Lord Zee
Vec
Rekkuza
Iwannabeyours
princess
Cmmelody
Necrodancer
ActRaiserTheReturned
TimemasterThere was little that Eléane herself could do, as others gathered the still bleeding bodies from between the cogs and gears. The enemy was defeated, but the cost was high. Massive pyres were built all along the shore line, and those whom had fallen were each given their own. Soon the afternoon turned to dusk, and finally all the bodies had been gathered. With the twilight sun setting, the remaining War-Magi began to play their song. From the braziers, small fire familiars jumped, and crossed the beach in grace to reach the pyres. Where they nestled themselves deep within the dry wood. Immediately the piles caught fire, and thus the dead were burned. A gentle southern wind blew the ashes into the sea. As much as most tried, some could not hold back a tear. They tried to remain strong. But they had lost many friends now.
One by one the mages scattered. Returning back to their camp. Eventually, only Eléane remained. Watching the embers glowing in the midnight blackness. There was no moon nor stars to be seen today. The only light came from the red smoldering and the blue lights in the sea. When she thought that no-one could see her, Eléane collapsed onto her knees. But she was not alone.
“It’s not your fault you know.” Selina said. She was the sorceress who cast the Bright Flash. Eléane’s miracle of the past battle. “Nobody’s blaming you for what happened.”
But Eléane would not have the kind words: “I failed as a commander. And they paid the price.” She could not take her eyes off the charcoal on the beach.
“They died for their country.”
“They died because of my father!” Eléane sneered back at Selina.
“No. Your father is great, yes. But they fought for what Engelica stands for. A strong nation. Where we, mages, can live and do whatever we want. You forget, I too am a child of war. Every one of our generation is. We grew up without a father, a mother or both. We fought for New Engelica here. We fight at her borders and beyond to ensure that the people within the land don’t need to fear and cower every day.”
A long silence fell. Eventually to be broken by Eléane. “Selina. I want you to listen to me. And only listen, until I am finished.”
The following day, several mages started their rituals on the beach where they fought the specter army. Some went towards the Leviathan, or at least the rotting carcass of it. Meditating around it, to drain it from whatever dark aura it still has left.
One by one the mages scattered. Returning back to their camp. Eventually, only Eléane remained. Watching the embers glowing in the midnight blackness. There was no moon nor stars to be seen today. The only light came from the red smoldering and the blue lights in the sea. When she thought that no-one could see her, Eléane collapsed onto her knees. But she was not alone.
“It’s not your fault you know.” Selina said. She was the sorceress who cast the Bright Flash. Eléane’s miracle of the past battle. “Nobody’s blaming you for what happened.”
But Eléane would not have the kind words: “I failed as a commander. And they paid the price.” She could not take her eyes off the charcoal on the beach.
“They died for their country.”
“They died because of my father!” Eléane sneered back at Selina.
“No. Your father is great, yes. But they fought for what Engelica stands for. A strong nation. Where we, mages, can live and do whatever we want. You forget, I too am a child of war. Every one of our generation is. We grew up without a father, a mother or both. We fought for New Engelica here. We fight at her borders and beyond to ensure that the people within the land don’t need to fear and cower every day.”
A long silence fell. Eventually to be broken by Eléane. “Selina. I want you to listen to me. And only listen, until I am finished.”
The following day, several mages started their rituals on the beach where they fought the specter army. Some went towards the Leviathan, or at least the rotting carcass of it. Meditating around it, to drain it from whatever dark aura it still has left.