Looking at the ghosts and wisps as they stepped into this place, Zoro felt inordinately honoured that they had taken the time to come and stand and light the way for this small group. He held on to Joy and whispered comfortingly to her. “You never need to fear the dead, Joy. And while your Uncle Zeb is here with you, you need fear nothing at all.”
They moved and arrived at what seemed to be the Garden they had come from. It was a perfect replica and Zoro knew that there were named on the monument which were names of friends and family. But he did not look for them, because he knew they would be here. He saw Darius looking around and he wondered if there was, perhaps, an individual he sought. When Darius said one word; “Ma”; Zoro felt his heart go out to his companion. It was a personal and private moment so he did not speak but simply allowed Darius as much space as he could give. He prayed silently to Xiur, asking the Immortal to watch over Darius and his mother and to guide them both in hope in whatever journeys they now faced.
Then, the Immortals came. First Famula, then Qylios, next Ziell and finally Saoire. They performed some kind of ritual and it was both awe-inspiring and beautiful. Zoro was unashamed of the tears which slowly trickled down his cheeks as he watched; he had seen many things in the Forging, but this moment was unsurpassed for both power and majesty.
They resurrected Bao and Zoro’s face showed his pure delight at having his friend back. Joy, too, was given a new appearance in Bao’s old body and the Immortals spoke of gratitude to them. This seemed most odd to Zoro, for he wanted nothing more than to pour effusive thanks on to the Immortals here for allowing him to be in this moment and share this experience.
Famula then said that they were going to a feast and Zoro blushed from his pupils out to his toes as his stomach suddenly growled in hunger. Looking at Joy he gave a grin to the child. “It’s party time,” he said and stepped through.
