Hello! I've decided to try writing fanfiction another go, after a few years. This is the first story I've written in years, so it might start off a bit rough. I also had to reupload the chapter, seeing as the format got real funky.
The Decision
Sacrifice, love, wealth. Those were the choices given to Sparrow. Either she could resurrect those who died as a result of the spire, or she could resurrect her family. The third option, which Sparrow didn't really consider, would have given her more gold than she would have ever needed. So she was down to two options. Does she restore the lives of the thousands who died at the hand of Lucien? Or does she bring back those she loves. Rose, who she worked so hard to avenge would finally be able to live again. Her faithful companion, Bear, would be reunited with her. The one tearing at her, pulling at her, though, was Rosary. Sparrow's daughter was just ten years old when Lucien's men claimed both her life, and Sparrow's husband's. How Sparrow wish she had known what would have been taken from her. How many lives would be lost, because of her. Rosary was a child, and they showed no mercy. Sparrow could still hear her voice, running up to her as she entered her home every week.
"Mum! I missed you so much, did you fight lotsa monsters?" The little girl clung to Sparrow.
"I did. Even defeated a forest troll!" Sparrow responded, embracing her daughter.
"Wow mummy! Are you staying a long time?" Rosary was hopeful.
The hero had to prevent herself from letting her expression fall, knowing she was about to let the child down.
"I'm afraid not, dear. Mummy must go back to Theresa in three days time."
If Rosary got anything from Sparrow, it was resilience. She tried hiding her dissapointment by avoiding eye contact with her mother.
"When will you get to stay forever?" Rosary's voice was quiet.
Forever? Sparrow had always wanted to be able to spend time raising her child, to be more present. Though this quest to defeat Lucien has been going on so long, she hadn't quite realized that one day, she wouldn't have to only make weekly visits to her home. She'd live there, forever. Sure, she'd still do the occasional
"Soon, my little dove. Once my quest is complete, I'm helping the people of Albion."
"Mum, you're so cool. No one else I know has a mummy who's a hero!"
Sparrow smiled at her daughter. Rosary was a happy, optimistic child. She never showed disappointment in how long Sparrow would be gone, often excited to hear about Sparrow's next adventure. It was then Sparrow noticed the absence of her husband.
"Rosary, where's daddy?" Sparrow asked, looking around for him.
"Upstairs, he was reading a book to me, but I think he fell asleep!"
"Let's go wake him up."
Sparrow took her daughter by the hand, and they ventured off to find Sparrow's husband, Bryn, asleep in the study chair, book splayed across his lap. Rosary broke away, excited to wake her dad, and inform him of Sparrow's arrival.
"Daddy! Daddy! Wake up, mum's home!" Rosary shook Bryn's arm, trying to wake him.
Bryn stirred, his face twitching slightly. Sparrow had to keep herself from laughing.
"Daddy!" Rosary was holding his arm and jumping at this point.
This time, Bryn moved his hand, as if to shoo away a cat.
"Five more minutes.." he sleepily replied.
"Hello dear." Sparrow finally decided to interject.
Bryn opened his eyes, to see his wife standing in the room.
"Sparrow! We missed you so much. How was your trip this time, dear?"
He stood and stretched out. Bryn was a tall man, standing at about two inches above six feet.
"Very interesting, this time round. Rosary, darling, why don't you go play with Bear? I'm sure he's missed his best pal."
"Okay mummy!"
Rosary took off down the stairs, excited to see the dog. Sparrow sat down in the chair across her husband, and leaned back, relishing the moment. Bryn studied her expression, wondering what she was thinking.
"Bryn, we're almost done. If I can just, find the fourth hero, then we can take on Lucien, and bring him down for good."
"How far have you come, looking for this last hero?"
"Well, all the information I've got is that he lives in Bloodstone, and is a rather cocky fellow. I'm hoping he's easy to find."
"Yes, as do I. I don't know if we could handle you being in the spire another ten years."
"Bryn, that won't happen again."
"I know, dear. I guess I'm just saying that sometimes hero work seems to get in the way of our family. Rosary asks every day when you're gone, when you'll be back. She needs her mother."
"Believe me, I would rather be here, watching her grow up. But for as long as Lucien is still alive, and in the spire, nobody is safe. I'm doing this for her future. That tyrant already took one person I love from me, I'm not letting him have another."
"I know, I'm sorry. You really are making a difference for the greater good," Bryn leaned forward, holding Sparrow's hand, "We just miss you, is all."
"I miss both of you endlessly, dreaded the days that I have to leave you too. I wish these visits were longer."
"How long are you able to stay this time?"
Sparrow paused.
"Sparrow.."
"I can stay for three days, and then I have to go find the last hero. I know it isn't as long as usual, but I promise to be back soon, though."
"We will still be here, waiting for you. Come dear, it's getting dark and I can tell you haven't slept well. You need rest."
Bryn took Sparrow's hand, leading her to their bed.
"But Rosary needs me right now..."
