In all of his time in Fódlan, Ashton thought he did not really have a purpose. He thought of himself as a mistake, an accident, and he felt as if it was proven every time he fought in battle, or even when he slept and lazed the days away at the priory. Never did he think, during that time, that he would finally, truly find his purpose for being there. Not only had the Goddess appeared before him in a dream, if only briefly, but he had fallen in love and was in a company of warriors that would help him grow stronger.

He barely felt like the Ashton that appeared in that tent all those years ago. It was hard to believe it had been years already, even.

Of course, even with all that said, sitting in front of two of the most powerful people in the Empire was still a nerve-wracking experience. Nothing would ever change that, and the only person in power who didn't do that was one he was in a relationship with.

"You two have come a long way in a short amount of time," Cichol stated, sipping at his teacup while still staring Ashton down. Indech was by his side, but the holy archer seemed more bored than anything else, sitting cross-legged and slouching. "I want to know what your intentions are."

"Intentions?" Ashton repeated.

"He's a parrot," Indech stated.

Cichol looked to his fellow saint with a slight glare.

"You do know what a parrot is, right, Cichol?" Indech asked, a small smile on his pallid face. "They are everywhere in the southern regions of this world. I had half a mind to bring one with me when Seiros called us here, but I suppose the cold would be too much for it."

"Ignore him," Cichol finally said, turning back to Ashton. "Answer my question. You know what I said, and I despise repeating myself."

"I guess either she told or you found out some other way-"

"I am the one she asked for advice," Cichol said, leaning forward with his elbows on the table. "She knows not of this meeting and she never will, unless you tell her. But believe me, Ashton, I do not harbor any ill will toward you. I simply want to know what interest you have in her. You saved Cethleann, and for that you will always have my gratitude, but Seiros is family to me as well. And I do not want my family to come to further harm."

"You see, Ashton," Indech said, "Cichol sees himself as an alpha wolf. He patrols his pack and makes sure those he loves are safe, even if they are, actually, higher in the chain than he is."

Electing to ignore Indech, Cichol merely stared at Ashton, waiting for an answer. Ashton wondered why he saw fit to bring Indech in the first place if all he was going to do was snark in the corner.

"My intentions are not complicated," Ashton grumbled. "I love her. Simple as that."

"Is that so? Truly? That is all there is to it?" Cichol raised a brow.

"He answered as truthfully as I expected," Indech commented.

"And what did you expect?" Cichol asked.

Indech shrugged. "The truth."

"By the Goddess, bringing you was a mistake," Cichol sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"And unfortunately, one you will live to regret."

"Anyways," Ashton said pointedly, leaning back in his chair. "Yes, Cichol, that is my one and only motive. I truly do love her, and having me here like you are interrogating me will not change that. Maybe I should speak to Hera and Cethleann, see what they think of-!"

"That will not be necessary, my friend," Cichol said with a cough.

"You hit him in a sore spot. I think I am starting to like you," Indech said, barking a laugh.

"I will send you on a proselytizing journey, Indech. You will need to speak in front of dozens, perhaps hundreds of people the same way Seiros does. Do you wish for that?" Cichol said suddenly, looking at Indech from the corner of his eye.

For the first time in the conversation, Indech looked away and mumbled to himself.

"That is what I thought," Cichol said, nodding before turning to Ashton again. "Well, it appears I had nothing to worry about. I assume she has already told you – our true nature, what we really are."

Ashton nodded. "You're dragons."

"Ha! What a word," Indech said, "but not entirely incorrect. Do you want to explain, or should I?"

"I grow tired of this, so you might as well. Grant yourself forgiveness for your earlier blunder," Cichol snorted.

"He speaks like this, Ashton, but he truly does care. He would not have saved your life otherwise," Indech chuckled. "Ah, but yes, it is true that we can take the form of 'dragons' as you call us. However, we do not resemble the wyverns you have no doubt seen roaming the skies, nor do we all look the same. The true name of our race is 'Nabateans'. You would do well to remember that before you speak of us with such a bestial epithet."

Ashton's lips pursed as he shrugged. "I did not know. She did not tell me that."

"She likely forgot," Indech theorized, "she can be rather air-headed sometimes. Perhaps because her head is constantly in the clouds."

