Chapter Text
Gabriel leaned over a railing, the sounds of nature and a new world calming his senses as he closed his eyes, feeling the warm sun on his face. A gentle breeze blew into the room, the curtains dancing like ghosts as he took in the sounds around him.
He was…at peace.
He took in a deep breath, taking in the fresh air of a new day. He could hear birds singing in the distance. He heard people talking below in the streets. All was well. His sister was safe. He was safe.
His life…was just beginning.
Gabriel opened his eyes, the sunrise shining over the green mountains in the distance. There was no fire. There was no death. No screams. Just serenity. Just calm. Just peace. He released his breath, a smile forming on his face as he felt at ease for the first time in a long time.
He was…happy.
He had found a place where he can learn about the world as it is. Not through corrupted lenses. Here…he could learn the truth. He may not learn all he wished to learn, but he was happy. He had found what he had always wanted.
“Ah, there you are!”
Gabriel smiled as he heard Elderane walk in, the elf standing beside him on the balcony.
“Oh, what a perfect morning…” Elderane said, leaning against the railing beside Gabriel, who smiled at him warmly.
“Is it always this perfect in Avantasia?” He asked, eying the prince. Elderane shrugged.
“No, no. There are always storms. There are always bad days.” He said, looking out to the horizon. Gabriel followed his gaze.
“What do you do then?”
“We wait out the storm as best we can.” Elderane said, smiling as he looked at Gabriel, the human finally at peace. “We endure the hardships, and then…peace returns once more.”
“You think there will be more storms?” Gabriel asked, turning to meet the elf’s gaze. Elderane gave a small nod.
“There are…always storms…” He repeated, his voice quiet and solemn. Elderane flinched when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up and saw Gabriel looking at him with bright eyes. Hopeful eyes.
“Well…then we shall endure the storms together.” He reassured, his heart light. Elderane smiled, his gaze returning to the horizon. Gabriel kept his hand on Elderane’s shoulder, but his gaze too went to the mountains beyond the city.
“Yes…I suppose we shall, my friend.” The prince said, eying the expanse before them as a new day arose. “I suppose we shall.”
Gabriel smiled and nodded; his gaze locked on the mountains. He had no idea what was in store for him. He had no idea what the future would offer.
And he was excited.
There would be storms, but…he had friends to endure them with. And they would survive and carry on.
They would always carry on.
Gabriel closed his eyes, a smile on his face as he stood beside his friend. It was a new day, and he couldn’t wait to see what else was out there. He couldn’t wait to face the unknown.