The next morning, as the first light of dawn pierced through the lingering remnants of the storm, the group stirred from their rest. Thal, as always, was already awake, his presence quiet and still, like a mountain at peace after a storm. He had returned quietly after confronting the storm, entering the cave as if the blizzard had never touched him. Whatever had happened outside, he carried it without a word.
Nyra woke first, stretching stiffly as the cold air bit at her skin, but the warmth of the fire she had kept burning through the night helped ease the discomfort. She looked around, noticing the absence of Thal. But before she could make a move to investigate, Thal appeared at the cave entrance, his massive form casting a long shadow across the cavern.
"Thal, where did you go?" Nyra began, but she stopped herself as she saw the lack of any injury or sign of exhaustion on him.
"Nothing you need to worry about," he said simply, his tone as direct as always. He glanced back at Tar, who was already up and gathering his things. The Minotaur didn't seem affected by the blizzard either, simply watching the rest of the group with his usual stoic expression.
The others soon woke, Luken stretching and muttering complaints about the cold, while Valen looked out into the distance, his hand instinctively going to the hilt of his weapon. Despite the previous night's events, the cold was biting, and the world outside felt like a frozen wasteland, its icy grasp tightening around them.
They packed their belongings quickly, ready to continue their journey. Thal, as if nothing had transpired the night before, was already prepared, his towering form an imposing figure even in the weak light of early morning.
"The Empyrean Spine is a few days' journey from here, and we have no time to waste." Thal said, his voice steady, his eyes scanning the horizon.
As they travelled, the tundra that had dominated the environment for so long began to fade away. The landscape gradually shifted, from the flat, barren white expanses of snow to patches of ground covered in hardy, frost resistant plants and thick tufts of grass. The chill in the air remained, but the oppressive emptiness began to soften. Small shrubs appeared, with an occasional stunted tree growing through the snow. Their branches, gnarled but resilient, seemed to defy the harsh conditions that had reigned supreme until recently.
The air grew slightly warmer, and as they moved forward, the snow and ice began to thin, revealing patches of exposed earth that hinted at a far more temperate land ahead. The wind, which had relentlessly howled through the tundra, began to lose its bite, though it still whipped at their faces with a sharpness that reminded them of the rawness of the terrain they were crossing.
The contrast between the barren tundra and the gradual arrival of more varied plant life was striking. The land seemed to shift from dead, frozen isolation to something more vibrant, if only in small patches. It was a slow transition, but the group could feel the difference, the promise of something more alive in the distance.
As they approached a small outcropping of rock near the foot of the mountains, Nyra looked back at the mountains, her heart pounding. They were so close. So close to their destination. But she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the Empyrean Spine than even Thal had let on. They were almost there, and yet Thal decided to take a sudden detour.
"Why are we going this way?" Luken asked, squinting at the new path ahead. The Spine was close enough now to make out the outline of the mountain range, towering in the distance like the spine of the world itself.
"We'll stop at a village nearby," Thal explained gruffly, not missing a beat as he continued leading the group. "You need rest before we enter the Spine."
Nyra raised an eyebrow. "We're not going over it?"
"No," Thal answered curtly, not even slowing his pace. "You're not ready for that."
The others exchanged confused glances but said nothing further. They trusted Thal, but they had all been expecting to pass through the Spine, not bypass it entirely.
As they walked, the terrain became more familiar to Thal, the air growing warmer and more temperate. It wasn't long before the sight of a small village came into view, nestled near the base of the Spine. The village was modest but seemed like a place where travellers could rest before facing the challenges of the mountains.
"Here," Thal said, slowing his pace as they reached the edge of the village. He looked over his shoulder at them, his face unreadable. "We'll stay here for the night."
They arrived at the outskirts of the village, the path ahead becoming narrower and winding as it passed between clusters of rustic buildings, their roofs dusted with the remnants of snow. The scent of wood smoke wafted through the air, a sharp contrast to the biting cold they had grown accustomed to.
As the group made their way through the village, the villagers' gazes lingered on them, drawn by the unusual and intimidating group passing through. The sight of Thal, his towering form, his rugged presence, and the way he moved through the village caught many off guard. With his massive stature and sheer size, it was no wonder that some of the locals mistook him for a Jotun. His broad shoulders and thick muscles only added to the illusion, especially next to a larger Minotaur and the smaller, more familiar figures of the trio.
