The next day, Telday morning, the companions were gathered together for the opening ceremony of the week-long festival. An eight-day duration of merry festivities was planned out by Tristan and his people. They were all excited and Pharis was the one most excited as she had a beaming smile on her face.
As they were all in a waiting area for the presentation stage, Sargon was approached by Tristan. "Sir Sargon, could I ask you to lead the city in a moment of silence after you say your words to them?" Tristan was painfully aware that there were subjects of his that perished in the attack despite Sargon's limit-breaking efforts to save them all. He asked this question solemnly and awaited an answer nervously.
Sargon thought for a moment before answering with a sad smile, "I will be honored to do so Tristan. I know it is unrealistic to save everyone, but I always make it my goal. On many occasions have I prayed, honored, and remembered the ones I wasn't strong to be their heroic knight. On this matter you can be relieved I will do my duty properly."
Tristan said no more, nodded with an understanding gaze, and turned to prepare to make his appearance on the grand stage. His companions thought about his words and had sympathy on their faces as they have all experienced being unable to save everyone.
Tristan went on to introduce himself and a couple of words while projecting his voice, "My citizens of Fereldyn. Over our long history, our city has weathered many a great crisis. Now another has been weathered by us successfully. In past, the crisis was averted with the grand help of heroic warriors and brave souls. This trend has not changed. Before the festivities start, I am honored to introduce...your hero!" Tristan moved to gesture behind him to where Sargon was waiting out of sight.
Sargon in full armor walked up to the front of the stage where all could see him. The crowd welcomed him with thunderous applause. Sargon raised his hand to have them calm down. He then began to do his part.
"People of Fereldyn, I am Knight Errant Sir Sargon Jupiter. Known by some as the Starry Knight. I am the one that defeated the cultists and saved the city from the perilous grand hex. I am glad you all have deemed me worthy of being called a hero, but there is still a hurtful matter that must be recognized. As one too many know too well, I could not save everyone."
The crowd grew quiet from his words. They all knew many of their fellows did not survive long enough for the Star Ignition to save them. Many of them were trying to distract themselves with the celebrations to avoid their feelings. These people could no longer hold back their feelings and sadness began to leak from their eyes. The silence was broken by the quiet sobs and tears of those people that lost someone. The feeling of loss was infectious and the people who lost no one began shedding some tears in empathy and sympathy. Even Tristan, the soldiers, guards, and officials who were all usually serious during events couldn't help but shed some tears of their own. Despite there being few casualties, Fereldyn was a large city, around 7,000 died. They were mostly the weakest of society, 60% percent being children. The rest were the sick and old. The bodies of so many children drove a thick stake in the heart of everyone.
Sargon began speaking as tears continued to be shed by the crowd.
"I am sorry..."
The crowd heard these words and looked towards their hero again. The words were different as they contained Sargon's sincere sorrow and feelings. In grief, many had blamed Sargon for being not saving the ones they love too. Even though they knew he used everything he had in him. Those people no longer had those thoughts now. Their hearts began to settle hearing their hero understand their grief. Many could also tell this wasn't the first time he couldn't save everyone. They all had a deeper respect for Sargon now. They saw him now not only as a hero, but as a person like them too that felt sorrow.
"...That I couldn't save them."
The settling hearts of the crowd became still as they now accepted their sorrow. With their hero honestly sharing their grief, how could not? Their worries were appeased knowing that the lost were cared for by Sargon. Knowing their memory would be carried by Sargon.
"I know the pain from love is great, but know they won't be forgotten. I have never forgotten anyone and neither will this city. I hope you can celebrate their lives to mourn their deaths."
Sargon then removed his helmet and placed it under his arm to reveal his face. The crowd then saw a handsome young man with subtle tears coming from his eyes and a melancholic expression. Their hearts then grew resolute that would honor their tragic dead with life.
"I hope the upcoming festivities will be worthy and pleasing to the dead. Many fun things have been arranged I am told, and children like to play and have fun. Thank you."
Sargon put his helmet back on and walked to be behind Tristan as he came to the forefront again. Tristan said to the crowd, "With that being said, let the festivities begin!"
The crowd roared back to life with many times more fervor than before, determined to live for the lost. The festival had now begun and the crowd dispersed to enjoy themselves throughout the city. Sargon was praised by Tristan for being able to help his city with their grief so few words and so perfectly. During the festival, the crime rate in Fereldyn was zero. Many criminals were also participating in the festival like anybody else as they weren't evil and heartless. Even they were angered and saddened at the deaths by such an evil and sudden attack. The truly ruthless criminals were smart enough not to be active during the week-long festival lest they invite the combined ruinous fury of every single person in Fereldyn.
The hostile forces did were not active during this time either, they also didn't want to gamble and risk ruinous fury from all of Fereldyn. From the stupidest to the smartest, the monsters in the monster lands to the north could feel how dangerous it would be for them to attack the city. They held back as well.
Days passed by peacefully and happily. Soon it was Tehnday.