Regal Of All

Chapter XXI

Movement caught my eye. If disgust or hatred could kill then that man would have burned up into a column of fire. How dare he?? I thought, glaring at him from behind. I guess I must have looked like I had sparks shooting from my eyes because Tristan gave me a look, so I stared at the ground instead, biting my lip.

That selfish bastard! He's actually impatient... my goodness- this is a funeral! Looking pointedly bored and twirling his beard with that tapping foot... Who does he think he is? with the blinding white robes and silly beard, that Sacerdos was so irritating. Have some respect- you don't even deserve to "bless" her casket my mind shouted with an disapproving frown. "She did that herself. She doesn't need you to do anything for her, or anyone else for that matter," a voice in the back of my head shouted.

Whatever. Pay attention to your friend, KK. Lea stood ready, solid; and licked her lips before confidently speaking in a soothing tone, projecting her words out for all to hear. "People of Regnum Kingdom, there is no explanation needed, no introduction for why you all have traveled out here today," her face of pearly, stoic beauty shadowed by sunlight. It was impressively impassive yet still sympathetic; not sweet but sharp in a way of her showing strength in having the dignity to not be upset anymore. To be relaxed and acceptance in the past and welcoming the future. I suddenly wanted Lea to speak more, to heal what wounds I've torn, and I think the crowd thirsted for more, too. Everyone gazed to her as if she was the fiery beacon in a rainstorm, as if she could save them. Whether or not this is true, I paid no heed to.

"Acacia touched everyone she met. She took her time in helping those who asked her for it, she made you feel comfortable in a strange place, even if she felt just as alienated as you in that moment. Bear in mind, she didn't make conversation with whomever she came across out of need for it, out of selfishness to make her own name known. No, she spoke only when it seemed appropriately called for, and when she did she used her words well, always for the best. Once, I remember Acacia, Kayelana and I were sitting at a table with a women and her daughter, and it was very quiet and pretty awkward. No one really knew what to say to start a solid dialogue. Then, Acacia asks what the little girl was drawing in her book, and began conversation with her. The girl really enjoyed Acacia being nice to her and giving her attention. She connected with some people, one of her kind-hearted smiles and you'd instantly gravitated toward her. For many whom have met her, you know exactly what I'm talking about." She took a long, deep breath before starting again.

"Acacia shared many things. Her heart, her sense of adventure and courage. And food," a couple people chuckled in the audience, Lea smiled for a brief moment, "such as crackers. And another time it was cookies, then candied almonds," Lea chewed her lip and looked down at the ground for a second before moving on, "She disliked dairy very much with the exception of cheese, which she loved. Acacia also didn't like eating blue foods, she never really explained why.

"Our friend, Kayelana Crystalbrook, had an idea of how to save this beloved kingdom. She pursued me to join her, meanwhile Acacia Sumners jumped right on the idea, loving it, the adventure. After all, the calling of adventure was what most of us suffered from before competing in the Pugnam Games. Some may argue that her death would have been better off avoided. But if we could speak with her, I think she'd say that she would like to be this way. Being a part of the play, to bring peace to her kingdom, and to die an honorable death that was not in vain, to be adored by all who she held close to her heart. Let us weep no more, let us save our the rest of our cries for a more deserving time, by now nearly all of us have shed a tear or two. Please, citizens- my friends." She held her palms up to the shining sky as if to catch the sunlight and pushed her shoulders back, extending to her full height.

"A loyal friend, a compassionate person and a daring warrior she was. She would want us to celebrate her passionate life. We can help each other, we can do brave acts and give to others and pass on the love. We can learn from her and her death, she left a legacy, let us ignore it not. We will heal one another. We can unite and maintain peace with the magnificently inspiring creatures, the dragons, that can also benefit from these events. Please, I- as a person, am asking you to help me achieve a new goal. To let all people of Regnum Kingdom live in fear no more, to accept the dragons, and to embrace one another and in turn; also take a step to enrich our own individual lives, like Acacia. I believe we can, if we can all believe in love." With the most passion I've ever heard someone speak with, she finished.

Her bright eyes shining with pride as the crowd burst into applause, Lea returned to stand at my side and I handed back to her the fashionable dagger I held on to while she spoke.

"That was incredible," she could only nod, trying to not burst into sobs. Even so her long, shaky breaths didn't mask her trembling mouth as she sniffled, a couple salty teardrops escapes through her lashes. 

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With the casket blessed and buried, filled with our gifts alone, and the audience cleared away soon afterwards so did the procession. Later on the High Sacerdos and his prince disappeared from view, Alyn and Tristan did likewise. Leonora and I decided to take a walk to the northern woods, it was only a 25 minute walk if we cross through the cemetery, which we did.

No sooner were we just out of reach from the clutches of civilization, it seemed when someone came across them, or rather they sought us out. A girl walked up to us as we were walking away, her bright eyes so inquisitive and innocent. I wish they would stay that way forever. Suddenly my mind clicked and at once I recognized the auburn hair and hazelnut eyes, the little girl from the restaurant! A smile instantly lit up my own face, I'm not quite sure why. Anyway, the girl seemed pretty bubbly too.

"Hi! I'm Cecile."

"Hey Cecile!"

Lea said, "Hello Cecile. What's going on?"

She looked at the ground sheepishly, "I just wanted to say..." she searched for words somewhere up in the clouds, "I took money from Acacia that night for me and Leo, I thought about somehow coming up with it and giving it back to her another time. I guess I can't do that now..." No, no! She looks so sad! Don't start crying, darling, please!

"Don't be so down. As for the money, she didn't expect you to give her anything, she just wanted to help." I said gently.

"I know," she responded softly.

Lea crouched down to be eye-level with her. "It's ok. Trust me," she pursed her lips for a moment and spoke quieter, "you should head back to town, it's getting dark."

"We'll walk you back if you want," I offered.

"No. I can handle myself, but thanks. Goodbye, Leonora and Kayelana. Thank you," she turned and trotted away. I guess all of Lugebit must know our names now, I think solemnly.

Lean stretched up. "Well then," a few moments of silence passed, "do you still want to sit in the forest for a little? Or go back?"

"Keep going."

As we walked the sun became a bloody sliver that cut just over the horizon, the sky darkened. The night's darkness overtook the woods, the grand trees standing gravely. The songs of the night sung by the creatures and wind were all to be heard in the sweet serenity of a secluded peace such as this. The moment seemed to stretch in time, time slowed itself in the woods.

I just want to be okay, I want it to be good again...

It will be fine, it's all going to be alright... a familiar voice echoed in my head.  

A vision of it stumbled into my blank thoughts. The majestic beast of dark beauty, of power and strength. A creature whose black scales glistened elegantly in the pale moonlight and his great wings flapped into the cool air carrying him over mountains, across lands and through storms. His wise eye looked upon the world with an indifferent gaze. The most regal of all creatures in this world, Onyx carried himself with more prestige and dignity than the royal Prince Colby, or anyone else for that matter. You're stronger than you know... he spoke to me, from another place far away.