The villagers whispered among themselves, their curious eyes following the group, and it was clear that they were unused to such a sight. To them, Thal was a towering anomaly, and the presence of Tar, who was still a few heads only made things more peculiar.
Nyra, Luken, and Valen felt the weight of the attention as they walked, but they quickly adjusted, each of them growing more accustomed to the unusual dynamics of traveling with such a remarkable group.
Thal, on the other hand, didn't seem to notice or care. He walked with the same purposeful stride as always, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He had been to this village before, but the passage of time meant he hadn't been here in years. The elders were the only ones who would remember him those who had seen him when they were children, long before the younger generation had come to know the world as it was.
As they neared the centre of the village, an elderly woman caught sight of Thal. She was hunched over, leaning heavily on a wooden cane, her steps slow but deliberate. Her face, lined with age, looked at Thal with recognition, her eyes bright despite her frail appearance. She moved toward him, and with a raspy but warm voice, she called out to him.
"Thal," she said, her voice quivering slightly with age, but carrying the weight of time and memories. "It's been so long since you visited Oakvale. The years... they pass quickly, don't they?"
Thal stopped and turned toward her, a slight flicker of recognition in his eyes. His posture softened just a fraction, though his expression remained stoic. "You were a child when I last saw you," he said, his deep voice rumbling as he looked down at her.
The woman's smile deepened, and she nodded slowly. "Yes... I remember. I was only a small girl, and you...." She paused, her hands trembling slightly as she held her cane. ".... you've hardly changed."
The villagers who had been watching curiously now gathered around, though they didn't intrude on the moment. Thal had never been one to enjoy being the centre of attention, but he didn't seem bothered by the attention this time. His calm demeanour remained unchanged, and the respect he commanded was evident in the way the villagers gave him space.
The woman continued, her voice filled with both nostalgia and something akin to reverence. "Perfect timing, too," she added with a hint of excitement. "Vivin would like to see you. She's been asking about you for years."
At the mention of Vivin, the group's curiosity piqued. Thal's expression didn't shift, but a small, knowing look passed between him and the woman. "Vivin," he said, his tone neutral, though there was a subtle change in his posture.
The woman's eyes gleamed. "She's been waiting for you to return. We weren't sure when, or if, you would, but now here you are. Come with me."
The others glanced at each other, unsure what to make of this. The village felt different now, as if there were more secrets woven into the fabric of this place than they had anticipated. But one thing was clear: Thal's arrival had not only been expected it seemed to have been something of significance.
Thal gave a slight nod, his gaze shifting to the others. "You stay here," he said, his voice firm but not unkind. "I'll speak with Vivin. Rest here for now."
With that, he followed the old woman, his giant form moving smoothly through the village, leaving Nyra, Luken, and Valen to wonder just who Vivin was and what role he played in this village and in Thal's long life.
Thal ducked slightly as he entered the small but cozy hut, the low ceiling forcing him to adjust his posture. He carefully stepped inside, his towering frame casting a long shadow across the room. The firelight flickered, casting a warm, golden glow over the room, where shelves filled with books, trinkets, and herbs lined the walls.
Vivin was waiting for him, her eyes filled with both anticipation and something else something more personal, as if the years that had passed since their last meeting weighed heavily on her. She was a contrast to Thal's imposing stature a slender, agile elf with long black hair that framed her face and golden eyes that had seen more than most. She stood at a modest 5'6", a slight but striking figure, and as Thal entered, her gaze locked onto him.
She rushed to him, an unexpected burst of energy that took Thal slightly off guard. Despite his size, he allowed her to approach, watching as she circled him, her hands resting on his arms as if inspecting him for any signs of change. Her gaze softened as she stepped back, looking him up and down.
"My, my..." Vivin said, her voice warm with a touch of amusement. "You've grown even bigger, haven't you? And the hair the beard! It's been years, Thal, but you still look like... well, you." She smiled, but there was a sadness in her eyes, a knowing that went unspoken.
