NeonSky had been sitting near a campfire at the Greatwall Encampment, completely in thought about Grigori's final words to her. With the crimson dragon's dying breath and disappearance, Gransys should have been a peaceful place now. No... A dark cloud overhung Gransys, preventing the warm rays of the sun to go through. What exactly has happened? Soon, a familiar face abruptly appeared infront of the woman, causing her to stop thinking. It was a welcoming interruption indeed.
"Julien.."
"You have my thanks, dear Arisen.. for what it is worth. But do my eyes deceive me? You have bested the dragon, dealt the killing blow, and freed all Gransys from its wrath. And yet, your clear blue hues show sadness."
Her lips had lightly parted to speak, when she felt his lips on hers. NeonSky still remembered the scenario of her beloved being surrounded by three goblins, armed with barbed clubs, hunting him down like an animal. The dragon's flames almost incinerating their very flesh to the bone. She remembered it clearly...
"Is everything in order, master?"
The woman found herself with her eyes still shut tight. Julien had slowly pulled back to grant her some air. Once her gaze turned to her side, her most loyal Pawn, John, already stood beside her, merely inches away from their faces. Neon immediately started to blush, rising to her feet from underneath the male. Of course she was by no means bemused by her Pawn, it was merely their nature to shadow the Arisen everywhere. Admittedly, Neon even grew quite attached to John. With Julien somewhat chuckling behind, the party decided to make the long journey back to Cassardis, the Arisen's hometown.
(Cassardis..)
"Arisen! You have earned back.. what is yours.. your life belongs now to no other. You've won it by rights.. it is yours to use or cast away as you see fit. Remember that..."
A rude awakening indeed. Grigori's words still echoed in her head. Was it telling her something? Something she perhaps have missed? Back in Cassardis, arriving just late into the night's hour, NeonSky opened her eyes to the Mystic Knight's face directly facing hers.
"He looks so.. peaceful when he's asleep."
Her right hand lightly glid over the side of his face, stopping right there. He was indeed handsome. Neon's gaze dropped somewhat, finding herself in mere light brown undergarments. Sigh, she seriously needed to replace those. Other than that, it was a rather peaceful night. That definitely being a surprise to the Arisen. Now where was her Pawn? After all this time, Neon did not know how John spent his nights alongside her. Probably patrolling the perimeter to keep suspicious figures at bay. She decided to get up, her body still aching from all the strains they've been through. But it was all over now, or at least she thought so. The woman carefully slipped out of Julien's hold, grabbing the chemise placed on a chair next to the bed. The nightdress was made out of fine silk, a little gift received from Madeleine. Stepping out of the wooden door, only clothed in light attire, a moderate breeze blew into Neon's face. The winds gently caressing the woman's cheekbones. She made her way towards the pier to be closer to the water. The Brine, that's how the villagers of Cassardis referred to it, was lurking within there. Their sole existence made it extremely difficult to enter rivers and the ocean, or even travel through them without being swallowed up. Then unexpectedly someone decided to pay her a visit.
"Arisen. I have thought you to be resting."
Pawns certainly could never fail to surprise her. The sheer incredible bond Arisen and Pawn shared. It was.. different.
"I was.. but I was simply not tired nomore, after waking from Grigori's voice."
Her Pawn's face showed worry and concern towards his master, causing the Arisen to wave him forward to have a seat with her on the shore. Secretely she too worried for him.
"There is no need for you to stick by my side any longer, John. You're free to go as you please. My time as Arisen has come to an end. With the dragon defeated and the devoured hearts returned to their rightful owners, there is simply no need for you nor the other Pawns to obey me any longer. So again, you're free now..."
She didn't want to do this, but nor did she want to keep the male in captivity. He would sure have it better, there, where the woman first summoned him from. Pawns, or Myrmidons, are denizens of the Rift, the place they truly belong. Even her Main Pawn. In response John rose to his feet, slowly lowering his body in a bowing gesture with the glowing scar upon his right palm revealed.
"Our fealty is sworn to you, Arisen, and you alone. From the day the dragon has chosen you, the pawn legion live and die by your command. This Pawn is at your side. Only death shall seperate us."
Although Pawns truly did lack emotions and a will of their own, NeonSky honestly cared for the 'little' guy and actually even grew quite fond of him being around. So this settled it, he is staying with her. Shortly after the female threw her arms around her Pawn's neck, pulling him closer into a hug, whilst her hold slowly tightened. He had saved her so very often. The countless times she almost died. Goblins, wolves, ogres, cyclops', harpies, skelettons, golems, cockatrices, griffins, drakes, Grigori.. The list could go on endlessly. He always had her back, fighting to the death with the Arisen, no matter what the outcome may held for them.
"John, have you.. ever wished to be human? To become.. like me?"
"Master, I highly doubt I-.."
Pablos: "Cousin, quickly! A messenger from the capital has just arrived. It's Gran Soren, you must head there immediately."
Due to the darkened sky, it was rather difficult to tell what time it was in Gransys. Nonetheless, they had to get moving. If not them, who will? So it was decided, with no time to lose. Off to the capital they go!