"As much as he can be a pest at times, Indech is correct. It is better to have this knowledge now rather than later," Cichol said, his finger tapping against the wooden table. "I trust that you will not reveal your true colors and break Seiros' heart?"

"I would have to be monumentally stupid to do that, after all we've already done," Ashton murmured.

"…Oh," Indech said, popping his lips before turning to Cichol. "It looks as if our race has a fighting chance after all. You will not need to haul all of the workload."

"Please, Goddess, give me strength…" Cichol whispered.

"I am telling the truth, by the way," Ashton interrupted, "I think I will stay right where I am. You don't need to worry."

"Well," Cichol said, "see to it that I don't. We already have enough to deal with our preparations for Nemesis' return."

"Message received," Ashton replied, "now, is there anything else you want to vaguely threaten me over or is that all?"

"I like this one," Indech said.

"No, that will be all," Cichol said, standing up. "We are done here. I pray that our next meeting will be far more cordial. I do not mean to seem overly harsh, Ashton, but please understand that this is a rather precarious position. If something goes wrong, the entire Empire could suffer."

Ashton leaned back in his chair. "That's not going to happen."

Ashton was face to face with a monster.

The world had become that same technicolor image of dark light, shifting between different frequencies and tones as if it were the image of a radio signal. Before him stood a being that was the closest thing he had ever seen to a god. Hands grasped at the smooth ground as it raised itself up, its beaked head looking at him with squared eyes. A booming voice shook the whole world, a demand that went unanswered.

It grew angrier, then. It thrashed around before finally gaining its composure and standing up to its full height. It was easily three times Ashton's height, towering over him and anything else nearby.

I see you.

And Ashton was gone-

Ashton awoke in a cold sweat, only stopped by the feeling of something pressing against him. For a moment, he thought whatever he had seen in his dream was pushing him down, preventing him from moving even as he struggled, its eyes focused on him-

Then, he saw a sea of greenish-blonde, and heard a slight mumble as Seiros shifted slightly, her hand moving up his body before landing just beside his face. In his panic, he had almost forgotten she was there.

Ashton got his breathing under control quickly, but he still felt uncomfortably hot, like he was sick with a fever. He took breath after deep breath, attempting to quell the fire within, but to no avail. After a while, he just took comfort in Seiros gentle touch. He wasn't going back to sleep that night.

He tried to keep her from waking up, but Ashton failed. His breathing was too erratic, and soon enough, he saw her eyes flutter open.

"…You are shaking," Seiros whispered, lifting herself up in all of her bare glory. "Is something the matter?"

"A dream," Ashton said quietly, turning away. "Nothing more."

Seiros moved herself up until she leaned right by Ashton, propping her head up on one hand and looking down on him. "Is that so? Simply a dream, is it?"

"Well, maybe not," Ashton admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I am sorry for waking you."

"It matters not to me," Seiros replied succinctly, running a hand up his chest before reaching his chin and tracing his jawline. "Sleep has never come easily to me. Not since that night. It saddens me to see you suffer the same."

Ashton closed his eyes, reveling in her touch. "You have had it harder than me."

"If we go about comparing our own suffering to the suffering of others, we would be revealed as nothing but selfish fools," Seiros replied, her eyebrow twitching ever so slightly. "It does not matter to me how insignificant you believe your dream to be, I wish to hear it all the same."

Ashton took a deep breath and opened his eyes, beholding her again. He saw her in all her pale glory, and he found himself breathless for a moment. Regaining himself, he finally spoke.

"You have never had a dream about a man with a bird for a head, have you?" Ashton asked.

Seiros blinked. "…Ashton, I know what I have said, but please do not tell me this is a cruel joke."

"It is not a joke," Ashton said with a slight grumble. "Although now that I have said it, it sounds like one, huh?"

Seiros motioned for him to continue.

"Alright, well," Ashton took another deep breath. "I saw something like that, and I saw it before, too, back when I was still at the priory. Do you remember? I think I told you about it. That dream I had about the Goddess."

Seiros nodded. "A strange machination, but she works in mysterious ways."

"That she does. She was not here this time," Ashton breathed out, rubbing his eyes.

"So, I am assuming you were accosted by this… bird man?" Seiros said, her green eyes staring down at Ashton.

