Epilogue
Darkness had fallen across the landscape in an instant, like a wave washing across the shore. However, unlike a wave, it did not recede. The darkness swallowed the world in its entirety, the fire no longer around to stave it off. The age of man had come in an instant as the cycle was broken and the age of fire was abruptly snuffed out. This was all due to a pair of lovers, a certain Fire Keeper and Ashen One, who had dared to go against the duties they had been tasked with since their birth/resurrection. They had come to the conclusion as one that the world would be better off with the First Flame not being rekindled; they believed that sustaining a dying age would only provide worse long term effects. So, with the Ashen One slaying the Soul of Cinder, they snapped the cycle that the Gods of Old had established and prolonged.
Thus, the darkness was ushered in, leaving the two lovers to create a new existence for themselves. Liberated from the shackles of their previous duties they were free to live whatever life they so desired together. And so, they did just that; they began to adapt to the new world they had created with the intent to carve out a new existence. However, the first step in that was finding a place to rest so that they could plan.
The Ashen One walked hand-in-hand with the Fire Keeper, moving across the barren landscape of grey towards an array of structures that pierced the horizon line. His eyes, however, were staring upwards to admire the darkened sky. Despite it being 'the age of darkness', it thankfully wasn't pitch black. Otherwise trying to do much of anything would've been a bit arduous. Colors swirled around a luminescent moon; shades of cobalt and ebony framed the bright sphere with specks of violet within. Not a cloud in sight.
It was a stark contrast to before, when the incandescent sun had once shone brightly through the azure sky and radiated warmth. Now the moon that had taken its place to illuminated the world, albeit in much less vibrant colors. Instead of rays of warmth it let the cold drag its icy fingers through the air, clouding both the Ashen One and Fire Keeper's breath every time they exhaled.
While his eyes were titled skyward, he felt the Fire Keeper step closer to him, leaning against his frame gently as they strode on ahead. His attention shifted to her, a small smile peeling across his expression as he arched a brow. "Tad bit cold?" He guessed, letting their hands slip from one another as he draped his arm across her shoulder instead. Meanwhile she buried her hand into the warmth and comfort of her robes.
She glanced up to him, and upon sight of his smile she couldn't help but return it despite the cold that laced her limbs. "Just a tad bit, yes. I cannot wait to find shelter in whatever may lie before us." The Ashen One leaned into her a bit, trying to share the small amount of warmth he had left from his ember and shield her from the harsh winds. He titled his head down, planting a reassuring kiss upon her forehead as they continued forward.
It was surreal, knowing that she was the one he would now be able to spend his days with. No more cycles to break or continue, no more Lords of Cinder to return to their thrones, no more rekindling of bonfires, and hopefully that all culminated into no more suffering for either of them. Leaving them to simply bask in the presence of the other, to enjoy their newly found peace and tranquility. He wanted time with her, nothing else. To learn every nuance of who she was, to adore her for all she was, and to simply love her, Nothing else mattered. He felt a smile etch across his features at the thought.
"We will get there soon. Once we arrive we will figure out where to go from there, love. We can decide on anything. We are finally free to do as we desire," The Ashen One spoke optimistically, letting his smile widen into a grin. He felt Lothric's essence from within the blade at his side respond with a small flare of warmth. A minor comfort from the raging icy winds. He could easily guess that the young prince was happy that the age of darkness was brought upon the world, and probably even happier to have been apart of causing its arrival.
"It is…refreshing. We no longer have to carry a burden we had no desire to shoulder. Instead, we can become like vibrant embers, castling light wherever we may go. I find myself happy at the prospect of our future, Ashen One." The Fire Keeper paused suddenly a moment after she finished speaking, an internal revelation seeming to click upon the words she just spoke. The Ashen One said nothing as he stopped as well, turning to watch her. Her mind was working through something and he awaited the end result, not wanting to disturb her thought process.
"Ashen…One," She whispered, however it was almost as if she wasn't saying his name. It was as if she was analyzing the two words independently for what they were. Silence followed and he could tell she was raking over those two words with the way her brows furrowed together, her eyes staring off into the distance. He made no effort to push her, letting her process how she wanted to phrase her thoughts.
