Lucian took a moment to gather his words. He could not possibly tell Melina outright that it was Wind Spirit Moon Shadow. To those of the Lands Between, who could even fathom such a thing?
"That power… it's something I carried with me from beyond the Lands Between. A mysterious force. But its true essence? I don't know either."
Melina's eyes opened slightly, her gaze resting on him. This answer… she had considered it before. Yet questions gnawed at her. Runes are blessings of the Erdtree. If this truly was an outside power, how did it allow Lucian to acquire extra runes? Still, it seemed the only explanation. For when Lucian called upon that strength, she could feel nothing of the Erdtree in it.
But even so, she believed him—believed that he truly did not understand the full nature of the force. It was much like her own burden. If Lucian were to ask her of her "purpose," she would not have been able to answer either. She only knew it was something that undeniably was.
Seeing that Lucian did not shy from her questions, Melina's unease slowly began to soften. "Then… does wielding this power demand a price?" she asked.
"Of course," Lucian nodded. "But the price is… unusual. It's not mine to pay. Instead, I must perform certain deeds. Only then do I earn a chance to use it once. Those chances are rare, so I only call upon it in dire moments."
As Lucian explained, Melina's brows knitted together tighter and tighter. His words, no personal cost, but rather tasks to earn the right to wield it, sounded dangerously familiar. It was the way Outer Gods worked. They tempted mortals, granting power only so that mortals might serve their ends.
Melina knew little of such entities, only that many of their traces lingered in the Lands Between. If this was truly an Outer God's power, then perhaps that explained how Lucian acquired such strange abilities, even runes—through it. And that frightening regeneration… it resembled the otherworldly far more than the divine. Not even the highest healing incantations came close.
She felt she must warn him, even if she herself was uncertain. "Lucian… that power… it could belong to an Outer God. That would explain its strangeness. Please, you must be careful. Do not let yourself become a puppet in pursuit of it."
Lucian blinked, surprised. He hadn't expected her to leap to such a conclusion. Yet the more he thought of it, the more sense it made. Still, he knew, without question—it was not the power of an Outer God. Outer Gods? How laughable. They were nothing compared to the true nature of the Wind Spirit Moon Shadow. If his gift were whole, not even the Greater Will itself could pass without being cut down.
A small smile tugged at his lips. "I made you worry. But rest assured, it isn't an Outer God's power."
"Because the Outer Gods… are not nearly strong enough."
Melina's eyes widened, startled. What was this man saying? Outer Gods were gods.
As though sensing her disbelief, Lucian casually listed examples, "If anything, it's closer to the Greater Will's own. For instance, earlier today—you saw. For 300 seconds, no matter the wound, my body restores instantly. Or, for a time, I can wield sorcery without limit. Or even—imagine gaining fivefold the runes for an entire hour."
Melina's breath caught. Outer Gods usually reigned within narrow domains, their gifts tied to singular aspects. But what Lucian described—so many forms, so versatile, so vast… Only the Greater Will itself could boast such breadth.
She stared at him, conflicted. She had only wished to know whether there was cost. But Lucian had laid bare everything, freely, as though she were no threat at all.
"…Though I was the one to ask," she whispered, "to share so much with me… is it wise? The Lands Between are steeped in lies and betrayal. If I were to betray you, these truths could endanger you."
Lucian shook his head. "I know. And that is why I speak only to you. A true betrayer would never voice betrayal so plainly. And I believe, you are not such a person."
Melina drew a deep, unsteady breath, lowering her head with shame. Always, it was like this. He trusted her, and yet she doubted him in turn. "Forgive me. Once again, I let suspicion cloud my heart. I meant to repay your trust, not diminish it…"
But Lucian cut her short with gentle firmness. "No. The fact that you asked me instead of turning away, that gladdens me. Asking means you trust that I would answer. Asking means you believe in us as true companions. There's no betrayal in that."
Melina fell silent. His trust burned too brightly—difficult to meet, yet impossible to turn away.
Lucian extended his hand toward where she sat. "No need to overthink. If your heart wavers, take my hand. I will remain by your side, until you reach the foot of the Erdtree."
Her slender hand rose, resting atop his. Though what she touched was not flesh, but spirit, she could feel its warmth, steady and unyielding. In that moment, her unease eased.
How fortunate she was, to have found such a gentle, steadfast companion.
As she held his hand, Lucian began to speak, telling her stories of his past life. He wove the memories into shapes more fitting of this world, but their essence remained. Tonight, he too understood why Hakkan, when speaking of lacking a homeland, wore such sorrow in his eyes. Once remembered, homesickness was a curse.
Through the long night, Lucian spoke and Melina listened, her quiet curiosity shining through at times. When the stories ended, neither spoke further. They simply sat together in silence.
Lucian's gaze lingered where he knew Melina to be, though unseen. Melina, you always think these burdens are yours alone. But to me, none of it matters. Having you beside me—that is enough.
May all your unease be soothed.