Mana's Mind
by Duran the Gladiator (duh!)
Chapter 8: Royal reward and painful moments
"Good morning, sleepy heads!", said Lise as she saw Duran and Angela enter the dining room last. Kevin finished eating some bacon and went outside. Carlie had finished a while before him and was outside as well, playing with Karl - the wolf had become a friend to her as it could sense her love for Kevin. Duran yawned as he got a large portion of eggs and bacon.
"What's the matter, Duran? Normally, you aren't that tired.", remarked Hawk dryly.
"Well, I stayed up late yesterday to celebrate.", he said, smiling. It was true, he had opened a bottle of fine wine from Palo he had snuck in when the Peace Summit had started, to celebrate his engagement with Angela. It had been good wine, and part of the cause of his and Angela's hangover.
"Oh, what did you celebrate?", Lise asked as she turned around in her chair, her interest aroused.
"Well, let's just say that Kevin and Carlie aren't the only ones who are going to get married...", said Angela with a broad grin.
"You don't say! Congratulations!", said Lise. Hawk was a bit dryer in his wishes, but still very happy about them being officially engaged. The rest of breakfast was spent in an atmosphere of planning - Lise was trying to figure out what they'd do that day except talk and generally hang out - until Kevin came back inside.
"Duran, I think messenger from Forcena is coming here! Carlie and I went to Luna, and when I looked outside, I saw big turtle come this way..."
"Really?! Maybe he has news from the King!", exclaimed Duran, his spirits raising and his mind darkening at the same time. Angela, too, seemed curious.
"I dunno, but he be here in few hours."
"Great. What do we do in the meantime?", sighed Lise as her thoughts had been interrupted.
"Well, Kevin, didn't you say something about showing us the garden you spend nearly every spare second in?", teased Angela. Kevin smiled.
"That good idea! Garden is beautiful - and big, so beware not to get lost..." He and Carlie (who had by then joined her beloved) showed them the way to it, and as the doors slid open, everyone else stopped in amazement.
They hadn't lied: it was breathtaking and very, very big.
A dozen different varieties of flowers stood in every flower bed, and trees surrounded the premises. Duran picked a few beautiful varieties of the lily and gave them to Angela with a big show of affection. Luckily for him, this gesture went unnoticed by the rest as they were fascinated by the garden's splendor.
"And this is rosebed... no, wait a bit Charle, next ones don't have thorns... yes, those. And those..." Kevin said as he guided them and in the meantime presented Carlie a flower from time to time, "are orchids... like the pink ones?... oh, and my favorite: flowers called "Dryadae"... three beautiful flowers for very beautiful girl... And that's it!", he concluded as they arrived at the entrance again.
"Wow... those were a lot of flowers!", said Lise as she looked at a few lilies she had picked for herself. She admired the vast amount of flowers Carlie had gotten, but then came back to reality. "Kevin, won't picking them affect the rest of the bed?"
"No, they grow fast, overnight. Tomorrow there be no more empty spaces..." He nodded at Carlie, who skipped off to put the flowers in some vases - by the looks of it, half a dozen vases - as the rest went back to the dining room. A maid came running towards them.
"Prince Kevin, a messenger of Forcena requests an audition with you and the other Heroes."
"Tell him we'll be with him in a minute...", said Kevin as he patted the maid on the shoulder.
"Ooh, Kevin, does Carlie like you familiarising with your female personnel?", teased Hawk.
"Eh, Minca is friend since childhood. She was my replacement mother..."
"Huh?! She?", said the amazed ninja as he looked at the maid, who had run off. "She looks my age!"
"Heh, she not...", stated the beastman. Carlie had joined them in the meantime and they were on their way to the meeting room, where the messenger was waiting.
"Duran!", shouted Brandon as the group entered.
"Brandon, man, what's up?", said the sturdy swordsman as he shook his friend's hand. "I hear you have a message..."
"Yeah, King Richard requests your presence in Forcena - tomorrow. He has an important declaration to make to all his subjects, and since you're one of them... Oh, and of course, the others are welcome to come and listen to it as well. Princess Angela's presence is required, however, as her mother has something important to tell her. Oh, I'll come with you."
"Sure thing, pal - if you're not afraid of our method of transport, that is... What do you say, you guys?", he asked as he turned towards his friends, "Will you come along?"
"Yes!", they all shouted. Lise added "You oaf!", before slapping him friendly.
"Fine, then it's settled. Shall we go now, or wait until the evening?" When no response came, he decided to leave after lunch. "'Cause no one can go anywhere on an empty stomach...", he said as he ran his hand over it demonstratively. Brandon laughed as he did.
"Still the unstoppable urge to eat inside you? God, and I thought she could temper you!", he said as he pointed towards Angela, who stuck out her tongue.
"Hell, if she's the one you expect to temper me, she'd better get tempered herself.", said Duran. Angela sat down beside him and he immediately put his arm over her shoulder. "B'sides, that's no way to talk about my fiancée, Brandon!"
"You two got engaged? Wow, must be a bummer for her mother, since she did want a prince for a son-in-law."
"Ah, who needs a prince when she can get Duran of Forcena, strongest warrior - and best lover - in the world?", remarked Angela before kissing him. Brandon shook his head and muttered something like "lost causes" before turning away. He didn't even hear the two sneak away, but they were gone when he turned back.
"Garden", said Kevin, which explained it all to the rest of the group, but left the poor soldier with a confused look on his face, one that was funny enough to make everyone laugh, even Brandon himself.
"That was yummy!", remarked Carlie in her childish way after lunch, but she quickly straightened herself: "Uh, I mean, that was delicious!", which made Kevin smile victoriously.
"Minca made it. You know Minca, don't you, Charle?"
"Yep, she's that nice lady that mothered you when you were a baby..."
"Uh-huh... say Charle," said Kevin as the rest left the table, "uh... When we come back... where you live?"
"Oh, well, if Heath and Gramps don't mind, I'll come and live here... or you come and live with me!"
"Me? With you? Really? Sure!", he said before hugging her. "I like that idea!" A cough behind them made their grip on each other loosen a bit, as they turned around to see Hawk standing behind them, tapping his foot on the tiles impatiently.
"You guys are SO unbelievable! We're waiting for you two outside - Flammie's already there."
"'Kay, Hawkeye. Don't be such a drag!", sighed Carlie pseudo-irritated before dragging her fiancé with her.
