Corianne searches the area for the general direction...annoyed that the trial is being interrupted by this pest.

Nathan: "Come out, Shane, we have a score to settle!"

A great bear comes loping from the woods and rushes directly up to Nathan. The bear looks awkwardly at Nathan and sniffs the air near him. It is obvious that this bear is larger in size than Nathan.

Nathan: In beast speak... *Do you know where Corriane is, friend?*

The bear nods in agreement. In a heavy unhuman accent the bear intones in english.."What do you wish of Lord Corianne?"

Nathan: *Tell me please... and then tell the guardian I go to battle...*

Nathan: *I wish to have ... words with him.*

The bear asks, "Which guardan?" The voice becomes clearer than before as the massive bear strides closer...keeping a comfortable distance but allowing Nathan to see the size differential.

Nathan: The Lady's Guardian... of the Valley.

Corriane: Why does she need to know?

Nathan: Shane? Corianne: Is your quarrel not with Lord Corianne?

Nathan: To know that one of her allies will be dead soon, and I will be the cause of it...

A light smile creases the bears jawline. Nathan: I have a quarrel with Shane, and he is no lord.

The huge bear form raises on its hind legs...roaring comfortably as its form alters into Corianne...

Nathan: How dare you take that form...

Burning flames engulf the form of Corianne as he roars in triumph "It is my form and was long before you had it little one. Why do you think I wanted to like you?"

Nathan: No matter. You have hurt me through your actions long enough. You... you harm everything I care for.

Corianne: You are making a grave error seeking to fight me little one, I will give you a chance to change your mind.

Corianne is surrounded still by bright green flame

Nathan: It is you making the mistake, of underestimating me...

Corianne: You forget little bear...you are in my woods now. Are you making your choice? I am giving you the chance to back out now...

Nathan: You are nothing but a false god!! You have no rulership of the wood, or me!! I WILL NOT BACK DOWN!!

Nathan cries in pain, shifting to Gahrl... Corianne disappears. Elizabeth and Lucy appear, standing close enough to witness the conflict.

Gahrl: *COME OUT, RABBIT!!* From near a tree Corianne's voice is heard... "Let it be known that he has chosen his death and that I offered to spare him."

Gahrl: *YOU RUN!! COWARD!!* Lucy is soaked head to foot in blood, and holds the rack of an enormous bull elk in her hands "What?"

Corianne appears near a tree about 40 ft from Garhl. Gahrl swats at the tree with all his strength... Lucy's look changes from one of triumph to confusion to worry.

Elizabeth: Lucy, Nathan and Shane fight now. Lucy: NO!!! NO, stop! Elizabeth: Do not interfere, we can only watch.

Lucy: Like hell we can!

Elizabeth lays a hand on Lucy. Shane stands fast waiting to see Garhl's attack.

Elizabeth: Lucy, watch!

Gahrl rushes forward, enraged. Lucy throws the rack down and stalks toward the two opponents. Corianne: Lucy.. you will watch what happens when one chooses to go against me...that is my wish. I gave him a choice.

Gahrl rushes up to Corianne, swinging a mighty paw at his face.

Lucy: You do not have to do this, Corianne.

Lucy: Leave him be.

The swipe hits only air as Corianne disappears in a swirl of green flame. He reappears behind Garhrl, gripping the bear by the scruff of the neck.

Corianne: I give you another chance little bear... you need not die now, but you must beg for forgiveness from me.

Elizabeth stands next to Lucy.

Lucy: Nathan, please!

Lucy: Stop!

Gahrl: *DIE!*

Corianne punches Gahrl hard in the back of the head, but this seems to only anger the bear more.

Lucy: Do NOT kill him, Shane!

He twists and turns in Corianne's grasp, finally getting his head around far enough to sink the teeth into Corianne's hand. Lucy is livid. Corianne lifts him up bodily and smashes him into a tree.

Corianne: How dare you bite me you insolent wretch!

Bloodied, the mad Gahrl tears the flesh away from Corianne's hand and struggles free, leaving a great deal of fur behind.

Corianne roars in rage...flames consuming his being. "You want me to fight you bear?"

Elizabeth keeps an eye on Lucy. With a snarl, Corianne drives his hand into Gahrl's throat, the fingers sinking in. Lucy runs to Corianne's side, grasping his knees in supplication. He grips the jugular of the bear and rips it out.

Lucy: When...

Corianne swipes his free hand at lucy, trying to knock her away.

Lucy:NOOOoooo!

Still fighting, Gahrl goes for Corianne's leg, biting into the kneecap. Elizabeth shouts at Lucy the using the command spell "Lucy stop!" Corianne with Gahrl below him, both of his axes come to Corianne's hands.

Corianne: Quit now and save yourself, little bear.

Gahrl is slowing as the blood fountains from his neck, but he bites Corianne's calf, snapping both bones within.

Lucy: If you continue to fight I will renounce you both!!!

Corianne lifts her by her neck to his face as Garhl bites at his leg. Corianne chops downward with the axe, cutting off Gahrls arm.

Corianne: Renounce me as you will I fight if a fight is due.

Gahrl lunges up, his teeth biting and tearing out Corianne's groin. Gahrl collapses to the ground as his life bleeds out. Corianne roars with the bite. Lucy struggles in Corianne's grip. Corianne decapitates Gahrl. Gahrl oozes blood... Corianne flings Lucy to the side....roaring as he does so.

Corianne: "You fool!" Corianne says this as he sinks to the ground, his knee bleeding.

Lucy collapses in tears. Elizabeth approaches the bear's form ignoring the anger of Corianne.

Corianne: You will not save that form Liz.

Elizabeth turns to Corianne, "May I ease your suffering My Lord?"

