AN: If it isn't obvious, I have taken creative liberties with this story. So, keep that in mind during some of the dialogue.

Enjoy!

Farewell

It wasn't pleasant, but at some point, they had to untangle themselves from one another. They did so begrudgingly, though that point only came after several minutes of embracing and gentle whispers. Minutes of savoring the feeling of being so close to the other. The Ashen One slowly stepped back, a broad grin still adorning his expression, his sense of elation apparent. The Fire Keeper was smiling as well, not the gentle grin he'd grown accustomed to, but a wide smile that warmed his heart to see.

"I shall be back soon, Fire Keeper. I must return Lothric to his throne and speak to a few others." He had every intention of being back as soon as possible.

"I shall await thy return so that thou may begin thy journey to the First Kiln," The Fire Keeper said, bowing her head to him as he returned the gesture. He lifted his head and paused a brief moment, contemplating something. The Fire Keeper noticed he had yet to depart and raised a flaxen brow, tilting her head a bit. Before she could inquire he spoke.

"You are very beautiful, Fire Keeper. With eyes or without, you still look more divine than any Goddess. I am blessed to have you accompany me in this venture." Before a blush could even register upon her cheeks he was walking off, striding towards the thrones that circled the shrine. All she could do was stand there, mouth agape and cheeks crimson, words lost upon her tongue. She had been alive for centuries and experienced many things, but never had she experienced her heart beat the way it did in that moment. She had many things to think about while she waited for him to return.

The Ashen One was, to put it gently, about as subtle as a battle axe. So he had hoped the more direct approach would work, it was the only way he could think of to get the point across. Said point being his affection for her. Which he hoped was as transparent to her as it apparently was to everyone else. However, he didn't dare look back to see her reaction. No, he'd let his words sink in and then when he returned he'd see what the difference was. He had other things he had to set his mind to.

A warm sensation from the straight sword churned within him to get his attention, reminding him of the task ahead and clearing his mind of his affection and passion. He let his hand pat the blade where it was sheathed, "I know, I know. I'm going." He mumbled, ascending the ring of thrones.

It did not take long before he scaled the stairs and was at the final throne, delicately placing Lothric's cinders upon the seat. He smiled fondly down to them as they settled where he placed them. "Your sacrifice was not in vain, Lothric. I will ensure that." He whispered, giving a proper bow before the throne. Lothric's Holy Sword gave a small tug down their bond as he did.

He soon departed, not wishing to spend too much time talking to a pile of cinders. However, before he did, he took one good look at all of the thrones. All the cinders that remained there, all from foes conquered. Maybe conquered through several attempts, but conquered none the less. He had come so far from where he started.

And he had not done it alone. The Fire Keeper had of course played a pivotal role in his progress, but there were many others who had aided him. Andre was crucial, allowing him to strengthen his weapons so that he may slay his foes before they bested him. Ludleth transposed the souls of lords, granting him the weapon he had now. The Shrine Handmaiden sold him things so that he could go about his basic day to day functions, such a repair powder, embers, and the lot. Then there was Karla and Cornyx, both having taught him valuable spells that had proved useful on more than one occasion.

He departed from the high vantage point, going through the main corridor and turning right from where Andre continued to smith away and descended down the stairs. There he found his old teacher, Cornyx, seemingly content in his laid-out position.

"Ah, young pupil! It is good to see you once more, it feels you have been gone for quite some time," Cornyx greeted, recognizing him as he grew closer and sitting forward. The Ashen One gave a smile, shrugging a bit. "I have been a bit preoccupied, don't always have time to stop around." He quietly left out the part of where he had nothing more to learn from the pyromancer, letting him still hold onto the notion that he was his student.

"A bit preoccupied with a certain Fire Keeper I hear." He countered, a faint smirk creeping across his bandaged face. The Ashen One now wished he had added in the part of how he nothing left to learn from the bandaged old crow. "Do you people here have nothing better to do in your time than gossip?" He inquired with no shortage of askance in his tone.

"No," Andre shouted from within his alcove above in between hammer blows.

The Ashen One huffed in irritation, placing himself into a sitting position before Cornyx grumbling all the while. "Bunch of nannies, gossiping about trivial things. Can't mind your own business." Cornyx loosed a cackle, reaching over to pat the Ashen One's shoulder.

"Calm down lad, nothing to be ashamed of. She's quite lovely and kind. Besides, it wasn't like we hadn't known from early on."