"Bye Flammie", shouted Lise as they set foot on solid ground in front of Forcena's castle walls. Brandon had quickly run to the undergrowth, while Duran laughed his ass off - "Hey, Brandon, I thought you were such a wild boy? Always open for new experiences!" - and Lise pointed out that it was evening already.
"Hey, you're right... but now that all the soldiers are back - well, at least a part of them - you can't all come back to the soldiers' quarters. Would some of you mind spending the night in the inn or at my aunt's?"
"Hey, me no mind!", said Kevin. Carlie also said she wouldn't mind, and Lise and Hawk said they didn't care either.
"Oh-kay... Carlie, you and Kevin wouldn't mind spending the night in the inn? Hawk and Angela can stay in the soldiers' quarters, and Lise can stay at my house. Settled? Okay, let's go!" He took Angela's hand and led her to the castle gates, followed by Hawk. Lise was already off, dragged to Duran's house by a very happy Wendy. Carlie and Kevin, however, decided to go for a walk before going to sleep. They sat down by the lake that laid next to Forcena's castle, where the ground was dry and the rapidly darkening sky was reflected in the mirror depths.
"You know what I think? King Richard going to announce marrying Queen Valda or something. Atmosphere in castle is happy.", whispered Kevin as he held Carlie's hand. "Makes me wonder what Beast King will do when I be grown. I no prince, no real one anyway. Me peace-loving and not agressive: besides, mother was human - I not pure blood. King don't like that."
"Hey, you're a prince because you're noble and brave and stuff. Besides, if the Beast King wants an agressive, fullblood prince, why doesn't he choose Lugar when he grows? Lugar was strong and very mean..."
"Heh, good point. I hope he don't choose me, I want to go to Wendel! To go and be with you. And to be happy."
"Yep, and that's what we're gonna do when we get back in Wendel. We ask Heath and gramps where we are going to live. And if they say "no", I'll run to you." Kevin shushed her and pointed to the lake, where the star-spun sky was reflected in the wavy surface. The moon was full: the longer Kevin looked at it, the more his beastman blood tingled inside him. As Carlie shivered, hee changed himself to his Bloody Wolf-form and cradled Carlie in his warm fur. She fell asleep then and there, comforted by him. How he did manage to lift Carlie, who was a bit taller than him now, was a mystery to him, but he managed to get her to the inn and put her to bed with ease. Just as he prepared to go to sleep himself, he heard the ruffling of sheets, and the next moment he felt a kiss being placed on his cheek.
"Goodnight, Kevin dear..."
"G'night, Charle dear."
And, as it always was after he got a goodnight kiss from Carlie, his dreams came swiftly and he was warmed by them. He dreamt of a bright future for him and his priestess, and at one point, he even thought he could hear her whisper in his dream...
"Kevin, no matter where we are, I'll be happy as long as I'm with you."
He awoke in the middle of the night when his blood got the better of him, and barely managed to run outside before he transformed again. The lake seemed to compel him to howl against the moon - his song that of a wolf, but about feelings only a human could have. The sound of his voice was heavy, and hoarse, but still recognisable. His song was that of a man falling for an angel - he sang of golden hair, beautiful blue eyes, but most of all about a warrior goddess that made his blood cry out for love. His song was heard in the castle by a loving father, who also had problems keeping himself from transforming. But as soon as the Beast King heard the song, he knew it was time he talked to Kevin. He slipped outside and ran to the sound of his son's voice.
"...and the sun always shines on her face,
it's like she's the goddess of... Oh, hey Beast King!", said Kevin as he saw his father stand next to him.
"Kevin, my son, it seems that you've fallen for an angel... or a priestess, and a darn pretty one, if I may say so."
"You know?", stammered Kevin, surprised by that statement.
"Yes, the winds have told me about your love for her. And it seems that this is the only way you'll be happy. I'm sure Lugar will be everything you are. But, Kevin, never forget: Carlie was right. Even though I do not like the fact that the prince of the Beast Kingdom is a pacifist, I cannot deny that there's no better prince to reign it. The other beastmen have realised the importance of durable alliances with the humans - and even with the elves. Therefor, I think it's best if you, Kevin, will be my heir. Your children will have the blood of humans, beastmen, and elves. And what better way to forge alliances than through a marriage! King Richard thinks the same...", said the tall beastman before turning back around and giving his son a last advice: "It's late. Go to sleep and guard your beloved well. You'll see that everything will turn out fine in the morning."
"Thanks...", whispered Kevin, before he too went back to his bed. It would be a long day for him.
"-yawn- Good morning world!", said Duran as he got out of bed and took a look outside the window. Forcena's eternal spring made him feel happy as it always had done, although it also made him feel anxious about the King's announcement. Never before had he been more worried about something. He felt bad about it, but for some reason he also felt very, very exhilerated. The feeling rose as Angela entered his room.
"Good morning sleepy, just thought you'd like to know that the king has told the people to gather at one hour past noon for the mysterious announcement. That, plus I figured you'd be hungry. Here", she said as she put down a plate filled with sweet stuff.
"Angie, you sure know how to spoil a man!", he said before digging in. Hawk noticed the two and popped his head round the corner.
"My, oh my, what have we here? A warrior stuffing his face and a mage letting him. Hmm... is it possible you two are Duran and Angela?"
"Cut it out, Hawk", uttered Angela between giggles. "You're too much for us!"
"Yeah, and me and the rest of the soldiers are very lucky Brandon prohibited late night visits."
"Hey, we... ah, nevermind...", said Duran a bit moody before turning his attention to the food again, leaving Hawk and Angela the opportunity to go and check on the rest. Lise was already waiting for them. The innkeeper was standing outside, obviously worried about something.
"Hey sir, what are you standing outside for?", said Hawk.
"Oh, those two have just gone off to the Highlands. Do you know that that guy was a werewolf?! I saw him transform with my own eyes yesterday night! ...Though he did carry his girlfriend inside and tucked her in..."
"Kevin has gone on a field trip, eh?", said Hawk. "I'll go after him. You guys just have fun, I'll get the runaway children..." With that, he set out. The search soon led him to the lake, where the group had passed a night on their first journey. There they sat: Kevin was carving a big piece of wood while Carlie was telling him something.
"...but then I heard your voice in my dream as well and... oh, hi Hawk!", chirped Carlie as she noticed the thief walking up to them.
"Hey Carlie, hiya Kevin, whatcha doing?"
