"Why would it be?!" Even if there was a trap, Morticia felt very confident that they could handle whatever is thrown their way. While they waited for Ryerles, Rosenia began inspecting the opening that was more like a small hole. She made comment of it being small enough for the succubus. Intrigued, the pixie turned her attention to it herself. Curious, she pushed her hand through it, but felt nothing but leaves and sticks of the shrub walls.

Standing straight, she exaggerated tapping her chin with her forefinger, resting her elbow on the opposite hand. "Hmm, I think you're right. Why, do you think, the ball of light would lead us here, and provided only that little opening?" It was then Ryerles came back, hovering in front of Morticia. Her arms were crossed, and she held a quite sour face. "Congratulations. You found… a hole." "Well, ya, it's a bit small. But what if you go through and see if there is a way to completely open it for us?"

"Do this, do that. All for my new friend! You really are something, Morticia!" Morticia frowned, hurt by the words. "Ryerles, that's not–" "Save it, Mort." Cutting the pixie off, Ryerles flew into the small opening. After a minute, the pixie looked at the dryad. "I'm sorry, Rosenia. Give me a few minutes. I need to talk to Ryerles." In an instant, her image shimmered and shrank, wings sprouted from her back, and she darted into the hole. She didn't have to go very far when she found the succubus, pathetically sitting on a branch, doing absolutely nothing but crying.

"Ryer?" "Go away. I don't want to talk right now." "Ryerles, we need to talk. What's with you? Are you jealous, or something?" Ryerles stood and pushed the pixie angrily. "Jealous? What in the world would I have to be jealous of? You only want to become best friends with every living creature! Leave me in the dust, you don't need me! You have Rosenia now!" Morticia sighed. She had lots of explaining to do. "I do need you, Ryer. You're my best friend. For so long, I was alone, watching everyone. And then my life turned around quite suddenly, and I was suddenly surrounded by so many people. It was like this for long enough that being social became a very intricate part of my every day. I got married, I had a son. I was happy… Until I found myself here in Revaliir. You were the first person I actually allowed myself to open up to even a fraction, but by the time I did that, I had shut my past away, for what I had hoped was for good."

Sniffling, the succubus looked at the pixie, absorbing the information. "Really?" Morticia nodded, and pulled Ryerles into a tight hug. "Really, really. I've been so distant because I've been trying to deal with my past suddenly pushing itself to the forefront of my mind." She hugged the pixie back. "I'm sorry, Morty, for not being understanding, for being selfish and cruel. And jealous." When they finished the embrace, they looked around, seeing almost nothing but leaves. "So, how do we unlock the path for Rosenia so we can get out of this maze?" "By working together." Ryerles slipped her hand into Morticia's with a smile.

The shrub began to shake around them. Both girls used their wings to keep from falling as everything started pulling and shifting apart. Finally, there was an opening big enough for Rosenia to pass through. Pixie and succubus waved at her, and with a wink, the pixie turned and darted down the path with her best friend. How much longer would they have to go before the maze was completed?

Rosenia glanced at the wall, and tried to sense beyond it. “Its okay little one they just need some time to work things out,” she pet the wyvern as it stared at the hole. They wyvern proceeded to wrap its self around her arm. She held it close to her chest, and rubbed his head. She was really hoping it would really be worked out. She really dislikes conflict, it was conflict that destroyed her home. That killed hundreds of creatures that she cared for. Was so long ago, but it still brought back painful memories. Which is why she was committed to helping prevent or conclude conflicts.

Finally the hedges had separated, and opened wide enough for the two to pass through. As they moved through they saw Mort and Ryerles. The two seemed to be in high spirts. The flew forward, and Ryerles winked at Rosenia. Roesnia smiled back, it warmed her heart to see the two friends had worked out everything. She was truly sad that her showing up had caused such strife. But it truly worked out in the end. She was curious what the two talked about, but felt it better not to ask any questions. Some things are better left unknown. The important thing was that two friends, had settled their differences, and went back to normal.

The path after awhile led to a larger chamber with a staircase in the center. It was a nice spiral staircase with vines, and other bits of nature over taking the stairs. Glancing up the group could not see the top of the staircase. It ascended through an opening at the very top, and there was no telling how far it extended above. Only thing that was sure, this was their next challenge. Rosenia glanced over the foliage that covered the staircase.

The other two flew up the staircase ahead of Rosenia. The dryad collapsed as she observed the various leaves, and flowers. Amongst them were various flowers, and other foliage that were found only in her forest. Tears fell from her cheeks, her past was all gathered here right in front of her. As she watched the staircase caught fire. It was like her past was coming back to haunt her. In the distance she heard the screams of battle, and the horses the soldiers rode. Around her everything was burning. Next came a burning rabbit hopping through her field of vision. It stopped, and stared at her. It's mouth opened in a silent scream, as its ashes blew away. Defenseless and powerless, Rosenia collapsed to the ground, and submitted to her fate. At that moment all she wanted to do was just have it all end.

The path revealed a spiral staircase overgrown with life. It seemed to go on forever, even Morticia’s craned neck could not fathom the height. Hand in hand, the miniature winged creatures started up the stairs with excitement. At some point, they stopped to glance behind. Where were Rosenia and Tenebrae?

What they saw after retracing their steps/flight path, sank their hearts. Tenebrae was nudging Rosenia, who was curled up and crying. Before the pixie could react or do anything, however, Ryerles took initiative and flew down to the dryad. One small hand rested on Rosenia’s cheek.

”Hey Rosenia? What’s wrong?” The succubus looked at the staircase. Wasn’t her home burned? ”Rosie, I know it’s hard, but you carry all of their memories inside of you. They will always be there, but you are here. You are making new friends, and… Oh! Why not ask the goddess of life for the seeds to plant yourself a new garden of paradise, using the plants from your home?”