Arthur's Point of View

Dwardew Palace

“Should we not join them?” Elincia asked from my side quietly.

“By all means.” I gestured out to the large procession. “We suffered no loses, but feel free to join them and make them uncomfortable by having to cater to you.”

She frowned as we watched from a distance. “You know I did not mean it like that.”

“Maybe not, but that’s how they’ll take it.” Crossing my arms, my eyes glanced among many of our group who were watching. “We’re alive. Let them have their moment. Especially since the King was never found. How’s the arm?”

“Better. Now that my magic has returned, it was easy enough to heal.” Elincia sighed as she watched. “Why does this never get easier?”

In the city, Dwarves by the hundreds were carrying wrapped bodies of their fallen. Some had caskets; others were merely portions of the person they used to be. Some weren’t wrapped at all. Given the situation, they made do with what they had. Even the Druids that had fallen during the siege were being honored by the Dwarves. Especially since they couldn’t be laid to rest normally. After days of search and rescue, they finally decided to hold the ceremony.

“If it ever gets easier for you, make sure you no longer sit on your throne.” I told her without looking at her as many people turned to me. “Caring about these moments is important for a leader.” My eyes watched as flames flickered on in the ruined city. “The moment you feel nothing is the moment you should relinquish your title.”

Lady Turiel informed us that something special happens when a Druid is laid to rest. That it showed the Druid had a beautiful death and represents the life they lived. I’d never heard of such a thing, and it was apparently the main reason why the forests to the north were so important to the Druids.

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The Priestess was quiet for a moment before she responded. “I think your words carry a deeper meaning.”

Rolling my eyes, I quickly shot back. “Another piece of advice, stop looking for some deeper meaning in everything I say.”

Out of my peripherals, she gave a small nod. “Truly, I am humbled by your council.” Elincia then switched our topic. “I noticed Typhon has a few new scars.”

“Be proud. He got them protecting you. Some Ghoul threatened to murder you, and Ty was rather offended by that.”

“Kheri told me.” My chest felt heavy, and I let out a cough or two to clear my throat. “She also informed me you inhaled an entire room of poison to prevent anyone else from being affected.”

Waving a dismissive hand, I tapped my chest a few times. “I’m fine. Poison doesn’t really affect me too heavily. Clearly.” I stated as I gestured to myself.

Elincia eyed me carefully. “In the entirety I have known you; I have never once heard, or seen, you cough.”

I shrugged. “I also just fought a rather difficult battle. If that Demon knew how to use its magic better, things could’ve gone differently. As it stands, I’m not exactly at full strength.”

More of the ceremony was held as Elincia spoke. “We have no idea what poison you inhaled. Surely you should let someone look you over. Just to be safe.”

“You’re more than welcome to, but it would be a waste of time. Even if the poison is still in my body, how do you plan on getting it out?” I asked her, and she went quiet.

“I just want to make sure you’re okay, Arthur.” She said softly after another moment.

A sigh escaped my lips at that. “If it makes you feel better, go ahead.”

Her magic passed over me like a wave, and I heard a gasp which made many look at us once more. “Arthur!” She placed her hands on my arm. “That poison is destroying your insides!”

Closing my eyes, I replied. “I know. It’s one of the reasons I haven’t been doing too much. My body is trying to cycle the poison.” Then I turned to her. “Do you feel better now that you know and can’t do anything?”

I had a feeling the poison was fucking me up somehow. My body hadn’t felt normal since I inhaled it, and my energy wasn’t coming back as fast as it usually did. That meant it was continually healing me. Whatever that poison was would’ve likely killed most Demon Lords. Given the situation, all I could do was wait for it to dissipate.

“Arthur-“ Elincia began but stopped when a bright light caught our attention.

From the middle of the Dwarven ruins, a massive tree began to form. It started as several trees that eventually formed together and continued to grow. Watching the tree glow in a dim green illumination, it was breathtaking. While it didn’t cover the entire city, which would’ve been impossible, it was certainly well over a hundred feet tall. Leaves sprouted on the branches as they began to fall with the wind.

Part of me wondered what the Dwarves were planning. If they would rebuild Dwardew, or would they move somewhere else. Even the Druids had a decision to make. Regardless, this would bring the two races together.

The Druids were in the few hundreds, while the Dwarves still ranged in the thousands. Tens of thousands if you count the other cities. Both races were hit rather hard during this invasion, and I couldn’t help but wonder what their overall populations were. Seeing a race go extinct wasn’t something I wanted to see ever again.

“Lady Turiel was right.” I commented as Elincia looked up at me. “It truly is a magnificent sight to behold.”