It had been just a moment. No pain, no discomfort. A sudden darkness, followed by bright light. A mere step was all it took her to find herself standing inside a small hillside cave. Through the entrance, she could barely see high walls and towers, whose arrangement and decoration looked oddly familiar.

“Well this is it.” Siravin appeared next to her looking more than a little pleased. “We’re home.”

“We are… I wish the others were here…”

“They’ll be coming after us… For now, we should take the serum and see what’s happened since last time.”

“No… I need to go home first. See if my family is around.”

“… That’s not a good…”

“I have to, and they have to recognize me.”

He nodded, and opened the small flask, taking a sip of serum. A moment later, he looked like any regular human. “I’ll come along… If things have escalated, I’ll tell them you’re my slave. But keep this cloak on tight…”

“Okay.” Pulling it on, she was reminded of the past, where covering herself up was necessary for her survival. The usual sadness that had come with it, was absent, replaced by annoyance.

They left the small cave and made a mental note of its location. At the back of the small hill, they could see vast distances, but the most interesting was the city of Firanen itself. They climbed down the somewhat rocky slope and soon was walking one of many paths running among the many fields, all covered in a blanket of snow. A few farmers were up and about feeding cattle and carrying out simple repairs. The weather was cold but otherwise fine, but few children were out playing which was strange, as the sun was well up in the sky.

Drawing closer to home, the memories began to renew and remind her of the times when winter was merely another season to stay inside. From her window she would watch the other children play, while loneliness seized her with cold hands. She would decide to go outside, only to meet fright in the doorway and remain.

She occasionally pointed him in the right direction, and soon she could pick out her house. Her heart filled with joy and a playful idea began in her mind of her long awaited homecoming, of hugs and tears and unmitigated joy. Wonder at the prospect of not being recognized, and if her parents too had changed since last time. Her hopes were soon dashed. The house was well kept, nothing seemed out of place. But it was strangely dark. She walked up to the door and knocked. No answer. She tried the door and knocked several more times.

“They’re not at home.” A voice behind them spoke out. It was a farmer, carrying a sack.

“Where are they?”

“Hmm… The woman has returned to her family, the man is off to war, and who else… That filthy demonkin… No wait, she’s dead.”

“Dead!?” Mariel began a shout but was immediately kicked by Siravin.

“Yes, her mangled corpse is supposedly buried in the backyard. They invited people to a small ceremony, but understand, nobody visited… Filthy demonlovers. The Imperial councillors said they would be trouble and they turned out to be just that.”

She grit her teeth and felt about ready give the farmer a sound beating. Insulting her family and implying she was dead, the anger and confusion boiled within her.

“Then… Who lives here now?” Siravin continued speaking before she could say anything else.

“Ah, some tavern-keeper… He put up his business in that cursed building inside the city. A good man, keeps things neat and minds his own business… Like you ought to!”

“Yes… You’re right. I’m sorry for taking your time… Have a good day.” Siravin deftly wrapped up the conversation, and dragged her along.

“Okay, so Traren knows, let’s go ask him…”