"Oh, me carving something from wood. Look!", spoke Kevin as he showed the statuette to his friend. It depicted a tall, handsome beastman wearing a crown with his wife, a beautiful woman with flowing hair. In front of them a baby beastman and his elven counterpart. "This me and Carlie in future. We saw it in dream."
"Wow, that's nice! Well, but how come you're wearing the crown?"
"Beast King told me prince should be man of good nature, who can lead beastmen to peace with other races. That's me. And because Carlie and I both half-human, we forge durable alliance by marrying!"
"Yup", agreed Carlie as she drew the picture of a Molebear in the air with a bit of light.
"Say, you should come to the castle. The announcement will be held after lunch..."
"Okay, we're coming. You go on ahead, Hawk. Catch you later!", shouted the pair as they disappeared into the shrubs. Hawk sighed. Somehow the day would be filled with surprises, he thought.
When he arrived at the castle, Kevin and Carlie were already waiting for him, and so were the others. Of course, Hawk thought, there had to be a shortcut. Dumb dumb me for not noticing it. "Beat me to it, eh?", he said.
"Well, I'm hungry. Let's eat!", said Lise and they all filed inside to eat. But suddenly, as everyone sat down and ate, it struck them that the moment of truth was nearing rapidly. The tension grew in the group. Kevin ate silently, Duran ate only small bites, Carlie said no to dessert, Angela said yes to a dessert and Hawk ate a tuna sandwich for a change: all this showed just how anxious they were to hear the news. And then, it was time: the bells of the castle's chapel were rung and the people crowded together. Even some of the people from Maia and Byzel had come, and the dwarves had sent Watts. King Richard appeared on the balcony from which he was used to speak, together with Queen Valda, the Heroes and the Beast King - the other royals had gone home after the Elementals were safe once again. King Richard stepped forward so that everyone could see him and spoke in a booming voice:
"Citizens of Forcena, and cherished dwarves among us, I thank you for coming. I have a very important announcement to make. About twenty years ago, I lost my heart to a beautiful woman in Altena. It took me several years to forget her, but then I saw her daughter and knew I had to go back. Only recently did I realise that I really did need to go back to my beloved and be a better man than I had been, leaving her because of my fight against the Dragon People. I will be leaving soon, and therefor I am stepping down from the throne." A shocked murmur went through the crowd, but King Richard silenced them. "Now I would not step down if I didn't have the perfect heir. A man who has proven himself ready to die for our country, one who did not falter to put aside his emotions for the good of us all. My best and most worthy Knight of Gold will follow me as King of Forcena... Sir Duran." This did not only come as a shock to Duran and Angela, who suddenly realised why there hadn't been much more opposition to their relationship, but also to the others, who hadn't expected that to happen at all. King Richard called Duran forward, and Queen Valda pulled her daughter beside her while she took the word.
"Also, people of Forcena, it will be a pleasure for me to announce that my daughter has been engaged to Sir Duran, thus making an alliance between Forcena and Altena that will last for many centuries. King Richard and I shall also marry and he will rule Altena with me, while Angela stays here as Queen of Forcena." This made the crowd cheer happily, as all of them had been hoping to see an alliance with Altena be formed. Queen Valda's last words about the crowning ceremony being held the next day were nearly drowned in them.
The Heroes were invited to the party celebrating Duran's sudden rise to royalty in Byzel, and they all went there. Duran and Angela were getting congratulations from everyone before they were pulled aside by Kevin.
"Duran, Angela, congrats with all this. But there's other thing to be happy about as well. Duran, you no need to worry about heir..."
"Huh?", said Angela and Duran at the same time.
"Angela has baby growing in her. I can smell she's pregnant." This caused poor Angela to swoon. Duran, however, couldn't have been happier.
"Really Kev? Wow!", stammered the knight before going off, probably to tell King Richard and the rest the good news. Kevin was very glad for the both of them. He would be happy as well if he were Duran. He had thought of children ever since he had had the dream. He thought of Carlie, and of how beautiful she had looked when she had drifted off to sleep. How beautiful she had been, and how enchanting...
"Hey Kevin, shouldn't we go to sleep? I mean, we have a long day tomorrow..."
"Yes, you right, Charle. Let's go to sleep.", said Kevin, taking the hand she held out and walking beside her towards Forcena.
The next day, the crowning ceremony was held. Duran did everything with grace and was well-thought in his words.
"Sir Duran, you have proven yourself worthy of being heir to the throne many times, showing a kind of affection and loyalty to the king that a son would show to his father. You have been more than a Knight of Gold. You have been our savior many times over. Do you accept this crown, and the title and responsabilities that go with it?"
"I accept. I will rule with compassion, with discipline and with care. I'm prepared to go as far as I have gone before to safeguard not only Forcena, but the rest of the world as well."
"Do you swear to protect each and every citizen from danger, both from outside as from within?"
"I solemnly swear that no one will go unprotected."
"Do you swear to uphold the standard that King Richard has set?"
"I swear that this kingdom will not lessen."
The Beast King had stood beside King Richard as witness, and Hawk had been Duran's second man. As soon as everything was in order, the Beast King concluded the ceremony with the words:
"Let it be known from now on that Forcena is strong, as is its ruler, King Duran!", as King Richard placed his crown on Duran's head. The crowd cheered appreciatively: they too had been involved when Duran saved the world, and they all admired and respected him. They had been secretly hoping that King Richard would choose him as next king.
When the sky started to darken a bit, the rest decided to go on their way as well.
"But of course, we shouldn't wait another year to meet each other again... and be sure to invite us to the wedding!", said Lise to Angela before mounting Flammie and taking off. There was no need for goodbyes, they knew they'd meet again. Lise was first to arrive home, and said a cheery "see you" before heading inside and taking her responsabilities as Queen again. Hawk was next, and he was already awaited by Jessica, who announced that her father had recovered. Nikita had a very guilty look on his face, but soon found that Hawk had forgotten the pearl incident, and visibly relaxed since then. And then, it was only Kevin and Carlie... as they were on their way to the ultimate confrontation.
They landed in front of the Temple of Light, and gave Flammie a very caring hug before allowing her to go and sleep a few days to recover from all the excitement. Kevin took his girl's hand and guided her inside, to where the Priest of Light would be at that time.
"Ah, Carlie! Is everything in order now?"
"Yes, gramps. All is well now."
"Ah, great, then you can return here!"
"Well, I wanted to talk to you about that..."
"Huh? What's the matter?", said the Priest, very confused about it all.
"Well, first things first. Where's Heath? He should hear this too..."
