The throne room was crowded in the early evening. Cra and Sadida had gathered to bring their concerns to the king Sheran Sharm or discuss plans of action. Security had been doubled on the borders and around the Tree of Life, patrols ran longer shifts and citizens were given a strict curfew to keep to; all to assure the safety of those present within the kingdom of Sadida. While nobody knew when, how or if the world would end, measures were taken in case there was a chance to survive or fight against what ever the king of the Eliatropes had planned. Unfortunately, it felt like the Sadida came short, the battle against Nox too fresh. The forest was still healing from the damage the Xelor had caused and the people had grown wary.
King Oakheart Sheran Sharm looked exhausted as he sat on his throne, dark circles showing under his eyes. His son Armand looked no better, the lack of sleep and the ever present worry for his people and his family having him on the edge of aggression and high temper. His focus dwindled hours ago while his father continued to listen to the Cra matriarch's reports and crier Breakseed's tidbits of news from outside of the throne room. There was no news about Any trouble, other than the rising panic among his people. The waiting for something or anything to happen, be it good or bad, was making many anxious.
The sudden shimmering and forming of a Zaap made the group of advisers, servants and Cra archers gathered by the open throne room doors either scatter freeze on the spot, frightened gasps rising towards the high ceiling of the large circular room. King Oakheart couldn't contain his startle, yet remained seated on his throne while his son sprung into action like a tightly wound spring, stepping in front of the throne while snapping at Breakseed and Toufdru," move aside."
The Sadida crier and chamberlain didn't second-guess their prince's demand, quickly moving off to the side of the throne room to not become involved in what may happen while guards began to assemble and the Cra matriarch and her captain prepared their bows. Spears, staves and arrow heads were aimedat the portal, a serene but terrifying sight as no one knew what it would bring. Most were expecting Qilby to step through to announce his departure and the end of the World of Twelve, the pressure of hesitation all too present within the room.
Bare feet stepped down upon the wooden floorboards of the throne room from through the portal, bringing a sight which caused a few of the Cra archers to loosen the string of their bow and lower their arrow. Both guards and archers stepped aside when the Eliatrope advanced from the portal with a slow but graceful tread, heading for the throne before she bent through a knee and laid a hand against her chest, respectfully holding her head down as she bowed. "Honorable Sheran Sharm…"
The portal closed once Alys knelt before the king, a surprising but tattered appearance that none had expected to emerge from the Zaap. She was injured, her clothes torn and shredded from her confrontation with Qilby and Anathar, her scarf wrapped loosely around her head to hide her people's secret. Her eyes were closed as she kept herself small in front of the royalty of Sadida before raising her chin to look at them and speak clear and true," the threat is no more. It is over." She witnessed how the tired but wary looking king and prince couldn't hide their shock, Armand turning to his father with a confusion which bordered on relief and skepticism. He wished to smile, just like the king, but disbelief kept the joy at bay. She felt uncertain as she could hear the mixed responses rise up within the throne room and she lowered her head once more in deep respect but also fear, continuing with her attempt to calm the people," Qilby has been defeated. The people of the World of Twelve can rest easy once more."
A murmur went through the room at the clarified news, the cynicism among the people present still high. It sounded too good to be true.
"Defeated? Are you certain?" Armand asked audibly, a question which lingered on everyone's lips.
He finally cracked a relieved smile when the female Eliatrope nodded in answer, hearing her say as she remained humble and upon a knee," our people brought him to justice. Qilby the Traitor was stripped from the Eliacube's power and imprisoned within another dimension. He has no means of escape with the Eliacube out of his reach."
Armand turned to look up to his father, seeing the king had risen from his throne and begun to make his way down the few mushrooms which formed the steps of his seat and allowed him to cross the shallow mote which surrounded his impressive throne. The expression he carried was collected but a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Rise, Alys," the king said after he stood before her, leaning upon tree stump cane as he gazed upon her. He rose a large hand to lay it upon her shoulder once she brought herself to a standing, her eyes large in guilt and anxiety as she looked up to him. He gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze, nodding towards her as he said with a warmth in his voice only a loving ruler and father could speak with," thank you."
