17AN: And we've finally reached the final chapter to this saga~! I can't believe it turned out as long as it has, but I'm not all that surprised. When it comes to EO I tend to get carried away~ It was also rather necessary as it was also an introduction to the setting to this series. Now that it has been basically established, future sagas should be shorter. But I can't make any promises :3 In any case, enjoy the last chapter to this saga!
Chapter 27:
It was still quite early in the morning as they approached the north-west corner of the first floor. Drayce was in the lead as per usual and they walked cautiously and closely together. A party of six with Blayke, Faelen, Zohar and Kamali. And Nashoba, of course. Everyone keeping a close eye on their surroundings. The two times they had approached this corner of the floor previousy they meet three Wild Dogs and two obnoxious bandits. To say that they were wary and suspicious of every noise was an understatement.
Even more so now that Drayce had the Radiant Moon with him.
It was wrapped in soft white cloth to prevent anyone from outside the guild to know what it was, but Drayce was still very protective of it nonetheless.
Thankfully though, as they stepped into the small clearing where the stone treasure chest was found they hadn't encountered a single Wild Dog. They didn't even encounter any other rookie guilds completing their first mission. A good thing in the long run as he didn't want to have to worry about them when he revealed the entrance in the forest wall that would lead them to that stone chest.
"So far so good," Blayke was the one to say as the stepped into the middle of the clearing. He took a moment to glance around with a narrow-eyed gaze before crossing his arms and turning to look at Drayce. "So what now?"
Drayce shifted his shield and dropped it onto the ground at his feet and idly kicked out the stand. As his shield propped itself up, he carefully took the Radiant Moon in both his hands and glanced around as well.
"How about this; Blayke, Faelen, Nashoba, and Zohar wait here while Kamali and I inspect the stone chest?" Drayce suggested. "That way we can ensure that no one else gets too nosy and starts asking questions."
That was honestly his job after all!
"Sounds like the best strategy," Blayke replied before frowning. "Be quick regardless. I'm not comfortable with having…that here in the labyrinth for too long."
Drayce idly trailed his finger over the thin binding that kept the Radiant Moon concealed. He absolutely understood Blayke's concern. Those bandits may have said they wouldn't go after it now that Drayce had it safely in his possession. But bandits weren't known for their truthfulness.
So it was better to be safe than sorry.
"As soon as we're done we'll gather here and use the Ariadne Thread. And we'll discuss things back at the Crescentia," Drayce said as he and Kamali turned toward the very inauspicious opening in the forest wall.
Drayce held the Radiant Moon close to him as he pushed through the thicket of trees and shrubbery. As he stepped into the tiny clearing before the stone treasure chest, he turned to help Kamali through the brambles before they both turned to inspect their previous findings.
The stone chest was completely untouched, from what Drayce could see. Exactly how they had left it. Good. That meant no one else had stumbled across it. Not that they would have been able to do or take anything if they did. The seal needed the Radiant Moon to lift it. He was just glad that some reckless fool didn't smash the stone to bits in either a fit of vandalism or to profit from the unique stone.
"Ready?" Drayce asked as he turned to look at Kamali.
"Yes, more than ready," Kamali immediately replied with a small smile.
Drayce returned the smile before he turned his attention back to the Radiant Moon. He slowly began to unfurl the white cloth around it. He started with the crest of the sceptre, where the majestic blue moonstone sat.
And as soon as he exposed the gemstone, it shimmered with a gentle light, once again reminding him of the light of the full moon. But another flash of light caught his attention. He immediately turned to look over at the stone treasure chest and that another light that was a shimmery white and blue radiated from within the chest.
The light in the chest and the glow of the blue moonstone pulsated in rhythm of one another. Then the light within the chest just…disappeared. It seemed to almost fracture before splintering into small particles of light and vanishing from sight. As it did so the light emitted from the blue moonstone also faded. And then it fell…silent.
Drayce shared a look with Kamali. "I think the seal has been lifted," he said.
Kamali closed his eyes for a moment before he opened them again and nodded his head. "Yes, the mana in this area has dissipated."
Drayce nodded his head in understanding as he carefully wrapped the Radiant Moon back within the safety of its cloth. He then turned to Kamali and smiled. "Well, let's see what we've got."
"Yes," Kamali said eagerly as he clapped his hands in front of him.
They both hurried to the treasure chest and looked down. A small cavity, something that had not been there the other day, was situated at the bottom of the crate. And inside of that was a wooden box with exquisite engravings and embroidered silver.
