"As we stand on this solemn ground, let us not only mourn the departure of those who once filled our lives with laughter and warmth but also celebrate the enduring spirit that defined each precious soul.

As we light candles to honor the departed, let each flickering flame symbolize the enduring light of their spirits. In this time of collective grief, let us find solace in each other, offering comfort and support as we navigate the intricate pathways of healing.

As we say our farewells, let us pledge to honor their memory by cherishing the gift of life, embracing the bonds that tie us together, and ensuring that the echoes of this tragedy propel us toward a future where love triumphs over loss, and where the indomitable spirit of our village prevails against all odds."

Kellan closed his small book and stepped down from the small stage. His short speech seemed to have hit hard for some as you could hear the soft whimpers of people who lost their families and friends during the disaster.

Kellan reached me and my brother and as he turned towards the stage a small group of people started playing music to honor the fallen.

"That was a good speech Kellan," Zeph said whispering.

"Yeah, well, It's all I could do. I am not good at this stuff." He replied.

The service was emotional and after about 30 to 45 min we slowly made our way to the spire in the central plaza to leave a flower that grew in abundance near the village.

The street from the memorial site to the spire was lit with candles along the side of the road though they also partially lit reminders of the battle that caused all of this. Eventually, we made our way back to Kellan's home and set down with a refreshing drink.

"Kellan?" Zeph started. "We need to talk about what we will be doing next."

Kellan looked up as if he already expected this would be coming but didn't want to talk about it.

"Yeah, I guess we should. No use delaying it is there." He positioned himself more upright.

"So tell me, what is your plan."

"During the fight, something spoke to me. It was the same thing that saved us from harm with the massive shield."

I can't tell him it was my mother from Earth or that her name is Gaia.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"She told me that I should go to an ancient library called Astralum Arcanum. Does that ring any bells?" I asked curiously.

"Hmm, I have the feeling I know of an ancient library but I don't know the name. I have never been there and only heard the story about it from some traveling scholars." Kellan kept trying to figure out what the name was as I continued on.

"Well, it is a lead we could try to follow. But what it told me was that there is a Celestial Plane that I need to get to. Apparently, I can get my sister her body back and get revenge on Umbra there."

My voice was probably a bit too hopeful than it should have been, but the fact that there was a lead where there was none before, was at least something to go on.

Kellan looked at us in surprise. "Did you just say the 'Celestial Plane'? Are you sure that is where you need to go? "

Me and Zeph were surprised by that question. when Zeph responded. "Wait you know of it? How? Do you know where it is?"

"Hold on there, not so fast. I have heard the name before and I have been told it is a place for gods or something. They didn't say where it was and basically anyone talking about it says it was just a myth."

It was silent for a moment until Kellan seemed to have an idea.

"There is someone you might want to try and ask, now that I think about it." Kellan stood up and walked to a desk in the corner of the room and picked up a map of the region.

"There is a large city here called Alora." meanwhile pointing at the map. "It is positioned in a very strategic location and a lot of trade happens there as it is easily reachable by boat. There is a family there by the name of Ikthiosh. Though I don't know how the family is doing, I do know they are very deep into ancient artifacts and darker types of magic. They might know something about the library."

He looked up to see our reaction and wasn't disappointed.

"Thank you, Kellan! That helps out a lot!" I said cheerfully as I lunged at Kellan to hug him.

Kellan was glad he could help and thought for a minute.

"Get some rest tonight and sleep in tomorrow. You will need all the rest you can get. Then when you get out of bed, visit the guard's house. I will have some stuff ready for you by then."

Zeph and I nodded and thanked Kellan again.

—

I was sitting in the garden looking up at the clear dark sky with all its small twinkling little lights. A small breeze was in the air, cooling things down to contrast the afternoon warmth.

So this is it then. Time to move on and find our way to this library.

I wonder if it is far away or if it is well hidden in some deep mountain range.

Well, it doesn't matter really. I will get there no matter what happens.

I have to!

I was lost in thought when I drifted away while lying on the ground.

When I woke up, I was greeted by the early morning sun starting to illuminate the sky with a dark orange glow. I closed my eyes again but the voice of Zeph scared me for a bit.

"Sleeping on the ground under the starry sky, brings back memories doesn't it?" Zeph said softly.

"Man, waking up really isn't my strong suit is it? Getting jumped by myself..." I said a bit frustrated.

"Well, As long as it is convincing it seems like I'm doing a good job living the life of 2 people at the same time," Zeph said jokingly.

"Well let's just lay down here then and make it look like a brother and sister bonding together and relaxing in the early morning sunrise."

Zeph lay down next to me and put one arm under my head so I could use it like a pillow.

It still feels weird to behave more like a sister to myself.

But I need to get better at this if I want to stay convincing.

As my mind fussed about how to better behave as Zephyria I slowly drifted off to sleep again.