Thal's lips twitched, the corner of his mouth lifting ever so slightly. "You haven't changed a day yourself," he replied, his deep voice steady as always, though there was a subtle gentleness to it that he rarely showed.
Vivin's eyes softened, and she reached out to touch the scar across his cheek lightly, tracing the weathered mark as if remembering something. "Still the same, even after all this time," she murmured. But then, as if trying to change the subject, she glanced toward the door, her mind clearly drifting back to the others.
"So," she began, her tone shifting to one of curiosity, "how's Neo doing? And the Minotaur twins, Tar and Tor?" She paused before continuing, her voice quiet and thoughtful. "And Nyra, of course. I remember her. She was just a girl when I saw her last. I'm sure she's grown into quite the woman."
Thal's expression remained steady, though a flicker of something passed through his eyes at the mention of Nyra. He didn't speak right away, instead taking a moment to let her words settle. The connection he shared with Nyra, as well as with the others, was deeper than she realized.
"Neo is... well, Neo," he said at last, his voice flat but not dismissive. "The twins are fine. Tar still broods as usual. As for Nyra, she's grown, yes." There was a small shift in his posture, a subtle tension that none but Vivin might have noticed. "You're right about that. She's changed."
Vivin nodded knowingly but didn't press him further, sensing that there was more unsaid between them. Instead, her eyes met his with a gentle understanding. "I imagine she has. She was always... spirited, even back then. The one who would follow you anywhere." Her gaze lingered for a moment before she looked away, almost reluctantly.
For a long moment, the two stood there in silence, the air thick with unsaid words. Finally, Vivin sighed, as though she had decided to leave the past where it belonged.
"It's been years," she said softly, almost as if to herself. "And still, I can't bring myself to speak of it. It hurts too much... especially for you, Thal. I know." She didn't have to say what she meant. They both understood the weight of the unspoken words that hung between them.
Thal's gaze softened, though he still didn't show much emotion. His past was filled with loss, and he carried it in silence. "You don't have to say it," he finally replied, his voice steady, though there was a hint of something more beneath the surface.
Vivin nodded, her expression a mixture of sadness and gratitude. "I won't," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just... hard sometimes. Knowing that things can never truly go back to what they once were." She turned away for a moment, collecting herself, and when she spoke again, her tone was lighter, though the weight of what had been left unsaid remained. "I'm glad you're here, Thal. It's been far too long."
Thal nodded silently, stepping closer to the hearth as if to give them both a moment to gather their thoughts. Vivin watched him for a long time, her gaze thoughtful and distant, as if she were trying to piece together the man he had become since they last saw each other.
As Thal stepped closer to the hearth, he glanced back at Vivin, his gaze steady but carrying a subtle weight. "I came for your help," he said quietly, his deep voice cutting through the silence. "The heroes I'm traveling with aren't ready for the Empyrean Spine. They don't have the necessary tools or trinkets to survive in the harsh environment ahead. I was hoping you could craft something for them something to help."
Vivin raised an eyebrow, the quiet seriousness in Thal's tone not lost on her. But then, as if realizing the full implication of his request, her expression shifted slightly, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "So you're trusting these humans with the Spine? You must have a lot of faith in them," she teased, though her eyes were keen, studying Thal for any sign of hesitation. "Very well, I'll help as best I can. But there's a catch, isn't there?"
Thal didn't immediately respond, and Vivin's playful expression shifted when she noticed the slight tension in his posture. His silence spoke volumes. It wasn't just the tools and trinkets that concerned him it was the weight of the journey ahead, the unknown that lingered at the edges of their destination.
Her tone softened. "I'll make them what they need. I can work my magic with materials that will help them survive, but I can't guarantee it will be enough. The Spine... it's a place of trials."
As she spoke, her thoughts seemed to drift off, but then, as if something had clicked, she snapped back into focus. "But there's one thing you should've told me first, Thal." She raised her voice a little, a touch of excitement breaking through the calm. "Why didn't you tell me Nyra was here with you?" Without waiting for a response, she was already moving toward the door, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Thal didn't stop her he simply watched as she hurried outside, clearly eager to see Nyra after all these years. He knew Vivin well enough to understand how much the bond with Nyra had meant to her, even if she never openly showed it.