Kamali leaned into the chest and carefully picked up the small wooden chest. He held it carefully but tightly in his hands as he presented it to Drayce. With the Radiant Moon secure in the crook of his arm, Drayce carefully released the latch on the wooden chest and oh-so cautiously lifted the lid.
Inside, sat upon a pillow of red silk was a tiara made of polished silver and emboldened with blue and red gemstones of the purest quality. Also resting upon that pillow of silk was a folded piece of paper. Yellowing and seemingly fragile, but still in good condition.
Inside the lid was a small silver plague. On it written in old Earthlain were the words "Lilith, the Forgotten Princess of the Earthlain Royal Family".
Kamali glanced upon the tiara and uttered a soft gasp. "Is that…?"
Drayce nodded. Yeah. It was Aura's tiara.
Though he was itching to know what was written upon the parchment that rested with the tiara, Drayce carefully closed the lid. It would be best to do any further investigation back at the Crescentia. Where they were safe and secure.
But…wow, what a find!
With this…the legacy of Lilith could return to the Earthlain royal family while Aura stayed by her loving husband's side. They can be both put to rest.
Drayce rested his hand atop of the wooden chest and closed his eyes for a moment to send a soft prayer to Aura. He opened them again and smiled at Kamali.
"Let's return to the Crescentia," he said. "And after that, to the Council Hall. We've got a lot to explain to Ramus."
… … … … …
It was around midday when Drayce and his guild strolled into the Council Hall. Drayce cradled the Radiant Moon, wrapped in the white cloth, in the crook of his arm while the rest of his guild carried their other findings.
Yes, the entirety of his guild was present. He even dragged Shashi and Ashton along. Everyone helped out, after all. It was only right that Ramus met his guild, anyway. Since they were going to be working together rather closely from now on.
To say that Ramus was surprised to see Drayce and the entirety of his guild wander up to him with their arms full of books, scrolls, and other items hidden under thick cloth was an understatement. His eyes widened and his mouth literally dropped open in an almost perfect O shape.
It was actually pretty cute seeing the sophisticated prince looking so shocked.
And that look was likely to remain on his face for a while.
"Wh-what's all this?" Ramus asked him with a slight stutter as he immediately looked to Drayce for answers.
Drayce cradled the Radiant Moon in the crook of his arm and smiled when he felt the gentle hum of spiritual energy from the sceptre. "Well, let's just say that it's something that should be discussed behind closed doors."
Ramus immediately understood what he had insinuated and though he tried to reign in his excitement and curiosity behind royal poise, he still eagerly motioned in the direction of his office. "Yes, of course. This way."
Clutching their own share of their treasure hoard, Drayce and the others followed Ramus to his office. The room was thankfully big enough for them all to push their way in and for them to be able to safely deposit their findings.
Once they were all inside, Ramus closed the door and turned to look at Drayce expectantly, keeping his gaze on him even as he paced over to his desk. "So, what brings you here today?" he asked, barely able to keep the intrigue from his voice.
"Just let me introduce my guild first," Drayce said as he turned his attention to his guildmates. "You've already met Blayke, so no introduction needed there."
Blayke rolled his eyes rudely while Faelen giggled into his hand.
"So let me introduce to you Faelen, our rover. And his wolf companion Nashoba."
Faelen squeaked softly and a light blush skittered across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose. He stood to attention rigidly as Ramus turned his attention to him. "Um, hi?" he squeaked while Nashoba just tilted his head to the side in a way that doggies do when they were confused.
"Nice to meet you," Ramus said in return with a small smile that was not only polite, but genuine.
"Fiorello, our botanist."
Fiorello gave Ramus his signature cheeky grin. "Charmed, I'm sure."
"A pleasure," Ramus said in return though he looked bemused by Fiorello's grin.
"Kamali, our warlock."
Kamali clutched the wooden box containing pieces of their treasure cache and bowed forward slightly. "It's nice to meet you."
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well," Ramus immediately returned, sounding like a true prince.
"Caelem, our masurao."
Caelem immediately stood to attention and looked rather intimidated to be perfectly honest. He must be overwhelmed by the fact that he was being introduced to a prince. "I-it's an honour to m-meet you," he managed to stutter.
That previous genuine smile returned to Ramus' lips and he nodded his head in greeting. "And you," he said simply.
"Zohar, our necromancer."
Zohar's expression remained unchanged as he simply nodded his head as a form of greeting. To which was returned by Ramus, also choosing not to utter a word. Probably out of politeness though he could also be a tad intimidated.
"And finally, our two dedicated scholars Ashton and Shashi."
Both Ashton and Shashi chose not to verbally respond, instead simply nodded their heads in greeting as well. And again, Ramus returned their greeting with one of his own.
