|| The Hideaway ||
|| Central Storm Deadlands ||
|| Year of the Realm - 881 ||

Three years have passed since Ultima's downfall. Although the world was slowly healing and the deadlands were retreating, everyone at the hideaway remained there as it was their home. The world around the hideaway was blooming and though there was turmoil, it was peaceful. Dion was busy rebuilding the empire to create stability with help from Joshua. Byron was focusing on the revival of Rosalith with help from many.

Clive would go wherever he was needed to provide any aid he could. However, today was a day he dedicated to himself. Inside his chambers, he stared at the emerald flower that sat on the corner of his desk next to the morganbeards in another pot.

Hearing a knock, he turned to the door. "Come in."

Jill opened the door and entered the room with Torgal next to her. She smiled at her childhood friend. "Will you be leaving for the crock?"

Clive nodded. "Yes. Once I speak with Nigel, I will depart."

"Will you be all right by yourself?" she asked worriedly, knowing the goddess' disappearance had left a hole in his heart.

"There is nothing for you to concern yourself with, Jill," he reassured her. "I will be fine."

Jill sighed sadly. "All right. Be safe during your travels."

"Thank you, Jill."

When the silver-haired woman left with Torgal, Clive searched his desk for the letter Lyra had left him. He found it in its usual spot—underneath Mimir's chronicle. He opened it and reread it for the hundredth time.

*****

Dear Clive,

Though there is much I wish to say, I could never write it all down in a single letter. I will never forget our promise to see the moon again. Please, wait for me. I love you more than words could express.

-Lyra

*****

Although it was short, he found himself rereading it whenever he found himself missing her. He was only able to distract himself from the thought of her whenever he was busy helping others. Neatly folding up the letter, he slid it back under Mimir's chronicle.

Leaving his chambers, he headed to the backyard to speak to Nigel. He found the head botanist sitting at the table.

"Ah, Clive!" Nigel smiled at him. "Just in time. Cormac just finished gathering the last of Lyra's flowers. He received help from the children and created a wreath." He gestured to the flower wreath on the table.

"Thank you, Nigel." Clive picked up the wreath.

"You are going to see Lyra, yes?" the botanist asked. "Give her my regards."

"I will."

Clive left the backyard and headed to the pier. He hopped on Obolus' boat and the ferryman took him across the lake. He disembarked from the boat and met up with the stablehands to take Ambrosia with him. He mounted the chocobo's back and began his journey to the crock.

It took him almost a full day of traveling due to the distance. By the time he arrived at the crock in Sanbreque, it was the early hours of the morning. The moon loomed in the sky, casting its silver brilliance across the land. He slid out of the saddle and approached the statue of Gaia with the flower wreath in hand. He gazed lovingly at the statue before laying the wreath at the base next to the flowers other people had brought.

Clive then sank to one knee in front of the statue. His eyes never left the statue as he spoke to it as if Lyra were listening. "I miss you. Everyone misses you. Even Torgal has moments where he mopes. When I visited Northreach a few weeks ago, I thought I had seen you." A small amused smirk appeared on his face as he recalled the memory. "I grabbed a random cat I believed to have been you, but its eyes were not the lovely emerald of yours."

He continued to tell all the stories he could think of since the last time he visited, which was about a month ago. It wasn't until the sun rose in the sky did he realize how much time had passed since he arrived. He looked up at the colors of red, yellow, and orange that came with the sunrise. His attention was drawn to Ambrosia when she walked over and nuzzled her beak against his cheek.

He petted the top of her head before standing up. He knew he couldn't spend all his time with the statue no matter how much he missed Lyra. Others needed help and he wanted to provide his aid. He grabbed Ambrosia's reins and turned to leave the crock, only to freeze mid-step when he saw a familiar deer standing at the entrance. His eyes widen as his hand fell from the chocobo's reins. "Rhea..."

The deer snorted before bleating in response. She lowered her head before raising it.

Clive took a few careful steps toward the beast, only to regret his decision when she took off. "Wait!" He chased after the deer, but it was all in vain. There was no way he could catch up to her and lost sight of her when he reached the gate that once barred entrance to the imperial chase. His eyes desperately searched for the beast, but she was gone.

