I rushed to the rail, afraid for Brixie and Brax's two faithful guardsmen. I watched, relived, as Ozzie rushed forward to embrace his mother from behind. She had been kneeling on the ground where Oren was sprawled out. I saw that Brixie had been in the process of wrapping the man's leg in a white bandage. She reached up. patting her son's arm, looking drained but very relived.

I held back a cry, weather from relief or repressed panic, I was not completely sure, but I wasted no time rushing past the others on the platform to go see her with my own eyes. I jumped the last two steps, dropping my bow as I did, and rushed to the Elder's daughter.

"Brixie..." I said, in a rather strained voice.

"I am fine Lady Enna." She said, eyes wet. "Ozzie, really, I am fine. You can let go."

He son did not seem to hear. That, or he ignored her, as he just kept half strangling her.

"No worries." Drawled Oren, causing my eyes to jump to him. he was pale, and it was still odd to see a human face on the man, but he wore a wiry smile. "I am fine. Not dying or anything."

I chuckled slightly, feeling the tears right on the edge. "I am glad." I said, rubbing my eyes. "Need help getting to Zix?"

"Not to worry, Lady Enna." Said a deep voice, and I turned to see another foxmen approach. The voice was familiar but as the face was now devoid of muzzle or fur, it was not so easy to place. "I'll take him. You rest."

"Rest..." I grumbled as the rather burly- for a foxmen- man hefted Oren's arm up over his shoulder and began carrying the fighter toward Zix and her hut of healers. They would be very busy today...

I decided to let Ozzie and Brixie have their moment. I'm sure they needed it. Instead I wandered toward the gate. I wasn't really sure why: perhaps morbid curiosity? But I did not get that far as I nearly stumbled over something.

Looking down, I was horrified to see that I had just stepped on a dead goblin, and my feet were currently in a pool of his blood. I stumbled back a step when a literal shiver ran over my entire body. The next second I was doubled over, dry heaving. Apparently 'no normal bodily functions' also meant I did not vomit. I guess that made sense... At this point I rather doubted I even had a stomach and the food I consumed just evaporated into energy when I swallowed it.

Shaking, I glanced again at the deceased goblin. It was then that I saw the arrow in its obliterated eye and I knew that it had been, me, who had killed this man. Me.

I gasped and felt dizzy, weak in the knees. I killed a man- this man! maybe many men...

Just as the emotions were about to erupt, I heard another commotion. Break down halted.

Swallowing back non-existent vomit, I straightened up and saw that Draxly, and several other of the foxes, were ranging the last of a group of goblins to the ground, tying the goblins, hand and foot. Anxious, and more then a little curious, I went to go see the happenings. I needed something to distract me.

"Hold it girly." Grumbled a familiar voice, followed by a hand on my hip that made me jump. "there is nothing over there that you need to worry yourself over right now."

It was Zix. Her hair was out of its neat bun and now was a rather frazzled mess, and her once clean grey-ish/pink robe, was now heavily stained in crimson blood. Even her once immaculate fur was stained pink where the blood could not be fully washed out. But her eyes were what held my gaze at the moment... She stood tall and straight-backed and her eyes reflected that. Stoney and determined. But there was also a great amount of remorse and pain in them. How many friends had she lost today?

"Why are you here?" I asked, my voice almost a whistle with how constricted with emotion mt throat was. I felt numb, cold, shaky...

She turned those eyes I me with compassion and her foxy mouth curved into a sardonic smile. "I am needed here right now. Some people may need to be treated before they are moved. I am sure the others can handle the people in the hut."

"Oh..."

"It is alright Enna. War is scary. Death is scary. And loosing those we love is scarier still... and I am sure this is not the end of our fight, just the calm before the storm. Its alright." She stated again and I felt her fingers tighten on my hip. "I do not believe there is a rule that a god may not cry. Your tears are proof of your love, and none here would ever judge you harshly for that..."

My chest squeezed tight, my head hurt, and my throat and eyes burned stinging fire. One short hiccough quickly turned into full bodied sobs. I collapsed to my Knees, pulling Zix down with me. But the older foxie did not complain about bad knees, merely wrapped her arms around me and held on tight. But that wasn't right. There were others that needed the healer far more than I.