Now that the necessary introductions were out of the way, time to get to the real reason why they were gathered in Ramus' office. He was sure to be getting antsy with wonder himself. So best put him out of his misery, right?
"Ok, with that done, let's get to it," Drayce said as he carefully removed the thin twine keeping the Radiant Moon safely covered. And instead of explaining to Ramus what was hiding beneath the cloth, he simply unfurled it, letting it drop to the floor to pool by his feet.
And Ramus reacted just as he thought he would; his eyes widen, his breath seemed to hitch in his throat as his mouth dropped opened. "Th-that's-!"
"Yeah," Drayce said with a smile and a tilt of his head. "It's the Radiant Moon of Compassion."
Ramus hurried forward toward the Radiant Moon and paused just before it. He reached out his hand as if to touch it but unexpectedly pulled his hand back. Almost afraid to touch it. Though his reaction was somewhat unexpected, it was still understandable. Touching it would make it real and he was still in that state of shock where he wasn't quite believing what he was seeing.
He soon turned his gaze up toward Drayce and rightfully started to bombard him with questions. "How did you find this? Where was it hiding all these years? Did the Moon Legacy lead you to it? What of the Forgotten Princess? What-?"
Drayce chuckled and held up his hand. "I'll explain everything, but take a breath first! Maybe you should take a seat as well?"
Ramus flushed from embarrassment and snapped his mouth shut. He still looked at Drayce expectantly, his eyes wide with a mixture of disbelief and pure excitement. "M-my apologises, but I'm fine. Please tell me everything."
Drayce smiled. "Well, to answer your questions, we were only able to find the Radiant Moon during the night of the full moon. It was hidden beneath the waters of the first floor and only by the light of the full moon would it show itself. The Moon Legacy didn't lead us directly to the Radiant Moon's location, rather to a stone treasure chest also hidden on the first floor of Yggdrasil. Inside that treasure chest we discovered documentation and scrolls about the life of the Forgotten Princess."
He quickly motioned toward all the books and parchments being held by his guildmates before he turned his focus back to Ramus. "Before and after the Radiant Moon was taken."
"The Radiant Moon had been waiting within the first floor all this time?" Ramus questioned, sounding almost breathless. "It was…so close?"
"Yeah," Drayce replied. "But it's here now. It's home."
Ramus fell silent as his gaze focused upon the Radiant Moon and unexpectedly his voice seemed to hitch in his throat. "You're right. It is…home now. And I promise, to you and the Radiant Moon, that it will be protected here."
Yeah, Drayce was more than certain he would take good care of it.
"And what of those documents?" Ramus questioned once more. "What information do they contain?"
"Shashi's our symbolist," Drayce suddenly explained as Shashi took a step forward with his trusty notebook in his hands. "He'll be better equipped at explaining to you what information the documents and scrolls held."
He was probably better at explaining things period because Drayce himself is prone to getting excited and just blurting things out. He hadn't so far but he was just itching to!
"I'll keep things brief, shall I? All this information is found in these documents, so feel free to have your own scholars to read," Shashi asked with a half-smile as Ramus mutely nodded his head again.
"Very well," Shashi continued as he flipped open his notebook and began to read. "It seems from the books we recovered that this Forgotten Princess, or rather Princess Lilith, had indeed stolen the Radiant Moon out of pure jealousy. But the Moon Mage and her brother, Prince Ariston, your ancestor, was able to maintain their close friendship and maintain the ties between the two races regardless.
The Radiant Moon had been crafted from the Moon Mage's own spiritual and psychic power, not to mention his empathy. He knew that Prince Ariston had a good heart while Princess Lilith, at that time in her life, was greatly prone to the dark emotions such as jealousy, rage, and pettiness. Which is the reason why he gifted the Radiant Moon to Prince Ariston instead of Princess Lilith like he had initially been instructed to do so. However, it was also because of his spirit infusing with the Radiant Moon that allowed it to become a sentinel being and flee from the princess's grasp by itself."
Ramus' gaze flickered over to the Radiant Moon and he furrowed his brow ever so slightly in confusion. "A sentinel being?"
"Took a consciousness of its own," Shashi explained as he flipped a page in his notebook. "It is likely that the devas of the moonstones the Moon Mage used to craft the Radiant Moon also had a hand in it. It hid itself within the labyrinth's first floor to await a being it felt held compassion in their heart."
Shashi suddenly snapped his notebook shut and folded his arms loosely over his chest. "In other words, waited for Drayce to come along to search for it."
