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viterant · 6 years ago

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Mourning the Lost: a OneShot fanfic. Chapter 1.

HEAVY SPOILER ALERT, IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED ONESHOT SOLSTICE ROUTE, SCROLL THROUGH

So, huh. Even though I have a lot of original stuff written and planned, I haven't really written any fanfiction yet. OneShot has been an inspiration of mine for a while, and this is a tribute to the wonderful creation by @nightmargin @girakacheezer and @elizavq. Please check this game out, it's so worth it! But, if you haven't yet, then get away from this post. Because spoilers.

That day, Alula awoke to the loud noise from outside the door. She heard many voices, some happy and some sad, but a lot of them. That seemed strange: why would such a large crowd wander around in the ruins, even though they were safe? Sure, there were quite a few permanent inhabitants: herself, Calamus, Maize and Wheat and even some fishermen from the village moved in. Still, that number was incomparable to the amount of people she heard.

Yawning, she got up. The fox plushie she held close the entire night was lovingly tucked into bed:

- You protected me for hours, now it's your bedtime! - she said smiling, dressed up and left the bedroom.

Turns out, Calamus had been awaiting her in the kitchen. Once his sister showed up, he turned towards the entrance, saying:

- She's here! - that surprised Alula a fair bit.

- Who are you talking t- Eeeee! - just as she saw the guest, she ran up to them and hugged them tightly.

- I'm glad to see you too, Alula, - she heard a quiet, calming voice. - I'm hoping you're doing well.

- Oh yeah, yeah, of course! This month has been so, so amazing! And everything's even better now that you're here again, Re- Ra-, - she stuttered, trying to say the name. The guest kindly smiled at her.

- It's Rue, dear. And you're right: now everything's going to be different, for the world has changed, - the fox turned around and headed back to the door. - But before we can step forward, we must offer prayers for those who have given up their lives for us.

Alula was hypnotized by the movement of Rue’s tail and didn’t quite listen to her:

- Eh... Huh?

- We're going to the Sacred Grounds, - answered Calamus. Alula's eyes lit up:

- Ooooooh, yay, Sacred Grounds! We'll see Mommy again! And we can finally introduce our friends to her! Let's go! - she grabbed her brother's hand and dragged him out the apartment. Rue, who stepped aside to not get in the way of excitement, looked at them and only said:

- Ah, Alula... You're so precious and naive... - and followed then into the ruins corridor.

It was cramped in there. What's even more interesting, they saw many villagers coming back from the City and even those who had never been to the Glen before. People, robots, otherworldly creatures not fitting any description but their own: many and many of them gathered in the ruins that day.

Alula gazed at the crowd, with sheer excitement in the joy on her face. When Rue rejoined them, the three walked out into the corridor.

- Eek! Please mind your step, - shrieked Rue after someone stomped on her tail.

- Oh- Oh no, I'm so, so sorry! - the goth girl involved seemed to be embarrassed and hurried to the back.

- No, no, it's fine! - the girl vanished from sight. - Oh... I hope she is okay. - Rue sighed.

The siblings witnessed everything happen and after it was over, the brother bent down and picked Rue up; she climbed on his shoulders and laid there. Calamus, bracing himself for carrying a heavy burden, certainly didn't expect Rue to have a weight like that:

- Woah, you're very light for a grown-up fox! - in answer to that, she giggled:

- And where do you know how much should a fox weigh from?

- Uh, well-

- The Library! - Alula jumped into the conversation. - Calamus visits it every day, now that the gate's all right!

- Oooh, - interested, Rue lifted her head up and looked at him, - what kind of books do you like the most?

- Er, well, adventure stories! - the fox nodded:

- Good choice! The Author has written plenty of those! Hm, have you read "The Island to the East" by any chance?

- Y-Yeah! The story is great and the characters are likeable! Buuut, - he seemed coy, - that's... not actually my favourite book.

- What is it then? I'd love to read it one day!

- It's... "Shellshore".

