//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: The True Victor - Remastered (edited by XIII Hearts) // Story: Legacies of the Fallen // by Lightning Spear //------------------------------// "It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul" - William Ernest Henley Far Fire, Majula Shanalotte sat on her usual spot; a boulder by the bonfire in Majula, peering into the glowing ethereal flames with thoughts swirling in her mind and conscience. She felt it; everyone felt it; an overwhelming sense of relief deep within their souls. The moment when the Cursed Undead put Nashandra to rest, the moment when he sat on the Throne of Want to finally restore the balance between Light and Dark and end the curse of undeath. That was it. Her journey has ended. What would she do then? It doesn't matter. At least she can finally live the rest of her days in peace. She was suddenly interrupted when she felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. She slowly looked back, and found Rosabeth smiling kindly at her. "Are you alright?" Rosabeth asked. "You've been acting like this since your return from the castle." "I am doing just well," the Emerald Herald replied with her signature enigmatic tone. "Do you see anything wrong with what I am doing?" "No, but don't be so glum," Rosabeth said as she sat next to her and nudged Shanalotte's shoulder. "Aren't you happy that the curse is finally removed?" Shanalotte nodded, "But now we have lost a great hero and a dear friend. But such is the cycle of life. You lose something to gain something." "I miss him too. It's only been at least a day in Melfian calendar since he left, but it feels like forever," Rosabeth said. "Eduard was and still is like an older brother to me." "Or perhaps there is something more than that?" Chloanne teased as she joined the two near the bonfire. "I see you are still wearing what Eduard gave you. Are you sure you have no feelings for him?" "No!" Rosabeth retorted with a beet red face, still visible even to her dark-red-tan skin. "I still wear this hunting attire because it's the most comfortable protective clothing!" Before any of them could respond, the bonfire's flames burned brighter at a drastic rate. The trio shielded their eyes to prevent themselves from going blind, and moments later a figure materialized from the bonfire in a kneeling position. A large masculine figure clad in Forossan Lion Knight suit of armor wielding a long black-bladed great sword in his hands. A magical straight sword and a priest's chime on his hip as his secondary weapons, complemented with a quiver of various arrows attached on his lower back. And finally, his trusty magic satchel where he could keep an unlimited number of items. The figure stood up, and eyed his surroundings before finally laying his eyes on Chloanne, Shanalotte, and Rosabeth. He put his weapon on the ground and took off his helmet; revealing dark brown, short hair almost fully covers a chiseled, charming face. His green eyes watched carefully over those they cared for so long. Some scars have found their way to his face; leaving bittersweet memories of his past battles and adventures. This was the face of Ser Eduard the Steadfast, a true victor over fate. Before Eduard could even say a word, Rosabeth dashed and locked her hands behind his neck just as Eduard wrapped his hands around her torso. Embracing each other tightly. "By the gods, we thought we lost you!" Rosabeth said when they let go of each other. "And so did I. But instead, here I am. It's good to see you again Rosabeth." Eduard smiled before picking up his greatsword and helmet, which got tossed away during the embrace before turning to Shanalotte and Chloanne. "And how are the two of you?" "We are doing just well." Chloanne chuckled before the two briefly hugged each other. "It's good to have you back." "Where are Lenigrast and Melentia?" Eduard asked. True indeed, aside from the sea breeze Majula has been awfully quiet as no hammering sounds were heard from Lenigrast's forge. Melentia and her towering wooden backpack were also nowhere to be seen. Suddenly Chloanne's expression changed from happy to sad "They are in the mansion...come with me." With that, the four walked to the mansion. "I see Gilligan is not here anymore," Eduard said as they passed by the spot where Gilligan used to sit. "A lot of people have left this place. Master Carhillion, Gilligan, and Saulden are the ones who have left," Chloanne said as they stopped in front of the mansion's door. "Did they tell you where would they head next?" Eduard asked again. "Master Carhillion is roaming the land in search of greater strength, Gilligan went back to his homeland, while Saulden just...disappeared," Rosabeth said. "Shalquoir left Majula as well," Chloanne added. "So the only ones left here are us, Maughlin, Cale, Lenigrast, and Melentia," Eduard