unknownseas | There's always a lighthouse

Entry tags:

endgame

There's always a lighthouse

And just like that, you wake up in the basement of a lighthouse in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. There's a circle of 25 pods in the middle of the room, and two more in a room off to the side, and you can imagine who is in which.

An elevator to the side of the room leads up to the ground floor (or to the first sub-basement, if you want to check out the machine that brought you here), where you can for the first time in weeks look out a window and see the sky. Its a beautiful sunny day, with a strong breeze on the grassy ground of the island where the lighthouse stands. Have you ever been this happy to hear seagulls?

You're free. Whatever comes next, you're free and you won. Take some time to relish your victory, won't you? Reunite with friends you thought you had lost, go forth and just... well, enjoy this.

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[ She has to stop and consider that a moment. It's-- hard to not think about forgiving him. As much as she doesn't agree with how he did things--you know, killing--she understands. Sometimes, when you feel entirely too much, it spills out in unfortunate ways.

But. ]

... I am upset with you, at least on some level. But it's not like I don't forgive you. When you spend a lot of two months alone, you have a lot of time to think.

[ It's not that she was always alone, but... the moments when she was, even staying with Zerinda, were more common. But she lets what she's said sit where it is for now, and continues on-- ]

... For a while, I wasn't sure we would. Even a couple weeks back. I think part of me was still worried... but I've never been happier to be wrong.

...I wouldn't expect you not to be.

[That much is quiet, on Lif's part; he's not going to try and excuse what he did, especially to Mira. But she does have a point, and he listens to her. Listens to her doubts, her feelings...

And well...

It takes a few seconds, but Lif raises one of his hands and goes to pat Mira on the head, if she lets him.]

You had every right to be worried. Your lives were hanging in the balance at all times. And yet...you forged the path forward. You saw to it that no one was left behind, that you were all saved.

I am very proud of you, Mira.

[ She's absolutely not stopping him. It surprises her a little, but you know. Yeah. He's definitely different, but that's not a bad thing. It does make her wonder what went on... uh, wherever he was.

That he says he's proud of her--that gives her pause. It's still strange to hear it, but it means everything to her. She just needs a moment to recover herself. ]

... Well... when it came down to it... I didn't have much of a choice. [ She pauses. Hmm. That's not exactly right, though, is it? ] ... Or rather, I know I did. I could have given up. But it didn't feel right.

[ She pauses, and then she smiles. Something's occurred to her but, you know, she doesn't want to spring it on him with no warning. ]

... Hey, when was the last time someone gave you a hug?

...That much is a choice, Mira. You could have chosen to give in, and I am glad that you didn't. You're strong; far stronger than most.

[...Oh, but--Lif tilts his head a bit at the question.]

...Four years or so. Give or take. Why do you ask?

[ ... It really is a measure of how far she's come that she doesn't immediately refute that. She does turn a little pink, though. Compliments are still A Thing, apparently.

... A long time, then. She guessed it might have been a while, considering his... everything. But she doesn't even hesitate when she asks-- ]

Can I give you one?

[...Oh.

Well, if there was something that Lif was expecting, it...sure wasn't that...he seems sheepish for a moment, but--]

...You may, if you wish.

[...Let him crouch down a bit, okay, but come on, get over here Mira.]

Of course.

[ She wouldn't have asked otherwise! But hey, she's wasting no time in wrapping her arms around him. ]

Took you by surprise, did I?

[Don't worry, she's not the only one; Lif likewise wraps his arms around her, chuckling softly. He's not tense when she does it; he honestly just kind of eases into it. It feels familiar, in a way he's okay with.]

A little bit, I must admit. I would not think that I would be high on anyone's list to hug.

[ It's good to hear that. He really does seem more at ease. Settled within himself. She doesn't need her powers to feel that he's different.

She hugs him a little longer before pulling away. ]

Well... I hope you'll get used to it. Honestly, I'm sure this isn't the last we'll see of each other... right?

[Lif will let go when she does, before giving her a determined nod of the head.]

Of course it isn't. I doubt that they will forbid us from seeing each other again, and even if they did...I would be certain to try and find you again. I swear that to you, Mira.

[...Lif's a little intense when he wants to be, but he means it, okay.]

Not even Hel herself would be able to stop me. And once I'm through with her, she never will.

[ Holy shit. She looks more than a little taken aback but, you know what, this scans. She shouldn't be surprised, honestly...

But she smiles and nods, too. Seems like she's not the only one with a big confrontation looming... ]

I believe it. ... So, that's what you've got planned next?

[He's. He's just like this, okay.]

Indeed. I intend to eradicate Hel, and ensure that none will ever have to deal with her horrors ever again.

[...]

And once that is taken care of, I intend to go back with Aela to her world. But I fully intend to make time to visit you, no matter where you should go.

We have a goal in common.

[ She says that so easily, too.... ]

Ah, really? [ Oho. ] Della's offered me a place to stay. I know where my place is, and... it's not in my world. [ And, you know... that doesn't even bother her. ] I'm sure Duckburg is a lot different from Aela's world or even your own, but...

The door's always open for you. ... And, you know, I might drop by, too.

[...Aha. Man, if that ain't a mood.]

...I'm glad that Della has extended such an offer. I'm certain that you'll have a good time with her, and that you'll be able to find happiness.

[Still, Lif nods his head.]

I would ask Aela, before attempting to come by Skyrim, but I'm certain that she would not mind your company. I will gladly take the extended invitation, whenever I am not priorly occupied. You have my word.

I could say the same for you, you know.

[ But she nods. ]

I'll be sure to do that. Skyrim sounds a bit... dangerous, but I have picked up a thing or two. [ She smiles. ] So, what are you going to get up to there?

[Lif chuckles a bit at that, but he doesn't doubt Mira has. He has faith in Mira, okay, she could probably kick some serious ass!!]

Should I prove myself, I intend to join the Companions--a group Aela has told me much about. I intend to fight alongside them, and see to it that they are able to hunt peacefully.

[ She seems extremely unsurprised, actually. ]

I'm sure you'll be great... and that you'll have no problems proving yourself. She told me a little about them, but... I think what matters is that you'll be at her side, right?

[ winky face

i'm so sorry lif ]

I'm glad that you have such confidence in me.

[...That question does get a bit of a pause out of Lif. Why does this feel like he's walking into a trap...?]

...Well, yes. That does matter quite a bit to me, given that we have stood by one another for quite some time, but...

[waaaaait a minute]

...What are you trying to say?

[ Look, Therion's taught her sneaky thief tricks, but she at least still knows mercy!! ]

Ah, nothing in particular. [ She does look at least a little pleased...

But she's sincere when she says, ] ... I'm just glad that you worked things out with her. And that you have a place to go, once you've taken care of your own business.

[Thank you for showing him mercy. Lif raises his brow a bit but he's...

...Well, he is a little pleased by that, and his gaze softens.]

...Thank you. I truly do appreciate that much. [...] Same to you, really. Let us ensure that the new lives we lead are wonderful and fulfilling, hm?

Of course, Lif.

[ She nods. A new life. It's... strange to think about that. For several reasons. ]

I expect you to have plenty of stories to tell me, after we all part ways.

[Lif chuckles at that.]

Do not worry, I certainly will. I'm certain that I'll be getting up to plenty of interesting things up there, and I have every intention of sharing the best stories to you when we meet again.

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There's always a lighthouse

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