//------------------------------// // Epilogue III // Story: The Burden of Hope // by Mykola //------------------------------// Forge sat in his office as he stared up at a series of carvings that lined the circular column of the domed roof, he focused on one of the frames in particular. There were the two major celestial objects: the sun and the moon with two alicorns that supported the two objects, separated by a map of the Known and the Unknown.  Forge remembered… oh, how he remembered. He remembered the pain of that journey. He remembered how those that rose to power pledged to save themselves from their own demise, and how the tired and oppressed refugees of a conflict not of their own making built Grad from nothing. He remembered how in those days, the cruel leaders of Grad sought to steal away the dignity and respect of a people and a nation… there was a rebellion, one which cost Grad dearly. Bridges were burnt and rebuilt. Wounds were mended. Peace was found. Now that was gone, it had been gone for a millenia. Centuries passed with turmoil in Grad, up until the Dark seized Grad’s shores and drove away the most essential thing, the one thing that was the most cruel to steal: memory.  The sun and the moon disappeared, and have been gone ever since. Though Forge remembered their appearance, he understood that many others didn’t. To the people of Grad, they have become nothing more than a superstition: a myth. And so were the symbols that carried them. Even to the one that had witnessed them, who had spoken with them and who had trusted them… the Sun and the Moon became nothing more than a fantasy from a long ago time, when things were simpler, when the path was easy and forgiving. But that was long ago. Long gone. He locked his sight on this carving, ignoring the doors that were directly underneath as they opened and a figure stepped through into the simple wooden and marble room. Eventually the General Prosecutor lowered his head down to the one who entered into his office: Hush. Forge reached across and set out two glasses beside the metal water pitcher he had on his desk, as the Administrator smiled for but a moment. “I hope not to take much of your time, General Prosecutor,” Hush spoke quietly, “I know that you already have plenty on your mind.” “Some things never change.” Forge sighed. “Perhaps some, but not all…” Forge stared at Hush with a raised eyebrow and waited for her to continue. He knew Hush all too well, he knew when something troubled her. “Well, with the sudden return of Symphony, we are faced with a dilemma… what of all the others who were lost in the dark mists? Hush continued, “When we’ve been asking Symphony more about what she experienced… I-I…” “You are worried.” Forge finished before pressing himself up from his desk to wander around the library. Stopping before one of seven trees that were tended to within the circular chamber, Forge looked down at the symbol that was printed into the tile that the tree sprouted out of. It was the symbol of hope, something that was universal. It was created by a friendship, a family long ago. But that was long ago. Long gone. “That is putting it lightly, General Prosecutor.” Hush sighed, “I’m terrified… because if the Dark is producing an army of those who we lose from the shores…” “I understand what you are saying.” Forge replied, “If the Dark is forced to evolve its tactics to reign terror on our nation, then we will need to evolve our own.” “We can’t afford any more loss, we’re already running through the reserves… Forge, if there’s anything that you do know, then this is the best time for you to tell me. Grad can only take so much.” Forge stood silently as he glanced momentarily up to the portrait of the sun and the moon, he quietly debated what he must do. He recalled everything that happened, he remembered… oh, how he remembered. Forge turned around and returned to his desk, sitting down behind it as he looked Hush squarely in the eyes. The moments grew from seconds into minutes as the two stared at each other, one terrified and the other concerned. “I will consult with one who I know I can trust.” Forge finally said, “But I assure you, Administrator, we will do what we can. I will look personally into the situation with Symphony, and if we are able to glean anything more, then I am certain that we will find our much needed breakthrough.” “Thanks, General Prosecutor.” Hush responded as she stood up from the desk and slowly made her way out of Forge’s office, she looked up to the portrait that Forge had been staring at. Forge sat by quietly as the two doors closed. The General Prosecutor sighed, returning his attention to the portrait momentarily. He sat there for a while, remembering the past. But that was long ago.  Long gone.