concluded. "For now, yes," Chloanne replied. With that, they entered the mansion. As they walked through the corridor, Eduard took notice that there were no undead piglets in sight. When the group got upstairs, they found Lenigrast and Melentia lying on makeshift beds in the dining room, seemingly very sick and near death. Maughlin, who had regained his senses, and Cale were also there, doing their best to make the two feel better on their last minutes. "I k-knew you'd be around soon. G-go on, show me w-what you got," Lenigrast said as he saw Eduard and the group. "Y-you again? Keh heh heh," Melentia greeted him. Eduard put his weapon aside, took off his helmet, and immediately rushed to their bedsides without taking notice of Maughlin and Cale, but they didn't seem to mind, as there were greater matters than mere reunion. "Shanalotte, what's wrong with them?" Edvard asked. "With the curse broken, the undead may now die instead of going hollow. And the hollows may now find peace in death," Shanalotte said. "O-our t-time is short," Melentia said while pulling out a golden miracle scroll from her backpack. "T-take this, as my parting gift. When I- I am gone, t-take me things, as much as y-you need, keh heh heh." "What are you talking about? You’re going to be just fine." "Me time is almost u-up. Th-thank you, keh heh heh." Lenigrast also called Chloanne and handed her a letter before whispering something to her ears, which caused her to cry bitterly. With that, Lenigrast and Melentia closed their eyes forever and their bodies dispersed into countless of fading souls. "So...what are we going to do now?" Rosabeth wondered as the last of Majula's inhabitants gathered around the bonfire. "I...don't know. But I believe all of us are free to do anything now," Eduard said as he held on to the scroll Melentia gave him. "I still can't believe my father's gone." Chloanne sniffed. "It seems I am destined to find him only to lose him again." "I am sure Lenigrast is at peace now, already passing on his last will and telling the truth," Cale the Cartographer said as he put his hand on Chloanne's shoulder comfortingly. The stone trader smiled softly. "By the way, have you found out what that scroll is for?" Maughlin asked. "This scroll looks like a miracle or sorcery incantation, but I am not sure. There is something...different about this tome. As far as I can tell, this is not intended for battle. Peacemaker's Oath, is the name," Eduard said. "Here let me see," Rosabeth said as Eduard handed her the scroll. "Hmm, this is definitely-- I have never seen you in Majula before." Realizing Rosabeth was talking to a new visitor, everybody turned their heads. They saw a knightess whose face was hidden underneath a metal bearded mask; complemented by a greatsword and round medium shield on her hands. While most were being quite intimidated by the knightess, Eduard knew her very well. Not only the knightess was a trustworthy ally and skilled combatant, she was a dear friend to him. The knightess removed her mask/hat, revealing a bright smile and a fully healed face with cornflower blue eyes, which complemented her beautiful complexion. "I would think not," The knightess said. "Lucatiel?" Eduard asked as he stood up and walked towards her. Lucatiel also did the same. Gradually, walking turned into running and both knights embraced each other tightly. "I thought you've left for good..." Eduard whispered while his arms locked behind Lucatiel's back and Lucatiel locked her arms behind his neck. Tears of joy poured out from their eyes and ran down their faces. "I was going to, but then..." Lucatiel let go so Eduard could have a better look at her, "this happened. So I believe, you must have succeeded in breaking the curse. Thank you." "It is my genuine pleasure," Eduard said. "So, are you staying? Or will you--" Lucatiel shushed him with a soft smile that said 'yes'. Eduard smiled in return. "Now, let's get you acquainted with the others shall we?" Eduard said while gesturing her to go first. "After you milady." Lucatiel replied with a playful jab to Eduard's chest-plate. After Lucatiel was introduced and briefed about what just happened, Rosabeth, Eduard, and Lucatiel decided to delve deeper into the mysterious scroll by seeking the help of a certain Mage in Lost Bastille while the rest decided to call the day off and rest. "Feeble cursed ones!" Straid of Olaphis said his usual catchphrase at the newcomers after he inspected the scroll. "This is a displacement sorcery; an item of great power which should not be taken lightly!" Fortunately, as the curse was already broken there were no hollows or in this case chained prisoners in sight. Eduard and Lucatiel were very glad because of this as they remembered that fighting them weren't tasks of amusement. "A displacement sorcery?" Rosabeth spoke up. "I never knew that such a spell