A Change of Heart

Ursus grins wickedly. "With pleasure." As he digs his claws into the ice and shifts it around, making a ring around his muzzle and laying a barrier over his eyes so all he may see upon waking is darkness.

"I... Would very much like to speak with him in private. With you all veeery far away so that he may not alter anyone's state of being."

"Won't be a problem. Thank you Felan."

Moonsong did not move from her spot, looking at Ursus. "Are you sure you want to be alone?" She asks conflicted.

Felan stopped and stood a little ways away from them, awaiting for Moon to follow him.

Once they all get out of range, Ursus slams his right paw into the earth, forcing a dome of ice to encompass and shield him and Artemis from the outside world. Inside Ursus's eyes flare up a deep blue as he begins writing his desires, his wish to remove what plagues Artemis. To bring him back to who he once was before corruption took his heart and mind. Tears drip from his eyes as he begins the chant, thinking about how hard this must all be on Sirhaan. Sirhaan, who is kind and caring. Sirhaan, who loves or at least loved Artemis. Sirhaan who has had to watch as he commits atrocities and then in kind is threatened to be killed by her friends. Ashamed he couldn't find a more peaceful resolution, a more kind resolution earlier he continues now fueled with grief and a fierce determination to do right by those counting on him and to this world he now calls home. Ursus gently sets the ritual stone from around his neck onto Artemis's neck and writes a message in the ground next to him. "And with this, may you be returned to your normal form. Not healed, but totally restored to what you were. As if this was just a bad dream. As I do when I fall." Before he finishes the ritual, now many hours in he brings the walls around Artemis down and as they fade a silver light bursts forth from the ritual stone. Ursus collapses to the ground, once more having gone beyond his means. Ice slowly creeps over his form as he passes into death once more.

Waves crashing. Dread. The cold of water biting harder than ice. The soft rippling distortion of a voice on the other side of water. Teeth sink into the scruff. Ursus coughs, throat and lungs ablaze, eyes opening to find himself in a dark misted wood. Before him, his grand father stands proudly, visage weighed heavily with concern. "Ulver. Why have you returned? Why have you crossed over once more? It was just a week ago before you last fell. Are things not well?"

Ulver groans and rights himself as he looks around he sees he has indeed passed into the lands of death, but has crossed the dark stream once more. "Grandfather. It is good to see you again though I wish it were under happier circumstances. Everything is fine. To a degree. Some one needed saving from their self and... we lack enough with the capacities to perform the rite needed and I dare not ask for my friends to give up their lives."

Ursus the Ancient sighs. "I see. You must grow stronger. Your friends must grow stronger. That world needs you all. While you are here, I suggest looking into yourself and seeing where you may improve. You will be here quite some time. I estimate 21 nights. Best to get comfortable."


Back in Frosa, his body lies cold and still.