Tears of gratitude and endurance fell from the eyes of many of the men that had silently accumulated before their prince. Words of thanks, affection and praise fluttered throughout the crowd. When Alder raised his head, he was startled to find himself surrounded by his people. They touched his hands and thanked him for his generous words and encouragement and vowed to continue working to restore their home. If the young prince, the prince who was still just a boy, could endure the pain of looking upon the dead, then so could they. Because of his heartfelt speech, they felt a restoration of strength filling them. It was still a painful task, but one they now felt they could accomplish...together.

Palm watched and listened to his brother while he spoke and felt a quiet awe. He always knew that Alder had a way with words and could comfort the downtrodden, but he never knew just how much until he witnessed him in that shining moment. It was more than words, it was more than speech, it was heart. The words he spoke were pulled straight from the very depths of his own heart. They were like a beacon of light and hope that warmed the spirit of any person that bore witness to them.

Alder was the light and the hope the people desperately sought in this time of darkness and mourning. If they continued to look to him, they would find the way out of the din of despair and would be able to step into the light of faith that tomorrow would be a better day. Even he, after hearing his brother's words, felt that they would pull through this hardship and would, perhaps, be stronger for it. They were going to be alright. They were going to see this through. They would heal after the loss. It would take time, but time was one of the greatest healers.

Until then, they would keep going and they would keep going, together. No one was alone and no one would be left alone. That was the promise made unto them and the promise that they believed would surely come to pass.

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