Lux’s ending: Healing and hope

The walls of the underground complex are filled with the slow, steady ticking of machinery when Lux re-awakens. Atara and her allies were able to use the key to retake control, to re-awaken the Great Machine – and, fortunately, to convince it that Lux and Olan are not dangerous intruders. A grudging acceptance initially, perhaps, but in the circumstances it’s better than nothing.

Atara watches over the two of them like a hawk, determined to stop them “over-exerting” themselves, or each other. From her, they learn that the Great Machine in its wisdom has chosen to rescind Olan’s sentence of banishment, giving him permission to return to the fold. Olan wastes no words in turning down the offer. The life he and his family built on the surface matters far more to him than anything that happens in these clockwork catacombs. Lux couldn’t agree more, and as soon as they’re both well enough to travel, they leave, taking what few supplies their hosts have to offer.

In Eldborough, Lux collects her payment for her role in dealing with the bandit situation. She doesn’t report everything that happened; she’s not sure if the town authorities believe even the part she did tell them. She’s not entirely certain she would believe it herself, if Olan wasn’t there to back her up. A little better provisioned, they set out again, on the road to Olan’s home.

That night, they camp out under the open sky. Sitting on a log by the campfire, Lux looks up at the stars, revelling in the freedom of being out in the open at last. Then, shifting her shoulders a little to make sure her cleavage is suitably emphasised, she wriggles along the log to nestle in next to Olan.

“So…” she begins.

Olan shakes his head. “No.”

Lux pouts. “You didn’t even let me ask.”

“Lux…” Olan reaches over to take her hand in his. “I’m not about to go off adventuring at my age. And you’re not ready to settle down with a village blacksmith. We’ve got different lives to live. Other needs. You understand?”

Lux leans her head on his shoulder and sighs. “I understand.”

He puts his arm around her, a paternal embrace. “It doesn’t mean this has to be goodbye forever,” he says. “Any time you’re passing by, my door will be open. If want to talk, share a story – if you need a bed to sleep in. It just won’t be the same bed I’m in.”

“Sounds good,” Lux mumbles.

“You’ve got a whole life ahead of you, Lux,” Olan says softly. “Take it from me, there’s adventures no matter where you go. Just keep yourself grounded and remember there are people who love you, who are proud of you.” He pauses. “And maybe one day, you’ll find your father out there, still walking the lands. Whatever you do, please, try not to sleep with him.”

Lux laughs despite herself. There’s still a part of her – certain parts in particular – that would very much like for Olan to hold her down and fuck her silly, but at some point she has to accept that no means no. Maybe what she craved most all along was the sense of safety and comfort and approval, and those things he’s still more than willing to offer, just without the sex. Well, you can’t win ‘em all.

There’s still a fear, a hesitation, when she thinks of the future he’s talking about. She feels bruised, emotionally as well as physically, by what she’s been through; she doesn’t know if she could endure any of it happening to her again. But the world awaits, full of adventure – and hey, it can’t all go this badly the next time, right…?