even exist!" "Feeble cursed one!" Straid scoffed. "Displacement sorcery is primeval and very little known. The only displacement sorcery we've known so far would be the way you get yourselves around with the bonfires and that feather held by the other feeble cursed one," he said while gesturing at Eduard. Lucatiel instinctively drew her greatsword and pointed the tip at the mage's neck. But Straid did not even flinch. "By your command, I will run this insolent through," Lucatiel said without taking her eyes away from Straid. Aside than being dumbstruck with the words 'by your command,’ Eduard calmly walked forward and pushed away the tip of Lucatiel's blade. The knightess calmly stepped backwards and sheathed her weapon. "Very good, very good indeed." Straid laughed. "How do you even use the scroll?" Eduard inquired. "Just read the scroll's incantation, and toss it to a bonfire," Straid simply replied. "Feeble cursed one, make sure you have the best of thoughts before you use this spell. I do not usually say this, however; I wish you well wherever this spell may take you." "Goodbye old friend," Eduard said before firmly shaking hands with Straid. "Oh, one more thing. You do realize that the curse is now broken, yes?" Straid nodded. "Then for heaven's sake stop calling people feeble cursed ones! You will need it when civilization is revived," Eduard said. Straid laughed. "I cannot help it. Besides, all of you really are so terribly weak." Eduard rolled his eyes before walking down the stairs with Rosabeth and Lucatiel in tow. "This place brings back a lot of memories," Lucatiel remarked as they sat next to each other by the Saltfort bonfire. They decided to take a walk in the Bastille before heading back to Majula as it gave them time to think; and with no hollows in sight the Lost Bastille was almost entirely vacant. Rosabeth decided to return to Majula first via the bonfire with the scroll so the two can have some time alone to catch up. "Aye, the Lost Sinner. What a good fight that was." Eduard chuckled while taking off most of his armor, leaving only his green padded defensive jacket and boots before setting them down neatly. "But I am sure you were the one who delivered the killing blow." "You parried her blow and I stabbed her heart," Lucatiel said. "No, we both did." "Lucatiel, back with our business with Straid...you said 'by your command'," Eduard mused. "Why did you say so?" Lucatiel chuckled. "Forgive me, you remind me of my former lord." "Former?" "My dear lord was gravely wounded in battle, infection manifested and his condition deteriorated rapidly. Cut off from the rest of our forces, I did all I could to help him; to no avail. He ordered me to do it; and so I obeyed his command." "Forgive me, I shouldn't have asked." "It doesn't matter," Lucatiel said. "It is a knight's code of honor to stay loyal to his or her lord." "So tell me, Lucatiel. Why do you want to stay here with us?" "For one, I have nowhere else to go. I am now without a lord, and my brother Alsatiel...is dead." "I am very sorry for your loss, Lucatiel. I wish I have known him," Eduard said while placing his hand on her shoulder, giving the fallen knight a moment of silence, Lucatiel smiled. "But, you still have your family in Mirrah do you?" "Yes, but I don't know what's become of them. They could very well be dead or fell prey to the curse," Lucatiel said. "A knight without a lord is as good as a peasant, what good is there to come back? I lost my home and family in Mirrah, and I don't think I can abandon the ones I hold dear here." "Am I included?" Eduard smirked. Lucatiel replied by leaning her head on his shoulder. "We should rest. When we were undeads we may not require sleep; but I believe we are no longer undeads. So sleep is paramount." "Fair enough, but..." Lucatiel's face suddenly blushed. "What?" "Can we...stay like this?" Lucatiel asked. "And how about you?" The knight was startled, but he knew the immediate answer. "Of course. I will take watch, the hollows maybe gone but I doubt bloodthirsty brigands are. Besides, I believe you need to sleep more than I." Eduard chuckled. "Sweet dreams Lucatiel." Lucatiel replied by snuggling her head on his shoulder before soon falling asleep. With that, Eduard carefully reached for his satchel, took out his journal, and began a recount about what happened that day. Lucatiel woke up slowly a couple of hours later. Eduard knew she was returning from her dreamworld as her body tensed up as if she was ready to fight. "Good morning milady," Eduard hummed while closing his journal, already finishing his story and a sketch of Lucatiel's face. Saying good morning was actually rather strange as the Lost Bastille was no place for the sun. But as a matter of habit, he said that anyway . "I...thank you," Lucatiel said before getting up and stretching. You're welcome came the reply. "By