AN: I am still not the best with older English, so excuse any errors.

Decisions

With Lothric and Lorian defeated, the Ashen One returned to the Firelink Shrine. He now felt confident in the choice he wished to make, Lothric's words having steeled his resolve. However, before he could make his intent clear to those who he believed should know, there were things he had to do first. Things involving a pair of Fire Keeper's eyes.

He returned to the bonfire, and as expected, the Fire Keeper sat waiting for him. He watched as her expression went from blank to being painted with a gentle smile as her head turned towards him once he had appeared. She was happy to see him back, and he shared the sentiment.

"Welcome home, Ashen One," She greeted. "Given the fact that thou has not returned on thy back, should I assume that Lothric will be returned to his throne?"

He gave a nod, feeling the soul he carried with him. "The noble lord shall. But first, there is a more important matter to be addressed…I have made a decision," He stated with as much confidence as he could. He knew he didn't need to clarify what decision he meant with the way the Fire Keeper sat up straighter and her face washed away into one of stone as she gave a barely perceptible nod.

His hand slowly moved to his pocket, feeling the set of eyes contained within. Was this wise to do…? Ludleth's words echoed within his mind, recalling what he had said about the eyes after he'd discovered them.

"Ahh. Found her, did we? And the black eyes that shimmer within, I see? Tis as if it were but yesterday. We did all we could to spare her from them. Much has happened since. Mayhap I should apprise thee...Of what the thin light of these eyes might reveal to the eyeless Fire Keeper. Scenes of betrayal, things never intended for her kin, visions of...this age's end..."

He had been perplexed when Ludleth said such things. As he let him appraise them he had asked, "What exactly do they show? What do you mean a scene of betrayal?" Back then he hadn't even considered not linking the flame, that he would do it no matter what cost…How things had changed in such a short time.

He was only given a cryptic answer and a question. "The eyes show a world destitute of fire, a barren plane of endless darkness. A place born of betrayal. You must link the fire, to paint a new vision...What is thine intent?" At least now he knew his intent, but those words still chilled him. Would this do more harm than good? Did she deserve to see the vile things these eyes were allegedly capable of? And what would she make of her new-found sight…? Would it put them at odds for the choice he had made?

Despite his uncertainty on those questions, he pushed them aside. He still knew deep inside this was the right thing to do. She deserved the truth. So that she could make her own decision with all the facts laid out before her. He strengthened his resolve as he took a step to her. No matter how much this may hurt her, he wouldn't leave her side. She had never forsaken him, and he would do the very same.

"Before I speak more on it, I believe there is something you should have first. Hold out your hands, please," He requested, shifting to a kneeling position, removing the eyes from his pocket and placing them onto each respective palm she had outstretched for him.

There was an uncertain silence as she felt what was in her palm, and her voice spoke but it seemed…different. Almost shaken. "Ashen One, are these…are these eyes?" She took his silence for an affirmative. "How gracious of thee Ashen One. The very few things we Fire Keepers have been missing…" She was conflicted on what he had given her, knowing what they held, but grateful all the same for the sentiment. However, before she could say more, she needed to know if he understood just what he was doing by giving these to her.

"Ashen One, my thanks for the eyes thou'st given. But Fire Keepers are not meant to have eyes. It is forbidden. These will reveal, through a sliver of light, frightful images of betrayal. A world without fire. Ashen One, is this truly thy wish?" Now he could truly feel her conflict. He could hear it in the way her voice wavered, the way her hands barely began to shake. His choice had been easy to make after hearing Lothric's plea, but her choice would not be so easy. He had been resurrected for only so long with no memories of his past, he was not as dedicated to his job of rekindling the flame as she was to tending to it. That was natural of course, given she had lived for many centuries in her position. To turn your back on all those centuries, was that possible?

Regardless, he gave a nod to her, drawing in a breath before he spoke. "Yes, Fire Keeper, I believe that the flame should be left to extinguish." He had made his choice, now she must make her own.

She froze for a moment, letting his words register as she gave a faint nod of the head. She transferred her eyes into one hand as the other rose to remove the crown that had obscured her eye sockets all these years. She placed it delicately into her lap, sliding the eyes into their proper spots. They connected instantly as if they had been returned to where they should be, and it felt right. But it felt wrong as well. The visions that followed their insertion were the cause for that feeling. They frightened her.

