by S. M. Bowles
"That we split it up," Herrik said simply enough.
Like a flash I saw what he had in mind, envisioned it so clearly, "Oh...yes...I see."
The others seemed to awaken to the idea and as the understanding spread the room again grew eerily quiet.
"And how will we determine this division of power?" Artur clearly wasn't sold on the idea.
"I'm not sure. There are many things we need to focus on first but I think that once the healing process begins and some semblance of normalcy returns to all of our lives..."
"What do you plan to do during the interim?"
"Well, that's one of the reasons why you're all here."
"Ah," Daemon narrowed his eyes and fixed them on his father, "You want us to..."
Herrik nodded, "I do, but not without your consent and not without approval from the council first."
"Hmm," Artur seemed to be weighing the possibilities.
"It will never work!" Avery confidently stated.
"I don't think it can either," Colin shook his head.
Merry looked optimistic, though, and as I looked around I felt very optimistic, too. I found myself standing up and studying each of the people in the room one by one and became entranced by what I saw.
Merry smiled oddly but the others were just frowning as they stared back at me completely puzzled. It wasn't quite the same but I felt a little fuzzy, like when Herrik swept me away into the utopic worlds he was so good at creating.
They were just the right combination that Haeven needed to bring it back into balance; wise Artur, strong Avery, free-spirited Colin, and empathetic Merry. Then there was Herrik who embodied all those attributes and understood the value of each. He was the weight, the pendulum that could swing in whichever direction mattered most.
Everything was very clear for a long, drawn out moment. After the shock and mourning I pictured the people of Haeven coming together and restoring it to its original splendor. When they were done and Herrik's new hierarchy was in place Haeven began to grow once more. Those that were lucky enough to find it or the many who were invited to see it for themselves often stayed. Some went, though when they left they were compelled by Artur, who was often assisted by Merry, to forget that any such place existed.
Penny lived with Daemon in the apartment we once shared and stayed for as long as they were needed. Eventually they had done all that they could do and said their farewells. After living nearly her entire life in Haeven I knew that Penny longed to see the world. Once she and Daemon finally had a chance to share the experience together nothing would convince her to change her mind.
Though he became a member of the council Colin did not stay either. He and Ares had been through a great deal together and they simply would not be parted. Haeven was no place for a dog though, so instead they lived within driving distance and came as often as they could to help rebuild and to ensure that Haeven would have a future.
Merry timidly accepted her role and though it was a long, gradual transition for her we all did our part to make her feel welcome. She seemed to know she was essential, not only to help Haeven reclaim all that was lost but her heart was naturally drawn to people in need. Other than myself she may have been the only other person who knew about Avery's feelings for Penny and the daily heartbreak he faced seeing Penny and Daemon always together.
Whenever she sensed his anguish, Merry would happen to run into him and somehow manage to restore his spirits. He never seemed to notice how much she cared though and it wasn't until after Penny and Daemon left that he began to recognize her feelings as well as his own for what they truly were.
"Emily?" Herrik's voice brought me back to the present.
He was looking at me very concernedly while Artur and the others just watched and waited. They were completely puzzled especially when they saw me wipe away a few happy tears.
I smiled and at first wasn't able to find the words. Then I remembered something Herrik had once said when I asked him about his dreams.
"Well, it's not like I never dream. I just dream when I'm awake." he had said.
"What is it Emily? What did you see?"
I took Herrik's hand in mine and gazed up at him then softly replied, "Peace."
The End
Other works by S. M. Bowles and available in Kindle format through Amazon:
Sanctity: holiness of life or character
Vivienne: Le Perdu et Retrouve (The Lost and Found)
