Chapter 46: Homecoming and Quiet Reflections
The journey back to Elowen was made using Riku's teleportation stones again, appearing near the familiar oak tree just outside the village as dusk began to paint the sky in shades of orange and purple. This time, he brought all the kids with him, along with Lila and Sherry, so it was quite a party that returned back to Elowen
The moment the party rolled into view, Alia, who was walking around anxiously, rushed forward. Her face was etched with worry that melted into overwhelming relief as she saw the children, alive and well.
"My little ones!" she cried, tears streaming down her face as Elara, Finn, and the others tumbled out of the cart and into her embrace. "You're safe! You're truly safe!"
The children clung to her, a mixture of relief and exhaustion washing over them. "Sister Alia! They tried to hurt us!" Elara sobbed. "But then the sky opened!" Finn added, eyes wide as he tried to describe what had happened earlier.
Alia held them close, murmuring words of comfort. She looked up at Riku, Lila, and Sherry, her eyes filled with profound gratitude. "Riku... Lila... Sherry... I... I don't have the words. You saved them. You saved all of them." Though the previous blessing had healed her physical weakness, the stress had taken its toll, leaving her frail but immensely thankful.
"We all did our part, Sister Alia," Riku said gently. "Welcome home. To Elowen."
Barou stepped forward, clapping Riku on the shoulder. "Well done, lad. Well done, all of you." He looked at the group of children now reunited with Alia. "We've already cleared out the old storage house near the western hill, just as we discussed. It's simple, but clean and sturdy. Ready for you all."
With the help of several villagers who had gathered, Alia and the children were gently escorted to their new temporary home – a modest but solid building, already swept clean, with fresh straw bedding laid out and a small fire crackling warmly in the hearth. For the first time in days, the children looked truly safe, their small faces filled with laughter and joy just like every other child should have.
Later that evening, Riku found Barou sitting by the nearly completed foundation of the Light Church, staring into the distance.
"Quite the turn of events," Barou said without looking up as Riku approached. "Divine interventions, disgraced Vestarchs... Elowen's certainly not the quiet village it used to be."
"Seems that way," Riku agreed, sitting beside him.