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The long road laid ahead for Throné as her time with her most trusted companions had finally come to an end. With each step she took southbound of Cropdale, a heavy heart weighed her down, a part of her wishing to be back in the company of her fellow travelers. However, they each had an objective in mind, a clear understanding that they were setting their own goals in life. Having to defeat a dark god turned out not to be Throné’s greatest challenge.
‘I do wonder if it has ended too soon.’
The thief thought back to the early parts of her journey, a quest in seeking freedom by unbinding herself from the shackles of serving the Blacksnakes. Of course, tragedy was met countless times as she unwillingly had to put down her own past comrades and Father, though the dagger twisted into her back even further when her actual Father revealed the true nature of everyone associated with Blacksnakes. In the end, she killed her Father and obtained the key to her freedom, or so she thought. Acquiring her freedom came at a steep price, one mired with the blood of the people close to her.
Watching the birds chirp their morning song, Throné grinned as she passed by, though only for a short while. She thought back to what Arcanette said to her.
“You will never be free…”
Although Throné was taken aback, she did not allow her remarks to taint her heart with doubt. The only person who would be holding Throné back from experiencing the sense of freedom would be none other than herself. Had she questioned it any further, it would only leave everything that she had fought for all for naught. Of course, she didn’t do it all alone. Her companions were by her side through thick and thin.
Later on, the thief’s mind drifted to her fellow friends. Friends who she could grow close and confide with one another. Never having to worry if one of them would stab the other in the back in a figurative and literal sense. Because of them, she was able to understand their own goals and aspirations, especially while sharing a drink together or a fun game of gambling. Despite all of that, she decided to partake in a journey all on her own. Perhaps she would opt in Agnea’s invitation to enjoy herself to a copious amount of Cropdale’s famous raspberries and peaches when she would return for instance. No matter what, Throné would hold the memories of her friends close to her heart.
As Throné trekked through the trail, she pondered whether or not to stop in Oresrush and lodge at an inn or to simply keep on going. Before she went along with her journey, she needed to head back to New Delsta so that her four-legged companion would be tended to by someone trustworthy. There was one suitable option in mind, and that was to leave that loving dog in the hands of a certain cleric from Flamechurch.
Out of everyone in their group, Temenos Mistral was the one that left an impression of Throné. His intuition and drive to get to the truth no matter the obstacle had motivated others. Throne had shared some banter with him but it was all for the sake of companionship, as they trusted one another dearly. It had pained her when they shared one final look before departing from the campsite. A part of her wanted to ask him if he would like to accompany him on her journey but she swallowed that thought, shame casting onto her. After all, it was Temenos’s freedom to follow his own path. As she made her way, she happened to find a figure clad in church apparel from a distance, the same person in her thoughts.
“Temenos?” Throné spoke in disbelief, gaining the attention of her friend.
“Oh?” Temenos turned around, his expression changing immediately, “Ah! Throné! I did not expect for you to come back as my Assistant. I merely jest, of course.”
‘He always has a way of working people up. But that’s what makes him Temenos.’
“I did not expect our paths to cross that soon. Unless it was purely coincidental.” she commented, crossing her arms with a smirk.
The cleric stifled a laugh, shaking his head slightly. “You could say that. I just happened to be taking my sweet time to head back to Flamechurch. Our deal pal Partitio was kind enough to offer to take me to New Delsta’s harbor.
Such an explanation had bewildered Throné. Either it was some form of divine prank or sheer coincidence. Although she had planned to take a different route back to the eastern side of Solistia, she wondered if it would be best to use such an opportunity to spend some moments with him, even for just a bit.
“I see… you’re on your way to Oresrush if that is the case.” the thief guessed, her expression kept the same.
“Spot on, my dearest Assistant,” the cleric praised playfully, his right hand playing with his staff, “does that mean that our paths are heading in the same direction?”
“You can say that,” she answered, sighing afterwards, “I have some unfinished business back in New Delsta. Once that is done, I shall head to parts unknown, as discussed before.”
