She Greeted Death With Love [PK]

[PerfectLittleLady 144]

 

Lissa Vildr wasn't a stranger to the spectral figure that appeared by her bedside.

 

Since Arthur's passing, she had seen it countless times. Each friend's death, every one of her children's final breath—Death had become a constant, silent companion. The cold air, the creeping hairs on her neck, the looming shadows, they no longer startled her. Instead, they were reminders of the countless farewells she had whispered over the years.

 

Lissa’s once sandy-blonde hair now fell in silver waves around her face, her bright blue eyes clouded with age and dementia. She often found herself drifting in and out of memories, a life more than two centuries long filled with joy, sorrow, and regret. She wondered if she had done enough, if those she'd loved would be alright without her.

 

Moments of lucidity were rare, but when they came, they brought clarity and pain. She recalled Arthur's last days, his strength even as his body failed him, and the way he had greeted Death not as an enemy, but as an old friend. The same figure she saw now, standing at the foot of her bed, had once been his silent companion too.

 

As she lay there, Lissa's mind wandered through the significant moments of her life: the birth of each of her children, her marriage to Arthur, the heartbreak of losing him, coming to this new land and rebuilding her home. These memories were her treasures, even as her mind struggled to hold onto them.

 

"Arthur," she whispered into the cold air, her voice frail. She longed to see him one last time, to feel his comforting presence.

 

And then, as if summoned by her yearning, he appeared. Not as a memory, but as a spirit, his form bathed in the same green light of his magic. He looked as he had in his prime, strong and kind, his eyes filled with the love that had bound them together for over a century.

 

"Liss," he said softly, his voice breaking through the fog of her mind. "You’ve done more than enough. You’ve lived a life full of love and kindness. It’s time to rest now."

 

Tears welled in her eyes, and she reached out a trembling hand. His spirit moved closer, his presence warm despite the chill of Death nearby. He took her hand, and for the first time in many years, she felt at peace.

 

"Arthur, I’ve missed you so much," she said, her voice choked with emotion.

 

"I’ve always been with you," he replied, his thumb gently brushing away her tears. "And I always will be."

 

The figure at the foot of her bed seemed to nod, as if acknowledging that its work here was done. Lissa felt a profound sense of relief, her worries and regrets melting away. She smiled, her gaze never leaving Arthur's.

 

As her final breath left her body, Lissa Vildr greeted Death not with fear, but with love. She knew she was not alone, that Arthur was there to guide her into the afterlife. Their spirits intertwined, the verdant-green and honey-gold lights merging in a beautiful, eternal dance.

 

And in that moment, Herilissa Vildr found peace.

 

[A series of letters would appear in the mailboxes of friends and family, all notating her love, her regret, and her hope for the future. Some read as follows:]

 

To Azora

Spoiler

Dearest Azora,

How precious it has been to know you, to watch the spark in your eyes and the gentle strength you carry. You have brought such joy to my grandson, and in that, to me as well. Never doubt your worth, and know that my heart rests lighter knowing you are by his side. You are as much my family as he, my dear, and I trust you to watch over one another. Hold fast to love, Azora, as fiercely as I have held fast to you.

With all my love,
Lissa

 

To Odin

Spoiler

My dear Odin,

From the moment you were born, I knew you were destined for greatness. To be a ruler and a nephew, both bound in duty and kinship, is no easy path, but I have watched you walk it with such dignity. I am so proud of the man you’ve become. You carry Norland's legacy, yes, but you also carry my love, my dear. Let that be a comfort to you in quiet moments. Never forget—this family stands beside you, always.

Forever watching over you,
Lissa

 

To Io

Spoiler

Dearest Io,

How quickly you grew from the little one I knew into someone with a family and legacy all your own. Watching you come into your power has been a marvel, and I am grateful to have witnessed it. Remember, my beloved friend, that even the strongest among us must find time to rest and to laugh. Find joy in the simplest things and share it with those you love. You have always been a light in my life; let that light guide you.

With the warmest love,
Lissa

P.S.: Remember to wash behind your ears!

