I awoke without the slightest jolt from what was an utter nightmare. So palpably real that I felt my life stood in judgement, about to be taken. The voice that called for me now taken form.

  -''Don't leave me alone Cassiel!'' The soft voice pleaded, the voice I recognised as my lupa's.

  My chest as wet, and upon it laid Provence, closely, in a protective manner. Her incredibly long and fluffy tail coiled around me to provide warmth.

  -Don't leave our future pups fatherless, please.

  -Please, wake up. I don't want to face the world alone again.

  A few moments passed before I realised I was in control of my body once again, and that I could utter.

  -''Provence.'' A called in a soft, weak voice.

  Suddenly my lupa's head turned upwards. Gazing at me with wide eyes and untamed streams of tears.

  -''Cassiel!'' She spoke worriedly but visibly relieved at the same time as she continued to shed tears.

  -''Provence...'' I couldn't help but speak with small loops in between as I took deeper breaths. ''Are you alright?'' I uttered the first thought in my mind with a weak but caring voice.

  -''You fool! I should be asking you that!'' She said more relieved.

  -''Look at you, all worried.'' I spoke softly, too vigourless I noted.

  She snuggled closely with her head against and besides mine, feeling her body unwinding. Finally relieved knowing I would live.

  -Even with your gift, I feared the worst all this time!... I'm sorry, I... I should give you space after what just happened.

  She rose with her eyes and visage wet, an expression of defeat. And as I felt her about to lift herself away from me, I caught her with renewed vigor in my still weak arms.

  -''You will do no such thing. You are my lupa, no matter what. So don't you dare leave your mate!'' I spoke with a grave but caring voice.

  -''Cassiel, I... I nearly killed you!'' She uttered loudly between her sobs.

  -If your love for me is true then you won't leave my side no matter what.

  She looked at me, surprised. And then she relented, laying back down onto me. And I could feel her content, relieved even at turning her away from her own decision.

  I felt a mighty uncomfortable and hot pain upon a large spot between my neck and shoulder. Which was in a stark contrast different from the rest of the body as it felt numb, and deceptively cold to me.

  We were seemingly in a small cave. One blessedly solid looking since I recognised the rock composition as a stable one. Beneath us she had laid one of our sleeping bags with the other unzipped and upon us as a covering blanket. The area was illuminated fairly well despite the lamp being turned on battery saving mode.

  A few of our items were out nearby, neatly in a corner as well. With both of our first aids pouches being all strewn open and mostly used besides a small bowl of dirty, red water. I touched my neck and shoulder, feeling both of them warm and pulsing, but nevertheless dry. Our backpacks were against a crack in the stone, covering it. Behind it, I could hear the wind howling greatly and only the feeblest semblance of light. Another peculiar light I could see in the furthest corner of the cave, yet I could feel no semblance of wind if it was another opening to the outside world.

  -My lupa. What happened?

  -I... I don't know. I've lost it simply. I woke on my hands and knees, shaken and not knowing what happened for a few seconds before my memory came back.

  -Back at Rhodes Island. When you jested about going feral, I truly thought you were joking.

  -''I really was!'' She declared adamantly, looking at me dead serious.

  -I don't know what happened to me Cassiel... forgive me.

  -''Shhh.'' I said as I caressed her cheek, putting her at ease before continuing.

  -What happened after?

  -I panicked, then gathered myself to find you. You had fallen a long way, and you were buried in snow.

  -And this place?

  -A blizzard was coming. There was no real way of bringing you back to the shelter in time. But I was fortunate to spot a cave entrance. It will do for now, the walls are reliable.

  -Yeah, I've noticed.

  -How are you feeling my mate?

  -''Dried up. And as if I've been beaten by Mountain's twin, meaner brother.'' I said probably a bit exaggeratedly besides the dried up part.

  -I took care of your wounds. But do you feel anything broken?

  -I don't think so, no. How long was I out?

  -A few good hours. It's noon now.

  -We should plan on getting back to our ride.

  -I wouldn't advise it. The snowstorm is still going hard outside. Besides, you need to recuperate some more. You... lost quite a lot of blood.

  -How are our supplies?

  -Everything's intact. Most of our aid kits are used. Enough food for a day if we stretch it. Enough water as always, but we're on our last propane gas cartridge.