- "Shellshore"..? - Rue looked puzzled. - I don't remember that name within the Auth-

- Oh, no, no, it's not one of his works! - corrected her Calamus. - It's by Assistant, the person who helps George run the library. Do you happen to know him?

- Assistant, you say... I might do. Is he the saddened person to the left of the desk?

- You're right! I saw him writing and asked to see the book, which he gave to me... well, reluctantly. And then I got pulled into the world. I liked it and told him, which made him very happy? Now I'm reading another piece of his, and it's just as good as the previous one was! Though, his reaction does make me wonder what have his critics been like before if he's so... well...

- I see. - said Rue in an understanding tone. - I should probably try it out one day; no, to-day, when we return to the Refuge. For now- look, we're here! - in front of them was the exit of the long corridor to the backyard.

The modest patch of grass that the siblings had called the backyard not so long ago, was full. Calamus sighed in relief, happy to have taken away the clothes and the personal things of theirs, like the ball, which lay back on the floor of the bedroom. Rue got up on her feet and suddenly jumped onto Calamus' head, surprising him quite a bit:

- Wh- Rue? What are you-

- I'm sorry, I need to locate the others.

- Ooooh, the others? Who are we meeting, where are they, are they far, are they near?

- Well.. certainly not near, I can barely see anything from here... Calamus, get ready. I'm going to hop off of the top of your head.

- Well, thanks for warning me. - he mumbled, bracing for impact.

- When I say "three", I'll jump, got it?

- Oooooooo! - Alula kept her eyes on Rue.

- One... Two.. Three! - and she jumped up.

Her jump wasn't loud: on the contrary, the sound it made was equal to the slight rustle of leaves, and yet, she managed to get the attention of everyone. They turned around to see a fox soaring above them, even though it had lasted for just a brief moment.

Rue wasn't bothered by it at all. She couldn't care less about people gazing at her: she had too little time during the jump and the last thing she wanted to do is ask Calamus for an airfield one more time.

To the left of hers was the entrance to the ruins; thus the others could be only to the right. A white-haired man stood there, he wore something made of leather. And while she couldn't be quite sure, he seemed to have noticed her and headed in their direction.

At the moment she already was descending and Calamus put out his hands for Rue to safely land. After she was back on his shoulders, she spoke up:

- We need to move towards the Council as fast as we can. If you could let us through, the entirety of us would be grateful. - and people gave them way.

They all stepped aside, bit by bit, creating a narrow opening. The siblings ran toward the other side, Cedric met them halfway through:

- Well, I'm certainly glad you're here. Let us go, - and the four followed the route to the gate. Once the group managed to get out of the crowd, they saw quite a few more familiar faces:

- Welcome, dearies! Happy you got here safely! - the woman hurried to hug the children.

- Oh, come on, George, what could possibly happen to them? - she was given a pat on the shoulder. - After all, this isn't like the old, darker, times, everything is great!

- D-Darker, times, you say? It's night, Kip. Right now it's literally just like it was a month ago. They could get lost in the crowd and even trampled!

- That's why Rue was with them! I saw you hopping up there, foxie, - Kip petted her. - Now they're here, and that's all that matters, don't you think?

- You're right... Now that everyone's here, let's start.

- About time, - Mason commented in the background. - Hurry up, or I’ll plant everything right here so that we won’t lose the seeds!

- Right. Ahum, - George took the megaphone from the table behind her. - Citizens of Glen, visitors, the members of the High Council, we're happy to see you all here tonight! In a few minutes, we'll start the ceremony of remembering, remembering all of those, whose lives were lost during the trying times of the Eclipse. We'll remember those who left our world long ago, those who couldn't be visited by their relatives earlier due to flooding. We'll make sure that everything they brought into our lives will be preserved and saved for the sake of our future, - she paused and handed the device over to Cedric:

- Many were lost. Many were saved. Many passed away before the sun went out, not able to experience the disaster caused by this unfortunate event. But for every single one of those, we'll plant a seedling, for us to remember them and make it known that their sacrifices didn't go to waste. That is why we are here this night. This is why we're here, - he knelt down and Rue climbed on his shoulders to say her part:

- We're here today, with the sacred belongings of the Prophet of the Glen, with the items of yellow phosphor to guide us through the darkness of the tunnel. We're here to honour those who are gone and those who are alive. We're here to take you to the Sacred Grounds, - Rue took a brief pause and then continued:

- But before we go in, I'd like to thank those two, who protected this place and kept it alive for years. Those who were careful with the grass, those who kept the tunnels away from the intruders. I'd like to thank Calamus and Alula, those living here for years and assuring that no one can harm the dead, - the people met them with a round of applause. When the sound died down, Rue continued: - They will be given the honour to open the gate for everyone, for they are now the Keepers of the Sacred Keys. Calamus, Alula, - she turned towards them, - do you accept this duty?

- Y-Yes, - I accept the duty of the Keeper, - Calamus tried to answer confidently. - I promise to defend the Sacred Grounds from the ill-willed intruders, if the situation so requires. I promise to keep the gate open for everybody, as long as they don't do harm or disrespect the dead. I promise to take care of the Grounds and make sure no one disturbs them in their rest.

- Very well, - answered Rue. - What about you, Alula?

- Yes! I accept it! I'd love help my brother!

- That is also a good answer. Then, you, Calamus and Alula of the Rachis ancestry, are now the Keepers of The Sacred Keys. And your first call of duty is now, as you are the leaders of the ceremony. Hand the key over to the rightful bearers!

Kip stepped forward and demonstrated the "key" to the crowd. To be precise, the two components of it, two glass halves with complicated patterns on them. One of the sides was red: supposedly, it was for Calamus; the blue part of the key was likely for his sister. Or, at least, he thought so.

After a brief display, Kip bent down and gave the red part to Alula:

- This is the Key of the Refuge, which goes into the left part of the slot. Keep it close and don't lose it - we experienced a lot of trouble creating them, - Alula carefully grabbed the splinter, and hid it in one of the pockets of her robe. Kip looked at Calamus:

- And you are to wield the Key of the Barrens, the blue one and it goes into the right spot.I'm sure you're trustworthy, so, - she patted him on the shoulder, smiling, - just be careful with it, okay?

- U-Uh, I m-mean, sure! - Calamus took the sliver.

Rue watched them the entire time, and once they were finished, she continued her speech:

- Keepers, you were presented with the Red and the Blue Keys. The third, the main part is the green Key of the Glen, the heart and soul of the Sacred Grounds. The green Key isn't detachable: it's built into the Gate itself. It is a mechanism based on the properties of phosphor, which activates only, - Rue stressed that word specifically, - when a Glenner uses the keys. This way we can make sure, that no unwelcome guests will ever break in, - she paused.

- Alula, Calamus, please come closer to the gate. It is the eleventh hour, - quietly said George.

- Wait, but isn't it long past midnight? - wondered Alula, which brought a smile to many faces. The situation grew less tense.

- It's an expression, Alula, - answered Calamus calmly. - Meaning that we don't have much time. So, - he looked his sibling in the eyes, - let's do this quickly, all right? - Alula nodded and followed Calamus.

Just as they faced the gate, the item in the middle of the slot started glowing bright green.

- It.. works... - Kip stood in shock, not able to believe what was happening. But, in a few seconds, she pulled herself back together:

- All you have to do now is insert your parts.

Cautiously, Calamus put the key in, and it lit up as well. It became as red as the river flowing through the City. Alula followed, and, as her key started to emit a soft blue colour, something clicked.

The spinning gears produced plenty of noise, and it grew even louder while the gates were opening. As Glenners watched the inside, they didn't see anything reflecting the moonlight from the outside.

- Wasn't there water.. in there? - asked Alula. - Didn't we get to the Grounds by foot the last time?

