Only one chapter left!
~Brittany <3
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The darkness of night was penetrated by the soft glow of more than a hundred candles, raised in remembrance for those lost during the battle. The crowd hummed a mourning tune, creating a beautiful, eerie noise. Westley's arm circled around my waist as we swayed back and forth.
It felt nice to be clean. A young maid had helped me with a bath earlier and it was wonderful to have the blood and sweat out of my hair and a clean dress on.
The air was near freezing as we huddled for warmth. My hands cupped the candle in it's little glass holder and drew warmth from the small flame. Candles, looking much like toasty little stars, were held by everyone on the rooftop and it appeared the people in the city held candles as well.
I was exhausted and leaned against Westley, wondering how he had the strength to stand and support my weight. My eyes searched the sky where clouds hid the majority of the stars. The few that did shine down on us made me wonder if Ester was up there somewhere.
Floating down like whispers of winter, snow began to fall softly from the sky. The snowflakes were as large as my hands as they fell gracefully. I stared in awe at their intricate patterns, marveling that no two were the same.
My mother stood holding hands with Doctor Swiss. I smiled at their backs as Doctor Swiss whispered something into my mom's ear. She giggled softly and whispered something back. They were so sweet and I was surprised at how well they were getting to know each other.
"You know, I don't believe I ever said happy birthday to you," I said quietly into Westley's ear, standing on my toes to reach.
"No, you didn't," Westley chuckled, smiling down at my face.
"Happy birthday," I said up to him. He laughed and placed a tender kiss on my forehead.
"How thoughtful of you. Thank you," he said in a mockingly serious voice as snowflakes caught in his hair. I shivered and huddled closer to him.
"I think its time for me to make a speech, and then we should all go inside," Westley suggested. I nodded and he cleared his throat, preparing to speak.
He stepped away from me and hopped up on a table so more people could see him. Even before he started talking, the whole crowd grew quiet and gave him their full attention.
"Good people, today we banded together and fought on the side of what is right. If not for your most valuable help, we surely would have been lost. We are deeply indebted to you all, and you all are indebted to each other. If our enemies would have overthrown us, like as you know it would have been flipped inside out and upside down.
"We lost a great many good men and women and this fact brings my heart much grief. That a citizen would lay down his or her life for the life of his or her ruler, shows the greatest kind of respect and loyalty I could ever imagine. If anyone has trouble, please bring them to me or my father. We would be happy to help. We owe you our lives.
"Now, seeing as its freezing cold and snowing, I propose we snuff out our flames, say our final prayers, and return to our own homes and chambers."
One by one, every candle was blown out and people began walking slowly, quietly, in their seperate directions. Westley hopped down from his perch, threw his arm around me, and led me inside.
* * *
The King and Queen, my mother and Doctor Swiss, as well as Westley and I sat in what seemed to be a secluded conference room. A young maid served us warm drinks and cakes as we talked.
