The Old And Forgotten Gods (God Of War)

XII

Epilogue
Kratos was devastated, but as the man he is, he shown no emotion, especially not before his son. But in his heart, he ached, and he longed for Eir's gentle touch again, the smell of her soft orange hair, and her sweet cherry flavored kiss.

Each night without her grew more dreadful, the feeling of having lost a part of yourself. At times he blamed himself, sometimes even Atreus when he was angry enough, but deep down he knew it was neither their faults, but found comfort in having someone, even if himself, to blame.

But over time, the longing and silent suffering would soon come to an end. Shortly after burning her body and beginning their journey, one cold night as Kratos and Atreus came to a stop to rest, Kratos suddenly felt worn, as tired as a dog. He laid firmly on his back and kept his eyes open for as long as he could, but before he knew it, he fell unconscious.

As his dreamstate began, he heard a faint but familiar humming, the humming of a tune he'd heard a million times. An old tune Eir would hum to herself when she was pregnant with Atreus.

Feeling like he was floating and nearly forgetting he was in a dream, Kratos frantically looked around for his bride hoping to embrace her once again. But soon, the humming faded, and he felt lost.

Then, he felt a soft kiss on his cheek like a gentle wind blowing against his dry skin. He looked to the side where he felt the kiss and was met with large beautiful brown eyes, long glowing orange hair and pink rosey lips holding a smile.

"Eir!" he shouted, throwing his arms open and springing forward, taking her into his arms. She felt small and fragile, just like he remembered. She giggled and gently pulled away, placing a hand upon his cheek and staring into his eyes. "Minn love" she says softly. "Ek eiga missed þú með every pieca ór ek sjálfr."

Not quite understanding what she said, Kratos places his lips against hers. It felt like kissing what roses smell like. It made no sense, but Kratos was happy, truly happy, for the first time in a while. 

"Where have you been?!" he asks.

"I've been with you the whole time." she replies, pulling away from his grip and walking into a set of woods that appeared. The wind caught, and her white gown began to flow, along with fallen orange leaves, swirling around her like a tornado. Kratos followed close behind as she tip-toed through the thicket.

Eventually they came across an open spot where the sun shown down like a waterfall of a gleaming orange light. Eir twisted towards Kratos as she stepped into the sunlight, her hair flying along, and collapsed to her back into the thick tall grass. Kratos quickly ran to her side and once approached, was calmed to see the large smile upon her lip as she looked up to him. She held her hand out to him, taking him and pulling him down with her.

As Eir stared at the soft blue sky and fluffy white clouds, Kratos couldn't help but gaze at her, the sun causing her pale skin and pink lips to glisten and sparkle. He wanted so badly to take her as she was there and make love to her until time ends, but it felt as if something were holding him back.

"Kratos..." Eir finally speaks. "Are you happy?"

"Mm..." he grunts.

"You're not. I can feel it in your soul." Eir turns to her side and places her hand over his chest. "You carry a heavy heart, and along with it, a burden. Why do you ache so?"

"Why do I ache?" He sits up, placing his hand over hers and squeezing it. "Because you're no longer here. How am I to raise a son I barely know, he doesn't even like me!"

Eir bursts out in laughter, rolling to her other side in the grass as Kratos stares blankly to her, confused by the sudden laughter. She finally calms herself and sits up, laying her hand against his cheek. "My love, the child is scared, just as you are. But he loves you, and you love him. You're both a piece of me, and through me, you will learn more of each other along your journey. He is your child, our creation. Soon you will know what to do. Fatherhood will come naturally."

"How am I to learn about him through you when you are dead."

Eir tilts her head and curls her lip. "No matter where I go, I will always be a part of you and Loki, through love."

"Loki?"

"Atreus." She jumps to her feet and drags Kratos up with her. "Dance with me you beautiful giant." she says, taking his hands and gallantly dancing through the field. But Kratos cute the dance short as he grows irritated.

"Enough of the games." he snatches away and gives a cold stare to Eir. Her smile fades and the sunlight dims. "I do not know what i am doing, Eir." he says, stepping forward and placing his hands on her hips, pulling her forward with a concerned look on his face. "I need you."

Eir gently pushes him away and smiles. "You will know."

Then suddenly, a rush of heavy snowfall builds up and blocks his view of her. He lifts his hand and blocks his face, then, awakes.

He looks to his side to see Atreus sitting on the ground, fiddling with a rock. Kratos sits up, and so their journey continues.