I felt like I was in some strange parallel world watching myself. I couldn't believe this was happening. It couldn't be happening. This want real.

"Look, kid. I'm sorry. Your brain's not used to my magic, and its "vibes" are probably setting you off into hallucinations. It's called magic-induced sickness, but your brain should be able to adapt."

The Mage's words cut through me like steel.

"No! I replied quickly, hearing the tinge of desperation in my disappointed tone." I saw her! She had to have been real!"

The Mage's pity flickered but returned after a moment. Whatever had been conflicting him didn't matter now.

"This was your village right? There wasn't a soul around. Not a single person strolling about or going to the market or anything. But..." The Mage's voice trailed off uncertainly.

I looked at him anxiously, waiting for the bad news.

"I-I did find this." He handed me a scrap of black ribbon with a circular emblem that looked as though it was bleeding. This couldn't be real. This couldn't have happened.

A raven flew cluelessly into the the town borders, not seeing the barrier the town mages had put up. It hit the barrier, skidding downwards, and landing sadly on the ground, dead. Normally, I care a lot about animals. I mean, I'm an elf, right? Might as well give into the Others' rumours. A deer with a thorn in its pelt could make me utterly depressed for days. A slug getting stepped on, I'd rush it to the hospital. The death of a raven, I don't even know.
But I didn't even notice the raven, as it breathed its last breath.