Night fell in what remained of Dunscaith after the invasion... snow fell as the remaining villagers and their families gathered, mourning the loss of those who died protecting their home. A pyre was made for all who have fought today... people offering gifts and tributes for the fallen, reciting the names of every hunter as Scathach lowered the torch on each, turning the bodies to ash.
Scathach had made one especially for Kihli, and what remained of him. Lighting his body was the most difficult thing Scathach had ever done. Kihli gave his life to ensure the future of this village, making sure the people, as well as Scathach, had a place to call home. Scathach's hand shook as she held the torch over Kihli's body on the pyre, tears falling from her face as she gave one final kiss on Kihli's forehead before setting his corpse on fire...
Scathach wanted so much to look away but could not bring herself to as Kihli's body turned to ash. When the fire was gone, Scathach collected them and immediately traveled to a nearby mountain, wanting nothing more than to get away from the painful image of the village.
How could she bare to face those people... when everything that had happened was ALL her fault?
Her heart in turmoil, Scathach arrived on the peak of the mountain; where she first climbed with the Shadow to then outrun an avalanche, and where she took Kihli and Aife to train. Walking over snow, Scathach stood at the edge of the cliff and waited, holding a burlap sack containing Kihli's ashes. Tears fell from her face and off the cliff as Scathach thought of taking that last step that would her make her plummet to her death, not that it would kill her...
But the pain in her heart was so much that death seemed like a mercy... justice even.
Kihli... the Shadow... Aife...
All of them were gone because of Scathach.
She was too weak to stop the Seraph on their first encounter. Had she not stagnated... had she just been strong enough, Scathach could have prevented the deaths of Kihli and Breyr.
The Seraph would have never woken the Coinchenn... and Breyr need not have sacrificed himself... now the Gate was left without a protector.
Kihli... he would not have died in battle if Scathach had been there fighting with him...
And Aife... Scathach's own isolation and ignorance brought about her anger. She could have been here to help Scathach defeat the Seraph or defend Dunscaith at the very least. Yet instead of being honest with her... instead of reasoning with her estranged sister.
Scathach cast Aife out... never to come back...
Scathach was truly alone now... Alone with a gaping hole in her heart.
She felt like a failure... like she did not deserve to live...
Scathach lost track of time as she stood over the cliff, lamenting in her sorrow. Only when she shut her eyes, she eventually felt warmth on her face, causing her to look up.
Dawn had broken over the forest. It was a new day...
Kihli would not want Scathach tormenting herself like this... not over him, and not after they professed their love for each other. If not for her tutelage, Kihli would not have succeeded in defending Dunscaith to see Scathach one last time.
Continuing to wallow in sadness would be dishonoring his memory... Kihli gave his life so Scathach would find a reason to continue living and seek happiness. Kihli died without regrets... Scathach needed to keep it that way.
Scathach looked down at the sack she carried, seeing an appropriate time as any to scatter Kihli's ashes. Handful by handful, she cast Kihli's remains to the wind to be reunited with the Earth. She thought that she would break down and cry again, only to instead feel a sense of peace as Kihli's ashes disappeared in the sky. This was the least he deserved.
Scathach stayed a while longer... taking in the tranquil view of the forest to help her grieve, remembering the fonder times she spent with Kihli as he turned from a timid boy to a hero of Dunscaith. And remembering when they at last bonded... loving each other not as teacher and student, but as equals; unconditional.
I took my love, I took it down
Climbed a mountain and I turned around
Scathach let out her first joyous smile since her last morning with Kihli, allowing once last tear to fall in his name.
"Goodbye... Kihli..."
And I saw my reflection in the snow-covered hills
'Til the landslide brought me down
Scathach eventually left the mountaintop to arrive at Castle Dunscaith, feeling that there was unfinished business she had to do here. Upon walking inside through the front hall, Scathach immediately felt Breyr's absence, making the vast, empty fortress feel... colder.
Breyr... the Shadow... Scathach's mentor who not only taught her how to fight, but how to cope with her immortality... something even he struggled with. Without Breyr, Scathach was not sure if she could endure any better than he did. She already lost four people most important to her in the course of a week, which was already more than Scathach could bear. It would be far from the last time she would experience such tragedy with her unending existence.
Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changin' ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?
Scathach made her way to the central chamber, where she found Breyr's three Revenants seemingly waiting for her...
When she approached, one of them held out a stone with an intricate rune on it.
