Faeries were creatures of peace and living. They regarded the elders, like Alvaro, highly. Things humans did like tear down whole sections of forests disgusted them and made them cry. It really did. The faeries were thoroughly pro animal life and life in general. Plants, animals, everything. They were ones with nature and the manticores were just so, so unnatural it made strong elders like Alvaro want to cry and throw up. Even manticores deserved better.

"The manticores have been brought back from the dead. Which makes them much stronger than they should be. There is a way of things of the forest, everything dies eventually. And if they don't die they are most likely immortal. Which is fine, as long as they radiate love. But. Something in this forest, someone, they are coloring the forest in colors of death. With their own dark magics. This is someone so powerful. They must have some sort of grudge on someone to be here for this long. I couldn't get a good read on them and the bits of information I have managed to get...they've come at some sort of cost. I can feel it..." To be honest, Alvaro felt something trying to suck the life force out of him. Which wasn't great, though he was fighting desperately. They'd chosen the wrong faerie to mess with. He was powerful even if he didn't look it.

Alvaro could win this inner battle. The one against the sorcerer that was coming, he wasn't sure about.

when should my child be introduced?

Rowan found herself looking at her hands. She was immortal, and her magic could steal life from others, Was she the problem?

The rational side of Rowan's brain said this was most likely an issue long before she even came into town. The irrational and panicking side instantly blamed her for everything, and if it wasn't blame, it was accusations of living an unloving life.

None of her internal struggles showed, and Rowan just nodded. There wasn't much to say to that.

ts to border?

The border made Alvaro's mark glow with power. This was his magic after all. It also happened to be the reason why Alvaro wouldn't live as long as Kori would. Of course, he still had 3 or 400 more years to him but not as much as Kori did. At his age she was in her prime. He wasn't exactly. Though he was still very powerful.

Speaking of powerful, a welcoming tendril of magic slipped out of his finger and joined together with the glowing border. The same bright color as his mark.

"Okay, it's not too hard. This part I mean. It already knows you, semi-trusts you. All you have to do is release the tiniest bit of magic. If it doesn't accept it, your magic will be thrown back at you. It might sting a little but it won't hurt. Can you do that?" Of course, if she couldn't automatically release her own magic he could help but it was probably best if it was just her magic and not a bit of hers combined with his.

Rowan gnawed on her lower lip. Words and actions were entirely different things. She knew her magic was the death kind - using it drained energy and life from those around her. There were times, though, when she was feeling peaceful and relaxed, and happy, that it did not cause harm.

Rowan was currently feeling none of those emotions, but she tried. She focused on her siblings - Fenor and Helan - her mother, her father in spirit, Frost... and now, recently, Neo and Nakia. Maybe Alvaro, too.

Now, to actually releasing her magic...

Rowan had absolutely no clue, but no one could say Rowan gave up easily, and it wouldn't start now.

At times, Rowan's magic had a mind of its own, but right now, it was calm.

So, Rowan focused, and like with aiming an arrow, shot off her magic, straight and true, to the border.

The border did have a mind of its own. Having thoughts and ideas like any normal human, it just didn't have a way of sharing these things. Which made everything extremely difficult.

Alvaro watched nervously, nobody else had had magic strong enough, or sweet enough to help the barrier grow other than himself. Which wouldn't mass for too long. The barrier always had taken some of his energy for itself but with the added pain of remaking the barrier, Alvaro was just a wreck. If Rowan could help it would be amazing.

The border caught Rowan's magic. At first, nothing happened and Alvaro had released a heavy sigh, his wings flitting, irritated. But then it happened, the two colors of magic smoothed together and the small tear that was in this section of the border closed.

Alvaro's reaction was slightly stalled but not at all underestimated. He released a tiny screech and shot up into the air. Cheering, a big smile on his face. He did a little flip then rocketed back down to where Rowan was. A wide smile on his face as he did a little triumphant dance. "You did it! You fixed the border! It accepts you! You're amazing Rowan!" Alvaro was overflowing with literal excitement.

Rowan let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding. Her face broke out into a wide smile, "Really?!" She exclaimed, Alvaro's excitement being infectious. Rowan hadn't realized how good it would feel to be able to help - to finally have a purpose. "I'll help as much as I can," Rowan promised.

Since, Alvaro obviously was not going to do anything, and Rowan's adrenaline was high, there was no doubt as Rowan slung an arm over Alvaro's willowy form. It dropped across his shoulders, seemingly a lazy movement, but her rock hard muscles gave a feather-light squeeze as she grinned wildly. Both elation from being accepted, and the pride in Alvaro's compliment made her semi unaware of how this may be seen as weird.

Faeries were very physical beings, gentle touches and hugs were not uncommon with mere acquaintances. They were a very touchy people, there wasn't any mistrust or anger towards one another other than in small arguments that would quickly end because they had better things to do with their lives. So Alvaro, being he faerie he was, wasn't sure if that was how humans worked. But now that Rowan has proved that it was he smiled and slipped her arm off of his shoulder. Then, he hugged her, his wings flapping rapidly but not quick enough for him to fly. "Thank you, really. I owe you Rowan. You're going to save my people." He stepped back with an excited little jump.