She quickly lowered her head to keep her composure, the gratitude concealed within those two words causing her to falter within. She felt shame and guilt for all Qilby had done against the people of this world, feeling like she couldn't ever make up for the damage caused. She believed she wouldn't be trusted again and she had accepted that belief. To be forgiven by the king of Sadida by only hearing her word… She fought back the tears which welled up, her shoulders shuddering lightly as a tormenting weight fell off her.
She sniffled when Oakheart laid his other hand on her shoulder, smiling to her before he straightened up and spoke to the people present," send word to the people. Tell them they are safe." An approving cheer went through the gathered crowd before they began to move to attend to their new tasks, all eager to replace the negative with something positive. The king leaned closer to Alys when his court and Cra archers scattered about and said while his son stepped up beside him and laid a hand on his back," we truly were fearing the worst."
"Yugo saved us all," she said as she wiped her lingering tears away, carrying a bitter but proud smile," him and the children." While she had fought Qilby in an attempt to stop him from invading the World of Twelve with Rushu's army, her attempts were truly overshadowed by Yugo and the children's bravery. He had fought like a king, worthy of the title. She would follow him without question once it was time for him to pick up the mantle and lead their people. The pride she felt for Yugo and each of the children within Emrub made her feel like she was about to burst. "He will return to Sadida in the upcoming days with your daughter and the others of the Brotherhood."
Both king and prince smiled to each other at the mention of Yugo. The boy saved them twice from disaster; they were deeply indebted to him. "Sadida is grateful to your people, Alys of the Eliatropes. You will be welcome in our midst." Most of the doubts that had been were mostly gone. The news that Qilby could no longer cause harm to the world had wiped away the smudge which had been delivered to the Eliatropes' name… at least to the Sadida. Other nations and people may be harder to convince.
The Cra matriarch laid a fist upon her chest to salute Alys in respect, saying with control in her croaking voice," I commend you, Lady Alys. You and your people tried to right the mistakes of another. The Cra will consider an alliance with your people once it is time, proudly so. But one question remains... What of the Eliacube?"
Alys looked to the female archer and faintly smiled as she recalled Baltazar's face, the old dragon having appointed himself as the watcher of the cube. "The Eliacube is kept out of harm's reach, somewhere safe and in very good hands. It will be long before we see it again." She knew it wasn't the answer most wanted to hear, but it was for the best that nobody on the World of Twelve had access to the cube. It had only brought misfortune... She saw the Cra nod thoughtfully before pathetic and high pitched shrieking caused the archer to look bewildered towards the open doors of the throne room, everyone else following her example while the more trigger happy archers prepared their bows for whatever had made such terrible sounds and came rushing into the throne room.
The battered Eliatrope audibly winced when she was pulled into tight embraces after the two flamboyant confidants of the princess came running in, nearly tackling her and shoving everyone else aside. The spreading news about Qilby's defeat made them drop whatever they were doing to hurry downstairs to the one they had been worried sick about. "Alys! Ohh, you poor flower, you look dreadful! Are you all right?" Canar asked as he petted the top of her head while Renate nuzzled her cheek, crying crocodile tears of joy while hugging her tightly.
"By Cra… give her some air, you two. Can you not see she is worn from battle?" the Cra matriarch grumbled, a crinkle showing over her pointy nose as she watched the two Sadida overwhelm the Eliatrope while the King laughed heartily. How could he blame anyone for this much excitement after several days of tension and fear? He welcomed it with open arms.
Both servants gasped at the mention of battle and leaned back to have a good look at the one they had taken under their wings, looking mortified when they saw Alys was hurt all over. Renate already nearly fainted when he was told about the wound Alys received from her confrontation with Qilby in her chambers, the bandages which were applied then now torn and dirty. He began to wave himself some air to try and stay calm while Canar nodded in a much calmer demeanor," we need an Eniripsa to get you back on your feet. I'll go get someone."
