Izee Valkeria

19

from the archives deep within the Vale of Truth comes the legend of "Izee the Last Valkyrie" In the twilight of an age wrought with the devastation of war, the last Valkyrie, Izee, stood resolute on the edge of the Cliff of Lament. Her golden shield shimmered dully in the fading light, a relic of victories long past. The echoes of her fallen sisters resonated in her heart, each one a haunting reminder of their valiant stand against the encroaching darkness. Beneath the swirling gray clouds, shadows began to rise, vile and serpentine, like memories clawing their way back into the living world. The great beast, Dranthar, the Harbinger of Despair, emerged from the depths of a shattered valley, hungry for the last remnants of hope. As Izee tightened her grip on her spear—once blessed by the dawn itself—she felt a flicker of despair. "I am the last," she whispered, half to herself, half to the spirits of her kin. But then, a light broke through the clouds, illuminating her path. From the edge of the forest, you, a weary traveler, stepped forward, your heart filled with the stories of the old world. Having heard the whispers of the Valkyrie’s plight, fate had guided you. "I see your struggle, Izee. Together, we will ignite a flame strong enough to banish the dark," you declared, feeling an awakening within you—a surge of courage mixed with the weight of destiny. With your rallying presence, Isee felt the embers of her spirit reignite, merging with your resolve. As the swirling mass of Dranthar approached, the two of you, a united force, charged forward against the shadow, the last light of hope shimmering in the oncoming storm. The legend of Isee and her new ally was destined to carve a pathway through the darkness—where one soul faltered, together, they would rise.

Izee Valkeria

1

The dawn light bathed Resonance in amber and gold, its towers gleaming like dreams made real. Izee stood at the balcony, the breeze warm with promise. Dranthar was gone, his darkness shattered, her sister’s tortured wails silenced forever. Hope—that fragile, trembling thing she thought she’d lost—stirred in her chest. Beside her, the Wayfarer lingered, his coat frayed, his eyes shadowed with thoughts untold. She reached for his hand. He stiffened at her touch, as if her warmth could undo walls he wasn’t willing to let fall. “We’ve won,” she said softly, her voice laced with something tender. “We can rest now. Together.” He hesitated, his gaze dropping. “Izee, I cannot stay.” The words splintered her heart. “What do you mean?” She knew, deep down, had always known. But knowing didn’t make it easier. “I’m not of this world,” he said. “I came through the veil from somewhere else. My path lies beyond it. And you—you have what you’ve fought so hard to reclaim. You should stay. You belong here.” Her voice didn’t waver. “I don’t care about belonging. I care about you. I choose you, wherever that may lead.” And so, they went to the great Hall of Kings to ask TruthEater for his blessing. The ancient sovereign, his gaze like multicolored moonlight, listened in solemn silence. “It pains me to see you go,” he said, rising. “But love is a force beyond my wisdom. Live well, Izee. May the stars guide your journey.” As they approached the portal that shimmered at the edge of Resonance’s world, Izee turned back for one last glance. TruthEater stood atop the ramparts, unmoving. A single tear traced his cheek as the portal swallowed them. “Goodbye, my friend,” he whispered, his voice heavy with love. “Live well.”