As if hearing my thoughts, I felt another, warm hand on my shaking shoulder. I did not have it in me to look up, but I did not have to wait long to know who had arrived. "I have her Zix, go on." Said Brixie and I heard her settle next to me in the dirt. As Zix's arms slipped away, another set circled around my shoulders, turning me and settling me against Brixie's chest, where I continued to sob. "Let it out Love..."

A second set of arms wrapped around my waist and a soft, fox face settled on my lap. Ozzie lay there, mouth twisted in a pained grin, eyes squeezed shut and leaking tears of his own. I hiccoughed and started to pet his face and ears; taking comfort and giving it. It was not long before others joined us on the blood soaked earth. I was too distraught to take note of faces, must of what little energy I had spent petting Ozzie, but I did note that several of the new commers had bandages or slings. Probably foxes with minor injuries, also looking for a little comfort.

I didn't know how long we stayed there. But eventually I pulled myself together and the others dispersed till it was just Brixie, Ozzie, and I. My heart was still heavy and I am quite sure my face was a horrid mess. I couldn't use the washroom but apparently tears were still possible, not to mention splotchiness.

"I'm okay..." I told the pair as Brixie dusted off my rob and Ozzie looked toward his grandfather's hut. During my brake down I saw that the commotion had been what was left of the goblins that made it through the gate being dragged of toward the elder's hut. I toyed with the idea of going to see the very enemy I had just fought, up close and personal... but I could hear the pain laced cries around me and knew that there was work here still to do.

And so I left Brixie and Ozzie to what ever task they had to do and started rounding up the injured, along with many other foxie and foxmen. I tried to feal some kind of satisfaction or relief at the fact that, when compared to the deceased goblins we found, the foxes losses were far less. But I felt only sadness at so much life lost. and for what? Some dear? What a waste...

Before long I had switched from aiding the injured to collecting the dead. Many of the foxes tried to stop or dissuade me, but I refused to stop. I helped cause this; several of these lives I had likely taken myself. It was gruesome and heart hurting work, but I felt a little better for the effort. Like maybe I was at least being useful.

Some time into dragging bodies I saw that, though the foxes were taking their brethren into a cleared space farther into tow, covering them in what blankets could be gathered, the same was not true for the goblins. Not that the green and grey bodies were being ignored or mistreated, but there defiantly was not as much care being taken. Nine foxes died this day, and from what I could see, there were closer to twenty-five goblins. Their bodies had been dragged near the mouth of the broken gate and lined up neatly. But that was it.

It didn't feal right. Yes they had attacked us, but that did not mean they were evil, right? All of this mess had been started because their people were starving... Not that their leader seemed starved. I cringed at the memory of his retreating form.

"Is something the matter?" A voiced asked behind me, breaking my train of thought. I turned to see Brin. Her thick dark hair was tied back, one arm was heavily bandaged, and she looked a little pale but, over all, alright.

"I was just wondering what we were doing with all the bodies..." I admitted as several males hurried past us hefting a log that was going to be used to repair, as best they could, the gate.

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"I see." She said, eyes brushing over the goblin corpses, her hands folded before her. "For our kind, we will hold a short farewell. Brax will ask that their spirits be swiftly sent on their way to the final resting place... Then we will burn the bodies, releasing their energy back into the land so that it may continue to flourish."

"It sounds like a nice send off." I said. I had never been to a funeral myself, seeing as how I was bed ridden. Not even to my own parents funerals. But as far as paying ones respects to the dead, that seemed a caring as any other I had heard. "But what of the goblins?"

Brin's nose wrinkled, her eyes passing over them once again. She sighed. "They will probably burn as well."

"Wouldn't they be sent back to their own people?" I asked, though I knew that that option was an unlikely one. How could we risk delivering so many to the hostile goblins. "Or... Is there a special way that they put their own dead to rest?"

"I am afraid I do not know, Lady Enna. They are a brutish people that seem to care very little weather they live or die."