"You need rest, Sparrow."
As her husband sat her on the bed, Sparrow realized just how tired she was. The last week was spent with Garth and Hammer, trying to find information about the fourth hero. Not much information was found, but they did get a location for the supposed pirate king. As she reflected on her recent journey, Bryn helped her into her night clothes, and tucked her in. It was moments like this that Sparrow didn't know how she was granted such a wonderful family. She wished Rose could see her now, and even more so wished that Rose was able to experience a family, a warm home.
Sparrow was sitting on the stoop of their home, located in Bowerstone Market. She watched as Rosary played some sort of little game in the square with Bryn and Bear.
"I'm going to bring down Lucien, for you." She thought to herself. "You will be free to live, I will be sure of it."
"Mummy! Come play with us!" Rosary grabbed Sparrow's hand and tugged on it. Sparrow picked her daughter up and put her on her shoulders, the little girl shrieking in laughter the entire time. When it was time to return home, Bryn carrying a sleeping Rosary, Sparrow felt her heart sink. It was the third day of her return, and she needed to leave soon. They reached the house, and after tucking in Rosary Sparrow began packing her satchel.
"You know, I'm lucky to have married you." Bryn commented while walking down the stairs.
"Oh really? I think I'm the one with the luck, how do you have patience for someone who's always off on a quest? I've spent more time sleeping in the woods, than I have in my own bed." Sparrow replied.
"That's what it is, though. You are the most selfless person I've met. You would rather sleep on the ground, in a swamp, if it meant saving someone. I know you'll bring down Lucien, and we will be waiting here for you when you return." Bryn hugged Sparrow.
"I love you."
Sparrow held onto her husband for a few minutes, taking in the comfort of the hug. She couldn't wait to be home, and to be free to spend as much time as she wanted with them. When they let go, Sparrow went upstairs to change into her preferred adventurer outfit. She typically wore dark red exploring boots, brown exploring pants, a dark red corset, and a black noble gents coat. It wasn't the most fashionable outfit, but it allowed for movement. When she was dressed she took a look at her sleeping daughter. Sparrow kissed her forward and readjusted the covers on the bed. She then bid her husband goodbye, and went on her way, heading towards Wraithmarsh. When Sparrow had left that night, she didn't realize she would never see her family again.
"You must make your choice, Sparrow."
Suddenly, the hero was brought back to where she was, in the Spire. Theresa stood there, awaiting her decision.
"Theresa, I know what I need to do."
"Yes?"
"I lost everything to Lucien...My sister, my childhood, even my husband and child. The pain of losing them is almost unbearable. But there are thousands of people who have suffered more than I have at Lucien's cost. For that reason...I must pick sacrifice."
"Are you sure, hero?"
"I am aching to see my family again. I will never stop missing my family, but there are thousands of others who are feeling the same way. I can't let them continue to suffer."
"So be it."
The spire began pulsing at a higher rate, Sparrow could feel it this time. She never really disconnected from the Spire. Previously, she had learned to ignore the rhythmic beat. This time, it kept growing more intense, almost unbearable. Just when Sparrow couldn't take anymore, it stopped. The wish was granted.
Theresa and Sparrow were returned to the others. It was silent for a moment, while Sparrow stared at the ground. Hammer was the first to break the silence.
"We heard everything. Sparrow you sacrificed your family, for the good of others. I don't know if I could have made that choice myself. A most humbling choice." Hammer looked at Sparrow in awe.
"Yes, indeed. Choosing the lives of others, even when it doesn't benefit you, demonstrates a great understanding of selflessness." Garth affirmed.
"But your..you had a child! What about Rosary?" Hammer continued to look at Sparrow. Sparrow kept her eyes focused on the ground.
Sparrow couldn't speak. Another silence filled the air. This time, Reaver cut in.
"Well, I think it was a foolish choice. You could have had all that wealth! Possibly even more than my own..."
"Shut it, Reaver."
This was a common occurrence amongst Reaver and Hammer. Reaver would flaunt his wealth, and Hammer would tell him off for it.
"I am just stating what she could have had. Fame, riches, glory, the power to do whatever she so pleased..."
"You are the most selfish, vile, person I have ever had the displeasure of coming across."
"And you are the most displeasing, angry, me-
"Stop," Sparrow found her voice, "Just, stop."
"Heroes, the spire can transport you anywhere you please. Where is it each of you wish to go?" Theresa faced each of them, waiting for their responses.
Hammer chose to give up hero work, and go study with monks up north. She was tired of being part of the center of chaos. Garth returned to his homeland, Samarkand, Reaver following. Though Reaver likely misunderstood the entire region of Samarkand, expecting it to be "exotic". When they were gone, Theresa turned to Sparrow.
"The world is yours to enjoy, but this spire...is mine. Now...begone..." Theresa waved her hand.
Within seconds, Sparrow found herself in Bowerstone Market, her stomach turning. After sitting a few moments, she started towards her house, the knots in her stomach growing as she got closer to her home.