Upon hearing Zack's sly little comment, Nadia shoots the fighter a look of askance, though a blush could be seen flush on her cheeks soon after before she turns her attention back onto getting the horse hitched to the wagon. Had Zack taken over the task, she would help when instructed to do so, and she would do her best to help coax the beast into using the bit, it reminding her of how she needed to do a lot of persuading to get the children to help with chores. She thought it would have been easy since she assumed the promising of treats would get it to comply, but it simply wouldn't budge!

Not having been one to push too much further to a point of frustration, she simply gives up. "What a stubborn horse you are," Nadia sighs with a shake of her head, though her tone didn't imply she was upset at the beasts refusal, even adding in a light petting of its neck (had he allowed her to do so, of course). "I won't force you. You're being kind enough to help us pull this thing, so... Thank you." 

When it looked as if the boys were about to begin the ritual, Nadia kept herself on the other side of the stallion, she not wanting to impose on a very solemn moment.

Caught the look and briefly his smile was there, he found it hard not to smile in such moments, and it helped keep his mind entirely from the dark side. As Nadia started to bit and bridle the odd equine, he chose to let her do it herself. Not because of his parent or any other real reason, except he knew she could handle it, and he'd be lying if watching it play out wasn't hilarious, despite the gravity of the other situation. And he wanted to keep an eye on the horse.. just in case. But he did offer verbal advice if she seemed to be struggling, at least until she finally gave up. Maybe for the best anyway, sweets. Given my condition, i should probably ride in the cart, so I don't slow us down. I cant really move fast. I feel like I'm walking .. uh... through a swamp. Joining Angar on the cart, with a sigh that made it seem as though he was short on breath, among other things. Allright Angar. Lets do this. And if there is a way, be gentle about it.

Angar nods and places a hand on his mothers corpse. Muttering a few quiet incarnations to himself, his hand glowing softly with magical energy, the light travels from his hand and around the corpse before disappearing. Zack, your mothers eyes open, they are milly white, and don't seem to actually be able to see anything. She just lays there in silence and Angar turns to you. Remember, you get to say or ask three things and get three responses. She can't learn new information, but she can still speak to you. Go ahead.

Zack sighs, considering what needs to be said or asked, while simultaneously trying to be conscious of a possible time limit. His leg rocking as he thinks. And after a few long moments, finally speaks. Is there anything you want me to tell dad that you couldn't tell him yourself? he paused, waiting for the response in entirety, before continuing. I'm sorry I left without saying anything and even more sorry i didn't make it back before you died, I joined the army, became a soldier. A lots happened since then, and I'm not sure I have time to say it all, but I left because I knew you and dad would probably try to stop me. It was selfish, but do you forgive me? at this point is eyes are growing moist and he hopes that last, long sentence didn't burn through more than one thing. Confirming with Angar before saying simply I love you. 

It was at this point he wasn't able to hold back anymore. He didn't shake or quiver. And he made no noise. This was a silent, soft cry, as molten-hot  as he looked at what remained of her. How her features were marred with decay, and knowing these were the last words he was going to hear for a while. as everyone began to move whether by foot or on the cart. And for the time being he chose to just remain silent.

If/when the group reaches the edge of town, he would finally speak Stop the cart a moment. This is something I don't want anyone to see. Because if anyone sees my mothers body .. my dad may eventually find out she was dug up.. And I need to prevent that at all costs, or it may just make him die of heartbreak. And at this hour, he'll be tilling the fields, so .. I'll have time..

Although she was sure Zack wouldn't have particularly minded had she listened in, she truly didn't want to. This probably a very difficult moment for him, she was sure, and she felt as if maybe she should have been there too, for comforts sake, but that, she felt, would've made it too much of a crowd, so she stayed beside the horse, listening. Her hands return to holding her sides as her gaze goes downcast, keeping herself silent as they continue down the trail.

When they reach the point in which the High Moors met with the Misty Forest, the air about her falls even more somber. With listening in on the fighters conversation with his mother, she couldn't help but remember the final words she had with her mom, wishing that things would have ended differently than it did. Had she been selfish enough, she would have diverted them off the path just so she could see what it looked like now. Would nature have reclaimed what was once hers? Would there still be some remnants of her village? Was it too late to apologize for what she said those years ago? 