"That's one way to put it," Ashton grumbled. "It felt like it was ranting. Raving. Like it had been enraged or something. It kept asking something but I could not make out what it was saying. It was like I was listening to it underwater. After a while, it regained itself, and stared at me. It was demanding something of me, but I still couldn't tell what. Then the next moment, I swear it lunged at me. Or maybe it didn't. It's starting to fade away now."

Seiros was silent for a few moments.

"You do not know anything about this, do you?" Ashton asked. "I did not expect you to, but you wanted to hear it, so…"

"I did, and you are unfortunately right," Seiros replied, her hand moving up to cup Ashton's cheek. "I do not know what you saw in your dream. Perhaps it was only just that: a dream. They do not make sense at times."

"Then what about the one before it? The one about the Goddess?" Ashton asked, before mumbling to himself and rubbing his forehead. "Nevermind. Asking you those questions will not help. Not in the way I want them to."

"I… am more sorry than you can know that I cannot put your mind at ease in this matter," Seiros replied, her voice low.

Ashton shook his head lightly. "It's not your fault. I do not want to say it is the Goddess' fault either, for putting me here. If she really is the reason why I am here, that is. I don't know, the more I think about it, I just…"

"I am right here."

"And so am I," Ashton said, looking at Seiros in the eye, losing himself in those ponds of green. "And as far as I know, I am not going anywhere. I'm sorry if I got a little sentimental there, homesick, whatever you want to call it. I just- sometimes it can get a little overwhelming."

"I understand that much, at least," Seiros replied, finally lowering herself down to Ashton's level and laying on her side, her arm over him. She inched herself a bit closer, burying her face in the crook of his neck.

Ashton couldn't help but chuckle at that. "I never knew a dragon could be such a cuddle bug."

"Silence your heathen tongue."

"Yes, ma'am."

For a moment, the spacious room was silent. After a while, Ashton finally spoke again.

"I love you," he whispered, shifting slightly so he was on his side as well, moving his arms until he held Seiros.

Hearing a small sniffle, Ashton felt her peck him on the lips before pressing her forehead against his own.

"I love you, too," Seiros murmured, a full smile across her face.

With the imagery of his dream behind him, Ashton and Seiros indulged themselves.

It was the 19th of the Ethereal Moon, Imperial Year 38, and Ashton could feel the wintry chill settle into his bones.

Even though Enbarr was far to Fódlan's south, the continent itself was so far north that even the southern reaches felt as if they were frozen solid during the winter months. It was just Ashton's luck that he was made to walk the streets of Enbarr during such a cold period.

The company was good, at least.

"Perhaps we ought to get you a coat," Cethleann insisted, walking beside Ashton. "It would do you no good to protect me while you're sniffling and sneezing."

"My armor is fur-lined, Cethleann," Ashton replied with a grunt, patting his shoulder. "I should be the one telling you to wear something. How is that single robe enough to keep you warm?"

"Well, you are privy to our true nature, are you not?" Cethleann giggled.

Ashton rolled his eyes. It had been too long since he had spoken to Cethleann, and it was an amazing show of trust on Cichol's part that he had been given such an honor. Being her bodyguard as she went about the city, preaching to the commonfolk, was certainly a better alternative to simply training all day like he had been for the past few years. Still, it could get boring.

Of course, there was a hint of tension in the air, even then. Ashton couldn't quite place it, but it was there, slowly simmering in the back of his mind. He didn't know if it was a sudden sixth sense – he doubted it was, that would be ridiculous, but it was there all the same, and he couldn't ignore it. Somehow, somewhere, something was about to happen, but that was the extent of his gut feeling.

"I suppose I am," Ashton replied, the clanking of his armor distracting him from the feeling his gut steady while listening to the ambiance of Enbarr. Despite his misgivings, the city itself had been thriving in the wake of Nemesis' retreat. With the northern lands under control again, the Empire had entered a time of prosperity. Domes of gold and silver glimmered in the bright light of the sun, with nary a building in disrepair.

"You and my mother would much to talk about, I am sure," Cethleann added, skipping along the well-cobbled road. "I am shocked you two have not had cause to speak again, yet. I imagine that conversation could go on for hours on end."

