The Realm of Austur Episode 2: New Consequences

Vincent woke very early the next morning. He needed the sleep, true, but there was something he had to do, and it would likely take several hours. He didn't want to delay their return to Gorgath either; After everything that happened, Elia needed the comfort of home. So he woke unusually early, in the small hours of the morning. Careful not to wake Elia, he tenderly moved her aside and sat up, making sure to leave her wrapped in his coat. He slipped out of the cave unnoticed, but not before looking back at his sleeping treasure, and smiling.

You really did mean what you said, didn't you? You know who I am now... You may have suspected before, but now you know... And yet... You don't hate me. When you wake, I want to talk to you. I want you to know everything, my Elia. If you still love me then, then I...

He shakes his head, setting the thought aside for the time being. The early morning air is cold and bitter, and Vincent shivers. The sooner I finish this, the sooner I can return to you, Yekiri...

First, he begins digging a mass graveyard in the valley. In Lich form, he uses his powers to swiftly and easily erode and dissolve the ground, forming large holes. He then ventures back into the fort, deep enough so that he's certain he won't wake Elia or Irving, and destroys one of the walls. He uses the stone from the wall to make gravemarkers, and places them in front of every grave. After that's finished, he begins the process of hauling the bodies out into the valley. It takes him a long while, even with his superhuman strength, but he manages. The bandits are first, then the grisly remains of the Necromancers, and then finally...

Michael...

As he lays him in the ground for the second time, the boy he once considered his own son, the dam holding back his emotions finally shatters, and tears stream uncontrollably down Vincent's face. He crumpled to his knees, and sobbed until he was spent. He railed against the unjustness of it all, raging at the unfairness, the cruelty of it, and he cursed himself for his own stupidity that had led to this. His soft cries echoed quietly across the valley. Finally, once he regained control, he wiped his face on his bloody arm, and began to pray. He helped every lost soul there find solace. Even though the ritual left him drained and exhausted, he guided every soul onto the final leg of their journey. He celebrated their lives, both the good and the bad, and mourned their passing. And last of all, he stood face to face with the smiling young boy he had taken in all those many years ago. Then it was over, and Vincent wept.

He cleaned himself off in the fort, washing the blood and grime away, before returning to the cave, just as the first rays of dawn broke over the horizon. Exhausted and soul-weary, he wanted nothing more in that moment than to hold Elia. He needed it. She and Silver... They were the only living proof that he was good, and not a monster. But...

How can I touch her with these hands? I... I smell like death. No... I AM death. To embrace me is to die. Knowing that, how can I...? No... It matters not. Knowing her, she will wake in a few minutes anyway. I... Will get what rest I can, outside.

True to his word, Vincent immediately left the cave again, and sat down just outside, to the left of the entrance. He closed his eyes, but he was not foolish enough to ask for sleep. Instead, he merely meditated on his life, his past, and above all, his future.