For even just a split second, Throné could had sworn that Temenos’s expression became downcast, but she wasn’t too certain. When they traded gazes back in the campsite before they went their separate ways, it was that of full understanding. At the same time, unbeknownst to the both of them, it felt like a part of them had been ripped away from each other.
“That’s right,” he replied, his face stoic until he reverted back to his usual self, “why don’t we head to Oresrush together? I wouldn’t mind having my most trusted Assistant by my side, even for a short while.”
Pondering for a bit, the thief shook her head in amusement, intrigued in his proposal. Originally, she was going to leave her little companion in the care of the church where Temenos was entrusted to and then take off, but she decided to go back on that. As they said, it was important to make every moment count.
“Alright then. You got a deal.” she consented, smiling softly.
“Splendid!” Temenos responded in joy, pointing his staff to the direction of their trail. “Let’s not linger around here for too long, shall we?”
The two had trekked for a while, having to fend off some bothersome creatures though it was nothing too major compared to their previously hard fought battle. Then, the entrance to Oresrush was in front of them. Life was back into the town, the people living prosperous after wresting control from the hands of a corrupt landowner. Despite Throné and Temenos planning on staying at an inn, Partitio had intervened, insisting that they spend the night at his residence instead.
Dinner turned out to be quite pleasant as the merchant was indulged in discussions pertaining to the steam engine. His father Papp couldn’t be all the more proud of his son. Viewing such a father-son bonding moment had brought memories to Throné in regards to Father, though the circumstances were entirely different. Of course, she didn’t feel any sense of envy towards her merchant companion but rather she was elated to know that their bond was unwavering and intact.
The following day, they headed to the harbor with Partitio as they then sailed to New Delsta’s harbor. Once they had reached the other side, Partitio bid them farewell before taking off with the ship, though both thief and cleric failed to notice his commentary regarding the pair from early on. The path to New Delsta went without any danger or delay, though with each step Throné’s heart had throbbed with uncertainty until they finally reached the entrance of their destination before the sun bid them farewell.
As they walked within New Delsta's streets, Throné spotted a young couple spending their time intimately, her expression softening slightly. Her life with the Blacksnakes gave her no time to form relationships beyond what was expected, especially after finding out about her relations with everyone in the guild. During her time with her fellow travelers, she would tease Agnea when it came to confronting her feelings for Hikari but with good intentions, giving thoughtful and considerate advice to the dancer. Throné would also share some gossip with Castti throughout the night, especially with the former teasing at the latter's close relationship with a certain merchant.
When it came to her own feelings for Temenos, at first she didn’t dwell on it too much. Despite the disguise situation where she uttered even the harshest of words, Throné didn’t have any ill regards for the cleric, as they clicked well for each other when it came to solving mysteries and treasure hunting in particular; she got to see more of his intuition come into play. She appreciated that he also respected her own capabilities, thus deepening their bond.
However, as the days turned into weeks and so on, Throné gradually became conflicted in her own feelings, unsure on how to confront them. There was no denying within herself that she ended up becoming smitten by him. Nonetheless, she was committed to her self-journey. She had no regrets on that matter.
Suddenly, once the pair had made it to the one spot before the backstreets, Throné’s certain companion wasn’t found. “Where could you be?”
“Is something the matter?” Temenos inquired as he approached her.
“She’s not here. This is where she would normally be.” she muttered, regaining her composure.
Putting the pieces together, the cleric formed a grin as he put his hand on her shoulder. “Well then, why don’t we look for ‘her’ together? She can’t be too far after all.”
With a nod, Throné chuckled lightly, making the best out of the situation. “As you would say, it’s another mystery to solve. Lead the way, Dectective.”
“I’m glad that we could come to a consensus, Assistant. Let us make haste.” he spoke as the both of them set off.
The smell of the backstreets had left a nostalgic tinge on Throné, reminiscing of her younger days with the Blacksnakes and Father. A majority of the citizens would stray far away as that part of New Delsta was teeming with all sorts of danger and illicit activities, though most “honorary citizens” and powerful figures had hypocritically partaken in the same thing. It was the only place that she could consider calling home despite distance herself from it.
