the clan. So beautiful, two dragons conspired to kill me over it. Good thing you came along and saved me from those two. I've also got two beautiful offspring, who we'll be picking up from the nursery once we finish our beers. What's a gunshot, a wound from a flaming sword stabbing me, and a short in my brain? Truth is, you are my better half. I'm nothing without you. However, everything comes at a cost. But yes, it's a heavy price. I paid it so far and I'm still breathing. I also am never going to commit suicide over my condition, as you where concerned about earlier. My inner strength is stronger than that.

I'd do anything to stay with you. I'm thriving because I'm with you. Don't worry what this world does to me. It's the surface world that scares me the most", James said.

“Why is that I wonder?" Sasha said.

“I didn't get very far in life. Most dates were flings with women only interested in playing. And the serious ones were never interested in a guy living paycheck to paycheck and almost no money in a saving's account. I really had a feeling I was going to remain alone. I may be a very impressive fighter in human standards, but I got feelings. And very deep ones at that. Truth is I know I've been a damaged person all my life. You said it yourself. My heart is good, but it's weathered. It is far more weathered than I myself even recognized", James said.

“Here be y'er beers", Brian said.

“Eye! Human! Shoot holes in me Ceiling, I'll shove a glass up y'er arse!" Brian said.

“Say that again it'll be my claws up your ass, Brian.

And by the way, this human has done more for the clan than your big loud mouth ever has. Show respect, or I'll give you a consequence for having too little of it", Sasha said as her eyes turned black.

“Sasha, easy.. I know that look of yours all too well", James said.

“Okaaay OKaaay! Havi'n fun with the lad I was. Meant no offense by it, Lass! Brian replied.

“If it was funny, I imagine I'd be laughing. Am I laughing?" Sasha asked Brian.

“Ey! Brian! Careful lad. Shove claws up y'er arse and rip y'er anus out, she will. Enter the land of the dead in shyte and shame. James said as he mocked Brian's accent.

Sasha began laughing.

“Get y'er point I do! Okay!", Brian said as he walked away in frustration.

“Now that was funny. Enter the land of the dead in shit and shame. Every once in a while, you really say the funniest things", Sasha said as she sipped her beer.

“Got the lass in a good mood! Y'er welcome! Saved your hairy arse, I did!" James shouted at Brian.

Sasha laughed again.

Okay! Get it I do! Fuck'n ell, ya humans! Annoying ya are!", Brian said.

Before we go, I've been thinking about learning magic lately. I'd like you to teach me", James said.

“Last time I tried teaching you, you spazed out over that", Sasha said.

“That was different, times are different", James said.

“Alenia took the guns and now you feel defenseless. I really can't say I blame you. But with magic, I cannot have you running around shooting lightning bolts as you have a panic attack either", Sasha said.

“Alenia took my guns?" James asked.

“Those are issued to you. They belong to the guard, not you. And it's reasonable, we cannot have you spazzing out firing those in the city. It's a fact. You aren't in the mental condition to be handling them", Sasha said.

“From hero to zero", James said.

“Oh cut the crap, James. I will be helping you. When have we not solved any problem we faced. Try a little optimism. You and I will be doing a divination tonight. It'll help you rest your mind, and regain a sense of self so you don't depersonalize so much. No promises, but it'll possibly better help you to have fewer flashbacks. Who knows? In time, it could play an important role in stopping your flashbacks", Sasha said.

“I'm down to give anything a try", James said.

Sasha finished her drink.

“Kids can wait. I'm going to ask Alenia to pick them up and take them from the nursery. They can spend the night at her place once more. I need to focus my attention on you tonight", Sasha said as she got up and made way to the jailhouse.

James pulled out three silver coins and set them on the table for Brian, then exited the tavern.

Three children were playing in the street. One of the halflings elves pinned a dwarf down as they fought playfully. The dwarf screamed.

James's eyes widened as he had another flashback.

Several minutes passed.

“James!" Sasha screamed as she exited the jailhouse.

James turned and looked at Sasha.

“Get on", Sasha said.

James complied and climbed on. Sasha took a few experimental beats of her wings, then leaped I'm the air.

Sasha landed, and for the first time in the past several days, James had a joyful look.

“Your secret spot", James said as he looked around, admiring the landscape, recalling the first time he laid with her.

“It's really the perfect place for ceremonial magic and divination. But since you actually have to participate in this with a will of your own, it's going to require one thing of you", Sasha said as she regurgitated her ring and shrunk in size.

“You must relax", Sasha said as she placed her snout against James's chest. Sasha bit James's shirt and tore it off of him.

She then reached for his pants.

“Wait" James said as he attempted to unbutton them.

Sasha playfully leaped on him, knocking him to the ground.

“You're no fun if you do that", Sasha said.

Sasha bit on the waistband of the pants and thrashed James around. She tore the pants off, then bit his undergarments.

The undergarments easily ripped off.

Sasha wrapped her forelegs and hind legs around James's body. She then folded her wings and wrapped her tail around his legs.

