Zalos

Chapter Six

King Joshua and Queen Deborah stood united in their solemn sorrow as they grieved for the lives lost in the brutal war with Drakoria. The burden of their kingdom's losses weighed heavily on their hearts, and they shared in the profound sorrow of their people as they gathered to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers and their grieving families.

Amidst the prevailing atmosphere of mourning, King Joshua and Queen Deborah also recognized the importance of honoring and celebrating the valor of Warring. His divinely gifted strength and unmatched abilities had been pivotal in turning the tide of the battle, bringing hope to their kingdom in its darkest hour. With deep gratitude and admiration, they sought to acknowledge the heroism that had saved countless lives and inspired resilience in their people.

As the morning of remembrance drew to a close, King Joshua and Queen Deborah made a proclamation of a grand festivity to honor Warring. The entire realm was extended an invitation to partake in the jubilant event, a celebration designed to uplift spirits and pay tribute to the hero whose steadfast bravery had shone brightest in the face of perilous challenges.

The air was alive with music, merriment, and revelry as the kingdom came together to express their heartfelt appreciation and admiration for Warring. King Joshua and Queen Deborah stood in the midst of the festive gathering, their words resonating with reverence and gratitude as they offered profound thanks to Warring for his exceptional acts of valor. They acknowledged the extraordinary abilities that marked him as a recipient of divine grace, a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who had witnessed his remarkable deeds.

The cheers and applause that filled the air were deafening as the kingdom united in celebration, giving honor not only to Warring but glory and honor to the Almighty, who had blessed him with such awe-inspiring capabilities. It was a moment of unity and triumph, a testament to the resilience and strength of the kingdom in the face of adversity.

As the festivities continued late into the night, King Joshua and Queen Deborah knew that the memory of the fallen soldiers would forever be honored, and the valor of Warring would always be cherished. The celebration served as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of their people, bound together by a shared history and a common faith in a brighter future.

Noah, a cherished companion of Warring, approached him as he sat with their close childhood friend, Who-Shy, who had been joyous that Warring had showed up when he did and saved so many lives in the process of defeating their enemies. With a somber countenance, Noah's radiant beauty glowed beneath the moonlight. Who-Shy, with a knowing look on his face, excused himself, saying a brief hello to Noah with a quick hug as he said goodbye to Warring.
Noah also expressed her profound sorrow for the lives lost in the war, and acknowledged the pivotal role that Warring had played in averting greater tragedy with his exceptional powers.

"I could only imagine that you must truly feel above it all, Warring," she said as she stood directly in front of him. "I don't mean it to be disrespectful to you in any way. I just try to put myself in your shoes and imagine what it must be like to have been chosen by our God to carry such a wondrous gift. But in this world fraught with danger," Noah continued, her voice laden with concern and sincerity, her stunning blue eyes shimmering like pools of light as she met his gaze. "Our enemies will stop at nothing to lead you astray from our beliefs, to eliminate you, or perhaps achieve both outcomes.
So you must remain absolutely vigilant and resolute in the face of such threats," she advised, her words reflecting a genuine care for his well-being, knowing his passion for the nation's and the women of them that surrounded them. Warring admired Noah for her honesty and compassionate nature. Both his and her parents had envisioned a marital relationship between the two, but Warring's heart had always been drawn towards the women of the neighboring lands, now Jewel.

As Noah's words sank in, a whirlpool of guilt and remorse engulfed Warring, burdening his soul with unspoken truths. Despite Noah's known affection and undeniable physical allure, his own emotions resided in a realm of spontaneity and unpredictability. They were beyond his grasp.

With acute awareness of the immense power at his command, Warring understood the pivotal role his extraordinary abilities could play in turning the tide of battle and safeguarding his people from harm. Yet, the lurking threats and insidious whispers brought from his adversaries both far and wide cast a shadow of doubt and unease over his every thought.

Warring was aware of the dual role he played in the eyes of those who coveted his powers for their dark intentions. The mere thought of being a pawn in their treacherous schemes gave him a momentous pause.

The prospect of inadvertently causing harm to those he had pledged to protect, Noah included, weighed heavily on his mind, often depriving him of peaceful rest. The unsettling notion that his adversaries could potentially manipulate his abilities to turn them against him and his beloved ones instilled a profound fear that lingered deep within his soul.

Noah's words resonated deeply within Warring, reminding him of the delicate balance he had to strike between using his powers for the greater good and protecting himself from those who sought to exploit him. He knew that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges and temptations, but he also believed in the importance of staying true to his faith, himself, his feelings, and his understanding in the face of adversity.

As Noah continued to speak, Warring felt a renewed sense of determination and resolve. He knew that he could not let fear or doubt cloud his judgment, especially when the fate of his kingdom and his people was at stake. With Noah's steadfast support and wisdom guiding him, Warring vowed to stay vigilant and strong in the face of whatever threats may come his way, ready to defend his people with all his might.

Warring felt a surge of conflicting emotions as Noah held him in her warm embrace and kissed him.
It lingered on his senses. Her gesture brought an awkward expression and a smile to his lips, but the gravity of the reality within her eyes hinted at deep turmoil. Watching her turn to depart, an impulse to call out to her tugged at his heart.

"Noah, please, wait!" Warring's voice reverberated with urgency and a touch of desperation, reaching out as if to grasp onto a fleeting moment.

Turning back to face him, Noah met his gaze as he clasped her hands, seeking to express his true feelings in earnest. "You know that I would face any danger to protect you, and if harm ever came to you, I would most certainly destroy those responsible," Warring affirmed, his words carrying a weight of sincerity and care, though not the romantic affection Noah had long hoped for.

Noah shook her head ruefully, her response laced with a touch of resignation. "Yes, the valiant defender of my honor. And the terrible avenger of my death. Will that be the only time that I ever have your complete and undivided attention, Warring? What warmth, what love, what comfort or words of wisdom would I be able to offer you then? You have been seduced by the ways of the women of the world. We are modest and do not allow our breast's to hang out openly in your face, nor do we parade our butts on display to entice you through your lusts. But you are just a man. I must always remind myself. And a fallen man no less, even with all your remarkable powers and abilities. And good looks." she murmured, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions before breaking away from his grasp.

As Noah departed, Warring felt a pang of sadness grip his heart. The recurring cycle of disappointment that seemed to shadow their interactions weighed heavily on him, driving a rift between them that he could not bridge. His inability to meet her expectations weighed on his conscience, casting a shadow of regret over their parting.

In Jewel, Warring discovered a sanctuary where he found solace and an unyielding devotion. She epitomized beauty, grace, and the very essence of his heart's most profound desires. Through all the trials and tribulations that awaited him, Jewel stood out as a prominent focus in his life, holding the key to his deepest affections and occupying a special place within the chamber of his heart.