She's learning to use the alethiometer again, and it's hard work. She does it though, because she's legendary now, isn't she? (Pan said that was being conceited, but it's true!) She's got to set the example for other people, so that they can all build the Republic of Heaven together. And so she does. It is hard work, but it helps take her mind off of Will, and it's nice when her heart doesn't ache. She makes new friends, and still misses Roger, but it's better knowing that his atoms are all around her, part of everything.
It's not perfect by any means, and it never will be. Not until she's dead, and then she and Will can be together again.
"That's sort of morbid though, isn't it?" said Pan.
"So? It's true, en't it?"
"Well, maybe, but…" Pantalaimon climbed up and curled around her neck, "Will wouldn't want you to think that. The Republic of Heaven, right? We've got to stay here and build it."
"I know that, Pan. I wasn't thinking about dying on purpose! I was just saying. Besides, we've got loads more adventures we've gotta go on before then! And once I learn how to use the alethiometer again, I can ask about Will and what he's doing. It'll be almost like being together again…"
But it wouldn't, and Lyra knew that she shouldn't ask about Will. They both knew it, the alethiometer knew it, it would tell her not to, and it would be right.
Lyra took out the alethiometer and gazed at it. It was a habit to carry it around, even though she could no longer read it. She set it down on the bench.
She would do it anyway. Lyra knew it, and so did Pan, and he didn't reproach her for once. It might set back the Republic of Heaven a bit, and Lyra would feel bad. But she would do it.
xxx
Many years later, Lyra asked about Will. It swung once to the hourglass, and let it be at that. Lyra didn't inquire further. She would find out in time.
xxx
She whispered goodbye to Pan and said she'd see him soon (She was talking to more than just her dæmon), and Lyra Silvertongue died with a smile on her face.
Sorry, but I'm not amazing enough to write His Dark Materials. So no suing me, please?