The medical staff cleared Sora to ride back via carriage, so Eva and Jax stayed back and continued to work on the rebuild of MeadowSong.
They took their time on the ride back, and Levi appreciated the hospitality.
"Any friend of Fathers is a friend of ours," Xavier stated.
"SilverCrest will be wide open now. What was with that barrier?" Levi asked.
"Those are questions for my Father, once Sora wakes up."
Meanwhile, Stefania rode in the carriage with Sora, who continued sleeping.
They finally arrived at Sanctuary, and Stefania took Sora to her living quarters. She wanted to look after him and be there when he woke up.
It was weird for Mina. She and her brother had always been together, and for the first night, they wouldn't be.
Queen Raina welcomed the members back and asked if she could return to her Kingdom and start bringing elves back to their homes.
Luther and Ella made a small nod, but Luther said, "Don't over do it. We have the housing in the castle for 10,000 but it's not cleared out yet and they've made some progress on creating new homes."
"That's no matter, I am a Queen after all, I do possess some creation magic of my own."
With some escorts, the Queen of MeadowSong was on horseback, with around 1,000 elves, native of MeadowSong, on their way home, via the underground caverns.
"I don't believe my eyes is that Levi Stroud?" Ella Fang said.
"Indeed my lady, it's been quite some time. Lance sends his regards and he will receive your message tonight. Sora performed illusion magic and everyone thinks I'm dead."
"He did what?!" The King and Queen asked.
"It's true. We all witnessed Levi die by Sora's hand and when Sora passed out, with his blue eye bleeding, we saw Levi standing there."
"He added Levi as an ally to the Barrier of Justice right beforehand too. My brother might be a goofball sometimes, but I didn't think to add Levi to the Barrier's allies," Mina said, leaving the part about their system out.
"So we can add allies to the Barrier? That's great news. Stefania will look after Sora and the council will meet tomorrow regarding our next move. I must meet King Lance in our former, secret hiding spot on Sept 7th. We should also consider taking SilverCrest, especially with King Charles deceased," King Luther suggested.
<><><><>
In the middle of the night Sora woke up with a pounding headache. He didn't know where he was, until he realized Stefania laid right next to him.
He politely woke her up with a kiss on the forehead.
"Sora! I'm so glad you're awake. You slept for almost two days! You performed illusion magic! Not even our family bloodline can do that!" Stefania said while giving him a big hug.
"Can you please do something for my head, it's pounding. I remember confessing my love for you then passing out," Sora said, cheeks flushed.
"I said I loved you too and kissed you on the forehead," Stefania said, while applying healing magic.
"I'm glad to know you love me too and thank you, that feels much better. How's my sister?"
"She's doing well. We all are. That battle went well beyond our wildest expectations. Levi is here, safe and sound."
"I wonder if I should show him I can shapeshift?"
"That's a question for your Father and probably for King Lance."
"Well, let's get some rest. I'm sure tomorrow will have lots to discuss," Sora said while giving Stefania a goodnight kiss.
She laid her head on his chest, still in awe of a human, turned elf, could use illusion magic.
"I wonder what Mina will be able to do?" she thought.
<><><><>
Morning came and Sora and Stefania made their way to the dining hall.
Mina sprinted and gave huge hug to Sora.
"Hey sis, how are you? I missed you!"
"I'm laying there, on my knees crying for you and you wake up, confess your love to Stefania and pass out! How rude!" Mina said playfully.
"Sorry sis, you know I love you," he said as he returned her hug.
"Xavier and the others are waiting, we have a council meeting in 30 minutes so you two need to get changed into your attire."
As Sora and Mina entered the council hall, they were welcomed with applause and a standing ovation. Even the Elder elves, Davis, Richmond and Illiana stood and applauded.
What surprised them the most was Levi sat next to Davis Fang, and the two seemed to be getting along very well.
"I told you, my Father's best man was King Lance Bryson at his wedding," Stefania reminded the twins.
"Thank you for the applause but please be seated. This was a group effort aided by the goddess of Justice, Themis," Sora said.
"So Sora, do you think you can produce illusion magic again? There hasn't been an elf alive in over 50 years who has been able to," Davis asked, in a warm, friendly tone.
"Yes, I believe I can."
"And what of you Mina?"
"I don't think my blue eye will produce illusion magic. I think it's something else. When I know, you will all know."
"Don't fret Mina, it seems Sora's surge to end the battle sent his adrenaline and caused quite the side effects. We do not wish your eye to bleed nor do we wish for you to fall asleep for two days," Illiana said with a smile.
The twins were legitimately confused as to why the entire council were being so nice, only to realize they were the heroes who brought the gifts from Themis.
"As you know, I will be leaving, alone on September the 7th to meet King Lance at our former meeting spot. He and I will discuss how to best move forward and how to communicate," King Luther stated.
"Are you sure you will be safe? You should have General Levi ride with you, to avoid any unwelcome surprises." Richmond suggested.
"I would like to go too," Mina stated.
"And why is that?" Aidan asked.
"I just have a feeling I need to be there. I can't explain it." Mina admitted.
It was driving her insane since they left MeadowSong. Something kept driving her to want to be at the meeting with the Kings, for both their protection.
"What about SilverCrest? They are down a King and word will travel slowly to the Emperor they lost their King and Army," Rya asked.
"That will be our next target, but we need to assure Lance can protect us from the east," the King stated.
"If there are no other questions, Xavier, please head to MeadowSong and assist their rebuild." Queen Ella stated.
"Can we go see Themis? The four of us. She said Xavier and Stefania were welcome," Mina asked.
"Of course, let us take our leave and let you four enter."
As the council room emptied, Stefania asked why they wanted to see Themis.
"It's obvious isn't it? We need to learn more about our eyes," Mina said.
"We also need some form of communication device with King Lance. Hopefully she can provide that for your meeting with King Lance," Sora said.
After speaking the incantation and sticking their faces into the mold, the gateway opened, and the four walked through.
None of them were sure what to expect with that balance she possessed.
After all, they needed to ask for a communication device as a favor.