  -Those things are condensed enough to get a good use out of it. It will last us if we spend the night here.

  -We probably will.

  -Why? Have you checked the weather online?

  -I don't need a weather prognosis to tell me the snow storm is going to last until nightfall. That, and there is no signal on this side of the mountain.

  I knew that originum rich zones could interfere with signals and communication technology in general. Still it could have been that we were simply in a black zone. Where the range of Kjerag's transmitters weren't reaching. We were after all on a mountain bordering on its national frontier. Surrounded by valleys, mountains, and as I found out, on the wrong side from where we had to go.

  -''I see.'' I spoke acceptingly of the situation.

  -''At least the cave is dry.'' Provence added.

  -We can make it moist.

  -''Oh Cassiel! Really?'' She beckoned incredulous, to which I winked at her.

  -I can't believe you. I nearly killed you, and you want to do me so quick already. And in a cave!

  -Nothing hotter than a wolf mate that bites back. We could go native quite fine in here.

  She sighed while wearing a visibly amused expression.

  -Don't push your luck. If I went all out on you now it might just kill you by how weak and dried up you are.

  Heh. She was getting cocky. That was good. I had managed to pull her out of her sorry state of mind.

  -''How about I make you some soup instead, you lustful wolf lover.'' She proposed humorously.

  -That sounds good, I do feel rather parched.

  It was after I had a good meal that I felt just a bit more lively. I realised I must have lost a dangerous amount of blood. For I felt incredibly weak and tired to a perilous point. Keeping myself awake by will more than anything.

  Provence had related how she hydrated me all these hours with hot tea and electrolyte powder mixed in boiled water. Trying to keep me warm, and help me replenish my diminished blood, even if by a miniscule amount. It rang alarm bells in my mind. For even with the army of nanomachines that I had in me, speeding and amplifying that process by magnitudes over I still barely felt alive. Even the sturdiest Terran alive would have probably died if they lost the amount I had today.

  Provence saw that. And after our meal she helped me back on the makeshift bed. Coming close to share her warmth, and to share in some restfulness as well.

  Provence was weary herself from her fright and the exhaustion of the day. Having remained awake all this time that I was out. By the time we woke it was close to the end of the day. We had no real plans but to wait for the night to pass. So we simply laid by each other's side. Talking and occasionally perusing our personal smart devices until a curiosity reappeared in my mind.

  -I see you sealed an exit, but what about the other one over there?

  -It's not an exit. It's something else. Don't worry, it's safe. But it is something you might like to see if you feel up for it. Can you walk?

  -''I'm not a cripple Provence.'' I said as I rose up, and a sudden sense of vertigo gripped me.

  Instantly I felt her wrap around my arm, firmly, dominating. Making me steady on my feet. She said nothing as she helped me. She was mindful like that, caring as she was but still making sure not to wound my pride as a man.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  -Thank you. Now, what's laying over there?

  -Something amazing.

  We left the lamp near our spot, switching on a flashlight that I hooked on my chest to illuminate the way forward. The curious light was feeble, far in the distance of a somewhat narrow tunnel that lead deeper and slightly downwards into the mountain. The path was barely wide enough for us to walk besides each other. And as we were nearing the source I could begin identifying an interesting detail. The light seemed to be an amalgamation of at least three different colours consisting of yellow, blue and cyan. I instinctively brought my hand onto my holstered handgun.

  -''Provence?'' I inquired through a whisper.

  -There's no danger, I am telling you.

  -Alright.

  And true to her word as the tunnel opened up to a great chamber with a somewhat large, shallow pond in its centre. Illuminated by a number of different coloured crystals. This was as incredible as Provence had mentioned. I had no idea such a geological occurrence could exist. It was as if a garden of crystals, with both simple and glowing ones. However, there were many more of the glowing kind beneath the surface of the pond. Making the whole body of water luminescent. Thus bathing the entire chamber in an alluring glow of different, and slowly undulating dance of lights.

  I quickly pulled out a compact reading gadget. Used to detect originum particles in the air as well as acting as a detector for picking up an array of different types of radiation, along oxygen levels. Its readings showed nothing out of the normal. I reset the reader, then switched it on and off by the third reading.

  -''I have already checked myself.'' Spoke Provence, foreseeing my inquiry.

  -How far does this lead?