"Wait a minute, he'll be here shortly... Ah, there you are, Heath! Carlie would like to talk to us."
"Well, yes. You see, I love Kevin very very much, and he loves me as well. We're engaged, Gramps! And, well, I wanna go live in Beast Kingdom, by his side, because he'll be the next Beast King. But I know I'm the Priestess, and that I'm the one in who you placed your hopes. That's why I came to ask. So, gramps, Heath, what do you think?" This made the Priest of Light and his first-in-line silent for a while. Not only had she just told them very softly but obviously that she wouldn't stay in Wendel, she had also spoken like an adult for the first time since she had been chosen by the Fairy. "So," said Carlie, growing a bit impatient, "can I go with your permission?" Heath knew this meant she'd go anyway, but would like their blessing.
"I'm fine with it, Carlie," said the Priest after thinking it through, "although I had hoped you'd stay here. But, seeing that Luna is a close friend to Lumina, and that you would go anyway, you have my blessing. Go in peace, child of Mana, and never forget what has been taught to you. Be true to Light, and never deny Mana. You too, Kevin. Never forget, okay?"
"Priest, I very thankful for your blessing. Heath, are you okay with it?"
"Well... if it makes Carlie happy, then she has my blessing as well. Oh, and Carlie, know that we will always be here for you if ever you need us. And for you, Kevin.", he added rather hastily.
"Okay, then it's settled. Kev, will you help me pack? That way it'll go twice as fast!"
The two rushed out to pack, leaving Heath confused and the Priest amused.
"Those two make a perfect pair...", mused the elderly man.
"Oh, um, yeah...", said Heath, his mind wandering as he was still shocked. "Oh, what am I to do? I always imagined her to be here... I am going to miss that girl!"
"Me too, Heath. But don't forget that she'll miss us as well. Visit her. I'm sure Kevin will like to see you care for your pupil, no matter how far away she is." He sighed as he turned to the statue of the Mana Goddess. "Come, and pray with me for their well-being..."
-----------------------------2 Months later, in Forcena-------------------
"Will you, Duran, son of Sir Loki, take Angela as your lawful wedded wife? Do you promise to protect her, comfort her, and stay with her through richer and poor, through all that's bad and all that's good, until the Goddess calls you to her?"
"I will do more than that", said the swordsman.
"Will you, Angela, daughter of Queen Valda, take Duran as your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to support him, comfort him, and stay with him through richer and poor, through all that's bad and all that's good, until the Goddess calls you to her?"
"I do", stated the mage.
"Then, by the power the Goddess gave me, and as disciple of the Priest of Wendel, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may...", but she halted as she saw the two were ahead of her. "Okay... rice!" A multitude of small white pellets descended upon the two as they raced to the castle, where the party would be held. Carlie sighed of pure fatigue, she had been to Altena the day before to marry Richard and Queen Valda, and she had only had the chance to take a quick nap on Flammie's back. After the wedding ceremony was over, she went directly to the inn to rest. Kevin was still in Beast Kingdom to settle a little problem that had arisen the week before, but he'd come soon. Lise and Hawk had helped prepare the castle for the feast, and they were very compassionate to Carlie.
"Carlie, you should rest some more! I'm sure Duran and Angela won't mind you catching up some rest..."
"Yeah, you just go back to that inn and get some shut-eye!"
Carlie had done as they told and now, she lay sound asleep. But not for long, because Kevin came in an hour after the ceremony and brought her a lily, one the gardener had called a "Morning Dew Delight".
"Charle dear, you awake?", he said as he tickled her nose with the flower.
"Aah-aah-aatcho! Kev, you know that that variety has the most pollen in it!", said Carlie as she wiped tiny yellow spots of pollen off her cheeks. "Good day, Kevin"
"Good afternoon, Charlotte. How did it go?"
"Fine, 'cept they kissed before they were supposed to... How did things go back at home?"
"Eh, Beast King was happy when Fairy King told him treaty was signed. Poor Fairy King, had to give in. But treaty is first step to peace and forgiveness. By the way, Fairy King asked when we get married... will you talk to Heath and Priest, or will I go?"
"I'll go, Kev. Was about time I visited them again... When should I ask? Tomorrow, next week, next month, next year,..."
"Mmm, tomorrow sounds good", said Kevin with a mischievous look on his face.
"Kev! Next month?"
"Okay... We announce tonight? To rest of heroes?"
"Why not? Tell the Beast King tomorrow, Heath and grandfather too, make all the arrangements, and then ask Luna in what kind of dress I'd look most pretty. What will you wear to your own wedding?", asked the girl out of curiosity.
"Not stupid smoking, like Duran did", grumbled the beastman. Duran had looked very much out of character in it, especially since no one knew him without his armor, but still had a certain amount of class. "But only most beautiful thing ever for most perfect and happy day in my life..."
"Ah, Kevin, you charmer... Now, lemme go shower and I'll return more beautiful and perfumed than ever."
"Hey, everyone, shaddap! Kevin has an announcement to make!", shouted Brandon, Duran's best man, after his speech.
"Thanks Brandon. Everyone listen, this is very important. I think you all know Carlie and I are engaged. We have planned wedding next month, on high moon. We were hoping for Queen Lise's permission to have wedding there...", said Kevin, trailing off a bit when he looked in Lise's direction as she gave him two thumbs up, "...and of course all are invited."
"Oh, and anyone that wants to help organise is welcome, you know...", added Carlie, eliciting laughter from the gathered partyers.
"I propose a toast: to Queen Angela and King Duran of Forcena, married today. To Queen Valda and King Richard of Altena, married yesterday. And to Prince Kevin of Beast Kingdom and Carlie of Wendel, engaged to be married next month. May their married lives be happy!"
With a mighty cheer for all the mentioned, the glasses were raised and a song was made:
"Here go the Heroes of Mana,
the mighty, the brave and the strong.
They saved us all from evil,
their paths were never wrong.
With magic, sword and skill
they fulfilled the Goddess' will
and by Mana's grace and lore,
they'll guard us forevermore!"
The Heroes stood from their places and danced while the song was sung again and again, an ode to them, but not in the least to the Elementals and the Goddess, who would grow in power steadily from then on.
*AN: Oh my god, it's the last of the chapters! I'm still waiting for questions, remarks, etc. Bring them to me (via review or mail me: duran_the_gladiator@hotmail.com)! Greetings... Oh, forgot to mention that I am busy busy for school, so the epilogue might take a while. Duran Duran rules, and school does not. That's my motto du jour...*
by Duran the Gladiator (duh!)