Corianne: I am fine...ease the suffering of your fool sister.

Corianne stands, gazing at the body. It bursts into green flames. Lucy gets up and walks over to Corianne. She looks him in the eye.

Elizabeth: You have gained victory My Lord, please leave the body for me to bury? He was a friend and love.

Lucy: When did I ever ask you for anything?

Lucy: WHEN????

Lucy: I only asked that you leave my friends alone, even if they angered you!" Tears stream down her face.

Corianne: He attacked me woman...are you that lost that you cant see?

Elizabeth gestures and the flames die down but can only be extinguished by the god. She makes her request simply and with feeling to Coraianne.

Lucy: You knew you could kill him.

Corianne: If I attack you, what would you do?

Lucy: What was his anger to you?

Elizabeth: Please my Lord, I wish to care for the body... I have no power to resurrect.

Lucy: Why did it matter?

Corianne looks to the body... the flames die down but the face continues to burn.

Corianne: I do not accept attack.

Lucy: Why today? Of all days?

Corianne: He would only prove a thorn in my side in the future and would prove a problem among all. I will not be treated with such insolence.

Elizabeth goes to place the burning head in her lap she looks at Corianne but says nothing her look is one last request.

Corianne: I was proud of you... am proud of you... perhaps this is another unexpected test for you... passing all the others makes me wonder of this.

Lucy sinks to her knees with choking sobs, placing her head on the God's feet. Corianne lets the flames extinguish. The head is now a blackened skull.

Corianne: Do you wish to finish this now?

Lucy: "Finish what?" Lucy says to the ground.

Corianne looks down at Lucy... "Rage will make you foolish." The fire has died on the body and face now, mostly a charred skeleton remains.

Corianne: You are not to fight me yet... but I know you want to.

Elizabeth says quietly. "My Lord," is all she says and stays with the charred head in her lap stroking the bloody fur, her face is set impassively.

Lucy: I cannot forgive you. But I cannot leave you either.

Elizabeth intones a blessing over the bear's body. She picks up the head and brings it to the body and charred stump and goes to collect all his pieces.

Corianne: Then do not forgive me... it is not your place to give such thing. He chose to be my enemy. I let him live for your sake. He chose to find me, I let him. He chose to attack me. I told him not to. I fought back only after I was attacked to the point of injury. You of all people should know that is not how I fight. If I wanted I could have killed him before he had time to change to that pathetic excuse for a bear form.

Corianne glides his hand into the air... allowing the bits of Garhl's jugular to slide in the direction of Elizabeth as they fall to the forest floor collecting dirt. Lucy continues to sob uncontrolably.

Corianne: Here is more of your friend. He was a good fighter and had a glorious heart. He was foolish, however.

Lucy: "This is all my fault."

Elizabeth picks up the piece and holds it fondly in her bloodied hand before returning it to the skeleton.

Elizabeth: "Yes My Lord a glorious heart, thank you." Elizabeth bows her head and returns to the body.

Corianne: "Take blame from the dead if you wish. You saw I gave him a choice, you saw he could have lived, which is more than I allow for my enemies. And where is your heart little one? Why does it lie with the dead?"

Corianne looks to Lucy, calling her to her feet. Sobs wrack her body, making her too weak to stand.

Corianne: "Can you tell me in truth that he did not deserve this fate...? He chose his fate. I gave him choices...I need make no excuses to you."

Lucy: "There is no excuse for what you've done. And despite that..." Lucy says softly, "I love you still"

Corianne turns from her and walks over to Liz and the body, leaning down, he says some phrases in old german, blessing the warrior spirit of the fallen bearman. Corianne stands , putting a hand on Liz's shoulder before he walks over towards Lucy, striding slowly past her. Elizabeth considers how she is going to get Nathan's pieces to an appropriate place and give him honor. Corianne is not moving fluidy but is nonetheless moving.

Corianne: "Where were you Liz, need I return you there?"

Corianne changes form to that of Shane, the wounds are still apparent on his body but the blood stands out more against his more pale human flesh.

Elizabeth: "That's okay, I have to finish here"

Shane: "Then take care of your sister. I am now assuming she does not wish to travel with me."

Lucy: "You assume a great deal."

Shane walks over to the rack of the elk she left behind...slinging it over his shoulder as he strides uncomfortably into the woods. Lucy's axe lies near the rack. "My trail does not disappear behind me little one...you can follow. I'd rather you lead."

Elizabeth wraps the head and pieces up in her robe and calls for help, other bears, strong animals to help her with the body. She wanders off in a different direction then Shane towards a waterfall Nathan liked. With a wave of Shane's hand he continues onward as flames consume her and she disappears, he returns to gather her axe. He then disappears in another whirlwind of green flame

* * * Elizabeth returns to the post for a clay jar to bring to the funeral and for some clothes since, by the goddess if she's not bereft of them again. After getting a nice robe, the same one she had on when she met Nathan and Eric for the first time, she gathers some honey and cakes and the clay jar and heads back to the waterfall to build a pyre. Elizabeth picks up the letters before leaving. Elizabeth puts the letter for Lucy away for after her trials and reads the note.

Greg coming in from the back of the retreat... "Anyone home?" Elizabeth answers him as she reads the note.

Greg comes into the room... "Hey! I got that necklace..."

Elizabeth tucks the note inside her robe near her heart and sighing takes up Nathan's own heart in the clay jar.

Greg: "What's wrong, Liz?"

Elizabeth turns to Greg, "Remember the last time you were here and I was burying Angela? Well Nathan has been slain by the god Corianne and I go now to prepare a burial again for another I have loved."

Elizabeth directs Greg to carry some items and join her to the small clearing near the waterfall.