Scenes of betrayal, a world without fire and obscured in darkness, and embers flickering in the distance…They all flashed through her mind repeatedly, seizing her, and revealing to her what the Ashen One had chosen. She tried to compose herself, to control the terrible images pulsing in her mind. She was finally soothed as the Ashen One claimed her hands with his own and squeezed them. It did just enough for her to choke out a response.

"…Of course, I serve thee, and will do as thou bid'st. This will be our private affair. No one else may know of this. I will continue to tend the flame, until the day of the grand betrayal."

A palpable silence rose between them at her words, only to be shattered by a single word as his hands left her own and seized her shoulders.

"No."

She was confused by both the sudden contact and his response, what did he mean 'no'? Why had he grasped her? Her eyes hadn't stopped showing her anything but the visions, so she couldn't read what his facial expression was. "Ashen One-"

"Fire Keeper, I told you, I have made my choice. But you still have the right to make your own. You are not my servant, you are my friend. I did not give you these eyes to tell you what path to take. I gave them to you so that you may see the truth. So that you may see the reality of the choice I made and decide whether or not you wish to follow suit. This has been your life for so long, you're stake in this is deeper than my own. I am not commanding you, nor would I ever. We are equals. That's why this choice is one you are free to make, even if it is the opposite of my own." He paused briefly as he gently guided her forward and into an embrace. An act she hadn't experienced in more than a few centuries.

His arms coiled around her svelte frame, his head resting against her own as he softly spoke into her ear, "I told you that we will find an answer, together. And I am not going back on that. Your will is your own, chose whatever path you believe is best just as I have. Your choice lies with you, just as it should."

She didn't know what to say. It was all too much. What he was doing for her. The sheer kindness of it, a rarity in such a world. He hadn't given her those eyes to force her down a path, but so that she may see the two choices that lay before her. He was not enslaving her with these eyes, he was liberating her. And it was through those eyes that she felt a sort of wetness begin to form. The visions that were created from her eyes threatened to become blurry, tears forming as she barely managed to suppress them.

"Ashen One…" She whispered, trying her best to regain composure.

"And I don't know what nonsense those eyes show you about a scene of betrayal, but that will not happen I assure you. I'd sooner suffer a thousand deaths by ice enchanted weapons than rise my own weapon against someone I consider to be such a close friend. If the notion even crosses my mind, then let me be returned to ash. Please just…keep that in mind. I'd never turn my back on you, no matter what."

She discreetly wiped whatever little bit of tears clouded her eyes, trying to clear her head and think. The eyes had shown betrayal, but was it true? Were they accurate? Or was it even a betrayal against her? Could it mean a betrayal to the Gods with them both choosing to let the flame die out? So many questions, and none that she had even a guess at.

But one thing she knew for certain was that the man embracing her was sincere. He was kind. He had a deep sense of compassion and humanity that had guided him through the world, and he hadn't let the world take it from him. He would not deceive her, it was not who he was. She believed him when he said that he'd never raise a weapon against her. She trusted in him more than the visions. She tightened her embrace around him, feeling that conflict she kept buried for so long begin to dig itself up.

"Can you tell me why, Ashen One? Why thou have chosen the path you have?"

He was silent for a long period of time, his frame against her own and his breathing slow and steady. She was concerned he would not speak, and as comfortable as this was, she wanted to hear his reasoning behind his choice. Before she could press the question again, he suddenly spoke.

"Lothric spoke with me, after I had defeated Lorian and wouldn't move from his corpse. He asked me questions, and I answered them. It was as if he was testing me…Then he seemed to like my answers, or lack thereof since I admitted to not knowing. Afterwards, he made me a deal. His life for considering his advice. It was one of the strangest things I've ever experienced. Yet, I accepted and listened, and I did consider what he said, and I believe he is right." A Lord of Cinder spoke to him? Bartered with him? Such a thing was unheard of. Well, so was the Lords of Cinder being resurrected in the first place, so it wasn't unbelievable. Plus, Lothric wasn't like other Lords such as Aldrich, he was more reasonable. Uncorrupted.

It was no shock to hear he wanted the flame to die, it was why he refused to return to his throne. But to barter so that the Ashen One may consider his words? It was perplexing, to say the least. "What had he said? It must've been important for the Lord to forfeit his life."

