A Different Path

Chapter 11

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The return of the little lambs was nothing short of a blessing. Not all lambs had gone with Rose for they had fallen ill, some have passed away... it wouldn't be the happiest of reunion for several of them. Either one or both parents died from Sheep Blight, leaving a family grieving or orphaned. Those with no one left would still be cared for, naturally. The rest of the sheep and the other followers would raise them. Everyone waited eagerly for Rose to come with the children. She was opening portals to each realm, dropping off the children to their respective Cults. One could hear the happiness of followers return to see their little ones safe and sound from each location. Thorin and Oona were glad they recovered sufficiently and stayed alive to see their son come home. The little lambs were well in Noonveil, but missed their homes. Once they arrive, faith was about to skyrocket once more. Narinder stood with his flock, rested and veiled once more. He stood with his head held high, yet with a comforting gaze to his flock. They knew he cared for them and was secretly just as excited to see the children again. It wasn't much longer that they all heard a portal open before them.

Rose stepped through and helped each little lamb through while carrying Lelouch and one of the younger lambs. When they saw their parents and other family, the children made a beeline straight to them. The sheep gave the biggest hugs they could muster to their young, happy to see them again. Rose walked over to Thorin and Oona with Lelouch. Lelouch saw his parents and started to eagerly reach for them. They met each other half way, Rose gave the lamb to his parents who embraced him. Oona was crying tears of joy to have her little boy in her arms again. Thorin was just as happy, hugging his wife and kissing his boy's head. Lelouch was squealing and bleating with delight, happy to be with them again. Rose stood with Narinder after she made sure every lamb was back with their family. Seeing them reuniting was bringing a tear to her eye. What worried her most was those lambs who lost someone or became orphaned due to the plague. Narinder assured her that they would be cared for and loved. Plus... when the blood moon rises, they would be able to see them again... if all goes smoothly, those nights are wild.

"Mama! Baba!" Lelouch bleated and nuzzled his parents.

"My baby!" Oona kissed his head. "We've missed you so much!"

"Mama!" Lelouch cuddled her.

Narinder smiled watching his flock together with their young, but it got him thinking... They lost so many due to Sheep Blight... and many of them still had a few years to live. Rose wanted to bring them back so badly, but even her powers had limits no matter how amplified they were. Perhaps he should research the project he had been working on a bit more. Maybe ask Shamura for some guidance? It could be good for everyone what Narinder had planned. Right now, he was still in the early phases of what he wanted to accomplish. As Rose had demonstrated and had done so herself, resurrection was completely possible if one had the right powers and abilities. Narinder needed the perfect ritual to ensure that all would go well. Naturally, he'd ask Rose for advice since she was an expert in that field. He would focus on that later. For now, he needed to tend to the flock and give a sermon to address a few things and welcome back the little ones.

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One Month Later...

Peace had returned to the Cults of the Old Faith, aside from the usual stuff that happens. The miracle herbs worked their magic and cured every lamb and sheep that had fallen ill. Kallamar kept a few to study and hoped to grow them. Leshy and Narinder were helping with that project. They just needed to see if the herb would grow in a controlled environment before releasing it and letting it flourish in the wild. Miracle herbs were strangers in a new world, and planting them just like that wasn't always a good idea. If they grew well and didn't damage any other plant, then they would be introduced. While those experiments were underway, Rose spent a lot of time with Narinder, aiding with several tasks in the Cult and working with the followers. Of course, Rose still lived in Noonveil and helped her family. She cares for the grandkids when their parents needed a break or some extra hands. There were relatives and in-laws to help as well, but Rose loves spending time with the children. It was the love of her family that kept Narinder from asking her something. They had known each other for about a year, and maybe it was a bit too soon, but Narinder wanted to ask Rose if she would ever consider moving in the Cult.