- Remember the ruckus a few days ago? Well, that's when they pumped out the water: the ground became more stable, so the only thing they had to do was to get rid of the liqu-

- Eh? - Alula stared at him in confusion. Calamus smiled and only said:

- That problem was fixed. Now, I believe, - he looked at Rue, Cedric and the others hurrying to them, - we should go.

- Yes! See you soon, Mommy!

------------------------POST NOTES------------------------

Yes, this is based on various headcanons of mine, about the outcome of solstice, about the world after everything ends. I've always felt that many people considered the game to be only... About Niko, which it kind of it, but the other characters were interesting to me too. And that's why I'm writing this, instead of another story involving Niko. After all, that cinnamon bun deserves to be happy at his own village. And what he would've wanted the most is for the world he left to be happy.

This is only the chapter 1, of the planned 2-4 (I don't know the exact number, it also depends on the "amazing" tumblr formatting system). And I don't think this is the only thing I'm going to write about OneShot. So, see you again soon!

Likes, reblogs and especially follows are appreciated ^^. If you'd like, you could also check out my original stuff, under the tag #viterwrites.

Thank you for reading! And, once again, a huge thank you to the creators of this wonderful game!

#oneshot game #fanfiction #writing #writers on tumblr #rue #calamus #alula #cedric #kip #george #glen #my writing #viterwrites

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viterant · 6 years ago

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***

The story that's not ours

Of lives not worth a cent

Of those who have bare hours

To sin or to repent.

We live or die, it seems like

No one has ever cared.

But even in this circumstance

We're falling unprepared.

When murderers awaken,

One more is dead, is gone,

So many lives they've taken...

And more will follow on.

And all of this - we're sleeping!

And no one can awake!

It's.. as if something's missing,

It's like something feels fake!

Don't have much time for worries,

One night and more will fall.

We try to act, debating,

We're failing; after all:

This story is not ours

Our lives aren't worth a cent

We're those who have bare hours

To sin or to repent.

#writers on tumblr #writing #poetry #poem #viterwrites

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viterant · 6 years ago

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Speaking of my original stuff

This is the underground map of the fictional "Last City" I'm going to write a novel about.

The events take place after the war that destroyed the country (most of the names on the map are real - search and you'll find out which one). The proclaimed "city of future", Project Millenium run by the group called "Ahead of Time" (AoT) manages to survive and protect the older settlements around it. Soon after the end of the war, they all form a pact and unite into a huge Last City, however, on some terms. The main one is that AoT (the government of LC) cannot enforce anything on the historical settlements. And thus the division started.

Soon after that, the settlements forbid any new technologies, which had already been widespread in the Millenium District. That's why the metro of the Last City was built: to solve at least some of the transport issues. Now that the only ways of travelling were the underground, the upper-ground (improves monorail) and cars, both electric and oil-powered, the system had to evolve. Though something out of the pattern is definitely going on in the west.

The citizens consider themselves to be the last people. As there's no info from the outside and even the rare refugees appearing in the city don't tell anything good, everyone stopped believing that other societies exist. And yet, a violet express passes by the western railway station every wednesday (which is ironically called "No-Way Railway"). Where does the railroad lead? No one knows: everyone who had managed to get on never returned.

This didn't help the relationship between the centre and the historians. The tension continued rising and so AoT decided to turn the tables in their favor. And so the second "modern" district was created. It was decided to name it Eden.

Little did they know that the district officials, independent due to being granted the district status would, in fact, betray their owners and take the neutral position, only asking for qualified specialists and money. The same happened with the second AoT's project: Elizayo District. Those two even formed a pact and are now referred to as Elynede. Right now there are rumours all around the city that there's another plan and that something is happening in the Eastern Nottingard, but no one really knows what.

Now the government had to compromise with the interests of three sides, which seemed pretty much impossible. And yet, the city continued operating. It continued growingand evolving. Wven though thousands of protests took place on the course of a few years, it was still okay.

Everything was okay until that day. May 7th. The day the whole union would remember for decades. The day when a lot of demonstrants dies and hundreds were injured. The day this story starts accelerating.

