Everyone turned. A little further on, two tombstones stood, far more decorated than the others. They were placed apart, covered with delicate engravings, prayer plaques, and many papers attached.
Isabella approached, curious.
"Why are these two tombstones larger than the others? And why were they placed apart… filled with engravings, prayer plaques, and papers?"
Alix used her speed to approach, take one of the papers, then return.
"These are papers containing wishes…"
Élias nodded.
"Yes. It's our way of paying homage to the two saviors of our town. Because if our town still exists… it's thanks to those two people… and to those whose tombstones are here."
Gale crossed his arms, thoughtful.
"So if I understand correctly… the tombstones that are in the cave are those of the ones who helped people flee during the Ashenford explosion. A bit like pioneers…"
"Yes, that's correct," Élias confirmed.
"But the main pioneers… are the two tombstones in the distance, right?"
Élias smiled, satisfied.
"Absolutely true."
Diana asked:
"I presume the first tombstone in the distance is Miria's… However, whose is the second?"
"Of course… Leo's," Élias answered.
A new silence settled. Élias continued:
"Leo contributed a great deal during the rescue of the town. Not only did he create a portal so people could arrive faster in the cave… but he also greatly helped in the construction of this new town. We named it **Lemir**… in honor of Leo and Miria. The two saviors. At that time, all the survivors agreed on this name."
"Really…?" Kira breathed.
"Yes. And especially… if they were buried side by side, it's because they loved each other."
Everyone stood open-mouthed. Asher, for his part, felt a wave of anger and jealousy rise in him. His face closed off.
Élias continued, unaware of Asher's turmoil:
"Of course, they were never officially a couple. But according to the stories… it's said that Leo had always loved Miria. That's why he had always saved her and was always there for her. Miria, she… at first, loved Kil. However, Kil's behavior destroyed the love she had for him. And she was touched by Leo's sincere love."
Klaus asked in a low voice:
"How did he die?"
Élias lowered his eyes slightly.
"On that subject, there are many accounts… but the best known is the one of grief. After the explosion, when the survivors saw that the way was clear, they went out to assess the damage. That's how they found Miria's lifeless body. And it was Leo who was the first to find her. After Miria's burial… it's said that Leo kept coming to take care of her grave. He sometimes spoke to her. He made prayers and wishes every day. Until the day they found him… lying on Miria's grave… lifeless."
Alix lowered her head, her voice sad.
"It's so touching… their love… and at the same time so sad."
"Yes… very sad," Élias confirmed.
At those words, Asher discreetly slipped out of the cave. Miria watched him leave without a word. She understood his turmoil perfectly. She knew he needed space.
She remained still in front of the two tombstones, her heart heavy… and yet, for the first time in a long while, a little lighter.