[ Unknown location / September 20, 0078 17:39 ]

Lying on the westward slope of a small hill, just outside the desolate town, Signum gazed at the setting sun. From here, the ocean looked like it was at hand's reach.

She became aware of a new presence long before her ears picked up paws rustling across the grass. It wasn't hostile. Signum turned her head to see a large mass of pepper-and-salt fur that was a large but decrepit wolf.

She didn't stir as the old wolf climbed the hillside and lay itself down just outside her arm reach, also facing the sun. Its sides heaved irregularly. She wondered whether it sought company or she just occupied its favorite spot.

Her eyes returned towards horizon, and she suddenly heard herself speaking.

"Du und ich sind Überreste einer anderen Zeit, alter Krieger… Diese neue Welt hat keinen Platz für uns." [1]

She glanced at the wolf, curious if it listened. It didn't. It probably didn't speak Belkan, either. She watched the sun touch the surface of the ocean.

"Manchmal täuschen wir uns selbst vor, wir könnten hier leben, aber früher oder später holt uns unsere wahre Natur ein." [2]

The wolf stopped breathing. Its glassy eyes still stared into the sunset. She rose up, brushing dry grass off her clothes.

"Ruhe in Frieden, alter Krieger. Schon bald werden wir dir folgen." [3]

She walked back to the hideout as the funeral pyre engulfed the old wolf's body behind her, its light almost brighter than the dying sun.

[1] Ger. "You and I are remnants of another era, old warrior. This new world has no place for us."

[2] Ger. "Sometimes we pretend that we can live here but sooner or later, our true nature catches up with us."

[3] Ger. "Rest in peace, old warrior. Very soon, we shall follow."