In one section of the city in particular, a bright bonfire burned in a circle that was once a spot where a massive tree had fallen in the midst of a roaring stampede. There now sat, about this circle, dozens of friends and family members - not celebrating and rejoicing as heavily as the others in the city, but rather nestled close together: some out of love, some out of consolation. Many human warriors had lost their lives in the struggle.
Around this one fire, there were mustered smiles and warm embraces, soft words and sorrowed faces - all of which had suffered some loss in the recent events.
In a certain corner of the square, not far from the fire, sat a young man who had recently grown to power out of nothing, and had fought with a fiery will in the last battle. Stephen sat in silence as he watched the swirling fire dance upward toward the sky. Through the flames, on the opposite side, he could see many warm couples and families with children huddled closely together and rocking quietly with bittersweet contentment. He readjusted his bandaged arm, which was growing somewhat sore.
Stephen watched on with sympathy in his heart and a sense of connection he had never known before. He then lowered his gaze to the bright flames for he did not want to dwell on his own losses during the recent ordeal. He did not concentrate on counting what he had lost concerning his friends and his innocence. Instead Stephen centered his attention on the beautiful girl who sat next to him.
Kirin was leaning on Stephen’s shoulder and her eyes were closed. Stephen observed how relaxed she seemed while she slept. He brushed a strand of hair away from her face. She was smiling slightly - undoubtedly engaged in a pleasant dream, and Stephen decided not to wake her. Instead, he put his arm around her and leaned on her with an equal feeling of love to that which she held for him. He then returned his gaze to the crackling fire in the square, which leapt upwards to the sky and died out beneath the overshadowing form of the moon above. Stephen then exhaled a sigh of relaxation in knowing that his struggle was over and that the rest of his life was ahead of him.
Haven Page 25