Alys was quick to reach out with a hand stop Canar from jogging away, shaking her head with a small smile at the overly worried behavior of her two dear friends before she said to try and reassure him," no, it is all right. I am fine." The skeptical raising of an eyebrow made Alys' smile grow a little before she took his hand in her own to hold it tenderly while she nodded," really, I am. I haven't felt this good in such a long time. Sore and exhausted... but definitely fine."
"Your people are quite resilient, Lady Alys."
She looked towards the open doors with a quick turn of her head to see who had spoken out into the throne room, her smile dropping as overwhelming surprise took her and made her heart beat faster. The Master of Bonta stood a little slumped in his posture, but he was standing, breathing and acting as humble as he always done. Her eyes grew while time felt like it had stopped. He was alive... She took a quick but small inhale of air to snap out of the shock and surprise, her worries having been for naught. The fear and belief he had perished by Qilby's hand ebbed away as she stared at him before she gave him a soft smile of deep relief, her voice holding a tone of admiration," not as resilient as you, Master Joris."
She let go of Canar's hand to slowly approach Joris, the master watching her come closer while he stood with a gloved hand clutching the front of his blue coat, torn and frayed from Qilby's attack during the trial. She lowered herself down onto her knees before him while not uttering a word, the joy she felt to see him alive difficult to contain and apparent in her eyes. They gazed at each other in silence before she wrapped her arms around the small master and pulled him against her into a close embrace, tears of relief lingering but not falling. She truly thought she had lost him… No words could describe how she felt to be able to see, hear and feel him.
"I will inform our troops about the change in the situation. We will remain vigilant and keep an eye out for the princess' return," the rough voice of the Cra matriarch sounded, causing the tender atmosphere by the throne room doors to become a little brittle… and awkward.
Alys quickly released a tensed up Joris when the Cra matriarch spoke up, seeing him fumble a little with a hint of embarrassment at the sudden hug he received, yet a smile was visible in the darkness of his hood, the glint in his eyes appreciative for her care, concern and relief. He had been worried as well, wondering where she was and how she was faring after she was taken away... It drove him mad not to know. She was blushing a little but held herself composed well enough to incline her head for the Cra matriarch and her captain when they walked by and took their leave to attend to their duties. The Cra troops would celebrate the return of peace once all was truly deemed safe.
"Alys," the king said to gain the Eliatrope's attention, seeing her turn on her heels before she respectfully rose to a standing on her bare feet," we will hold council tomorrow morning to discuss what has happened in detail; we will need a full report on what occurred with Qilby and the Eliacube so we can properly inform the Council of Twelve. Please see the court healer to tend to your injuries and rest in the mean time. I do believe your room is still in order." He cast a glance towards the two servants who were mesmerized by Alys and Joris awkwardly interacting with each other, nodding frantically in answer to the king's wonder before he smiled," go rest. God Sadida knows we all need and deserved it..."
The sense of hospitality was like a soothing salve for her aching body, but she couldn't rest just yet. She bent forward to bow in gratitude, saying as her scarf and pale blond locks fell before her face while she leaned with her hands on her scraped knees," thank you, Your Majesty, but there is someone I need to check on first. Is Alibert still in Sadida?"
"He is," the king nodded, not needing to tell the Eliatrope where she could find the mayor of Emelka. He was bound to be in the nursery with Chibi, perhaps unaware of the good news which was spreading. The good man must be worried sick about his sons… The news that it was Yugo who had saved the world once more and was on his way home would do the retired Enutrof some good.
Alys laid an arm around her waist and held her right arm as she ignored most of her injuries on purpose, not believing them to be severe enough to become a burden to anyone else. "Thank you," she said after she straightened up from her bow before turning around around to leave the throne room. She had to stop herself from creating a portal to head up to the nursery where she expected Alibert to be, reminding herself that strained herself and her Wakfu reserve enough this day… she would walk, even if it would be slow and take some time. Her eyebrows arched when she noticed she wasn't alone as she left the throne room, finding Joris walking alongside her with a light limp in his step. "Joris…" she said quietly, not to call for his attention but to express her worry for his condition. It was miracle he survived the Eliacube empowered attack on such close range, but she knew him to be strong for someone so small.