Her heart throbbed at the thought, and when she hears Zack fall silent, it only hurts more. It's a quick side glance to confirm why he went quiet, her eyes returning back to the ground as she begins to gnaw at her bottom lip. It physically hurt her to see him like this. She so badly wanted to hold him, to soothe him with sweet nothings, but she felt like he needed this. He needed to get it out and grieve uninterrupted, so she stayed where she was and decided that she could comfort him later in private. (And no, not in that way, you ****.)

Upon approaching the edge of town, she stops and turns when she hears him finally speak, her gaze momentarily going from him, to the fields, then back to him. "I'll help you," She says definitively. "You helped me before, so... I'll help you. It'll be faster if we do it together too." The ranger gives a look to him before he could argue. "And I'm not taking 'no' for an answer either."

When the first words leave Zacks lips there is a momentary silence before his mothers spirit answers. Tell him that I love him, and miss him very much. And he should stop blaming himself for what happened. Of course I forgive you. You're my baby. We always knew you wouldn't be bound to the farm. We just worried, the world is so dangerous. I love you Zack. You make me proud to be your mother. I'll always be watching over you. At these last words her eyes close once more and her body no longer Animates. Angar sits there quietly before getting up and placing a hand on Zacks shoulder. He doesn't say anything, knowing there's nothing he could say to make Zack feel better. Angar gets off the cart to let Zack spend time with his mom and say whatever prayers or goodbyes he had. Silently walking the rest of the way, the party and cart eventually reaches a point where town is only a short walk away. At this point it is evening, and the day is coming to an end. Very likely you'll need to stay in town.

Zack had stayed quiet most of the trip. IF anyone looked they would see he was mulling his thoughts. Though his eyes rained softly, he remained silent. This was a different type of grieving. He'd never cried so much in his life so often, within such a short span. He almost began to doubt he could achieve his dream if he couldn't hold it together in these moments but by the end of the trip he'd reminded himself even heroes are just people. while he hadn't prayed, not being the sort that believed that much. But he did say a few traditional words that would normally only be said at a final parting. This week itself was just horrible. So much loss, so much needless death. And while he would always take up his blade when needed, he felt sorry for Nadaar even among all these other more personal losses. 

As he gets off the cart, he sighs, as if that very act is an effort itself. His cheeks are stained, but  his expression is slightly 'over' neutral. Nadia finally coming over, and over coming her own worries and hesitations about the situation. Allright. I'd appreciate it. And not like I'd try to convince you otherwise anyway. I already know the answer. he clearly couldn't bring himself to smile but he had an otherwise positive aura that just happened to have that light rain cloud overhanging it. And Angar. Sorry again for the treatment. I'll.. stop by the tavern in the morning, and keep my word, which hopefully.. will help you avoid .. things. Also I'd avoid going to my place my pa aint likely to have changed his mood. a faint bit of accent dipping into his voice before catching it at the very end.

And thank you Rillex for bringing the horse. Sorry for your losses. They keep stackin' up like mine. But we'll do our best to get you where you need to go. And thank you uh.. horse.

With a heavy sigh, he moves to the back of the cart, and does what he has to to pick up his mothers corpse in his arms, cardigan her as one would a sick elderly person. Having known thes parts as long as he did, he knew a path around it all that he wasn't likely to be spotted taking, that also led to the tree. Setting her down, next to the grave when he got there, realizing he'd have to go get shovels... he would finally say Stay here, while I go get some tools. Gotta try our best to do this without my dad finding out. I'll be back as quickly as I can. Don't talk to her too much, I wouldn't want her spilling any of my embarassing childhood secrets. his tone was clearly trying to add levity to the situation. before headign off as quietly as he could manage to get the shovels without being spotted.

14 stealth if needed.

Rillex meows in a solemn tone in response to Zack before lowering his head. The horse meanwhile just nods in return, appearing as nonplussed about the whole thing as ever. While Zack is doing his thing, or trying to on the quiet side, the horse just turns and stares at Nadia, and even knickers quietly to get her attention. Once he had it, the stallion gestures with his snout to the bridle and so forth still keeping it strapped to the wagon, and then back to Nadia.

If she doesn't pick up what he's putting down, or refuses for whatever reason, it appears to huff at her before neigh something to Rillex, prompting the Tressym to fly onto the riding bench. Then as if like an illusion, the stallion's body ripples and fades away with the bindings falling to the ground a split second later as if remembering gravity was a thing. But if she did free him, he bows as much as a horse can do so before cantering off down the road and in the rough direction of the tavern.

