A week had gone by since Rewis' death.

The first day consisted of Ever denying that it happened. He told himself over and over again that was his friend was alive, and that he would see him on the roof in the morning.

The second day he went onto the roof with a piece of Rewis' favorite fish. When he didn't come he told himself that he was resting after a long night of hunting.

On the third day, he waited patiently for him to come.

On the fourth day, he laid out another piece of fish.

On the fifth day, he didn't go onto the roof.

After the sixth day, he stopped lying to himself.

Rewis was gone. He'd carried his torn body out of the village, wrapped him in his cloak and buried him in the ground. He was just a lifeless corpse now, forgotten by everyone save him. Ever hadn't left his house since the death of Rewis. He now spent his days alone in his room, almost as lifeless as the cat he'd buried a week ago. He rarely saw his parents and was glad for it. He knew that they didn't understand why he was feeling this way and they never would.

His father had given up on him after the first two days, believing that he would "come around" when he was ready. His mother was a different story, she was driving herself up the walls trying to make her son feel better. But her treatments didn't go far beyond assuring him that he was "alright" and that "he had nothing to be sad about."

In her eyes, and his father's, he had no right to be the way he was now.

"You have everything you could possibly need Ever," Eline had told him whilst rubbing his arm, "a mangy cat is nothing compared to food and shelter. So please, get off your bed and go out into the village! Spending some time with your friends will help you I guarantee it."
His only reply had been a cold stare.

Now he remained where he'd been for the past eight days now. On his bed with the door closed, the only light coming from the small window. His room was only big enough to furnish a bed, a small wardrobe, and a chest in which he could keep whatever he liked. When Ever had first found Rewis he'd tried to keep him in the chest, making a comfortable bed for him. Unfortunately, Rewis hadn't been happy with that arrangement and kept breaking out. Once his mother saw the mangy old tom she'd had Lesim chase him out of the house.

He was always happier outside anyway.
Ever felt more tears welling up in his eyes and he quickly wiped them away. He was tired of crying, tired of laying in bed all day, but he didn't know what else to do. He'd never felt such sorrow before, and there was no one who could help him through it.
What was one supposed to do after losing someone they cared about? No one had ever taught him the proper way to grieve.

When someone passed away in the village it was always a celebration. There was a feast, music, funny stories told involving whoever had passed, and no sadness. Ever couldn't think of one time when a person had died and people were sad. It was always brushed off as nothing, the day after the "celebration" no one ever spoke of the dead. Ever didn't even know what was done with the bodies.

People just went on with their lives as if nothing happened. Yet here he was, showing more emotion for a cat than anyone in the village ever had for another person.
The question was, why?
Why grieve so much for something that wasn't even human?

A soft knock on the door drew Ever from his thoughts. Without waiting for him to respond Eline and Lesim walked in.
"Ever, would you mind putting on your cloak and coming with us?" Eline asked. Ever quickly noticed that both of his parents were wearing their own cloaks.
"Why? Where are we going?" He sat up on his bed but showed no sign of following his mother's request.
"Please, Ever, just do as your mother asks," Lesim pleaded. He looked tired and hunched over, and his mother was fidgeting too much.

What was going on?
Suspicious, Ever stood and walked over to his wardrobe to retrieve his new cloak. His mother hadn't been pleased with him after learning what had become of his last one, but Ever could care less. Draping the cloak over his shoulders he turned to face his parents. As if a silent signal had been given the three left Ever's room.

"Put on your boots," Lesim ordered. Not wanting to start an argument Ever complied. He was used to his father being somewhat strict with him, but there was something unsettling about he was ordering him around. Eline was being uncharacteristically quiet and refusing to make eye contact with him.
Ever's suspicion only grew as he tightened the laces on his boots.
"Are you ready?" Lesim asked.
Ever nodded and watched as his father opened the door and motioned for him to step out.

He stepped out onto the porch and walked down the wooden steps, stopping when he reached the ground to wait for his parents. Eline joined him shortly, coming to stand beside him while Lesim took the lead. It was another cold, grey winter day. No snow had fallen yet but Ever knew it was only a matter of time. The village was oddly quiet. Ever didn't see anyone as they walked, save the occasional bypasser who would greet his parents with a mumble and a nod before hurrying off.

What is going on? Why is everyone acting stranger than normal?
As they continued through the village Ever continued to wonder where he was being taken to. They weren't going to Thaxter's (which had been his first guess) his house was in the opposite direction of where they were going. They weren't going to Faegan's, or Cily's or even Mallie's.
"Where are we going?" He asked.
"Just keep walking son," Lesim replied without looking at Ever.