Troubled by the appearance of Rhea, Clive leaned his back against the brick wall and sank to the ground. He buried his hands into his hair as he tried to calm his racing heart. His hands began to shake when he remembered the sad smile she gave him before sacrificing herself. A single tear trailed down his cheek. "Come back to me...please..."

Hearing the low chirp of a chocobo, Clive lifted his head and looked at the clearly worried Ambrosia. He stood up and exhaled a shaky sigh. He decided to head to Northreach to get some rest before returning to the hideaway.

. · : · . ✧ • ✦ • ✧ . · : · .

A week after Clive returned from Sanbreque, he was in his chambers reading Mimir's chronicle. He found the information and stories interesting now that he could read the language of the gods.

Just as he closed the thick book to take a small break, the door to his room flung open. A frantic Gav stormed over to him. "Thank Greagor you're sittin' down because you'd fall on your arse otherwise."

Clive gazed questioningly at the scout. "What are you talking about, Gav?"

The scout revealed four letters from L'ubor, Eloise, Martha, and Isabelle. "Over the past week, I've received not one, not two, but four letters from across the realm." He pushed the letters toward him. "They all depict sightings of a woman with long blonde hair and green eyes. All of 'em said she looked a lot like—"

"Lyra..." Clive flew to his feet. "Which letter arrived most recently?"

"Uhhh..." Gav pulled one letter from the bunch. "The one from Martha. Said this woman was seen headin' south."

"Then that's where I'm going."

"Hold it!" Gav shouted. "If this really is Lyra, why hasn't she come back to the hideaway?"

Clive placed both hands on his desk and leaned forward. His eyes fell on the emerald and gold flower. "She used a vast amount of aether to destroy what Ultima left behind and to restore the world... So much it cost her her life. This isn't the first time she's lost her life."

Gav's eyes widen in realization. "Oh, fuck... The multiple lives shite!"

"Exactly. And with each rebirth, she lost pieces of her memory."

The scout sighed sadly. "And she might not remember..."

"If she has lost her memory, that means she's wandering around without a clue as to who she is and most likely feels lost," Clive said. "I must find her quickly if this is the truth before someone takes advantage of her."

"And...what if this isn't Lyra?"

Clive paused, not having thought of that possibility. "I..."

"Who fuckin' cares, right?" Gav smirked. "It's not like yer going to lose anything looking for this woman. But if it really is Lyra...bring her home, aye?"

Clive grinned in amusement. "All right."

Grabbing the necklace he bought her, he rushed to the pier. While waiting for Obolus, he heard a bark and looked to see Torgal running toward him. He kneeled and petted the canine's head. "What's wrong, boy?"

Torgal jumped around, his tail wagging. He ran in circles with a few more barks before jumping on the boat.

"Do you...sense her, boy?"

Torgal barked again.

Not wanting to waste any more time, Clive jumped onto the boat and decided to take control himself. He pulled away from the dock when he heard Obolus about, "Oi!"

Clive smiled apologetically to the ferryman. "Apologies, Obolus, but I'm in a hurry."

"Jus' bring the bloody boat back when you're done!" the ferryman shouted.

"I will."

|| The Auldhyl Docks ||
|| Southwestern Rosaria ||

Trekking across Rosaria, Clive and Torgal soon passed through Auldhyl. The village was once again thriving as many had made it their new home in the past few years. A few of the people recognized Clive and greeted him. When he saw Cole was in the village, he approached him.

"Cole," Clive called out to the former Cursebreaker.

"Ah, Cid, or...Clive," Cole replied. "What brings you to Auldhyl?"

"A woman," he said. "One who may have passed through this village."

"I personally haven't noticed anyone pass through the village since I returned, but I did hear some villagers gossiping about a beautiful woman dressed almost like royalty passing through not too long ago. They mentioned she exited the village through the west gate."

"Thank you, Cole."

Picking up the pace, Clive and Torgal left Auldhyl and continued traveling southwest. They passed Bewit Bridge and soon arrived at the Silken Strand. The canine suddenly dashed toward the Cypress Docks. He followed him and realized one of the two rowboats that was usually docked was missing.

Looking across the bay to the small island where the rookery was located, he saw the missing rowboat anchored in the sand. He wondered if it was a random person or if the woman he was chasing was indeed Lyra.

"Come on, boy," Clive told Torgal.

He and the dog stepped into the rowboat and crossed the bay to the island. Clive jumped out of the small boat and pulled it ashore next to the other boat. Without warning, Torgal jumped out of the boat and took off at high speed.