"He explained how some cycles were meant to be broken, such as the one that would occur between him, Lorian, and I if we continued to fight. He explained that letting a cycle go until it can't any longer would lead to an undignified end, that the choice should be made while there is still one to make. He felt that this world was not meant to be burned, that if the cycle continues then we will only be putting off an inevitable defeat and humanity will be worse off for it. But the one thing he said that stuck with me was that no matter what choice we make Fire Keeper, we will not be right. Nor will we be wrong. We will either continue to try and force a dying age onward or we will let darkness come and be forced to face the unknown. There is no clear right choice, there is only the choice that we both feel is best." He paused, taking another breath to steady himself.

"And I am making the choice I feel is best. If we must face the unknown, we should face it on our own terms. We should make the choice while it is ours to make." He leaned back from the embrace, though his arms stayed locked around her delicate frame. "What are your thoughts?" He asked, letting his eyes trace every angle of her uncovered visage.

She was…She didn't know what she was. Everything he said had appealed to that side of her, that deep and secluded side of her, that wished to see the fire be left to burn out. And even more so, it felt natural. Everything he said was true, that was the reality of their situation; so why should she not let the world progress? But her reluctance had not faded, and she suspected that it may never entirely. This had been her life for centuries now, how could she forsake that all in one decision? And it was with that she realized the price of having the liberty to make her own choice.

"I need time to think, Ashen One. I apologize but-" She was cut off by him pulling her into another tight embrace. And she was shocked to find just how easily and quickly she accepted it, their frames molding together. She heard him chuckle lightly, felt his breath brushing against her ear and the way his chest rose and fell against her frame. All actions that stirred warmth to her face.

"Don't apologize, Fire Keeper. Take all the time you require, there is no rush. I will leave you in peace to contemplate, I shall go tend to other duties," He stated reassuringly, leaning back from the embrace and rising from where he sat. He turned to walk away, but she blindly reached out and managed to seize his hand within her grip.

He stopped abruptly, turning to her, and arching a brow. He said nothing, letting her take time to put her thoughts in words. She held his hand tight, much like how she did when she confessed her deepest doubt to him. He returned the grip, giving the same encouragement she had given him before when he expressed how troubled he was.

"Thank you, Ashen One. I…I am blessed to have thee as a friend." She glazed up to him, her eyes locking with his own. He questioned whether she could see now or not, but he dared not look away. He let the corner of his lips turn upwards into a grin as he took a knee and bowed before her. "Believe me, the pleasure is mine." Obviously, he was being a bit over-dramatic with it, but he always found it rewarding to see her look of amusement as a result.

With that gesture he left, letting the Fire Keeper be alone with her thoughts, and so that he may fulfill his preparations. Say what he felt needed to be said to those of importance. And Ludleth was the first person, being that he was a Lord of Cinder and he had a right to know his choice. That and he was physically the closest, so it was certainly convenient.

After rising to his throne, the Ashen One flashed a wave of greeting to the Lord of Cinder. It was returned with a smile and nod of recognition as Ludleth spoke, "Ah, Ashen One, thou hath returned from thine venture? Tell me, is Lothric to be restored to his throne?"

"That he shall be." He adjusted himself a bit, not sure exactly how he would confess his intentions to Ludleth. Being the only Lord that actually returned, would he condone this? Or would he vehemently oppose it?

"Would thou like me to transpose the soul of Lothric and Lorian then?" Ludleth offered, the Ashen One eagerly accepting. Partially because he wanted to see what weapon it'd grant him, but mainly because he needed more time to plan a way to broach the issue. He waited as Ludleth transposed the twin souls, and found himself quickly lost in thought. He hadn't even realized Ludleth finished until he spoke, extending the blade out to him.

"Prince Lothric's Holy Sword, I hope it is to thine liking, Ashen One."

Snapping out of his trance, he accepted the blade from Ludleth and marveled at it. It was a long, predominately white, straight sword. It fit comfortably within his grasp and he was impressed on how well made the blade was. It shocked him that this was Lothric's blade. It felt about as heavy as Lothric looked, how was this even possible? There was no way the boy could have wielded a blade like this in the state he was in.

Ludleth noted the disbelief of the Ashen One and gave a grim smile. "I assure you it is Prince Lothric's straight sword, blessed by Emma with potent magic. Young Lothric was meant to be a champion, and was expected to wield this platinum sword, but some things will remain distant dreams forever."

