Chapter Seventeen
Astryl
The smoke from the battlefield still hangs heavy in the air, a grim reminder of the price we’ve paid for victory. Thaldiran stands beside me, his gaze fixed on the ground, his expression etched with sorrow.
I can see it in his eyes, the weight of responsibility he feels for those we couldn’t save.
Elira and Joran approach us, their faces flushed with the adrenaline of battle, but their eyes clouded with sadness. “Well done, Thaldiran,” Elira says, her voice filled with genuine admiration. “You led us to victory today.”
Joran nods in agreement, clapping Thaldiran on the back. “We couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Thank you, both of you,” Thaldiran replies, forcing a smile. But I can see past it, see the cracks in his armor. He’s blaming himself for every lost life, every fallen warrior.
My heart aches for him, for the burden he carries. I reach out, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “Thaldiran,” I say softly, drawing his attention. “You did everything you could. You can’t carry the weight of this alone.”
He looks at me, his eyes searching mine, and for a moment, I see the raw vulnerability there. “I know,” he whispers, “but it doesn’t make it any easier.”
Elira and Joran exchange a glance, a silent understanding passing between them, before Elira speaks up. “If there’s anything we can do to help, just say the word.”
Thaldiran nods, taking a deep breath as if steeling himself for what comes next. “For now, let’s tend to the wounded and honor the fallen. They deserve that much.”
We all nod in agreement, united in our grief and determination to honor those who’ve sacrificed so much. As we turn to the task at hand, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of connection to these people, to their struggles and their strength. Though I may not have known the fae well before today, their pain is now my pain, their loss my loss.
Thaldiran leads the way to where the wounded are gathered, lying on makeshift cots and blankets. The scene is heart-wrenching; the air is filled with groans of pain and soft cries. I swallow hard, feeling a lump form in my throat at the sight of so many injured fae warriors.
Elira begins organizing groups of wounded, prioritizing the treatment and care of the more severe cases. Joran assists her, his face set with determination as he helps lift the injured onto the cots.
I feel the pull of my newfound angelic powers, a tingling sensation that travels from my fingertips to the core of my being.I spot a young fae warrior, his face pale and his breath shallow, clutching his side where a dark stain spreads across his tunic. I kneel beside him, placing my hands over his wound.
Closing my eyes, I concentrate on channeling the celestial energy within me. A warm light emanates from my palms, enveloping the injured area. The young warrior’s body tenses for a moment before relaxing as the divine energy works to heal him. The dark stain on his tunic begins to dry, the wound closing gradually until only a faint scar remains.
He opens his eyes, looking up at me with a mixture of awe and gratitude. “Thank you,” he whispers, his voice shaky but filled with relief.
I smile gently, helping him sit up. “Just rest now,” I tell him. “You’re going to be all right.”
As I stand up, I catch Thaldiran’s eye. He’s watching me, a hint of wonder in his gaze, and I can see a glimmer of hope returning to his features. It’s a small victory, but it’s enough for now. We continue to move among the wounded, each of us doing our part to ease their pain and mend their injuries.
The weight of the day’s events hangs heavy on us all, but in this moment, I feel a bond forming, a unity born from shared hardship and compassion. We may have come from different worlds, but today, we are united by a common purpose and a shared sense of loss.
As the sun begins to set we gather together once more. Thaldiran stands at the forefront, his voice steady as he speaks to the assembled fae warriors.
“Today, we fought bravely, and we mourn those we’ve lost. But let us also remember the strength we’ve shown and the unity we’ve found in the face of adversity. We will rebuild, we will heal, and we will continue to stand together against any darkness that threatens our world.”
His words resonate with all of us, a promise of hope and resilience. As we stand together, united in our grief and determination, I know that we will overcome this tragedy, stronger and more united than ever before.
As Thaldiran finishes speaking, a serene hush falls over the gathering. The weight of his words lingers in the air, a poignant reminder of the challenges we’ve faced and the resilience we’ve shown. Just then, a soft, ethereal glow begins to envelop us, casting a gentle radiance that seems to emanate from within each of us.
From the shimmering light, two figures emerge, their forms radiant and majestic. Wings unfurled, they descend gracefully, their presence both comforting and awe-inspiring. I feel a sense of peace wash over me as I recognize them even without ever having seen them.
Our guardian angels.
The first, a tall figure with wings of shimmering gold, approaches Thaldiran. “Thaldiran,” the angel speaks, and her voice is like a soothing melody, “You have shown great courage and leadership today. Do not blame yourself for the losses suffered, for you have done all you could to protect your people.”
Thaldiran looks up, his eyes meeting those of his guardian angel. I can see the tension in his shoulders begin to ease, a flicker of relief crossing his features. “Thank you,” he murmurs, his voice choked with emotion. “It’s been hard to find peace amidst the pain.”
The angel smiles gently, placing a hand on Thaldiran’s shoulder. “Peace comes from understanding that you are not alone in this journey. We are here to guide and support you, always.”
“What can I call you?”