When she gets there she calls to the birds of night,*Brothers fly to find eagle/man and angel-man with wings of light. tell them the bear is dead"

Howard will fly to the Cabin with all deliberate haste once he has heard of the bear's death.

Elizabeth: "As Xavier fought alongside of Nathan then I shall send one to the Templar as well."

A large black bird flied to the window of the Templar's house and taps at the window. Elizabeth begins gathering resinous wood and warms the ground beneath the body to dry it. Eric pulls up on his Harley outside the post.

Xavier walks to his window and opens it, then in animal speak, *Yes?*

Eric he pulls some blueprints out of his saddlebags and come into the post.

The bird squaks at Xavier *Bear is dead**Go to Guardian*

Greg helps Liz gather the materials...

When Eric reaches the post a crow lands on his shoulder.

Eric: "What's all the fuss, Elizabeth?"

The crow says *Bear is dead*

Xavier is taken back for a moment, then collects his cool and gets in his truck and drives to Elizabeth's. "Nathan's dead?"

Elizabeth, at the waterfall with Greg and Nathan's body prepares the place waiting for the others to show up. Eric stares at the bird for a moment unsure of what it said.

Eric: *Bear is what?*

The bird flys off near the creek. *Dead, dead, dead* it caws, *Bear is dead*

Eric: *Where is Elizabeth*

Howard sees Eric standing there.

Eric: *Or Guardian*

Metiel quickly lands, his angelic form casting the light of the Glory of the Heaven, his angelic sword aflame, and unsheathed

Eric stares at the angel.

Eric: "Cute."

Elizabeth is by the waterfall, but as she prepares things she realizes she will have to contact his parents quickly. Elizabeth hurries back to the post asking Greg to guard the body.

Eric: "I don't know. This bird keeps saying the bear is dead."

Eric: "What the hell does that mean?"

Metiel: "I presume the Cabin is under attack, and came here with the utmost speed."

Elizabeth emerges from the woods in the direction the crow flew, she looks grim. Eric suddenly looks shocked.

Greg: "Sure... I'll be here..."

Eric: "Oh, god, not Nathan."

Eric shakes as a shiver runs down his spine. Seeing Eric and Metiel she pauses looking at them. Metiel looks over to Elizabeth.

Metiel: "Are you alright?!?"

Eric looks towards Elizabeth but says nothing.

Elizabeth: "I tried, but the flames of the God were too much for his soul I could not keep him here he has gone to the Land of the Dead."

Metiel: "From where is the nature of the attack? Do you have any other casualties?"

Eric: "What the hell are you talking about Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth looks upset, but not unhinged.

Eric: "Who?"

Metiel reignites his sword, ready for battle.

Elizabeth: "No, there is no battle, no attack, the attack is finished."

Metiel shakes his head.

Eric: "Elizabeth, who are you talking about?"

Metiel:"I do not understand."

Elizabeth: "Nathan challenged Shane over his love for Lucy and...and lost, I tried to save him, almost, but it slipped through my fingers, I am too young, I failed."

Eric wavers in the snow, just staring at Elizabeth.

Xavier walks to the door and knocks, expecting a somber greeting.

Eric looks cold and hard in the face at Nathan's name.

Elizabeth: "I must go to his parents and explain, the parents he has just reunited with and was so proud of."

Metiel sheathes his sword, and instantly returns to human form.

When she sees Xavier Elizabeth nods gravely. "Xavier, thank you for coming."

Elizabeth: "I have asked you here for the funeral to honor him">

Xavier: "I came as soon as I heard Elizabeth. What happened? Last I knew someone was going to become Shane's Guardian, didn't think that a sacrifice of life was needed for that..."

Eric: "Nice to know after it's all over."

Elizabeth: "I requested his body from the God and was granted it such that he may be returned to the earth and be mourned by those who stood beside."

Howard: "It is unfortunate."

Eric: "What happened exactly?"

Elizabeth: "He returned from finding his parents and filled with love for Lucy went to challenge Shane, I had just blessed and tried a ritual with him, which did not succeed. I was not wise or strong enough else perhaps we would not mourn him. It just happened, I was not there for the beginning but was brought to watch by the God."

A bright light shines at Elizabeth's breast, her amulet glows.

Eric: "It's not your fault Elizabeth."

Elizabeth closes her eyes a moment. Eric walks over to Elizabeth and hugs her tight to stop his own tears.

Elizabeth opens her eyes, "Yes Angel, he fought with great conviction. Lucy tried to stop it."

Eric: ";I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I should have been here."

Howard: "It is unfortunate that Shane does not possess sufficient mercy to have spared Nathan's life."

Elizabeth takes his hand in hers. "His parents must be contacted and I wish to reserve my strength and keep my form. Would either you or You (looking at Howard) be willing to come with me?"

Eric finally lets a few tears leak down his cheeks.

Howard: "It is most likely that I would be insufficient comfort to you, Elizabeth, whereas Eric would provide an abundance."

Elizabeth touches Erics tears turning them to snowdrop flowers, "Save them, do not let them fall yet beloved."

Xavier holds his head low, grieving for a friend in his own way.

Eric: "I would like to meet my brother's parents."

Howard: "But my will is to serve, as you require, Elizabeth. I understand that your hearts are heavy, but have faith that you will see him soon enough, and in a much better place than this."

Elizabeth: "Very well, Xavier and Howard the funeral will be at the waterfall if you follow my path, there are items there and Greg guards the body, if you could perhaps gather wood for the pyre or clean off the body, or even just keep it company?"

Howard nods.

Elizabeth: "Eric and I will find his parents."

Xavier nodds, then turns and makes his way toward Nathan's body.

