From the Heavens (Final Fantasy XVI)

𖥸 XLIX 𖥸

|| The Hideaway ||
|| Central Storm Deadlands ||
|| Year of the Realm - 881 ||

Three years have passed since Ultima's downfall. Although the world was slowly healing and the deadlands were retreating, everyone at the hideaway remained there as it was their home. The world around the hideaway was blooming and though there was turmoil, it was peaceful. Dion was busy rebuilding the empire to create stability with help from Joshua. Byron was focusing on the revival of Rosalith with help from many.

Clive would go wherever he was needed to provide any aid he could. However, today was a day he dedicated to himself. Inside his chambers, he stared at the emerald flower that sat on the corner of his desk next to the morganbeards in another pot.

Hearing a knock, he turned to the door. "Come in."

Jill opened the door and entered the room with Torgal next to her. She smiled at her childhood friend. "Will you be leaving for the crock?"

Clive nodded. "Yes. Once I speak with Nigel, I will depart."

"Will you be all right by yourself?" she asked worriedly, knowing the goddess' disappearance had left a hole in his heart.

"There is nothing for you to concern yourself with, Jill," he reassured her. "I will be fine."

Jill sighed sadly. "All right. Be safe during your travels."

"Thank you, Jill."

When the silver-haired woman left with Torgal, Clive searched his desk for the letter Lyra had left him. He found it in its usual spot—underneath Mimir's chronicle. He opened it and reread it for the hundredth time.

*****

Dear Clive,

Though there is much I wish to say, I could never write it all down in a single letter. I will never forget our promise to see the moon again. Please, wait for me. I love you more than words could express.

-Lyra

*****

Although it was short, he found himself rereading it whenever he found himself missing her. He was only able to distract himself from the thought of her whenever he was busy helping others. Neatly folding up the letter, he slid it back under Mimir's chronicle.

Leaving his chambers, he headed to the backyard to speak to Nigel. He found the head botanist sitting at the table.

"Ah, Clive!" Nigel smiled at him. "Just in time. Cormac just finished gathering the last of Lyra's flowers. He received help from the children and created a wreath." He gestured to the flower wreath on the table.

"Thank you, Nigel." Clive picked up the wreath.

"You are going to see Lyra, yes?" the botanist asked. "Give her my regards."

"I will."

Clive left the backyard and headed to the pier. He hopped on Obolus' boat and the ferryman took him across the lake. He disembarked from the boat and met up with the stablehands to take Ambrosia with him. He mounted the chocobo's back and began his journey to the crock.