Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

FIFTY-ONE

'Healing is a word people throw around in no small amount. Many expect it to be a linear process. You're hurt, you heal, the end. This is not the case. Though wounds close and stitches can piece you back together, what never quite disappears are the scars of memory.'

-An extract from the book 'Evolutions' written by philosopher Adette Briggs.

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FIFTY-ONE

Wall Sina, Interior, Mitras, Royal Palace

"Lady Bervik, with the seal of this stamp, you hereby have this council's approval to venture underground to prove your claims." The minister's voice echoed throughout the meeting chamber as he firmly stamped the proposal document. She had done it. Her days of petitioning and grovelling had paid off. "Congratulations."

In glee, Lorelai turned behind her to grin at Levi. He nodded to her, a proud smile on his lips. This meant they could finally venture into the Krüger Tunnels and further Havas' journey to peace.

Levi was indescribably proud of Lorelai. She had come such a long way from the woman whose rage he'd been subjected to at the supply outpost. Finally, after seemingly endless negotiations, Levi could say that fabled peace was within arm's reach.

After a couple of words of conclusion, the attendees dispersed. Lady le Blanc strode over to impress upon Lorelai her objections, but she walked right past. Levi was right behind her.

Once back in her rooms, Levi could contain himself no longer and pulled Lorelai into a hug. She was taken aback; he'd never hugged her before. Laughing, she put her arms around him as they swayed from side to side.

"You did it."

"We did it," she corrected. "None of this would be happening if you hadn't knocked some sense into me at the outpost."

"True... you were acting pretty dumb back then."

She smiled broadly. "Now, we should celebrate," Lorelai shook him by the shoulders playfully. "I've been saving this." He watched her procure an expensive-looking bottle of champagne and grin at him cheekily.

He chuckled. "Alright, give me that."

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Lorelai and Levi spent that evening laughing, sipping on champagne, playing chess, and talking lightheartedly.

Levi didn't find a solemn moment the whole night. The doom and gloom of his usual demeanour was far away. He laughed and smiled that night more than he'd done for most of his life.

It had happened so slowly that he'd barely noticed it at first. But Levi was now sure there was something different about the world, or perhaps in how he perceived it. Everything seemed so much brighter. The sunset that night, though identical to any other night, was full and vibrant as if he'd never seen it before. It was as if a veil of monochrome had finally been lifted.

Had the world always been like this? What had changed?

Looking over towards Lorelai, the sunset casting a warm orange glow on her cheeks, Levi realised that he'd be content to stay in this moment forever. He'd gladly spend the rest of his days with her in this moment as he was now. Everything was perfect; what could possibly be better than this?

Lorelai noticed him staring and sent him a teasing smile. He smiled back. Knowing her, she'd somehow find a way to upstage even the most perfect of moments.