Arthur's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

Gesturing to my mind, she eyed me as I did so. “An idea. This world has so much magic, but what it doesn’t have is science.” Pointing at it got her to look at it once more. “That could be the start of a huge change, and as an Elf, you could be there to see how this world might change.” Moving beside her, we looked at the blueprint together. “Can you imagine a better world that favors everyone?” She looked up at me. “I can. This idea could be the start.”

She was quiet for a moment. “And does this idea have a name?”

“It’s a train,” I answered. “But it could be more with your help.” Ayda looked at me curiously. “This technology is new and can be improved with the help of magic. With magic, it might even become self-sufficient.”

“So, you want me to forget about everything that has happened and throw myself into a project of sorts?” Her tone was harsh but also soft.

“I want to give you an opportunity,” I replied before wrapping my arm around her shoulders. “This is the beginning of the knowledge that you so crave. Knowledge that can help this world and aid in its future. It’s up to you with what you want to do with this.” Giving her a small squeeze, I pulled away and moved to the door but stopped to turn to her. “If you’re interested, look for Captain Greigh Nasa. He’s in charge of the project.”

My barrier fell as I moved to the door. “Arthur!” I looked back at her once more. “Is this your way of telling me not to give up?”

A sigh escaped my lips. “This is my way of telling you to move forward. I’m not a good example of what to do when it comes to mourning. I don’t process things correctly. Don’t be like me, Ayda.” I told her before I opened the door. “And if you don’t want Typhon to end up like me either, make sure you focus on what’s important to you that’s still around. If you do that, at the very least, you’ll be better off than I ever was.”

There was nothing more I could do to help Ayda. She’d either make a choice to live on for her loved ones and my offer of new knowledge, or she’d eventually find a way to off herself. Some people are better at handling loss than others. Me and her were not a part of that group. Hopefully, Ayda would be interested enough to distract herself. That was all I could do for her.

Finding a random sentry, I asked for directions to my next stop. Lucia was on my list of people to visit, but Cassidy and I never got a chance to finish our talk. I left her when she needed me. When Austin needed me. Because I struggled to face them.

Rennal's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

When I heard the news… When it happened… My thoughts didn’t focus on my fellow Nobles who had died but instead on the images of a familiar redhead. Tears coated my eyes as I ran as fast I could to the Temple. It wasn’t a place where I was welcome. A lowly ranked Noble had no business here. That was made abundantly clear by a majority of the higher-ranked Nobility.

Yet, none of that mattered to me. The state of the Temple when I arrived was horrid. Even with the constant repairs over the last week or so, it looked worse than ever. More of it appeared to be collapsed than remained standing. However, it was inside here where Cassidy was.

Now, after she had been a pillar of support for Austin after he had gone to bed after the body had been officially removed, and after her decision, she finally had an opportunity to grieve. While the sun had yet to rise, it wasn’t far off when Cassidy first came to my room. The poor dear was exhausted. Mentally, physically, and emotionally spent from the last week or so.

With the two of us in bed, my back against the bed rest, and her in my lap sleeping, I gently ran my fingers through her hair. I held her as anyone would. She was my everything, my forever, and more. My body would betray me every so often and convulse from the events that had occurred. I’d never lost anyone, so I couldn’t understand what she was truly going through, but my heart hurt more now than it ever had before.

Part of me silently wished for someone to help me. To calm her in my arms as she slept with tears dampening my dress. Someone able to make her sleep peacefully, even just for one night. Imagine my surprise when there was a light knock at the door. Using my magic, the door opened to reveal none other than Arthur Pendragon. I had conflicting feelings about him at the moment, but he seemed rather unstable himself.

“It’s good to see you, Rennal.” He greeted in a whisper once his eyes landed on Cass.

“I wish I could say the same.” Was my soft retort.