He felt a pang of sadness for the young lord, too sickly to wield a blade meant for him…Perhaps it would become his new primary weapon. He turned the blade over in his hands and gave a few practice swings and thrusts with it. It was light, despite the decent size of it. And it had good reach to it, it very well may be better than the curved blade he currently wielded. He held the blade in both hands, staring down to it, assessing further. He ran a finger along the edge of the blade, testing its sharpness. It was as he did that motion he felt an invisible essence reach out and quickly latch onto him. It was a warm sensation, yet familiar, that grabbed at him. It only took a moment for him to notice that the source of the feeling was the weapon in his hand.

"Lothric…?" He questioned to himself in disbelief. He suddenly felt another tug from the weapon, almost as if in confirmation. He couldn't believe it, there was no way to express it. He simply felt it, Lothric's essence, pulling at him from within the straight sword. Latching onto him and creating a bond between the Ashen One and the sword. As he thoughtfully examined the blade he came to the conclusion that he was correct in guessing it was Lothric. It simply had to have been Lothric, this was his sword made partially from his soul. It was unlikely to be Lorian or anyone else. This was a call from the fallen Lord of Cinder.

Ludleth seemed keenly aware of what was going on, speaking up as the Ashen One began to piece everything together.

"Dost thou feel the Prince inside of the weapon?" Ludleth inquired, as if he had expected it. The Ashen One shifted his stare from the weapon to Ludleth as he silently nodded. He was at a total loss for words, how was this possible? He knew transposing souls meant that Lothric's soul would be used to create the weapon, but how could he have been imbued within?

"I knew that the weapon was peculiar, and I have a thought as to why. The soul thou gaveth me was really two souls, Ashen One. The souls of Lothric, and Lorian. Commonly, with one powerful soul, it merely creates the weapon. Just like the souls of other Lords in the past. However, with two powerful souls, it seems that Lorian's soul was used to create the weapon and Lothric's soul was imbued within. I am guessing that it is now reaching out to thou as the sword's wielder." The Ashen One glanced back down to the blade, appraising it with new understanding as he tried to piece together the last pieces of the puzzle. It seemed that he was going to be finishing his journey with Lothric close at hand.

As he was fixated on his new weapon and the essence of whom it was imbued with, Ludleth changed topics on him. "I see thou gave the Fire Keeper her set of eyes. Thou have chosen thine intent then. The fire shall not be linked."

To the Ashen One, everything had just been turned on its head. He was put onto the back-foot by this new revelation of Lothric's weapon and then Ludleth correctly guessing his confession. Though it didn't entirely surprise him, he had just done that entire transaction with the Fire Keeper in the center of the shrine around the bonfire. So he was sure more than a few people witnessed it. Maybe this was simpler than telling him. He didn't look furious or even displeased. Maybe he'd heard his reasoning and understood?

"It seems thou also fancies a certain Fire Keeper."

Or maybe that was what he interpreted out of everything that was said. He quickly averted his gaze, battling the warm flush that was spreading across his cheeks slowly but surely. "I did choose to not link the fire," He said, choosing not to acknowledge that latter comment and finding the wall behind Ludleth's throne to be very interesting to stare at.

There was a brief silence, Ludleth awaiting the Ashen One to acknowledge his other claim. But the red on his face said all that needed to be said. So he only let out a low chuckle, leaning back slowly within his throne. "I understand, Ashen One. Past your obvious feelings for the Fire Keeper, I heard thine logic behind thy choice, and the words thou claimed Lothic spoke- may his soul findeth peace." He gave a glance to the sword in his hands. "Thou have put consideration in this. I believe thou have the right to make the choice thou deemeth best. If it is my approval being sought for then thou have it."

The Ashen One gave a light smile, feeling relief flood his mind. It was reassuring as well to know that a Lord of Cinder at least supported what he believed was best. He returned his gaze to him now, properly bowing before him in respect.

"Thank you, Ludleth."

Ludleth nodded his head in respect, then shifting his gaze to the idle Fire Keeper. "How has she accepted your choice? Is she at peace with the inevitable betrayal?"

The Ashen One visibly stiffened Ludleth noticed, his smile disappearing in a heartbeat. His gaze had hardened, his jade irises taking on a defiant gleam. And while his voice was calm there was an edge to it.

"She is making her own choice. She has that right to make the choice she deems best, just as I did. She accepted how I felt, and I intend to accept how she feels. And that betrayal…It is not inevitable. It will not occur. At least any betrayal of me to her or vice versa. I would never raise a hand or weapon against her, we will face whatever destiny we decide on together."