Nyra, who had been lingering near the edge of the hut, caught Vivin's voice in the distance and immediately turned toward it. The moment Vivin's presence reached her, she too seemed to shift, as though sensing the whirlwind of energy that was about to unfold.
As Vivin approached, the two women locked eyes. For a moment, there was only the sound of the wind outside and the creaking of the wooden door, before Vivin's expression widened in surprise. "My, my... you've grown." Her voice was full of astonishment, her eyes drinking in Nyra's appearance.
Nyra stood tall, her frame broader and more powerful than before. The once petite girl had grown into a woman of considerable strength, her muscles rippling beneath the surface. Her hair, once long, was now a short, stark white, and intricate white tattoos marked her skin, winding in beautiful patterns around her body as if telling a silent story. The markings stood out starkly against her dark skin, a sign of her transformation and her connection to something deeper.
"You've grown taller than me!" Vivin exclaimed, her voice full of pride and amusement. "I'm glad you didn't forget me, Nyra. I could barely recognize you, but it's clear to see you've become quite the force. Thal Junior, I'd say."
The nickname seemed to land with both humour and affection, and Nyra couldn't help but smile, though there was a hint of shyness in her gaze as she took in Vivin's appearance as well. Vivin's scarred face had barely aged since their last meeting, and the warmth in her golden eyes reminded Nyra of those old days when Vivin had been a distant yet familiar presence.
Luken and Valen, who had been trailing behind Nyra and Vivin, exchanged uncertain glances. They'd heard stories of Nyra's past companions, but they hadn't expected such a powerful woman, especially not one with so much history with her.
Tar, meanwhile, had remained by the entrance of the hut, his stoic expression unchanging. But his eyes flickered with recognition, and a deep rumbling noise emanated from his chest as he nodded to Vivin in greeting, a soft smile stretching across his face. The large Minotaur's body language was far more open than usual, an indication of his comfort in Vivin's presence.
"You've been away for a while," Vivin said with a knowing smile. "But it's clear you've come into your own. No longer the small, curious girl I once knew. You've certainly become one of us."
Nyra's smile softened, a touch of gratitude behind her eyes. "It's good to see you again, Vivin. I've missed you," she said quietly.
Vivin stepped closer, wrapping an arm around Nyra's shoulders in a brief but warm embrace before pulling back. "And I've missed you too. But we have a lot of catching up to do," she said, grinning. "But first what's this I hear about the Empyrean Spine? Thal's been keeping secrets from me, hasn't he?"
Thal, who had followed them outside, couldn't help but smile at the scene. The bond between Vivin and Nyra was palpable, and it softened the hard edges of his usual demeanour. For a moment, he allowed himself to relax trusting that, with Vivin's help, the road ahead might just be a little bit easier to travel.
As Vivin's eyes flickered over Luken and Valen, her keen gaze seemed to measure them instantly. Nyra, noticing the unspoken tension, stepped forward to ease the introductions. "Vivin, these are my companions," she began, gesturing to each of them. "Luken, The Hero of Will, and Valen, The Hero of Skill. And, well, you already know me The Hero of Strength." She gave a playful grin, trying to lighten the mood.
Luken and Valen offered polite nods, though they couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy under Vivin's intense scrutiny. She didn't speak immediately, her sharp eyes darting between them as if peeling back layers to see who they truly were. Finally, she gave a faint smile, her expression softening just enough to put them at ease.
"Well, heroes," Vivin said, her voice smooth but with a hint of wry humour, "it seems you've all found yourselves in the company of quite the entourage. Thal, Tar, and Nyra... not a group you come across every day." Her tone carried a subtle edge, though her words remained cordial.
She turned back to Nyra, her smile widening slightly. "You've been keeping busy, haven't you? Traveling with heroes. I never thought I'd see the day."
Nyra chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of her head. "Yeah, well, life's full of surprises."
Vivin's gaze lingered on Luken and Valen for another moment before she stepped aside, gesturing toward her home. "Come in, then. Let's see what I can do for you."