Unease began to creep up Ever's spine. Whatever was about to happen to him wouldn't be good. He glanced from left to right, contemplating if he should run.
Calm down, he scolded himself, running away will only make things worse.
Ever focused on taking deep breaths to slow the rapid beating of his heart. His parents now walked side by side. Eline kept casting brief looks at Lesim whose eyes did not waiver from the path in front of him.

They were heading for the northern part of the village, that was when Ever realized that there could only be one place his parents were bringing him. The panic he'd managed to push down earlier sprang up again. Ever thought his legs were going to give out and he would collapse onto the cold ground.
"Come on Ever, we're almost there," his father announced. Ever couldn't tell what was going through Lesim's mind. Eline was clearly distressed. She was chewing on her bottom lip and constantly wringing her hands.

Ever was about to consider running again when his father grabbed him by the arm and pulled him along. A tall wooden building stood before them. Five steps led up to the large porch where announcements were held. In front of the building was a wide clearing where the people would gather to hear important news concerning their day to day lives in the village. The building itself was coated with grey paint which was slowly beginning to fade. There were no windows, only a solid oak door that guarded the entrance.

Ever's feet felt like lead as Lesim guided him up the steps. He could hear them groan under the weight of himself and his parents, how the old wood managed to hold up after so long was beyond him. The boy turned his attention to the door as his father knocked. Ever flinched every time his father's fist connected with the dark wood. Silence lasted for barely a second before the door was opened with a soft groan, revealing a tall man with features that remind Ever of a bird.

"Ah, you've arrived. Please come in," the man crooned. He stepped aside and motioned for the family to enter.
Lesim and Eline nodded and walked into the house almost simultaneously, dragging a reluctant Ever behind. The bird-like man closed the door briefly leaving them in darkness.
"I must apologize for the lighting," the man continued guiding them with his voice, "but as you can probably tell the others simply won't allow windows to be built into the house."
"It's alright Elder Elias," Lesim replied cheerfully, "there were no windows when the house was built so why should there be?"
"Quite right Lesim, if the founders saw no need for windows then who are we to complain?" Elias laughed before opening a door that led to a room filled with orange light.

Ever had to blink several times to adjust to the sudden burst of light. He found himself in a large room where a roaring fire was ablaze in a massive fireplace. There was a round table with ten candles in a circle placed at the center. Seated at the table were two more men who stared at Ever in silence. One of them was short with a thick, dark beard and narrow eyes. His face was constantly scrunched up as if he were smelling something unpleasant.

The other man was taller and unlike his companion had a clean-shaven face and eyes that seemed to be a tad bigger than what was considered normal for eyes. His hair stuck up in some places and Ever could tell that some time had been spent trying to smooth it down. Both had their hands resting on the table clasped together in front of them. Ever shuddered under the uncanny stares they gave him. He felt as if they were looking right through him.
"Elders Adrik and Symund," Elias introduced the two men who both nodded.
Lesim and Eline repeated the action, Ever remained still.

"Come, sit." Elias sat down between Adrik and Symund while Lesim took a seat on Adrik's right.
"Sit down Ever," Eline whispered before taking her son by the arm and leading him to a chair next to his father. Ever watched his mother as she took her seat beside him. Ever was in between his parents directly facing Elias, who was clearly the oldest. His thin nose protruded from his face and his greying hair was a curled mess atop his head. All three of the Elders were staring at Ever, watching him, studying him.

The boy could only guess what their intentions for him were.
"Thank you for coming, Lesim and Eline," Elias began after clearing his throat, "I apologize for having put this off for so long. Unfortunately, winter is always a grueling time for us. Food must be counted for distributing, extra wood must be gathered, we would have been glad to have this meeting earlier but we simply have not had the time."

"It is no problem Elders," Lesim assured with a smile that was painfully forced, "Eline and I understand that the village must come first."
"Quite right," Elias chuckled, "however the recent actions that your son committed last week have caused a rather large disturbance among the people."
"Everyone was requesting that we look into the matter right away," Adrik grunted, "with all the requests we have been receiving us Elders had no choice but to look into the matter of your boy."
"I wish we had done this the very moment you requested this meeting," Symund added with a sigh, "perhaps if we had, then this unfortunate accident would not have happened."