Ludleth was silent for a time, his eyes matched with the Ashen One's and he didn't dare look away. Though after some time he ceded, closing his eyes, and letting a sigh escape his lips. "What happens if her choice is the opposite of thine?"

That was a question that Ashen One had been painfully aware of this entire time. One he didn't have an answer for, one he prayed he wouldn't have to find one for. His gaze softened, his fists clenching at his sides. He looked away, almost as if ashamed. "I do not know what we will do. But we will find a way through. Some middle ground will be found, if we must. It may not be easy but we will."

"What middle ground, Ashen One?" Ludleth pressed, now staring him down intently and expecting an answer.

"I do not know, Ludleth!" The Ashen One hissed, exasperated, throwing his hands up as he turned away. The possibility of the Fire Keeper choosing to link the fire had been one he ignored, pushing it away. He let his gaze fall onto the Fire Keeper who sat near the bonfire, gazing into it. Lost in thought. He bit down upon his lower lip. "I don't know. But I swear on the very fabric of my existence that I will honor her choice, and that I will find a way to not leave her side." He turned now, his eyes alight with determination.

"No matter what it takes."

The Ashen One and Ludleth once more engaged into a staring contest, neither ceding. Ludleth's stare was slow and calculated, examining the Ashen One who looked ready to explode into flames at any moment. It reminded him of how he was when he was younger, he had that same look of pure grit and unyielding desire. Refusing to back down. And he'd learned that that could sometimes be one's strongest weapon. He never broke his gaze, but soon he began to laugh and shake his head slowly.

"Mayhaps I was mistaken. You do not fancy her, you simply love her."

The Ashen One was already storming off before he could finish the sentence, grumbling more than a few profanities beneath his breath.

With a bunch of huffing and grumbling he left the Lord of Courland and found his way to Andre, blacksmithing away as per usual. He gave him Lothric's sword to strengthen it and a fair amount of titanite scales to do so. If it was to be his new weapon, then it'd have to be stronger. As he reached over to hand the blade over he could feel Lothric's essence within tugging down the bond roughly, clearly not pleased with the concept of being hammered with titanite. That didn't stop the Ashen One from handing the blade over, muttering a quick apology down the bond. Andre accepted it, though seemed perplexed by it. "Different weapon now? Right towards the end of your journey? Are you sure lad, you've been using that curved blade of yours for a rather long time, haven't ya'?" He inquired, shifting his eyes to give the Ashen One and uncertain look.

The Ashen One gave a reassuring nod, "I am positive. It is Young Prince Lothric's Holy Sword. It's light, powerful, and has good reach to it. I think it'd be a good fit for my battles to come. Plus, I feel…a connection to it."

Andre began to hammer away at the Ashen One's reassurance, speaking in between blows, "A connection ya' say? What do ya' mean exactly?"

So he explained everything that had taken place. He started with Lothric but used it to transition into talking about the Fire Keeper's eyes and the choice he had made. His decision to let the flame die out instead of being linked once more.

Andre didn't seem shocked at all by anything, nodding his head and giving affirmative grunts in between pauses. He began to question if he was even listening. That was until he shared the news of allowing the Fire Keeper her choice, which led him here to let time pass. Andre's face transformed from one of focus and silent resolution to the widest grin he'd ever seen the blacksmith give. Andre shot up from his seat and nearly crushed the Ashen One in a sudden embrace. In this colossal hug, he couldn't help but wonder what pain he'd feel in death with having his spine snapped, a fate he'd thankfully yet to suffer.

Andre soon released him after he gave a few frantic taps and pleading gasps for air. The Ashen One dropped to the floor and stumbled. Andre's hands stabilized him from falling as both clasped onto his shoulders.

"Lad…That makes me happier than ya' can ever believe. The Fire Keeper has...never had it easy, to put it mildly. And she has been silent, enduring it throughout every year that passes by, stuck into a position that does not allow her the ability to choose. But ya' giving that to her? There is no better act of kindness, Ashen One."

He returned to his seat, continuing to hammer away at his weapon. "You are a good man. The best kind actually, one with honor and guided by humanity. So if your choice is to let the flame be extinguished then so be it, I support the choice in all its entirety." After a few more strikes, he slid the straight sword from the anvil and into the Ashen One's waiting hands.

