The Time for Rest

"We can go back," I said to Amaya for what felt like the 50th time.

"I know! But we need her dad's help and we can't get his hopes up. We need to act like we know she is dead and we just need her to do what we always do with fallen soldiers."

"Okay," I whispered.

A line of worry creased her forehead. "Ferren, what if we're too late?"

I bit back tears. I couldn't do this here, not now. "She's not. She can't be." I said firmly, hoping it sounded more confident then it felt.

A couple of kids ran by, screaming at each other. The held colorful flowers, reds, blues, oranges. Everyone had already started the re populating process. But, I wasn't. I couldn't think about that right now.

"What if we just tell him we left something behind," Amaya said.

"Not worth it, he wouldn't buy it. Unless it was really important," I stated. "We really could just say we need her so we can have a proper fighters funeral because she deserves it."

"It might be our only option right now," She replied.

I nodded, and not wasting anymore time, I headed for the centaur, leaning against and old tree stump. His hands were covering his face.

"Mr.-uh," I began.

"Duncan." He said promptly.

"Duncan, I know this is a lot right now, but we should go back," I paused, he didn't react, almost as if not processing what I'd said. I continued anyway, "She deserves a proper funeral."

At this, he rose. His face was streaked with tears, his eyes a puffy red. "We must. For her," He paused choking back more tears. "She needs to be put to rest."

This remark made my heart heavier. "To rest."