the way, what was that?" Lucatiel wondered. "What was what?" Eduard asked her back, hoping Lucatiel didn't' see him sketching her face. "Nothing, I was just teasing you." Lucatiel smirked. Eduard couldn't help but to playfully pinch her cheeks, before playing with them like rubber. "Erf, stofp ift!" Lucatiel squirmed. "Say the magic word." Lucatiel rolled her eyes and Eduard loosened his pinch. "Stop it, please," she groaned. "There, much better." Eduard smirked before quickly putting on his armor. "Where are we going now?" Lucatiel asked. "Back to Majula I guess...Rosabeth and the others might be looking for us." "Hello," Lucatiel greeted Eduard softly as he sat by the Far Fire and stirred him from his thoughts. "You have been thinking about this again, have you?" she asked while sitting beside him. After holding a meeting with the residents of Majula, Eduard offered them a chance to go with him; but things did not go as he expected. He nodded. "I understand that you want to take everybody with you. To escape this cycle of Light and Dark, and begin with a fresh start. And that is very noble of you," Lucatiel spoke. "But they have to make their own choices, and it is not within our power to change them." Eduard smiled. "But I am using this scroll anyway...to honor Melentia's dying wish. Are you with me?" "Until my last breath," Lucatiel said. "Besides, what would you do without me?" She smirked as she nudged his armored shoulder, much to his amusement. "Are we ready?" Rosabeth asked as she approached them from behind with the rest of their friends in tow. "I am fully stocked for our journey ahead, are both of your satchels stocked?" "Yes, we have everything ready," Lucatiel said as she and Eduard stood up. "I guess it is time to say our goodbyes... Eduard, aren't you going to say something?" Eduard took off his helmet and cleared his throat before speaking. "I...am not very good with speeches but...here we are, reaching a point with two different paths and choosing to walk separately. I know not where will fate take us next, but I know that this is not a goodbye. This is a thank you. I am thankful to know each and every one of you, I am thankful to see that we care and receive each other's care in return, and finally I am thankful for all the memories we experience together. Do not cry because all of this is over, but smile because all of this has happened. Farewell my friends, one day...we will meet again." As the group closed in for their final hugs, Shanalotte observed from her usual spot; seemingly un-moving even to the emotional atmosphere around her until Eduard walked up to her and wrapped his arms on her torso. "Thank you...for everything you have done for all of us," he whispered. "This action is completely unnecessary. Why do you hold someone you are going to let go in the end?" The Emerald Herald asked. "I just feel like doing it." Eduard chuckled as Lucatiel and Rosabeth got to his side. Their runny eyes were clear signs that they cried. "Farewell Shanalotte," the knight said with a bow. Seeing that everything was settled, Eduard put on his helmet and made sure that he has all of his things with him before walking towards the bonfire. "Rosabeth, the scroll please." Rosabeth reached for her satchel and after a few moments of searching, handed the scroll to her friend. Eduard unfurled the Peacemaker's Oath and read the incantation... "O Masters of the Divine, make me an instrument of peace wherever I may be. Let me bring light where there is darkness, let me bring hope where there is despair, let me bring joy where there is sorrow, let me bring faith where there is doubt. For it is in giving that we receive, and it is in forgiving that we are forgiven. May the light of peace shine our way." He tossed the scroll into the bonfire and the fire raged fiercer than ever before. The three held hands together as flame-like aura enveloped and lifted them into the air; and with one bright explosion of light, they vanished from the land of Drangleic. Eduard opened his eyes, not anywhere in Drangleic but...somewhere else. He was staring at a high-arched white marble ceiling that reflected the sunlight passing through the large stained glass windows in the large, lavish room. Although there was no telling for sure as his head was spinning faster than after his head got bashed by the Looking Glass Knight's shield. Suddenly, Lucatiel's face blocked his field of vision. "Eduard? Are you with me? How many fingers am I holding up?" She held up three fingers. "Ugh...three..." And then, Lucatiel helped him up before checking on Rosabeth who was beginning to stir herself. "Ugh...where are we?" Rosabeth inquired as the three got together in the center of the room. It was a wide hallway, lined with red carpet, a menagerie of large stone statues by the windows, decorated double-doors at each ends with lots of