  -It's pretty spacious but it's enclosed. There seemed to have been a pathway further down, but it's caved in. The only way is the one we came by.

  -''This is impressive.'' I said in pleased fascination.

  -I know, isn't it?

  The chamber was a wonder to behold, and my lupa proposed we sit on one of the smoother formations and just take in the view. It also helped that she brought one of the few sweets and my broken thermos along. It was not like we had much to do with the blizzard still going outside. Even if it were to abate it would have been too treacherous to try hiking down the mountain, or finding our vehicle in the dark.

  It was pleasant. As visually intriguing as it was. The silence that would have usually accompanied and made such places more eerie was absent. A small stream of water was flowing out of the rock itself, producing a satisfying flowing sound as if a fountain. Accompanied as well by drops of water that would fall on the lake from stalactites. Producing another accompanying melody that would stoke a sense of serene atmosphere.

  -''Cassiel... how can you ever trust me again after what I had done?'' She asked with a grieved voice as she sat beside me with her arms wrapped upon my own.

  -Because you are my mate, and my wife. And nothing will change that. I know the dangers and the differences between us. I accepted them wholeheartedly.

  -I accepted you, no matter what darker shades may lay deep beneath. Because the person that you are is wonderful to behold. And I want you wholly for who you are, my love.

  Her visage brightened at my words. And I could tell her spirit was truly uplifted. She snuggled close to me as her tail wrapped around us gingerly, and I caressed her dearly.

  -''The thermal insulation is surely broken, so the tea is not so warm anymore.'' Provence said as she poured me a cup of lukewarm liquid.

  -It's alright. I have you to keep me warm my beloved lupa.

  She beamed up, pleased at my remark. The last clouds of doubt having dispelled into nothingness as she cuddled against me. Her tail wrapping lovingly around us. Our mind emptied of worrisome thoughts as we just sat there, unwinding in each other's presence. I was feeling better inside my soul at having my lupa at ease in my arms. I was content, even happy at how the day was ending despite all that happened.

  I looked at her visage and saw the light dancing upon her beauty. I felt no repulse or apprehension, only attraction and adoration for her. And I could tell she felt my thoughts as she read my expression. I kissed her passionately, and caressed her fluffy ears to her delight. Hitting all the right spots that I knew would relax and please her the most.

  -''Mmmm, Cassiel.'' She intoned melodiously. ''I should be the one taking care of you now.''

  -You know I will never stop caring for you my sweet wolf.

  Our moments were long, and heart kindling deep beneath Kjerag's earth as we were. And we stood there until the weariness upon me could be ignored no longer. Before leaving we did a final exploration of the chamber, as well as picking up a few crystals as souvenirs. However one such souvenir gave me pause. I had definitely recognised the type that I had picked in my hand.

  As I gave it one last look over I could tell it was undeniably reminding me of a power control crystal. An incredibly rare form that was utilized for the highest tiers of humanity's technological capabilities. I had well studied and learned about these. Along a myriad other things unknown to both the current and old Terrans of my time from my mentor.

  These were definitely raw but harmless. They had a wealth of potential if one had the means to refine and process them. The possibilities for its use were endless, so were the dangers. And as far as I knew from the superior knowledge and intelligentsia of my mentor, none were ever found on Terra. Until now, it seemed. In the end I had no real use for it, except as a possible bargaining tool. But the chances of even that ever happening were so slim, it really came down to me taking one just as a simple memento in the end.

  -Found something? You stared a bit at that crystal.

  -Yeah, just studied it a bit.

  -It has a nice amber shade.

  -''That it does.'' I said as I slipped it in my pocket.

  With the dawn of the next morning we exited our earthy shelter. Striving downwards, back to civilization. My lupa taking the silent initiative to plough ahead through the rather high and fresh blanket of snow. As I was still weaker than I would have wanted to admit from the amount of blood I had lost the day before.

  Even my vision was getting hazy as much as I willed it clear. Forcing one step after another on our journey down the mountain until I stumbled to the ground. My lupa quickly rushing to me, grabbing hold of me to lean me in a sitting position.

  -''Aah. I can walk.'' I said, taking a pause to take in a greater breath of air before I spoke again. ''I'm alright.''

  -''Let's just take a five-minute break.'' She said, more knowing of the truth of my state than what I wished to show.

