"Well at least you have what the fire clan had, you have a way to fix the problem," said Talia.

"You've never met Jessica, she hates me," said Kurt.

"What? Who could hate you?"

"It's complicated, she's not all there."

"So what, you're the Lord."

"If it were only that simple."

They had gone down to the cave where the Minotaurs and Goatmen were staying. To talk with Maliki.

"Hell, my lord," said Maliki, "is there something I can help you with?"

"I wanted to ask you about the effect of the mana springs on your kind."

"Ohh, it's a bit different for us, but the power is possible to gain."

"Different?" said Kurt.

"Hmm, it would be like a baptism for, the fae would have to perform it."

"Like a guardianship."

"No, that would be different as well."

"Well, then we might have to see," said Kurt.

"I'm not following though, we don't need this power. The gods hold our blessings dear."

"But we do," said Kurt, "we have intruders that can turn into the shadows. One of the fae's flames can show us through this power. But it will have to be maintained."

"And you thought of us?"

"The truth is they are most likely not directly after the kisune, but I doubt they would covet the prize once they know. Their ability to move unseen is a threat to everyone here. It may not seem like the most glorious of duties, maintaining the fires around us. But it will be one of the most important to come."

"Shadow creatures are quite difficult to deal with," said Maliki, "I doubt we have to worry about the kitsune, it would know, I doubt they can hide from him. But you are correct that it is only around him."

Maliki and a few other goatmen joined them on their trip to Jessica's. Kurt had made an effort to appear more outside of the well, which was easy enough.

"I don't know what to say," said Kurt.

"Something really wrong here," said Tali, her eyes scanning the outpost.

"I feel it too," said Maliki, "there is so much damage."

"Damage?" said Kurt.

"The aura is broken, the whole place is missing something, it's erratic, the flow isn't strong but chaotic."

Kurt couldn't see anything like that. His ability to push some sight into his eyes was very basic. He could see slight glows sometimes, but that's about it. To him, it was just like any other place.

When they began coming in, the sparsely populated outpost only had a handful of goblin guards. And the center was mostly off limits to them. But Kurt knew he had to go. How would she react? He squeezed Talia's hand.

"Jessica," Kurt spoke softly.

"You," she replied, "what do you want, I told you."

"We need some help, that shadow clan."

"The same excuse," said Jessica, "that's what they said."

Maliki walked in front of Kurt, putting his arm out to quiet him. "Can't you see she's hurt?"

Jessica finally appeared in the room and looked at Maliki. "A goatman?"

"Yes my lady," said Maliki, "I see. Your scars run deeply within you. I don't know what happened to you, but," Maliki turned his head down, "it must have been terrible."

"So you ally with the humans?" said Jessica, her eyes still bloodshot and frantic.

"Hmm," said Maliki, "I don't really consider it that we follow Layla a fae, under the blessing of the kitsune. Some of the humans are under her kingdom, just as some goblins, and some fae. An ally of hers would be ours as well. Sir Kurt would be second in that command. But an ally with the humans…you could see it that way. But from my understanding, the humans are not even allies with themselves."

"Wretched creatures," said Jessica.

"I think that's an unfair assessment, they are different. But I have seen nothing but bravery and honesty from Lord Kurt. He may not be familiar with all our ways, but he has at least attempted to be respectful. And to us, that is what is most important. These shadow creatures lack honor. Human or others."

"So you want my flames," said Jessica looking at Kurt.

"I was hoping the goatmen would handle it for us," said Kurt.

"My lady," said Maliki, "I think we have other things to worry about first."

"And what would that be?"

"The scars, you're hurt."

"I know that," said Jessica, "why do you think I've been…"

"I may have a way to help," said Maliki, "if the gods deem it worthy."

"You want to make an altar for me?"

"Yes," said Maliki, "but you would have to participate in the prayers. It would not be my decision, but I do feel favored by many of them. I believe I can help you."

"It's been so long," said Jessica, "I don't think, I remember how."

"It's okay my lady, I can guide and lead you. But I can't force you or the gods to do anything. It will take time. It is much more about intention."

Jessica looked at Kurt and Talia with those fearful, hateful eyes. "The Goatmen may stay, you two should leave."

Kurt didn't understand the conversation that had taken place. He had seen many of the Minotaurs and Goatmen take to prayers before. They were extremely spiritual. But he didn't understand how it could help, what he meant by the gods' events really. Talia and Kurt exited the outpost.

"That went better than expected," said Kurt.

"What happened to her?" said Talia, "before I thought you were, I don't know. But she's…"

"I don't know," said Kurt.

"And why is she so against you?"

"I mis-spoke the first time I saw her, and I don't think she ever forgave me."

"You misspoke?"

"I asked Layla if she was stealing the fae, and let's just say she didn't like the idea of being stolen, but rather saved."

"She didn't want to end up somewhere worse."

Kurt really didn't like any of this. He hoped he wouldn't have had to ask her for anything. He really didn't want to know the details of what happened to her.

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