"We are no longer bound by our duties. They are finished- or were failed, depending on how one would look at it. Regardless, we are…free, from our past lives. If we wish to create our lives anew, then would it not be fitting to grant ourselves names? Our titles are no longer meaningful. I no longer tend to the fire since it no longer burns, and thy reason for being arisen from thine sleep is no longer here." Her gaze shifted from the spot in the distance to him, her lips curling into a delicate smile. "What dost thou think? Should we discard our titles from our old lives and truly begin anew?"
It was a thought that had yet to cross the Ashen One's mind, he never thought much of his own name. He didn't remember it from his past life unlike the others such as Anri or Siegmeyer, so he simply went by Ashen One. But now, his duty had been completed. Or failed, if you were perhaps a flame enthusiast. He no longer had a reason to be 'The Ashen One'. He could be whomever he desired just as the Fire Keeper could. They no longer had to be bound by their past titles in this brand new world.
His lips were pursed in thought, gazing back up towards the night sky above. The Fire Keeper liked to take her time to articulate her thoughts, while the Ashen One was the opposite. He spoke his thoughts aloud as they came to him. "The world has been…reborn, in a sense. This world had been dying during the age of fire, the flame saving it every time it began to fade. So, when we let the flame die, the world died as well. But then the age of darkness came, and the world was reborn." He paused, making sure he had expressed exactly what he meant to convey. Satisfied after a few moments, he continued.
"So with the world reborn and different, so are we. We can leave behind all that we were before and start anew. Just like we wanted. Reborn, just as the world is." His look shifted to her, their eyes meeting as smiles adorned each of their faces. "I am all for it. New names for a new life. Plus, they are sort of pointless titles now, aren't they? Our jobs are done." His arm coiled around her as they continued to shoulder through the cold ahead. "Besides, you deserve a name to match your beauty. Fire Keeper, while a lovely title and name, pales in comparison to how divine you are." Despite the cold, her cheeks burned crimson as he gave a wry grin.
"Thou art too kind. I am glad thou agree. For the name 'Ashen One' does not seem a great description of thou, especially given that thou dost not appear very 'ashen'," She responded, a coy smile crossing her lips as her hand left her robe and arose to cup his olive-toned cheek that began to grow warm under her touch. "Also, it is not a good match of who thou are as a person. Thy personality is much more colorful and charming, not muted and gray. Thou art kind and caring, not a bland indifference." So much for his compliment, she had his cheeks flaring with heat as his wry expression vanished and was replaced with a more flustered one.
He did the only logical thing that came to mind to answer her words. He deftly pivoted where he stood, placing himself in front of her as one hand drifted to her waist and the other upon her cheek. He dipped down, letting his lips brush against her own. Once their lips met warmth erupted between them, as if they truly were embers dancing across the empty landscape. That definitely did the trick to combating the cold. They savored it, in no rush to move. However, they still did require air and were forced to reluctantly part, the Ashen One's forehead resting idly against her own.
"So," He began breathlessly as a smirk painting his lips, "what shall I call my beloved?" He inquired, his right-hand drifting to her own and locking their fingers together. His thumb slowly stroking the ring that wrapped around her index finger.
The Fire Keeper's cheeks were crimson, but her expression remained composed. The kiss seemed to settle her more than fluster her, and having him at such proximity gave her a sense of ease. She still paused though, uncertain of what she would desire to be called. She hadn't quite thought that far ahead, only knowing that she did not wish to be known as the Fire Keeper with a flame no longer burning.
The Ashen One was well-aware of this, turning and allowing them to continue their walk ahead towards the structures that grew closer and closer. She mulled over names in her head for a time, biting softly upon her lower lip. None seemed to…click. None of them felt like her, they did not resonate with her. As she raked through name after name, trying to find a shape that fit the hole, her lover spoke. His eyes were lifted towards the moon as he parted his lips, the jade hues of his eyes reflecting the moon's pale rays.
