Epilogue - Steve
EVEN IN ARCADIA - SLEEP TOKEN ?
What the fuck happened here? Looking out across the Gatekeepers' farm, I can't believe what I'm seeing.
Ashen Ananea lay scattered across the freshly burned fields, their carcasses crumbling and falling apart as the breeze blows through.
The red sun sits high in the sky, its light struggling to shine through the clouds of smoke.
I chose not to take a cart here. There was no point, as it would only become another problem to solve as I leave this realm.
A traveller made their way into the tavern last night, giving us all some much needed information about Realm Six.
It has always been a volatile realm. Not like the relative comfort we have here, but I still like to keep an ear to the ground as it is the realm my brother decided to make his home.
He is a great warrior, one who has led Imperia to many victories.
A lone figure wanders toward me, distracting me from my worries.
They move too eloquently to be a damned, and Portarius is much larger than this silhouette.
Emmie, however, is much shorter. As they get closer, I can tell it is a female.
Her long black hair blowing lazily in the breeze as she strolls merrily.
Fuck.
“My Queen, forgive me, I did not recognise you from such a distance.” I try to be as clear in my pronunciation as possible, well aware that my tusks make me mumble. Bowing my head, I leave it a few seconds longer before returning, standing straight as she strolls toward me.
“Steve,” she exclaims, like we are long lost friends. “How lovely to see you on such a beautiful day.”
I quickly glance behind her, still noting the burning ground and dead bodies scattered around us. “You have caught me in a somewhat informal capacity. I changed after talking with Emmeline and Portarius. Even I have limits in wearing a stuffy suit when it's so chipper out.”
Again, I note the charred remains, but I do not pretend to understand the inner workings of the Devil.
“I saw the flames from Inferloch. They made it a little harder to obtain travel papers with all the smoke.”
I don't know why I tell her what I'm doing. It's like I'm compelled to tell her unnecessary information.
“Ah, yes, that would cause some delays. What takes you from this realm, Steve? A pressing matter if you're leaving this all behind.” Her arms open wide, gesturing to the charred ground and smiling brightly at me.
“I've heard there are troubles in Realm Six. My brother resides there. I must check on him. It has been too long, and for many years we have heard of growing tensions toward my kind.”
“Yes, your twin. I still remember the day I visited your mother to congratulate her on birthing twin babes. A feat for any species, but unheard of for an Orc. She was a fine mother and provider. I was sorry to hear of her passing last century.” She reaches out her small hand, stepping closer to me and placing it upon my forearm.
It is a strange thing to be touched by the Devil.
Equal parts of you want to beg her to stop and cry for a pleasure so deep, tremors rock you.
“Thank you, my Queen. Will you be safe to walk alone? You are a female.” Shaking my head as an intrusive thought leaves my lips. She may be the Devil, but there are dangers where you least expect them.
Chuckling at my question, she grins up at me, letting go of my arm, and I take a deep breath, trying to control the shiver that rolls through my body.
“I am safe, yes. I may look like a simple human, weak in the meat suit I wear, but do not be fooled by my simple attire,” she says, wiping some non-existent creases from the fabric of her bright scarlet dress.
“I am aware of the troubles, and I think it is wise to pay your brother a visit. He is a proven warrior, destined for greatness.”
With a final smile, she walks around me, continuing on her path as she admires the devastation.
I watch her, a slight hop in her step when she stops abruptly and turns back to me.
Her smile is wider now, her eyes a little darker, a quick flash of glowing red.
“Oh, and Steve!” She calls out, “Remember to share nicely with your brother.”
Finis.