Disregarding the apples, Hanna ran over to Lyra and immediately hugged her. Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks as she held her daughter. "Oh, my little starlight... You're here."

Lyra hugged her mother back tightly. She too was crying. "I've missed you so much..."

"I received all the letters you sent me. How I wish I could have written back to you." Hanna pulled away and wiped the tears off her cheeks. "When I couldn't, I left a letter at Martha's Rest in hopes you would visit."

"I got it," Lyra smiled. "Thank you, Mother."

Hanna was about to open the door when she remembered the apples. "Oh, Founder! How clumsy of me."

"I'll pick them up for you." Lyra stopped her mother and picked up the apples for her. She held the basket and entered the house when Hanna held the door open for her. She placed the basket on the table. "There are quite a few apples here. Are you making something?"

"Oh, no," Hanna replied. "Ever since the incident at Phoenix Gate and you and your father vanished, I...haven't had much of an appetite. Fruit is all I have been able to stomach outside of what few dishes I cook every few days."

Lyra's happiness faltered. She sorrowfully gazed at the floor. "I...I cannot express how sorry I am that I was not able to protect him. I know it's been thirteen years, but I understand if you are angry with me."

Hanna shook her head and grabbed her daughter's hand to give it a reassuring squeeze. "Not once have I blamed you for your father's death. I could have lost you both that night, but I didn't. I still have you, darling." She moved her hand under Lyra's chin and nudged her face upward. "Oh, the Founder truly has blessed me with your arrival."

Lyra was able to smile again. "There is so much I have to tell you. Is now a good time?"

"Of course! Please, sit down."

Lyra and Hanna sat down at the table and talked for a while. She told her about the incident at Phoenix Gate and how she couldn't come home for thirteen years because of the Holy Empire searching for her. However, she had left the part out about being Gaia, the goddess cast from the heavens searching to heal the world. Her mother had been silent the entire time, trying to comprehend everything.

"I'm sorry it took me so long to come and visit," Lyra apologized. "I was afraid the empire would have come here first after the events at Phoenix Gate."

"It is a good thing you didn't come home," Hanna replied. "A couple of days after that night, imperial soldiers knocked on my door asking for you. Even after I told them I hadn't seen you, they stormed in and searched the house. They left everything in disarray before leaving. After that, they would return every couple of months before their untimely visits ceased two years ago."

"I'm glad they didn't hurt you." Lyra glanced at the apples and an idea came to mind. She smiled at her mother. "How about we go to the marketplace and buy some proper ingredients? We could make a meal like old times."

Hanna was more than happy at the suggestion. "I would love to, darling. Let us head to the marketplace."

Lyra left the house with her mother. They arrived at the market minutes later and started to buy ingredients to prepare a meal. She noticed the scarcity of the food being sold, but she knew why. The Blight was creeping toward Eastpool and affecting the soil, making it difficult for the people of the village to grow anything.

When she was caught buying extra ingredients with the gil she had, Hanna asked, "Isn't this too much for the two of us, darling?"

"Oh," Lyra faced her mother, smiling. "We'll be having a couple more guests coming. They should be here soon."

Hanna blinked in bewilderment. "That's wonderful, but...who?"

"I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise, but I think you will enjoy seeing them again."

She still mentally stumbled even after trying to figure out who was coming to dinner. She continued to think about the possible faces even after they finished shopping. Seeing her daughter was holding all the crates, she tried to take one but stopped when she spotted two figures crossing the bridge into Eastpool.

Lyra smiled at seeing the look on Hanna's face when she recognized Clive and Jill. She beckoned her to greet them. "Go to them, Mother. I shall begin dinner for us." She carried the crates to the house and started cooking right away.

As she was waiting to finish the last dish, Jill entered the kitchen. "Is there anything I can help you with, Lyra?"

Lyra hadn't even realized Hanna, Clive, and Jill had arrived at the house. She had become too absorbed in cooking and didn't hear the door open. "Oh, Jill. No, it's all right. I'm almost done. Thank you, though."

Instead of leaving the kitchen, Jill decided to stay and speak to her friend. "I noticed the necklace you wear. It's quite beautiful."

"Oh..." Lyra unconsciously placed a hand over the necklace. "It was a gift from Clive. He gave it to me the night we arrived at Phoenix Gate."

"Ah, so it is the necklace Clive mentioned," Jill said. "He told me the day before you both left for Phoenix Gate that he wanted to give you a necklace. I'm glad he was able to."

"It was a wondrous moment, one that quickly turned into a horrid nightmare," Lyra said. "Regardless, all three of us are back together. The circumstances were odd, but I am glad to be with both of you again."

"As am I," Jill smiled.

Once the food was finished cooking, Lyra and Jill carried the dishes to the table. They served the food and began eating. Hanna was more than happy to taste her daughter's cooking after a long time. Jill and Clive also enjoyed the meal she had cooked for them.