The day when four people dare to uncover the mysteries of the Last City.

For now, this book is going to be written in my native language and will (hopefully?) be translated. On this blog I'll try to post IR Camp Streamix fanfiction / ArtVenture and DMP stuff and (who knows?) probably, some original scenarios. Tune in - I'll make sure you will be entertained for a while.

#urban #fiction #postapocalipsis #soft apocalypse #writing #my art #writers on tumblr #annotation #underground #last city #metro #viterwrites

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viterant · 6 years ago

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Mission Code: TA

So, I'm working on a campaign using mafia mechanics (and taking some inspiration in DMP) and even though a lot of actual campaign events have already been though out, I realise that I haven't written an introduction to the world and the situation in it. So, here it is! And while this doesn't describe what is going to happen to the characters, it might give you some ideas. Also, there are clues hidden in this text, so look out :>

TW: BLOOD, DEATH, DARK TOPICS

Waking up is always a weird process. It's like the world, before nonexistent, starts forming around you. At first, it's the smells and noises, and then, when you open your eyes, everything else comes into the picture.

However, as I start slowly regaining my consciousness, there is nothing. No one talks, nothing smells. Complete silence. Thus, when I open my eyes, I'm already wary of my surroundings.

So I open them. The cell I'm in is very small, just a bunk bed, two chairs and a table. I slept on a lower bed, so I stand up and look at the top one. Empty. It's empty.

And at this moment, while I'm trying to figure out what the hell is going on, someone speaks to me:

- Subject TA-0231 is awake. System on-line.

- Wha-?! - it sounded as if someone was right next to me, but there was no one. -

- Who the hell are you?! And WHERE are you?

- I must apologize for the unexpected appearance. To resolve your inquiry, you hear an Artificial Intelligence designed to guide and help you not get lost in this bunker.

Oh, right. Could I have forgotten? Of course I didn't. How could I forget the bombings, the sheer horror at sight of their planes on the horizon, and then hurrying to this hideout. How relieved we were when the entrance was finally sealed! Speaking of us, I should go check how Martha's doing, but first:

- How are you speaking to me? - I asked. - I don't see a drone flying anywhere near.

- The day the Subject entered the hideout, the Subject signed a document and agreed to have an implant installed into your head. The implant serves the purpose of communication between the Hub and the Subject. The program communicates directly with your brain, so there is no reason to talk aloud.

I recall this memory. Yeah, this robot - or whoever that is - isn't lying. We did sign up for this, or, more precisely, we were made to sign up.

- Got it. Now, where am I?

- The Subject is in their assigned room.

- Can you please stop calling me that?

- Affirmative. Please inform the program of your preferred name.

[BEEP!]

- I heard a loud sound inside my head, loud to such a degree that it hurt.

- Ouch! - it was painful.

- Analyzing perceived sound recording… Preferred name is “O-U-C-H”. Is that correct?

- No it fucking isn't! - my temper was gone. - It's the goddamn sound! Make it less loud!

- Done. Do you wish to record it once more?

- Yes. Yes I do.

[Beep!]

- This time it was bearable, so as I heard the recording, I said my actual name aloud.

- Margarita West.

- Analyzing perceived sound recording… Preferred name is “MAR-GA-RI-TA WEST”. Is that correct?

- Yes. - I sighed. - Yes it is.

- Comparing the preferred name with the previous records… Data is consistent. Margarita West, 23, District 4-9-5. Access level: 0-1. Assigned ce-

- Hey, program or whatever you are, can we leave the formalities for later? I need to check up on my sister.

- Affirmative. Starting search engine… Search information: sister to Margarita West. Is that correct?

- Yes.

- Checking database… Martha West, 13, District 4-9-5. Access level: 0-1. Assigned cell: K-1-125. Status: Not Awake, - for some reason, the last statement sounded worrisome.

- “Not awake”, - I couldn't help but inquire, - what is that supposed to mean?

- Status “Not Awake” implies the subject has not been contacted by the program. They are asleep, either temporarily or permanently.