"What about Selene?" He asked curiously, letting his eyes move from the moon to her. The corners of his lips were quirked upwards as he gave a nonchalant shrug, "I think the name is quite lovely, much like yourself. And it just…I don't know how to phrase it. It just fits." She processed his suggestion for a moment, stopping to do so, ignoring the wicked winds that battered against her from the side. To no surprise but much pleasure, the Ashen One stepped and turned to her side to shield her from the winds with his back as he awaited her decision.
Selene…He was right, it fit. It felt right. It felt like her. Felt like a name she was meant to carry. The name enraptured her, it was so beautiful, serene, and light on the tongue. It resonated with her, it felt as if a long-lost part of her soul had finally been returned to her. A long-lost puzzle piece sliding into place. She felt her lips curl into a wide smile, one that was uncommon before the Ashen One entered her life. She excitedly looked to him, finding him staring back at her with an easy smile. "It seems like you approve of it?" He stated with a chuckle, pulling her closer to him. She happily let him, eager to be by his side. Ever since they flame had been extinguished she had found that neither of them wanted to be more than an arm's reach away.
"I adore it. How did thou come upon it?" The Ashen One furrowed his brows together at the question, apparently wondering the same thing now that she mentioned it. "I...I am not entirely sure. I was admiring the moon, sorting through names that I knew, then it just suddenly clicked. I'm not sure if I've heard it anywhere before- it just rang through my head like like the bell that woke me from my eternal sleep. I felt like it fit perfectly, I thought you may like it." He paused to look deeply into her eyes, smiling again. "It seems I was right."
"I would like for it to be my name. Thou are right, it fits completely. Moreover, it was chosen of by thou, thus making it all the more meaningful."
The Ashen One felt his cheeks heat a bit as he gave an affirmative nod. "Then I can happily say that I am blessed to have you by my side, Selene." He shifted his gaze from Selene to the array of buildings that grew closer and closer. "And we will be even more blessed once we find some shelter," He tacked on, both of their strides hurrying forward.
As they closed the gap between them and the structures, Selene spoke, "What would thou want thy name to be?"
The Ashen One did not respond at first, unsure. That was a thought he hadn't actually put time towards considering, and he faced the same problem Selene had faced earlier. He did not know what name he wanted to choose. He finally released a long sigh, the cold clouding his breath as he did so. "I am not so certain as of yet, nothing clicks with me like how your name did." Before he could even feel mildly dejected about that fact, he felt Selene's hand squeeze his own. Just as they always did to reassure the other. The action brought a smile to the Ashen One's lips.
"We have all the time in this new world to figure it out," She spoke, her voice calm and determined.
"That we do. Thank you dearest." He responded, the feeling of dejection fading away with every step they took.
After they had started moving quicker, it did not take long for them to arrive at what they had had decided was the outskirts of a city. Neither bothered to look around much or delve deeper into the city; sight seeing could wait until later. Instead they opted to find sanctuary in the first intact building they saw. Which happened to be a small one-story hut that lacked any windows. The Ashen One closed the door behind them, turning from the door and moving his hand to grasp Lothric's Holy Sword. He intended to use the light the sword created to illuminate the windowless room. However, before his hand could even grasp the handle of the sword, Selene created an orb of light that floated above her palm to illuminate the room. He blinked a few times, his eyes adjusting to the sudden light as his attention focused on the orb instead of the room.
"I wasn't aware you could cast magic." He folded his arms over his chest, crossing the room with an amused look. Selene turned to him, an innocent smile painting her pale visage. "There are many things thou dost not know about me, Ashen One," She responded, a hint of mischief glinting in her eyes despite her deceptively sweet tone.
The Ashen One couldn't help but laugh, this was going to be an adventure. He looked forward to it, oh he could not wait to learn everything about her. He stepped next to her, examining the room in the light she created. It turned out that the circular room they were in was the only room in the hut; no other doors were around except the one they entered from. Not even a bathroom, he acknowledged with no lack of askance. Furniture was cast everywhere in a haphazardly manner. Chairs were tossed about, a bookshelf was tipped onto its side with all of its books scattered around, and the dining room table was propped up against a nearby wall. He noted that some of the floor boards were cracked, revealing the gray ground beneath. The only positive- and intact- thing about the room was a fireplace that was built-in into the back wall.
