We walked for some time, before Fer finally led us to a deserted clearing. There was a river flowing through the centre of the clearing. The rest of the clearing was covered in grass. Fer walked towards the river and sat down on the bank, setting down the cups. Not bothering with a cup, she took a big swing of the ale in the jug.

“You know this river carries so much. Hope, dreams and the pain of many. It’s the only river that flows though all seven realms. It saved me many times. I both hate and love this river. It’s part of many of my memories. Some even say that the river has magic in it, always taking you to where you need to be.”

She took another swing and stared out at the river. Since the clearing was far from the city, the only light was that of the moon and stars. Luckily for us it was a full moon, so there was lots of light from the moon.

I sat down next to Fer and grabbed a cup. She took another swing, as I poured myself a glass of the ale. I set down my jug between us and took a small sip of the ale. I cough as the ale slid down my throat.

The ale was strong, much stronger than what would normally be served as ale at a human tavern. Looking at Fer, I found that she had taken my jug and was taking a swing. Hers was now lying between us empty. “Hey, slow down Fer, this stuff is strong. You’re going to get drunk.”

“That’s the point, Cal.” She brought her knees to her chest and her head fell into her hand. Tilting her head to the side, she continued, “You know, you’re the first person I ever talked to about what happened that day. I’ve been burying that pain for so long, talking about it was hard. Everyone knows bits and pieces, but you know everything.”

Fer still looked sober to me, even if she was spilling her guts out. “Can you really get drunk?”

“No.” She smiled sadly. “But I try anyway. Maybe it will work one day. Humans have it so easy. Couple of drinks and you’re gone. The sorrow and pain numbed.”

She took another swing, and I let her. I knew what it was like to want to bury painful memories by drinking away your feelings. “Did you love her?”

“I did, I think.” Fer sighed, dropping the now empty jug. “I think she was my first love. It’s still hard to sort through these feelings.” She groaned. “I don’t know. I’ve never was like this before I met Rosabella. Then she comes along, and suddenly all these weird feelings start attacking me.”

“Want to talk about it.”

“Yeah, I want to tell you the rest. That’s what I’ve been doing, telling you the whole tale.”

I flinched at her words, knowing she was right. I did suddenly come into her life demanding to hear her past. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to come on like that. I was just super excited to hear your adventure and didn’t even consider your feelings.”

“No, it’s okay. I did say I’d tell you. My emotions are just everywhere at the moment and I’m taking it out on you.” She looked away, staring at the river. “You know talking about it made me realise that while it’s hard and painful, it’s healing in a way. I think I’m ready to continue the story. It’s helping me with realising what I felt.” She looked back at me and smiled.

Fer looked back at the river after a few seconds. “After jumping into the water, I blacked out and…”