"Huh?" Drayce uttered as he immediately turned to face Shashi and to give him a look of utter confusion. "Me?"
"Don't be surprised," Shashi tutted with a half-smile. "You've done nothing but express compassion and kindness since you stepped foot inside of Iorys. It is no surprise at all that the Radiant Moon presented itself to you after being hidden for almost a thousand years. You were the only one who was able to witness its pure moonlight, after all."
Drayce was honestly left speechless after that. "That's..."
Shashi shook his head slightly as he turned toward Kamali, who of which handed to him the wooden chest that held the Silver Tiara and folded piece of paper. Shashi retrieve the box, placed it upon Ramus' chest and removed the cloth keeping it hidden.
Once more Ramus made a sound of surprise. "Is that…?"
"The Silver Tiara," Drayce managed to answer after he found his voice and watched as Shashi carefully lifted the lid. "The one that Princess Lilith wore when she was a princess."
Ramus shuffled toward his desk to gaze upon the tiara. "What of Princess Lilith?" he asked as he lifted his gaze back toward Shashi. "What had happened to her during all this time?"
"Her life after her banishment is documented fully in her journals," Shashi explained as he idly motioned in the direction of the piles of books that Blayke, Caelem, and Zohar carried. "It would be far more educational for you to read for yourself. You'll be interested, I'm sure."
"Oh, yes," Ramus immediately responded as he turned his gaze to the books. "I'll have them all safely placed within the treasure room here in the Council Hall. Along with the Radiant Moon and the Silver Tiara. I've…honestly wondered why a certain cabinet in that room remained empty…"
Ramus suddenly trailed off and an unexpected look of disbelief appeared on his face. He was no doubt just realising the significance of what he just said. About the Radiant Moon and Silver Tiara returning to the treasure room.
To be honest the significance hadn't quite registered with Drayce yet either! It was absolutely amazing to have the Radiant Moon and the documentation and proof of Princess Lilith's royal life back where they belong. And after so many years…
"One more thing before we officially return the Radiant Moon of Compassion back to the royal family," Shashi suddenly said as he carefully picked up the folded piece of paper and began to read from it. "A letter from the Moon Mage himself sums this up nicely, if I do say so myself."
Dear one, perhaps this is the first time we speak. I, the author of this small annotation, am known simply as the Moon Mage.
And I wish to thank you for all that you've done. For if you are reading this note then you have recovered and protected the Radiant Moon of Compassion. My legacy. My gift to the Earthlain royal family.
The Radiant Moon was crafted with the intention of compassion. To reach out to those most affected by the Legendary War. I wished for nothing more than to help bring light into the shadows of fear and judgement. It was nothing more than compassion that brought me to Ariston's side. Compassion was what extended my hand to him. Present to him the Radiant Moon of Compassion.
But it was jealousy that took the Radiant Moon from his hands and mine.
Though I had feared for the Radiant Moon, a symbol of compassion I had crafted myself, I soon realised that it was not the sceptre that brought peace to our two races. It was my friendship with Prince Ariston. Our combined understanding, empathy and compassion for one another were what strengthened our ties.
It took the theft of the Radiant Moon for me to truly understand that. So, I do suppose in some way, I am grateful. And I am certain that the Radiant Moon itself also saw this as an opportunity to prove to ourselves that we stand on our own feet. After all, with the moonstones carrying my intent, it surely would have returned to me, would it not?
I hold no ill emotions towards Lilith. Young, angry, and afraid. She committed a crime and received her punishment. Harsh, perhaps cruel to some. And yet from that misfortune, from that one mistake, she, herself, grew wiser, stronger, and more compassionate.
It truly is strange, is it not? Strange how one decision, one negative event could lead to such positive outcomes over time? My bond with Prince Ariston grew while Lilith created a life all of her own within the world of her people.
Was that fate? Or perhaps the Radiant Moon's doing? I truly do not know.
But I do know this. You, the gentle soul who have discovered the Radiant Moon of Compassion and cradled the Silver Tiara in your hands; you are truly beloved and compassionate.
Continue to pour forth the spiritual strength needed to liberate those from lower vibrational energies of spite and jealousy. Shift into the vibration of freedom, peace, and love – where you naturally belong.
Continue to grow and allow no one to dim your bright spirit.
I am forever in your debt.
Always, Moon Mage
The room fell into a prolonged silence as Shashi carefully folded the Moon Mage's note and placed it back within the chest cradling the Silver Tiara.
"Now," Shashi once again spoke suddenly as he turned his attention toward Ramus. "Would you like for us to deliver these wondrous treasures to your treasure room or would you rather call for someone to take them from our hands?"
