Written January 22nd 2022 8:37 PM

If someone had told Ailith the day before that The First and Last were going to fight an elder red dragon, who had been blessed by the demon lord Grazz’t, and walk away from it unscathed – she would have punched them for lying.

But here they were, defeaters of Hostrasz, plunderers of his hoard, and heroes of Halophell. It didn’t feel real to Ailith as she walked through the army that had amassed to fight with them, soldiers and mages alike. All these people putting their faith in her and her friends, trusting them to lead them to victory – it was all a bit overwhelming.

The emperor was leading them to a makeshift stage in Salmaden’s town square, which had been their base of operations for months now. The townspeople were gathered around the perimeter as well, all craning to get a look at The First and Last.

“Everyone! If I could have your attention for just a moment!” Xernax’s voice cut through the crowd and silence fell swiftly. “Yesterday, we achieved a great victory, and we should all be proud of that.” A small cheer rose from the crowd, people slapping each other on the back in congratulations. “However, it should not come as no surprise that all this would not have been possible without the actions of this group of adventurers standing before you,” Xernax continued, gesturing at The First and Last. The five of them looked at each other, not quite sure where this was going. “It seems only fitting, that we acknowledge here today the heroic deeds of this group, and immortalize them forever. The First and Last – please kneel.”

Ailith’s heart lurched as she took a knee, the rest of her party doing the same next to her. Holy shit. Holy shit, gods above and below. Ailith cut a quick glance to where Feyra kneeled to her right, the redhead staring into the middle distance, face blank. No doubt she was anxious about the crowd watching them. Ailith reached out and squeezed her hand, Feyra’s eyes darting towards her the only sign she noticed at all.

“By the power vested in me by the empire of Exantir, I pronounce you: Ser Talus Skarnsson, of Ozryn.” Ailith turned her head to watch as Xernax summoned one of his daggers, bringing it down on Talus’s shoulders, one after the other. He moved down the line to Ace. “I pronounce you: Ser Aasimar, of Halophell.” The little girl’s smile was incandescent in it’s happiness. “I pronounce you: Ser Feyra Amberwood, of Dragontower.” Feyra only nodded, squeezing the blood out of Ailith’s hand. Ailith looked up as Xernax stepped in front of her, looking down at her with a slight grin on his face. She straightened up, head held high. “I pronounce you: Ser Ailith, of Kaskaden.” The dagger touched her shoulders and Ailith felt twin tears track down her face. Xernax moved on, repeating the process with Xiv. “I pronounce you: Ser Xiv, of Halophell. Rise, The First and Last – knights of Exantir.”

The crowd burst into cheers and applause as they stood, Ailith reaching for Xiv’s hand as well. Tears continued to fall, but Ailith didn’t care. She stood there, with her little family, as the people they had worked so hard to protect cheered them on. And she couldn’t imagine anywhere else she’d like to be in that moment.

Written January 22nd 2022 4:20 PM

Staring out over the water towards Kaskaden, Ailith was suddenly struck by the enormity of what they were about to do. They had all been talking about fighting Hostrasz for months, but it had been abstract, just an idea slowly turning into a plan. But now, they had planned. They had strategized, trained, practiced – and the time was finally upon them.

Behind her, the rest of The First and Last were checking their weapons and spell components while Thatcher and his men ran through their part of the plan one final time. All the moving parts of this plan had to go off without a hitch, otherwise it would all be for nothing, and Ailith couldn’t handle another futile battle.

“Alright, that’s as close as I can get you,” came Jack’s voice across the deck of the ship. “It’s up to you now, chaps. Best of luck.” The captain of the Disaster’s Mistress watched them from his place at the wheel, his voice remarkably calm for the situation they were in. I guess he isn’t the one putting himself in danger. He can afford to be flippant, Ailith thought to herself. She hoped she made it out alive just so she’d have another opportunity to punch Jack in his smug face.

Thatcher walked up to the railing, addressing the group now gathered around Ailith. “Remember, we’ve planned for this. Keep a level head, and we’ll make it out of this alive.” The small crowd grouped at the railing all nodded solemnly, knowing full well there was a high chance not all of them would be walking away from this. Xiv moved through the crowd, passing out their water breathing potions. Taking his own, Thatcher bobbed his head in thanks before shooting it back. The rest of them did the same, grimacing against the slimy texture of the potion.

“Okay,” Thatcher called out. ” Let’s get a move on!” Thatcher and his men climbed over the side of the ship, dropping into the water below. Their heads bobbed in the waves as they waited for The First and Last to join them. One by one, Talus, Ace, and Xiv clambered over the railing, dropping into the water and disappearing beneath the surface. As Feyra made to swing her leg over the side, Ailith grabbed her arm.

“What are you doing? We have to go,” Feyra asked, looking at where Ailith’s hand rested on her arm in confusion.

“I know, I just…” Ailith brought her hand up to Feyra’s face, brushing an errant piece of hair behind her ear. This could be it. This could be it and I don’t want you moving on from this plane without knowing my intentions. “We don’t know how this is going to go. I have a question I want to ask you, after this, and I’d really like an answer. So I guess what I’m saying is… Just be careful. Okay?”

Feyra looked up at her, brow furrowed. Ailith didn’t look away, like if she just looked at Feyra hard enough the half-elf would understand. I want forever with you. I want the world to know that I’m yours and you’re mine.

“Okay,” Feyra murmured. “Only if you promise the same.” Ailith smiled then, leaning in to seal the promise with a kiss.

“I promise.”