Chapter 8: Royal reward and painful moments
"Good morning, sleepy heads!", said Lise as she saw Duran and Angela enter the dining room last. Kevin finished eating some bacon and went outside. Carlie had finished a while before him and was outside as well, playing with Karl - the wolf had become a friend to her as it could sense her love for Kevin. Duran yawned as he got a large portion of eggs and bacon.
"What's the matter, Duran? Normally, you aren't that tired.", remarked Hawk dryly.
"Well, I stayed up late yesterday to celebrate.", he said, smiling. It was true, he had opened a bottle of fine wine from Palo he had snuck in when the Peace Summit had started, to celebrate his engagement with Angela. It had been good wine, and part of the cause of his and Angela's hangover.
"Oh, what did you celebrate?", Lise asked as she turned around in her chair, her interest aroused.
"Well, let's just say that Kevin and Carlie aren't the only ones who are going to get married...", said Angela with a broad grin.
"You don't say! Congratulations!", said Lise. Hawk was a bit dryer in his wishes, but still very happy about them being officially engaged. The rest of breakfast was spent in an atmosphere of planning - Lise was trying to figure out what they'd do that day except talk and generally hang out - until Kevin came back inside.
"Duran, I think messenger from Forcena is coming here! Carlie and I went to Luna, and when I looked outside, I saw big turtle come this way..."
"Really?! Maybe he has news from the King!", exclaimed Duran, his spirits raising and his mind darkening at the same time. Angela, too, seemed curious.
"I dunno, but he be here in few hours."
"Great. What do we do in the meantime?", sighed Lise as her thoughts had been interrupted.
"Well, Kevin, didn't you say something about showing us the garden you spend nearly every spare second in?", teased Angela. Kevin smiled.
"That good idea! Garden is beautiful - and big, so beware not to get lost..." He and Carlie (who had by then joined her beloved) showed them the way to it, and as the doors slid open, everyone else stopped in amazement.
They hadn't lied: it was breathtaking and very, very big.
A dozen different varieties of flowers stood in every flower bed, and trees surrounded the premises. Duran picked a few beautiful varieties of the lily and gave them to Angela with a big show of affection. Luckily for him, this gesture went unnoticed by the rest as they were fascinated by the garden's splendor.
"And this is rosebed... no, wait a bit Charle, next ones don't have thorns... yes, those. And those..." Kevin said as he guided them and in the meantime presented Carlie a flower from time to time, "are orchids... like the pink ones?... oh, and my favorite: flowers called "Dryadae"... three beautiful flowers for very beautiful girl... And that's it!", he concluded as they arrived at the entrance again.
"Wow... those were a lot of flowers!", said Lise as she looked at a few lilies she had picked for herself. She admired the vast amount of flowers Carlie had gotten, but then came back to reality. "Kevin, won't picking them affect the rest of the bed?"
"No, they grow fast, overnight. Tomorrow there be no more empty spaces..." He nodded at Carlie, who skipped off to put the flowers in some vases - by the looks of it, half a dozen vases - as the rest went back to the dining room. A maid came running towards them.
"Prince Kevin, a messenger of Forcena requests an audition with you and the other Heroes."
"Tell him we'll be with him in a minute...", said Kevin as he patted the maid on the shoulder.
"Ooh, Kevin, does Carlie like you familiarising with your female personnel?", teased Hawk.
"Eh, Minca is friend since childhood. She was my replacement mother..."
"Huh?! She?", said the amazed ninja as he looked at the maid, who had run off. "She looks my age!"
"Heh, she not...", stated the beastman. Carlie had joined them in the meantime and they were on their way to the meeting room, where the messenger was waiting.
"Duran!", shouted Brandon as the group entered.
"Brandon, man, what's up?", said the sturdy swordsman as he shook his friend's hand. "I hear you have a message..."
"Yeah, King Richard requests your presence in Forcena - tomorrow. He has an important declaration to make to all his subjects, and since you're one of them... Oh, and of course, the others are welcome to come and listen to it as well. Princess Angela's presence is required, however, as her mother has something important to tell her. Oh, I'll come with you."
"Sure thing, pal - if you're not afraid of our method of transport, that is... What do you say, you guys?", he asked as he turned towards his friends, "Will you come along?"
"Yes!", they all shouted. Lise added "You oaf!", before slapping him friendly.
"Fine, then it's settled. Shall we go now, or wait until the evening?" When no response came, he decided to leave after lunch. "'Cause no one can go anywhere on an empty stomach...", he said as he ran his hand over it demonstratively. Brandon laughed as he did.
"Still the unstoppable urge to eat inside you? God, and I thought she could temper you!", he said as he pointed towards Angela, who stuck out her tongue.
"Hell, if she's the one you expect to temper me, she'd better get tempered herself.", said Duran. Angela sat down beside him and he immediately put his arm over her shoulder. "B'sides, that's no way to talk about my fiancée, Brandon!"
"You two got engaged? Wow, must be a bummer for her mother, since she did want a prince for a son-in-law."
"Ah, who needs a prince when she can get Duran of Forcena, strongest warrior - and best lover - in the world?", remarked Angela before kissing him. Brandon shook his head and muttered something like "lost causes" before turning away. He didn't even hear the two sneak away, but they were gone when he turned back.
"Garden", said Kevin, which explained it all to the rest of the group, but left the poor soldier with a confused look on his face, one that was funny enough to make everyone laugh, even Brandon himself.
"That was yummy!", remarked Carlie in her childish way after lunch, but she quickly straightened herself: "Uh, I mean, that was delicious!", which made Kevin smile victoriously.
"Minca made it. You know Minca, don't you, Charle?"
"Yep, she's that nice lady that mothered you when you were a baby..."
"Uh-huh... say Charle," said Kevin as the rest left the table, "uh... When we come back... where you live?"
"Oh, well, if Heath and Gramps don't mind, I'll come and live here... or you come and live with me!"
"Me? With you? Really? Sure!", he said before hugging her. "I like that idea!" A cough behind them made their grip on each other loosen a bit, as they turned around to see Hawk standing behind them, tapping his foot on the tiles impatiently.
"You guys are SO unbelievable! We're waiting for you two outside - Flammie's already there."
"'Kay, Hawkeye. Don't be such a drag!", sighed Carlie pseudo-irritated before dragging her fiancé with her.