inscriptions. The stained glass was ornate and filled with carvings depicting events of some sort. "I do not know...but it looks like there is nobody here." But then, they heard footsteps approaching from the door. The three quickly hid behind the statues and soon the door opened and two equine beings clad in golden armor entered the area. They waited until the beings exited from the other door before regrouping. "What in the hell's name were they?" Lucatiel asked in a hushed tone. "I do not know, maybe they are some sort of guards...it's best to avoid them as guards do not take kindly on trespassers," Eduard replied. "They do look like horses...no, too small to be horses...ponies maybe," Rosabeth said. "Whatever they are, we cannot stay here," Lucatiel spoke. The three continued to sneak pass the hallway, passing by more guards, and eventually found themselves on a balcony overlooking a large garden. "This is definitely not Drangleic..." The three were looking at a picturesque view of a colorful thriving city, seemingly on top of a mountain as they saw a valley down below. The city was quite high up in the mountain, judging by the passing clouds. A well-kept garden was situated below the balcony. "Whatever or whoever it is inhabiting this castle, is sentient," Eduard stated after they observed and came across familiar facilities such as the garden, libraries, bedrooms, kitchens, living quarters...everything suitable for perfectly sentient creature. Soon, their exploration brought them to the opened gates of a throne room where a large white hybrid creature combining what Rosabeth identified as a 'unicorn' and 'pegasus' sat on the throne with various guards standing on the room. Seeing the situation, they quickly retreated into a safe position behind a nearby large statue pedestal. "Please send these letters to the archive room," said the winged unicorn to her...assistant, a white pony mare wearing spectacles. "By the gods, they speak our tongue!" Rosabeth said as they hid in the corner, bolting out moments later as they saw the assistant exited the throne room. "Good, that means we can speak to them," Eduard said. "Are you insane?!" Lucatiel hissed. "They outnumber us three to one. If they are hostile they could very well kill us!" "But we have been through worse, haven't we?" Eduard smirked while preparing himself to walk into the throne room. "They seem peaceful enough to me." "If this goes to hell, it is on you," Lucatiel said as the three walked towards the throne room's gates. "It is always been on me," he said nonchalantly. Two unicorn guards immediately spotted them. "Halt! State your names and business!" one of the guards said sternly, seemingly unflinching by the three strange newcomers they had never seen before. The only beings closest resembling the new comers to the guards were great apes. "My name is Ser Eduard the Steadfast, these are my companions; Ladies Lucatiel of Mirrah and Rosabeth of Melfia. I request an audience with your leader," Eduard said. The two guards looked at each other before looking back at the knight. "How did you get here?!" asked the other guard sternly, now both guards were brandishing their spears and the humans began to retreat defensively. Even compared to the humans' body length, the spears were not to be taken lightly as they were as long as half of their bodies, which could harm them if care wasn't taken. "You are not in our list of audiences today!" "Please let us explain," Lucatiel pleaded. "Just what is happening here?" The winged unicorn asked in a soft yet stern tone. "I demand an explanation!" Eduard took off his helmet and bowed. "Milady, we are beings from another realm...a kingdom, called Drangleic. One of my allies gave me a scroll before dying, and after reading it's incantation that scroll brought us here...somehow, " Eduard replied. The winged unicorn’s eyes widened when she heard his words. "Come Ser Eduard the Steadfast, we have much to discuss. The rest of your companions may come with us." As much as they were shocked in how friendly they were treated and the perceptiveness of the winged unicorn’s ears were, at least they were not stripped off their weapons and armor or destined to end up in a dungeon or worse, the chopping block. They looked at each other and nodded. "Very well. But pardon me, milady... I never got your name." "And you are not confiscating our weapons?" Lucatiel added. "I am the Princess of this land. You may call me Princess Celestia. No, I know that you are not intending to harm any of us. Now, shall we?" Celestia smiled. "It is an honor Princess, yes we shall." Eduard returned the smile before giving a wink to both Lucatiel and Rosabeth. The two seemed to understand his statement and were escorted by four guards to the throne room. For Eduard, this was something good, as he didn't get any of his friends killed, yet.