Howard: "Of course."

Eric mumbles "Better place..."

Greg is leaning against his spear, looking out over the waterfall...

Elizabeth and Eric leave together to follow the directions in the night to Nathans's parents.

Howard will see the skeleton, and shake his head. Greg looks over at the newcomers...

Greg: "Greetings, Hugh..."

Elizabeth does as she is bid calling after Howard and Xavier, but they are out of hearing, she reminds herself to tell them when she returns.

Howard: "Please, I prefer to be called Howard now, greetings, Greg."

Elizabeth: "Come my husband let us go and bear this ill news."

Howard looks at the charred remains.

Greg: "Howard? If that's what you want...">

Eric: "How do we find his parents?"

Howard especially sees the level of heat that took place on the front of his skull.

Greg: "Not too much left of the guy..."

Elizabeth: "I have directions, we go and look for Bear and Maggie."

Howard hmms.

Howard: "This seems....excessive."

Xavier starts about setting up the pyre. "Hugh, see if you can cleanse the...body. I'd rather not, and I'm sure you've seen more of this type of thing than me."

Howard points to the skull.

Elizabeth: "Eric, if I turn to my Quetzal form, I think you fly faster than me, can you carry me? It will be hard."

Greg looks to the skull...

Elizabeth: We need to make time quickly."

Howard: "Holy fire was left there for much longer than the remainder of the body."

Elizabeth: "I will lend my strength"

Greg: "Pretty well charred... more than the others... "

Eric: "You could never be a burden, my dear."

Elizabeth: "Then let us take wing."

Eric forces his concentration and slowly transforms into an bald eagle. For the second time Eric sees her transform into the jeweled serpent with milky fangs and blazing gem eyes.

Eric takes off into the air with a cry trying to help Elizabeth. The large coiled form seeks the eagles talons and lays still for his razor claws to grasp her.

Elizabeth: "Fly as if hell was behind you."

Eric flys with all his streagth and emotion he is feeling, with more power then ever. The forms of eagle with snake fly swiftly through the nightsky over the trees to a lone and secluded cave deep in the woods.

Eric: *Show the path*

Eric dives towards the mouth of the cave, finally slowing his decent with his outstreached wings. After hours of tiring flight where Eric, venting his anguish does not for a moment stop, the two arrive where it would have taken days by foot.

Eric releases Elizabeth's form before he lands, as gently as possible. The feathered serpent shimmers into Elizabeth still in her robes as before. "Remain as bird?" She speaks to Eric's form.

Eric: *No* Eric concentrates once again and transforms back into a man.

Elizabeth turns to the cave and calls out, she nods at his answer and waits to watch his transformation.

Eric: "Think I'm overdressed?"

Elizabeth reaches out to keep him warm in the cold night and together they enter the cave.

"Mr Bear? Maggie?" Elizabeth calls out. Eric naked, follows Elizabeth.

Eric and Elizabeth are in a cavern. There seem to have been 4 openings here once, one in each of the cardinal directions. Two of them have been closed by small cave-ins. One of the open ones goes North, the other east.

Elizabeth refers to the note's instructions. "How bodes the North and how bodes the East?"

Eric: "Huh?"

Elizabeth: "Do you get any feeling from the directions?"

Eric breathes in a deep gasp.

Eric: "North seems a good choice."

Elizabeth takes a step to the North but pauses.

Eric: "But I get no feelings. Let me go first, just in case."

Eric proceeds into the north cavern. here there is a rotting carcass of a half bear, half man. Bones are strewn all over the floor, all old, and many of them are human. Elizabeth comes up behind Eric's shoulder, "What do you find?"

Eric: "Bones and bodies."

Elizabeth: "Let us go East then."

Eric: "Perhaps a more direct approach is required."

Elizabeth: "What do you mean Eric?"

Eric: "Use our voices, maybe."

Elizabeth nodds and calls out again as they continue to head East. As they head east, Eric and Elizabeth see a glow.

Elizabeth: "This looks promising." Eric walks slowly towards the glow. It becomes the soft glow of candlelight, and they enter a cavern that has been made into a warm home. They head towards the light together.

Eric: *Peace*

Elizabeth: "Hello? Maggie? Mr. Bear?"

Eric: *We come*

A beautiful woman sits rolling tortillas, looking up as Elizabeth speaks.

She smiles, and calls,"Bear, we have company."

Elizabeth looks very solemn, her arm around the beautiful naked man and she looks at the woman. A huge man with melded features of a bear and man comes from another part of the cavern, he is naked too and smiles ath them. Eric recognizes him as being identical to the corpse from the North cave. Eric stand tall and looks into the woman's eyes.

Elizabeth: "We are here because of our love for Nathan."

Eric: "I am Eric and this is Elizabeth."

Eric: "We bring grave news I'm afraid." Maggie's face grows pale, and Bear frowns. Elizabeth lowers her head.

Maggie begins to shake her head.

Eric: "I was Nathan's *brother* and I'm afraid... I'm afraid he is dead."

Elizabeth: "I was his friend, his guardian, a love of his, but not his love." Eric closes his eyes for a second stilling the tears.

Elizabeth: "We are here because Nathan has left us." Tears begin to streak Maggies' face as she takes the note from Elizabeth's hand, and Bear goes to comfort her.

Elizabeth: "He wanted you to know."

"What happened?" Bear asks.

Elizabeth approaches them and kneels down.

Elizabeth: "He fell in love with my sister, who, like me has pledged her life to serving the gods. The god would not tolerate this relationship, and Nathan could not bear to be apart from her." Eric walks to Bear and Maggie laying a hand on their shoulder.