As both cleric and thief wandered around, the latter had thought back of her fellow Blacksnakes, wondering of their status. With the deaths of Mother and Father, a power struggle had erupted, each member plotting to take out one after another in order to seek power and control. Thankfully, much like the fate of the orphanage, the organization began to realize that there was a world far wider than the days of resorting to thievery and being subservient to someone. Of course, not everyone would be on the same page, but at least progress was made.
“Hold up,” Throné halted her friend, her eyes set on their objective, “I think I spotted her.”
Within an alley, a little being walking on four legs turned its attention on the two travelers, wagging it’s tail as they made their way towards it’s direction. Temenos couldn’t help but be humored at his assumption.
“I’m grateful to know that she is still safe and sound,” Temenos deduced, smiling as he saw his friend crouched down to the dog’s level, “it seems that you have something important to tell me regarding our little fellow.”
Nodding her head, Throné gave a pat on the dog before lifting herself up, meeting Temenos’s gaze. Finally, she had reached the most difficult part of her plan. With a deep breath, the thief began to speak, pressing on.
“While I am gone, I would like for her to be in the care of someone trustworthy,” Throné stated, watching her small companion scamper to her side, nudging on her leg, “after some careful consideration, I’ve decided to entrust her to you, Temenos.”
“That is rather considerate of you, Throné,” he replied with a solemn expression on his face, “but would you like for her to remain here or have me take her with me?”
“Let’s see what she has to say about it.” she commented, kneeling down as she petted the dog.
Moments later, the dog proceeded to walk towards the direction of Temenos, the latter with curious eyes fixated. After some deliberation, the dog began to bark joyously, therefore cementing her choice.
“You’ve made your decision, I take it,” the cleric presumed, lowering himself down to pet his little friend, “the children will simply love having you around. Of course, we can always come back here if you ever feel like it. Like us, you’re free to make your own choices.”
Throné couldn’t help but sigh amusingly, a soft grin emanating onto her. Although the dog had taken some time to get used to being in the company of each traveler, she had gotten used to Temenos quickly. However, a thought had occurred to the thief, realizing that she had never given the dog a proper name. It had never occurred to her as she was occupied on her journey. Despite the fact, she couldn’t come up with a proper name.
“Do you have a name suitable for her, Temenos?” Throné asked as she folded her arms.
“That’s right, a name has never been given to her. I’m surprised that it lasted up until now. But so be it,” Temenos responded, stifling his laughter, “how about… Freya?”
“Freya?” she repeated, raising an eyebrow, “that’s an interesting choice. Does it have any significance, if I may ask?”
“To tell the truth, it was all that I could come up with,” the cleric explained sheepishly, earning a sigh from his favorite Assistant, “but from what I know, it means love and beauty. Much like someone close to me.”
Eyeing on Throné, the latter began to look at him in astonishment, her cheeks reddening madly. Although she was flattered, deep down she felt appreciated to hear such words from him. Nonetheless, she still had to go through with her journey. She would have loved to hear more words from him in that kind of description.
“C-cut it out,” she stammered, earning a laugh from him as Freya ran around happily, “flattery isn’t going to get you anywhere, Detective.”
“I meant no ill to my greatest Assistant,” Temenos assured, making his way towards her, “such commentary is only reserved for one person.”
“Am I supposed to figure out who this special person is?” Throné questioned curiously. “They must have left an impact in your life.”
“Rightfully so.” he agreed as he stared at her expression, eyes set for any form of reaction. “Can you guess who?”
“Before I do,” she gestured a hand as she took a breath, filled with determination, “I would like to ask you something.”
“By all means.” the cleric simply stated.
“Will you miss me while I am away?”
With that, Temenos’s expression had taken a palpable pause, leaving Throné in her thoughts. There she was, thinking of the times that the both of them had fought, bled, and comforted each other when they had reached their breaking points. Despite the adversity that was thrown at them, they had lived to see the dawn again together.