The Ashen One placed his head into his hands and stifled the urge to scream. He felt Lothric's essence jab at him from within, a quick prod, almost as if teasing him as well. "Not you too," He thought weakly, realizing there'd be no escape from this.

Cornyx decided to show some mercy and restraint, changing the subject, before the Ashen One self-ignited. "It has also come to my ear when you told Andre that you'll be letting the flame die," He stated, tone shifting from playful to one of indifference. The Ashen One straightened a bit, regaining whatever bit of his composure was left as he gave a solemn nod. "I will be. And the Fire Keeper shares the same decision as I do, we…conferred with one another." He heard Andre give a low whistle from above within his alcove. If it wasn't for the fact he could probably send the Ashen One flying with that hammer, he'd go up there and slug him.

Cornyx seemed to analyze the information given, nodding his head slowly. "As I have always advised, it is wise to fear the flame, Ashen One. Flames can be a destructive force, and sometimes they are best left to die out, lest they cause more harm than good." Cornyx resisted the urge to raise a hand and run it along the bandages that adorned the upper half of his head.

"We are of one mind then. My thoughts are similar. If the flame is rekindled, then we only put off an inevitable end and make it worse off when it finally does arrive. Best to face it while the choice is ours to make. It is time for the cycle to finally be brought to an end."

A smile reclaimed Cornyx's bandaged visage. "I am glad to have raised such a wise student. Now, was that all you cared to inform me of, or is there anything else? Perhaps a wedding date?"

"Cornyx, I will use the flames you've taught me how to wield, and burn off every last shred of your clothing," The Ashen One warned, letting ember dance across his fingertips for show. Though Cornyx only scoffed in response, waving his hand.

"Oh, please boy. That'd probably scar you more than it would me." At that, they both shared a laugh.

As their amusement died down, the Ashen One did deliver one message. "I do not know when I will see you again, Cornyx. I will be leaving and I am not sure if I will ever be able to return. So I wanted to thank you for all the lessons you have given me. I appreciate having had you as a teacher. You are a part of the reason I am able to make the choice I have, and I will not forget all the tools you have given me." He extended his hand out for Cornyx to shake it.

Cornyx bypassed it, leaning forward to embrace the Ashen One. "What're you trying to do, make me cry and replace my bandages?" Cornyx joked, casting a smile over the Ashen One's features as he embraced him in return.

"I am glad to have had the chance to have you as my pupil, it was a privilege watching you go from a clumsy novice who could barely refrain from burning himself to a proficient spell caster who is approaching the same level as I. We will meet again, Ashen One. Until then may you find pleasure in life, and all it has to offer," He stated, withdrawing from their embrace and reclining into his sprawled-out position. "Especially in marriage."

The Ashen One rolled his eyes and rose from where he sat, "You just had to ruin the moment." He joked, turning to walk up the stairs to seek Karla. "Ashen One, wait a moment!" Cornyx called, sounding serious for a change of pace. The Ashen One turned, half expecting another dig. Instead he found Cornyx's visage serious, and almost hesitant.

"You…Gave her the eyes, correct? Do you intend to…?" Cornyx asked, seemingly not wanting to finish the sentence. The Ashen One grasped what he meant quickly and stiffened.

"No, never," He replied solemnly, watching a look of relief wash over Cornyx's features. He exhaled a breath of air, "Good, because if you had intended to then I'd light you on fire here and now." He felt that was partly a joke, and partly serious. He smiled either way, turning to climb the stairs. "You raised a better pupil than that. Besides, that'd make for a poor honeymoon," He stated, allowing himself the one joke at his own expense. Cornyx chuckled heartily, waving him a farewell.

The Ashen One headed down the opposite flight of stairs that he had just ascended, to the left of where Andre was stationed. Not before shooting him a glare that the blacksmith only grinned at. Once down the stairs, he turned and went to the alcove that lay beneath them. There he found Karla, sitting peacefully with her large hat covering the upper half of her face.

"Ah, hello again, Ashen One. Thank goodness. One can become quite attached, even to a bumbling apprentice. I had thought perhaps you'd forsaken your journey and this place all together." While Cornyx had taught him many things pertaining to the way of pyromancy, Karla had taught him many dark-based miracles and sorceries. As well as other forms of pyromancy that Cornyx couldn't teach him, such as Quelana's Tome. She taught him things that, as malevolent as they may be, had certainly come of use in certain situations.