"What is this?" she asked, only for the Revenants to stay silent. All Scathach got was a solemn look from all three as they handed her the stone.
In fairness, Scathach knew she would not get an answer, but seeing the Revenants, usually stoic and expressionless, with expressions akin to grief, it made Scathach think that these servants of the Shadow were not so emotionless after all.
Then again, the Revenants were once Breyr's children and wife... perhaps they could still "feel" somewhat.
Scathach turned away from the Revenants, inspecting the trinket in her hand. If this indeed belong to Breyr, it could be his final message to Scathach.
She felt it not the appropriate place to listen, instead opting to go into Breyr's "personal quarters" to discover the significance of this artifact.
It was so Scathach could feel the closest to her late mentor after his passing...
Well, I've been 'fraid of changin'
'Cause I've built my life around you
Scathach found herself back in Breyr's room, seeing all the countless tallies of every day he spent drifting on after his last family died out. The concealment spell no longer persisted now that Breyr was dead, so Scathach cast another one, erasing reminders of his pain to instead help her remember her mentor for what he meant to her.
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I'm gettin' older, too
Now alone in perfect solitude, Scathach channeled mana into the stone, her heart wrenched as she heard Breyr's disembodied voice.
"Scathach... If you're listening to this... miraculously I'm dead. I can't imagine how that would ever happen but... in case anything were to... put me out of commission, I've taken the liberty of thinking ahead and leaving this for you, to make doing my job... a little easier."
Scathach stood stunned as she listened, wondering when Breyr made this. It did not take her long to get that answer.
"I know it's not likely you will want to be hearing this after... you know, BUT there's no one else I can depend on should there come a day I can no longer guard this place. Even if you don't understand at first, you've seen the Gate... you know what will happen if the beast inside escapes the Land of Shadows. Until it can be killed, the Coinchenn will be sending monsters into the mortal realm, and in the event of my demise, YOU will be the only one capable of holding them back. "
Hearing all of this, Scathach figured that Breyr must have prepared all of this sometime after their argument seven years ago. The Shadow did not sound sure if Scathach would be around to hear the message he left in this runestone... reminding Scathach of how mean she was to him back then.
Knowing what she does now, Scathach believed this message too important for her to ignore now that Breyr was dead, and no one was left to guard the Gate of Skye. This was HER responsibility now...
She owed it to her mentor for saving her in the Land of Shadows...
"Everything that follows is me providing you will all the resources in this castle at your disposal..."
Scathach trekked throughout the fortress as instructed, getting reacquainted with the various rooms of the castle and what purpose they served.
"There's as much space as you need in the fortress... to train... amuse yourself... whatever you like... the vast chamber in the sub-level, I'm sure you'll find use for..."
Having caught a glimpse of this vast chamber Breyr spoke of, Scathach was indeed left wondering what she would do with all the space available to her... maybe fill it with interesting items to view again at her leisure?
"You're familiar with my collection of scrolls, providing me and you with a wealth of runecraft... as well as some of my notes on the monsters spawning in the forest. My death will embolden them, but they will learn to fear you too..."
Scathach remembered THIS room... it was where Breyr showed her how to use her wraith-form, recalling the exhilarating feeling of flight for the first time...
"As per the magecraft available to you here, my Gods kept some of that knowledge to themselves as a form of... insurance. That's not to mean they left me with nothing though..."
Scathach wondered what this cryptic part of the message meant as she was directed to the tallest tower of the fortress. It was a round room with no openings to the outside, and empty save for two glowing tablets inside, both with a very confusing pattern of runes. So confusing in fact that Scathach had no hope of deciphering them.
"These runic tablets were given to me by the Gods of Asgard. Their magic is beyond even someone like me can replicate, and their use is ONE TIME only for "worst-case scenario". I didn't get the chance to tell you about these before you left..."
Scathach stared curiously at each tablet as Breyr's voice went on to explain.
"The green one projects a bounded field over the entire surrounding land, hiding it from the outside incase too many outsiders discover the fortress. Once used, the caster is trapped inside until the boundary field is lifted. Use ONLY if you have to... The blue tablet creates a Revenant from a dead body. I already used three on my family as cold company and planning to this one on myself incase... this is too much to ask of you. Revenants may be husks of who they once were, but they retain the abilities they had in life."
Scathach appeared astonished upon this discovery. Apparently creating Revenants is something only True Magic can grant, as the tablets here cannot be replicated by anything other than Divine hands. But what was even more surprising was finding out why Breyr saved this one remaining tablet.
