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.”