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Laurel headed for the clearing that had been the field of war. She faltered when she saw the mass of men lain around on the flattened ground. She had to lean further on Cartil to keep herself steady. But then she saw the cheering of teh victorious, and the trampled flags and standards of the Wild Men. Then she saw a great dream coming true, and her smile could not be kept back.
She heard Cartils voice whisper softly to her: "Laurel, your people are safe, thanks to you."
Laurel did not answer to him, but smiled and let the feeling well up inside her. Lettting herself enjoy the freedom she now had.
But the joy did not last very long. Annunfuin stopped and looked at a board laid on the ground with someone placed atop it. Cartil rushed toward it, and dropped to the ground.
Laurel followed quickly behind and looked upon the woman placed there. Jesslyn's face was pale but peaceful. But Laurel could not help but let the tears roll over her cheeks.
She knelt by Cartil and said to him
"I am so sorry Cartil. I can say no more to you. I know how much pain you are feeling..."
She placed her hand on his shoulder, not sure of how he would react to her words. She watched as he held her hand, and thought to herself:
'You were the closest to a sister I have ever had Jesslyn. I wish you peace forever. You deserve such a thing...'
~*~
Annunfuin stood by the two, watching them weep for Jesslyn. It grieved him more than he would tell anyone. He had hoped Laurel's pain would end, and that she would be given a life of happiness. But pain still came to her.
'She will have a better life now. Jesslyn's death will not be forgotten, and her spirit will watch the happiness that came from her sacrifice. The people of this land will enjoy their freedom all the more for the people who died it'
And so Annunfuin stood there and waited for the two to stand, so he could escort them to the Lady Taralphiel.
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