The Aftermath

“Grandfather’s been teaching you how to write in the old dryadic.” Sen’s comment stopped his pen.

“Obviously,” Bard sighed as he set down the pen.

“Why bother?” She asked, moving closer and peering over his shoulder. Bard instinctively shifted a few pages aside.

“Well… it’s more… not many know how and so what I write can stay 'my' thoughts. And… I think it looks nice,” Bard said. Sen chuckled as she shook her head.

“Leave it to you to take up old hobbies.”

“Well, it did save the world last time.” He winked at her, and she looked to his black fiddle in the room.

“I can’t argue with that.” He heard her sigh as a little cry made its way to their ears.

“Fed her recently?” Bard asked, and Sen groaned.

“Yes. She’s most likely too tired to fall asleep.”

Bard chuckled at his wife’s exaggerated motions. “I’ll be there to help in a bit. Just let me finish this.”

“Thank you.” She said before giving him a peck on his cheek and walking out to calm their little girl.

Bard looked at the journal he had started to write. He had already recorded the most important events. Though he kept his handwriting barely readable when he glossed over how the world was restored. Even if this was a mostly forgotten art, that information was still secret and sacred. What occurred in that grove on that day needed to be recorded, but he hoped it would remain hidden as Selene grew. At least until she could protect herself.

He leaned over, swishing the pen around as he thought of what to record next.

It’s been five years since the day of darkness. We’ve started to keep time based on that. It was Elwood’s suggestion. Most are still around since that day, hardly any remember the day the wars started. Except him, of course.

Bard chuckled.

Our family has grown again. We’ve been blessed with a little daughter, Avaline. Though Zak calls her Ava. They seem really close, and I hope it remains that way.

He hummed as he mused over their interactions. Zak always could tell if she was upset. With his young and growing vocabulary, he pointed out her arching back, her raised fists with her cries, each signaling something different. But a flicker of worry began to strike bard. While he played father’s song, their son danced or hummed along. But Avaline would keep crying. It was as if it wasn’t reaching her. Sen’s words, as she explained how her voice wasn’t connecting, also bothered him. But perhaps this was just a passing thing. Zak hadn’t responded for a bit after the day of darkness, his soul too shattered for music to reach. Perhaps this too was a repercussion, a lingering effect.

He wrote it down, trying to keep his fears in check. Perhaps he could ask Elder Healer if he had any insights.

Tonight, we should be able to appoint a new Elder Tree. Defender didn’t make it. However, Sparring Tree is going to take up his mantle. We’ve attempted this a few times now, but skirmishes with the Southern tribe keep propping up. We’ve taken extra measures this time and I hope they play out.

Bard looked at his white flute that Anjur had given them, and his mind wandered to Selene. She and Anjur offered their help in keeping those warmongering tribes at bay while they performed this rite. And it was much appreciated. He wasn’t sure what to think of the girl. She was mature, and stoic. But presented with a gift or some food, and he could see her youthful child-like energy come forth, but she suppressed it. Sen had no idea who those guests were, but she would overhear them from time to time, and it was getting hard to meet with them and discuss the shades. Bard’s main explanation was that they were like mercenaries who fought against the shades and had heard he had killed the Empress, so they worked together. It was yet another lie that bothered him, and he recorded down this situation with that bad handwriting in the old tongue.

He then heard a shout at the door to their home and looked back. Sounded like Elvira had brought her kids to play. Bard smiled as he moved the papers and put them away. He would continue recording things another time. For now, his family needed him. Sen walked by right as he stepped out and had a relieved look on her face as their eyes met. He gave her cheek a quick peck and looked at the little bundle in her arms. That bit of red hair had peeked through, and they were beginning to notice the hair color was tied to which season the child was born in. An interesting if not unique situation. Zak came running over as he heard a certain voice and Bard followed while Sen returned back to their room with Avaline.

As they descended the stair, Elvira greeted them and Zak was already running towards the backyard with his friends. Bard noticed the boy, the one who he had Elvira take in after that trek through snow all those years ago. It was good to see he was still alive and well, happy and thriving. His deceased parents would be pleased.

“I’ve noticed that the blue streak has gotten more pronounced. And is it appearing on his ears?” Elvira asked, pointing to the top of her own ears. Bard sighed.

“It’s probably part of his mixed heritage. At least, that’s our thought,” Bard said, looking through the door at the kids who played outside. Zak had a strange blue streak of hair in his bangs, and the tips of his ears seemed to have a blue tint. So far other than the adults, it hadn’t drawn any ire, but that could change as people found him different, a pain Bard knew all too well.

“Well, it’s certainly striking,” Elvira commented.

“Let’s…. Change the topic,” Bard sighed, and she smiled a wan sort of smile before changing the discussion.