Having been satisfied with Zack's response back to her, she simply nods, managing a small smile while saying, "Good." When the fighter goes to pick up his mother, Nadia feels the horses eyes on her once again, her attention now being drawn to it with a questioning look. It didn't take much for her to understand what he wanted her to do, the ranger's mouth forming into an 'o' after he makes gestures towards the bridle and such, it clicking quickly that he wanted them to be removed. Of course, she complies with no issue, and gets to working them off the stallion. 

With the job done, she gives a loving pat on the horses neck. "We probably wouldn't have made it by this time without you, so thank you again." She takes a step back to allow the horse to leave before looking to the Tressym, finally noticing that the note still had been tied onto him. She beckons him over and had he come to her, she'd work off the note and give him a well deserved scratch at the back of the ear. "Must've been uncomfortable with this thing on you, huh? Sorry for not realizing it sooner, haha..." She gives him a sheepish grin. "You did good today, Rillex. Thank you."

When Zack had shown signs that he was ready to go, she gives a goodbye to Angar and follows behind the fighter to where they would lay his mother down to rest. She was quiet on the small trek there, and only nodded in response to him when he stated he'd go a retrieve shovels for them to use, him getting her to crack a smile with his little jest at the end. Nadia watched him off for the time being, keeping a look out for him just in case, but her gaze slowly was drawn to the now rising moon. "I would have loved to have met you," She says quietly to her as her hands went to fiddle with her loosened hair. "I'm sure you were an amazing woman, Mrs. Fair... And I am very lucky to have met your son. You raised such a wonderful man..." Her gaze falls to the ground now as a frown forms on her lips. "I'm sorry we couldn't get to you sooner... But... I promise I'll protect him so you don't have to worry too much about him."

Nadia allows a silence to settle once again as she waits for Zack's return, wondering why it was taking so long for him to get a pair of shovels...

When the party leaves Angar he says his goodbyes as he considers the cart. Thank you both. I'm sorry for your losses, but take comfort in knowing you all helped save potentially hundreds of lives. And it's okay master Zack, I'm used to people not trusting me. It's the just nature of my being. I'm going to go into town. Get a tarp for the cart so no one sees what the cart is carrying and camp nearby so the wild life doesn't get too close. I'll figure out a way to transport these bodies back to their town and bury them without anyone noticing. In the mean time, you two stay safe on whatever journeys you have planned from here. Angar waves goodbye as the party leaves and starts following the horse to town (possibly with Rillex too?). 

Back with Zack and Nadia, Zack heads to the Barn looking for shovels. You find them easily enough but despite your efforts your not as quiet as you thought, your armor clanking loudly and the horses neigh softly at your presence. From outside the barn you hear your father shout, What? Whose there!? Damned Horse theives I'll gut yo-Zack? What you doing back so soon boy?

Zack had made it to the tools, and was just about to grab a pair of shovels when they clanged together or someting else. He tensed up, before loosening realizing he was quite caught. He sighed very softly and said Hey dad. We had went to investigate the cause of the disease that took mom, and we ended up finding out who was making it. And we killed him... it. We found some bodies that were still somewhat fresh, and we were going to bury them properly but I didn't want to bother you knowing you've been working all day. So I came to borrow a couple shovels. And I know you're going to insist on helping so.... instead of helping us dig, would you be willing to go to the tavern, and get myself and Nadia a BIG meal and some ale instead? so that when we're done, we can come to the inn to an already prepared dinner?

Your father stands there looking at you with a worried look. Given that you havent had time to clean, your covered in blood and mud and look ragged. Oh. Of course son...its just...well you look like...are you okay? Well you can tell me over dinner. I'll head over to the inn, make the arrangements. With that your father walks off to go finish cleaning jo and grab some money before heading into town to bring back some meals and drinks.

Flashed his dad an apologetic look, and all he said was A little blood and dirt is less important than giving some poor folk a proper burial. I'll clean up before i head over. taking the tools and quickly heading back to where Nadia was when he was sure his father wasn't near.

The Tressym indeed took off, if albeit not without flying up to nuzzle Nadia one last time along the cheek on its way out. Rillex keeps to the air however, prefering /not/ to dragged over all of creation if a certain horse takes off too fast again. Some time later, the stallion had slowed to walk side by side with Angar and the Tressym in solidarity. Which may be why as the tavern was no more than a few meters away, the shift in form at least go initially unnoticed before a deep voice with a bit of a southern drawl said, "You did good today, son. But might I suggest you ask the fine folk inside for help, instead of carrying this burden alone?"

