Over the next few days the empress did whatever she could think of to help Ravenessa. She wasn't trying to fix or even heal her, but teach her to heal herself. Ralvania knew it was goihng to take a little time and some patience to work. 

  Whenever Ravenessa mentioned wine or shots, the empress would politley suggest elven brew. They would sit, metitate and talk by the fireplace. Every so often Stergis would pop in for a cup or two with them but for the most part he tried to stay out of the way. By the end of the second night he could see a small change in his soul-mate. There was a hint of light returning to her eyes. 

It was very faint and hard to sense, but it was a glimmer. That's all he wanted, a sign of hope. It was just enough to put his worries at ease, for now. He stepped into the room to check on her, who'd seemed a little brighter.

"Sweetheart how do you feel?" He asked with genuine concern.

"I think I'll be okay. I've got to go start another pot,' She said, excusing herself to the kitchen. 

He looked over to the empress,"I don't know whaat kind of magic you used, but i'm grateful." 

"She needed someone to help push the grief out of her." She said.

"Is that what's been wrong?" He asked.

"In a sense, but it was worse than that by far"

"What do you mean by worse?' He asked with fear in his heart.

"The lost feeling? A dark emotional state would brew ihnto a curse, causing her to resent and hate life. The curse feeds off of her to the point she doesn't care if she lives dies or is caught somewhere ihn between." 

"Great gods, I'm glad we got your... involvement." 

"Me too. I didn't think it was this bad.' The empress responded.

"Will she be okay?" 

"I think so. We need to help her find inner joy,bring the life back into her." "Whatever it takes." He said.

The empress nodded to him. After a long pause, they turned to see Ravenessa with a mug and fresh pot. 

"Thank you, angel" Stergis told her.

She winked at him then filled the three mugs and sat down with them. After a few sips the empress looked to the warlock, then the sorceress.

"The next step is to get you out of this castle.' 

"I don't have to go anywhere." She said.

"I'd like you to go somewhere with me.' 

Ravenessa took a sip then looked at her. "Where?" 

"Not just anywhere." 

"Where is it?" Ravenessa asked firmly.

"The fairy kingdom."