EPILOGUE
The next day, somewhere in Ishgard...
Questions have become answered for Falorgeant as leaned against the wall crenulations, some of hundreds that protected Ishgard itself. The skies were clear of clouds and the distant stars marked the coming of nightfall. He crossed his arms and gazed into the sky quietly until his thoughts were interrupted by Clarielle's approaching footsteps.
"So, what happens now?"
"For now, we shall wait."
"Do you think they'll return?"
Falorgeant gestured in agreement. "They won't leave what they started. Ishgard is already at war, Clarielle. We had already opened our gates to outsiders for aid. When they return, we will seek them out. They are still much use to us."
Clarielle exhaled deeply, wrapping her body with her own arms as she joins Falorgeant in star gazing. "Let's hope so."
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In a distant land, far away...
The midday sun granted warmth to green fields under azure skies as a cool breeze brushed onto the land with grace and care. The leaves of an old oak tree gently moved as the wind fondled them delicately, shading two memorials.
Kraven Vale
Son, soldier, and loving father. His time in Hydaelyn was nothing but service to his people and his family.
Amelia Vale
Daughter, botanist, and affectionate mother. Her time in Hydaelyn spreaded noting but laughter and joy.
Standing in front of the memorials was Marcus and Xydane, their expression weary and their hair aged much like the look in their steel colored eyes. Quietly looking at the memorials of their parents while the wind caressed their hair, Xydane finally spoke. His voice too, had aged in tone.
"How... long has it been?"
"Seven years."
Marcus turned his gaze towards the ever expanding green fields of grass. Amazing how even when their home was destroyed, the land itself seemed unscathed throughout the years. That was the only thing that recovered but still, there was nothing left here. Nothing but memories of another life long forgotten. It was quiet; nothing more, and nothing less.
"This will be our last time visiting them. Visiting this... place."
"I know. Marcus?"
"Yes?"
"You know as well as I do that we do not deserve any of this. Our path to the seven hells had already been paved years ago."
"That is exactly why we can never return."
Both brothers knelt down, touching the marble memorials with metal claws black in color. Slowly, Xydane was the first to rise. "There is... one last place I would like to visit."
"Of course."
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To Xydane, the pier and the lake seemed to be fantasies he would dream every night after he left. Now, the light reflecting off the lake tore deep inside his soul for it was still very beautiful.
As were the roses and flowers that decorated the memorial of his love.
Rose Leon
The life of her people, loved and adored. A beauty that has left too soon.
Quietly, Marcus stood a few feet behind his brother in respect.
"Do you remember when we first met? I still do. It's... strange. There is... a girl I had met, Rose. She looks just like you and I would like to think it's still you. Her name is Clover."
On one knee, Xydane leaned over the tombstone to tenderly kiss it. For a short moment, he rested his forehead on the memorial before rising back onto his feet.
"Forgive me, Rose. Forgive me for everything. This... is our final goodbye."
What was once real to the Vale brothers was now hollow as they walked away. When they first left, they had lost everything. When the brothers finally returned, they had gain something entirely.
"This war... awaits us. We start with the dragons and then the gods themselves."
The light reflected much more onto what the brothers wore. The land in which they once called home began to weep in horror at the two atrocities. Armor that was black as the deepest grave and red like the warmest gore. Where gloves should wrap around hands for comfort were claws that were cold, sharp, and cruel. Greaves were jagged and shoulder plates were forged in disturbing fashion. Continuing to tread down the dirt road, Marcus and Xydane placed on helms that were disquieting in nature - helms that screamed with hate and destruction.
Into the darkness of the forest, they disappeared.
"Come, brother. Let us water the fields with the crimson blood of our enemies. Together... we will destroy everything. Together... we shall tear the world asunder."
[THE END]