The heroes followed her inside, their eyes adjusting to the dim light of the cozy interior. The walls were lined with shelves filled with peculiar objects glowing crystals, ancient tomes, and small trinkets that seemed to hum with energy. A faint scent of herbs and earth filled the air, adding to the mystique of the place.
As the heroes settled in, Vivin remained by the door, her gaze following Thal as he stood just outside. His massive frame cast a long shadow across the threshold, and for a moment, he seemed lost in thought, his broad back to her.
Vivin's expression shifted, a flicker of worry crossing her features. She had known Thal for a long time, long enough to understand the complexities of his emotions especially when it came to heroes and humanity. She knew the burden he carried, the pain of loss and betrayal that had shaped him. And now, seeing him traveling with humans once more, she couldn't help but feel a pang of concern.
Thal turned slightly, as if sensing her gaze. Their eyes met briefly, and though no words were exchanged, the weight of their shared understanding hung heavy in the air.
"Thal," she called softly, breaking the silence. "You coming in?"
He hesitated for a moment before nodding and ducking through the doorway, his massive form filling the small space. Tar followed close behind, his quiet presence a reassuring constant.
Once everyone was inside, Vivin turned her attention back to the heroes. "All right," she said, clapping her hands together. "Let's get started. I'll need to assess each of you to determine what kind of trinkets will suit you best. These won't just be any ordinary charms they'll be tailored to your strengths and needs."
As she began her work, carefully examining each hero, her mind remained partially on Thal. She knew this journey wasn't just about the Spine or the heroes' quest it was about Thal confronting his own past and the scars he carried. And as much as she wanted to help the heroes, she couldn't shake the feeling that it was Thal who needed her support the most.
Vivin sighed as she adjusted the thick goggles over her golden eyes, the lenses flickering faintly with runic symbols. Her slender hands worked deftly, carving intricate symbols onto small, flat stones and amulets with tools that hummed with power. Each rune she etched glowed faintly before fading into the material, locking its magic in place. Despite her focused demeanour, there was a heaviness in her movements, a weight she couldn't shake.
Her gaze flickered briefly toward Thal, who stood silent and still by the wall. She knew no matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't help him not in the way he needed. There was a fortress around his heart that even she, with all her years of knowing him, couldn't breach. He bore his pain alone, just as he always had. The thought stung, but Vivin pushed it aside, focusing instead on the task at hand.
Valen, sitting cross legged on the floor, watched her work with mild curiosity. "So.... this fog," he began, breaking the silence. "It messes with your memory? How does that even work?"
Vivin paused, her fingers lingering on the edge of a half finished rune. A sly smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "You really want to know?" she asked, her tone teasing.
"Why else would I ask?" Valen shot back, arching an eyebrow.
Her smirk widened as she set the tool down and turned to face him. "The fog isn't just any ordinary weather. It's the remnant of dragons corpses, to be specific. Even in death, their power lingers. Their essence seeps into the land, the air, and yes, the fog." She leaned forward slightly, her golden eyes gleaming. "Their very presence is enough to warp reality. And if you were to ever meet a live dragon..." She let the words hang in the air, her smirk growing. "You wouldn't just lose the fight you'd lose your mind. Even with the runes."
Valen's expression faltered, a flicker of unease crossing his face. "Great," he muttered. "Good to know we're walking into something completely sane."
"Steeling yourselves will only get you so far," Vivin continued, her tone turning serious as she returned to her work. "These runes will help protect your memories, but they're not perfect. The Spine isn't just dangerous because of the fog it's dangerous because it's alive in a way. The dragons may be dead, but their influence remains. The mountains themselves have been shaped by their will."
Luken frowned, his arms crossed. "Then how is Thal immune?" he asked, his voice edged with suspicion.
"Nephilim don't have even a trace of magic in them," Vivin explained without looking up. "The fog has nothing to cling to in Thal. It's like trying to write on water it simply doesn't stick." She pointed briefly to Tar, who sat quietly nearby, his massive form taking up half the room. "As for him, he's got one of my runes. Same for Tor. They're not perfect, but they've held up well enough."
Valen glanced at Tar, whose stoic expression didn't shift in the slightest. "And you're sure these runes will work for us?" he asked.
