After the Storm, the Gifts of Peace

The sun cast a golden hue over the royal graveyard, bathing the solemn scene in a warm, melancholic light. King William, Queen Juliet, Percival, and two of the King's noble guards stood quietly, surrounding a freshly dug grave that lay beside another, Amy's final resting place.

The King's noble guards held Jonathan's casket steady above the grave, their expressions grim and respectful.

King William took a step forward, his hand resting gently on the polished wood of the casket. His fingers lingered as if he hoped to feel the presence of his old friend one last time.

"You were a great man, Jonathan. A great friend," the King said, his voice soft and heavy. "I know you never wanted a grand burial, so I kept it small, just like you would've wanted. You will be missed."

He stepped back, returning to Queen Juliet's side, and gave a solemn nod to the guards. Quietly, they began lowering the casket into the earth. As it descended, Queen Juliet turned away, unable to hold back the tears streaming down her cheeks. Percival remained motionless, his jaw tight, his eyes filled with quiet mourning.

Meanwhile, at the rehearsal dinner, the atmosphere was starkly different. Laughter and exhaustion lingered in the air as the group slowed after hours of dancing. The music had faded, and the nobles had mostly left, leaving behind only a few lingering guests.

"It looks like most of the people left already," Joshua observed, glancing around.

"That was fun," Lancelot agreed, wiping his brow. "But it's time to go home."

As the group began gathering their things, they were stopped by Kane, who arrived tugging a reluctant Athena by the arm.

"It's been fun, guys," Kane said, forcing a smile. "Lancelot, you and Merlin look really happy. We'll be going now, bye."

Athena scowled at the group, her expression sharp and disgusted.

Joshua raised an eyebrow. "I see you're back to normal."

Kane chuckled. "Guess I am."

Raphael stepped forward, stretching. "I think I'll go with them. I've got a score to settle with some werewolves... and I hear they're looking for Jack."

"Good luck," Kane said. "They could use the manpower ,see you bro." said as he hugged his brother.

"Stay safe, dummy." Said as Athena hugged her brother aswell.

The group waved their farewells. Athena tore her arm free from Kane and marched off, with Kane following after her.

In the slums, inside a dilapidated shed, Zain gently laid two figures on a makeshift bed and covered them with blankets. He moved with care, a tenderness that contrasted sharply with his rough exterior. After checking their vitals, he walked over to a dusty cabinet, retrieved a worn book and a bottle of beer, then sat by a creaky table. As he sipped and read the paper, the city carried on outside, indifferent to the chaos that had just passed.

Back at the noble house of Kaizer, a war council was forming. King William, Queen Juliet, and Percival stood in a private chamber.

"We can't let the werewolves get away with what they did," Percival said coldly. "They infiltrated another kingdom's noble estate. That's a declaration of war."

Queen Juliet's voice was venomous. "I agree. Those beasts must be taught a lesson. We should rally an army and crush them."

"I'll lead a thousand men myself," Percival declared, "and raze their kingdom to the..."

"No," King William interrupted, his tone firm but concerned. "If you take such a force from our borders, the vampire kingdom could strike. Treaty or not, they'll seize the opportunity."

The room fell quiet. The threat was too great to ignore.

Elsewhere, the group's carriage had made a stop in the human market. The ladies had stepped out to use the facilities at a nearby restaurant, leaving the men lounging near the carriage.

Suddenly, Lancelot's face twisted in horror. "Guys, I don't have any marriage rings for the wedding tomorrow!"

Raphael blinked. "There's a jewelry shop next to a blacksmith. Come on, before the ladies get back!"

They dashed into the jewelry shop, where the shop owner greeted them with a smile. "Good evening, gentlemen. How can I help?"

"I want the most expensive marriage rings you've got," Lancelot said with urgency.

The owner's eyebrows shot up, but he complied, retrieving two elegant rings from beneath the counter, one pure gold, the other inlaid with diamonds.

The group nodded their approval. Lancelot paid and pocketed the small velvet boxes.

Meanwhile, Jack's eyes wandered to a display.

(Jessica would love that...) he thought, admiring a gold necklace with a glowing gem at its center.

Raphael was fixated on a jeweled Christian cross. (Julia would look so beautiful in that.)

They both asked for their chosen pieces at the same time, laughed at their synchronized thoughts, and made their purchases.

"Alright, everyone got what they need," Lancelot said.

"Wait," Joshua interrupted. "Can we stop at the blacksmith? There's something I want to get for Blanchette."

The others exchanged confused looks but followed him anyway.

Inside, the blacksmith greeted them heartily. "Welcome, warriors! What can I do for you?"

"Something strong for close combat," Joshua said. "Something that does a lot of damage and protects the hands... for a woman."

The blacksmith chuckled. "Funny you ask. I made a pair of weapons from leftover royal-grade steel. Didn't know what to do with them, but maybe they're just what you need."

He brought out a pair of custom gauntlets, sleek, deadly, and clearly forged for someone fast and fierce.

"Joshua," Lancelot said, "why get Blanchette a..."

Joshua cut him off with a somber gaze. "I never want her to hurt her hands again."

Silence fell.

"I get it," Lancelot said, smiling. "Hey, Blacksmith, can you polish it up? Add some gems? Make it a little... prettier?"

The blacksmith nodded and got to work. Soon, the modified gauntlets gleamed with subtle feminine flair.

Joshua paid and cradled the wrapped bundle with care, his face glowing with anticipation.

Back in the carriage, the ladies returned.

Merlin eyed Joshua curiously. "What's in the bag, weirdo?"

Joshua froze, struggling to find an excuse.

Lancelot jumped in smoothly. "Just some new weapons. Nothing interesting."

The conversation shifted, but Blanchette was still curious. "Can I see?"

"Nope," Joshua said, tapping her hand away with a smirk. "I'll show you at home."

Blanchette pouted and folded her arms, looking out the window in mock annoyance. The others smiled at the scene, amused by the silent affection between the two, except Joshua, who still clutched the bag, grinning like a boy with a secret too special to share just yet.