Chapter 508: Feast of Reunion

RETH

Reth entered the market that night and his skin felt too tight. His breath kept coming too quickly and he was sure he carried excitement in every step. He prayed his people saw it as his joy that they were returned and unified. But in truth, he was bouncing on his toes with the anticipation of seeing Elia again.

It took him several minutes to make it through the market, the people pulling him aside for greetings, thanks, and some tearful offerings of gratitude from mothers and grandparents who were sharing their first family meal in months. 

But there wasn't only joy in the market.

Most families had lost someone, or were close to those who had. For every family that laughed and chattered with the joy of reunion, another wept together for the loss of their loved ones.