A few days later, Effie found herself standing on the shore of the sea. In front of her, the people of the fallen city, who had left the safe harbor of her Soul Garden, were busy working. Some were clearing the bay, some were salvaging the wrecked ship that had been pulled from its depths.
Their work was hard, but they seemed cheerful enough. Haunted and unnaturally quiet, yes, but nevertheless full of vitality. And, most of all, indeniably alive.
The gaunt bodies had filled up somewhat, and they did not look like walking corpses anymore. The quiet despair had also disappeared from their eyes, replaced by tranquility... hope, even.
With anticipation of a brighter future.
Effie quite liked the sight.
There was activity boiling throughout the city, as well. However, it did not look like the citizens were trying to clear away the rubble. Instead, they were simply searching for anything that had survived the fire and could be of use.