"Dying in a fair fight has always been how I wanted to go out... this way I can still protect the Gate of Skye even if someone stronger than me doesn't want to guard in my stead. I can't use it on things still alive, otherwise I might have used it long ago. To be more honest though... not sure how I'd feel if my dead body was commanded to still do my job after I go... I'd feel better if someone "living" did it..."
Scathach's heart sank, realizing that was impossible now that Breyr's body was lost to the Land of Shadows. Ironically, Breyr did not create this message with that in mind...
"Anyways, it's a consideration if the monotony of guard-duty, or the burden of immortality becomes too much for you, Scathach. You can rest easy knowing someone as powerful as you is guarding the Gate... even yourself. Just have someone cast it on you after you get a death to be satisfied with..."
Scathach proceeded back downstairs, conflicted as the message continued to play.
"One last thing... even if you refuse, you can turn my body into a Revenant and still have me doing the dirty work. You'll have to of course BEST me first... it would be a victory well earned. With the Gate safe and of no concern to you, you're free to live your immortal life however you choose. Maybe with all the World open to you, it won't drive you mad like it nearly did to me..."
That was no longer an option for Scathach. With Breyr gone, only she can defend the Gate and stop the monsters from escaping the forest. Even then, Scathach was not sure if she could even do all of this by herself. The burden felt too great...
But as she started to doubt herself, Breyr had some final words for Scathach...
"Regardless... I realize this is a huge responsibility I'm potentially putting on you. I guess it never was right of me to train you with the sole purpose of being my replacement. I guard this place so no one weaker than me has to... no matter what happens Scathach, I am truly sorry for lying to you, and I hope one day, be it now or an eternity later that you can forgive me. And know this... after getting to know you these past months, seeing you struggle and succeed, I know you will do great good with what the Void has given you, and with my teachings, you will do what is right. I am proud to be your teacher... and I'm even more proud of you..."
Scathach stopped to cry, touched by her late mentor's words. She found her doubt gradually being replaced with resolve.
"The castle... my knowledge... I now leave in YOUR hands. Goodbye, Scathach... and best of luck..."
The stone then turned to dust in Scathach's hand, and with it the final gift Breyr left for her; encouragement and love like that of a father to his child...
Well, I've been 'fraid of changin'
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I'm gettin' older, too
I'm gettin' older, too
With everything left to her, Scathach steeled herself. With all that she had learned and gone through, she could not afford to be doubting herself now. Scathach had everything she needed to fulfill the role her mentor once did. The Gate of Skye was a source of power that could not be exploited. Someone will ALWAYS want that power, and if the Eye of Odin, the key to the Gate, fell into the wrong hands, it would risk the Coinchenn escaping the Land of Shadows and laying waste to all life in the World. Scathach would NOT let that happen...
Now with the fortress at her disposal, there was one last matter for Scathach to take care of...
Ah, take my love, take it down
Oh, climb a mountain and turn around
Returning downstairs, Scathach thought that it should not be her alone in this cold fortress.
And if you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills
Well, the landslide will bring it down
The village she and Kihli created was in shambles... and its people needed a leader... returning outside on to the terrace, Scathach stood tall, looking down the mountain to the barely standing village.
Fimir, Kihli... all who have placed their faith in her... Scathach will answer those prayers... protecting her home here and open Castle Dunscaith to its people... no longer will she isolate herself.
And if you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills...
Well, the landslide will bring it down
To ensure immortality never weighs on her conscience, she will protect them along with guarding the Land of Shadows, watching over her people...
As their queen...
Oh, the landslide will bring it down...
_____
Restoring normalcy in the village took time and effort. Between hunting monsters down in the forest and repairing damage done by the Seraph in the fortress, Scathach made as much time as she could to help the people of Dunscaith rebuild and gather food. It was her way of repenting for not being present during the battle, and felt she needed to reassure them that from this point on, she will be there for them no matter what.
None of the villagers held it against her, as most have heard through other hunters that Scathach had been seriously injured by the same Seraph that tore through the village. Kihli had even managed to convince his comrades that Scathach was needed elsewhere. She was eternally thankful to Kihli for understanding why she had to after the Seraph, even if she could not provide details.
With the damage mostly repaired over the course of several weeks, Dunscaith was back on its feet. All that was left was to establish a sense of order and security in the village, which would need a centralized leadership.
