The knights, weary but victorious, return to the castle as the first light of dawn breaks over the horizon. The prince and the royal family wait in the courtyard, their faces etched with a mix of relief and sorrow. The prince steps forward, his eyes scanning the assembled knights, taking in the sight of their battered armor and grim expressions.
The prince's voice rings out, filled with pride and gratitude.
Knights of the Orders, you have fought bravely and loyally, defending our kingdom from a grave threat. Your sacrifices will not be forgotten. The kingdom owes you a debt it can never fully repay.(Prince)
The prince turns to Alaric, his expression solemn.
Sir Alaric, I understand the cost of our victory. The casualties suffered by your orders will be remembered and honored. We will hold a memorial service for those who fell, and their families will be cared for as if they were our own.(Prince)
Alaric bows his head, a lump forming in his throat.
Thank you, Your Highness. Their sacrifice will not be in vain. We will continue to protect the kingdom, no matter the cost.(Alaric)
The prince nods, placing a hand on Alaric's shoulder.
I have no doubt that you will, Sir Alaric. The kingdom is fortunate to have knights like you defending it. Now, come, let us retire to the throne room. We have much to discuss and plan for the days ahead.(Prince)
As the knights follow the prince into the castle, Alaric glances back at the assembled families of the fallen, their faces a mix of grief and pride. He silently vows to honor their sacrifice, to continue fighting for the kingdom and the innocent lives it protects.
In the throne room, the prince convenes a meeting with Alaric, Aerion, Beatrice, Commander Laura, and other high ranking officials. The discussions range from the reconstruction of the Astralis estate to the search for remaining Celestial Order members to the memorial service for the fallen knights.
Alaric listens attentively, his mind already racing with plans and strategies for the future. He knows that the agenda and idea posed by the Celestial Order is not entirely eliminated, and that new dangers may arise to threaten the kingdom.
.....
A week later, the kingdom holds a grand ceremony to honor the knights who fought bravely against the Celestial Order. The castle courtyard is adorned with banners and flowers, the air filled with the sound of music and the murmur of voices. Nobles, commoners, and knights alike gather to pay their respects and express their gratitude.
Alaric, Aerion, and Beatrice, Laura and Thorne stand in a row, dressed in their finest ceremonial armor. They watch as the prince and the royal family approach the memorial, a large stone monument carved with the names of the fallen knights. The prince lays a wreath at the base of the monument, his head bowed in a moment of silence.
The prince then turns to the assembled crowd, his voice ringing out clear and strong.
Today, we gather to honor the brave knights who gave their lives defending our kingdom from the darkness of the Celestial Order. Their courage and sacrifice will forever be etched in our hearts and in the history of our land.(Prince)
He gestures to Alaric, Aerion, Beatrice, Laura, and Thorne.
These knights, and all those who fought alongside them, have shown us the true meaning of bravery and loyalty. They are the shield that protects us, the sword that defends us, and the light that guides us through the darkest of times.(Prince)
The prince pauses, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.