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dragonologist-phd · 4 years

Note

Also for Nona perhaps “Now liberated from hope and from fear” or “Somewhere in that library of the past”?

thank you for the prompts! I ended up going with : “Somewhere in that library of the past” (”Los lectores”, trans. Alastair Reid)

And also thanks to @grumpy-jedi for the wonderful headcanons that inspired this!!

(AO3)

The dagger is truly a thing of beauty.

It is well-crafted, that much is immediately obvious. There are no embellishments on the handle, no designs or crests carved to mark it as a piece of decoration. Instead, it bears a simple design, practical and efficient, with a razor-thin blade that glints in the torchlight. This is a weapon that is meant to be used, not flaunted on display.

And yet there is an undeniably artistry to it. The handle is sleek and polished, and the deepness in the color of the dagger’s edge marks it as adra.

Nona traces a finger over the hilt of the dagger before lifting it lightly, the balance of it natural in her hand. Her thumb brushes across the blade and the adra seems to hum beneath her fingers. She may not be a cipher, but even Nona can tell that it is infused with soul essence, strengthening it further.

“This is exquisite,” Nona says quietly, studying the dagger as she turns it over in her hands. She is not typically one to marvel over blades; weapons are tools, and beautifying them does not alter their purpose. But in cases such as this, the craftsmanship must be appreciated.

“I’m glad you like it,” Thaos says. His eyes are serious as he watches her test the dagger’s weight in her hands. “It is yours.”

Nona curls her fingers around the handle, and as she does a surge of something powerful and familiar fills her chest, and she can’t help but release a startled gasp. The sensation is gone before she can study it, but faint traces remain as her grip tightens. She looks at Thaos questioningly, and suddenly the true meaning of his words sinks in.

Through her amazement, it takes a moment for Nona to find her voice again. “How did you…”

“Not easily,” Thaos answers, a fleeting smile crossing his face. “But it was worth the effort. Some things are too valuable to leave in the past.”

Nona smiles, eyes bright as she studies the dagger with renewed fascination. The blade is as solid and real as ever, but within the adra is something more ethereal; a small essence of soul, lost from the main source as it passed through the Wheel. A broken fragment of history- of Nona’s history. Nona’s soul.

The question of her past lives has drifted through Nona’s mind on occasion; it does for all kith, although many lack the means to ever find the answers. Many would not truly wish to, for there are far too many tales of Awakenings driving kith to madness. But holding this past piece of herself in her hands, Nona can’t help but wonder once more.

Sensing her thoughts, Thaos shakes his head. “Remembering is rarely an easy thing. Most past lives become difficult burdens to bear.”

Nona shifts her gaze to the Thaos. The color of the adra knife is reflected in his eyes, their depths full of thoughts she can hardly begin to unravel. He is silent for a moment before continuing. “But even without the memories, it will give you strength. A soul is at its best when it is whole.”

Placing the dagger down with care, Nona steps closer to Thaos so she can lift her head and kiss him softly. “Thank you for the gift.”

He kisses her back, although there is still a bit of sadness to his smile. “As I said, it is yours. It’s only right that it should be in your hands.” He pauses, and brushes a lock of Nona’s hair from her face. “You will need it.”

It is not clear whether he means the dagger, or the strength. The distinction matters little; Nona is certain she will need both in due time. And Thaos is right; the gift is fitting. Nona’s past selves may be lost to history, but the soul is still hers, and whatever power carried her through her past life will now help her fulfill her purpose in this one.

#pillars of eternity #ch: nona #rannadylin #thaos ix arkannon #otp: blessings

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