Daxos requested Elspeth's remains be moved to Meletis for a proper human funeral. Ajani wanted her funeral to be handled by the leonin, who took in Elspeth when the men of Theros had cast her out. Their disagreements had started off being polite. Soon, they could scarcely look at each other. A temporary compromise had been struck. A small ceremony was held a few days after her death. She was given a mask as per both Daxos' and Ajani's demands. The leonin did not understand this superstition, but they complied. They sang her life away with haunting songs. The melodies were a mix of growls, hum-like purrs, and orchestrated roars. Neither Daxos nor Ajani were in attendance, but they both could hear the proceedings. When the tears began to stain Ajani's white fur, he wished for the first time in his long life that he had lost both eyes.

"We have to come to an agreement." Daxos had planted himself in front of the white lion. He was sick of waiting, sick of playing a politics game. Elspeth would have been his. He didn't give a damn what Ajani had done for her as a friend. He would have given Elspeth a life. Could Ajani say that? So, here he was, staring into the great, scarred face of someone Daxos would have called a hero. "I understand you cared for her, but there is no more we can do now. I can give her a proper burial, one she deserves. There will be a monument built to rival the Guardians. She may not be a God, but she will be revered as one."

Ajani knew Daxos was right. Daxos would have given Elspeth the life she so desperately longed for in Bant. He was being selfish, keeping her frozen in the way he knew her. To him, she was a warrior who knew for what she fought. She regarded life as the highest sacrifice, so it was fitting that this was the place and peoples for which she would lose her own. Ajani wanted to be able to respect that. But he couldn't. He knew Elspeth in a different light. He had lived through her fear-fueled rages. He had fought with her when the shards of Alara were thrown into chaos. If anything, he wanted her to be returned there. He cut Daxos off with a sharp wave of his claws and turned away from the man. "At least, tell me you will think on it. Her life of wandering is over. If you wish to leave, feel free to do so. But do not drag her around behind you. And do not let her be forgotten. Give Elspeth this one piece of permanence. Please." Ajani stopped and gave a brief nod.

Daxos' words haunted Ajani for the rest of the evening. Permanence. Elspeth had found permanence when she died. But permanence was not the way of a planeswalker. Perhaps, the human was correct in a different way. Ajani had business to attend to in Shandalar. He had heard snippets of rumors there of Jace Beleren. Something about a guildpact. And Nissa Revane was back on the prowl. Elves were very rarely creatures that could be trusted. They aspired to such ridiculous ambitions, and they cared not for any who was not one of their own kind. Yes, moving on was an advisable course of action. He was even losing patience with the leonin of this plane. He would make his decision known in the morning.

That night, Ajani dreamed. He was back in the Underworld. Erebos stood in front of him, a giant. He blinked and the God of Death had transformed into a cherubic child. Its arm was outstretched, holding a wooden chalice. Ajani moved forward on all fours. He looked into the cup and saw the face of a white lion, unscarred and pure, look out at him. Confused, he returned his gaze to the child. The youth smiled and Ajani could make out some familiar features in the youthful face. The child's eyes, green and blue together, consumed him until he found himself in a meadow. On all sides, the meadow and daytime sky continued until they were indistinguishable. Two stars shown and a many-armed outline stood out. The being's body looked to be made out of the heavens. "Ajani Goldmane," a voice called out. "What is the difference between a planeswalker and a God?" As he began to think on this question, the dream started to fade. Faintly, he could hear the answer, "One can die."

Ajani awoke with a start. He knew what he had to do. And he had to speak with Daxos immediately before the fool decided to act on his own. Ajani felt the urgency and dressed quickly. Outside, the sun shone against a pale sky. The endless field the leonin occupied stretched out for unspeakable distances. And two stars, out of place and yet unnoticed, twinkled down on the lion.

That night, Daxos also dreamed. He was in the ocean, surrounded by crystalline waves. Innumerable creatures flitted around him in the waters. In the distance, he could see the port of Meletis. Suddenly, the statues on the port lifted themselves from their posts and began to walk on the water. One maintained its male characteristics while the other shifted. Its helmet and armor came together to form a hood that was at once stone and flowing. The spearpoint of its weapon lengthened to look like the blade of a sword. Daxos began to sink with each step they took. When the two were directly above him, the changed statue lifted its spear and sent it striking into the water, straight through Daxos. He awoke with a gasp, clutching at the scar over his heart.

Daxos dressed slowly in an attempt to calm himself. Maybe Ajani was not so off track. Elspeth was uncontrollable in her power. All of her attempts to find the life she desired had been thwarted. How much did he really know about the beautiful woman he loved? He shook his head. She may have killed him, but she risked the plane's future to save him. She had limitless power and heart. Right when Daxos finished, Ajani entered his tent. Daxos wasn't given time to question. "I know how to save her," Ajani said excitedly.