"No guarantees," Vivin said bluntly, finishing another rune and placing it on the table. "But they're your best shot. Without them, you'd forget why you even entered the Spine within minutes and then it's only a matter of time before the mountains claim you."
Nyra, who had been quiet up until now, shifted uneasily. "Sounds like we're walking into something we're not prepared for," she said, glancing at Thal. "Are we sure this is the right path?"
Thal's deep voice rumbled from where he stood. "It's the only path."
The room fell silent after that, the weight of his words settling over them like a heavy cloak. Vivin's hands moved faster now, the urgency of their situation driving her to finish the runes. As much as she wanted to reassure them, she knew better than anyone that the Spine offered no promises only trials. And though she couldn't help Thal in the way he needed, she could at least help these heroes survive the journey ahead.
As Vivin placed the first completed rune on the table, it glimmered faintly before fading to a dull, matte sheen. She let out a breath, wiping her brow with the back of her hand. "That's one down," she muttered, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "The rest will take some time. These things can't be rushed if you want them to actually work."
Nyra nodded, though her impatience was evident. "We'll head to the inn and give you space. Let us know when they're ready."
Vivin offered a faint smile. "I'll send Tar to fetch you when I'm done. He'll make sure no one dawdles."
At that, Tar gave a slow, approving nod, his massive arms crossed over his chest. He stayed behind, silently taking a seat in the corner to watch over Vivin as she continued her work.
The heroes left the small workshop, stepping into the cool evening air. The village was alive with soft, ambient sounds the crackle of fires, faint laughter from the inn, and the murmur of villagers winding down their day. They made their way to the inn, a modest but welcoming establishment with a sign creaking in the breeze.
Inside, the inn was warm and inviting, with wooden beams and a roaring hearth that cast a golden glow over the room. The innkeeper, a stout man with a thick beard, greeted them with a polite nod and directed them to their rooms after a brief exchange. Nyra, Luken, and Valen each dropped their things in their respective quarters, though the tension between them lingered.
Valen broke the silence as they regrouped in the common area. "So... anyone else feel weird about Thal just walking off without saying a word? Where the hell does a guy like that even go?"
"Probably somewhere to brood," Luken said dryly, leaning back in his chair. "He doesn't strike me as the 'let's all stick together' type."
Nyra frowned, her arms crossed. "He's always been like that. He's not much for explaining himself, but he's never abandoned anyone either. He'll be back."
"Still," Valen said, tapping his fingers on the table. "We're in a village full of people who think he's some kind of legend. The guy can't exactly blend in. What if he stirs up trouble?"
Nyra rolled her eyes. "Thal isn't the trouble stirring type. If anything, he avoids it."
Luken shrugged. "We'll see. Just don't expect me to go looking for him if he vanishes."
Later that evening, after the group had settled at the inn, Thal reemerged, his footsteps silent but purposeful. He walked through the heart of the village, drawing quiet stares. His presence was still unsettling less a man, more a legend wrapped in mortal skin.
Meanwhile, as the heroes settled in, Thal wandered the outskirts of the village. The cool night air didn't bother him, nor did the curious glances from the villagers who spotted him in the shadows. His massive frame moved with a grace that belied his size, his long strides carrying him far from the inn and the prying eyes of the village. Thal paid them no mind, his heavy footfalls crunching against the frosted earth as he made his way toward the looming mountains of the Spine. Its jagged peaks pierced the sky, wrapped in a thick shroud of mist that seemed to breathe and shift with a life of its own. The fog lingered at its base, an ominous reminder of the danger that awaited.
Instead of venturing further, Thal turned and headed toward a more secluded part of the village. The path he took was overgrown but familiar, winding around Vivin's hut and leading to a small clearing behind it. There, nestled among the tall grass and wildflowers, stood a single grave.
The stone marker was simple, unadorned except for a name etched into its surface in a language older than the village itself. The grave was meticulously cared for fresh flowers lay at its base, and the grass around it had been neatly trimmed. Thal knelt before it, his massive form dwarfing the small, quiet memorial.
For a long moment, he didn't move. The wind picked up, rustling the leaves in the trees and carrying the faint scent of pine and frost. His eyes held a weight that seemed too great for even his massive shoulders to bear.