Turning, what awaits Angar is no longer the Clysdale from before, but an absolute unit of a being, for he easily towered close to if not at 8ft in height. Almost no skin is exposed due to the thick leathers, cloak, and black chitin pieces shaped and worked into chest piece and bracers. Yet, there can be no denying powerful physique beneath it all. With a trip to the face, one can just make out dusky purple skin of his neck, long ears almost pointed like elves, and the same ruddy red hair as the horse. But the face itself is hidden by a black, wooden mask with moss growing on it in places. A gnarled, black wooden staff with various runes carved in along its length rests in one hand, and in the other, what looks to be shell of a beetle refashioned and forged into a shield bearing a blooming blue rose over a bed of grain emblazoned on its surface.

"By the way--" He continued on casually as Rillex alights on his shoulder. Following a bit of shuffling around so that the staff rested in the crook of an arm, he offers a hand to the Death Whisper. "Folk... well, they call me, Happy. Chauntae Faithful, and, eh, Emerald Enclave associate in good standing. My apologies for not being able to be there sooner, but I shore wish I could'a been. Ya'll were look'n rather rough by the time I got there."

Happy's Astethics:

Angar doesn't appear too shocked by the transformation, having sensed some magic about the clydesdale. He is however shocked by the appearance of the person who stood next to him, in awe by his sheer size. Angar takes Happys hand and shakes it, saying Thank you for coming when you did. It was rough back there, but it's over now. And perhaps I might, I need to get those folks back in their graves as soon as possible, but I'm sure my friends will want to bury their own fallen. I'll figure it out, right now...I just want to rest. My name is Angar by the way. Nice to meet you Happy.

Nadia had finished weaving a third type of braid by the time she saw Zack making his way to her in the distance. The task itself was mind numbing to her, helped keep her thoughts from flitting off into things she really didn't want to think about at the moment. By the time he approached, she had finished securing her braid with her hair tie, then she reached out to take one of the shovels from him. "That took a bit. Your dad didn't catch you, did he?" She asked, worried that their efforts to keep this a secret were compromised so quickly. She would wait for his response, reply if needed, then wait for him to begin the digging.

When they started, she tried to keep focus on the task at hand, having wanted to get this done as soon as possible, however, something was eating away at her mentally and it showed on her face. There were things she wanted to say to him, a lot of things really, but she didn't know exactly where to start. Her mind formulated so many ways to begin, yet she told herself that simply wasn't good enough and to try again.

After a few minutes of silent digging and mental chiding, she finally musters up the courage to speak up. "You can talk to me, you know?" She lets the question hang in the air for a moment before going on. "It doesn't have to be now, it can be later, or whenever you're comfortable in doing so, but... I want to let you know that I'm here for you, okay? I want you to be able to confide in me, whatever you're feeling, knowing that I'd never judge or think less of you for it. We've been through a lot lately," She stops digging for a moment. "You've been through a lot lately and I understand how you must be feeling. I want to help you feel better... to not... feel the need to bottle yourself up and put on a mask in front of me... and to know that it's okay and that you're not alone... I care about you a lot, Zack... I really do." The sincerity in her voice in unwavering, and she only hopes he can sense the honesty between her words as well. 

Happy gives Angar a firm, but not intentionally harmful handshake; appearing well aware of his strength. "A pleasure meeting you, Angar." He said polite enough, if albeit with an added phrase spoken in sylvan tacked on at the end. When the hands withdraw, Angar would feel soothing feeling crawl over his skin, like a cool breeze caressing the skin or spring rains falling and settling upon his injuries. In going to look at all, he'd see them knit painlessly close together.

(Casting Cure Wounds at 3rd level: 23.)

Carrying on as if nothing had happened, Happy goes on to offer, "If need be, I can ask Orvik -- a mighty nice stallion friend of mines -- to be of further help on your journeys. In fact, I'll see about getting him hitched right now, if you think that 'ol wagon will survive the journey. Just say the word." But in rejection, he would take in stride, and continue on inside to speak with the owner or whoever happened to be in charge to give thanks for putting up with his carriage and horse; if not at least directing him to a farmstead that would be willing when he first arrived in town.

One way or another, Happy would likely be walking back with Angar to the wagon, if only to check up on the human and elven pair from before. Or so he'd say, if Angar ever asked him, with Rillex on his shoulders; having found some measure of comfort in the earthy scent of his hair.

Angar looks at where his injuries had been and sighs in relief when he finds the pain is gone. He silently follows along until the get close to town. Yes, if your horse friend would be willing to help I would be most appreciative. When you both make it to the inn Sarah is inside tending to the bar. Angar elects to wait outside as not to be seen by her and draw unwanted questions abou Nadaar. Eventually you both make your way back to the cart to await the others.