"Bye Flammie", shouted Lise as they set foot on solid ground in front of Forcena's castle walls. Brandon had quickly run to the undergrowth, while Duran laughed his ass off - "Hey, Brandon, I thought you were such a wild boy? Always open for new experiences!" - and Lise pointed out that it was evening already.
"Hey, you're right... but now that all the soldiers are back - well, at least a part of them - you can't all come back to the soldiers' quarters. Would some of you mind spending the night in the inn or at my aunt's?"
"Hey, me no mind!", said Kevin. Carlie also said she wouldn't mind, and Lise and Hawk said they didn't care either.
"Oh-kay... Carlie, you and Kevin wouldn't mind spending the night in the inn? Hawk and Angela can stay in the soldiers' quarters, and Lise can stay at my house. Settled? Okay, let's go!" He took Angela's hand and led her to the castle gates, followed by Hawk. Lise was already off, dragged to Duran's house by a very happy Wendy. Carlie and Kevin, however, decided to go for a walk before going to sleep. They sat down by the lake that laid next to Forcena's castle, where the ground was dry and the rapidly darkening sky was reflected in the mirror depths.
"You know what I think? King Richard going to announce marrying Queen Valda or something. Atmosphere in castle is happy.", whispered Kevin as he held Carlie's hand. "Makes me wonder what Beast King will do when I be grown. I no prince, no real one anyway. Me peace-loving and not agressive: besides, mother was human - I not pure blood. King don't like that."
"Hey, you're a prince because you're noble and brave and stuff. Besides, if the Beast King wants an agressive, fullblood prince, why doesn't he choose Lugar when he grows? Lugar was strong and very mean..."
"Heh, good point. I hope he don't choose me, I want to go to Wendel! To go and be with you. And to be happy."
"Yep, and that's what we're gonna do when we get back in Wendel. We ask Heath and gramps where we are going to live. And if they say "no", I'll run to you." Kevin shushed her and pointed to the lake, where the star-spun sky was reflected in the wavy surface. The moon was full: the longer Kevin looked at it, the more his beastman blood tingled inside him. As Carlie shivered, hee changed himself to his Bloody Wolf-form and cradled Carlie in his warm fur. She fell asleep then and there, comforted by him. How he did manage to lift Carlie, who was a bit taller than him now, was a mystery to him, but he managed to get her to the inn and put her to bed with ease. Just as he prepared to go to sleep himself, he heard the ruffling of sheets, and the next moment he felt a kiss being placed on his cheek.
"Goodnight, Kevin dear..."
"G'night, Charle dear."
And, as it always was after he got a goodnight kiss from Carlie, his dreams came swiftly and he was warmed by them. He dreamt of a bright future for him and his priestess, and at one point, he even thought he could hear her whisper in his dream...
"Kevin, no matter where we are, I'll be happy as long as I'm with you."
He awoke in the middle of the night when his blood got the better of him, and barely managed to run outside before he transformed again. The lake seemed to compel him to howl against the moon - his song that of a wolf, but about feelings only a human could have. The sound of his voice was heavy, and hoarse, but still recognisable. His song was that of a man falling for an angel - he sang of golden hair, beautiful blue eyes, but most of all about a warrior goddess that made his blood cry out for love. His song was heard in the castle by a loving father, who also had problems keeping himself from transforming. But as soon as the Beast King heard the song, he knew it was time he talked to Kevin. He slipped outside and ran to the sound of his son's voice.
"...and the sun always shines on her face,
it's like she's the goddess of... Oh, hey Beast King!", said Kevin as he saw his father stand next to him.
"Kevin, my son, it seems that you've fallen for an angel... or a priestess, and a darn pretty one, if I may say so."
"You know?", stammered Kevin, surprised by that statement.
"Yes, the winds have told me about your love for her. And it seems that this is the only way you'll be happy. I'm sure Lugar will be everything you are. But, Kevin, never forget: Carlie was right. Even though I do not like the fact that the prince of the Beast Kingdom is a pacifist, I cannot deny that there's no better prince to reign it. The other beastmen have realised the importance of durable alliances with the humans - and even with the elves. Therefor, I think it's best if you, Kevin, will be my heir. Your children will have the blood of humans, beastmen, and elves. And what better way to forge alliances than through a marriage! King Richard thinks the same...", said the tall beastman before turning back around and giving his son a last advice: "It's late. Go to sleep and guard your beloved well. You'll see that everything will turn out fine in the morning."
"Thanks...", whispered Kevin, before he too went back to his bed. It would be a long day for him.
"-yawn- Good morning world!", said Duran as he got out of bed and took a look outside the window. Forcena's eternal spring made him feel happy as it always had done, although it also made him feel anxious about the King's announcement. Never before had he been more worried about something. He felt bad about it, but for some reason he also felt very, very exhilerated. The feeling rose as Angela entered his room.
"Good morning sleepy, just thought you'd like to know that the king has told the people to gather at one hour past noon for the mysterious announcement. That, plus I figured you'd be hungry. Here", she said as she put down a plate filled with sweet stuff.
"Angie, you sure know how to spoil a man!", he said before digging in. Hawk noticed the two and popped his head round the corner.
"My, oh my, what have we here? A warrior stuffing his face and a mage letting him. Hmm... is it possible you two are Duran and Angela?"
"Cut it out, Hawk", uttered Angela between giggles. "You're too much for us!"
"Yeah, and me and the rest of the soldiers are very lucky Brandon prohibited late night visits."
"Hey, we... ah, nevermind...", said Duran a bit moody before turning his attention to the food again, leaving Hawk and Angela the opportunity to go and check on the rest. Lise was already waiting for them. The innkeeper was standing outside, obviously worried about something.
"Hey sir, what are you standing outside for?", said Hawk.
"Oh, those two have just gone off to the Highlands. Do you know that that guy was a werewolf?! I saw him transform with my own eyes yesterday night! ...Though he did carry his girlfriend inside and tucked her in..."
"Kevin has gone on a field trip, eh?", said Hawk. "I'll go after him. You guys just have fun, I'll get the runaway children..." With that, he set out. The search soon led him to the lake, where the group had passed a night on their first journey. There they sat: Kevin was carving a big piece of wood while Carlie was telling him something.
"...but then I heard your voice in my dream as well and... oh, hi Hawk!", chirped Carlie as she noticed the thief walking up to them.
"Hey Carlie, hiya Kevin, whatcha doing?"