“Of course I will miss you, Throné,” Temenos answered, sighing poignantly, “things won’t be the same once you leave but… not all goodbyes are permanent, right?”
“I suppose you are right on that,” Throné agreed, scoffing a bit as she looked down, “sorry for dampening the mood. No matter what, I’m still going through with it.”
“You have my unwavering support. Do not let anything hold you back, not even me.” he continued as Freya gave her support as well, panting happily at Throné. “It just means that I’m placing you on an indefinite leave. So whenever you return, you’ll always be welcomed back, Assistant.”
Smiling, Throné could understand what Temenos was conveying to her. It was assuring to know that even if it would take months or years to come back to Solistia, he would always express his support for her. Leaving was never an easy task, but moments like this could make it all the more worthwhile. Nonetheless, one other pressing matter gnawed in her head.
“Thank you for telling me the truth,” she replied as she felt Freya’s head rub on her leg, “I have figured out your riddle.”
“Oh?” he wondered most curiously as his fellow traveler began to take tentative steps even closer to him. “Who did I have in mind?”
“Since meeting you, I’ve grown to admire the values that you possess,” Throné started, laughing at herself for sounding cliche, “gods, what am I saying, but oh to hell with it.”
“I don’t mind.” Temenos commented, finding his friend’s behavior rather humorous. “After all, we have been through hell and back, no?”
“Yeah,” she nodded affirmatively, grinning at him, “we sure have.”
While their travels were filled with wonder and curiosity, it wasn't always easy. Temenos had reached his lowest point when Crick was brutally murdered. Throné and the rest of her friends ensured that he would not be left behind and that they would be there for him. She recalled the night when she held Temenos in her arms; it was the first time that she had ever seen him cry in grief. Much like the creed of Eir’s Apothecaries, she had lent a helping hand to someone in need.
Now, each of them were able to carve their own paths, whether for better or worse; that was for them to decide on their own. After all, it was an integral part of being human; the freedom to make one’s own choice.
“Y’know, I will miss having you push my buttons. Won’t be the same, truly.” the thief mused as she smiled down at Freya.
“Now you seem to be quite the flatterer. I’m happy that I left an influence on you. Though if you do truly end up having to disguise yourself as a Sister, then you should stu–”
“Not another word! Please do not remind me of that.” she quipped, flustered at her previous experience. “You must be wanting to laugh your ass off, huh.”
“Not necessarily, Throné.” he assured, though his composure was giving himself away. “I merely have good intentions.”
Sighing to herself, their banter was going to make her miss his presence all the more. Most would think twice about pissing her off but when it came to Temenos and his way of words, she had made an exception to her own rule.
“So you say…” she spoke as she shook her head in disbelief before recomposing herself. “Anyway, going back. Even if I am away, no matter how many times the sun and moon would rise and fall, you will always be… irreplaceable to me, Temenos.”
“Are those your true thoughts?” he muttered, amusing himself as he stared at the ground.
“What else would they be?” she inquired, crossing her arms as she noticed the genuine grin coming from him. “I meant what I said.”
“I see…” the cleric responded, looking at her direction. “In that case, you are also irreplaceable. Not in the sense of you being my Assistant, but as a dear person in my life.”
Nearing the distance, Throné reached for her mark, knowing that there was no turning back. She wanted to convey her feelings to him, her heart making the decisions on her behalf. Perhaps it was the same feeling that her own mother had dealt with oh so long ago. “Come to think of it, there is one certain thing that I’ve never taken from you.”
Temenos raised an eyebrow, unsure of what she meant. “Care to explain the meaning behind your words?”
Without giving him a chance to react, Throné claimed his lips with hers, locking her arms around his neck. The cleric’s eyes widened, dropping his staff to the ground, but then relaxed and proceeded to hold her waist, reveling in her tender embrace. Though sloppy at first, the pair became used to the newfound feeling, with the moon’s gleaming shine casting onto them. It seemed that it had been pent up for the both of them for so long.
