Leon's eyes barely opened, his vision was blurred, but still he framed Grimsa, treating him with cold indifference. Faf's body was above the rest. He was out already, helping the people gather resources for migration. Vlan was slightly dizzy, but finally came out of the Apothecary. Yamik on the other hand sat upon the grand crown, where his father once sat. Now it was his responsibility to oversee matters of the tribe.
That's when one of the tribe's messengers came running, informing Yamik "Chief, it's the saviour, he is ready to depart".
"What…" Vlan was stunned.
They nimbly stormed towards Grimsa's hut. There stood Leon- still injured to walk swiftly, but yet for Agasthus… he had to depart.
"What's the rush, Revenant?" Vlan asked
"My brother doesn't have much time, Vlan. He is in tremendous agony, I need to deliver this gem to him, otherwise it would all be for nothing" Leon was loud and clear "Faf you remember all I taught you about riding a horse"
"You bet… brother" Faf replied with a grin
"Then take the lead"
The days spent with the tribe had been ecstatic. They were still illuminating in their conscience, but at last it was time to terminate that inner turmoil. It was early morning- the birds were chirping their melodious rhymes, while the waterfalls were odouring the fresh smell of wet soil.
Everybody in the village had lined up, ready to set off farewell to their esteemed guests. That's when unsettled Vlan spoke out "Revenant, I would love to join you in your journey"
Leon smiled and replied "I would gladly take you with me, but for now… the matters in Imperial Town are unresolved. We will liberate the town… very soon we will start the revolution… and I will surely call upon your strength… Until then… prepare yourself and your army, Vlan"
Vlan didn't reply, instead he bowed down in honour.
"Have a safe journey, Revenant" Yamik came with a robe as a souvenir.
The horse was hoarded…
And the two brothers left for their homeland…
"I'm going to follow that man" Vlan whispered to Yamik
"You have chosen the right man" Yamik was proud.
The little children chased the horses with no boundaries left, people damped by the emotional send-off, everything commissioned the freedom they received.
And thus, the fated moment emerged … The tale of the mysterious forest had come to an end.
Liora's warmth was as gentle as a lullaby for Mrs.Kaelen. She would bring food, clean the house, stockpile essentials all on her own. Mrs.Kaelen, however, was unable to move. Her eyes were sore and her hair entangled, she was a complete mess. She would spend her days staring at the pod of Helpa, barely keeping Agasthus intact.
"Mother… you need to gather yourself. You can't be like this forever" Liora was frustrated
"Watch your tone, girl. What do you mean by staying this way forever? By any chance do you comprehend Agasthus would never heal" Mrs.Kaelen was furious.
"You and your witless assumptions" she fled down the stairs, outside the house, banging the door close. She cried to herself without moving an inch from where she stood. The luminous sunset was straight ahead as she lost in its beauty.
That's when she noticed…. A horse harding towards their house. It was a shifty, cryptic place and thus she knew who they were. She quickly went in and cried the words of relief "Mother… they are here"
Mrs.Kaelen was delighted, she was in a complete realm of euphoria. Her senses surged and neglect pulverised. She came running downstairs, waiting to unveil the news herself.
Amidst the wait, she realised her crooked behaviour and vassalage towards Liora. She hugged her with tears of joy and disposition, lovingly whispering "I'm sorry my child"
Liora's anger was gone, it vanished like it never existed. She held herself in the tender hug of her beloved mother… it was all worth it for Leon, as he got to venture the sight. They joined in the warm husk, crossing their arms mutually. It was brief, but harmonious enough to decipher the restlessness. The sun setting behind the peaks marked the insufficient time, so it was time to heal Agasthus.
Leon, barely walking, climbed upstairs with Faf as his staff. The stairs just like before, crooked with oldness, making the haunting sounds. Mr.Kaelen's chair, placed exactly where it always loomed.
It was his home…
Leon was back where he belonged…
The gem shone near Agasthus. It destroyed the curse dampened over "The Path of Dignified Apostle"...
Agasthus's beat could be sensed by the Revenant. The pod of Helpa was broken as Agasthus came to senses.
He was cured…
He was mundane…
Mrs. Kaelen, Liora and Faf bugged over the sleeping comrade, welcoming home after his dreadful trip.
Leon on the other hand couldn't keep it to himself. His wounds screaming through his whole body, his mind after many trials, awaited rest. He didn't want to sway the celebration, so he simply dragged himself out of the house. Sitting right beside the mango tree, he slumbered himself to its rough hide.
"Oh… it hurts" he closed his eyes, feeling the serene wind.
"Can I join?" A known voice asked
It was Agasthus…
"Of course," Leon replied with utmost happiness.
The moment Agasthus rested beside, Leon bonked him on his head, whispering "no more reckless moves"....
And Agasthus rested on his brother's shoulders….
Liora and Faf came right after, with Mrs.Kaelen enjoying the love from a distance.
Sometimes love doesn't need words or explanation, it simply needs comfort and a shoulder to rest on. Just like the waves calms someday, even the brightest storms in life will settle. Though the calmness never remains forever, I guess that's what makes it beautiful and valuable….