Elizabeth: "He challenged the god, and lost." Maggie begins to sob, Bear lowers his head.

Elizabeth: "I tried, I tried to save him, but I could not, I am so sorry, it is part of myself that has died with him." Eric spares a glance to Elizabeth before returning his eyes to Bear.

Eric: "I loved him. He was the first person I could call brother in a long time."

Elizabeth: "There is a funeral to honor him..." her voice dies her head stays down.

Bear speaks "We never knew where he was until a few days ago. I never got the chance to teach him how to contain his anger."

Eric: "Don't blame yourself."

Elizabeth: "Can you leave the cave?" Still crying, Maggie nods.

Eric: "I wish I could have been there."

Elizabeth and Eric stay to comfort them until they are ready to leave.

We need to gather some things. Where is the funeral to be held?" asks Bear.

Elizabeth gives directions to the waterfall where Nathan had found his first den.

Bear: "We will be there."

Elizabeth:"When can you come for I can open a gate to faery and take us all there quickly."

Bear: "We can get there, thank you for your offer." Elizabeth nods and kissing them bids them farewell so she and Eric and go and prepare.

Eric hugs both of them before following Elizabeth out. They return Eric's hugs, and begin to gather things as Eric and Elizabeth leave.

Eric:"I'm sorry." he tells them before they completely exit the cave. Maggie gives Eric a grateful look.

It is many hours when they return, they have been gone half the night and Eric is exhausted when the post comes close.

Elizabeth: "You are to take care of his items Eric, he claimed you his brother to the end." Eric closes his eyes at Elizabeth's words and nods.

Elizabeth helps Eric redress. Eric dresses quickly, his face hardened as he does.

Elizabeth: "Shall we go beloved?"

Eric: "Yes."

Howard: "But, while I have seen such things, I've never prepared a corpse before. I'm not sure how much cleaning we can do; the holy flame has probably greatly damaged the bone."

Xavier: "Neither have I...just make it up, I'm sure the Goddess won't care."

Howard: "Xavier, I would not presume to know what the Goddess finds important or not.">

Xavier: "Maybe, but if you do it with good intentions, I don't think she will mind."

Greg looks over to Xavier... "I think we'll wait..."

Xavier: "Okay."And he continues makeing the pyre.

Howard: "I'm much more inclined to wait; besides, I have heard the saying 'The Road to Hell is paved with good intentions'"

Greg: "The man deserves it done right, especially if he fought Shane honorably..."

Howard: "Besides, I still have to figure out what I make of all this.">

Greg: "What do you mean, Howard?"

Howard: ";A celestial being is granted monstrous powers within this valley, and yet he finds the time to make himself available to, and to personally kill this creature, which did not stand a chance"

Greg: "My thoughts exactly... seems like an overkill situation..."

Howard: "So the question becomes: Why did Shane kill Nathan? Was he meting out justice, or exercising vendetta?"

Greg: "That is a question only Shane can answer..."

Howard: "If he knows himself."

Greg: "I would hope he did, being a God and all..."

Howard: "Well, most celestial beings are fallible, Greg."

Howard: "He may perceive that he was answering a challenge, but in fact he may have been motivated by territoriality and jealousy."

Greg: "Hard to imagine that... seems to put your faith to test..."

Howard: "Not my faith."

Greg: "I can understand that, but then again, I am not a God..."

Greg: "I understand that, Howard, you are the exception to the rule... "

Howard: "Indeed."

Howard: "When I first heard the news, Greg, I thought that Elizabeth was under attack again."

Greg: "So, how is Amanda? Sorry to change the subject, but the fact that we are guarding a dead friend sorta creeps me out..."

Greg: "I just happened to be returning..."

Howard: "Amanda is well."

The two gead back to the East. Eric leads the way east.

Greg: "Glad to hear that..."

Howard: "I wonder if Nathan had coverted to belief in Elizabeth's Matron or if not, what his belief system was?"

Greg: "I'm not too certain... did you know of his faith?"

Howard: "I did not know his faith."

Howard: "I can only hope that the Afterlife of his faith is a good one." Howard sighs deeply.

Greg: "I'm sure it is..."

Howard: "Perhaps even Heaven itself." Howard wonders to himself what the tenets of Elizabeth's religion are.

Howard thinks "Well, I guess it's just sex sex sex and more sex, which on the face of it is most appealing." Howard muses aloud.

Greg kneels beside the body....

Howard: "I suppose that this is really a test for Shane's burgeoning increase in power."

Greg: "How is that? Beating one man?"

Howard: "Will his followers still worship him after such powerful and arbitrary justice?"

Howard: "Even though his actions act contrary to what humans believe is "right", and; "good""

Greg: "So far, I see no one stopping... Does Lucy still follow him?"

Howard: "I do not know Lucy's faith. Nor do I know the depth of feeling she has for Nathan."

Greg: "I never knew..."

Howard: "Indeed, what little I've seen of Shane, he seems very disdainful of Lucy, but then, as I've said, I've seen very little."

Greg: "Hmmm... Perhaps he feels a God should remain aloof?"

Howard: "If he feels a God should remain aloof, then how do you explain this?" *indicating the corpse*

Greg: "Again, I can offer no explanation..."

Howard: "Neither can I."

Howard: "I would say that Lucy's faith is misplaced, but then, of course I would say that." *said with a little smile* "And it is her decision to make."

Greg grins a bit..."You are a bit biased..."

Eric follows Elizabeth in silence. Grief and pain roll from the couple as a palpable force and they enter grimly from the path to the waterfall. Howard writes some thoughts in his journal. Elizabeth looks at the arrangements. Greg nods to Elizabeth...

Greg: "We were unsure of his Faith...or as how to prepare him..."