  I was beyond pushing the limits of my body, and I well knew that I was deathly pale though Provence spoke of it not. She was careful to be mindful of me. Avoiding to dare push my limits any further on the trial of our return. She occasionally gave me some of the few ration snacks we had left. The few that she had, just so I could have a bit more energy to keep myself awake. As clear as the weather was, and even on the move as we were I was still feeling cold.

  I was ill, almost deathly so. But there would be no salvation here, we had to return.

  -Come, I'm ready.

  She helped me up, and she again took point ploughing ahead through the snow.

  It was a long and arduous hike back to where we started. Made all the more difficult and time-consuming now that even the lower planes were blanketed in snow. Making any point of orientation that we might have had before now gone. By the time we had finally found the great outcrop of rock that sheltered our SUV, the heavens were already painted in a yellow to orange dye as the day was coming to an end.

  There was no other choice but to have found our car since our food supplies had run out. Finally reaching and going inside our car we were a good deal freezing and starved. Provence wasted no time in turning on the engine and adjusting the heating to maximum. More for my concern than anything as she saw me slumping in the passenger seat besides the driver's.

  -''Care for dinner my dear husband?''

  -''Yes... something warm... and a cup... of coffee.'' I spoke with pauses, my mind already only half conscious.

  -I'll drive. So just rest on our way back.

  -Hmm... yeah, that... sounds ok. But brew a cup... either way. I want to be awake... besides you... Provence.

  -Alright, my stalwart mate.

  The SUV's beaming lights cut through the thick of night as she drove the beast of a machine forward. While I hoped we had finished crossing any unexpected near disasters on our vacation. Despite arriving late in the night at the same village we had made our last stop at, we had found the local clinic still open.

  Well, more like the clinic was also the home where the village doctor and nurse lived. But they were all too welcome to let us in after noticing my state of near death. It was reassuring to note that the clinic, as rustic as it looked on the outside, was very modern on the inside. Along with being stocked with all the necessary supplies such a remote village, prone to being cut off by long snowstorms, may have required.

  I had my wound cleaned, sewed and rebandaged. A diligent work that required him more than the usual time for the severity of it. And as the doctor was preparing an intravenous isotonic sodium solution to mitigate my blood loss, he spoke how the Silverash family had sponsored the complete modernisation of all clinics within the nation.

  A boon I was pleased with since I was literally tired to death of the constant feeling of passing out and near total lethargy I was experiencing. After the clinic's doctor confirmed I had no broken bones or dislocated ribs he offered us to stay the night inside in one of the spare rooms. An offer we humbly accepted, for the road had been long and the whole experience even more.

  As I laid down beyond fatigued my lupa came to me. Blanketing me with her amazingly large fluffy tail. I caressed it to my heart's delight, and then I stroked her furry ears as she finally nestled with me.

  It was the next day that we arrived back at the train station near the holy Mount of Kjerag. Where we would again meet a familiar face before our departure.

  -''Miss Kjerr, it is good to see you again!'' Provence spoke honestly.

  -''My, you looked roughed Cassiel. I am sorry for this to have ever happened in our homeland.'' Kjerr spoke before continuing.

  -''I hoped this land would provide you with a place of bonding and healing. Not with peril beyond what the mountains offered.'' She spoke, rather a bit ominously.

  -''It was an unfortunate incident, but it's well behind us now.'' I said with a smile.

  There was an hour before our express train would depart, and as such all three of us decided to use the time left at a restaurant on the second level of the station itself. We occupied a booth for ourselves, and we each enjoyed a traditional meal that Kjerr recommended. In a moment where Provence excused herself to the bathroom I took the opportunity to confront Kjerr on a certain subject directly. I already had my suspicions all this time, but now it all clicked in my mind even without proof.

  -Kjerr, I hope you won't mind my inquiry. But what exactly happened back there?

  -Hmm? Of what moment in the past may you be referring to?

  -The one that happened to me and Provence.

  -Why would you be asking me of that?

  -''For you would know of it more than I do, Kjeragandr.'' I said. Speaking with calm words the name that all the residents of this land worshipped.

  -''Oh my, it seems I have been found out.'' She replied at ease, even a bit amused for finally having come to that conclusion.

  -Your real nature is a safe secret with me.

  -I believe you. And so are your real names with me. Neither me nor the Saintess would ever go against our words.