Ever's mouth had gone dry whilst listening to the Elders talk. His hands were starting to sweat as they curled and uncurled into fists.
What was happening?
"Now, what is your name child?" Elias asked tilting his head to the side. Ever narrowed his eyes at the old man. He wasn't fooled one bit by Elias' "friendly" demeanor.
"It's alright son, tell him your name," Lesim smiled in encouragement but it only succeeded in making Ever even more defiant.

"His name is Ever," Eline said quickly.
"Ah, what an interesting name. I don't think I've ever heard of someone with that name." Elias chortled at what he considered a clever joke and even his parents joined in somewhat. Ever eyed everyone in the room and silently concluded that they were all idiots.
Adrik coughed to get Elias' attention and the atmosphere quickly changed from lighthearted to dark and ominous. Ever seemed to be the only one bothered by the sudden change.
"We have heard some interesting stories about you Ever," Adrik snapped impatiently. The short, gruff man reminded Ever of a bear. Whenever he spoke he did it with a snarl and a huff of air.

"Yes we have," Elias agreed nodding his head solemnly, "your parents have voiced their concerns to us before, and now the entire village seems to be worried about you."
Yeah, and sheep can fly. Ever rolled his eyes but no one noticed.
"People have reported that a week ago you attacked the village dogs in a fit of anger with an axe stolen from the woodworker, is this true?" Elias asked.
A jolt ran throughout Ever's body. He'd always known that he would be forced to face what he'd done to the dogs, but that didn't mean he was ready.

There was also something off about everyone gathered around the table. His father was trying (and failing) to keep a cheerful facade up as if his son wasn't being questioned by the Elders. His mother refused to look at anyone and her distress was evident. Then there was Elias, Adrik, and Symund. None of the three men had so much as blinked since Ever had entered the room, nor had they taken their eyes off of him.

They were searching for something.

"We are waiting Ever," Lesim said, "but you may take your time."
Why can't you just keep your mouth shut? Ever glowered at his father but quickly resumed a neutral expression. He didn't know for sure what the Elders were looking for, but he a growing suspicion of what it could be.
"Yes, I attacked the dogs with the woodworker's axe," he confessed, "but only because I was trying to save someone."
"Save someone? The dogs have never attacked anyone before, who were you trying to save?" Elias questioned with his eyebrows raised. Ever hesitated before answering.
Why am I so nervous? They probably know already, they just want to see how I'll respond.

"I wasn't trying to save a person, it was a cat."
Elias laughed, staring at Ever with a puzzled expression.
"A cat? Why on earth would you want to save a mangy old stray?" Elias continued to laugh as if the idea of anyone wanting anything to do with a cat was the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard. While Elias got over his laughing fit Ever thought carefully about what he was going to say next. He couldn't tell them that Rewis had been his friend, he needed to be cautious in how he approached this.

"I didn't want to see it get hurt, the dogs were going to eat him alive!"
Again, laughter met his words.
"They are dogs Ever! Hunting is a part of their nature. If they see food who are we to stop them from claiming said food?"
Ever gripped the sides of his chair until his knuckles turned white. It took all of his willpower not to leap out of his chair and scream at the clod laughing in front of him. How did this man have the nerve to sit there and talk about Rewis as if he'd been just another scrap of meat for those stupid mutts to chew on?

"From what we heard," Adrik huffed, "you reacted rather strongly to the death of the cat. You shouted at one of your fellow villagers and gave the everyone a fright, especially after you killed one of the dogs."
Why does everyone care so much about those stupid dogs?!
Ever sucked in a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself, he could not lose his temper now.
"The cat would come and see me sometimes," Ever continued, "he would sit beside me and I would pet him."
"So you had some kind of bond with the cat?" Elias still looked completely shocked but Ever no longer cared about the show he was putting on.
"Yes, we had some kind of bond." Ever wasn't fazed by the brief looks that the Elders exchanged with one another. He was tired of them acting like he was unaware of what was happening. If they wanted him to talk they were going to have to take him as seriously as the act they were performing.

"Ever, you do realize that animals are just animals right?" Elias' entire demeanor had changed within seconds. There was no sign of mirth in the man's eyes and all traces of laughter were gone. Ever's message had gotten through to the Elders.
"Animals cannot feel the way we do," Adrik continued, "they can't think and they certainly can't form bonds with people. Do you understand?"

Ever thought about all the mornings he'd spent with Rewis on the roof. How he would purr when he was happy, or when he would nip at his hand when he was annoyed. Rewis would prick him with his claws when he wanted attention, and his snaggletooth would stick out when he was confused. He'd growl when angry and fold his ears back when he was scared.

