The young morning returned them into the embrace of friendly nature. With Iacy’s directions, they have left the forlorn fortress behind to embark on the hillroad to Evaeba, the closest settlement, where they might hope to learn more about the destruction caused by the explosion. With an elevated point of view, the knight looks behind his shoulder at that far-off grey horizon where his current new journey began. By his side is the goddess, her parasol in hand. She has donned a dark travelling cloak on top of her gold dress, the latter clothing being worn for the sole purpose of being spotted by him. On the road now, she has to be less eye-catching.

The knight has learnt that there are certain areas where Iacy could conjure a Bonfire Of Dream like the one last night. She said her sister the Goddess Of The Waking Night is watching over them, granting them the luxury to neglect sleep and rest. ‘The Bonfire sets your soul alight, as alight as it ever was alight’ were the words she chanted when explaining to him this swift method of self-restoration. Although not for rest, they did take a few hours for pondering and planning before setting out at dawn to the Moonfelled Hills.

Here there are birds gladly playing about, flitting between the trees; the stalking gazes of wolves and edas can be felt from deep within the winterwoods; leaves rustle in the wind and the air is soft and fresh. Most of the distance they covered they travelled in silence, with the goddess occasionally speaking up in inquiry of the campaign the knight was in. It becomes clear that she is confused as well concerning the spheres of ash, though none has yet appeared in their way. Gradually though, she begins to open up, which encourages him to do the same.

“A banner-rally from the Uracird Kingdom that headed for Moonmorn Fortress on a holy expedition…and you said that the fortress was already partly destroyed and abandoned on your legion’s arrival?” She keeps her eyes on her pacing feet. “Once more, my condolences about your general and your fellow knights. I did say that my protection spell kept you asleep for weeks, so whether it is time or the explosion that took away any sign of their deaths is unknown. That’s what we’re hoping to learn anyway. The demons were similarly nowhere to be found.”

“Oh? I arrived precisely when you woke up from your deep slumber. My guess is that the spell took its time to heal what you have lost. I may not have asked for your permission, but by being a Memento, you still have a role to play.” She places a hand on her chest. “This is a difficult topic for me to broach; I feel guilty. I am essentially to be blamed for the fact that you’re no longer properly mortal. You are what we call ‘Arisen’. If you don’t mind, may I know if you have any recollection of your childhood?” She tilts her head with eager attention and, receiving her expected answer, nods. “Ah, no memories then. I’m surer now; there is magic involved in your destiny. Actual magic; the uncontrollable, the mysterious, the unexplainable sort.”

“As I have already told you a few times, I did not ask for this. Hm, not literally. I did not officially make any kind of wish, though in my heart I did yearn strongly for our reunion. I feel the need to add that your appearance did not change; it wasn’t an exact Rebirth. It’s more like a Resurrection, but not exactly either. I will be honest: Now that we’re here again, I hope to rekindle the connection we had. I apologise for such blatant selfishness, and…Hm? You understand?” She lets out a light giggle. “My thanks. You’re definitely more chivalrous that I remember. Ah, I’m talking too much.”

“As much as I would love to contact my sister Caesi, it works very differently. Syleah – The Lady Dream – sent me a vision with her powers. That already is an act that undermines the laws of the heavens. I shouldn’t involve her in this any more than I already have. Naturally, my identity as the Lady Luck should not be known by anyone other than you. If I am lucky and if all goes well, Caesi would regard my decisions with understanding when we finally reach her; and I think I am the very personification of luck, am I not?” She skips along with cheerful nonchalance.

“Hm, if we do encounter a Shade, I could be your spell support. Luck is random indeed, however, me being who I am, I can channel it positively onto you. I possessed not my powers the last time I was here in the realm of mortals, and you were not a battle-ready knight. Definitely, there were much less demons back then as well. I must admit my curiosity to see us in combat. I shall rely on you for protection, and you shall count on me for a sure victory.” She falls silent quickly before facing away in embarrassment. “I wonder if I might be overconfident. Evaeba might be under siege by the Shades right now, the town being the nearest civilisation to your battleground. We should prepare ourselves for the worst, is what I’m saying.”

The goddess tenses up, growing increasingly anxious with each step she takes. “It seems my quickfire tongue is still my biggest flaw.” She flushes hard. “I do hope the town is safe.”

Soon, the pair spot faint grey plumes of smoke reaching and mixing into the clouds. Smoothly after come the faint faraway noises of hoofbeats and hammers on steel.