Returning Home

Justin stared at the night sky, the glittering stars bringing a smile to his lips despite the winter cold. He had walked a good many paces away from the fires of the camp. It was quiet away from the groups of people, the small war-band making its way eastward. They had lost at Siannodel, suffering great losses to surprise attack by General Nikoli's army.

The bard sighed heavily. That wasn't why he was out here. He had come out here to get away from the battles had and the battles to come. He was here to find peace amongst all the war.

Footsteps of someone approaching pulled him further from that peace he sought. With another sigh, he turned to look at his follower.

Celeste's blond hair shone in the moonlight fantastically, matched by the entirety of her slender and pale beauty. The mage came to stand next to the bard before speaking.

"I had meant to ask what reason could bring you so far from camp, but now that I am here, I understand completely." She smiled slightly, letting the gentle chilled breeze flow through her hair. "'Tis peaceful."

"Peace has become much of a luxury of late." While Justin did enjoy the company, she had interrupted his peace.

"I know quite well of what you speak, bard. Dare you forget I once called Bal Azar my home?" Ah yes, Bal Azar, where it had all begun. Actually, it had begun hundreds of years ago, but this chapter in the story of the world began there. The peaceful city's fall had been what triggered the wars.

"A bard never forgets the details," he said, forcing a smile. "Now what brings you all the way out here?" Funny that her smile should fade as if he had stolen his from her.

"I begin to wonder if we shall not succeed in our mission. I begin to think we may fail." Her expression was the same she'd worn when she saw the carnage that had fallen upon Bal Azar. As it had been then, it was hard for Justin to keep smiling. She needed it though.

"I assure you, we cannot fail. The Guardians will be stopped, and I will travel the world telling of the parts we all have played in keeping the world safe." His words did little to change her mood. She knew that his smile was lacking the sincerity it had at the fall of Bal Azar. He truly believed every word then. Now, even he was not too sure.

"Positivity aside, I believe everything will turn out alright. There is much gone wrong, but much is still right." He again looked to the stars above, letting their image put his heart at ease. "We will make it. The snows can only slow so much, and winter has yet to reach its worst. We can reach our goal before the final battle." Celeste let her gaze rise away from the bard toward the stars.

"How can you know the battle shall not begin without our presence?"

"I know a few friends," he began, his usual grin returning to his face. This smile was sincere. "Fate guides more roads than we give her credit for. I know the heroes will return to Liathdale."