Ramus glanced over to Shashi almost in a daze before he seemed to snap out of his trance and straightened his posture. "Yes, of course!" he automatically replied. "I would be most honoured if you were the ones to carry these…treasures to our treasure room."
Drayce couldn't help but chuckle as he felt the Radiant Moon gentle shimmer under his hands. "The Radiant Moon agrees with this idea. It's time to put the Silver Tiara to rest as well."
… … … … …
It was just after sunset as Drayce found his way into the treasure room of the Council Hall once more. Though usually off-limits to the general public (and honestly for good reason as it wasn't called the treasure room for nothing!) they made exception for him. Usually, being allowed to enter a place literally called the treasure room would have Drayce running around like an idiot inspecting all the treasures and trinkets that could be found.
Instead though he found himself rooted in front of the gold and silver display cabinet that held the Radiant Moon, nestled tall and proud behind the pane of clear glass. And with it, proudly displayed on a large cushion of red velvet sat the Silver Tiara.
Both treasures seemed to glow brilliantly now that they were together, side by side, and within the safe walls of the Council Hall. They were surely to be shipped off to the Earthlain Royal Family at a later stage, but for now they were content with where they were.
The scrolls and documents found with the Silver Tiara were eagerly snatched up by the royal scholars and advisors and Ramus took possession of the journals. The scholars had wanted to inspect them first, but Ramus wouldn't be deterred. It was actually cute having him go all royal on them in a stubborn, nearly childish way.
Drayce and the others had been rewarded handsomely for their significant discoveries. He wasn't entirely sure how much money they all but threw at him, but from Ashton's almost disbelieving reaction it was a lot.
So clearly enough for them to head to the market place, stock up on food and have a celebration of their own back at the Crescentia. They deserved it after all. Everyone had worked hard together to finally bring the Radiant Moon of Compassion home.
The sound of footsteps approaching him pulled Drayce from his thoughts and he glanced over his shoulder in idle curiosity to see who it was. But he turned to the side when he realised that Ramus was the one walking towards him.
"They're beautiful, aren't they?" he said as his gaze shifted to the treasures.
"They are," Drayce answered as Ramus moved to stand beside him and he turned to look as well. "Especially now that they're both home and safe."
Next to him, Ramus nodded his head before he unexpectedly shifted nervously on his feet and he held his hands together in front of him. "I read the diaries," he admitted as he turned to look up at him. "You...You're a Pendragon, aren't you?"
Drayce looked at him and nodded his head. "Yeah. Aura and Astrio are my ancestors," he replied honestly. "I can't know for sure, of course since it was a long time ago. But my family crest is on their family tomb." He lifted his hand and pressed it over his heart. "And I feel it in my heart that we are related."
"Then that means..."
Again, Drayce nodded. "Hm. We're distant relations. But I have treasure hunting blood running through my veins, and you have royal blood. Aura wanted nothing more than her children and children's children to live long, fulling lives as notorious and rebellious treasure hunters. And that's who I am."
Ramus fell silent as he dropped his gaze toward the floor and seemed to wring his hands together in front of him. "Yes," he finally uttered after being lost to his own musings for a short while. "I'm grateful for that." He lifted his gaze back toward Drayce and smiled softly at him. "Perhaps this is a sign? A gift from Aura to finally have our two families together once more. Working side by side."
"I like to think so, too," Drayce immediately replied with a smile of his own. "I'm proud of how much she learnt and how much she had grown."
"As am I," Ramus also responded quickly. "I can only hope that I will be as courageous as her. And as compassionate as her brother and the Moon Mage."
Drayce's smile softened as a thought occurred to him. "Shashi said that the Radiant Moon waited for me but I don't think that's entirely true. It wasn't just me that the Radiant Moon waited for. It was waiting for a compassionate ruler to return to. It was waiting for the both of us."
"That's..." Ramus breathed as he eyes widen slightly. He fell silent for a short moment before a soft and wholly genuine smile slipped across his lips and he turned to face Drayce fully. "I see. Hm. I'm glad."
Drayce turned to face the little prince as well and tilted his head to the side as a grin slipped across his own lips. "Well, one missing chapter to the royal achieves has been discovered. Let's see what else we can find."
Ramus chuckled as he held out his hand toward Drayce. "Yes, I look forward to it."
Drayce eagerly took Ramus' hand in his and with that simply but meaningful shake of their hands, he knew that whatever he faced in the future, he could count of Ramus and his extraordinary guildmates to see it through with him.
And he really couldn't wait for his next adventure!