"Do not fret, Alys. I have gone through worse before," he assured her without looking at her while they passed through the tall doorway of the throne room," allow me to escort you. You look like you have gone through Shukrute and back."
"I have in fact…" Her quiet distant sounding voice made Joris frown, first not believing her until he took note of the look upon her face, an expression of one trying to push away foul memories. She spoke however," Qilby's plan was of massive scale… He sought the aid of the Shushus to deal with a dragon he knew he couldn't defeat or convince, but in order to get the Shushus from Shukrute to the World of Twelve, he required a portal strong enough to pierce through several layers of space and time and last for the duration of the invasion."
"Invasion?"
"Which has been dealt with," Alys said quickly, almost interrupting Joris to not cause a panic. She gave him an apologetic smile while they continued to slowly walk to not strain themselves," everything Qilby had done or was planning has been reverted, for the most part. He is no longer a threat, neither are the Shushus or the Eliacube. They are all where they belong..." She grimaced when she thought about Qilby. Qilby the Traitor. He was so willing to make sacrifice and, even put her life on the line to get what he wanted, yet in the end he got nothing except grief, solitude and hatred. What was he thinking...? Was he truly that desperate or was it all mere insanity?
"Alys...?" Joris asked after he found the Eliatrope looking distracted and in deep thought while they wandered down the corridors, the reassurances she tried to give him not seeming to work for her. She was deeply worried about something... What exactly had happened after she was taken away from Sadida? He wouldn't ask or urge her to tell him, not today at least. Who knew what she had witnessed in Shukrute and wherever else she had been. She needed respite after the last few days of dark revelations. She looked like she had gone through hell, no matter that she walked with her usual grace and regal bearing. The few people they passed towards the nursery stopped and stared at her but she was unfazed by their glances. She had changed…
She closed her eyes and smiled faintly when she heard her name, feigning that she was all right while dark thoughts brewed. "It is strange," she said," I wish to hate him for all he has done, but I can't seem to hold a grudge. I pity him more than I despise him… I wanted to make him pay for all he had done, but as I struggled to remain in the world of the living, betrayed and defeated by a man who claimed to be my king and friend… I gave up on my vengeance. It wasn't mine to claim." She swallowed as she recalled the look on Yugo's face when she was told about Qilby's defeat and confinement within the White Dimension, the dark look the boy held in his eyes the most heartbreaking thing she had seen. He was too young to take such a large responsibility on himself and yet he did it. He was the one to lay judgement on the traitor and punished him for his crimes. It would haunt him, she knew it to be true, but it was his fate. If only she could have done it for him, she wouldn't be feeling so guilty...
"You did all you could."
She said nothing in response to his comforting words, not feeling like she truly had done everything. She tried, she wouldn't deny it, but did she try enough?
"There is so much I wish to tell you, Joris," Alys sighed, her shoulders drooping while she her hold around her waist tightened," I don't want to keep any secrets from you, I owe you too much." She slowed in her pace until she came to a stop, seeing the small master look back over his shoulder as he matched her pace till he stood still before her. The nursery was just around the corner, their walk coming to an end. Perhaps that was why Alys lingered reluctantly... She didn't want it to end just yet. "You have come to my defense so many times," she said, the hug she held herself becoming firmer," when others doubted me, you believed in me. When I felt lost, you tried to guide me. You got hurt because of me... I-I even thought you were..." She couldn't get herself to say it, and she therefore didn't. "I know you would do the same for everyone you deem just, but I feel like I have taken so much from you and hardly given anything in return. I don't-"
"We are even, Alys."
His words froze her voice in her throat, stopping her from finishing her sentence. He sounded modest, there wasn't a hint of irony to be detected in his voice and neither the look in his eyes. Her fingers dug into into her sides as she listened to him, clinging onto every word he said to accept them, keep them close and not discard them with her shattered confidence.