And everyone collectively agreed... Scathach should be the one to bring it. It was not as if anyone could contest her even if they wanted to...
Scathach had been a part of Dunscaith since the start... she rescued the children kidnapped by the Heralds, co-founded the Hunter's Guild along with Aife and Kihli and shared wisdom that made living in this cursed forest possible.
Scathach would not take pleasure in being made a monarch... this was for everyone's benefit.
It's what Fimir and Kihli would have wanted...
Sometime later... her coronation would be official. Scathach stood behind closed doors with handmaidens, who ordained her violet battle-garb with shoulder armor, a thin cloak over her back, and finally... an ornate black veil to wear over her head like a widow in mourning. When she was ready, the handmaidens opened the doors that lead to the central hall of Castle Dunscaith. Inside were the people from the village, who took time out of their daily routines to witness this moment.
The room was dead silent. Scathach stood there, scanning all her would-be subjects who all stared back at her, waiting for her to proceed. There was a bit of hesitation on her part, knowing nobody would ever see Scathach the same after this, and she once again left questioning herself if this was the best thing she could be doing.
Then she reminded herself... Kihli saved Dunscaith to let Scathach pull it out of darkness... so she would never feel alone. She could make a home... one that can last as long as she will.
So, with a heavy heart, Scathach starts walking forward. The crowd parts, making way for her until Scathach reaches the middle of the hall...
Where a vacant throne waited for her, and two members of the Hunter's Guild stood beside.
Ascending a short flight of steps, Scathach stops before the throne. The Hunters bowed and she returns the gesture. Scathach then turned to face the crowd, then one-by-one, they collectively kneeled and bowed their heads.
Scathach then sat on the throne prepared for her, letting her arms on the rests and crossed one leg on top of the other. Her expression remaining composed and stoic, yet she felt a sense of dignity and pride as the gravity of this event truly became apparent to her; an honor as well as a responsibility. Scathach wanted so badly for Fimir, Kihli, and her mentor Breyr to see this... see what she had risen to become.
Scathach... who was once the witch-girl... now is the Queen of Shadows...
_____
The next day...
The draugr did not know what hit them... they found themselves sliced into pieces as Scathach's spear sailed and tore them apart with deadly precision. All that was left was an ogre, who instead of running, foolishly tried to face this entity hunting him head-on. Scathach appeared from the treetops behind him, flying down to drive Gae Bolg through its nape. The hulking monster collapsed without a fight, and Scathach rides it down, jumping off before the ogre's corpse landed on the forest floor with a loud thud. The noise disturbed Fell-beasts resting in a nearby canopy and dozens of them attempted to swarm Scathach. Without missing a beat, Scathach projected copies of her spear and charged them with a lightning rune, and once she launched them skyward, a crack of thunder later and all the flying nightmares dropped like flies.
"That's the last rabble..."
Scathach brandished her spear and watched as the bodies of dead phantasmal beasts faded into sparkle dust. Having achieved another day of slaying monsters, Scathach started casually making her way back to Dunscaith, wanting to pay her villagers a visit as their new queen-
(Heartbeat...)
Scathach stopped, turning in alert with her spear at the ready. She thought she cleared all the monsters, but seemed mistaken as with her enhanced hearing picked up a faint heartbeat that was not her own...
(Heartbeat...)
Scathach's eyes dart everywhere, scanning the foliage around her for another monster. But there was no other sign of one... no matter which direction she turned. Where was the sound coming from?
(Heartbeat...)
It sounded close... very close. Scathach concentrated harder, closing her eyes to try and pinpoint the source of the heartbeat.
When she heard it again... she found it.
It was coming from HER... but once again, this was not HER heart making that sound; it was too faint. It was not even in sync with it... this heart was beating independently.
How could that be?
Scathach was getting really concerned now. She put her hand over her heart, then slowly lowered to where the sound felt the most pronounced, eventually stopping right over her-
(HEARTBEAT)
Scathach gasped. She felt it... through her lower abdomen, and if she could hazard an educated guess...
It was coming from her womb!
Scathach was stunned, realizing the only logical explanation for this occurrence. It was both a shocking, yet wonderful reason...
This was Kihli's last gift to Scathach... the one thing he could have given her to ensure she would not be alone; that she would have another to love and foster happiness with. Before she knew it, a smile grew on Scathach's face as she tenderly caressed her tummy.
Inside her was a child... Her's and Kihli's.
Scathach was going to become a mother!