Thank You

Aileen’s chest rests by the Anubis River, open and empty.

“I want to return to my village.” Aileen whispers. She sits on Darius’s shoulder now that she has regained her confidence. “I feel bad asking, but will you take me there Darius?”

Darius smiles. He dreaded arriving at the Anubis River. It’s beautiful, the area empty as most stay away due to it being a place for passing on. Now, however, he’s thankful for having come.

“I’d love to.”

“But I’d like to make some detours on the way. You shall receive compensation for your time.”

Darius laughs. “I don’t need any. I’m just happy you’ve decided to return.”

After sharing a smile, the two friends head south to Aileen’s first desired stop.

Their journey keeps them together for three days until Aileen begins leading Darius instead of giving him a destination. Darius has figured out where she leads him to, but he doesn’t pull back, he believes it is time for him to find the courage Aileen has found.

The battle site of crimson blood. So much blood was spilled in this battle that the plants in the area have taken a red shade; from the grass, weeds, and flowers, all of them share the crimson red characteristics.

At the center of them all, the graveyards of everyone who fell in the battle. Amongst them, every warrior that Darius once called a friend.

The area around the gravestones is well maintained, and offerings such alcohol or keepsakes have been left. Furthermore, foreign plants have been planted around them. Each has a slight tint of crimson red, but they still display their natural, beautiful color.

The two are silent as Darius approaches the graves of his friends, he remembers where he buried each one.

But as he reaches their gravestones, his body remains still, unsure of what to do next.

Aileen flies in front of Darius, pulling his hand up by a finger. “The pain of losing everyone can never be forgotten. But I hope you understand now that it wasn’t your fault.”

Darius nods, his eyes somber.

“Darius.” Aileen continues, moving closer so that she can hug his chest. “Just as you helped me, I wish to help you now. I will be by your side for as long as you need, I will hold you, and I will help you recover. But you must mourn them. For all of them, allow yourself to be vulnerable and cry for them. Their deaths were not in vain, your life and decisions are not a mistake, so please, cry for as long as you need.”

“I’m afraid.”

“I know. But I’m here, allow me to protect you today. For all that you have done for me, know that I am forever grateful. But all that I can do for you today is stay by your side and cry with you. I know you believe them to hate you, but I promise you that isn’t right. I can hear them. And I want you to hear them as well. Soul’s Ceremony.”

The gravestones of Darius’s friends and comrades glow. Although faint, their souls can be seen sitting on their gravestones, talking amongst each other, and looking into the sky, all sporting a gentle smile. Aileen calls them, and as their eyes meet with Darius’s, their smiles grow wider.

“Darius.” One of the souls speaks. “Let’s share a drink when you cross, everyone else and I will wait for you. But until then, thanks for all that you’ve done. From visiting, planting flowers, and helping our families. Thank you.”

Their souls begin to fade, all while sending Darius well wishes, and their smiles remain until they are no longer visible.

Darius drops to his knees, Aileen flying near and holding his head. Both begin to cry, Aileen sharing the pain, and Darius allowing himself to mourn after years of repressing the pain within.

“Say, where did you learn that magic?” Darius asked.

“Soul magic? Well, it’s ancient magic, but I learned some spells from a wandering man. I know a few spells, the one I used calls upon emotions held by those passed. For example, they wanted to thank you. But the man who taught me was incredible with soul magic, almost like he could control them at will.”

“I see, I’d like to meet him one day.” Darius said as Aileen’s village came into sight. “We’ve made it.”

Like the rumors said, the village of fairies is filled to the brim with their kind. Located inside the forest of sky piercing trees, the village architecture has been built into the large trunks of trees. Countless small homes, with many more fairies lighting the village as the sun begins to set.

Aileen hides behind Darius’s head.

“Shall we?”

“I-I won’t stop you.”

Darius walks forward. Most buildings are still above his head, but there are many more at his level as he walks by, all the while fairies fly by him, surprised by their uncommon visitor, a human that is a giant in their village.

After a few minutes of walking inside, a group of voices yelled their way. “Aileen!”

Three fairy women fly towards Aileen and Darius. Aileen attempts to avoid them, but the number disadvantage makes her easy to catch.

One of the fairies holds Aileen’s hands. “You disappeared; we were so worried. I’m so sorry for not doing more to protect you.”

Aileen sniffles. When most of the village attacked and berated her, her closest friends did their best to stand by her side. But they also faced ridicule for it. After some time, Aileen decided to leave, hoping they wouldn’t have to suffer any more for it.

“I’m sorry.” Aileen mutters. “I missed you all so much.”

“Oh you.” The fairies group around Aileen and hug her. “Welcome back.”

“Oh! This is Darius, it’s thanks to him I’m here.”

“Nice to meet you all.” Darius said.

The fairies introduce themselves and thank him before flying away with Aileen as Darius watches them traverse through the leaves above. Aileen’s glow continues to grow, Darius is happy, but the moment to come leaves him with a hint of somberness.

After a full day exploring, Darius and Aileen end up on a hill overlooking most of the village. From above, the fairies look like specks of light.

“It’s beautiful.” Darius said.

On his shoulder, Aileen begins to cry. “Thank you. And I’m sorry.”

The time has come. Aileen will return to her village, and Darius to his home. But that is more difficult than either of them could have imagined.

“Don’t be sad.”

Before he can continue, Aileen hugs Darius, doing her best to spread her arms as wide as she can to his chest. “How can I not be? You saved me, brought me home… I love you.”

“I love you too. You saved my life many times. I never thought meeting a lightless fairy would be the best thing to happen to me. But I’m grateful, you’re more than I could have asked for.”

The two spend more time looking into the village, enjoying the last moments they have until they meet again.

“You better visit.” Aileen said as she saw Darius off.

“Of course, my heart will always yearn for you, so I’ll be sure to visit soon.”

“I mean it. As often, whenever you need. Think of me because I will think of you.” Aileen kisses Darius on his cheek. “I’m going to write; I expect quick responses.”

“Of course, I can’t wait. Until we meet again.” Darius smiles as he holds his finger out.

Aileen nods and presses her finger against his. The glow between their fingers brighter than ever, their love eternal, and their paths something they now look forward to as they wait for the day they will cross once again. 

Thanks for reading! - E.F. Veda