Elizabeth turns to the others, "Corianne will be attending."

Greg: "And Lucy?"

Elizabeth: "Will not."

Greg: "Ah... ok..."

Howard: "This surprises me." Greg says nothing more... looks to his feet...

Howard: "Does she still give her faith to Corianne? Do you know?"

When Eric returns from the cave carrying little things, a few gifts from Lucy, the carving Elizabeth gave to Nathan at Christmas. Elizabeth finishes some preparations and looks to start the funeral, pausing for the final arrivals. A rush of air is heard nearby and a pair of footsteps walk toward the area of mourning.

Elizabeth: "Yes her faith is still strong with Corianne."

Howard: "Most interesting."

Eric walks to the remains of Nathan and sets the clothing he carries over the body.

Greg whispers softly... "Everyone likes the bad boys..."

Lucy and Shane approach the gravesite. Lucy leans heavily against Shane. Shane, in human form, walks next to Lucy, a chain is wrapped around his hand and he walks slowly toward the group, taking an opposite side from them, nodding appreciatively to Elizabeth. Greg nods to Lucy and Shane... Lucy's face looks drawn, and she looks at the grave, but does not look at anyone assembled there. Shane nods to Greg, slowly and meaningfully. Eric looks up at the new arrivals.

Greg shakes his head... Howard shakes his head as well, and then quickly moves away from the assemblage and the pyre, taking a position on the periphery. Elizabeth bows to both of them and still does not start the pyre, but waits. Shane takes a position opposite the group, looking at the remains. Greg looks to Howard, questioning his position... Shane walks closer to the pyre...looking first to Eric for his approval and waits for a sign that he can approach closer, his eyes lock solely on Eirc for this maneuver. Eric after laying the clothes over the body, he says a silent Inuit prayer. Eric rises to meet Shane's eyes. Greg bows his head...

Shane: "I wish to pay my respect to your brother. With your permission I will."

Eric: "You can pay whatever you want. I don't think you can take anymore respect away from him"

With a twist of his wrist, a long silver chain dangles from Shane's hand a green pendant with the form of a bear imbedded within dangles upon its end...reaching softly up he places the pendant upon the remains. Closing his eyes in tribute for a second. Eric walks to Lucy and looks at her for a moment, emotion swimming in his eyes. A strangled cry escapes Lucy's lips at Eric's words, and tears stream down her face in an unstopable flow. Shane says a few words then steps away, his head lowered and awaiting the rest of the ceremony. Eric holds out the bear carving to her but says nothing. Lucy studiously avoids Eric's gaze. Greg tenses a bit... Elizabeth waits still saying nothing. Lucy reaches her hand out.

Eric: "I think he would have wanted you to have this."

Lucy: "I don't deserve this" she whispers

Eric: "None of us deserve any of this but this is what fate gave us."

Shane stands away from the group, more out of respect for each member than from discomfort.

Eric: "He loved you. that's all there is to know."

Lucy: "No, it's what my thoughtlessness gave us. Fate had nothing to do with it"

Eric: "No, but foolishness did."

Eric: "Wallowing won't give you what you seek, Lucy."

Lucy: "I'm not wallowing."

From under the waterfall, Maggie and Bear approach the gravesite. The water, though cold, does not seem to bother them.

Greg kneels beside the body, whispering "May your travels take you to the Happy Hunting Grounds..."

Eric grabs Lucy's hand and puts the carving in.

Eric: "Damnit, he loved you Lucy." Lucy chokes with Eric's words. Eric pauses for a moment before he gives Lucy a slight hug.

Eric: "I wish he could have shown you the right path."

Elizabeth seeing the couple bows and begins to speak, "We are here because we knew Nathan/Gahrl a gentle man with a warrior's rage."

Lucy : "Eric I didn't deserve his love. And I don't deserve your comfort."

Elizabeth: "He knew the woods and they were his friends."

Eric: "Love is not something you earn."

Elizabeth: "He knew little of the ways of love but he brough much of that with him."

Elizabeth begins to light the pyre. Lucy stops Elizabeth before she lights the pyre. Lucy's hand holds the torch, the flames close enough to burn her.

Lucy: "I want to talk to him.";

Lucy clutches the little carving to her breast. Shane watches it all.

Elizabeth: "This is not a time for self-pity and talking with him now, does that not seem a little late?" Her words are cold but her eyes are pitying.

Lucy: "You can talk to the dead, I know that. I want to talk to him." she is beginning to shout.

Elizabeth bows her head. "I will do this for you Lucy."

Eric walks to Nathan's parents and hugs them both once again before taking his side next to them.

Eric: "Lucy, could you spare his parents at least?"

Lucy: "Everyone will leave except Elizabeth."

Shane nods respectfully to the two new people here, he can only assume these are the parents that were sought out. Elizabeth walks to the side of the pyre and loosens her robe to let it drop to the ground. She climbs the small pyre to sit next to the burnt skeleton. Lucy looks up at the assembled for the first time.

Lucy: "Please, please leave. For just a moment."

Eric puts his arms around the parents and leads them away to tell them how he met Nathan and how they became *brothers*. Elizabeth waits for Lucy before she begins the ritual. Howard quickly soars away. Greg nods, and walks out of the clearing... Lucy looks at Shane with steely eyes.

Eric: "Yell when your done so we can all pay our last respects." Eric calls over his shoulder. Eric's tone is cold when he calls back.

Lucy: "Leave." she says to Shane.

Shane steps away, his eyes maintaining contact with the action but he gives the space up...he does not go too far from the group nor from the parents. Elizabeth waits patiently in the night air, the dawn is still a couple hours away and she concentrates on the signs she must complete and on Nathan. Lucy turns back to Elizabeth and waits.