Once their lips had separated, Throné instinctively looked the other way, her face reddening madly though not without smiling sheepishly. So that was one way of expressing her love for someone, she thought.
“Incredible…” Temenos commented softly, putting a hand to his lips before retracting. “Cropdale’s finest raspberries. A wise choice, Throné.”
“That’s all you can comment about?” Throné said incredulously, scoffing as she faced his direction. “Anyway… what did you think? Or perhaps it was too sudden.”
“As sudden as it was, it doesn’t mean that I truly detested it. In fact, it was very pleasant, to put it in simpler words.” the cleric assured, putting a hand on her shoulder, with Freya following suit in showing her approval by wagging her tail excitedly. “Even our good pal is in high spirits.”
“I wanted to make sure that I didn’t leave Solistia with any regrets, this was one of them. Can’t promise you that we’ll be having more moments like this soon enough.” she replied as her eyes watered a bit. “However, I’m happy that it was with you, Temenos. Great, now I’ve become a sap.”
Touched by her convictions, Temenos proceeded to envelop Throné in a tight hug, not out of desperation but of understanding and consideration. The thief returned the gesture, wrapping her arms around his back, clutching the fabric of his robe.
“You will always have a home to return to, Throné. Do heed on those words.” he spoke as he smiled through his tears. “This isn’t the end, but only just the beginning.”
Throné’s own tears had ended up staining his shoulder blade, nodding in response. She was grateful to let out all of the emotions that she held to herself in the campsite. As an added bonus, she noticed Freya moving around excitedly, mostly likely giving the two her blessing. The feeling just felt… nice.
“Of course. I’m not great with words in these types of scenarios but,” the thief paused as she retracted her face from his shoulder, looking at him in the eye, “every memory that I’ve experienced with you and everyone else will always be irreplaceable. Yes, even the ones where you would piss me off.”
“Well, I can also appreciate your rather intricate sense of humor.” Temenos responded, chuckling softly before he and Throné latched away from each other. “Alas, I shouldn’t delay you any further.”
As much as Throné’s heart yearned for more of his touch, he had a point. With determination, she nodded her head in response before crouching down to Freya’s level, gently patting her head.
“Be sure to keep an eye on him,” Throné spoke to the dog as she gestured at Temenos, playfulling critiquing him, “he has a knack in getting himself into trouble. But I’m certain that he won’t cause any issues to you.”
“Can’t be helped,” he agreed as he reached down for his staff while Throné lifted herself back up, “nonetheless, I’ll be sure to keep my promise to you.”
Moments later, Throné decided that it was time to head out. So, the thief faced Temenos for what would be the final time until she decided to come back.
“Guess it’s time for me to go now. Thank you for everything, Temenos. Also, I-I…” she tried to form her words but to no avail.
Noticing her apprehension, Temenos had deduced what she was going to say, simply nodding in response as he grinned at her. “It’s okay, Throne. I do too.”
“Thank you… well then… I will see you again, Temenos, Freya.” Throné said as Temenos gave her no time to react from his surprise hold. “Fine, I’ll give you this one more time.”
“Greed has gotten the best of me, it seems,” the cleric spoke as he felt her reciprocate it before the both of them had separated moments later, “I will await for your return. Good luck out there, Throné.”
Then, Throné proceeded to nod before making her way to New Delsta’s exit, leaving both cleric and dog behind. She waved a hand from behind, using her willpower to not look back, refusing to let them see her tears cascading down from her face, but she held her head through the end, smiling as she wondered where her path would take her to.
Temenos and Freya merely watched Throné depart until they could no longer see her. Poignant eyes stared at the path where she set off, but a proud expression emanated from him afterwards, elated to know that while it was difficult to say goodbye to each other, she was out doing things out of her own volition instead of a life of servitude. Contrary to what Arcanette had said to her during the endless night, she truly did attain freedom, and he couldn’t be more happy at the thought.