The Ashen One headed straight for it, grabbing up a wooden chair and the tablecloth from the table as he did. He quickly set to work to create a fire, breaking off bits of the chair and ripping parts of the tablecloth to make sure the fire had adequate fuel. Selene followed his movements, illuminating his path so that he wouldn't be stuck working in absolute darkness. While he worked, she sorted through potential names for her lover. Nothing came to mind as she absently watched him work on settling the fuel so that it would burn efficiently. He rose, staring down at the fire-fuel, judging if it would burn long enough to last them awhile.
His gaze shifted to the piles of books that clustered the floor near the bookshelf. He strode over, scanning the books for a moment. He grabbed a large one he deemed as worthy enough to be kindling. Selene illuminated his path, watching him as she absently thought. However, her eyes soon drifted to the book and every nerve in her being froze. She recognized that book, it was impossible to forget how the Shrine Handmaiden had described it.
Just as she was told, there was no title on the cover, or anywhere for that matter. Instead a picture was painted onto the cover, a picture of a knight in armor fighting demonic creatures, standing in front of and shielding his fellow man. As the Ashen One casually reached in to rip some pages out, she reacted instantly to stop him. Her free hand seized his wrist, gently pulling it away as words finally came out of her mouth, "No! Not that book, I...I know that book."
Shock and then confusion crossed his expression, his brow arching. "I...I was not aware you could read." He stated uncertainly, his tone delicate as he tried not to sound insensitive. He pulled his hand away from the pages, closing the book to examine the cover.
"The Shrine Handmaiden read it to me. She insisted upon doing so, it happened not long before thy arrival. I...I recognize the cover of it," She responded, examining it with the Ashen One. It was surreal to finally behold it with her own eyes, to have an image other than the one she painted in her mind.
"What is it about?" The Ashen One inquired, opening up the book and flipping through the vast amount of pages.
"It is a tale about a savior for humanity. A valiant knight who formed a holy order known as The Immortals to defend against encroaching beasts they believed to be demons from Izalith. The Gods of Old would not assist him or his people on the outskirts of Anor Lando, leaving humanity to fend for themselves. Things seemed bleak but the knight never wavered and carried on, inspiring resolve to not just his brothers-in-arms but humanity as well. Thus, with this order he defended humanity and drove the beasts back from whence they came, protecting the people of his kingdom. I am trying to recall his name...It was a strange one." Selene paused for a moment, biting her lower lip in thought. Meanwhile the Ashen One had already begun to examine the book thoughtfully, reading the start of the prologue.
Then it clicked with her, memories rushing back to her. Of the Shrine Haindmaiden saying his name with gusto. Of her speaking how people would cheer his name in the streets. Of how they demons would cry his name in terror when they say the sight of him. "Alexandro! That was the name," She stated, turning her gaze to him.
The realization came upon them both at nearly the exact same time. Right as she mentioned the name, her first thought went to the Ashen One. Just how Selene fit with her, Alexandro fit perfectly with him. It seemed as if it was destined for him to carry such a name, he had done his own part to defend humanity. In some ways he had restored it and ended its suffering. He had stood with resolve and helped usher in the age of man. The name was more than fitting, it was fate that meant for him to carry such an honored name.
"That should be thy name..." Selene whispered, unable to stop herself from imagining him as that heroic knight of the past.
The Ashen One had a similar realization that she had when she had heard the name Selene. He too looked as if he had just been returned a part of his soul. His lips slowly curled a ghost of a smile as he continued to stare at the book. As if he were uncertain whether or not to accept this newly returned portion of his soul.
"That's...That is a nice name," He responded, flipping through a few pages. "But I am uncertain. It feels almost disrespectful to take the name of such a legendary man," He stated, moving back to grab another book. After he did he returned to the fireplace, and tore out a few pages for kindling. Using his magic to begin the fire with ease. He remained kneeling before the flame that began to grow, starting to eat away at the fuel provided for it.
