This is the 5th Story in Talien’s Story

I have every “normal” thought (aka the person who thinks to themself) is underlined, so thats why Jensa’s thoughts are underlined, and im sorry that i dont put “talien thought” or “hannah thought” after every single underlined or bolded line, I personally think it breaks the flow of how its a quick conversation, i will put it after the first line, to make sure you know whose it is.

The Cinder Tree Part 3

Talien! You're alive! I’m so happy! An angelic though surged through Taliens empty mind

Hannah? Oh thank Sylpheen your back! But, wait, where's Hecate or Hypora? Talien thought back.

I don’t know, but I think Haylee is here too.

Haylee? Where is she! Tell me!

I have no idea, sorry.

Your still as apologetic as I remember, how do people live in silence in their heads, one more month and I might have gone insane.

Well, you're just used to us I guess, after ten years of us in your head.

Guess so, let’s find Haylee.

After five minutes, Talien returned to the Fennix camp, finding a ring of Fennixes that were wielding their weapons to someone in the middle of it.

“So, I’m a spy? Wow, how insane can a race be?” Haylee’s voice called out.

Talien rushes to the ring, calling off the fight, and picking Haylee’s side.

A golden winged Fennix appears on one of the sky bridges, “All of you! Cut it out! This is how you greet a friend? I thought Veronica would've taught you better than this!” Jensa yelled out to stop the crowd.

The ring of Fennixes put away their weapons and walked away from the orange fennec Foxen.

“Talien!” Haylee said, running at him until both hug each other.

“Haylee, I’m sorry.” Talien said sadly.

“Just. don’t run off for two months without telling me.” Haylee whined back.

“I promise.” Talien said, holding the crying, happy, orange Foxen.

After a whole minute, they separate.

“So, what did you get yourself into?” Haylee asked.

“Something small like a three year war.” Talien answered

“Heh, that's so like you.” Haylee teased.

“Hey! It’s not my fault your sword warped me here.” Talien said.

Haylee giggles, “You said it’s my sword.”

“Well it was always yours.” Talien said.

Haylee smiles and hugs Talien for a second then lets go.

“Let's get you to win this then. And don't you dare say I can’t fight” Haylee remarked.

“I wouldn’t ever say that ever again.” Talien said.

“Good.” Haylee barked back.

“Who even is this Tal?” Jensa said, walking up to the two.

“Tal? You called my brother Tal?” Haylee hissed.

“Haylee it’s fine.” Talien said calmly.

“You definitely act like what Talien described you as.” Jensa said.

“Well, then, do you trust me?” Haylee asked.

“Yeah, welcome to my camp” Jensa finalized.

“So, a three year long civil war is not a simple task, what's our plan?” Haylee asked.

“We don’t want bloodshed… so we are gonna try to peacefully resolve this by crowning a new queen.” Jensa said.

“That's reasonable.” Haylee commented.

“Hey, remember when you first met me?” Talien asked Jensa.

“Yeah, I’m still sorry for that.” Jensa said apologetically.

“No no, not that, you said that Foxens are ‘god-touched’ well… you're right, but you are too.” Talien said.

“Wait. What do you mean?” Jensa asked surprised.

“We Foxens have a temple to the gods. Well you do too. The large cinder tree in the middle of the forest has a doorway into the same temple.” Talien said.

Jensa walked backwards out of total shock, like her entire existence broke and lied around her, she held her hands to her mouth, wings completely frozen still.

“Are you okay?” Haylee asked.

Jensa couldn’t respond, as she walked away, still in shock.

“Did I miss something?” Haylee asked.

“Only a lot.” Talien said.

“So. Can I keep it?” Haylee said immediately changes the subject.

“The sword? Yes it belongs to you.” Talien said.

“Woo! Yay!” Haylee smiles happily.

“So who’s that wingless gal up there?” Haylee asks as she sees a wingless Fennix looking out into the forest.

“Her name is Adelen, she's basically like a maid.” Talien said

“Cool.” Haylee said.

“She's special, I know it, I believe it. Just not too sure how.” Talien said.

“So, what can I do to help?” Haylee said.

“Show me your swordplay.” Talien said.

When Jensa returns out of her house, she joins an audience of the orange and blue Foxens are striking soft blows. Both are enjoying it while putting on a good show for the rest of the Fennixes.

Wow. They are good. Jensa thought, watching them fight as she's in awe.

Jensa watches them until the Foxens stop. Then they bow to the audience they have created, and go out into the woods together, laughing joyfully.

They are here, They can leave, they have the sword to go home, and yet they are still here. Fighting and putting on a show for us. Why? Jensa thought.

The two Foxens return at nightfall, seeing the golden winged Fennix practicing with her short-spear, swinging at the air and jabbing forward.

“Heh, did my show impress you Jensa?” Talien teased.

“A little bit, I just need practice.” Jensa said distractedly.

“It’s fun and more productive when you duel someone else.” Haylee commented.

“I don’t want anyone to get hurt, after everyone that died.” Jensa replied, dropping her spear and crying.

“I wish that too. Two species have almost gone extinct, we are the last species of the Lyceens, and no one has seen them for decades.” Talien said.

“It’s human led these days, anyone not them get slaughtered.” Jensa said crying.

“Don’t have to tell us heh.” Haylee said.

Why do they care for us? They are still here for us. Why? Jensa thought.

“I’m not going to let your flame burn out, that's my vow. For I will live until the Foxens regain their survival. You may not be a Foxen, but we are technically brother and sister, both descendants from the Lyceens.” Talien said reassuringly.

Jensa gets up and hugs Talien, surprising both of them. “Don’t leave me. Please.” Jensa cried out.

“I will try my best. Okay?” Talien said.

“Okay.” Jensa replied.

“So, what can we do?” Haylee asked.

“We should reach the Cinder Tree, let's take a trek.” Jensa said.

“How many people, we could be ambushed.” Talien asked.

“Every single Fennix.” Jensa said simply.

“Everyone? Aren’t you in civil war?” Haylee asked.

“Yes and yes. Please trust me.” Jensa said.

“Alright, we trust you.” Talien said.