When Ever was happy, Rewis would curl up beside him. When he was annoyed Rewis would tug on his sleeve and goaded him into playing with him. When he needed attention Rewis planted himself on his lap to let him know that he wasn't alone. When he was angry Rewis would keep his distance, but he would never leave him. When he was scared, Rewis stood by to protect him.

When he was sad, Rewis would comfort him.

"Ever? Are you alright?" Eline asked nervously.
He didn't answer, he couldn't. If he opened his mouth now he would lose what little control he had left. All he could do was sit still in silence, the light from the candles cast dark shadows around his eyes making them appear black. He was vaguely aware of the Elders speaking with his parents. His hands continued to squeeze the chair he was sitting in, he could feel the rough wood scraping against his skin but he didn't care.

Then someone was shaking him, saying his name.
"Come on Ever, it's time to go home now."
He glanced up at his mother who was standing beside him. Ever blinked once before rising out of his own chair. He saw Lesim shaking Elias' hand before nodding to the other two Elders. What had they just agreed on? He'd been completely focused on keeping his anger contained that he hadn't heard what the Elders had said to his parents.

Elias was smiling again as he ushered them out of the room, his father had also put on his fake smile once again. Ever could feel Adrik's gaze burning into his back as he left the room. He noted that Symund hadn't said a single word during the whole conversation but was forgotten the moment he stepped into the blinding light of the outside. He quickly shielded his eyes from the harsh light and noticed his mother doing the same. The house must have been darker than he'd thought.

"Thank you for your time Lesim and Eline," Elias said as the three walked down the stairs, "we shall begin Ever's treatment as soon as the preparations for winter have been completed."
Treatment? What treatment?
"Thank you Elder Elias," Lesim nodded his head, "my wife and I only want what is best for our son."
"As do we all." With that Elias returned to the house, closing the door behind him.

"Come on Ever, it's time to go home," Eline took him by the arm only to gasp as Ever yanked it out of her grasp.
"Ever! What's gotten into you?" Lesim asked without raising his voice.
"What was he talking about? What did he mean by treatment?" Ever demanded.
Eline knelt down in front of him and took his hands into hers, smiling when he didn't pull away.
"Your father and I have been worried Ever. You see, this isn't the first time someone in the village has had your condition. Unfortunately for that last person, the Elders were unable to save her. But this time we were able to recognize your illness before it was too late! You're going to get the treatment that she never received, you'll be cured Ever! Isn't that wonderful?"

Eline's smile faded when she saw how pale her son had become.
"Ever? What's wrong?"
He didn't answer.
"This is good news Ever, why aren't you happy?"
Again, silence.
"What do we do Lesim? I wasn't expecting this." Eline looked up at her husband who was just as confused as she was.
"I don't know Eline, perhaps this is something his treatment will take care of." He shrugged.

Both parents jumped when Ever suddenly spoke.
"You think there's something wrong with me? That I'm sick?"
"Well, yes. Of course there is something wrong with you Ever. That's why your father and I went to the Elders to seek out help. Soon you'll be normal just like the rest of us."
Eline had hoped to reassure her son, but she'd only succeeded in making him even angrier.
"Do you want to know what I think?" Ever growled.
Lesim grabbed Eline and pulled her to her feet, both stared worriedly at their son who glared at them with tear-filled eyes.

"I think you're the ones who are sick! All of you! Everyone in this stupid village is sick and I'm the only one who can see it!" He ignored the hurt looks his parents gave him as he turned around and ran. It wasn't as if they were really hurt by what he said anyway. Ever ran blindly through the village. Those who happened to see him coming fled in whatever direction they could in order to avoid him. Ever ignored them as he headed for the one place he knew that he wouldn't be found, the one place where no one in the village would dare come to.

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Ever didn't stop until he reached Rewis' grave. The boy came to a halt in front of the ten stones that marked the cat's resting place. Ever stared at them, numb. The anger, the exhaustion, all the grief he'd been carrying, had finally taken its toll on him. Without taking his eyes off the grave he let himself drop to his knees, then he fell onto his side. He curled in on himself, hugging his knees to his chest while tears ran down his face.

His parents, his own family, thought he was sick. The sadness he felt was nothing but a disease that needed to be cured. He was nothing but a problem that needed to be solved, a broken human that needed to be fixed. No one truly understood what was wrong with him, Ever didn't even know himself.
How could he if there was no one who could tell him?
His parents had agreed to some kind of treatment that was supposed to make him normal, but what did that mean?