There was a coldness to Brin's voice that wasn't exactly surprising if I thought about it. But it brought to light just how much animosity there must be for the goblins in this village. I understood it. Especially now. But it didn't feel right to me. After all, the goblins were as much a part of the forest as the foxes were and as such, they all fell under what was supposed to be my protection. Instead of fighting, I needed to find a way for the two races to coexist once again.

"Where is elder Brax?" I asked, and the sudden change of subject seemed to startle the beautiful foxmen woman.

"I believe her is with the prisoners, back near his hut. Why?"

"Thank you." I said, spinning on my heel and starting for the large hut, that, till now, I had been avoiding for one reason or another through out the day. I now felt that it was time to get some information. "I will go speak with him."

"Wait-" She called after me, but did not try to follow. Maybe they all did not want me to have to deal with the men who had attacked us, or maybe there was another reason. Either way, it was time for me to stop avoiding the issue.

In fact, the battle opened my eyes to several things that they had been blind to since coming here. this was not earth. I was not- really- human any longer. These were two truths that I had been avoiding for a long time now, and it had to stop. For the sake of my new responsibilities, this mind set had to change.

I could not keep applying my previous world's mind set onto this one. As I worked I observed the foxie and foxmen and saw that they were far more emotionally stable than I would have thought. Were they sad at the loss? Absolutly. But, with the exception to the deceased's immediate family, the others were holding it together very well and working toward the future safety of those still alive. This was a world where death was not just common place, but anticipated. Any day could be your last and so long as you lived a good life and died in battle, then you died well.

True, this could just be a monster trait, and the human's of this world could think much the same way I was accustom to. But the fact of the matter was, I was a human in shape only now. And more important than that, I was not a land god who presided over humans. My people were monsters and I had to start accepting that. Yes they were monster, and their thoughts and mind set were different, but they were still people. I knew that fully, and have grown to love the foxes.

And I was sure I could grow to love the goblins too.

But the way I held myself now would not cut it. I had to stop being so soft. Softness was not respected amongst monsters. Even the foxie, right now, were trying to coddle me rather than rely on me as the god I was supposed to be. I should not have to be protected daily, and rather, i should be doing the protecting. I needed to grow a spine. I was a god to monsters, and it was about time I acted like it.

Brax's hut was quite the busy place. There were many guards and several village higher ups that I could see coming and going. As I walked up the path, passing Oren- bandaged and eating a chunk of bread- I saw that clearing, near the stream and the bridge, that was used to hold all nine foxie/foxmen bodies. It was colorful with the cloth covering them but the cheery colors did not detract from the solemn feel of the living who were starting to pile wood, likely for when they were to be burnt.

It was to the back of the hut that I turned however. It was the only place where the foxes could have slapped together a cage or holding cell for a dozen goblins. And sure enough, as I rounded the corner, It was to see a large wooden cage. It was also surrounded by a ring of fox fire and what was left of the best magic users the foxes had to offer.

"Lady Enna, I don-" Began Draxly, hands held before him, as if to ward me off. But I would not be shielded from the hard truths anymore.

I breezed past the dark furred foxie. "I'd like to speak with the prisoners."

Brax was at the cage as I approached, stepping past a few other villagers who looked like they may want to prevent me getting near the goblins caged within. The elder watched me come with a resigned sigh, turning back to the prisoners.

I saw that there were four people held withing the surprisingly sturdy cage, considering the hastiness it had been built in. Three of the goblins were grey skinned males with varying shades of white hair tied at the base of their skulls and the domes of their heads bald. One of the men had bump like horns on his skull and deep brown eye, while the other two goblins had blue green eyes and no boney protrusions at all. The fourth prisoner was a female. Her hair- though also tied to the base of her skull- grew from the top of her head, like a Mohawk. She had almost black eyes.

All the goblins wore thick leather and fur armor, much of their toned and bare physic visible beneath it. Like the foxie, the goblins also wore no shoes and I could see that they had only two toes. All four were- at most- five feet tall, but had a bearing that made them seem bigger than they were. And on close inspection, they looked rather emaciated even if they were more muscular than the foxes tended to be. I could see their ribs quite clearly al the very least.

"We were about to question them." Stated Brax, not allowing his previous back pain to show through before his enemies. "I don't think it is something you would like to witness Lady Enna."