"It is true… I would do it for everyone I believe is worthy, but I appointed myself as your guardian on my own resolve. There is a connection between us I can not ignore." He took a deep breath, not feeling comfortable with speaking about the subject out in the open but it was the best and perhaps the only time he could talk about it with her, the future still uncertain. He didn't know if the connection between them was kinship, affinity or something much deeper, but he knew it felt different from mere infatuation. There was more to it and he wanted to explore it, see if she felt the same. "I haven't regretted my decision for a single moment, not even when I came to after Qilby thwarted my attack in the throne room. The only regret I have is that I laid my responsibility on him, trusting him to watch over you as one of his close subjects. I should have known better." Qilby truly had everyone fooled and he walked right into that trap, no matter that he had kept an eye and ear open for any wrong steps the fake king of the Eliatropes would make. "Do not worry about debts or favors… you owe me as much as I owe you."
He was laying himself bare, allowing a moment of vulnerability which he hadn't shown to her before. It took her by surprise, made her waver. The Eliatrope parted her lips to say anything in return, but words slipped her just as quickly as they crossed her mind. So he felt it too… It was reassuring to know it wasn't her broken mind playing tricks on her, but it brought in the new mystery of what the connection between her and the Master of Bonta could be, if there truly was anything. She had no clue... It was something to pursue at a later time. What she did know was that she cared about him, no matter what happened.
The soft cry of a baby caused the only two people present in the hallway to look away from one and another, breaking the fragile moment which had unfolded between them. Alys was the first to react to the sound, instinctively bringing herself forward to round the corner with a hurried pace and respond to a baby's cry. She stroked a hand along Joris' mantle and shoulder as she brushed past him to assure him she wasn't avoiding him or what he had shared. She would really like to discuss their situation further and in depth, when time would permit.
Her eyes were on the door of Yugo's chambers and the nursery while she listened, only hearing Chibi's cooing and babbling as she stood before the closed door. "You think Alibert is still asleep...?" she asked before she looked at Joris after he lay an ear and hands against the door, the look in his visible eyes focused as he intently listened.
"It appears so," he nodded after hearing the rumbling noise of snoring coming from the room and kept a hand against the door while he tilted his head up to look up to Alys, asking," do you wish to wake him? It is obvious the news hasn't reached him yet."
She shook her head as she thought the situation over, keeping her voice low. "He must have been up all night with worry. He should rest for Yugo's arrival. Chibi however…" Alys looked off to the side and rose a hand, the palm glowing as she pointed at the wall next to the door. A portal formed at the beckoning of her fingers, an easier practice after she discovered more about her powers through battle though it did exhaust her to keep it open. Her eye twitched at the burning sensation before she rose a finger to her lips to indicate to Joris to be quiet, a weak smile playing on her lips. She stepped through the fluctuating rift in the wall without hesitation, the nursery forming as she stepped through the white veil of the Zaap. Her eyes sought for a sign of Alibert within the room before she walked over towards the crib she had spent many hours by, smiling as she found an awake Chibi gazing up to her with large eyes. Ignoring her aching body, Alys leaned over the crib to lift the child up in her arms, rubbing the tip of her nose against his as she softly whispered with a broad smile," sweet boy, I missed you so much. You've been good, haven't you?"
Joris came walking sideways through the portal, obviously fascinated by it. He had seen them plenty of times before, but this was the first time he actually stepped through one. He had heard how non-Eliatropes would suffer from the effects of vertigo if they were to travel through, but all he felt was a little lightheaded, nothing more. The portal disappeared with a soft sound after he came through, causing the small master to cock his head a little in intrigue before he began to wander through the nursery. He stepped quietly across the wooden floor boards and leaf carpets to peer into the other chambers while Alys rocked the giggling baby in her arms, seeing the outlines of a large figure sitting in a chair once he peeked into the main chamber. He rose a hand to beckon for Alys before he motioned with a nod towards the shape in the dark room after she walked over to him, showing her who he had found. It was a snoring Alibert, still fully dressed and soundly asleep in the large chair. They both smiled as they watched him before Joris quietly whispered," it would be a shame to wake him."
