The shock faded slowly for Pacha and she began to weep. Asil noticed this while she was practising the fighting moves, she removed herself from the Giants and went over to Pacha. She sat down and let Pacha become fully aware of her presence before she spoke.

“What can I do?” Asil asked and Pacha shook her head in response.

“She’s not dead,” Pacha said softly. “She’s not dead.”

“Pacha,” Asil replied gently.

“She fell but she’s not dead. She could be injured, lying there at the bottom of the cliff.”

“Pacha,” Asil repeated but more firmly this time.

“She could be trapped underneath the goblin. Badly wounded even.”

“Pacha!” Asil said loudly and firmly, snapping Pacha out of her spiralling thoughts. “She was smashed against the cliff and her head was cracked open. I saw it with my own eyes and I know that you saw it too,” Asil spoke harshly but with no intent to harm. Pacha stared at Asil with tears in her eyes, not wanting to accept what she knew was true. Asil took Pacha into her arms and brought her close to her chest. There they sat with the wind whistling around their heads, the Giants behind them still learning from Ilioc and Torbjørn about fighting skills.

Soon night came and although the light had not even dimmed, all the party went to sleep. Ilioc, however, took time to settle as he still had the feeling that someone or something was not far behind them. They had travelled for miles and yet this feeling lingered on and Ilioc was unsure as to why.

When the next day came the Giants and Pacha continued on their journey towards the shore. Pacha walked in front, far from the Giants, truly feeling the separation between their species for the first time. She needed someone human. She didn't need Giants, with all their knowledge, incredible personalities and overpowering words. Her heart called out for Elizabeth but her head forced upon her the horrible truth. All she wanted was to be human and to be at home with her family, after all these long years.

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“Stay back,” Achala told the other Giants quietly as she went towards Pacha. She knew what Pacha needed and although she, nor the other Giants, could provide it. Achala had cared more for Bryce than had admitted to, both herself and to those around her. Achala came until she was side by side with Pacha and they walked for a while in silence.

“I would ask how you are feeling but that is pretty obvious,” Achala said softly and Pacha didn't reply. “I am someone who grew up in the North. All the time under the watchful eye of the tradesmen of the ice fields,” Achala continued aware now that she had gained Pacha's attention. “There was one man whom I was under the command of for most of my life. His name was Bryce. He was a man who was not like most. He preferred the company of Giants and the wilderness to that of men,” Achala recalled before pausing.

“What happened?” Pacha asked in the moment of silence.

“He died in the explosion we set caused. A sphere ended up buried deep into his head. I hope that it was a quick death,” Achala answered. Silence took them both, Pacha didn’t stop to think about what a sphere was.

“Elizabeth talked a lot about Tallara, the goddess of the world,” Pacha said, "She believed with her whole heart that one day her life would change for the better. She believed Tallara was with her, even in the worst of times.”

“In many ways, her life did change for the better,” Achala said. Pacha smiled and glanced towards Achala.

“Elizabeth said that if she was to die in the mine, Tallara would continue to work within others and would bring about miracles,” Pacha paused before speaking again, so quietly that Achala almost couldn't hear her. “How can something this devastating lead to something so indescribably good?” Pacha said before sadness took her and she began to cry uncontrollably. Achala stopped and simply wrapped her arms around Pacha, holding her tight.

Hours passed and Pacha was walking once more ahead of the Giants. She was wrapped in her own cloak made from the fur of a hare, which she and Elizabeth had caught in order to stay alive whilst sheltering in the cave. Pacha passed geothermal cracks in the ground and she watched the flames flicker as the natural heat soaked into her. They did nothing to warm her heart. A part of Pacha had died with Elizabeth, a part she never knew she had. As they crossed into Haeul, Pacha realised that she had felt a real connection to Tallara through Elizabeth. Pacha felt then someone beside her, only there was no Giant, no human nor any danger. Beside her walked a ghost that she could not see but feel, her heart knew it was there even though her head disagreed.

“I met her,” Pacha said to the air, “I have met Tallara through Elizabeth and even now I can feel her beside me. She walks as an angel intertwined with Tallara herself. I can feel them both now as one. I can see her clearly and I open up my heart to her,” Pacha was speaking with clarity as tears ran down her face, “All I wish is that my connection with Tallara hadn't cost Elizabeth her life.”

The Giants and Pacha began to head back towards the mountains, in order to stay covered for as long as possible before they risked the dangerous journey to the shoreline.