“The craftsman are hard at work. We finished the final repairs just this morning, and now people can commission the intricate works and decor.”

Bard sighed in relief, leaning back in his chair. The aftermath of the fight had left lots of rubble and clean up had taken a long time. The fact that his place had been a later hit had meant they repaired it first to house a lot of people till the mess could be cleared out. The lack of people was a strange thing.

A nock at the door caused the two to look over and Bard moved to check on this new guest. His eyes flew wide as he caught sight of Amir, cleaned up, who poked his head in to look around.

“You’re back,” Bard said. Amir put his hand to his chest and Bard took note of the tokens there. Several types he had never seen before sang a bit. “Here to see your granddaughter?” Bard smirked and Amir placed his hand on Bard’s shoulder.

“Of course. Is she awake?” He asked politely. Bard looked back at the stair as he heard a creak. Sen descended and then realized who was at the door and flew down the stairs. Amir grasped her in his arms.

“Dad. You’re back!” She nearly shouted in jubilation.

“Where is this new child of yours?” Amir asked, and Bard stepped back as they began to speak in rapid Asternum. Amir looked a bit disappointed that Sen had just gotten Avaline to bed, but it was replaced as he embraced his own daughter with a bit of peace.

They invited him in, but he paused and then looked back nervously. Bard tilted his head to look past him and saw a lady on a deer outside.

“Seems you have quite the story to tell us,” Bard said, and Amir nodded before inviting the lady in. Elvira realized the mood and excused herself out to watch the kids and keep them outside unless called. Sen grabbed Bard’s hand and looked on in nervousness, but there was also a bit of happiness in her voice as she greeted the lady. The two had matching sets of tokens, though many of the ones Bard recognized of Sal Shefa’s Elders, were just approvals, speaking volumes about why Amir had returned so late in contrast to Elwood.

As they conversed, it was apparent that Sen was both happy for her father, but also a bit sad. Though she did put up the feeling of mostly happy. Bard asked about how they met, where they met, and their adventures. The conversation went long, and Elvira came in and made herself at home, cooking for the kids and her, taking a needed break from her other sort of work. She looked happy and even subtly forbade Bard from helping her, indicating to Amir. It had been years since they had seen him, and while for Dryads that wasn’t long, for Humans, it mattered.

“I meant to ask you before I began it all, Sen,” Amir said, coming over to her side and taking her hands. Sen looked on in surprise, and Bard smiled.

“You know I’ve told you before. I want your happiness, Father,” Sen said, and Bard nudged her, encouraging her to speak her mind. “Since you and Ziya have the same tokens, I assume you’ve completed the pledge. So please. Be happy, and…. Don’t forget to visit.”

Amir half chuckled and then ruffled her hair.

“We are missing one token,” Ziya spoke up, her voice quiet. Sen’s eyes lit up and she and Bard exchanged glances. Amir looked down and Bard notice his fallen countenance.

“She’s right. Defender’s token. But… he’s gone.” The subtle clenching of Amir’s fist spoke to the hurt he felt at it all. His eyes searched Sen’s, before falling to her still hair. That’s when Bard noticed that even Ziya’s hair was still, though its color was green with the color of summer. Did her forest not have an Elder Tree as well?

“Then you should come to the ritual tonight. Bard is going to appoint the next Elder for the silver woods,” Sen said eagerly. Ziya looked on, surprised and suspicious, while Amir was just surprised. Bard smiled.

“I should probably introduce myself,” he said, looking at Ziya, addressing her suspicion. “I am Bardon Jaystrum, son of Father Tree.” He said with a humble nod. Father’s token increased in volume. Her eyes flickered at the name.

“I see, then you are appointed just like Elder Wanderer. I apologize for doubting you,” she said graciously, and Bard’s brows raised a bit. He then stirred himself. There were many Elder Trees he hadn’t met. The name suggested a migrating tree, perhaps even an entire forest. But this appointed stuff was what sparked his curiosity more. He felt he would get along with her quite well, as she seemed to know of things he didn’t and that stirred his wanderlust a bit, but Sen’s hand kept him grounded here. He had a family and a place to belong, and he would protect that.

The hours passed and dinner was eaten. Kai returned with Keith and his wife, who was now showing signs of her pregnancy. Sal Shefa was growing and healing from the destruction. Elder Life and Preparation were restored and several of the dryads of her forest traveled back and forth, though some, like Keith’s wife, stayed more permanently.

When Amir met with Keith, he greeted him with a gusto of brotherhood, which brought out a few warm laughs from those who saw it. Bard and Sen excused themselves to dress for the ceremony and while Sen helped Zak get into his nice clothes, Bard could tell she was a bit off.

“Still thinking about your Dad?” He asked, and Sen’s hands faltered. Zak looked on confused.