"Ashen One..." Selene whispered from behind, the light from her palm fading as the fire grew. He felt her come closer, her arms linking around his waist as her head rested upon his shoulder. "What plagues thy mind?"
He didn't waste a moment before confiding in her, his thoughts spilling from his lips as they rushed through his mind. "I just...I question if I am worthy to carry the name of a man who was the savior to humanity at one point. I was apart of us bringing forth the age of man, but will that be our downfall? I do not regret our choice in doing so, the flame was extending something that should have been dead. I just...I am not certain if I am truly some savior to humanity. I do not feel like one. I do not wish to carry a name only for me to turn out to be the harbinger of death upon humanity."
Selene's grip around him tightened as he leaned back into her hold. He watched as the fire steadily grew before them. He would never regret the choice they made to end the first flame, but what if it doomed humanity and brought forth a greater evil? He'd do what he could to prevent that, but he did not wish to disrespect the name of a legendary man. He did not want to be some impostor.
"We will not be right, nor will we be wrong. That is what you told me when we made the decision to extinguish the First Flame. And thou could not have been more right. Ashen One, this time would have come at some point or another. We simply allowed humanity to face it sooner and hopefully be better prepared. We were not right in doing it, but we were certainly not wrong. If an enemy to humanity arises now, it would have arisen all the same in the future. The difference here is that, if an enemy does come forth, we will be here to face it and drive it back. Just as Alexandro did. You are more than worthy to carry his name, you are just as much a savior as he. I beseech thee, Ashen One, carry the name with pride. It fits because thou were meant to pick up the mantle as humanity's savior."
Her hands found their way to his own, fingers lacing through his own as she tightly squeezed. "Please Alexandro. I have faith in you," She whispered, almost as a plea. The Ashen One sat there quiet for a moment, letting the words settle in his mind. Humanity's Savior. Was he truly meant to be such a thing? The name clicked within him, was that truly the reason? He wasn't entirely certain. However, Selene was. He could tell she believed in him wholeheartedly; he wished he had that sort of confidence of his self. He inhaled slowly, exhaling from his mouth as the fire began to melt away to cold that stubbornly clung to him.
She believed in him. He may not know the answer, but he did know that he trusted Selene with his life.
He squeezed her hands in return, slowly turning his body and guiding her next to him in front of the fire. A soft smile spread across his face as he met her wondering eyes, he nodded. "From this day on, I shall be known as Alexandro. The lover of Selene and the savior of humanity," He stated boldly. Selene only giggled softly, leaning into his side and laying her head onto his shoulder. "Shouldn't 'savior of humanity' come before 'lover of Selene'?"
"Nope, I have my priorities in order that's all," He responded, his relaxed demeanor coming back to him. His arm draped over her shoulder as they watched the fire. Selene's hand however reached out and grabbed the book from his lap, opening it up towards the first page that had words. "Will you read this to me, Alexandro?"
It took a moment for Alexandro to process that her request was because she couldn't read. That was something he would work on helping her change, but for now he happily accepted the request. He scooped the book up, planting a delicate kiss upon her lips as he did. He flipped a few pages to the prologue and began. The fire crackled away as he read on into the endless night, nothing else mattered except for them.
They were truly free.
A/N: Sorry this took so long guys! I was very indecisive about it, so I hope it turned out well. For the record, I did chose each of their names with some logic behind them. Selene is the Greek Goddess of the Moon, and with the Fire Keeper helping to bring forth an age with an eternal moon it felt fitting. That and it was one of the few symbolic names I found that sounded nice (though I don't doubt there are others). Alexandro quite literally means, "Defender; protector of mankind", so I felt that was a bit off a no-brainer.
Anyways, serious question here. Do you guys really want a sequel to this? If so, I can attempt it if you all really want it. I want to know, because if there isn't a desire for it I won't. For those on the fence, if it is any comfort I do have an idea for a plot so that it wouldn't be mindless nonsense. Also, if there is a sequel, it will be posted as another chapter here. I am not a big fan on making a whole different story, rather just continue it here if that's fine.
Hope you all enjoyed! Shine like the sun and the moon.