Eric: "Don't worry," he tells the parents as he tells his story. "It will be all right."

Elizabeth begins the ritual a keening cry wailling from her throat that freezes the blood and calls to the spirits of the dead. Shane watches Eric and the others. Shane wears no weapons and does not appear offensive at all.

Elizabeth weaves and draws Nathan's spirit back to his remains. The cold intensifies at his presence. From far away, Nathan hears Elizabeth calling him. Elizabeth nods to Lucy. Nathan feels compelled to come to her.

Ghost: Who?...Elizabeth?...

Nathan hears Lucy's voice.

Lucy: "Nathan, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Ghost: "It's in the letter, love...Sorry it didn't work out the way I thought it would...

Lucy: ";What does the letter say?"

Ghost: "It told of my love for you... and my wishes to make you my wife... but I guess I screwed that up too..."

Nathan can hear Lucy's choking sobs

Ghost: "Don't cry... please... the last thing I wanted to do was hurt you...."

Lucy: "Oh, Nathan. I love you. The way you wanted me to. I love you, please believe me. Do you believe me?"

Ghost: "I always have believe you Lucy... please read the letter... Good bye, Love..."

Lucy: "I do love you, I'm so sorry.."

Ghost leaves Lucy with a feeling of warmth... He can hear her weeping as he resumes his journey to the land of the dead. Elizabeth also calls her love to him and she climbs down from the pyre and holds Lucy.

After finishing up his story with how Nathan punched the tree and they went inside as brothers, Eric offers himself up to them. He tells them Nathan was his *brother* and he would like to help as much as possible. He pauses in the story to walk over to Shane, leaving the parents to themselves. Eric walks up to Shane. Shane looks down to Eric, a calm on his face as he waits for Eric to proceed.

Shane: "You wish to ask a question?"Shane states rhetorically.

Eric: "I would apreciate it if you left Nathan's parents alone. They don't need the words of his killer for comfort."

Shane: "I have said nothing to them Eric."

Eric takes a deep breath and meets Shane's stare.

Shane: "And I will not argue with you now, out of respect, but later we will discuss this matter I am sure."

Eric: "Argue?"

Shane: "Yes, argue." Shane states this plainly.

Eric: "Listen Shane, I know you have a rather large ego, but not all things are about you. You judge me and you don't even know me. You didn't like it when I did that to you."

Shane: "I have no quarrel with you Eric."

Eric: "And I have no quarrel with you."

Shane:"Then that is settled, as I had forseen it would happen."

Eric: "I can't say I can forgive you or forget, but I can't blame you."

As Shane offers a hand to Eric, he holds a sincere look in his eyes.

Eric: "As you had forseen it?"

Elizabeth calls the others to return and puts back on her robe. Lucy sinks to her knees next to the pyre, her hand on one of the charred bones, weeping uncontrolably.

Shane: "I felt we would not quarrel since we had no quarrel to begin with."

Howard soars back in as quickly as he left. Greg comes into the clearing... Elizabeth again takes a flaming brand in her arm as Lucy weeps at her feet. Eric shakes Shane's hand lightly and quickly returns to the parents. Lucy's other hand clutches the little carving to her heart. Shane makes up the tail returning to the pyre. Eric walks the parents back to the grave telling them the story of Nathan's first kiss. Elizabeth leans down to bring Lucy to her feet and takes one hand so both of theirs clasp the flaming brand.

Eric: "You should have seen him pass out when I kissed him."

When all have gathered she and Lucy under Elizabeth's guidance light the pyre

Eric: "No. Let me, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth: "No?"

Elizabeth concentrates and splits the torch in twain, one she hands to Eric, one she keeps for Lucy. Eric takes the torch and gathers the parents with him as well.

Eric: "Please, let me honor your son and my brother. Join me."

Maggie and Bear step forward, they help Eric light the pyre.

Elizabeth half-carries and walks Lucy to the pyre bending her gently to the wood she lights it the same time as Eric does. Eric stands close to the flames as the pyre ignites. Lucy walks halting steps, guided by Elizabeth, and lets her sister guide her hand to light the flames.

Greg whispers "John taught me that Bear gives us strength..."

Elizabeth: "Nathan was my friend, my protector, my love, my brother, my bear. We joined together under the Goddess and part of me will always be with him. He brought joy to me and strength and I send him my love and all I have to comfort him in the lands beyond."

Eric: "He had a better heart than any of us here, I think."

Elizabeth: "Everyone is expected to speak of Nathan."

Eric: "I lend him my wings for tonight so he may find his peace where ever he has gone."

Eric starts to slowly cry as he feels the heat of the flames. Elizabeth gathers the honey and cakes she used to feed him and puts them in the flames, always she watches Lucy very carefully so she does not try to leap into the flames in her grief. Eric jaw tightens as he talks making his words strained.

Greg steps forward... "I knew little of him, but he was willing to fight along side us to protect the valley... for that, I admire him..."

Elizabeth brings Eric the snowdrop tears so he may add them in giving his grief.

Eric says in Inuit "May you find peace, my brother."

Shane watches quietly...the flames enhancing his features as he stands among the mourners. Elizabeth's grief moves her to express the soul of Nathan and she begins to dance slowly around the flames. Eventually she sweeps Lucy up with her.

Howard speaks up. "I did not know him, but I see his work. I pay him the greatest compliment I can: He made the world a better place before he passed from the Plain of Tears."

Elizabeth reaches her hand for Maggie to join them while others still speak of Nathan. Maggie begins to dance silently with Elizabeth, grief streaking her features.

