First came the soup, which was served in big wooden bowls with thick slices of fresh bread. The food was just vegetables, broth, and herbs, but it tasted like the best thing Greg had ever eaten. He took his time eating and enjoyed every bite, just like his friends did.

"Ah fuck... this is really what I needed right now... for the rest of the month." Greg climaxed with full flavors in his mouth.

Marina wouldn't let go of Greg with one hand while she ate with the other. Bork finished his bowl in a matter of minutes and then quickly accepted a second helping from Lylia.

Felix ate without thinking, his eyes far away, as if he were watching something he would rather not see. Seraphine picked at her food and only ate a few spoonfuls before putting her bowl down.

Lylia finally sat down at the table with everyone else after they had all eaten as much as they could. She folded her hands in her lap, and they shook a little. "Tell us what happened."

"Please... We are entitled to know."

Marina and Greg looked at each other, and she nodded. It's really the time to tell everything that happened in the Sunken Citadel.

But they didn't tell everything, though, because some things were too personal, too traumatic, or too dark to share. But he told them about the dungeon, how he found the survivors, and how Elias had betrayed him.

He told them about Kael, Denna, and Ryn. Lylia's face turned pale, and Elwen started to cry without making a sound.

He told them about the last battle, the Guardian of the Abyss, and how Marina was the last Crimson Falcon still alive. When he got to the part about killing Elias, Marina squeezed his hand, which gave him the strength to keep going.

"I killed him with my bare hands," Greg said quietly, and the workshop went completely quiet. "I literally killed him out of anger..."

"I don't know how to deal with that."

Lylia was quiet for a long time, looking for something in his face. Then she reached across the table and took hold of his other hand with both of hers. "You did what you had to do to keep Marina safe."

"That doesn't mean you're a monster, Greg. That makes you a person."

Marina said softly, "That's what I told him. But I don't think he believes it yet."

Greg said, "I will, and it takes time... but eventually, I have to."

There was a knock at the workshop door before anyone could answer. Everyone got tense, and Greg's body started to get ready for a fight, even though he was exhausted. But it was only Guild Master Helena, who was still in her armor and looked worn out but determined.

"I'm sorry to bother the reunion," she said when Lylia opened the door. "But we need to talk about something. It's about the burial."

Marina was very still next to Greg. "Funeral?"

Helena nodded, and her face was soft. "This is for the people who died during the trip. We have found all the bodies, and we are getting ready for a cremation ceremony tomorrow at sunset."

"I wanted to make sure everyone knew, especially you, Marina. You are entitled to speak at the ceremony if you'd like to, since you are the last living member of the Crimson Falcons."

"For Elias's allies, you don't need to worry about them. They are sentenced for life..."

Greg could feel Marina's breathing getting shallow and her body starting to shake. He moved closer to her and put his arm around her shoulders. "Where will it take place?"

Helena said, "The Guild's memorial grounds are just outside the city of Eldoria."

"It's a holy place. Over the years, many adventurers have been buried there. The Guild has their last wishes on file, and they say that their ashes will be scattered in places that were important to them."

After a short pause, she said, "Let me bury my family somewhere else..."

"For Kael, Denna, and Ryn. I want their ashes to be scattered at the Crystal Coast."

"They said it was the most peaceful place they had ever been."

Marina made a small, broken sound, and Greg pulled her in closer. He said, "We will be there."

Helena nodded. "Then tomorrow at sunset. I'll meet you there."

She started to leave but then stopped and looked back at Greg. "Mr. Greyson, the Guild has looked at all the evidence from the dungeon, for what it's worth."

"There is a lot of evidence about what Elias Grimhart did, and your actions were seen as reasonable self-defense. You won't be charged with anything."

Greg felt something give way in his chest, but it didn't help. "Thanks."

The workshop went back to being quiet when Helena left. Marina had her face buried in Greg's shoulder, and her body was shaking with silent sobs.

He held her and stroked her hair with one hand. He wondered how many more times he would have to see her break before she started to get better.

Marina whispered, "I can't do it."

"I can't talk about them in front of everyone. I can't..."

Greg said softly, "You don't have to."

"No one is going to make you talk if you don't want to."

"But I should," Marina said, her voice muffled by his shirt. "They should be remembered in the right way. They deserve more than me not saying anything."

Lylia came around the table and knelt next to Marina, holding her hand. "Then we'll help you."

"We'll all be there with you, and if you need to stop or if it gets too much, we'll be there to help you."

"You're not the only one going through this, Marina. We're one huge family, remember?"

Marina raised her head and looked at Lylia, then at Elwen, who was crying and nodding, and finally at Donetta, who was trying to look strong even though her eyes were sad. She looked at Greg last, then at Bork, Felix, Seraphine, and Mira.

"Okay," she said softly. "I'll try."

...

The next day was a blur of getting ready and being sad. Lylia made sure that everyone had clean clothes to wear. Elwen helped Marina with her hair, and Bork spent the morning getting the carriage ready for the trip to the Guild memorial grounds.

Most of the day, Greg sat on the bench outside his workshop and stared at his hands. The bandages came off that morning, revealing bruised and cut knuckles that were already beginning to heal. But he could still feel the pain, hear Elias's bones breaking, and see the blood.

Marina found him there just before it was time to go. She sat next to him, so close that their shoulders touched, and she didn't say anything for a long time. Then she reached over and took his hand, putting her fingers through his.

"I... am scared," she said softly. "I'm scared to say goodbye to them..."

"I know," Greg said. "But Marina, you're the bravest person I know. You can do this."

She put her head on his shoulder. "Only if you're with me."

"Always," Greg said.

"I'm not going anywhere."

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