 

To Orin

Spoiler

My dear Orin,

How many years we have spent walking together through life, each step another memory I treasure deeply. Thank you for sharing the burdens, for carrying on the work when I could not, and for being the steady hand in lives that needed it. I hope you find peace in the knowledge that you were a friend of the truest kind. May the Flame burn as brightly within you as it always has, and may you remember I will be with you, now and always.

Yours in friendship and light,
Lissa

 

((Playing Lissa has been a pleasure. Thank you everyone for the memories with her!))

[simpleglitchbro 529]

Despite an intense distance, Indigo can feel something unspoken break and snap. For a moment, his gaze drops, his head hanging low as he speaks. "Perhaps it is best you were not...aware of me. I would not want to have brought more...heartache into your life. May you rest in peace...mother."

[ichigomaster98 966]

Boots thought briefly back on Lissa Vildr, one of the few from his 'generation' that he got along with, though even then not fully. He hoped she wasn't still upset at him.

Io woke up from their nap as any other day, though unlike any other day found another letter delivered by doll. Reading over the letter destined to them Io takes its advice and returns to rest, with a small laugh about the first Norlander they met a century ago. The only person to make Io do something they did not want to do, and the one who set in motion key events that would be important for the rest of Io's life. "It is nice to say nice things to nice people." Io says as they hug Blanca and go back to sleep.

Odin finds a letter delivered to his cozy countryside cottage from his great-aunt. Reading it over Odin frowns, remembering his own mother's passing. "I hope she has a proper pyre." Odin grumbles a moment before a memory of Lissa smiling in Alisgrad floods his mind, along with all the others lost from Nyrheim, a generation slowly vanishing in all but memory and legacy. In stories that will be told so long as there is any Norlander alive to tell them, and in so doing keeping them alive in some form forevermore.

Ashguidesman Lee enjoys his morning pumpkin-spice pancakes with his wife and many many many children, absolutely drowning the pumpkin pancakes in Mrs. Vildr maple syrup, produced locally from Great Norlandic Maple Tree sap harvested seasonally from the Red Forest and enhanced through housemagery to be Perfect.

[Operator_Bugman 347]

The Diviner of Flames watched the letter slip under his door during a long night of study. He stared blankly as he read through the letter, comfortable in his robe polka-dot and bunny slippers.

"Seems your time came, you will still provide useful my dear Vildr, even after death."

 

[MightyMott 48]

Azora would find Sindri at their spot, and coincidentally the spot she first saw Lissa as well. She'd sit with him, though his frown instantly told her something was wrong as he said her name. She'd bring her hand to his cheek. "What is it?" She'd be more confused than anything. He'd bite his lip as he tried to find the words. "..My grandmother.. she passed while you were away.." Azora would pause for a moment. She'd close her eyes, as a single tear falls. Followed by many more. ".. . . Did .. did she at least ... go peacefully?" Her voice cracked as she spoke. Sindri would pull Azora close to him. "Yes. She went in her sleep. Dad had left the room to make her some tea, and when he came back she was gone..." Azora would simply cry for a moment. A few moments. "I...I don't know what to say." Sindri swallows hard. He takes one hand away to reach into his cloak. "She, ah.. left you a letter. I think she knew it was coming, she wrote quite a few to different people." Azora would finally open her eyes to try and read the letter. "I knew.. . I knew she was.. going soon.. not this soon. Does.. Does.. Grimm know too?" Sindri freezes. "Oh, Azora..." He holds her tighter. "If.. If I'd known I would have told you sooner...." "Had known what?" She'd try to rub her eyes. "What are you not telling me?" "Starlight.. Grimm is dead." Azora wouldn't say anything further. She'd close her eyes once again and lean into his chest as more tears fell down her face. She'd inhale shakily as if she'd go to speak, but held her tongue. Sindri simply holds her close, his hand rubbing her back. "You know.. they both loved you so much." "I .. I was gone so long.. I didn't.. I.. ." She'd bring her hands to her face. "I didn't do enough.. I didn't even say goodbye.. . ." After they spoke a little more. "I.. I can read the letter now." Sindri hands her the letter his arm still around her. Even with tears running down her face she smiled at the letter. Azora would wrap her arms around Sindri and hug him tightly.

Edited November 3, 2024 by MightyMott