He thought about Sable May, it hadn't taken him long to realize that she was the one his mother had been talking about. According to what she'd said, Sable had been just like him, and Faegan said the same thing. How many others believed that he was like the girl who went mad and killed her mother and sisters? The girl who had been violent and had harmed people? Ever hadn't harmed anyone, not once!

Yet, he had killed that dog.
It may not have been a human, but blood had still been shed.

Would it be a human next time? What if it was his mother? Or his father?
What about Faegan and Cily? Thaxter? The Elders?

Ever shuddered and wrapped his arms even tighter around himself.
"What if they're right?" He mumbled into his arms.
"What if I am sick? What if I'm wrong and they're right? Maybe the treatment will cure me, I could have a chance at living a normal life, just like them..."

"Just..."
"Like..."
"Them..."

{|}{|}{|}

Ever woke to darkness. He sat up and looked around in a panic, where was he? He felt cold grass under his hands and shivered. He was outside, what was he doing out here? He blinked several times and shook his head to clear the last traces of sleep from his mind. Looking around he noticed several lights in glowing in the distance.

The village, that's the village, so where am I?
Ever tried to recall where he was, and how he had gotten here. His hand brushed over something hard and cold and he quickly recoiled. He blinked again before realizing that it was only a rock.
Then he remembered, he was at Rewis' grave.
I must have fallen asleep.
Ever sighed and stood to his feet before brushing the dirt off of his pants. His parents were probably wondering where he was, it would probably be best if he went back.

But, do I want to go back?
The short answer was, no.
He did not want to go back.
"It's not as if I can stay here either," Ever sighed and noticed that he could see his breath when he exhaled. Strange, how could he see his breath if it was dark?
That was when Ever noticed that he could faintly see the world around him, it was as if everything was bathed in silver light. Looking up he saw that the sky, which had been overcast for days, was suddenly clear. A full moon was out and casting its soft glow upon the earth, that explained how Ever could somewhat make out his surroundings.

I've never been outside of the village after dark.
Ever took in his surroundings, marveling at how different the world looked at night. He was usually in bed when the sun was down, this was an entirely new experience for him. His excitement was short lived as a rustle from above froze him in place.
It was in that moment when Ever remembered something very important, something that he shouldn't have forgotten.

He was right on the border of the Forbidden Forest, and there was something watching him. Ever currently had his back to the forest, he knew that he should immediately run for the village, but he couldn't move. If he started to move, what if it started to chase him? He didn't know how fast the creature was, he could be dead in seconds.

The rustling sound returned, closer than it had been before.

He needed to act, now!

Did he run or face his enemy?

Sucking in a deep breath, Ever whirled around to face his hunter. The rustling was heard the moment he turned, but there was nothing there. Ever looked up and he couldn't believe his eyes. Sitting in the branch of one of the trees, outlined by the moonlight, was the tawny owl.
Ever gaped up at the bird in disbelief. The owl stared back at him, her big eyes unblinking.
"I can't believe this," Ever whispered to himself, "all this time it was just you!"

The owl didn't seem to care that she'd nearly scared the human to death. She tilted her head to the side and stared at him curiously. Ever couldn't take his eyes off of her. For so long he'd watched her fly over the village, admiring her beauty, and now she was right above his head. In the moonlight, among the bare branches of the trees, she was even more beautiful. Ever didn't know what to do, so he continued to stare until finally, the owl flew off.

He watched, spellbound as she soared above his head, a dark silhouette in the sky. She moved without a sound, master of the skies, ruler of the night. The owl settled on the same branch she'd been sitting on before this time with her back facing Ever. She turned her head around and stared at him again with those big, round eyes. Ever was speechless, what did she want him to do now?

The owl lifted her wings and glided over to another branch, then another, and another, going deeper into the forest but never leaving Ever's sight. Finally, she stopped and her head turned to face him once again.
It was as if she was asking, Are you coming?
Ever was about to take a step forward, then hesitated. How could he go into the forest? How could he break the most important rule in the village? After hearing about Sable May and how her madness was tied to the forest, what would everyone think if he were to go in himself? Especially now that they all thought he was going crazy.

He met the tawny owl's gaze, she did not move. Ever shook his head and backed away.
"I'm sorry, I can't."
Without sparing the bird another glance Ever turned around and ran, not stopping until he reached the village.
The tawny owl watched him go, blinking her big eyes once he was in the village. As silent as the evening breeze, she flew from her branch, vanishing into the depths of the forest.