Over dinner, Clive and Jill had told Hanna about what happened to them. While they talked, Lyra took the plates and returned them to the kitchen. As she cleaned the dishes for her mother, she listened to their conversation in the next room.

"Can well understand fleeing from those Ironblood brutes, but oh! To take to the road at such a tender age!" Hanna said. She then noticed how Clive touched the Brand on his face and her sorrow returned.

"It...wasn't easy. But we survived and..." Clive glanced at Jill, who was sitting next to him.

"And now we're back," Jill finished. "It's wonderful to see you safe and well, Lady Hanna. You must be overjoyed to see Lyra again."

Hanna managed to smile. "It is most wonderful to see her after such a long time. And to see her with you both only adds to my joy."

"Do you think you will stay here, in Eastpool? Rosalith still enjoys the Mothercrystal's blessing, does it not? You could always move."

Hanna looked around the room with a fond smile. "This house holds a lot of memories for me. So long as I can live here in peace, here I shall stay." Her smile started to fall. "Not that it matters. The capital is closed to civilians, by order of the duchess. Or should I say, Her Imperial Majesty... Anabella's marriage to the Emperor of Sanbreque heralded a great many changes here."

Clive lowered his head, feeling ashamed to call Anabella his mother. "Yes, of course..."

Hanna gasped and apologized for her words after seeing the man's reaction. "Forgive me! I—I didn't mean to..."

"Please," Clive reassured her. "There is nothing to forgive. Would my mother not make an exception for you and your husband? Surely she would not refuse the Lord Commander?"

Sorrow consumed Hanna as she twisted her wedding band around her finger. "Ah. You haven't heard, then."

Lyra, who had finished cleaning, froze in the kitchen as she listened to her mother.

"Rodney passed away on the night of the fire. He never returned from Phoenix Gate."

Feeling tears forming in her eyes, Lyra lowered her head. She gripped the edge of the counter, hoping it would keep her from falling. She missed her father dearly, but she could never blame Clive for his death. Knowing there was a third party present that triggered his awakening only made her resolve to not blame him stronger. However, she knew the one person who blamed Clive the most was Clive himself. She hoped she would be able to help him not feel guilty for what happened to Joshua or Rodney.

Lifting her head, Lyra silently exited kitchen. She stood in the doorway, her emerald eyes focused on the pale Clive. Her heart broke at hearing what he said next.

"I... I'm sorry..." He shakily apologized.

Jill turned to him, worried. "Clive..."

Hanna was quick to notice his sickly expression. She stood up and came to his aid. "My poor child, you look pale. All this traveling must have taken its toll. I insist you rest. We can talk later. Hm?" She helped Clive up and tried to show him to the spare bedroom, but he refused and asked to stay in the barn outside. Although confused, she allowed it and gave him and Jill what they would need to sleep.

Silently, Lyra watched Clive and Jill leave the house. Once they were gone, she approached her mother. "Thank you for letting them stay, Mother."

Hanna smiled at her daughter. "Of course. I wasn't going to see them off at this late hour. Though, I do wish they had accepted the spare beds. Will you be joining them in the barn?"

She shook her head. "No. I want to spend tonight in this loving home."

"Oh!" Hanna turned and grabbed a couple of blankets. "I forgot to give them more blankets. Could you take them to Jill and Clive?"

Lyra nodded and took the blankets. She left the house and headed to the barn. Just before she entered, she could hear Clive and Jill talking and eavesdropped on their conversation.

"Are you sure you don't want to sleep inside?" Jill asked.

"I can't. Not after what I did," Clive replied, his voice lower than usual.

"Lady Hanna said she would prepare a change of clothes for you in the morning. She really has been very kind, and Lyra went as far as to prepare dinner for us."

Lyra lowered her gaze as she continued to listen to them. Her heart only seemed to hurt more as the conversation went on.

"Thirteen years of killing... Thirteen years without the faintest glimmer of hope. It was only Joshua that kept me going. I swore that would avenge his death--that I would kill his killer. That was the only thing that gave my life any meaning. But if it was me who killed Joshua, and Murdoch, and all the others... Then why the hell am I still breathing?!"

Lyra was about to enter but stopped when she heard what Jill had to say.

"I ask myself the same. When I fought, hundreds died. There were so many bodies. So many lives cut short in their prime. That day, in Dhalmekia, I... I wanted to join them. I wanted it all to end. I couldn't bear it anymore. If living meant being that...better to be just another body, but..." Jill's voice trailed off.

Quietly, Lyra entered without alerting either of them. She saw the protective talisman she had give Jill flying around her and put the blankets down on a crate.

"This talisman... It gave me hope that I had thought was gone," Jill confessed. "I knew as long as it burned brightly, so did my hope."