I felt cold sweat rushing down my back. “Permanently asleep” is.. yeah, it's what I think it is. It's probably just the program calculating every possibility, but I can't help it now: I have to see her myself.

- Okay, I need to go visit her. Can you tell me the route, please?

- Positive. Determining the shortest route… Calculation completed. Action order established. One: exit the cell K-1-131 via the front door. Two: turn to the right and go past five doors. Three: enter the cell K-1-125 via the front door.

- I’m not sure why you had to clarify that, but oh well. Open the door.

- Starting opening sequence...

Something clicked and the door burst open. And with it, something else entered the room, something that was missing before. It smelled strong. And terrible.

It was the smell of blood.

Choking on the disgusting aroma, I fell out the door. And everyone was here, just right by me.

Bodies. Many, many dead bodies. Some lying down on the backs, some on their stomachs. Some are leaning on the door. Or, should I say, were leaning..?

The thought is terrifying. And the sight is even worse… They were bleeding: dark red blood stains cover the walls and the floor, and as I look up to stop looking at the dead, i see someone hanged up under the ceiling.

He didn’t die from it. Someone hanged him up there purposefully. Even though the lights are dim, I notice the ropes he’s leaning on. They’re soaked in his blood.

Can’t look away. Can’t hide from all this horror. What massacre happened here? Who?

In the chaos only one thing is clear. Martha. I have to find her. Please tell me she’s alive…

I turn to the right and run, trying not to stomp on anything or anybody. I don’t have to run, her door is near, she is near, but I can’t stop. Can’t stop trying to escape from this corridor, escape to anywhere that isn’t this place. Cell 127… 126… 125! Here it is! I slam the button by the door, it opens and I rush into the room. And it’s empty. Silent. No one has been here in a while. Not even Martha…

No. Why am I thinking this. She is smart. She must be alive. She must’ve escaped whomever turned the only safe place in our district into a battlefield.

By the way… Why is it not saying anything? Not even commenting on the past disaster? Something’s off.

- The program cannot react to the past events. The emergency mode has already been triggered and I can’t do anything more than that.

- H-huh?! How did you know this happened?

- The program has access to the cameras of the hideout.

- Then you can fucking track my sister!

- The program doesn’t know the physical characteristics of Margarita's sister. The database access requires a permission from a member of the subject’s family.

- Permission fucking granted! - I shouted at the dumb bot. - Find her!

- Received the permission from Margarita West, the supposed member of the family… Awaiting response… Martha West’s characteristics received.

- Thank God! Where is she?!

- Determining the subject TA-0232’s location… Central Hall. Turn to the right and move to the end of the corridor.

- Got it.

120… 119… It’s going to be a long run. isn’t it? The heart’s beating like crazy. the adrenaline is pumping, but I don’t feel any tired. Only worried. So. so worried. 75… 74… Closer and closer. For the first time in a while I hear a sound, not caused by me. It’s distant and I can’t quite make out what it is, but it’s surely caused by another human. A seed of hope sprouts in the soul. Maybe it’s Martha? No, it’s definitely her! She’s fighting against someone! Screw the robot in my head: it doesn’t know anything if it’s not even willing to help her protect herself! 32… 31… The sounds become more and more clear with every minute. And they more and more seem to be gunshots…

- Sister! - I speed up.

The shots immediately cease. Cell 15… 14… 13… It’s like a countdown. The question is what happens when I hit zero…

I run into the hall and notice a man holding a gun above a teen’s head. The boy looks at me. Not even frightened, just… smiling. He knows he can’t escape. We look into each other’s eyes for just a moment, but it feels like eternity..The man pulls the trigger and the both of us fall. However, he’s the only one of us who doesn’t need to worry anymore… Or at least I thought so.

Having knelt down, I see her. Lying in a red puddle, which grows more every minute. She died just a few minutes ago. I was late. Why was I late?! Why?!

He put a gun to my head.

Do whatever you want. - I say, suddenly. - You’ve already killed them all, haven’t you?