Alys nodded in response and turned around to head back into the nursery, saying softly as she made her way over towards a cushioned bench along the far wall to have a seat," let him sleep then." She made herself comfortable, letting Chibi sit in her lap with her stomach as his back support while holding his small hands and waited for Joris to join her. "It is so good to see him well," she said as she let Chibi hold her fingers," I learned so much today…"
"You gone through much today," Joris added, his eyes wandering over her appearance after he sat down beside her, one hand upon a knee while the other held the damaged front of his dark blue coat. Her torn clothes revealed the bruised and scraped skin underneath the tattered fabrics, reminders of the beatings she endured. If she hadn't been acting like she did since her return, he would have been deeply concerned about her well-being.
"I have…" she said a little solemn, the memories of what had happened the last few days rushing through her to remind her all at once. First she had nothing, an empty husk with no memories and now it felt like she had far too many memories to hold onto. "I fought demons and a fake king. I have been dragged from one dimension to another, only to find what I desperately wanted to find. So many children, Joris…. if only you could have seen it. Qilby didn't lie when he said there would be thousands of them; their number truly is that large. The only adult they have as their caretaker is an old dragon going by the name Baltazar. He told me that we once shared the duty of watching over the children, until I was whisked away ten years ago by the Eliacube and ended up in the World of Twelve. Time does not exist where they are, but he and the children told me we had all been there for so long… centuries, millenniums perhaps. They all knew me, almost every single child knew my name or face. They loved me, they had missed me, they…" she paused to swallow down the forming lump in her throat before she gazed down to Chibi to distract herself," it was so very difficult to leave them..." She arched forward to hug the Eliatrope infant in her lap, sighing softly as she nuzzled the top of the dark brown hat.
"Why didn't you stay with them?"
Alys faintly smiled at the question, peering down through her eyelashes while taking a deep breath as she thought about Emrub and recalled the many faces she said goodbye to. She left with a very heavy heart, the want to stay with Baltazar and the children to learn about her past and watch over them so very strong, but she knew she couldn't leave the World of Twelve behind, not after all she had gone through and all the connections she made here. This was her home and it was going to become the home of her people. She had to come back, for several reasons. She turned her head to look at Joris and said with a soft and sincere tone in her voice to answer his question," because there was someone I wished to return to."
The silence which followed was tense but also serene, as if there was an unspoken understanding between her and Joris. Even Chibi had stopped his babbling to look up to the female Eliatrope who held him tenderly. Nothing more needed to be said between the two of them, it was clear what she meant. Her returning to the World of Twelve had many reasons, but wishing to know of Joris' fate after she saw him get struck down was one of the more prominent ones. She needed to know... and she was glad she got that closure, that confirmation to allow herself to continue growing.
"The children are in good hands, along with the Eliacube. I have faith in Baltazar… My watch over the children has ended to make way for a new task," Alys continued, the quiver in her voice ebbing away," I have much to learn, but I have decided to become an emissary for my people. Baltazar told me that the World of Twelve isn't ready for the Eliatropes' return and I agree after witnessing the Council and seeing the children for myself. It will take time, but I'll do what I can for my people." The World needed to be prepared for the coming of the Eliatropes. It was her new responsibility, one she had taken upon herself without question or doubt. Yugo was too young to do it on his own and she would therefore be there to support him while he grew into the title of king.
Joris folded his arms over his chest while trying to understand what Alys had gone through. She left behind a great source of information on her past to pave the way to her future, her people's future. It was a large sacrifice to make… He felt honored to know that she thought of him and this world when she made the decision to return. "And where will you stay? Will Sadida become your new home?"
"Sadida is beautiful…" Alys smiled as she gently rocked the infant, tickling his sides to cause him to giggle rather than stare up at her in awe," I could easily remain here, but I feel a guilt which makes me doubt. While the Eliatropes have been the saviors of the world, they have also been the cause behind the terrors. Sadida has taken the hardest hits from it all… I feel more indebted to them than they feel towards my people." She was being honest, speaking her mind on the matter while also reconsidering every thought. "Shortly after Qilby was brought here, Alibert made the offer to shelter me. He said he would make room in his inn so I could remain close to Yugo and Chibi and help raising them. It was a very tempting offer, but after all that has happened I know I won't be able to stay if I were to accept it; I have important matters to attend to. However, it would suffice for the time being."
