Home At Last

Saru's group stood together, silently observing as the crowd dispersed in various directions. Lost in his thoughts, Saru turned away from his team and gazed into the distance. He felt a comforting touch on his shoulder and turned to see Raven, who asked, "Are you okay, my king?" Saru managed a smile and replied, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just reflecting on everything we've been through. Thankfully, we didn't lose anyone from our team, but we did lose villagers." Raven paused, his gaze distant as he reflected on Saru's words. "Ah, you must be talking about Yuki. It was truly a beautiful duel, my king. Both of you fought with your hearts. I can tell you had deep affection for her." Saru knelt down, trying to explain, "It's not that I loved her. It's just painful to know that I had to say goodbye to a friend because of lies. But yes, perhaps that's why I faced her head-on during the fight. I don't know what came over me." The Mad Wolf joined Saru, offering his perspective. "Hey, man, I know it might sound cliché, but with each passing day, it'll get easier. Right now, you probably want to unleash your anger and frustration, but she's watching over you, and she's at peace." Tears welled up in Saru's eyes as he tried to compose himself. Elowen Frostwind leaned in and gently placed her head on his back. "I, too, lost a dear friend in a war, someone I had to face in battle. It does get easier, but you'll have to deal with survivor's guilt. Beating yourself up won't solve anything." Saru wiped away his tears and stood up, his smile returning. "You guys are right. I'm sorry for getting so down. So, who's ready to head home at last?" Elowen Frostwind spoke up, "Before we do, let's bid farewell to the great sages. We never know when we'll see them again." The group nodded in agreement and walked through the lively town towards the castle. As they arrived at the castle doors, Aric Stormweaver opened them to let them in. "Ah, what brings my honorary sages to the castle at this time of day?" Saru smiled and thanked him for everything. "Well, we're going to head out towards our next adventure. We have a kingdom to return to and serve." Aric Stormweaver smiled before a hint of sadness crossed his face. "I wish I had known you were leaving so soon; I would have sat down with you and had a drink." Saru laughed and said, "Maybe next time." Aric Stormweaver began to speak but was interrupted as the great sages entered the room, casting an aura of wisdom and mystery over the scene. Baelor Fireforge looked at Saru's team. "You've got a remarkable team there. I hope we never have to cross swords." Saru smiled. "No, we stand with you, if anything." Thalorin Sunfire laughed. "By the way, the horses you left were stored away on the farm and they are now waiting for you out front. I hope you have a safe journey." Saru smiled and thanked the great Sage. Elowen Starcaster was eyeing her daughter. "Saru, you better protect my daughter with your life." Saru placed his fist on his chest. "Yes, ma'am." She looked down before looking up. "Well, this is goodbye for now. We will definitely meet again, as it's foretold in that black book." Saru smiled. "I am glad we had the opportunity to work together through hell and back." Saru's gang turned towards the door to walk out. Aric Stormweaver spoke up before coughing up blood, but he did a good job of covering it so no one saw. "Y'all be safe on the journey back. We also set up a trade outpost in your village, so later today, a shipment will arrive with herbs, seeds, and people to use around the village as you see fit." Saru and the gang bowed their heads. "Thank you for everything, great sages of Eldoria." Saru's group walked out of the castle and through the lively town, reaching the front where their horses were waiting. Saru laughed. "I can't wait to go home. I can't believe we've been gone for weeks. You know our own people are going to be all over us." Aryan laughed. "Oh, most definitely." Saru hopped on his horse and extended his hand to Elowen Frostwind. She gently placed her hand in his, and he hoisted her up. "Sit tight; we're going to try to get back in record time." Raven perked his head up. "What's the best time we've got so far, my king?" Saru pulled out a journal he was writing in. "So far, 2 hours." The gang laughed as they rode off into the sunset, hoping to reach the village before nightfall. As they neared their homeland, they noticed significant changes. The farms were larger, and the trees had been cut down but were growing back beautifully. Saru looked around and said, "We must have had a bountiful harvest while we were away." Raven laughed. "I hope so, king." Upon reaching the village, they found all the villagers waiting outside for them. Saru hopped off his horse and walked into the village. A child approached him and asked, "How was the fight?" Saru laughed and said, "For now, I want you all to go to bed; it's nighttime. I'll tell you all in the morning. Meet in the middle of the town at 9 am." Amelia Fox approached Saru and greeted him. "Hello, Amelia, how have you been?" Amelia smiled but was visibly unwell. "I've been well." Raven touched her forehead and said, "You're running a bad fever." Amelia scoffed and said, "Look, I'm fine. I was running this village on no sleep, and I am fine." Saru placed his hand on her head and gently rubbed it. "Go inside and get some rest; I'll have someone make you some soup and bring some medicine. I can't afford you dropping dead on me." Amelia didn't protest and went to rest in her bed. Saru looked at the wagon and noticed a shovel had been placed there. George walked up behind Saru and placed his hand on his back. "I thought it would be best if you buried the body. Don't worry, the girls you brought back are in the orphanage right now." Saru nodded and shook his hand. "Thank you, George." Saru walked over to the shovel and started digging a grave for Yuki. "I can't believe I'm doing this. Who should have to bury their own friend? I love you, Yuki." The grave was dug, and Saru gently lowered her body into it. Raven watched in silence with his head bowed as Saru filled the hole, watching Yuki's body disappear under the dirt. Saru sat by the grave with his head buried in his legs, crying. Raven sat down next to him and placed his head on his side. "Let it out, king. I know this isn't easy for you. I'll never know what's going through your head, but at least I know you're still human." Saru laughed. "Where is everyone else?" Saru, The Mad Wolf, and Raven continued to mourn Yuki's loss by the grave. They each took a flower and placed it on her grave, saying their final goodbyes to their fallen friend. After their moment of reflection, they walked back to the castle and called it a night. Saru asked Raven to bring some cold medicine to Amelia, who had fallen ill. Amelia reluctantly took the medicine and agreed to get some rest. The group dispersed to their respective rooms, exhausted from their journey and the emotional toll it had taken. They were grateful for the support and understanding they found within their team. As they lay in their beds, they couldn't help but think about the adventures and challenges that lay ahead of them. Saru knew that Yuki would always be a part of their memories.