Cervato - Girl On Fire (Part 1 of Cervato's Saga)

Resurrection - Resolve

Candlelight flickered as the wind rushed through the small space, threatening to extinguish the flames aloft the memorial place for those of the Accord's fallen. Form merely clothed by a simple cotton dress, Cervato knelt before it, as her hair messily obscured most of her face. A weary gaze was set upon the sword resting before her on the stone tiles. Memories flashed by in rapid succession in the back of her mind.

Embracing Saromire's form outside his manor, heart flooding with emotion before realizing she had been deceived by a threat wishing to end her efforts in saving his soul.

Nearly being subject to Myra Llewellyn's blade, as the former Ministry Guard attempted to skewer her on the Lancastir grounds, believing her to be a fiend. Where Saromire's voice had finally broken from it's silence.

Myra's betrayal where she trapped Cervato deep within a hidden pit inside the Lancastir manor, until double crossing the foul agents that wanted to end Cervato's search.

Receiving the music box from Myra. Being informed that the last journal entry Saromire left had been about her. And receiving the necklace that she had left on Saromire's pyre from Anya Wachenfield.

Feeling herself break down against Mercer's back, after pulling her onto his raptor and delivering her home after returning to the Accord's HQ.

Regretting that she had let herself fall susceptible and open. Her heart threatening to betray her ideals.

Revealing the truth to both Penelope and Mercer regarding the sword and her duty.

A letter from Collyn Lancastir, Saromire's brother, demanding she cease in her efforts.

Returning to Vizier's Tower, in Orr, standing across from Collyn, yet remembering her last visit to this place. Where she received a kiss from the man that haunted her life.

Collyn's dagger digging deep into the back of her shoulder. And the sword being stolen from her grasp.

Pain, as her magics flared out of control. Flames so hot that started to burn her very skin.

Begging at Collyn's feet to please return the sword. And being asked why. Why do all this for the slim chance that this really was his brother's soul. That the reality that this could be him was practically nonexistent.

"I love him. I love Saro, and I would do anything for his sake."

Collyn's disbelief. Before telling her a fairy tale of those who ventured on a similar quest to save a loved one. Where a sacrifice was needed.

Watching Collyn aim the golden sword above his heart, asking her to please tell Saro that he loved him, before watching it plunge into his chest and being blinded by an explosion of light.

Recovering the helm that held a piece of Saromire's soul, and the sword, begging for forgiveness before being attacked by a stone monster, threatening her life.

Beatrix Lancastir, cousin to Saromire, and Rhapsody rescuing her. Beatrix revealing that she had changed since two years prior, wielding the sword that Saromire used to carry. The twin to her own. That it was also imbued with his spirit and she too had been traveling to recover pieces of him. That the last was in the City of Arah.

Warm tears rolled down her cheeks, as Cervato looked upon the name added to the memorial that morning at her request.

Collyn Lancastir. Despite Saromire's waning voice, she had betrayed him. Saromire had asked Cervato to convince Collyn that what they were doing was justified and right. Collyn had died for Saromire. Believing that the fairy tale may hold some truth and that a sacrifice was necessary. That he was at peace with his choice. And that he only wished that Cervato would remind Saromire that Collyn loved him.

The weight of his death was still troubling her. Combined with the monumental task of gathering people to journey to Orr, including Myra and Beatrix. A mission that was most likely the most dangerous she would ever participate. There were no guarantees that she would make it out alive.

Yet, she knew she would do it. Collyn had admired her resolve. She was a broken spirit. But...

Cervato would rather die, then fail Saromire now.