#audralorryn

"You saw what it's like back there, Ossie! You saw the horrors, the deaths, the neverending storms tearing our sky apart! For years! It's been going on for years! Our Tyria is doomed!"

"So what? You're just giving up?"

A flash of anger in her eyes, Audra stood up.

"Do not do this to me," she said trembling. "I gave everything I had and everything I was for Tyria. I lost everything! And everyone I know has lost everything! There's nothing and no one left for me! We've been fighting for almost seven years, I don't know how much longer can Vlast hold on for, and yeah, maybe we can keep fighting, maybe we can even win! But the cost is way too high, and I'm tired of paying it. And I'm..."

She suddenly felt smaller.

"I'm not a hero. I'm just a scholar who likes birds." She saw Rory mouthing her words as she said them. She wanted to smile, but she kept her frown and turned to Osnje. "So yes. I am giving up. I'm giving up, I'm a coward, you can say it. But don't say it with that tone, as if I didn't try, as if I just stood there and let it all happen."

Osnje looked sheepish.

"I'm sorry," she said.

"I know."

"You know, there are still battles to be fought here, although not as hopeless," Rory said cautiously.

"And I hope you'll forgive me for not wanting to fight them."

"What if I need you?"

"Why would you? I'm dead!" The look on Rory's face gave her pause. "Listen. I know this is not easy to come to terms with, but I'm not her, and... you're not him. No matter how nice this is, we all know how fractals work."

"I think out of all of us, and despite all his experience, the one who will have the most trouble with this is Ossun."

"... Ossun is alive?"

"Yes."

“So, what now? Do you think we can breathe a little?”

“Don’t jinx it.”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

Rory takes another drink from his glass.

“Are you alright?” Audra asks softly. “And I know how stupid this question sounds, and how obvious the answer is, but...”

“You’re talking about Aurene?”

“Yes.”

“She’s an Elder Dragon now. She’s been called to higher purposes.” He puts his now empty glass down. “I held her as an egg!” He adds with a laugh.

“You sound like the proudest doting father! Does... that make me a mother?”

“Ha! Probably!”

“How did it feel? The first time you knew you were going to be Glint’s heir’s Champion, I mean. You didn’t put any details in your messages.”

“I... don’t remember. I don’t remember hesitating or questioning it, that is. I just knew it was absolute. It was grounding. I don’t know why it had to be me, but I know I would never give this up.”

“I’m equal parts envious, fascinated and afraid, to be honest.”

“There’s nothing to fear about Aurene. She’s... pure? I don’t know how to put it. She made me better, just like you have. She makes me see clearly when I need to, she calms me when I doubt. I love her dearly. And she’s devoted to the world. So am I.”

“Sooo noble.”

“Oh shush.”

Audra laughs and plants a kiss on top of Rory’s head.

“I’m very proud, you know?”

“How so?”

“Most people would let this go to their heads. A bond like that with an Elder Dragon? So powerful, so mind-blowing.”

“I don’t think Aurene would make anyone form a bond with her if they don’t want to protect the world with all their heart.”

“Is that arrogance I hear? Are you bragging? I knew there had to be a change of some sorts!”

“Audra!”

“I know, I know.” She sighs. “You know, you sound... a lot older. Don’t take this the wrong way, it’s a compliment, I swear. You sound wiser. And I missed you so much. I love you. Tell me all your wisdom.”

It’s Rory’s turn to laugh as Audra pretends to swoon.

“I missed you too. My wisdom says this: we should really have another honeymoon. A vacation sounds really nice.”

“My, but you are very wise indeed!”