Suddenly, the talisman given to Clive appeared. The two origami phoenixes soared together in the moonlight.

Using a little bit of fire magic, Lyra created a third phoenix and it flew with the paper birds. The little trick drew both Jill and Clive's attention. They turned to see her standing by the door. She smiled at them and walked over. Her form was bathed in the pale moonlight. "Hope may dwindle, but it only vanishes if you allow it." She gazed down at Clive, who was staring up at her in awe. "You speak of finding no hope, but I don't think that is true. I believe you simply couldn't see it. Hope is difficult to cling to when our lives are being controlled by others. I...cannot say I understand what you and Jill have gone through, but just know I have been with you."

The origami phoenixes landed in her hands as the third firebird vanished.

Lyra glanced between Clive and Jill. "These talismans are a part of me. If hope seems to be gone, remember these talismans. As long as my heart beats, they shall never extinguish. If you both cannot find hope, let me be that hope. Let me be your light in the darkness."

"Oh, Lyra..." Jill feebly called out as the protective talisman returned to her.

The other talisman returned to Clive. He watched it unfold before looking back up at the golden-haired woman. "Lyra, I—"

"Oh, no," Lyra interrupted. She sat down with her legs tucked under her. "I won't hear another apology from you for what happened at Phoenix Gate. What happened was not your doing. Not once have I blamed you for the tragedy that night, and don't expect me to start pointing fingers now. Whoever this mysterious third party is is the real culprit."

Clive looked away, still feeling guilty for killing Rodney.

It wasn't until Lyra grabbed his hand did he meet her gaze. She smiled sweetly at him. "Though I lost my father that night, I didn't lose everything. You and Jill are still here, as is my mother. As long as you both are by my side, I couldn't ask for anything better."

Clive squeezed her hand in response. "Neither could I."

"Now, get some rest." Lyra let go of his hand and stood up. "If either of you needs a blanket, they are by the door. I shall see you both in the morning."

Clive nodded. "Right."

"Good night, Lyra," Jill smiled.

Lyra smiled back. "Sleep well, Jill, Clive."

. · : · . ✧ • ✦ • ✧ . · : · .

The following morning, Lyra was in her bedroom. She was combing her hair when she heard someone knock on her door. "Come in." She thought it was Jill until she saw Clive's reflection in the small round mirror. Putting the comb down, she turned to him and smiled at seeing him in Elwin's attire. "You look wonderful, Clive. I didn't know you could get any more handsome."

Clive smiled at her compliment before noticing her hair wasn't up in its usual ponytail. He walked up to her and took hold of a few golden strands. "I haven't seen you wear your hair down in a while."

"I was just about to pull it up before you arrived," she said. "If it wasn't so long, I would keep it down more often. There was a time I thought about cutting it, but..."

"I'm glad you didn't," he confessed. He moved his hand up to her face and combed her bangs aside and gazed affectionately at her. "I never got to say this before, but you are more beautiful than I remember."

She found herself smiling at his words. "I see you still have a way with words. I cannot believe how much you can say with a straight face. I've seen most men blush when they compliment a lady."

Clive chuckled lightly and stroked her hair. He then leaned down and kissed her on the lips. It was a short yet sweet kiss.

Reluctantly, Lyra pulled away from him. "Now then..." She grabbed a green ribbon and her comb. She pulled her hair up into a ponytail and secured it with the green ribbon before putting the comb away. Turning back to Clive, she said, "Let's head to Phoenix Gate."

Clive nodded. He opened the door for her and they stepped out of her room. Jill and Hanna had been waiting for them. With everyone ready, they left the house.

"Thank you, Lady Hanna," Clive expressed his gratitude. "Perhaps now people will not flee at the sight of me."

Hanna smiled. "You look just like Elwin did when he was your age..."

"How did you come to have some of my father's old clothes?"

"Oh, before Elwin became archduke, our families would often summer together. He and Rodney were like brothers. These clothes have been in a wardrobe for years, collecting cobwebs along with everything else..."

"Well, I'm very grateful for them...and sorry, for depriving you of your memories," Clive replied.

Hanna shook her head. "Not at all. It's what your father would have wanted."

Lyra smirked as Clive turned to her and Jill. "You already know how I feel about the wardrobe change. What about you, Jill?"

"They suit you well," Jill smiled at the man.

Hearing he had approval from both women, he smirked with a light chuckle.

Jill then turns her attention to Lyra's mother. "Thank you, Lady Hanna."

"Yes, thank you. You've been most kind," Clive said.

"No, I should thank you," Hanna replied. "It may only have been for a short while, but seeing you again took me back to happier times."

Lyra grabbed her mother's hands. "We'll see you again after we finish with Phoenix Gate. Take care of yourself until then, and please eat more than fruit. You'll worry me if you don't start eating properly."