"At that point it would seem suspicious," Ashton noted. "Not that I think your father would think that, but the sentiment is there. Besides, er, Cethleann? Perhaps you should not say such things so loudly. Our… relationship is supposed to be a secret."

"Oh, my apologies!" Cethleann stopped and bowed. "I have been greatly disrespectful, then. I hope you will accept my apology."

"Well, there is no need for that, is there?" Ashton hummed.

"How do you mean?"

"Just, keep it on the down low, alright?" Ashton continued, crossing his arms. "I do not want to know how the greater part of the Empire, let alone the court, would think about a lowly Knight of Seiros being in a relationship with the prophet of their Goddess. Sure, I am a part of her personal retinue, but that could lead to a lot of nastiness that we do not need right now."

"Ah, yes, of course," Cethleann nodded. "What you say is true, Ashton. I shall strive to be more careful from now on."

"All I am asking. Now-"

Ashton was interrupted when a familiar face in white and silver plate armor approached him. He'd recognize the massive giant of a man anywhere. Saladin trudged through the crowd, followed by an entire squad of knights, heading toward the duo.

"I hope I am not about to be arrested," Ashton mumbled as Saladin drew closer.

"Why would you be? You have never done anything-!"

"Ashton, you need to come with me," Saladin said succinctly, his deep voice more a gurgle than anything else. "We are needed, urgently."

"Ah, so I am not being arrested. Good," Ashton nodded, humming. A moment later, his thoughts caught up with his body and he narrowed his eyes. "What's happened?"

"Reports from our furthest outposts, along the Brigid Archipelago," Saladin explained, "I cannot say more without causing a panic, but a war council has already been convened. It is Nemesis."

Ashton felt his stomach drop into his pelvis.

Ashton had only been in the court hall once before, when he and Roland had arrived with Cethleann in tow. He remembered the feelings he had that day: overwhelming fear, nausea, and a hint of indignity. Back then, he was a nobody, just someone everyone called an 'Easterling' and a conscripted soldier in the army.

Even if he had made something of himself, become a Knight of Seiros, was in love with one of the most powerful women in the world, all of those feelings returned thrice-fold as the shouting match within the hall continued.

"You would have us go out to face him? Are you mad, Tobias, or simply suicidal?" a voice rang out among the rabble. Considering her features, it had to be Ella's mother.

"He could be upon our shores within a fortnight, and who knows how many men he has gathered these past few years?" Tobias replied, "We need to whittle him down before he has a chance to strike our heart. Enbarr's defenses are great, and we can withstand a siege for months or even years, if need be, but what of the people? Should we allow them to suffer and die as we hide in our estates and fortresses?"

Ashton could see them all, from his vantage point. Every single Knight of Seiros had been gathered and were arranged on either side of the room, with several standing as guards at the doors. They were standing at attention, their helmets on and looking like photos Ashton had seen of a terracotta army.

The nobility were on either side of the chamber, as they had been on that day years before, and Seiros and the other Saints were above them on their podiums, with Emperor Wilhelm just below. Seiros herself had that same stony expression on her face as she did back then as well, only Ashton didn't shy away from looking at her. Not that time. Not after everything they had done.

It was comforting. And Ashton hoped it comforted her to know that he was right there, in plain sight. Not that she truly needed it; she was stronger than that. Still, he couldn't help what he thought.

Soon enough, the squabbling of the nobility seemed to fade away as Ashton retreated into his own mind, wondering about the coming battle. And there would be a battle; Ashton was sure of it. Whether it be at the Brigid Archipelago if the people desired, or around the fields of Enbarr itself. Ashton was ready for it, though. Perhaps more ready than he had ever been. Years of training would not go to waste.

Ashton wasn't a failed priest. He wasn't a failed soldier. He had finally found a place among the Knights of Seiros, and he would not let them down. Not while he drew breath. Memories of home seemed so far away in the face of camaraderie and love.

He still thought of them, sometimes. Of his father, his cousins, his family. But they were not there, and he was. Until a way could be found for him to return, Enbarr, and Adrestia, were his home, and he had to admit, he liked the sound of that.

