NOELLE’S POV,
It is a few hours later and bells are ringing through the city to announce the beginning of the funerals for all the lost lives. At first, we wanted to make a burning woodpile for every single body but then we decided it would be more meaningful to send everyone off on small plateaus at the lake that leads to the sea in Dandion. Everyone worked together the last couple of hours to make floating plateaus for all the bodies.
I leave the castle to go to the lake with Gabriel. Everywhere I go people look at me with big eyes and they either bow or clap for me. I quickly gained the image of the heroine that saved the world in the hours that have passed. Tales of how I destroyed the army with magic spread and they even sound unbelievable to me while I know that I did it. I walk to the front of the lake where Luna, Holly, Julias, and Nolan are already waiting. The sun is shining and the only thing I hear is the sound of the wind.
I look at all the people standing there together, a mix of humans, magicians, angels, healed dark humans, people of the Sea Realm, and dragons. They all look at me with anticipation and I realize they are waiting for me to speak. I walk forward with a straight back and look at the people before I start talking, “TODAY IS A DAY WITH MIXED FEELINGS FOR ALL OF US. IT IS THE FIRST DAY OF PEACE BUT ALSO THE FIRST DAY TO LIVE WITH THE SACRIFICES THAT HAVE BEEN MADE. WE ALL FEEL THE HEAVY BURDEN OF THE LIVES SACRIFICED BUT TODAY WE WILL HONOR THEM BECAUSE THEIR SACRIFICE HAS NOT BEEN IN VAIN. WHEN I LOOK AT ALL OF YOU STANDING HERE TOGETHER AS ONE IT GIVES ME HOPE THAT TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE. FOR NOW, LET US SAY GOODBYE TO THE ONES THAT WE LOVED AND LOST.”
We first put Faith, Zeus, and Angus on plateaus and say our goodbyes to them. There is much I would want to say but I know deep in my heart that they both knew how much they meant to me. Part of me believes they are watching us right now. The plateaus slowly drift off to the open sea and more and more people put their loved ones on plateaus after them. When all the bodies are on the water I give Thorn a sign and all the dragons get up in the air. Thorn puts the first plateaus on fire and the other dragons follow his example. A beautiful song cuts through the silence by a clear angelic voice. Listening to the song I think of all the victims this war has caused. I think of Zeus, Angus, Faith, Magister Ember, Roan, Ella, and many more. I silently thank them because without them we wouldn’t be standing here today. Gabriel hugs me from behind and together we watch the plateaus disappear onto the horizon. His hands are on my stomach and my heart skips a beat when I feel a kick inside me. I look up at Gabriel and he looks at me shocked. “Was that?” he asks.
“I think so,” I say laughing and suddenly I feel overwhelmed with emotions. I let my tears go and in Gabriel’s embrace, I cry tears of loss for the lives lost but also tears of joy for the life that will now have a chance to live.
The next couple of days we all discuss together and with the people what will happen to the Realms. Julias and Luna will stay in Dandion and rule the city with a council of people that represent different groups. The people of the Sea Realm will rebuild their Realm with the help of Julias and Luna. When the Sea Realm is restored the people of the Sea Realm will elect a leader among their own people. Holly will take over the crown for the Sky Realm and rule it with Nolan by her side. As for Gabriel and I, we decided that our heart lies with Liberum. We will rule there and keep it a city where everyone will be welcome. We want to begin a school that will teach magic where everyone gifted can come to learn about magic and magical creatures. Magic has been forbidden for such a long time so it is going to be important that there will be some guidance for those who need it.
Today is the day that Gabriel and I go back to Liberum. I feel sad about leaving Holly, Nolan, Julias, and Luna but I know we have a special bond that will last forever. We all agreed that every year we should come back to Dandion to celebrate peace and remember the ones that gave their lives in the war. I get on Thorn his back and looking at Gabriel next to me on Dagahra I know we are going to be alright. Whatever the future will bring, we can handle it, together.