  -''But my first question still stands.'' I spoke decidedly.

  -... A foul soul from the wastelands came bearing fangs at you both. I banished it of its life for its insolence.

  -Who was it?

  -Ever heard of the Signori?

  -I unfortunately have.

  -Your beloved had the displeasure of feeling one of their malign influence. Though mighty as it, was her will broke free of his control. A titanic feat that speaks volumes of the strength and the love she has for you.

  I sighed.

  -So they are after us? Or just me?

  -''He, is no more. And the rest will bother you none if you do not entangle yourselves in their games.'' Kjerr spoke before continuing.

  -This was a lone one. Driven by an old memory, an old hate. To see your kind diminished, and gone.

  I paused at the words she spoke, for it implied so much more that she knew.

  -So why not strike me down where it failed?

  -''Why should I strike you down, Cassiel?'' She asked as she looked at me with a warm and understanding smile of a parent.

  -You would know why if you are aware of my kind... or me.

  -I can see in the currents of past times. But again, why would I bear down upon your life?

  I remained silent at that. Unable to give an answer to a question that had so much weight for me. Even though my mind came up with plenty at the moment. She took the opportunity to continue, snapping me out of my dark reverie.

  -You came in peace to these lands. You think I can hold you accountable for what is ancient history? To judge you?

  -Cassiel, you have come a long way. You have overcome your own darkness, that I can clearly see by the aura of your soul.

  -You even came to love what one would consider so antithetical to you. So much so that you took to marrying her in the holiest of unions.

  -And you chose her not for just her beauty. It was for the goodness you saw in her. You wanted to have close that spark of virtue that uplifts the human soul. You saw it in her, and it attracted you.

  -It did.

  -I must say, when I have first met you I could see a darkness eating at your soul. I am glad you overcame it. For no man deserves such a fate.

  -You are wise as you are caring Kjerr.

  At that remark her simple smile widened. And somehow I could feel as if the cheerfulness of the likes of my long-lost grandfather was beaming at me from Her.

  -I am happy I could have blessed your souls myself. And so is your grandfather I suspect.

  -You know of him?!

  -He stood in spirit besides you in your moment closest to death. His aura was unlike yours but still very much alike.

  -So it was never just a dream...

  -It was, but a perilous one where your life hanged in fragile balance. I suspect he watches you from time to time I gather.

  -''Heh.'' I gave a slight chuckle looking aside. ''This world is an interesting place. So full of unexpected encounters and happenings.''

  -Indeed, it is.

  -Please forgive my imprudence. I am deeply grateful for us to have your blessing. But now that I know who you really are I must ask.

  -Has your blessing of our souls came with... erm, any magical tampering?

  At that Kjerr started to laugh merrily for a few moments, just as Provence had arrived back at the table.

  -Missed anything?

  -''Cassiel will tell you on your trip back.'' Kjeragandr answered her before looking back at me.

  -It is quite alright if you are curious. Yes, it has come with something.

  -The blessing bonded your souls. It was only possible for both of you were true in your intent. And the aura of your souls compatible. A rare chance upon this earth for people to find.

  -You two are now closer than ever. You will be able to have a deeper understanding of each other. And you will be able to find each other however far apart you will ever be. Even in death.

  -''Even so?'' I asked gravely. Provence as well seemingly a bit awe-struck, to which Kjerr nodded before continuing.

  -In the sea of the Otherlife both of you will always be able to find each other with the gift I've blessed you with.

  -And as such, whenever your souls may come back on our plane of existence you will come together. Destined to find each other again. Continuing to know true love and companionship through the furthest of eons.

  -''That sounds like an insurmountable enormity to contemplate. Yet your words are calming and make it sound so simple.'' I spoke before I continued further.

  -We appreciate what you and the Saintess bestowed onto us. I could have never dared asked for such a thing. And I could never have wished for more than what you've given us.

  -You are a good man Cassiel. Take care of each other in your journeys.

  On the train back to Turicum we talked, and enjoyed the landscape which had become more blanketed with white since our first passing. At one point Provence had asked me.

  -There was a thing that put me to thought. The gift ''she's'' blessed us with?

  -She is Kjeragandr herself Provence. The Saintess beckoned the goddess to bless us in our marriage, and She bestowed it.