The wait

The sun is high in the sky. You sit beside Ferra in the empty command tent, waiting for Rahu’s readiness. You’re wearing your armor, and you hold Caliburn in your hands, slowly turning the blade in the beam of sunlight coming through the opening in the tent flap. Ferra sits beside you in silence, her hand resting on your thigh. The light reflecting off your sword flickers across her face, but she remains quiet and unmoving.

Her presence calms you, but naturally your mind still runs wild, imagining what you may be facing. You run through scenarios in your head, despite knowing that there’s no way to predict what exactly will happen. The waiting is always the hardest part, too much time spent in your own head.

Speaking of in your head, Lilith is also quiet. You can feel her presence, restless, as if she were pacing nervously, but she says nothing. Still, somehow having her with you is comforting. You feel a warm pulse of emotion as she acknowledges your attention, the mental equivalent of a peck on the cheek.

You turn your attention back to the blade in your hand. Seemingly such a simple length of steel, but impossibly light, impossibly sharp. A weapon of incredible power. Similarly yourself, seemingly an ordinary man, but your immunity to hostile magic renders you into the perfect weapon against the insane mage you face. You’re the only one who can do this.

You sigh, sheathing your sword. No pressure.

Ferra leans against you, seemingly sensing your thoughts. You put your arm around her, and hug her tightly. No matter what happens, you’re glad she is by your side. As long as you have her, there’s nothing you can’t overcome.

You kiss the golem girl on the forehead. She sighs, closing her eyes. You gently stroke her red hair, your worries forgotten for just a moment.

The tent flap opens, and Melora walks in, her face serious. She nods to you.