The Ice Crystal (Published)

Chapter 31

"I don't know what to say." Myriani says walking up behind me, "You've lost so much recently."

I can't get angry. I can't throw my sorrow at her. I can't. I just have to let it all out now.

"He can't be dead." I sob, "He can't! I loved him so much."

"We both mourn his death." Myriani says putting her hand on my shoulder, "We should bury him somewhere and move on. You have a duty."

"I know." I tell her drying my eyes, "But I won't forget this."

"I don't expect you to." Myriani says, "Come, we can bury him atop the mountain where the Moonlit Flowers are. I think he'd like that."

"Yeah." I say with a shaky voice, "I think he would too."

I get to my feet and throw Thoron over my shoulder. Myriani takes the other shoulder and we go up further into the cold air. Everything is silent. The wind in the air whips the snow falling stinging my face. I didn't care. I hardly have any feeling left and it's not from the cold. Seeing Thoron's dead body pretty much destroyed me. I don't think I'll ever find someone like Thoron ever again.

As we climb ever higher into the mountain, I'm only trying to think how much further do we have. The air is growing extremely thin and it's getting harder to breath and carrying a person doesn't help.

"We're almost there." Myriani says huffing, "Once we get free of the mist, we've reached the summit."

I grunt in response. I don't see how she can speak with this air. I'm trying my hardest not to fall down to the ground. The battle tired me out more than I thought. Whatever the bracelet did, it took all my energy.

"About that bracelet," I look over at Myriani and catch a glimpse of Thoron's bloody face and turn away, "What is it?"

"How do you mean?" She asks, "I thought it was just a regular bracelet."

"It isn't." I tell her looking straight ahead, "It drained my energy and I could see through the mist. It did help me, but I can hardly stand right now."

"Hmmm," She says thinking, "I'll have to ask someone in the city about it. I've never heard of such a thing. Ahhh! We've made it! You'll see why the flowers are called Moonlit Flowers now! It's the most beautiful sight you'll ever see!"

"Anything to get my mind off of Thoron." I mumble, "I'm glad we're here. I'm glad that you're showing me this place."

"Anything for my..." She stops, "Anything for a friend."

"I promise that I won't let anything happen to you no matter what." I look over at her eyes, "I promise! I can't lose another person close to me. I've lost so much."

"Thank you Rias." She smiles, "I promise to protect you too. Now come on you need to see this while the moon is shining down on us."

We move onward up the steep slope. I dig my feet into the mountain to scale the last few steps. We reach the top of the slope and I settle Thoron easily onto the ground and take a moment to catch my breath. When I look up at the ground in front of me, all I see is a spectacular sight.

The moonlight is hitting the icy grey rock shining the light in all directions. The beams are hitting the water droplets in the air making the air glitter all around. What really catches my eyes are the glowing flowers in the center of the clearing. The pink and white petals catch the moonlight and seem to absorb it making them glow even more. The wind is still and the air is slightly warmer. I can actually breathe up here.

"Wow!" I say in amazement, "This is beautiful. I've neve seen anything like in my life."

"I have." She says looking at me, "But this is a close second."

"What could be more beautiful than this? This is just wonderful!"

"Should we bury Thoron by my mother?" She asks returning my attention to Thoron.

"Thoron would love that." I tell her, "He would love this."

"Guess we'll pick three flowers then." She says helping me drag Thoron over to an unmarked grave. This must be her mother's grave, "The weather has made her name disappear. It may be gone, but her name is still in our memories. Thank you for protecting us in our time of need. We have lost a loved one, but even you have your limits. I love you mother. The village is doing well. I wish I had your leadership to guide me. I wish I had your courage."

She goes and picks one of the flowers and sets it on the grave. We pile rocks around Thoron until he's completely covered. I take a flower and set it on his grave, "I loved no I still love you Thoron. You'll never be forgotten. You gave me life and spirit that I never had. You made me see a side to myself that I didn't think I had. I love you for that. I hope that you protect Myriani and I as we continue to travel to the Ice Castle. I'm sorry I couldn't save you! I love you!"

"Let's rest for the night." Myriani says tapping my shoulder, "There's a hut that my mother built before she became the leader of all the Elves. It's a bit small, but I'm sure that you won't mind being that cramped."

"I won't mind." I force a smile, "We both need a rest and this is the best place to do it."

She grabs my hand and we head to the hut to rest. We both need to rest. This place is too beautiful. I just want to breathe in the air here forever.