"Bumbling apprentice? Please. I'm sure I am not far behind your level of skill. And I'd never forsake this place, it is my home. As for my journey, well, it has had a bit of a…detour." He explained, wondering if she'd already heard the news. Given how quickly it apparently spread around the shrine it would be of no surprise.

"Ah yes, a detour. That led you straight to a certain Fire Keeper." Andre let out a hearty chuckle from above.

He'd take that as a yes. Why was that more important than his choice to extinguish the flame? He was literally going to change the world and the process it endured, and they were more concerned about his bond with the Fire Keeper. He let out another low groan as he leaned back, propping himself up with his arms as he stared up to the ceiling. "You people are insufferable."

Karla gave a small chuckle, using her hand to cover her mouth and try to hide it. "It is admirable that you both have found solace in one another while such troubled times continue on. But from what else I heard, these troubled times may…fade?"

The Ashen One gave a brief nod, turning his gaze to her. "We have both agreed to let the flame die out, and welcome the age of darkness. It just seems like the better option. We both took our time to work through to choose between the two and we agreed to let the flame die. She had seen it all with her eyes, and still wishes to follow me. With her by my side I have little doubt that my journey can be completed."

"Ah, I see. So you gave her the eyes, did you? Tell me, do you plan to fulfill the prophecy attached to them? If so I understand. Besides, it will not change my sense of gratitude, or how I think of you." Karla emphasized that last part, but he could tell it wasn't fully true. Her nor Cornyx had raised a deceiver as a pupil. She may tolerate it unlike Cornyx, but knew she would feel shame if he had said yes. Thankfully, that shame would never have the chance to manifest.

"I do not. Whatever scene of betrayal is to happen shall not be committed by her or I. If I had to guess I'd say that it is a betrayal to the Gods, one that we commit together in letting the flame die out. I'm not entirely sure, but what I do know is that I'd never raise my blade against her." And the sharp tug from Lothric's straight sword down the bond between them made it clear that the young prince would ensure that as well.

Karla gave a bright smile at the news, nodding her head eagerly. "Of course. I would expect nothing less from such a bright student. I am proud, even with all the dark arts you have learned, you have not let it lead you astray as many have. May the fire inside you, Ashen One, never be quelled." She leaned forward, embracing him and he did the same.

"I do not know when our paths may cross again. So I want to thank you for being my teacher. I am proud to have been your student, and I shall bring honor to that title. Your magic taught me that not all darkness is malevolent. It has the potential, but it is what you mold it to be. That lesson is one I am sure I will find useful in the future after I achieve my goal."

Karla reeled back from the hug, removing her hat to reveal the entirety of her face. "Our paths cross in the future, Ashen One. I can assure you of that. I would hate to lose such a promising apprentice forever. But for now, farewell. And may you find success in all you strive for." He half expected another joke about his feelings for the Fire Keeper to arise, but they never did.

He departed, heading up the stairs and back down to main corridor. To the final person whom he wished to see. The Shrine Handmaiden. As he approached the maiden within her chair a smile crossed over her hooded face. "Ah, Ashen One. And here I was worried thou would not wish me farewell before thine journey."

The Ashen One bowed properly before her, smiling as he straightened up. "I would never. Don't tell the others, but I wanted to save the best for last." He stated with a coy smirk as he leaned against the nearby wall. The Shrine Handmaiden waved in front of her face, feigning to be flustered. "Oh you're just trying to flatter an old woman, how would thy current lover feel about such a thing?"

The Ashen One wasn't even surprised or phased at this point, he saw it coming by now. Instead he gazed out into the shrine where the Fire Keeper sat near the bonfire, awaiting him. "I think she'd understand. We seem to be very good at coming to a common ground," He jested, shrugging, and looking back to the seated woman. "I take it I don't need to inform you of anything then? Seems my secrets have been ousted all at once."

"Oh, sweetheart, I am the one that revealed them to everyone. When you sit for so long and peddle wares for as many years as I have then you'll grab the first strand of interest that comes along and unravel it for all it is worth. Besides, we all knew this budding little romance would happen sometime. It was simply a matter of when."

He wasn't entirely shocked that they saw his affection for her early on, being honest. Looking back he saw that his actions may have gave him away. It didn't matter though, there was no lie in it, he did feel that way. Just hearing it laid out before him was not what he'd expected. It was something he tried to keep under wraps, focusing on the task at hand instead of his romantic life. He thought he had done well at keeping how he felt secluded, but that apparently wasn't the case. "Why did you think it'd inevitably happen?" He couldn't help but ask.