"So, by question you really mean to beat the answers you want out of them?" I asked, eyebrow raised. If I had to, I would stay for that, but I hoped for a slightly less violent interrogation.

Brax sighed once again. "We need to know their plans and intentions."

"But has anyone simply tried asking them these questions first?"

"We will tell you nothing." Snapped the female goblin, her voice a raspy growl of sorts and her large black eyes narrowed on me.

"You think we would betray our king? tch!" Spat the oldest of the males with the brown eyes.

"Betray?" I asked the man. "No. I suspect that the information my companions seek will not come so easily, as I would hope. I do have a few, more simple questions to ask you for now, how ever."

The male goblin laughed darkly while Brax eyed me, clearly confused. "And why would I answer any question a weak little human female would want to ask? Disgusting creature..."

"You will not insult Lady Enna!" Snarled Draxly, eyes flashing and clawed hands raised aggressively, his voice as growly as the goblin woman's had been.

I put a hand on his black furred arm. "No, its alright Draxly. I'm fine." I turned back to the goblins. "Fist, I was wondering if I could get your names?"

"And why would you want to know that, human?" Asked the tallest of the goblins. He was one of the blue/green eyed men, the one with the longer hair.

I shrugged. "Curtesy? My name is Enna."

the older goblin looked like he was about to snarl something else at me but long haired male spoke over him. "I am called Margund. I have told you, though I see no sense for it, Enna who is a human."

"We answered one of your questions, now you answer us." Huffed the younger male, his hair almost to short to tie back.

"You are in no position to demand anything, goblin." Growled Brax.

"A give and take?" I asked, thoughtful. I could work with that. If we could work up some kind of rapport, then maybe the goblins would at least be open to listening to me. "That's fine by me. I am sure there are things that we will not want to reveal, and i can accept that. But, I would like to point out that you have not answered my question. I asked for all of your names. Give me that and I will answer a question. Deal?"

"Margund, there is no need to speak with this human." Said the older goblin, eyes still glaring my way.

But Margund sighed. "I will not force them to answer you. but other wise, I agree to these terms."

"Margund!" Snarled the older male, clearly displeased.

Margund's reply did tell me a few vital things, however. One: he had at least some authority over the goblins present, and could-if he wished it- speak on their behalf. And two: he had civility and a sense of honor, at least toward his own people. Both these things were good for me. I had a man before me who was capable of holding a non-violent conversation, and may even have a position of command amongst his people.

The younger male grunted, but decided to speak his name all the same: "Lagdon." He said, arms crossed over leather clad chest. He then glared at the older man and the woman.

"Mink..." Said the female, seemingly resigned. "this is stupid." She said under her breath, earning another glare from Lagdon.

The final goblin spat on the ground before turning hostile eyes my way. "Nord, if you must be told."

"Thank you." I said. I made a side long look to Brax. I kind of took over his interrogation, and, even though I had already decided to be more forthright, I still didn't want the elder to be offended. But Brax merely nodded, his eyes locked intently on the goblins. I saw that he was hoping that they would let something slip under this unorthodox interrogation tactic. "And your Question?"

"Why are you here?" Asked Margund, further confirming my hypothesis that he was the one in charge here, despite Nord's more commanding stance.

I was confused by the question. "I'm here to ask you questions."

"He means, why is a human in a foxkin village." Huffed Lagdon, giving me a dirty look.

"No, its fine." Sighed Margund, shrugging. "I will try to be more specific from here on. Ask your question, human."

"Enna." I corrected, then shook my head. "And no, that fine. I don't intend to play mind games here, just honesty where I feel comfortable providing it. I will answer the intended question." These goblins seemed very serious when it came to uphold rules to games such as these. interesting. "I could give several answers to that question, but the most honest and heart felt would be that the foxes were kind enough to take me in when I found myself in this forest."

The answer seemed to confuse the goblins, but that wasn't surprising. "Ask your question." Said the leader.

"What rights do goblins preform for their dead?"

At this, everyone looked shocked and confused. Maybe I should have lead up to that better but it was the question most pressing on my mind. I hope I had not messed up this little game of mine before I had really gotten started.