Story Reader / Festival Event Story / Solitary Longings / Story
Atop the sea cliff, Lamia and the human commandant stand side by side. Having escaped their confinement, the two find themselves back at this place once again.
Directly below the sea cliff lies the relocated ritual site, with Temple processions arranging new offerings and grounds. On the other side, the ocean churns beneath the stormy clouds that darken the very sky that now roams with thunder.
The Sea God has broken free from the binding rules and is about to make an appearance because the ritual has been delayed.
Black rain scatters through the air as shadows rise one after another from the ocean's depths. Massive waves surge from where the sea meets the sky and build into a wall that towers like a celestial barricade as it rushes toward the coastline.
Lamia stands transfixed at the sight of the dark figure looming above the towering waves.
(Unintelligible wailing)
The Sea God of this world... Never thought it'd be me.
[player name]...
Are we going to leave this world... if I defeat the Sea God?
Lamia tugs at the human commandant from behind, pressing her head against the commandant's back like an ostrich that refuses to look reality straight in the eye.
The dream will end, these garments will fade, and everything will return to how it should be in reality...
I... I'm having second thoughts... If we stay here... then I could always be with you... without worrying about being an Ascendant, or you being the Gray Raven Commandant.
We could gather seafood and have barbecues together. We could visit the markets together, compose fishing songs together...
This world has no Punishing... Though there's the angry Sea God... but... but this I can still handle...
Lamia tightens her grip on the human's clothes, each subtle shift in emotion traveling through her touch straight to the commandant's heart.
I... I know this world's existence is harmful. I understand many people are waiting for your return... but... but...
But at least right now... I'm the only one you're seeing...
The human commandant raises both hands and lets them hang in the air for a moment—before pulling Lamia into a gentle embrace.
Uhm... I'm sorry for being less than helpful.
Lamia shakes her head hard, as if trying to shake away the words that just came out of her mouth.
Lamia straightens her posture with determination, mustering her courage to press forward—but hesitates just before taking that step.
No... that's not what I meant to ask...
Lamia presses her lips together, her gaze darting away nervously.
Um... could you just say something to me? Just... just like how you talk to the other Gray Raven members...
I... I understand. I'll fight with everything I have. You... try to be careful here...