"Thank you, Andre…For this, and for the vote of faith. I will not let you down."

Andre watched him rise, nodding his head, and rising with him. He clapped the Ashen One upon the shoulder, squeezing it as gently as he could. "It's been an honor. And I know you won't, you won't be letting anyone down. Now go, finish what you must. Best of luck in your battles to come."

The Ashen One clapped Andre on the shoulder in return, giving a firm nod. They broke away and he turned to leave. Only after a few steps though, he heard Andre's voice once more. "And best of luck with your love." He whirled, feeling his face become hot. Again.

He pointing a finger at Andre, wanting to rebuke him. Andre sat there with a smug smirk, awaiting whatever argument the Ashen One could present. Which turned out to be nothing as he threw up his arms in defeat and stormed off. Was it that obvious? Was he so transparent? It was ridiculous. He groaned, trying to refocus back on the task at hand. He'd spoken with Ludleth and Andre. Those were the two main things he wished to complete. He would speak to a few others first before he would be truly finished with everything.

He strode into the shrine, intending to go and seek out a few of his old teachers to inform them of his choice. Maybe garner any extra wisdom. But then he saw that the Fire Keeper, standing in front of the bonfire and facing him. It seemed those other things would wait.

Her gaze was on him, and he could already tell that she was awaiting him. She had chosen. Before he knew it, his feet carried him forward and he could feel his heart beginning to race faster and faster. What if this didn't work? What if they disagreed? He couldn't bear that, he respected her choice but he didn't know where that would even leave them. Ludleth was right, what would he do? Doubt was beginning to creep in, followed by fear. He dreaded the possible answer she may give.

Before he could think anymore, he was before her. Their gazes locked as she stood, hands folded neatly together before him. Her expression was blank as only silence passed between them at first. He waited patiently at first, but soon he could feel his anxiety begin to rise and his fear grip him. What was the answer!? Was the silence an indicator? What was happening?

"Ashen One, forgive me if this soundeth strange. The eyes show a world without fire, a vast stretch of darkness. But 'tis different to what is seen when stripped of vision. In the far distance, I sense the presence of tiny flames. Like precious embers, left to us by past Lords, linkers of the fire." It was a statement at least, but it didn't give any idea which side she was leaning towards and thus did little to ease his climbing anxiety.

"I see." Was all he managed to say, not letting his mouth utter another word. He knew if he did he'd betray himself and reveal more than he cared to. More silence came and he realized that this feeling of doubt and anxiety was worse than being stabbed by a hundred ice spears.

"I choose to let the flame extinguish. To stay by your side, not by duty, but by…my own desire."

It took a few seconds for the words to truly sink in. For the doubt and worry to evaporate and become replaced with warmth and elation. He couldn't contain himself, to hell with betraying himself. He surged forward, his arms locking around her waist as he lifted her smaller frame into the air. She let out a small gasp as he did and he buried his face into her shoulder. He couldn't suppress this joy, no. He was absolutely ecstatic.

If that doubt was a feeling worse than death by ice, then this feeling was one greater than the richest estus. One that surpassed any feeling of warmth he felt, because now he felt as if he'd absorbed several embers all at once. This was a feeling that he could not contain, just as he could not contain the tears beginning to form, and for the first time in his existence as the Unkindled One, they were tears of joy.

"Ashen One…" She whispered, her arms slowly looping around him to fulfill the embrace. "I hadn't anticipated you'd be so overjoyed."

He slowly put her back down, taking another look at that face. One he'd grown to admire. Both of his hands lifted to gently cup it, leaning down so that his forehead may rest against her own. He found himself admiring every feature of her unobscured visage. Her small flat nose. Her flaxen locks that cascaded down her back. Her delicate pink lips that were turned into a small smile at his reaction, coupled by the heat that rose across her face pale features. And then there were her eyes, and as different as they may be, they were hers. And he admired them, and instead of finding darkness he found a sense of solace within her eyes. Eyes that he hoped would not be able to see his tear stained cheeks. "I just…Thank the sun, the Lords, and whatever Gods still exist. I'm better than alright. I'm happy, so happy." He whispered, his breathing matching his hearts quick beats.

She rose her soft hand up, wiping the tears from his cheek.

"I am grateful too, Ashen One. Let us face this unknown together. And whatever may come after it."

"I'd have it no other way." He whispered. So they stood there, the Fire Keeper wiping away his tears as they relished in each other's happiness.