When Lucien summoned the soldiers back to the world, the plains of the Lootwell shone with light.
Crowds gathered as far as the eye could see. Families, citizens and subjects from every corner of his territories. The air was heavy with emotion.
Tears, laughter and disbelief mixed freely as families reunited.
Mothers clung to their sons. Lovers embraced their wounded. And children ran into the arms of their fathers.
But not all who returned had such joy.
Some stood alone with downcast eyes, holding only the names of those who never came back.
Lucien stepped forward. The noise faded as he raised his hand.
"Today," he began. His voice was calm yet heavy, "we honor those who gave everything. Not for glory but for peace. Their sacrifice will be written in the core of history itself."
He looked around, meeting the faces of the grieving.