I didn’t, - weirdly, he sounded a little surprised. - But I have to do it now. I’m sorry.

He didn’t? Who cares, he’s lying. After all, he took away my sister…

Once again, I hear something clicking: the trigger is pulled. And for a brief moment, I feel terrible pain in my skull. But just for a little bit. And then I see her, looking back at me… Just for another moment. And everything goes black.

We’ll meet soon.

#writing #writers on tumblr #bunker #original #original character #dark #i hate tumblr's formatting system #postapocalipsis #viterwrites

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viterwrites · 5 years ago

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To Make You Proud

A canon-divergent post-Radiant Dawn fic, focused on Sothe, his relationships with Micaiah (&) and Tormod (/). Hurt/Comfort, healing and recovering after everything that happened to him. Learning to accept things how they are and move on.

Based on the prompt: "The timeline in which they gain everything they want, except for the thing they wanted the most."

The cathedral of Nevassa stood tall, watching over the city as it has for hundreds of years. But for the first time in the same hundreds of years, it was a pleasant view. The fortress the capital of Daein had always been, the city of high walls and pikes atop, it looked friendlier than ever. Having retained its warrior spirit, it looked welcoming and warm, as colour entered the streets: the flags hung up above the heads, the traders’s stalls filled to the brim with goods from all over the world, windows whole and open. Even the smell of iron, the smell of rust and blood, which seemed to have been in the air for ages, had left the city for good. And he could not have been more happy about it.

The King of Daein. Is that what they called him now, huh? How did his life go the direction it did, from an orphan to the leader of a kingdom. From a boy whose life meant nothing to the one making the most important decisions. Still, it didn’t feel real. Over the years he’d changed drastically, barely resembling the fourteen-year-old stowaway on Nasir’s ship. But he still couldn’t get rid of his old habits, as he continued to sneak away at night, walking all around the city, watching and learning. Maybe this was why he was so loved: he knew the life of the poor well and did his best to improve it.

Watching the city from atop the cathedral was another habit of his. Back in the days of Ashnard, of the occupation, he could always be found here, as he’d climb up this tower once every day. It was hard to imagine it being as structurally solid as it was that day: earlier it was crumbling, always on the edge of falling apart and killing dozens. Now that it was restored, it still remained closed to the public for undisclosed reasons: but some people sweared they saw the green scarf in its window. He was glad there weren’t enough people who could say that.

Changing his habits was hard, but it wasn’t like he needed to. And he wouldn’t. Wouldn’t even think of it, especially on.. this day.

The sound of footsteps from behind. His hand on the dagger as usual, he swiftly turned around, startling the one who came to see him. And making him chuckle.

“Still at it, Your Majesty? You are not in any danger with us around.” “Tormod, I said many times you don’t have to call me that. In fact, you shouldn’t.” “As you wish, Your Majesty,” the mage replied with a grin. “It’s too fun to tease you with it, so don’t expect me to drop it anytime soon.” Sothe could only sigh, though smiling. “The more things change, the more they stay the same, aren’t they?” “Very much so. Now, c’mere,” Tormod embraced him to no resistance. As much as he would deny it in his younger days, the mage’s hugs were always the nicest. Maybe it was because of the fire magic he wielded, maybe it was due to him being raised by Muarim, maybe it was due to their mutual feelings - it didn’t matter. They were nice and that’s all he could have ever asked for. After a minute or two, he pulled away, much to Sothe’s dismay. Maybe it was the warmth after all. Ah well. “Are you sure you’ll be okay?” the mage asked, worried. The other smiled sadly. “I’ve been doing this or five years, Tormod, I’ll be fine. And, even if it’s… not easy, it’s the least I could do. Remembrance is all I can give, so my own feelings aren’t important,” Tormod frowned. “Heh, I’ve got too soft, it seems. It’s just one day. I’ll be good.” “As you say. I’ll be nearby, so if anything goes wrong, please,” he emphasized that word, “please leave the ceremony. There are enough people who can handle it better than you and they are more than fit to finish it on their own.” “All right. Thank you, mama hen,” Tormod rolled his eyes. “No, really, thank you. Don’t know what could’ve happened if you weren’t watching over me.” “If I’m frank, me neither. But that’s not a topic for now,” he replied. “If you’re ready, everyone’s waiting.” “Then let’s go.”