"Enough!" Seiros suddenly shouted, silencing the hall and causing Ashton to snap out of his thoughts. "I will not stand idly by as Nemesis and his ilk arrive on our shores! To intercept him would be foolhardy – we know not how many ships he has, how many men he has prepared. Enbarr is a defensible location, and our army is at its strongest here. I know what we must do."

"A messenger will be sent to Fhirdiad, Saint Seiros," Wilhelm stated, "Saint Macuil could have his army here within several weeks, and we could crush Nemesis' army between our combined might."

"A pincer move, is it?" Indech said, his voice quiet. "Interesting, but he must be anticipating it."

"Do it. In the meantime, we will focus on evacuating the people into the countryside or beyond. I will not have innocent people hurt under my watch. The Goddess protects her faithful, and I will honor that promise," Seiros said, before moving her hand to her side and unsheathing her sword. The undulating, masterfully crafted blade shined in the sun.

"Our faith is strong, and it will not falter in the face of heathens such as Nemesis. Together, we will put his foolish ambitions to rest!"

Ashton could feel his heart swell at those words. Despite Seiros saying how uncomfortable she was with giving speeches, she was amazing at them. Even with only a few sentences she was able to galvanize the entire court into a frenzy. Ashton smiled behind his helmet.

He only hoped that it would be enough.

The wind from the sea blew over Ashton's form, the setting sun making the gentle ocean look like a mottled orange slurry. The docks of Enbarr looked as radiant as ever, with people going to and fro along the wooden piers. Only, Ashton knew they were not preparing for commerce. Among the barrels and crates he could see armor, weapons such as halberds and battle axes, bows, and everything between and beyond. They were all preparing for war.

Nemesis would arrive within a week at most. The far off scouts who had first reported his incursion had returned alongside as many of their fellows as they could gather as Nemesis scurried along the Brigid Archipelago, no doubt pressing the native people into his service, if his previous track record was anything to go by. He acted more like a bandit than a King.

And Ashton was spending what would probably be the last bit of free time staring out at the ocean. It would be the last time he would be able to do all of this until the battle was over. In the coming days, he would be called upon to marshal the defenses and help prepare the people who chose to stay to fight.

"Ah, look, Roland! He's sitting around doing nothing. Just as I told you he would."

Ashton had to stifle the smile on his face and look annoyed as he stood up and turned around.

"I would give the man some time to settle into his new position, but he has already been a Knight for a while now. How goes it, Ashton?" Roland greeted, bowing as Ella stood off to the side with her arms crossed, a goofy smile on her face.

"And here I thought I'd be able to get away from you two," Ashton sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "No such luck."

"Don't be so sour, old friend," Ella replied, walking up to him and wrapping an arm around his neck. "After all, where would you be without us?"

"Happier, probably."

"You would be dead."

"I did not stutter, did I?"

Ella poked him in the shoulder, flashing a toothy grin at Roland. "I missed him."

Roland shook his head. "In any case, we wanted to check in on you, as it were. It's a lovely evening and to spend it alone out here would do you no good."

Ashton smiled slightly. "I missed you guys too. The Knights are all good acquaintances with me, but I cannot call a single one of them a true friend. You all alone have that dubious honor."

"Speaking so rigidly, are you?" Ella snorted, "they're affecting his speech. We need to get him out of there."

"I am certain that would be called either kidnapping or treason," Roland replied.

"It's only either if anyone finds out."

"In any event," Roland coughed into his fist. "We were hoping you would join us for one last night of merriment. My estate will be hosting a gathering in honor of the battle to come."

"Any excuse for a party, huh?" Ashton asked.

Roland shrugged. "In dire times such as these, a bit of merrymaking will always be welcome."

Ashton thought for a moment before nodding. "Very well, then. Let's go."

He was thankful he wouldn't need to be with his own thoughts, and with Seiros preoccupied, he had no other outlet. He'd enjoy the night for all that it was worth.

Bit of a shorter chapter considering the wait but unfortunately I am still afflicted with the scarlet rot and can feel myself being lost within the goddamned Lands Between.

Don't worry, though, I still have a lot of passion for this fic, even if it was a bit of a struggle to get this chapter out. Although don't be surprised if an Elden Ring fic comes out from me at some point in the future lol.

Anyway, here's a link to our Discord server: discord .gg/9XG3U7a

See you guys next time!