Zack had kept up as brisk a pace as his body would allow, still feeling that sluggishness from his exhaustion. He eventually made it back in one piece, with a pair of shovels. Having set his mother against the tree before, where she sat in repose.  Looking at the spot the hole would be dug in. He waived with his free hand, noticing she had been braiding Waiting for someone special? he would ask rhetorically. As he set the other shovel against the tree. And yeah, he did. I must be more tired than I thought, made a bit too much noise. But I told him we had saved some folks who had been killed like my mom, and to head to the tavern to order us some food to be prepped. And to wait for us there. So I bought us some time atleast. 

At which point, he began digging, not sure how long it would take, as she joined him. he noticed she was fidgeting and fumbling, but he knew this was something she had to overcome herself. They had both gotten quite a bit of the digging out of the way before she finally spoke up. And even while she spoke, he didn't cease his toil. He just listened. His eyes moving between his task, and her, showing he was paying attention truthfully. At her initial statement, he remained silent, but looked at her, knowing she had more to say, and not wanting to speed-bump her flow. Listening until the end, before finally saying I see. And, I appreciate that. continuing to shovel. And, I know. though it helps quell any doubts now that you've flat-out said it. I'm uh, not afraid to confide in you at all, even if I may hesitate a bit. But, that's mostly because... guys... men... boys... process things differently. Like how a girl finds a doll fun and cute, while most boys just wanna punch each-other for fun. We do still feel things, but we have to... whats the word... it was rare for him to be at a loss for a particular word, and it took him several hefty shovels before being able to continue. 

We have to digest it before we're sure how we feel about something, so sometimes its not that we feel we have to bottle it up, but that we need to digest it alone, until we're sure. And we don't act on it until we know. Sometimes life doesn't give you that luxury, and whatever happens in the moment but we need that time to mull it over, so we know how we feel. Sometimes we have to hide our pain so we can appear like a rock for someoen else who's also suffering. And we find a corner when no one else is around and let it out there. Because if we look just as weak as the person looking to us for support is feeling, it won't help them feel .. secure.

And thats not fair to you. You've suffered as much as I have recently. All my pain is stuff thats already happened, that I'm only just now finding out about, or.. remembering. And oyu had it much worse growing up than I did, not to pick at your old scabs. 

But don't worry, I'll speak to you about whatever, when I know how I feel about it. Speaking of the future, I mean. Right now I'm just processing this all. My mom, my commander, my missing memories... and as much of an ass as Nadaar was.. he says with a sigh I did like the guy, I just wish he took the time to look at whats being said and all that but its bad luck to talk badly about the recently dead. so.. besides, he was a good guy in the end.  Just a bit stubborn.

by this point, they had likely dug deep enough to be at or close to the 6 foot mark. And he helped push Nadia out of the hole, if she had been in it, before hopping his own way out. Carefully picking up his mothers body, and hopping into the hole again, to set her down, gently, putting her in true repose giving her one last look, before slipping back out, and startign to fill it in.

Right now I feel both full and empty. I feel empty because of my losses, but I also know you're there for me, even if you do only want me because I'm cute. he flashed her a side-look it held no mirth, but also no sadness, offering up a faint chuckle, since it was the exact opposite of what he'd told her several nights before. If it wasn't clear, i meant that in jest. You're comfortable, Nadia. And you're like a fire in the winter. So I'll tell you how I feel. Since I've had time to think. I'm sad. My moms gone, my best friends gone, and I'm going to miss Nadaar. Hell, if Angar had died back there too, I'd probably feel sorry for the guy at this point. I feel bad for my mom, not truly gettign to say her goodbyes. I mean she did... but.. it wasn't while she could hug me or something.. make sense? Then, I've had some kind of dream since about some .. shadows.. chasing myself when i was trying to help my C.O. .. I've...

he hesitates. Even his shoveling pauses. Before continuing with a heavy sigh. I know you can take care of yourself, I don't doubt that, but I have watched you nearly die in front of me several times, which I feel is a failure on my part to protect you. I am aware I cant control who an enemy targets, but maybe i could have gotten  in their way better.. or.. whatever. Then there's all that.. sappy shit I said before you cam back and.. well..that wasn't how I had planned our reunion. I wanted something a bit more romantic. But that's then, this is now.