"We saw the way that thou would stare at her from a distance, the energy you manifested when you spoke to her and how enthusiastic you were. You seemed to...come alive in her presence. It was as clear as day to anyone but you two." She chuckled faintly, continuing on, "Did thou ever notice how we'd bring her up to thou in conversation sometimes? Thou would always get so flustered and happy, it was a delightful change of pace from the dreariness of this place. Thou were as incandescent as the sun around her. Admittedly though, thou were not the only one to poorly guard their feelings. Here is a bit of gossip for thou, to repay all the torment I have caused thee." She crooked a finger, drawing him in. He leaned in, none too happy over how poorly he'd manage to veil his feelings. He hoped these coming words would be balm to the wound his pride had just suffered.

"When thou were gone, she'd fret over thou constantly, especially if it was a long duration of time. She never outwardly expressed anything, as is her nature, but she'd nearly pace a rut into the shrine. And her hands looked whiter than snow when they were clasped together while waiting. Then, when thou would return, she'd always have this smile of relief. However, the final indicator I'd say was that whenever Andre or I would press the young girl about thou, one could always glean the faintest hint of pink meet her cheeks. Her disposition would change slightly, becoming less rigid and more peaceful. She made you shine like the sun, but you made her as radiant as the moon."

Her voice was little more than a whisper, but the information spoke volumes. His face was brighter than the hottest ember, and was probably the same temperature. He was half certain his heart would break through the his chest and the chainmail he wore. He stepped back, turning his gaze to her and feeling his heart swell. "I see." Was the only response he could muster. He couldn't help but imagine her worried pacing, that gentle smile as he returned, and her becoming flustered when he was mentioned. All thoughts that made his heart pound louder.

While he was distracted, thinking of these things and staring off at a certain flaxen-haired woman, the Shrine Maiden shoved two small and shiny objects into his palm. He gripped them, attention turning to them. They were matching rings, the bands of them were pure silver but at their peaks was a crimson ruby imbued into each one. They glimmered in the faint light, such as the embers of a flame coming to life. He was stunned, running his finger across the smooth, silvery surface of each one. His thumb glossed over each ruby, cool to the touch.

"For when the time is right, Ashen One." She said, nudging him ahead with her foot. "We will meet again, I am certain. Hopefully when we do, thou will be betrothed."

He took steps forward, hastily sliding the ring into his pocket. He craned his neck, casting a grateful smile to the Shrine Maiden. "Thank you, for everything." She only smiled back in response.

He crossed the shrine towards the bonfire, to the Fire Keeper. She heard him coming and quickly stood to meet him. He couldn't resist the smile that tugged at his lips and the warmth that flooded him upon the sight of her. No words were said as he stood before her, looking down slightly, staring into her eyes. A sight of solace.

He lost track of the time that passed, having no concern for it. He was happy where he was now, and felt that he could await the end of the world here just like this. Her hands unclasped and stretched out, taking each one of his. He reciprocated, letting their fingers intertwine as he gave a tender squeeze.

"The words thou said earlier…Dost thou mean them?" She asked, her voice quiet and fragile. She was cautious with the happiness she felt, not letting it swell over. Not until she knew for certain he was as…passionate as he seemed. She had no reason to doubt otherwise, but she wanted to hear it come straight from his lips. Something like this had never happened before, no one else had made her feel in such a way as this. Letting herself get carried away could be disastrous.

"I meant it and more," The Ashen One said in a heartbeat, leaning inwards so that they were only inches apart. "You are magnificent. Not just in appearance but in who you are. You were there for me every time I needed it most. You were the one consistent thing in this world that I could depend on. I found your presence soothing, to hear your voice would dull the edge on my nerves. That small smile would melt away my stress and relieve me of my worries. And I find now that I do crave your presence, that is why knowing that you will be there with me as the flame is extinguished has made me the happiest I've ever been in the short time I have existed. You mean more to me than a common friend, you are someone cherished and beloved. Someone who I desire to spend the rest of my existence with," He confessed, not thinking of what he said. Instead he let his heart guide his words as he squeezed her hands. He would not hide how she made him feel, and he would let her know every little detail. Everyone else seemed to know, so she would as well. At this point what was the point in holding back?

