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.