Gate of Memoirs/In Memoriam

Letting go is far more difficult than holding on, but both are equally painful.
Portrait 	Dialogue
Music: "Tree of Gaia"	Music: "Tree of Gaia"
 	
*Her brows furrowing, Evgenia closes her diary and tucks it away with the rest of her keepsakes.
*What good would remembrance do, when the dead could not come back to life save for in one's memories?
 	
*The rest of the diary was left blank following that last entry,
*leaving only the scars of the years under the strict tutelage of her mother and the final days of her ailing father.
*With heavy footsteps and a heavier heart, Evgenia gently carries the small chest and enters the royal chambers.
Portrait 	Dialogue
Music: "Daydream"	Music: "Daydream"
 	
*Though the sun's rays washed over the entire balcony, Evgenia felt no warmth.
 	
*The lingering, shaded stare of her mother's portrait seemed to follow her everywhere.
 	
*Almost as if Miriam was still here.
 	
*Evgenia: ... ...
*Evgenia: Rest now, Mother.
 	
*The smirking visage of the old Queen Regent melts away into something more melancholy.
*That wound would heal in time, like all things.
 	
*As Evgenia traces her fingers along the balustrade, a familiar figure leans next to her.
*She looks up, taking in the shimmering form of her father.
 	
*Gortius: You've been keeping busy, haven't you, Princess?
*Gortius: I'm glad you're moving in.
*Gortius: It's about time.
 	
*Evgenia: ...Yes.
*Evgenia lowers her eyes, and fiddles with her hands.
 	
*Gortius: Something on your mind?
 	
*Evgenia: Why did you have to go?
 	
*Gortius: Oh, Princess. Are you still thinking about that?
 	
*Gortius: It's been so long. You're a queen now.
*Gortius: You have so many other things to think about.
 	
*Evgenia: Too many, in fact.
 	
*Evgenia walks with the specter of her father down the length of the balcony.
*Just like old times—when he didn't have to use a cane.
*When he didn't look so gaunt, or pale.
 	
*Evgenia: I feel so lost, Father.
*Evgenia: Where did everything go so wrong?
*Evgenia: What cruel gods they must be to take my family from me!
Portrait 	Dialogue
 	
*"Was this why Mother turned to those shadows?"
*"How she feared the visions would come to pass; would take me before my time..."
Music: "To Comrades"	Music: "To Comrades"
 	
*The crumbling throne of Elysia stands before her once again, etched into her memory.
*The darkness coalesces into shadowy wraiths, and inch toward her.
*But Evgenia's heart now blazed with defiant anger.
 	
*A fierce determination rising within her, she begins channelling her magic in rage.
*Evgenia: Was there nothing I could do?!
 	
*No matter how many shadows dissipate into dust, they continue churning at the edges of her vision.
*The young queen clenches her fists, but feels a ghostly hand on her arm.
 	
*Gortius: Evgenia.
*Gortius draws his sword, and a blazing aura surrounds his being like a halo.
*Gortius: Prince or pauper, queen or maid—we are all but mortal.
*Gortius: But we of House Valen have never been known to go down without a fight, even if it was time.
*Gortius: If it please you to do battle, to free yourself of these thorns in your heart...
*Gortius: Then know that I too fought to the very end.
 	
*Gortius: Come, Evie.
*Gortius: We will get through this. Together.