The Last Garden

Skunk knelt down onto the dead grass in front of him, placing his palm flat on the ground. Aura and Eliza stood behind him, the latter watching him skeptically. "Are you sure this is a good idea, Skunk?" Said Eliza, "The realm hasn't had much energy of its own since the Cozbi arrived. We have no idea what will happen." Aura waved her hand, as if to brush off any worry.   "Sh, Eliza. Let him work."   Skunk closed his eyes and let his magic flow to the ground beneath him and outward to the surrounding area, bringing energy back into the dead plants. Silver grass grew and small flower buds and trees sprouted out all around him. He lifted his hand and Aura waved her hand in front of her. Her eyes glowed softly and the air surrounding the new landscape shimmered for a few seconds before becoming normal again. "That should keep this place hidden from the Cozbi." Skunk stood and faced the women behind him. "Thank you. For helping me."   "Of course. This was our home too."   Eliza stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Skunk in a tight hug that he returned. "Hack made something for you. To apologize for not being here." She stepped back and when Skunk looked back at Aura questioningly he had to choke back a sob. She was holding a silver lantern. It glowed the same soft gold color as Dain's magical energy.   "We know why you wanted to do this, Sam." Said Eliza softly.   "And," added Aura, a small smile on her lips, "It wouldn't be an Edyavoraya without the lantern of loved one."   Hundreds of years later, when the garden had long since revealed itself to the world, a silver lantern glowing bright gold could be seen in the center of the garden, sitting on a pedestal carved with a dragon. No one knew who had made it, but it was regarded as the last lantern of the old age, and every few years a man with small wings and a feathered tail could be seen leaving a flower by the lantern. One last gift for the long forgotten person the lantern protected.