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The long battle to reconquer Isaach had resulted in victory, though the battle was hard-fought. With the army gathered at Ribaut Castle, Lana has played a large part in looking after any lingering injuries before Seliph’s liberation army pushes down through the desert towards the Thracian Peninsula. The constant conflict they’ve all gotten themselves into plagues her mind, and she can only endure bearing witness to so many injured at a time... Once the worst wounds had been mended, she had chosen to excuse herself, finding a quiet, isolated spot in the castle to rest up. Even though she hadn’t told anyone where she’d be, she hears footsteps approaching.
“...Lana? So...there you are.”
She looks up to see Julia, Lord Lewyn’s ward. Lana nods politely.
“Hello, Julia. I apologise for having parted from the larger group, I just...needed a little space to myself.”
Julia nods back at her, understanding.
“Yes... Of course. Is...everything alright, with you?”
“Mh, yes. It’s just been a lot, lately, but...I’m sure you’ve had to endure that, too.”
“That is true... ...Thank you, once more. Your staff has proved...very useful.”
“It’s nothing special. I’m just happy that we now get to help people together.”
Julia nods once more, and sits down next to her, with Lana scooting a bit aside to make room for her.
“Yes... I’m...grateful that I get to help people. ...You, too.”
“Oh, but... I never went out to the front lines. Lord Seliph forbade me, after all.”
“I mean...that I get to help you, here, now. I hope I can help ease your worries.”
Lana is confused as to what she means, but quickly finds herself overcome with a sense of weariness. Where...did it come from? She must have been putting in more effort than she’d realised...
“I...see. Thank you, Julia.”
“Please, Lana... Rest, if you need to.”
She is very tired... Rest is probably a good idea. As she feels her body begin to unwind, she feels the gentle, soft presence of Julia pulling her inward.
“Wha...?”
“Ease your mind, Lana... I am here for you.”
Even if she were initially surprised, her worries fade away at the girl’s comforting words. She feels her embrace, warm, kind...radiant, in a way she can’t describe.
“...Is this good, Lana?”
She nods weakly.
“I’m glad... You have put in valiant effort, Lana... I am very thankful for everything you have done for us. For me...”
The girl gently strokes through her hair, her soft touch making Lana smile.
“I know you will keep fighting for our cause... Your kindness will not allow anyone to suffer, if you can help them. That’s just...the kind of person you are…”
She blushes a little, taking in the compliments that Julia bestows upon her, blessings for her to cherish. The girl’s radiance has completely entranced her, making her unaware of the holy light emanating off her kind savior.
“But I will not allow you to suffer, either... You will seek me out going forward, won’t you, kind Lana? When you are weary, and in need of rest…”
“Yes…”
Lana nods, a calm smile on her face. Of course she will return to Julia...her friend, who she wishes she could help...who now seeks to help her in return…
“Lana... I wish for you to keep finding comfort in me. I wish for you...to return to me, after every battle... To subject yourself to my warmth... My light... And for you to realize...who you belong to.”
Who she...belonged to? Didn’t she... Wasn’t she...
...
The calming radiance of her friend’s... her... ...it makes it hard for Lana to resist the ideas proposed to her.
“...Do I... ...belong... ...to you?”
“Yes, sweet Lana? Is...that what you want...?”
She doesn’t need to think about it. ...She doesn’t need to think at all.
“...Yes, Julia.”
“Then...so be it. My dear Lana…”
The words make her happier than she’d ever been before. Of course she would surrender her mind and sense of self... If it’s to Julia, she would surrender everything.
“Go on, my sweet Lana... Sleep well…”
Lana smiles peacefully, her consciousness slowly fading as she lays in the arms of her dearly beloved...her new goddess...her everything.