A Week Later
Nearly a week after Lenny ran off from Nau's final resting spot. Iago and Forest sit on a large boulder in the middle of a clearing.
"This is the only spot left in the woods where you can still see the moon," Forest said softly, leaning over so his shoulder would have pressed into Iago's arm. It left Iago's arm feeling warm and wet.
¨Yeah with Nau that jerky, i'm not kidding...¨ Forest said awkwardly as he slid his hand closer to Iago, Iago quickly changing the subject asked.
"You said a couple of nights ago that I could bring you back. Even if I couldn't see you anymore, just how would I do that?"
¨An old spell, the only time it's been used since the realms split was to revive a royal whose body and spirit were intact. My body is just dust by now and my spirit, well I'm not doing that great. What would be required by the old legend, no,no, no I'm not gonna risk you.¨ Forest sat up straight curling his feathery wings around himself.
¨Forest please, tell me what the legend says.¨ Iago asked softly, setting his hand over Forests.
¨It doesn't really translate to your language, I barely know how to say it. The legend is always told in Impish. I knew some people who could speak it but I only know a few words, and what I know is an Ender tongue telling of it and it wouldn't be the first time an Impish to Ender translator changed a few details ¨ Forest looked down at Iago's hand, making an effort to avoid meeting his eyes.
"Do you think you can explain it, or the version you know?¨ Iago asked, pulling his hand away.
¨Well... you have to join spirit and body, also spirit and caster. There's also some murder, and some ceremonial practices you have to do for The Goddess.¨ Iago nodded along, less confused then Forest seemed to expect, instead Iago pulled himself to his feet,with a determined smile.
¨Iago what in Moon's name are you doing, you're not doing this! You've known me for a month, you're not gonna go get yourself killed over me, plus we don't even know what to do!¨ Forest glided in front of Iago, his translucent wings puffing up.
¨Well we're not gonna learn more about it in this clearing, plus it's not like you should care that much if I die, you've only known me for a month.¨ Iago said with a coy smirk.
"Also, I'm four years on blue blood. By all logic I should already be dead by now..." Thought Iago as he continued looking at Forest.
"I... Lets just go talk to Sera, I know where she is. There's probably someone with her who can translate it better." Hearing Forest stammer Iago chuckled, hobbling after Forest. As they walked Iago enjoyed the view, Forest seemed to have completely forgotten Iago could see him. He was fidgeting with one of his large jewelry-covered ears, and was swinging his tail around wildly, causing a storm of ghostly clangs from the rings on his tail.
Without the warning his body usually gave him, Iago's legs tightened the fiery pain in his legs and torso was the worst it had ever been. He fell to the ground gasping for breath, his stomach felt as if it was twisting itself. Iago curled up on himself desperately trying to focus on his breathing.
Iago's mind was racing. "It never hurt so bad, is this it?"
"Iago! Iago can you hear me? Try and focus on my face okay." Forest had dashed over to Iago and sat over him. Iago forced himself to uncurl and turn his face toward Forest. His chest felt as if it was being crushed on all sides, Iago felt like he was choking on the air around him and started coughing frantically trying to get the feeling of water out of his lungs. He ended up coughing up something hot that left a taste of metal in his mouth, Forest looked terrified.
Iago smiled with relief as the pain abated and his breathing evened out, leaving him sore.
"Heh, I wondered when that would happen again." Iago laughed weakly. "You alright?" Iago asked shakily, reaching for Forest's alarmed face.