[center][img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/b3RmLjk2LmFkZDhlNi5USFZ1WVNCT2IzZy4w/sundae-ice.regular.webp[/img][/center]
[hr]
The clearing quickly became a hive of activity. Men and women hurried to and fro, lighting campfires and retrieving food and alcohol. Soon enough, the entire clearing had been taken over by a large party, the soldiers of the Nychthemeron Empire celebrating their princess’ return while everyone else just wanted an excuse to party. Music played, people laughed, some others sparred, and others still swapped stories with each other.

Luna sat on the steps leading into the main building, a mug of beer in her hand. For the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to relax. For years, she had thought her home was gone, that whatever survivors there were had scattered to the far corners of the globe. Now, however, she was closer to feeling at home than she had been in the last decade and a half. “Enjoying yourself, Your Highness? You know this party's in your honor, right?”

Luna looked over her shoulder to find the leader of the ragtag group, Marcus Istria, standing behind her. The older man used to be a Prefect, the second-highest rank in the Empire’s main military force, the Legion. From the way he moved, it was clear to Luna that the man hadn’t lost even a bit of his edge, despite his age. [color=lightblue]”I told you not to call me that,”[/color] she said with a chuckle before she took a swig of her beer. [color=lightblue]”I haven’t been a princess in so long that it’s weird having people treat me like one.”[/color] Then, in a softer tone, she added, [color=lightblue]”Besides, it’s not like I have an Empire to inherit, anymore…”[/color]

Marcus was quiet for a moment before he sat down next to her with a groan, his bulk taking up the remaining space on the step. “Gods above, I’m getting old,” he muttered with a chuckle as he took a tankard of beer offered to him by one of his men. Another moment passed before he added, “You know, Your High–” he stopped himself when he saw the glare the young woman gave him. “Right, sorry. You know, [i]Luna[/i], an Empire is more than just the name or even the borders.”

He gestured out toward his group and continued, “It’s the [i]people.[/i] Without the people to support it, there wouldn’t be an empire. So long as there are people who remember their home, who maintain their customs, the empire will never truly die, even if it’s reduced to little more than cinders.” He looked at Luna with a smile and added, “It just needs someone to help it blaze, again.”

She was quiet for a long time, looking into her beer. [color=lightblue]”I’ll admit, it’s a nice thought,”[/color] she finally said, [color=lightblue]”but I can’t see it happening. First off, how can we bring the Empire back with, what, twenty, thirty people? Second, even if we could, there’s no way the World Government would give us a chance to regain even a fraction of what we had before they wipe us out, again.”[/color] She sighed and added, [color=lightblue]”Besides…I have something more important I need to do before I can think about anything else.”[/color]

The grizzled veteran regarded Luna for a few moments before he decided to leave the topic for another time. “I heard,” he said. “One of the youngest Marines to be promoted to Captain, huh? Without a Devil Fruit, no less.” Marcus took a long drink before he added, “What the hell could he be thinking?”

[color=lightblue]”Beats me. But, whatever it is, it can’t be good,”[/color] Luna replied as she drained the last of her beer. She wiped her mouth, then looked up at Marcus with an inquisitive look. [color=lightblue]”Oh, by the way. There’s this kid in town, who said a couple of guys from here robbed him and his mom of their food and money. They even killed his dad.”[/color] Her eyes narrowed as she asked, [color=lightblue]”Are they really your men?”[/color]

A weary sigh left the older man’s lips as he said, “I’m ashamed to admit it, but they were. Don’t worry, though. I took care of them a little while before you got here.” He took another swig and said, “I won’t go into details, but they won’t be bothering anyone, anymore. It won’t do much, if anything, to ease their loss, but I’ll send someone in the morning with as much money as we can spare.” After a moment, he added in a low growl, “We’re probably gonna have to relocate, though. I can’t afford anyone getting nosy and finding out about us.”

Marcus drained his beer and set the mug on the step before he stood. “Anyway. This is a time of celebration, no place for depressing talk like that,” he told Luna with a grin. He jerked his head toward the central bonfire and said, “Let’s go enjoy the party, [i]princess.[/i]”

Luna chuckled at the older man’s teasing and watched him walk away for a moment. She had to admit, it had been a long time since she was able to really relax. She was already a week behind and it would be another three days before her boat was repaired. Why shouldn’t she enjoy herself, especially since she had little choice in the matter? [color=lightblue]”Alright, alright, I’m coming, old man,”[/color] she said with a chuckle as Marcus waved her over. She set her empty tankard next to the one Marcus left behind and walked toward the flickering flames and dancing shadows.