"Torgal!" Clive shouted before taking chase. He followed after the dog, passing the rookery in the process. He figured he was heading to the cliffside that had a perfect view of Rosalith. He pushed through the foliage and broke through the treeline to see Torgal happily jumping around a woman. Her golden locks flowed in the breeze as she giggled at the dog's behavior. She wore a beautiful dress.

Clive didn't need to see the woman's face once he recognized the laughter. His sapphire eyes were glued to her as she petted the dog.

It was Lyra.

It took all of his willpower to keep from running over to her to pull her into his arms. His hands twitched as he restrained himself, knowing it was possible she didn't recognize him. "Excuse me," he spoke up. The woman turned around to reveal the emerald eyes he loved. She looked the same as the day he lost her. It took even more self-control for him to keep from engulfing her in his arms. "Are you...lost?"

Lyra stopped petting Torgal and clasped her hands together with a gentle smile. "Not at all. It was here where I comforted you the most when we were children, was it not?"

His eyes widen. "Your memory..."

Her smile bloomed. "I remember everything."

That was all he needed to hear. His self-control shattered and he dashed up to her. He hugged her tightly and refused to let go. He buried his head into her neck, inhaling her gentle floral scent he missed. "Founder, you're here... You're truly here..."

She gripped the back of his shirt tightly. "I'm here, Clive, and I'm not going anywhere. I'm sorry for any emotional distress I caused you..."

"No," he whispered to her. "You are here now. That is all that matters."

They both remained in each other's arms until Torgal intervened. He barked and nudged his way between the reunited couple.

"Torgal," Clive sighed.

The canine sniffed his pocket and whined.

Realizing what he wanted, Clive pulled out the necklace from his pocket. He held it up and asked, "May I, my lady?"

Her smile grew. "Of course." She turned around and allowed him to put the necklace on her. She felt the cool metal against her collarbone and lifted a hand to cover the necklace with her hand. Turning back around, she moved her hand from the necklace to his cheek. "Thank you for waiting for me, Clive."

Placing his hand over hers, he pressed her hand closer to his cheek. "I won't lose you. Not ever again." He leaned down and placed his lips over hers, kissing her passionately. He wound his other arm around her waist and pulled her flush against him. Although he wanted to do much more, he knew he had to bring her home first.

After the intense kiss, Clive pulled away and pressed his forehead against hers. "Allow me to escort you home. I am not the only one who has missed you."

Her smile returned. "Yes. Take me home."

|| The Hideaway ||
|| Central Storm Deadlands ||

Back at the hideaway, Clive stepped off the boat and extended a hand to Lyra. She took his hand and he helped her off the boat. Torgal jumped off and started to bark happily. This grabbed the attention of many.

"Oi! Torgal!" Gav shouted, not having noticed the goddess yet. "What's got you all—" He turned around and his eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw the woman. "Greagor's Teats... You're alive!"

Lyra giggled. "It's good to see you again, Gav." She walked up and hugged him.

The scout hugged her back before quickly pulling away. "I've got to tell the others!" He took off.

Once he was out of sight, Lyra turned to Clive. "Joshua and Dion... Are they...?"

"Fine," he reassured her, moving to stand next to her. "Knowing Gav, he'll be sending stolas after stolas before he returns."

Hearing running footsteps, Lyra looked to see Jill dashing down the dock. She didn't get to say anything before she was engulfed in the silver-haired woman's arms.

"You're alive...!" Jill happily shouted, a few tears of joy trailing down her cheeks. "Thank the Founder!"

"I was only able to return because you and the others took excellent care of the seeds," Lyra said.

Jill pulled away. "Clive insisted on taking care of the flower. You should be thanking him instead."

Just then, Mid and Tarja appeared. They both hugged the goddess out of pure joy.

Mid grabbed Lyra's arms and shook her. "About bloody time you returned! I've missed ye! All of us did!"

Tarja smiled. "My patients have been few and far between because the crystal's curse is gone."

Lyra sighed in relief. "Thank the heavens... I was concerned I hadn't purged the curse from this star."

Mid released the goddess. "The crystals, Dominants, Bearers, the crystal's curse... They're all gone!"

"Yes," Jill said. "You healed more than the world, Lyra. You healed all of those who were plagued by the curse."

