Swiftcurrent Creek August slipped away into a moment in time.

She is still smiling at him. Still warm, still light. But I am here with you. I am always here with you. She had died, and she had been horrible to him in life; things she could never unsay, never undo. But in death there was peace and there was eternity - it had taken her dying to see that, to have the universe open up to her.

If only she was stronger. Ibis wished she could manifest in a way that mattered! To be held, to kiss him, to prove something. Her smile only falters briefly and becomes something lightly pained, but sweet.

Reaching for him - knowing, like the leaves of the forest, he would no sooner feel her touch; that it would only pass through. And her eyes became glossy as if she were alive and weeping. Ibis smiled softly through the sadness; she did not want to make him feel worse.

Keep living for me. Go where you are loved, please; do not let your heart weigh you down like this. I am here - when you love, I am with you. She tried again to kiss him, and there was a spark of something like touch upon his cheek. A feeling like laughter in her chest, but soundless.

I will take the weight from you. Let me. Let me do this one thing, to amend what I got wrong - please, and it was like a prayer to the universe as much as a plea to Akavir.

Her body, gossamer and formless, was solid enough now to be held. Ibis pressed against him, burrowing her face in his neck. It is okay.