Chapter 22: Resonate Mind

                                    

                                          
Paladin Von Sozou is currently resting himself on a large tree branch. The other Elite Forces members are sleeping in their respective rooms. He looks far into the vast, dark skies. An image of Lady Restia appears in his mind. He then smiles lightly. As he notices two children, boy and girl, playing around together at the empty park, he remembers his past memories with Lady Restia. They used to play together like the two children as well.
"Restia, I miss you...so much..." He is on the verge of tears, but tries to remain calm. He then remembers something, a very old memory. He takes out something from his pouch. A shiny, diamond ring is in his right hand. It is a very special item that he will treasure for as long as he lives.
Years ago, Sozou and Restia used to play many games together. They played hide and seek, chased each other, wrestled together, and sometimes fell asleep together when they were exhausted. Their affection becomes more and more serious as they grew older.
During their late teens, Sozou bought the diamond ring from a famed jewel house. He wanted to gift it to Restia, so he tried to search for her every where inside Erestiva's castle. Sozou barged into her room and saw her changing. Restia was shocked to hear the barging sound, but seeing Sozou in her room, it feels strange now. She got really embarrassed, so as Sozou,who was reckless that time. They never felt embarrassed and flustered back in their childhood days, so what happened to them?  
Sozou always forgot to give the diamond ring to her, and when he wanted to, there were always something or someone prevented him from doing so. Most of the time, the High Council summoned her to learn about being an empress, since she is the heir of the current empress. Time was running out, their feelings were left unsettled, but deep down they knew that they loved each other. Yes, it was romance all along. Sozou and Restia was in love with each other, but they were hesitant to admit their feelings.
Time flew away faster than expected, and they were already early adults. Restia became an empress after the former empress passed away. Sozou became a renowned Von Clan member who was in charge of the ancient vessels management. Their feelings were concealed within their hearts, fading away slowly. Sozou only had the chance to meet her around three to four times a year. Even so, he was very pleased to have met her. The diamond ring is long forgotten, buried in his pouch.
During the crisis between Von Clan and Erestiva, Sozou felt something shattered deep inside him. He did not know how to explain it with words, but it was probably a feeling related to losing your past memories. Von Clan and Erestiva used to be great alliance, until the new high council and elite members in both sides destroyed it. His only hope to meet Restia was by using slight magic. Fortunately, his conversations with Restia tend to be more calm and relaxed. Sozo wished that she will love him, but he did not know that Restia also wished the same.
Their hanging bonds were slightly recovered every time they met each other, until that day when Sozou embraced her during the night before the tragic incident. The day where he believe both of them had something to say the next time they meet again. He strongly believes that they will confess and propose to each other, but it is all just a mere delusion, a shattered dream.
"I wish there could be peace between both sides..." Lady Restia's words reverberate inside his mind. Paladin Von Sozou suddenly feels a brief, relaxing sensation, despite having to feel sorrowed by his loved one's words.
Paladin Von Sozou puts back the diamond ring inside his pocket. He will continue treasuring it. He keeps on reminiscing about his past moments with his loved one, until he falls asleep on top of the large tree branch, surrounded by glowing fireflies that gives warm comfort.
End of Chapter 22