Lyra looked across the lake, remembering how it once was black. "After my return, I wanted to see how the world was healing before returning to the hideaway. But it seems Clive found me in the middle of my travels."

"So that's why you had yet to return," Clive said. "When Gav told me about the letters of your possible sighting, I was nearly convinced you had lost your memory."

"Hence why you asked me if I was lost," she smirked.

As their conversation continued, the group moved to the Tub and Crown. One thing led to another and before anyone knew it, a huge party was in full swing to celebrate Lyra's return. The people of the hideaway were eating, drinking, dancing, and singing for hours upon hours.

Lyra did enjoy one alcoholic beverage before she found herself dancing with a few of her friends. She was dancing with Jill until she found herself being passed off to Clive. She smiled at him as his arm slithered around her waist and he grabbed her hand.

As Crow and Tett were messing with the Orchestrion, the music was changed to a tune that was much slower and gentler.

The goddess laughed lightly. "We haven't danced like this since we were children. I believe it was the ball celebrating Joshua's nameday that was the last time we danced together."

"It truly has been a long time," Clive said as he took the lead. "Not to mention, I haven't seen you in such a beautiful dress since then either."

"Ah, the dress..." She glanced down at her attire before looking back up at him. "I didn't even bother changing after I returned. I'm glad you like it."

A peaceful silence befell the couple as they danced together to the soft music. Having drowned out the sound of the party, they felt like they were in their own world and were enjoying every second of it.

After a few minutes, the music ended but Clive kept her close. He stared into her emerald eyes. "Do you remember what I told you outside the infirmary the day you gifted Edda the charm?"

Lyra searched her memory. "That...you would have a ring prepared." Her eyes widen. "Clive..."

Clive pulled away and kneeled. He revealed the ring he was carrying in his pocket.

"That day, you told me you wanted to create a family with me and become my wife. You answered my proposal before I had a proper ring," he said.

Lyra was completely gobsmacked. The engagement ring was beautiful and matched the necklace he gave her. She pushed her shock aside and spoke from the heart. "My answer hasn't changed. Before I returned to this world, I gave up my immortality so I could spend the rest of my life with you." Tears of joy escaped from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

Clive didn't hesitate to slide the ring onto her finger. He then stood up and wiped away her tears. He placed a chaste kiss on her lips. "Thank you for choosing me, Lyra."

The couple hadn't realized how quiet the others became until Gav started to chant their names.

Lyra was slightly embarrassed as everyone, even the children, chanted her name and Clive's. Everyone then lifted their drinks and cheered for the newly-engaged couple.

The goddess placed a hand over her reddened cheeks. "By the heavens... Everyone was watching..." She turned her back to them, only to gasp when she was suddenly lifted up into Clive's arms. She unconsciously wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her toward their once-shared room. She looked over his shoulder to see the others would be continuing the celebration even when they were gone. It reminded her of the day she first slept with Clive after she awoke from her four-year coma.

Clive used his back to open the door to his chambers. He entered the room and closed the door in the same manner. He carried Lyra over to the bed and gently placed her down on the edge of the mattress. However, he didn't drag her to their room for a romantic rendezvous under the sheets. He sat next to her and expressed what he planned for the future.

"The world finally knows peace, and I think it's about time we do as well," he said. Taking her left hand, he trailed his thumb over her knuckles before twiddling with the engagement ring on her finger. "Once we are married, I want us to leave the hideaway. Do you remember my family's cottage?"

"I do. If I'm not mistaken, it's not far from Rosalith," Lyra said.

"A few months ago, I visited it to find it still standing and in one piece. Of course, it will take some work to clean it up. I would like for us to live there."

She smiled at the idea. "I think it's a lovely plan, Clive. Raising a family in the countryside sounds like a dream come true."

He sighed in relief. "I was worried you'd say no."

"Come now," she laughed, resting her head on his shoulder. "You're a man full of excellent ideas. Regardless, I do want a peaceful life. After the past 21 years, I couldn't ask for anything more. But first, we need to get married."

Clive leaned his head against hers. He lifted her hand and kissed the ring on her finger. "We will. And once we do, our peaceful life can begin."

She closed her eyes with a blissful smile. "A peaceful life we deserve. I cannot wait to begin our new life together."

A gentle smile blossomed on his face. "Neither can I."