Bear speaks, "He was our son, and we loved him every day of our lives. I am grateful to the Goddess that he found us."

Eric walks to Nathan's parents.

Eric: "I... I'm not sure what to say, but I honor your son the only way I know how. By keeping him in my heart."

Lucy stands still, while Elizabeth and Maggie dance around the pyre. Eventually, she begins to sway as Elizabeth's emotions take over her conscious mind and she joins the dance like a ghostly reflection of Elizabeth.

Bear looks at Eric, "He could not have asked for a better brother. And we could not ask for a better second son." He holds his large hand out to Eric.

Eric takes Bears hand before he walks away. Bear tugs him into an embrace and then lets Eric go. Eric walks to the pyre and pauses for a moment, slowly transforming. He lets out a screech and follows the smoke into the air.

Greg watches in awe of the three women...

Finally Elizabeth lets loose with a wail, breaking her cool exterior, it is a cry of anguish that echos through the trees under the cold starry night, a cry of a broken heart and of loss.

Shane again offers a slow nod to the parents after Eric has gone.

Greg moves to the outskirts of the clearing, leaning back against a tree watching over the funeral...

Lucy's wail soon follows Elizabeth's, and then Maggie's after that.

The flames leap up ashes thrown into the darkness the snow reflecting a myriad of shadows, all dance to their grief. The cries are piercing reverberating through the soul into the bone like knives of sorrow. As the women dance and the flames die to embers, the sun begins to creep over the horizon across the valley. The dance is pure emotion and the women become shadows themselves speaking for the sorrows of women, of the loves, the sons and brothers lost to violence.

When the flames finally die, Eric returns to land outside the circle of dancing women.

Greg bows his head, a single tear falling to the snow below...

Shane has not changed position, he maintains his gaze on the pyre and is frequently brushed by the dancing ring of women.

Eric transforms, his chest heaving. He is visually exausted and sadness clings to his face.

Lucy begins to lose her grace with the rising sun

Eric: "I tried to guide his path." he whispers to Bear.

Lucy continues to dance with Maggie and Elizabeth, until, emotionally and physically exhausted, she falls unconscious in Elizabeth's arms. As the sun begins to rise Elizabeth falls to her knees to touch the ashes in grief one last time and to hold Lucy as lethargy sweeps over her. Elizabeth gathers Lucy and Maggie into an embrace.

Slipping on his clothes, Eric walks to the ashes. He scoops a small bit up and places it in his locket.

Elizabeth holds Lucy and finally nodds to Shane to come and carry her away. Shane looks to Elizabeth and Lucy, waiting for a sign if aid is needed.

Greg brings a blanket from the house, and covers Liz and Maggie...

Walking over, Shane lets Lucy slide to the ground gently before giving Elizabeth a great hug.

Eric: "One more loved one lost to me." he mutters to the ashes before returning to Bear.

"Come and visit us often," says Bear to Eric,as he lifts Maggie to her feet.

Letting go Shane scoops Lucy into his arms, waiting for the group to begin movement toward the Retreat, it appears he intends to accompany them there.

Eric: "I will. I'll tell you all of Nathan's stories."

Wrapped in a blanket, Elizabeth does not move.

Bear: "We want to hear them"

Howard scratches his ear, sitting upon his perch.

Eric teeters in the snow as he aproaches Elizabeth, putting his hands on her shoulders.

Greg: "I'll get her, Eric... you look exhausted..."

Shane stands close to both Elizabeth and Eric, Lucy's body comfortably supported in his grasp, his face is patient.

Greg: "Howard, care to help me with these two?"

Bear and Maggie move off into the den behind the waterfall and dissapear.

Eric: "No, take Elizabeth back."

Eric: "She needs to be in the warmth of the post."

Greg: "Where are you going, man! She needs you too..."

Liz does not move. Greg lifts up Elizabeth... keeping her wrapped in the blanket...

Liz: ";Thank you Greg, but no, please let me stay here."

Eric stares at the ashes blankly for a few moment's before he returns his attention to Greg.

Eric: "You won't honor Nathan by dying of exposure, Elizabeth."

Greg: "You catch pneumonia, and I won't have been doing my job..."

Shifting the weight of Lucy in his arms, Shane offers a hand down to Liz, ";If you need me, I am here"

Liz:"I won't, the valley will not hurt me."

Greg: "Neither will you Eric..."

Liz: "I do not wish to leave yet."

Eric wraps this arms around Elizabeth and sinks his head onto her shoulder.

Eric: "This is not your fault, my love"

Smiling greatly, Shane places his hand on ELizabeth's head, saying "As you wish" as he regains his grip on Lucy again.

Greg sighs... "I had forgotten how stubborn the women of this valley can be... I'll stick around then..."

Liz: "Thank you Shane"

Eric: "Will you go home if I go?"

Liz: "Eventually, when it is time."

Eric stumbles and grabs onto Elizabeth as he moves away from her. Liz moves to catch him.

Eric: "Huh, guess I over did it a bit tonight."

Eric sits himself down on the ground. Together they sink to the ground in front of the ashes.

Liz: "Listen to the birds sing, this morning they sing for Nathan for they have heard our anguish."

Eric: "I wish I could have known him better."

Greg steps back, making sure they have their space... but making sure they both are covered by the blanket....

Despite intentions Elizabeth and Eric collapse from exhaustion into each others arms and fall asleep in front of the pyre.

Howard sweeps down from his perch.

Howard: "Now....we help them back to the cabin."

Greg: "Should we move them, Howard?"

Shane moves nearer Eric and Elizabeth, addressing Howard and Greg. "I can take us all there," he says. There is a burst of green flame around the group, and they disappear from the clearing, reappearing in the warmth of the Retreat.