Now James, this is what I want you to do. Don't move, don't twitch, with the exception of you no longer being able to withstand it. But if you can, try to move as little as possible. I want you to just… Relax…" Sasha began licking James's neck. James began to relax as he felt his mate's embrace and his mate's tongue caress his neck. The licking turned into a suckling and Sasha tail presses James back and forth, causing his member to slide back and forth inside her.

After a long and intimate time, Sasha continued to embrace James. It was a full moon, and the landscape was lit by the moon's glow.

“Goddess, aid us as we cast our will. Help James heal. Lft him above our time of fear, horror, and pain. To the night I give him to, may the dark maiden take his hand and lift him high", Sasha thought as her eyes blackened.

James felt a pull in the back of his head. Then his consciousness left his body.

James turned to see Sasha, still laying with his body.

“Behind you, James", Sasha said.

James turned to see Sasha standing there.

Where still in the otherworld aren't we? James asked.

“Yes, our spirits left our bodies, but we are not in the land of the dead. My secret place is here, where the Morrigan first met me", Sasha said.

“If my memory is correct, she is a dark force", James said.

“She, they, whichever one you wish to say… They took my paw and lifted me to where I am now.

She's a three in one deity. We wait for the dark maiden to appear. And when she does, please, give in to the dark. This is a special divination. Now, fix your eyes on the north. The bitter cold. Where nights are long, the days are short", Sasha said as she pointed in the direction she wanted him to look towards.

A lady appeared dressed in black, black hair, a fair, yet pail face. James watched her curiously.

“Hail, lady of the night", Sasha said.

“Pash Eh An, you bring a human here. To your sacred grove. The deal was for you to only bring one you love here when required", the maiden said.

“I answer truthfully, I never loved anyone more than he. He loved none more than me. Our lives are bound as one. The proof for you is the scales on his chest. Our lives are bound for as long as we live. One dies, we both die. Neither of us could, nor would want to live separated from the other", Sasha said.

The maiden fixed her gaze at the mark on his chest.

“What is your request?" The maiden asked.

“James has flashbacks, panic attacks, and seemingly depersonalizes. Trauma from combat with a revenant in the soul fight. He fought for two days. I ask of you to help him defy his odds of his mind fading away in time", Sasha said.

“That's a doable request. Human, take my hand", the maiden said.

James looked at Sasha. Sasha nodded her head affirmatively, hinting for James to take the maiden's hand. James took her hand and the two vanished.

The maiden and James were facing each other deep in the woods. “I know what troubles you. Fear not, we have a cure", the maiden said as she placed a vile on a boulder.

“However, you must fight me for it", a different voice said. The maiden was no longer a maiden. She was an armored woman.

She noticed James had no weapon.

She conjured another sword and threw it to James's feet. This caused A flashback with the revenant for James as he relived the experience.

“James!" The woman yelled.

James refocused his attention on the woman.

James picked up the sword. The swordswoman shapeshifted into a revenant.

James took several steps backwards as a look of horror and disbelief fell on his face. The revenant charged at him and swung her sword. James blocked the blow, and the two began to fight.

Sasha woke from her dream state, noticing she was still embracing James. “Whatever challenge James faces, he must face alone", she thought as she gave James's body a lick on the cheek.

Once again, James and the revenant were in a dance of war and death. James stayed on the offensive, James gained ground on the revenant with every swing as he stepped forward. The revenant conjured another sword. And swung at James. James blocked the blow and the revenant swung with the other sword. The revenant swung furiously and James was now on the defensive, losing ground with every step backwards he made.

James blocked one blow. With the hand guard of the sword, he punched the revenant in the face. And took one of the being's swords from its hands. James swung violently at the revenant and began gaining ground as he had the revenant on the defensive, swinging at it as he now wielded two blades. After what seemed to be an eternity of combat, James swung for the revenant's head with one sword, and thrusted the other into it's chest. The revenant blocked James's sword aiming for he check. James other sword swung for the revenant's head and his sword made contact with its neck. The head fell off its shoulders.

The head and body of the revenant disappeared. And an old, withered woman appeared.

“You fought us well, human. Your mind may be fractured, but the strength of your heart really is impressive", The withered woman said.

James breathed heavily, and the woman handed James the vile. James looked at the vile and looked at it with curiosity.

“Once you go back to your body, you'll see the vile in your hand. Drink it on the final night of the waning phase of the moon at midnight", the woman said.

James woke up, realizing it was morning.

“You've been out of your body for quite some time, James. How did it go?" Sasha said.

“The maiden changed to a swordswoman, then she shapeshifted into a revenant and I had to fight all over again", James said.

“That must have been an awful experience", Sasha said.

“It was", but I won… I also got a prize for it", James said as he lifted a vile in his hand.

“Is it for your shell shock?" Sasha asked.

“Yes, she said it'd cure it. I must drink it on the final night of the moon's waning phase at midnight.

“So she gave you a potion. Then I will tell you when to drink it. It's important to listen to her instructions because potions are tricky. So follow them. Congratulations James, the time for it is in two nights away from now. And we'll be here again, waiting for the ideal time". Sasha said.