Lith's Gala (Part 2)

"I never blamed either of you for what happened to my Little Flower. When Phloria started her military career, Lith, you weren't even together anymore. She did what she wanted to do.

"You intervened solely upon my request to help Quylla with her research on the Odi and it's thanks to you that both my daughters came back alive from that nightmare in Kulah.

"You went to save them again at the Feymar mines and helped Phloria to Awaken not to turn her into your slave but because you didn't want her to die. Once her apprenticeship with Faluel was over, you left my Little Flower free to do what she wanted.

"She joined the War of the Griffons by her own will and she kept fighting after your banishment from the Kingdom.

"Phloria did it for the honor of her family and to protect the country she loved. So stand up because I won't let you insult her memory by apologizing for being a good friend to her."

Orion offered Lith his hand to help him get back to his feet and Lith took it.

"I never hated you or War. You two did it everything you could. The only person I hate besides Thrud is myself." The Lord of House Ernas stared at his own hands with fury, as if they had betrayed him.

"I'm the one who filled her head with dreams about the Knight Guard. I put the first sword in her hand and taught her about magic. I pushed her down the path that led Phloria to her death like an idiot!"

Orion yelled every word, at the top of his lungs finding himself out of breath quickly.

"I watched you two fight. Especially after Thrud kidnapped my Little Flower.

"I never cared for the people you killed or the cities you set ablaze. I secretly cheered for you, begging you to kill so many people that Thrud would be forced to choose whether to release Phloria or rule over a bunch of ruins.

"If you ever saw disappointment on my face, it wasn't about you. I was disappointed in myself because I wanted to be out there, doing even worse things than you instead of playing general from the safety of Valeron's walls.

"Yet I was nowhere as strong as you. Not a day passes since then that I don't hate myself for my weakness." Orion's voice became low, filled with self-loathing and spite.

"You treated Phloria right until her last breath. You did everything I asked you and for that, you have my gratitude. I've avoided you not because I resent you but because seeing you reminds me of my failures as a man and a father.

"So stand tall, Lith. And thank you for saving War." Orion clasped Lith's forearm and Lith returned the gesture of brotherhood of the Kingdom's elite forces.

"Ragnar??k." The blade said while standing up.

"A fitting name." Orion nodded. "Wish I thought about it. War ended up being an ill omen."

"I will stop apologizing only if you stop hating yourself, Orion." Lith said. "Even during her year-long trial, Phloria never blamed you for her choices. Her love for magic and for this country made her the person she was and she got them both from you.

"Don't be angry with yourself for being a good father. You gave Phloria everything she could dream of but once she left your arms, her life was her own. You can't blame yourself for her choices.