I tried speaking with the Sylvan Mother Tree inside the Hymma, but it appeared she was in some sort of healing stasis. It took a lot to repair a world, so I understood. I hoped one day, I could speak with her again. Maybe even Maddock, too. Somehow.
He would probably say something like—It took me becoming a tree for you to declare a ceasefire between us? Glad we could finally get to the root of our issues.
He would say it with a smile, andI would roll my eyes at his inappropriate joke. What a smart ass! But even now, I couldn’t help but smile.
“The fallen shall always be remembered and honored for their sacrifice,” Nepta called out, her obsidian headdress and half-moon staff shimmering in the starlight. People and elves from all over Luneth had traveled to the Wyn beach, each one holding a glowing luminorb within their hands. “Release your memorial lanterns to the wind and let their light shine from this life to the next.”
I opened my palms, letting the wind carry my luminorb to the sky. Tears streamed down my face as thousands of orbs soared and reflected over the water.
The sight was peaceful, infinite, and reflected eternity.
The luminorbs represented all those we had lost, but my eyes never left the one I dedicated to Maddock. I missed him so damn much, it hurt.
“Through blood, bone, and crystal, the marked son will breathe life anew unto the deadened lands of darkness,” Driskell repeated the ending of the prophecy. Half of his long, white hair was pulled back into elaborate braids, and his eyes looked crazed with euphoria. “The prophecy has been fulfilled thanks to you all. Especially the Alcreon Light Bearer and the Marked Son. This is a celebration of life, and the healing of Luneth. We have much to be thankful for.”
Gentle music played as people mingled and shared fond memories. I spotted Pia and Xala talking with Callum and a few other Viltarran soldiers. My eyes scanned over to Thaydril. He was dressed in an indigo robe and was talking to Leer. The clean-cut bladesmith looked equal parts intimidated and intrigued.
My gaze darted to Ven as I heard him recount war stories to Takoda and Alvar. The healer looked appalled, while the war captain beamed with pride. And through the sea of faces, I saw Rayal and Dyani walking toward me, followed by a shimmering bird.
Ekee’s gaze was locked on Keeli as he flew right towards her, and my heart skipped a beat as she darted behind my legs.
Ekee fanned his tail in an elaborate display, and Keeli peeked her head around my leg. The male gracefully soared around her, then dove in impressive circles and swoops. His feathers glinted in the moonlight as he performed for her, but Keeli was wary.
The male changed tactics and disappeared into the trees. He returned a moment later with a morsel of food clutched in his bill. More interested now, Keeli reached her beak towards him and snatched his offering.
She gulped down her treat and chirped, finding Ekee’s display and gift suitable. Their necks intertwined like swans on a lake.
Their bond had formed, and my heart soared.
“He was smoother than you were, Rowen,” Dyani said with a playful nudge. “You almost messed up your chances with the Alcreon Light Bearer. How embarrassing.”
“Don’t I know it. I’ll have to take notes,” Rowen said with a chuckle as the birds took off into the air, flying around each other like helical comets.
“Looks like we play matchmaker well,” Rayal said, her eyes reflecting the light of the starwings. The queen wore pants and a shirt with a gold diadem on her head.
“Thank you for bringing him home,” I said as we hugged. “By the way, according to the deal I made with Aedris, my body is technically pledged to you.”
Dyani and Rowen stiffened as the queen laughed. “I release you from your oath. Your body is yours and no one else’s,” she said with her full authority, and I felt something within me shift.
“Thank you,” I said, noticing a pack slung over Dyani’s shoulder. “Going somewhere?” I asked with a grin.
“I didn’t get to fully take in the sights at Hara’dune,” she replied, hoisting the pack with her lean arms that gleamed with Demil’s silver armbands.
Rayal smiled as she took the warrior’s hand in hers. “Is it all right if I steal your best warrior?”
“Second best warrior,” Rowen said with a wry smile.
Dyani punched him in the arm. “Let’s settle this once and for all. How many demons did you slay on the battlefield?”
Rowen huffed in disgust. “I don’t count.”
“Yes, you do,” she rebutted.
“Fine,” Rowen admitted. “Two hundred and fifty-two.”
“Aha! That proves it. I killed over three hundred. And that was after I released my brother from Erovos’ darkness. Believe it or not, I didn’t count that one.”
Rowen’s smile faded. “I’m so sorry you had to do that, Dyani.”