He reached out, his calloused fingers brushing lightly against the stone. "I haven't forgotten," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the wind. "Not for a day." He could still see her face in the firelight, could still remember the scream before the light took her.
The memories flooded back, unbidden but unrelenting. The laughter, the warmth, the fleeting moments of peace that now felt like distant echoes. Then the pain the loss that cut deeper than any blade and a blinding light from the sky. He clenched his fist, his hand trembling slightly as he fought to keep his composure.
"I don't know if I'm doing the right thing," he admitted softly, as if speaking to the grave itself. "But... I have to try. For them. For what you believed in."
The Spine loomed in the background, its shadow stretching across the clearing. Thal's gaze lifted toward it, his jaw tightening. There was a storm brewing, both within and without, and he could feel it pressing down on him like a vice.
After a moment, he stood, towering over the grave once more. He gave a slight nod, a silent promise made between him and the past. Then, without a word, he turned and walked away, his massive frame disappearing into the mist that clung to the edges of the village.
As Vivin's hands moved mechanically as she worked, her fingers skilfully etching intricate runes into the small pieces of stone. Yet her mind was far from the task at hand. Her gaze kept drifting toward the door, toward where Thal had disappeared earlier. The weight of the past hung heavy in her heart, and her thoughts were a tangled mess of memories, regrets, and unspoken words.
She set the rune down with more force than necessary, letting out a frustrated sigh. Tar, who had been quietly watching her work, noticed the shift in her demeanour. He gave a low grunt, his way of acknowledging that something was troubling her.
Vivin's shoulders sagged, and she leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples. The familiar ache in her chest flared up again the ache she had learned to bury over the years, but which always resurfaced when Thal was nearby. When she spoke, her voice was quieter, almost as if she were speaking to herself rather than to Tar.
"He hasn't changed, has he?" she said, her words laced with sorrow. "Still acting like it's all on his shoulders. The world, the guilt, everything. And here we are, doing this... this thing for him. For the heroes."
She let out a breath, her gaze dropping to the rune before her. "I don't know if he'll ever forgive himself. Not for what happened... not for what we all lost."
Tar, as always, remained silent, but his large frame seemed to lean slightly closer, as if trying to offer comfort in his own way. He had been there, in those dark days when everything changed. He had seen what happened, felt the weight of it, even though he could never express it with words.
Vivin's voice wavered, and for a moment, she was on the verge of tears. "I remember the way he looked back at me... before everything fell apart." Tears were falling now "He didn't deserve it. None of us did. But that day... that day, it all broke him. And I don't think he'll ever truly heal from it." She clenched her fists, frustration and sorrow mixing in her expression. "I shouldn't have left him. I should've been there."
Tar's gaze softened, but his stoic nature prevented him from saying anything. He knew the pain she carried, but there were no words that could undo the damage. Instead, he gave a gentle, reassuring snort, his presence a silent form of support.
Vivin's eyes filled with unshed tears, her heart aching with the weight of all the years that had passed since that fateful event. She had left Thal when he needed her most, and though she had tried to move forward, part of her had never truly let go of the guilt. The pain of knowing she hadn't been there when he needed someone to stand by him was a constant ache, one she couldn't shake off.
"I hate how we all pretend like we're fine," she muttered bitterly. "Like we can go on with our lives and forget what happened. But every time I see him... it's like no time has passed. He's still that broken man, and I... I'm just as helpless as I was before."
Tar gave a soft grunt, and for a moment, Vivin closed her eyes. The silence between them stretched out, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence shared between two who understood the weight of each other's burdens.
"I should have stayed," Vivin whispered again, more to herself than to Tar. "But now... now I don't know if I can fix it. If he'll ever forgive me. If any of us will ever be able to heal."
She shook her head, her voice a mix of regret and resolve. "But we must move forward. For him. For all of us. The past... it doesn't let us go, but I'll be damned if it keeps me from trying to help him. Even if the past holds on... I'll hold on tighter."
Tar looked at her, his amber eyes soft with understanding. He didn't need words to show her that he understood he had always understood. Thal's path had never been easy, and neither had Vivin's. But together, they had survived the storm. And maybe, just maybe, they could help Thal survive the next one if he lets them.