The Fire Keeper was at a loss for words. She hadn't anticipated him to gush as he did. It certainly left no question as to where his passion may lie. She simply stared up to him, desperately wishing for the gift of sight to watch him as he said these tender words. The issue though was that she did not know what to say in response. She wanted to convey that same passion she had felt stirring within, but it was such an unknown feeling that she did not know where to start. However, she was determined to at least attempt. He deserved that much.

"Do you want to know why I chose to walk thine path beside thou…?" She started shakily, though a reassuring squeeze of the hand helped her continue. "I was divided. Part of me followed the logic and rationale that came with letting the flame extinguish. Yet there was resistance in the form of hesitation and doubt. I was not certain if this was best, I was reluctant to commit. It would mean turning my back on all that I have followed since I was born. And while the cause is right, it is not a simple thing to do. I was…uncertain." She drew in a deep breath, tightly squeezing his hands just as she had when she confessed her doubt over linking the flame in the first place. And just as that time, she found comfort in his touch.

"What tipped the scales and made my decision was thou. I believe in thee, I have faith that thou will guide me down the path that will be best and shall not lead me astray. There are no right paths as thou have said, but I believe that we chose what was best. And the prospect of wanting to stay with thou was…a factor whether I wanted it to be or not. I have grown accustomed to being around thee, I find joy in thy company. I find myself craving thy presence, the same feeling you described." As she continued to speak the words began to come easier and more naturally.

"I do feel the same. Because thou are the kindest being I have ever encountered. You give and give, without ever seeking to gain. Thy sincerity is unmatched, as is thy compassion. I did not believe such qualities of humanity still persisted, that this world had purged all those who have it. But yet thou stand as an exception and…I could not think of a better individual to share my future with. I care for thee, Ashen One. More than words could ever articulate. Thou have made me feel a way that I never knew possible, that I had only heard in passing legends and myths. You have captured my heart for it beats faster in thine presence. I feel a strange warmth stir within that comforts me whenever thou are near. When I hear thy voice I am filled with this unparalleled happiness. You are…"

She felt the tears stream down her cheeks now, unable to suppress them as she had earlier. This was the first time she had ever opened up in such a manner. It was not a common thing to do, she had been taught at a young age to seclude and bury everything deep down. Nothing took precedence over the fire, everything else was considered a distraction. Yet here she stood, crying and pouring out the emotions swelling within her chest. All because of him. The Ashen One had instilled these lovely emotions into her heart and made them erupt with his words. She reluctantly pulled her hands from his own to wipe away the tears.

However, something strange happened. With every wipe of her hand, it was if the tears cleared her vision. Their wetness wiped away the repeating scenes of betrayal, darkness, and embers that haunted her. As they began to dissipate a different sight took their place. As each tear was brushed away, the world around her began to come into focus clearer and clearer. It had been hundreds of years since she had last seen the world with her actual eyes. And the first sight she found was a male's face.

One this face the first thing she noted were the eyes that stared into her own. Two dark, jade irises adorned the visage, seeming to gleam with an air of admiration and passion. They blended well with his olive complexion that glowed within the shrine's dim lighting. The next feature she noticed was his short brunette locks that framed the sharp angles of his face. Then there was a dazzling smile, his teeth on full display. She knew instantly what face she was looking at. It was the face of the man who had made her heart race and eyes water. This was the man who stirred unfathomable amounts of joy within her. This was the face of the man who she would face the darkness with. And she couldn't be happier.

"Ashen One…Thou look like a creation from the flame itself…" She whispered, her hands raising from her teary eyes to cup his visage. Her fingers delicately ran along every line and contour on his visage, so carefully, almost fearing that it'd fade away if she was not gentle enough. Her fingers traced the structure of his cheek bones, the nature of his jawline, and small incline of his nose. Everything. She didn't care how strange it may have been, she had to be sure this was real, not some illusion. And by the look of shock that washed over him, she felt confident that it wasn't.

She had taken his breath away with the words she said to him, returning the feelings he had for her. But when she stated that final sentence his heart skipped a beat. "You…You can…?" He didn't dare utter the word, disbelief taking him. He stared into her lovely irises, into the darkness they contained and the tears that clouded them. They focused on him with a new sense of recognition and awareness, and he could tell that she was now analyzing every feature of him. He found himself crying now as well.

"Never leave my side, Fire Keeper," He whispered, one hand raising to cup her cheek while the other looped around her waist to pull her close.

"I never shall, Ashen One. We will be the embers I saw in my visions, dancing within the unknown. Together, we will illuminate the darkness."