"Oh, me carving something from wood. Look!", spoke Kevin as he showed the statuette to his friend. It depicted a tall, handsome beastman wearing a crown with his wife, a beautiful woman with flowing hair. In front of them a baby beastman and his elven counterpart. "This me and Carlie in future. We saw it in dream."
"Wow, that's nice! Well, but how come you're wearing the crown?"
"Beast King told me prince should be man of good nature, who can lead beastmen to peace with other races. That's me. And because Carlie and I both half-human, we forge durable alliance by marrying!"
"Yup", agreed Carlie as she drew the picture of a Molebear in the air with a bit of light.
"Say, you should come to the castle. The announcement will be held after lunch..."
"Okay, we're coming. You go on ahead, Hawk. Catch you later!", shouted the pair as they disappeared into the shrubs. Hawk sighed. Somehow the day would be filled with surprises, he thought.
When he arrived at the castle, Kevin and Carlie were already waiting for him, and so were the others. Of course, Hawk thought, there had to be a shortcut. Dumb dumb me for not noticing it. "Beat me to it, eh?", he said.
"Well, I'm hungry. Let's eat!", said Lise and they all filed inside to eat. But suddenly, as everyone sat down and ate, it struck them that the moment of truth was nearing rapidly. The tension grew in the group. Kevin ate silently, Duran ate only small bites, Carlie said no to dessert, Angela said yes to a dessert and Hawk ate a tuna sandwich for a change: all this showed just how anxious they were to hear the news. And then, it was time: the bells of the castle's chapel were rung and the people crowded together. Even some of the people from Maia and Byzel had come, and the dwarves had sent Watts. King Richard appeared on the balcony from which he was used to speak, together with Queen Valda, the Heroes and the Beast King - the other royals had gone home after the Elementals were safe once again. King Richard stepped forward so that everyone could see him and spoke in a booming voice:
"Citizens of Forcena, and cherished dwarves among us, I thank you for coming. I have a very important announcement to make. About twenty years ago, I lost my heart to a beautiful woman in Altena. It took me several years to forget her, but then I saw her daughter and knew I had to go back. Only recently did I realise that I really did need to go back to my beloved and be a better man than I had been, leaving her because of my fight against the Dragon People. I will be leaving soon, and therefor I am stepping down from the throne." A shocked murmur went through the crowd, but King Richard silenced them. "Now I would not step down if I didn't have the perfect heir. A man who has proven himself ready to die for our country, one who did not falter to put aside his emotions for the good of us all. My best and most worthy Knight of Gold will follow me as King of Forcena... Sir Duran." This did not only come as a shock to Duran and Angela, who suddenly realised why there hadn't been much more opposition to their relationship, but also to the others, who hadn't expected that to happen at all. King Richard called Duran forward, and Queen Valda pulled her daughter beside her while she took the word.
"Also, people of Forcena, it will be a pleasure for me to announce that my daughter has been engaged to Sir Duran, thus making an alliance between Forcena and Altena that will last for many centuries. King Richard and I shall also marry and he will rule Altena with me, while Angela stays here as Queen of Forcena." This made the crowd cheer happily, as all of them had been hoping to see an alliance with Altena be formed. Queen Valda's last words about the crowning ceremony being held the next day were nearly drowned in them.
The Heroes were invited to the party celebrating Duran's sudden rise to royalty in Byzel, and they all went there. Duran and Angela were getting congratulations from everyone before they were pulled aside by Kevin.
"Duran, Angela, congrats with all this. But there's other thing to be happy about as well. Duran, you no need to worry about heir..."
"Huh?", said Angela and Duran at the same time.
"Angela has baby growing in her. I can smell she's pregnant." This caused poor Angela to swoon. Duran, however, couldn't have been happier.
"Really Kev? Wow!", stammered the knight before going off, probably to tell King Richard and the rest the good news. Kevin was very glad for the both of them. He would be happy as well if he were Duran. He had thought of children ever since he had had the dream. He thought of Carlie, and of how beautiful she had looked when she had drifted off to sleep. How beautiful she had been, and how enchanting...
"Hey Kevin, shouldn't we go to sleep? I mean, we have a long day tomorrow..."
"Yes, you right, Charle. Let's go to sleep.", said Kevin, taking the hand she held out and walking beside her towards Forcena.
The next day, the crowning ceremony was held. Duran did everything with grace and was well-thought in his words.
"Sir Duran, you have proven yourself worthy of being heir to the throne many times, showing a kind of affection and loyalty to the king that a son would show to his father. You have been more than a Knight of Gold. You have been our savior many times over. Do you accept this crown, and the title and responsabilities that go with it?"
"I accept. I will rule with compassion, with discipline and with care. I'm prepared to go as far as I have gone before to safeguard not only Forcena, but the rest of the world as well."
"Do you swear to protect each and every citizen from danger, both from outside as from within?"
"I solemnly swear that no one will go unprotected."
"Do you swear to uphold the standard that King Richard has set?"
"I swear that this kingdom will not lessen."
The Beast King had stood beside King Richard as witness, and Hawk had been Duran's second man. As soon as everything was in order, the Beast King concluded the ceremony with the words:
"Let it be known from now on that Forcena is strong, as is its ruler, King Duran!", as King Richard placed his crown on Duran's head. The crowd cheered appreciatively: they too had been involved when Duran saved the world, and they all admired and respected him. They had been secretly hoping that King Richard would choose him as next king.
When the sky started to darken a bit, the rest decided to go on their way as well.
"But of course, we shouldn't wait another year to meet each other again... and be sure to invite us to the wedding!", said Lise to Angela before mounting Flammie and taking off. There was no need for goodbyes, they knew they'd meet again. Lise was first to arrive home, and said a cheery "see you" before heading inside and taking her responsabilities as Queen again. Hawk was next, and he was already awaited by Jessica, who announced that her father had recovered. Nikita had a very guilty look on his face, but soon found that Hawk had forgotten the pearl incident, and visibly relaxed since then. And then, it was only Kevin and Carlie... as they were on their way to the ultimate confrontation.
They landed in front of the Temple of Light, and gave Flammie a very caring hug before allowing her to go and sleep a few days to recover from all the excitement. Kevin took his girl's hand and guided her inside, to where the Priest of Light would be at that time.
"Ah, Carlie! Is everything in order now?"
"Yes, gramps. All is well now."
"Ah, great, then you can return here!"
"Well, I wanted to talk to you about that..."
"Huh? What's the matter?", said the Priest, very confused about it all.
"Well, first things first. Where's Heath? He should hear this too..."
