As they exited the castle, still wearing their ornate robes (“A gift from the King,” the tailor had explained as he handed their old outfits back), Era’s knees suddenly gave out, making him collapse into Gabriel.
“Freaked you out that much, eh?” he joked lightly, supporting Era with one arm.
“Quite,” Era said, nodding. “I was positive that… well, that we wouldn’t be walking out of here freely.”
“You were right about him, though,” Gabriel said. “He is a very intelligent leader. We’re definitely lucky there.”
“Most definitely.” Era carefully got back on his own feet, taking a few cautious steps. “I feel like walking on air.”
“Hate to be a downer,” Gabriel said, “but you do remember we have a funeral to go to tonight, right?”
“Of course,” Era said quietly, nodding slowly. “I would never forget.”
“Alright.” He looked at Era with concern. “Are you going to be alright tonight?”
Smiling despite the worry in his eyes, Era nodded. “I certainly hope so.”
“Well, Archmage,” the King said after they had left, “does what Baines say match with your perspective of Caine’s death?”
Stepping out from behind a curtain, Dashito nodded. “Yes, sire,” he said, bowing his head. “Their story is true, to the best of my knowledge.”
“I find it odd,” he said, “that you do not speak on your master’s behalf.”
“I didn’t… it wasn’t that I hated him, but I held no great love for Caine, either, your highness.”
“I see.”
“The truth of his death is more important to me in this case.”
The King nodded. “How do you feel about your newfound responsibility, young Archmage?”
“Overwhelmed,” he said, “if I may say so, your grace.”
“Oh?”
“I just… don’t feel prepared for this position,” he said meekly. “Caine was often… ‘preoccupied’ I guess would be the best word for it. I learned little of court etiquette and even littler of the official duties of an Archmage.”
“Caine was a very intelligent man,” the King thought aloud, “but he never was the best teacher.”
“Of course, I will try my hardest to fill his shoes, my King.”
“Actually,” he said, “I may have a solution to your woe.”
As dusk began to set in, the field the crowd stood in was illuminated orange by candlelight.
Era and Gabriel had tucked away their new robes in exchange for black cloaks, and each held a candle delicately in their grip. Era had let his long hair down; it was a striking contrast to the darkness around them.
The two dozen people attending the funeral had their heads bowed low, their bodies forming a circle around Crisilla’s coffin. The lid was open, and she had been delicately cleaned and rearranged, looking like she was merely sleeping instead of cold and lifeless. You wouldn’t know what had happened to her unless you were told, Era thought gravely.
The ceremony was long and headed by a priest who chanted in an ancient, magical tongue with a loud, strong voice; not an eye in the audience was dry. After the prayers were completed, they lined up to pay last respects. Some merely bowed their head and said a word of farewell; some dropped a small trinket in her coffin; some whispered kind words in her ear, as if she could still hear them.
As Era approached, he felt Gabriel gently, but firmly, hold his shoulder. He smiled back at him appreciatively before looking down to Crisilla, bending over to whisper to her.
“I wish I could have been a better brother to you,” he said with a quivering voice, unable to keep his eyes from flowing. “I have so many regrets.
“But I’m so very, very thankful you greeted me that day in the market. I loved staring at the stars with you, and I loved your laugh and your sweet optimism.” He paused for a breath. “I know I wasn’t there for you, but thank you, thank you a thousand times, for being there for me.” He placed a delicate kiss on her cold forehead, wiping his eyes as he walked away.
Gabriel joined him after bowing his head in reverence, both standing in silence for a long while. Era fed off of his strength vicariously. As long as he is here, he thought, as long as I know there’s someone, somewhere, out there to help me along… I think I could get through anything.
He gave Gabriel a smile, who returned it with his familiar half-grin. Era looked around at the other guests, not recognizing any faces but Jarred’s. Their eyes met, and Jarred flashed him a hateful, piercing glare. Shocked, he leaned back, a mixture of confusion and sadness gracing his expression.
“Just try not to worry about him, kid,” Gabriel said quietly.
“He’s never going to forgive me, is he?” Era asked quietly and resignedly.
“Honestly? Probably not.” He sighed. “He’s a good guy, and he really loved Crisilla. But he’s one of those people who needs a face for his anger, and you happen to fit the bill in this case.”
“I certainly don’t blame him,” Era said. “I still blame myself quite a bit for her fate.”
“You’ll find a way to move on,” he replied. “So will he. Eventually his hate will cool. Eventually your guilt will fade. Eventually everything will get better for everyone. You just have to give these things time.”
“I understand,” Era said, nodding. He stood in silence for a while longer with Gabriel, feeling strangely calm despite it all.
Then a woman’s face caught his eye.
Era’s breath caught in his throat, his eyes widening. “Gods,” he whispered, “it’s her.”
“What?” Gabriel said, looking around. “Who’s what?”
Not answering, Era walked quickly towards her, his pace increasing the closer he got. The woman, with her pale blonde hair and regal bearing, stood beside a tall tree of a man with rough brown hair and a stoic face. As he approached, they both suddenly stared at him with shock in their expressions.
He stopped just short of them, taking the last steps to the pair slowly and hesitatingly. “Mother,” he whispered, “Father.”
“Lucien,” his mother whispered, her hazel eyes flooding with tears.
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