Act IV /The Weight of the Fallen

The morning after Alexander's speech, Emberhold moved with solemn purpose. The people had accepted the necessity of peace, but the grief still lingered, heavy in the air. Today, they turned their focus to honoring those they had lost.

Gareth oversaw the construction of funeral pyres near the edge of the settlement. The settlers worked in silence, cutting and stacking wood with care. Each pyre was built by the hands of those who had fought alongside the fallen, a final act of respect.

Alexander walked through the camp, checking on the preparations. Clara and Jacob were preparing food and drink for the gathering, ensuring that after the ceremony, the people could share memories and mourn together. Elias and Tyrell worked with a group of younger men, carving wooden plaques with the names of the dead. These would be placed at the base of each pyre before the fires were lit.

As he passed, Alexander overheard murmured conversations.

"He was the first to charge the enemy, didn't even hesitate," one man said of his fallen friend.

"She saved my life," another whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "If she hadn't pulled me back, I'd be the one being burned tomorrow."

Stories of bravery and sacrifice spread throughout the settlement, and with them came a sense of unity. They weren't just grieving—they were remembering.

Preparing for the Future

While the funeral remained the priority, Alexander knew he couldn't ignore what came next. He gathered his closest advisors in the meeting hall to discuss Emberhold's future.

"Our numbers are still too low," Silas stated bluntly. "With the casualties from the battle, we're down to about fifty strong, with only half of them trained to fight."

"We need more people," Gareth agreed. "More builders, more farmers, more soldiers. If we don't grow, we won't last."

Alexander nodded. "We need to make Emberhold a place where people want to come, not just a last resort for those with nowhere else to go. We need to build, improve living conditions, and ensure we can sustain a larger population."

Tyrell leaned forward. "And how do we do that without attracting the wrong kind of attention? The Baron might tolerate us for now, but if we suddenly become the most prosperous settlement in the region, that'll change real fast."

Alexander exhaled. "We grow smartly. We recruit quietly. We expand in ways that won't provoke unnecessary interest."

Silas smirked. "So, controlled expansion. I like it."

Elias tapped the table. "What about supplies? We can't just keep taking from the Baron. We need reliable sources of food, materials, and weapons."

Gareth nodded. "I've been thinking the same. We can improve our farming methods, but that takes time. We'll need hunters to bring in food in the meantime. And if we want better tools, we need more iron."

Alexander considered this. "We can set up a proper hunting group, but finding metal will be harder. We may have to start scouting for resources beyond our current territory."

The discussion continued, but eventually, Alexander stood. "For now, we focus on the funeral. Tomorrow, we begin working toward the future."

Nightfall: The Ceremony of Remembrance

As the sun set, the people of Emberhold gathered around the pyres. The air was still, as if the world itself paused to honor the dead.

Alexander stepped forward, holding a torch. The flames flickered in his grip as he looked out over his people.

"We stand here tonight to remember," he began. "To honor those who gave their lives so that we could live. They fought with courage. They stood their ground when the enemy came. And because of them, Emberhold still stands."

He looked to the plaques at the base of each pyre, reading the names carved into them. "They were not just warriors. They were friends, family, people with dreams and hopes. And though they are gone, they are not forgotten."

With that, he lowered his torch to the first pyre. The dry wood caught instantly, and soon the flames spread, consuming the carefully built structures. The orange glow illuminated the faces of those gathered, reflecting the grief in their eyes.

For a long time, no one spoke. Some wept, others stood in silent respect. Then, one by one, voices began to rise in quiet remembrance, sharing stories of the fallen, their laughter, their bravery, their sacrifices.

Alexander remained until the last embers died down. Tomorrow, the rebuilding would begin.

But tonight, they mourned.