The Cathedral of Nevassa stood tall, watching over the city as it has for hundreds of years. And for the fifth time since Daein’s liberation, it became a place, where most, if not all citizens gathered. A crowd that filled the square and the nearby steets, quiet, eyes trained on the lancets and the small balcony, which could only fit one or two people on it. And when the King came out, accompanied by a humble priest, dressed similarly to how she did back then, there were no cheers or noise at all. Not because they hated him. But because all knew the grief of that aay.

If there was one thing Sothe could be comforted with, it was that he didn’t mourn alone. Even thought it had been five years, the wound still hurt and he still felt he could fall apart any minute. And if he wasn’t doing this for everyone else, every year on the same day, he might not have even left the spire. And so, he began.

“Hear me, people of Daein, citizens of Nevassa, townsfolk and villagers, hear me those who hail from afar. Today marks five years since the fateful day in the Tower of Guidance, since the day the goddess was given peace and a bitter conflict was over. Today marks five years since the day we lost the one who freed us and gave us purpose, restored our realm and our integrity. Today marks five years since we lost the Silver-Haired Maiden, five years since we lost our Maiden of Dawn, our Maiden of Hope and our Maiden of Future. Today marks five years since we lost the one we owe everything to, from our freedom to our lives. And today is the day we remember her.

Today is the day we talk of her undertakings and her achievements, of what she’s done for Nevassa and for Daein, for Crimea and for Begnion, for laguz and beorc, for Tellius as a whole. Today, as on every day, we cherish her miracles and her heroism, we share our memories of her in the fields and in the corridors. And today we walk the streets of her beloved city with her name on our lips, as we carry it to each corner of this city she had once hid in and each house whose dwellers she saved. Today we march in memory of Micaiah, the Silver-Haired Maiden. And today we pay off just a tiny part of the endless debt Tellius owes to Her. My people, the ceremony is about to start. Thank you.”

With that, he turned around and headed back in. Laura was more than capable to taking care of things from that point on - she had, after all, also been doing this for five years. It was her job and her duty to stay on that balcony and coordinate the masses, while his duty as the King was to lead. And he did.

With the Dawn Brigade by his side, all those who fought with him at his side, all those that remember the Maiden behind, they walked the streets and boulevards, passed through the squares and plazas. Tormod was right on his left, Nolan on his right, everyone else just by. In that moment, Sothe knew he would never fully accept her death. He knew that he could never fully move on from losing someone this dear to him. And this day, when it came around, was always a good reminder of that.

But he also knew that she’d rather he forget her and move along with his life, for his and everyone’s sake. Above all, she wanted him to be happy. She wanted the people of Daein to be happy. Once upon a time, he would say that all he wanted was to know she is alive and well, to protect her life with his own. He failed at that task. And now all he wanted was to make her proud. To be happy, as she wanted him to be, and to improve the lives of his subjects. And if there had to be one day where he could allow himself to fall back, to grieve and mourn, it would be the anniversary of her death. One day of vulnerability in exchange for a year ahead. It wasn’t much time, but it was all he had.

And it was enough.

***

All the while, there was a figure, watching the ceremony from an alley with a warm smile. “You’ve grown up, Sothe. Changed. All of us did, but you - most of all, whether you wish to believe it or not. You’ve done well so far - and so you will,” having said that quietly, they turned around and headed back, deeper into the city, as the worn and patched-up red cape disappeared in the shadows.

#fire emblem #fe fanfic #fe radiant dawn #fanfiction #sothe/tormod #hurtcomfort #character study #fe sothe #fe tormod #coming of age #prompted #writing #fe10 #viterwrites #repost

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