"Oh? The picky eater is lecturing me about meals?" Hanna teased. "I'll be fine, darling."

Lyra released her mother's hands. "Even if you will be, I still become worried."

"I understand. It is how I felt these past thirteen years. Even with your letters, I still worried about you." Hanna then directed her gaze to Clive. "I know my daughter can be a handful at times, but I do hope you will protect her even if that means from herself."

Clive nodded. "I will, my lady."

Hanna smiled as she glanced between Lyra and Clive. "It makes a mother happy to know her daughter is in the wonderful care of the one who cherishes her just as much as Rodney and I."

Lyra blinked in surprise. "How did you know about our relationship? Was it because of earlier?"

Hanna shook her head. "Thirteen years ago, our young lord at the time sent me a letter asking for permission to court you. From what Rodney told me, I knew how much you both adored each other. Even your father approved of the courtship. Seeing the past thirteen years have not dulled the spark, it brings a smile to my face."

The emerald-eyed woman looked over at Clive in surprise. "I didn't know you asked my parents' permission to court me."

"I respect Lord Murdoch, and I wanted to show the same respect to you by asking for his and Lady Hanna's permission," Clive responded. "Even after I received their approval, it was not guaranteed as I had yet to ask you."

She couldn't help but laugh. "It is quite a "Clive" thing to do."

This made Jill giggle. "It is, isn't it? Though, it is an admirable thing to do."

Hanna was smiling from ear to ear. "He is a kind and considerate lord and I would want no one better at my daughter's side."

Her words warmed Lyra's heart. Although she wanted to keep this conversation going, she knew they needed to head to Phoenix Gate. "We'll return as soon as possible. Until then, Mother."

"Ah, yes," Hanna said. "Fare you well...my lord and lady."

"And you, Lady Hanna," Clive responded.

Hanna smiled at her daughter. "And darling, please be safe. I love you."

"I love you too, Mother. Be well." She gave Hanna a hug before leaving with Clive, Jill, and Torgal.

"If we follow the road to the north, it should take us all the way to Phoenix Gate," Clive stated.

"We'll have to pass through the Dim. We should be careful, though. The land is plagued," Lyra said.

"Let's go."

Proceeding to the north, they arrive at the gate that would lead them out of Eastpool and in the direction of Phoenix Gate. Just before they could exit the village, an elderly man who had seen them stopped them.

"You... Those are Elwin's..." The elderly man said. When he got a closer look at Clive, he gasped. "By the Flames... You're his firstborn! Clive Rosfield!"

Clive hung his head. "You're mistaken."

The elderly man got closer. "Oh, you can't fool me, my lord. You're the very image of your father—and that would be true even if you weren't wearing his clothes! The selfsame garments Hanna was keeping for you, if I'm not mistaken. She always swore that she would never part with them until the day Elwin's sons returned. And now that day has come! Why, you'll be able to take your Bearers back as well!"

"My Bearers...?"

Before the elderly man could explain, Lyra stepped away in the direction of the gate. "I would like to examine the path ahead. Once you've resolved matters, come find me."

Clive nodded. "All right."

"Don't stress him out too much, Master Mayor," Lyra said, knowing the man since she was a child.

"Of course, my lady," the elderly man responded.

Lyra pushed open the gate and left Eastpool. She frowned at seeing how close the deadlands were to her hometown. The last time she had been to the Dim, it had yet to reach the gate to Eastpool. The Blight was spreading faster than she thought.

Walking down the path, she examined the dead trees and the ashen soil. She took a small seed she had taken from Lostwing and placed it in the soil. She covered it and used her magic to help it grow. A flower bloomed and she patiently waited. Slowly but surely, it was dying. The vibrant yellow petals withered and the stem and leaves turned into ash before blowing away in the breeze.

Sighing, she stood up and looked around at the plagued land. She needed to find the cause of the Blight and start there, but she didn't have any solid leads. Continuing a little ways down the path, she came across a large lake. The water was black and tainted just like the land around it.

Taking another seed, Lyra kneeled on the ashen ground and tried a second time to test the soil. She fused her magic into the seed and watched it grow. This time, it was a flower with pink petals. To her dismay, it died much quicker than the previous flower.

"That was magic," she heard Jill say.

Lyra stood up and saw Clive, Jill, and Torgal. "Yes. I do not draw aether from this world therefore the deadlands do not affect my casting abilities."

Clive glanced down at the now-dead flower. "You were able to make it bloom in mere seconds. Just as quickly, it perished."

"That is the sad reality of the deadlands," Lyra said sorrowfully. "Even if given the chance to grow something beautiful, it snuffs it out in a heartbeat. I'm no closer to solving the issue than I was two years ago..."

Jill placed a hand on her arm. "We will find a way, together. It may take time, but I know we can find a solution."

Lyra gazed out across the black waters of the lake. "I hope you're right, Jill..."