Plus, when you spout off all that mushy shit, even if you mean it, I just feel embarassed now. What I need, after this is done, is a quick bath in the stream... and a good, warm meal. But we should probably check on Angar before we head back to the inn. And we'll have to decide on what news to give Sarah. We could be honest, but then she'll be sad... or we can say he found a girl and eloped, and she'll be mad, but .. she'll get over him faster.

The whole time she spoke, she could feel her nerves bubble at the pit of her stomach. She hoped she wasn't over stepping any boundaries, or wasn't making any sense, but the feeling ceased when he began with his piece. The ranger resumed digging soon after, keeping quiet, yet looking to the fighter every now and again to assure him that she was listening to him with intent, all while also thinking of things to say in response when the time came. Had he looked to her, even briefly, her expression wouldn't change throughout his time; a creased brow and a focused gaze due to the task at hand.

When it looked to be as if the hole were deep enough, Nadia would thank him for helping her up, then stand off to the side to allow him some sort of privacy had he wanted to say any additional words to his mother prior to burying her. It gave her time to process his words, though, it didn't seem as if he said much considering how quickly he had gotten out, but she still felt better having done so in the first place. When he makes his cheeky little comment at the beginning of his next piece, it garners him a playful roll of her eyes and a scoff, she knowing that it said in jest even without his clarification (had it not been then she would have beat his ass). Though, again, she falls silent as they began to fill the hole, letting him talk and do his best to express how he was feeling at that point in time, she merely nodding in understanding, and giving him glances to let him know she was still with him. 

When he finishes and they begin the task of filling the hole, it takes her a minute to respond as there was a lot she had wanted to say, but she's not entirely sure where to really start. "I know men process things differently than us women... It's how you guys are raised, but I just wanted to put the option out there to talk when you were ready to do so, about anything, such as your dreams, about your memories... I want to help with that too in some way... But take as much time as you need to process your feelings, and I'll give you the space you need to do so have you need it... But I hope you do keep your word on talking to me when you figure it all out."

"And while I understand it may not be fair in your eyes, you still shouldn't undermine your pain with mine. When you do that, it has the tendency to stop you from wanting to talk. 'She's had it worse, what do I have to complain about?'" She shakes her head and stops shoveling for a moment. "It's bad thinking. Even if you think I've had it worse, doesn't mean I want you to suffer how I've suffered emotionally and mentally. I want to prevent that. You don't have to be the rock all the time, Zack. I want to be it for you too when you need me to, and I will be until you tell me to leave." She takes a breath, then resumes in speaking and shoveling.

"As for the 'sappy shit' you said back there... I don't know. I found it extremely sweet even with all that was happening... And truthfully? It kept me from succumbing to whatever it was that was effecting my body at the time. My body was locking up, my skin was turning gray... I probably wouldn't have made it out of there if it weren't for what you said to me, and... I know for a fact you're more than capable of handling your own too, but what kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn't at least try to help my boyfriend who works so hard in protecting me?" The sentence comes out faster than she is able to retract it, she not really thinking about it til realization smacked her in the face like a high velocity chancla, her cheeks going red in embarrassment. "Ah, s-sorry, that's... a conversation for another time, isn't it? J-just forget that last sentence, okay?" Nadia clears her throat and tries to get herself back on track. "A-anyways, I'm sorry for having embarrassed you with my mushy crap, hah... I'll, um, leave you to your bath so you can be alone... after checking up with Angar and such..." 

By this time the hole has been filled, and Nadia tries to pat down the dirt so it didn't look too freshly dug up. "As for what to tell Sarah... Well, here's some advise for you... from mi papa; Nunca le mientas a una mujer porque ella lo descubrirá de todos modos, son muy buenos investigadores. Basically means, never lie to a woman because she will find out anyway. They're very good investigators." She's able to smile a bit at the memory, but it soon fades as she continues. "Last thing you want is to break that trust you have with her, Zack. I know she still cares about you deeply, and I know that she would be hurt that you felt the need to lie about Nadaar's passing... Call it a woman's intuition."

Nadia gives a one shouldered shrug then leans back to view their work when it's done before she leans her shovel against the tree and puts her hands together to recite a small prayer in her native tongue. "Sé libre, sé fuerte, siéntete orgulloso de quién has sido, sé que te llorarán y extrañarás, que nadie puede reemplazarte, que has amado y que eres amado. Que los dioses te acompañen y que descanses en paz." She finishes with a nod of her head and had Zack wanted to be alone for a moment she would comply with no hesitation, taking the shovels and waiting patiently for him to finish what he had wanted to do off to the side somewhere.