Zed lowered the hot air balloon back to the ground with practiced ease. Kirin held me close to him as the duke looked away. Blaise helped to secure the hot air balloon when we landed, and we all climbed out.
A group of people rushed up to us, including Abby, Katie, carrying Adam, Al, Tobin, Arno, Yuno, Riktor, and Leyla, who was carrying Aza. They all crowded around us and started to inspect us. We reassured them that we were fine.
Duke Orla looked uncomfortable, but went up to Katie and Al. "Clan Leader, Madam Clan Leader, I apologize profusely for the actions of my travel companion. He acted alone in the destruction of part of the village, but please allow me to make amends and offer restitution on his behalf." He looked guiltily at Katie.
Al was enraged and wanted to tell the duke where he could stick his restitution, but Katie placed a hand on his arm and smiled at him. He calmed down and remembered how the duke once saved Katie. He could allow the duke to save face. He just quietly nodded in agreement.
Katie kept the peace by suggesting, "I know it was not your fault for the destruction. I know that you are not the type to force an unwilling bride. You also tried to save Alisa, just like you once saved my life. Luckily, no one was hurt, and Alisa returned safely. It's cold and dark, let's move everyone into the theater." Katie announced loudly for everyone to move to the reception hall.
Duke Orla looked a little out of place, but I nodded at him. "It wasn't your fault. My brother was crazed and acted on his own impulses. It would be an honor if you would join us for the reception." I offered.
Kirin looked at me quizically, but agreed, "Yes, it would be an honor if you would grace us with your presence. Let's not mar this occasion even more." Duke Orla nodded reluctantly. If he was going to be stuck on the mountain for the night, he might as well make the best of it. It would be best to join in the celebration instead of being alone.
Leyla cheered and came up to hug us. "I was so scared, but thank the spirits that you all returned safely. The cake is waiting in the theater hall. Let's go!" Adam and Aza cheered at the mention of cake.
Everyone went to the theater for the indoor reception. Abby started to play upbeat music on the piano, and it helped to liven the mood. Soon, everyone joined in the celebration. What began as a wedding celebration was now a celebration of our victory! Everyone was still alive. It was a glorious night.
I danced more than I had in my life, ate cake, and drank too much. Kirin had to carry me to our new home for our wedding night. He eyed the duke as he passed him, and they both had a silent agreement. Duke Orla acknowledged that Alisa had made her choice.
The next morning, the entire village woke up late. Many people had hangovers, and others were emotionally exhausted from the roller-coaster of emotions from the previous day. I stayed inside with my new husband as we ate leftover cake for breakfast.
Duke Orla met up with Al and the others to offer his retribution. He gave Al the ruby that he had purchased from Alisa and offered, "I will send some people to help rebuild the structures that were destroyed."
Al accepted the ruby, but declined the offer of builders. "We have more than enough people to rebuild. This is payment enough."
Katie approached Duke Orla and asked, "How was your night, your grace? Alisa had mentioned that the beds in your mansion are superior to ours. I was hoping you would like to trade. We can offer books, board games, puzzles, and wood."
Duke Orla agreed, "Yes, Alisa had mentioned trading. She also offered to give me some comedy books for my library. I think a trade would be beneficial for both parties."
Katie smiled and clapped, "Excellent! We will load up a carriage to take you home, since your ride went over a cliff. You can return the carriage with a shipment of beds!" She looked excited to have a new bed. Al looked at her indulgently and agreed. He arranged a couple of warriors to drive and accompany Duke Orla back to his home.
Kirin and I came out to say goodbye, and I handed him a book about comedy. It had jokes, as well as funny short stories and a few satires. I hoped it would help him woo his future duchess. He accepted the book and thanked me. He nodded to Katie and left once the carriage was ready.
Over the next few years, our village not only rebuilt, but became even better. I mentioned that we may need a watch tower to protect against future threats. It was built, and the warriors took turns to keep watch. We made other improvements, and our society became the most advanced kingdom on the western continent. We never had to fear another invasion again.
Some of the parts from Alexander's flying machine were salvaged from the wreckage. Arno and Yuno used them to make improvements to the new flying machine. I felt bad for the brother of this original body, even though he was misguided. I wanted to bury his body, but it was never found. Kirin comforted me and helped me to make a small headstone for him. We placed it on the site of the wreckage.
One day, I looked back on my new life and said a silent thank you to the author, "Thank you for sending me here and allowing me to live a better version of my life!" We lived happily ever after in our new home. I had a new family and friends that I loved, and who loved me in return. My life was filled with love, laughter, and adventure. I could not be any happier!
The End!