"Wait a minute, he'll be here shortly... Ah, there you are, Heath! Carlie would like to talk to us."
"Well, yes. You see, I love Kevin very very much, and he loves me as well. We're engaged, Gramps! And, well, I wanna go live in Beast Kingdom, by his side, because he'll be the next Beast King. But I know I'm the Priestess, and that I'm the one in who you placed your hopes. That's why I came to ask. So, gramps, Heath, what do you think?" This made the Priest of Light and his first-in-line silent for a while. Not only had she just told them very softly but obviously that she wouldn't stay in Wendel, she had also spoken like an adult for the first time since she had been chosen by the Fairy. "So," said Carlie, growing a bit impatient, "can I go with your permission?" Heath knew this meant she'd go anyway, but would like their blessing.
"I'm fine with it, Carlie," said the Priest after thinking it through, "although I had hoped you'd stay here. But, seeing that Luna is a close friend to Lumina, and that you would go anyway, you have my blessing. Go in peace, child of Mana, and never forget what has been taught to you. Be true to Light, and never deny Mana. You too, Kevin. Never forget, okay?"
"Priest, I very thankful for your blessing. Heath, are you okay with it?"
"Well... if it makes Carlie happy, then she has my blessing as well. Oh, and Carlie, know that we will always be here for you if ever you need us. And for you, Kevin.", he added rather hastily.
"Okay, then it's settled. Kev, will you help me pack? That way it'll go twice as fast!"
The two rushed out to pack, leaving Heath confused and the Priest amused.
"Those two make a perfect pair...", mused the elderly man.
"Oh, um, yeah...", said Heath, his mind wandering as he was still shocked. "Oh, what am I to do? I always imagined her to be here... I am going to miss that girl!"
"Me too, Heath. But don't forget that she'll miss us as well. Visit her. I'm sure Kevin will like to see you care for your pupil, no matter how far away she is." He sighed as he turned to the statue of the Mana Goddess. "Come, and pray with me for their well-being..."
-----------------------------2 Months later, in Forcena-------------------
"Will you, Duran, son of Sir Loki, take Angela as your lawful wedded wife? Do you promise to protect her, comfort her, and stay with her through richer and poor, through all that's bad and all that's good, until the Goddess calls you to her?"
"I will do more than that", said the swordsman.
"Will you, Angela, daughter of Queen Valda, take Duran as your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to support him, comfort him, and stay with him through richer and poor, through all that's bad and all that's good, until the Goddess calls you to her?"
"I do", stated the mage.
"Then, by the power the Goddess gave me, and as disciple of the Priest of Wendel, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may...", but she halted as she saw the two were ahead of her. "Okay... rice!" A multitude of small white pellets descended upon the two as they raced to the castle, where the party would be held. Carlie sighed of pure fatigue, she had been to Altena the day before to marry Richard and Queen Valda, and she had only had the chance to take a quick nap on Flammie's back. After the wedding ceremony was over, she went directly to the inn to rest. Kevin was still in Beast Kingdom to settle a little problem that had arisen the week before, but he'd come soon. Lise and Hawk had helped prepare the castle for the feast, and they were very compassionate to Carlie.
"Carlie, you should rest some more! I'm sure Duran and Angela won't mind you catching up some rest..."
"Yeah, you just go back to that inn and get some shut-eye!"
Carlie had done as they told and now, she lay sound asleep. But not for long, because Kevin came in an hour after the ceremony and brought her a lily, one the gardener had called a "Morning Dew Delight".
"Charle dear, you awake?", he said as he tickled her nose with the flower.
"Aah-aah-aatcho! Kev, you know that that variety has the most pollen in it!", said Carlie as she wiped tiny yellow spots of pollen off her cheeks. "Good day, Kevin"
"Good afternoon, Charlotte. How did it go?"
"Fine, 'cept they kissed before they were supposed to... How did things go back at home?"
"Eh, Beast King was happy when Fairy King told him treaty was signed. Poor Fairy King, had to give in. But treaty is first step to peace and forgiveness. By the way, Fairy King asked when we get married... will you talk to Heath and Priest, or will I go?"
"I'll go, Kev. Was about time I visited them again... When should I ask? Tomorrow, next week, next month, next year,..."
"Mmm, tomorrow sounds good", said Kevin with a mischievous look on his face.
"Kev! Next month?"
"Okay... We announce tonight? To rest of heroes?"
"Why not? Tell the Beast King tomorrow, Heath and grandfather too, make all the arrangements, and then ask Luna in what kind of dress I'd look most pretty. What will you wear to your own wedding?", asked the girl out of curiosity.
"Not stupid smoking, like Duran did", grumbled the beastman. Duran had looked very much out of character in it, especially since no one knew him without his armor, but still had a certain amount of class. "But only most beautiful thing ever for most perfect and happy day in my life..."
"Ah, Kevin, you charmer... Now, lemme go shower and I'll return more beautiful and perfumed than ever."
"Hey, everyone, shaddap! Kevin has an announcement to make!", shouted Brandon, Duran's best man, after his speech.
"Thanks Brandon. Everyone listen, this is very important. I think you all know Carlie and I are engaged. We have planned wedding next month, on high moon. We were hoping for Queen Lise's permission to have wedding there...", said Kevin, trailing off a bit when he looked in Lise's direction as she gave him two thumbs up, "...and of course all are invited."
"Oh, and anyone that wants to help organise is welcome, you know...", added Carlie, eliciting laughter from the gathered partyers.
"I propose a toast: to Queen Angela and King Duran of Forcena, married today. To Queen Valda and King Richard of Altena, married yesterday. And to Prince Kevin of Beast Kingdom and Carlie of Wendel, engaged to be married next month. May their married lives be happy!"
With a mighty cheer for all the mentioned, the glasses were raised and a song was made:
"Here go the Heroes of Mana,
the mighty, the brave and the strong.
They saved us all from evil,
their paths were never wrong.
With magic, sword and skill
they fulfilled the Goddess' will
and by Mana's grace and lore,
they'll guard us forevermore!"
The Heroes stood from their places and danced while the song was sung again and again, an ode to them, but not in the least to the Elementals and the Goddess, who would grow in power steadily from then on.
*AN: Oh my god, it's the last of the chapters! I'm still waiting for questions, remarks, etc. Bring them to me (via review or mail me: duran_the_gladiator@hotmail.com)! Greetings... Oh, forgot to mention that I am busy busy for school, so the epilogue might take a while. Duran Duran rules, and school does not. That's my motto du jour...*
