Firefly Pond

Firefly Pond - a destination that took until the evening to reach. 

The pond itself was decently-sized, but more interesting was the small community that seemed to have been built on the shoreline. 

There was one larger tavern structure that stood two stories. Then about one dozen huts and small buildings that seemed to be residential. To call this a village would've been generous.

"This upstart of a settlement popped up about six months ago," the guard explained as they approached. "The tavern has been here for a little over a year, and was a passion project for one of the citizens of Evermere. Being one of the few places where Evermere's goods could be traded to the outside world, it was only natural that a few wanderers found their way and set up a home here."

"I see," Itsuki pondered aloud. "Is that Evermere citizen still running the place?"

"Unfortunately, he was taken by disease not too long after coming out here full-time. The community did their best to continue the tavern in his honor. Our Goddess, with as merciful and kind as she is, decided to place a small blessing on the pond here. While it is only minor, it allows her miracles and blessings to be communed with from the pond. It got the name 'Firefly Pond' because it glows faintly each night from this miracle."

Itsuki and Yuna dismounted not too long after that. Itsuki looked back in the direction of Evermere. There was the faintest breaking of clouds on the far horizon, but it was miles away. He was confident at this point that he was outside of Amane's influence. 

"We're going to head inside to rest," Itsuki noted to the group. 

As they did so, they grew quite a bit of attention to themselves. It was incredibly rare for a small group of Evermere knights to come out this far, unless they were hunting for something. The villagers were all incredibly polite. Itsuki's feather denoted that some were earnestly kind, while others only pretended to be out of fear. 

The guards followed them into the tavern, covering the expenses for the rooms. They followed Itsuki and Yuna like puppies right up until they retreated to their room. At that point, Itsuki could hear them setting up a post outside the room. 

"At least they take their job seriously?" Yuna offered as if it were a consolation prize. 

"I guess the hell so."

Itsuki plopped down on one of the beds that was in the room, letting out a deep sigh. Yuna sat across from him on her bed for the night. 

"So, you're free from her influence out here," Yuna pointed out. "What do you think you're going to do?"

Itsuki looked at Yuna, unsure of what the best answer was. He had gotten a brief chance to explain what he and Amane had discussed, and what he had decided in the moment. 

Itsuki was thankful the situation had progressed in a positive direction with Amane. That being said, it made his conundrum all that much harder to solve. 

"I can't do anything until I know for sure that she's telling the truth," Itsuki thought aloud. "Even with that, I'm not immediately going to leap at the idea of getting married. She is right - her and I have so much history together. She may have initially turned me down, but it's not like she really got time to process it and think about it. Maybe she did have feelings and just needed time to figure that out..."

Before he spoke further, he made sure to have eye contact with Yuna. 

"But I also..." he admitted. "I also have feelings for you."

Yuna stiffened right up and her face turned red. Sure, they had gone on a date. A real confession of attraction, however, hadn't happened until this moment. 

Itsuki wasn't sure if it was the best timing, but it was the necessary timing if he was going to figure this out. 

"What do you feel, Yuna?" he asked, as if it wasn't the obvious follow-up question. 

Yuna was more squeamish than anything. She had imagined this moment a couple of times, but not under these circumstances. She knew how she felt, but she wasn't entirely sure how she wanted to word it. It also didn't help that the context was surrounding Itsuki potentially getting married to another girl...

But Yuna could see the remorse on Itsuki's face. He didn't want it to be this way. He didn't ask to be thrown into this situation. A goddess with near-infinite power had asked to marry him - to create one of the strongest alliances in the Fallen Lands. Itsuki was holding that process back; in big part because of her. 

It meant a lot to her, and she didn't want to make it harder than it needed to be. Even if she could've just lied to make the decision easier, she knew Itsuki wouldn't be happy with that. 

"Words can't express how I feel," she admitted. "You freed me, cared about me, supported me. Even if I wasn't alone - even if I had everything left - I would still love you, and I will always love you..."

She watched as Itsuki's expression seemed to soften. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, as if the words had brought him great peace. 

"But..." Yuna continued. "Even if that's true, I believe you should accept Amane's offer."

"What?!" Itsuki exclaimed. "Why?"

"The fact that you feel this way towards me. So strongly, that you'd turn down a Goddess whom you also have feelings for... I can live with that..."

Itsuki couldn't understand what Yuna was thinking. He hoped her expression would give it away, but all she did was smile. 

"In my wildest dreams, I never thought someone would care for and support me as much as you do," she admitted. "Even if you end up with someone else... I would be happy just to know that you care for me that deeply, even if we can't explore a romantic connection."

It was brave, bold, and sacrificial in a way Itsuki wanted to be mad at. She was giving him an out. She was willing to give up a future she'd imagined in order to make his life easier. To achieve an outcome that was ideal for all parties involved. 

It was a logical choice - and yet her selflessness only made him question his decision more. 

"I appreciate that, Yuna..." Itsuki affirmed. "If that's how you feel, then I'll have to..."

His words were interrupted. Not by romance, friendship or something peaceful. 

But the door of their room getting blown apart in a maelstrom of blood and wood.