“Grandpa has a nice lady with him. Are they getting married?” Zak’s innocently curious voice rang in the silence. Sen offered a gentle smile and pulled Zak into a hug.

“Yes. He’s getting remarried,” Sen answered. “But right now, we need to get your clothes on so Mommy and Daddy can get ready for tonight.” Zak beamed at the idea and cooperated, even assisting in getting Ava’s ceremonial garb for them and helping her. They left the kids outside in the main room with Kai while they began to help each other with the buttons and strings. Eventually, Sen pulled out a matching pair of golden antler crowns and placed one on Bard while he placed the other on her. He then helped her with the golden ear ring and put on a matching one. After making sure things were placed right and the trinkets of the ceremony were set, they took their tokens and removed Defender’s from the string. Sen was more… emotional as she removed hers. Bard offered her a bit of comfort and brought out the white flute. He still recalled the song, and he blew into the flute to make sure it would sound right.

With everything ready, he took her hand and the two left with Kai and the kids. They climbed aboard his back and already a crowd was outside, carrying lit candles instead of sunstone lanterns. It was solemn as they rode slowly through the city. The children who didn’t understand any better made noises of awe until Bard rose and brought the flute to his lips. He noticed Amir and Ziya on their deer in more elegant clothing.

As the sound of the flute began to spread, other instruments joined in with the tune. It was as if Defender was present with them, and Bard could sense Sen hold the kids a bit closer as Kai drew them into the woods. Catfolk, Humans, and Dryads lined the sides and made followed as they passed.

The woods parted ways to let the throng enter. Birds danced in the leaves that glowed with sunstone lanterns. Blue flowers had been cultivated to illuminate the grounds, giving it an ethereal feel despite the summer months. They approached the husk of Defender and saw Keith and Sparring Tree in front, waiting graciously. Sparring Tree had grown a lot in these years, becoming quite large, though was still dwarfed by the other Elder Trees.

Bard stepped down from Kai, keeping the melody intact with the help of Sen. The kids were brought to Elwood, who waited with Amir and Ziya. Bard then looked back as the crowd began to circle around, some even taking to the trees to see above the sea of heads. He then stopped the song and as the last note rang in the forest, he pulled out the token and passed between Sparring Tree and Keith on his way to Defender. Sen was right behind him, and the two placed the tokens in front of the husk. Sen’s demeanor was somber while a few tears traced down her cheeks.

She stepped back first while Bard pulled out the tokens. He then rose and began to swing the tokens around. The melodies of the Elder Trees began to harmonize, and he could hear the sounds as other tokens began to move behind, no doubt from Sen and those who had learned of this technique. The harmony reminded him of years gone by, and Bard then moved as he swung the tokens, making them sing a song of passing and renewal. The same as what had happened for Elder Hope. As he did so, Sparring Tree bowed and so did Keith, bringing the crowd who wasn’t part of the ceremony to their knees.

As it closed, Bard brought out the flute once more, and it shined a strange light as he brought it to his lips, playing Defender’s song, mixing it with Father’s melody. He then turned to look at Sparring Tree, and he heard Sparring Tree take on the song of Defender, mixing his tiny part into it till it was one whole. Bard then stopped playing, but the song continued. He then bowed to Sparring Tree, who reached out, and they touched branch to hand. In that exchange, a simple token was given, signifying the first token of the new Elder Tree. Bard looked up in surprise as a word seemed to resound in his ears.

“A pleasure to meet you, Elder Sentinel,” he said with a warm smile, taking the token and rising to his feet. Sentinel bowed once before moving to stand near the other Elders.

“I will watch over these woods, as my predecessors did before me,” Sentinel replied. As Bard looked out at the crowd, there was surprise and many tears. Then a simple sound began to sing forth, of joy and peace. The forest’s trees quivered and all the Dryads of the Silver woods began to gasp in surprise as their hair went from still to floating, symbolizing the acceptance of Elder Sentinel as their new Elder Tree.

After the somberness, the people of Sal Shefa broke out in celebration and danced in the forest. Zak ran with his friends, while Sen and Bard retreated back towards the Elders, content to watch things unfold. That was, until Jamil and Kihana returned. They had been gone for a bit on a journey to reconnect with the caravans and the temple, checking in on Paradise and the others. The reunion was very timely, and the Seraphos illuminated the canopies with their wings of light, making the feast and celebration last long into the night. Zak and his friends welcomed back the kits with much romping and rough housing. Sen kept them off Ruegar’s riffle when Zak wanted to show off. Bard rolled his eyes. That boy was competing with his mother in shooting.

At one point, Bard was sure he spotted the signs of Anjur or Selene, watching on in amusement, but he wasn’t entirely sure. Though, the night was one of joyous jubilation.