"It would," Jorris nodded," you will be in good hands if you were to stay with Alibert, even for a short period of time. Amakna is a prosperous nation known for its food and resources; you may like it. It is fairly peaceful. I... would suggest Bonta as a place to stay, but I am not certain how you will fare in a large city."
"I will gladly consider it," Alys said, the thought of living in Bonta becoming tempting. Joris had told her much about it and it intrigued her with sounding so fairly different from Sadida. She would have to visit it first before making the decision and she was planning to, for she needed to have an audience with the king of Bonta in the near future, to speak about her people and a possible allegiance.
"My inn is always open for you if you need a place to stay, sweet piwi." The hoarse voice caused everyone look towards the open doorway, pleasantly surprised while Chibi cried gleefully and reached out with grabby hands to the one who had suddenly spoken. Alibert rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he smiled towards the trio seated on the bench. How long he had been awake was a guess, but he had overheard the discussion about shelter and felt inclined to say his piece. He walked over to Alys and wrapped his arms around her to hug her, carefully patting her back before he leaned back to look at her face," you are as stubborn as your little brothers. Nothing can keep you down, hm?" His smile grew with the jest before it betrayed the concern he felt," where have you been, Alys? You look terrible..."
Alys scooted closer to Joris to offer Alibert a spot on the bench and said as she lifted Chibi from her lap to hold him in her arms," far away from here, Alibert… The threat has been dealt with, Qilby is gone." She could see it in his eyes, his question burning on the tip of his tongue yet apprehensive to urge Alys to tell him. She smiled at him as she could easily guess about his worry and leaned a little closer to him to let her shoulder rest against his thick arm," be proud of your son, Alibert. He is the savior of the World of Twelve once more. He fought bravely to protect it."
"Is he-?"
"On his way home. Grougal and Adamaï should be with him," Alys nodded to finish his question with an answer and watched how the mayor brightened up with the news before he scooped Chibi from Alys' arms to lift the infant high up in the air. The child cried with laughter, amused to be high up while completely unaware of what was being discussed, blissfully ignorant as he should be.
"You hear that, my little tofu? Your brothers are coming home!" Alibert laughed, causing the smiles Joris and Alys had to grow, the love Alibert felt for his children heartwarming. Grougaloragran had done well to choose him all these years ago as the adoptive father of Yugo. "I should prepare some food; they'll be hungry when they get back. And you…" he lowered Chibi down onto one arm while he reached out to Alys to cup the side of her face in a massive hand," sweet piwi, you should rest. It warms my heart to know you put others before yourself, but now it is time to tend to your wounds and regain your strength. We can discuss you staying at our place when you feel better, not to worry. There is plenty of space for you, Chibi and Grougaloragran… even you, Master Joris."
Joris answered Alibert's grin with one of his own, hidden within the darkness of his hood before he said appreciatively," thank you, Alibert." Alibert was going to have his hands full with the little household... He got off the bench and politely held a hand out towards Alys for her to take, saying as he waited for the Eliatrope to join him," I will make certain to visit your establishment in the near future, but right now I will see to it that your daughter will receive some healing and gain rest. Tomorrow will be a long exhausting day."
"My daughter..." Alibert chuckled, sounding amused while the master sounded so very serious about it. Alys was a little too old for him to see her as his daughter, but she was like a big sister to his adopted sons. Perhaps he could see her in such a way one day. He watched how Alys rose from the bench after she took Joris' hand, seeing her smile at him and Chibi after she found her balance. She bent forth to give them both a peck on their cheeks, causing the large man's heart to almost melt. No matter tired, hurt and fatigued, she remained as sweet and caring as she mostly was.
"Sleep well, Alibert," Alys said softly before she followed Joris out of the nursery to find an Eniripsa of the court to tend to her injuries, knowing the retired Enutrof would rest much easier now that he knew Yugo was safe and well. Peace had returned to truly everyone, including herself, the future looking bright.
To be continued