Tales of a Dead God

Chapter Thirty-Four: Don't Break My Heart. Please...

Two weeks had passed since Theo's funeral. Things were getting back to normal for the most part. A few large celebrations had been held in town over the weeks, but no one from the palace chose to attend. For the most part, Noah spent his days mourning his brother. He was slowly learning better ways to cope and getting out here and there. Ciro kept a close eye on Noah and realized that keeping him here wasn't doing him any good. So he decided that they would pack up for a while and start traveling.

Ciro wanted to make sure Noah would be on board with the idea and went looking for him on a strangely sunny day. Like usual, he found Noah in the small garden reading. "Hey, Noah."

Noah looked up from his book and smiled a bit. "What's up?"

Ciro sighed as he sat down by Noah. "I wanted to ask you something." He saw Noah's face drop a bit. Noah was still on edge but who wouldn't be after it only being almost a month since fighting in a gruesome battle? "It's nothing bad I promise. I wanted to ask how you would feel about traveling for a little while?"

"Where exactly?"

"Well, that's the thing. We would just be traveling. I know with the funeral still being on the front of your mind and everything that it might be challenging, but I don't like that you keep yourself pent up in this palace every day." Ciro explained. He glanced over to see Noah deep in thought.

Noah looked over. "Gabriel would be coming with us, right?"

Ciro let out a small laugh. "Yeah, he would. We discussed all this a while back before everything." He trailed off as he looked at the grave. Ciro felt a bit of sadness room through him like a wave.

Noah followed Ciro's gaze and smiled for the first time when looking at Theo's grave. "Where's the first place you want to go, Theo?" Ciro looked over at Noah and saw him smiling. "What's that? Oh, I see." Noah turned his gaze to Ciro. "Somewhere full of magic." They both burst into laughter.

"I think we can manage," Ciro spoke to the wind. It was a weird comfort. Theo may have been gone from this world physically but his spirit was surrounding him in every way possible. After several more minutes of enjoying the silence, Ciro patted Noah on the shoulder and stood.

Noah stayed sitting and looked up. "Are you leaving me already?"

"Thought I'd go inform Gabriel of the new development," Ciro answered. "I'll come back if you want."

Noah smiled and went back to reading his book. "I would appreciate it."

Ciro smiled and nodded. He headed off to find Gabriel who he hadn't seen all day. Assuming Gabriel was still in the room, Ciro headed there first. Today walking through the palace seemed like the spirit was lighter. It had been a rough two weeks for everyone in the castle as Theo had made more of an impact than Ciro had seemed to realize. However, laughter filled the air and smiles were exchanged between many.

Ciro opened the door to the bedroom and was greeted with an empty room. He started thinking of where Gabriel could be, but then something caught his eye. He walked in and saw that Gabriel had his bag packed and bow and quiver set with the bag. Next to the bag sat a freshly folded letter. Ciro picked it up and opened it. That light happy feeling seemed to be pushed out by complete shock and hurt that weighed down on Ciro's shoulders as he read the letter.

Dear Noah,

When you find this letter, I'll probably be gone. Ciro will take better care of you than I would have ever done. He's always been better like that. Live your life well for you and Theo. It'll be hard sometimes but those are the times we push through the hardest. Be good Noah and do good. I have faith that you will have plenty of chances to do so.