~Epilogue~

Years passed by as snowflakes falling down to the frozen ground, covering the land with layer after layer of of cold whiteness. Years became filled with hardships and disappointments, filled with victories and laughter.

Her fingers travelled lightly over the covers of the old books, and she stopped to pull one out so that she could read the text. A story about the First Hell, one of those books she had collected on their journeys which was filled to the brim with memories she connected to the letters. Of nights she had readout loud to sooth her husband, days she had spent reading silently in the presence of Maya, Saga's wife, in front of the fireplace with Chopper's head in her lap. This one in particular held dear memories, even if it had been thrown down to the floor in passion the same night she had started reading it...

She put it back in the shelf and picked out another one. This time, a little bit of sand fell out from between the pages and got stuck at her red skirt. Fairy tales from the Starvation Hell, a small thank-you from Vivi, whom had got both Eira's and Zoro's support when she wished to marry her lover from simple conditions, as they visited their marriage.

Once again there had been a lot of talking, but it had at the same time it possible for the breaking country to stand up again and heal its wounds, uniting its people. For that achievement, Eira adored her friend even more.

"... the crocodile stared up at the monkey, grinning so his big, white teeth were showing..."

No, not this one tonight, he had gotten nightmares last time it was a story about reptiles. But maybe the one about the knight and the castle? She put the book back at its place and walked over to another shelf, picking out a green and dusty old book which she leafed through.

Yes, this one was much better. A brave knight fighting his way though traps and mazes in a cursed castle, fighting to reach the tower in time to save his damsel. Who already was on her way through the biggest maze. And they hadn't heard it before, so it would be a perfect story to tell!

The sound of the door opening and closing behind her made her spin around, the book pressed against her chest as if someone would take it from her.

"Why so tense? Afraid that someone will take the castle when I'm not watching?"

"No, I'm afraid you'll keep me here so I won't be ready when Maya has finished getting them into bed."

An almost naughty grin pulled at her husband's lips and he reached out so that he could caress her cheek and brush some hair behind her ear, before he leaned in and pressed his warm lips against hers. The feeling rushing through her heart and body at those simple actions, her lips moving against his, it was all so familiar. So precious.

She dropped the book on the floor with a thud, before she wrapped her arms around his neck and stepped closer to him. The kiss grew deeper, tongues brushing against each other as hands touched and groped.

As familiar as the snow falling outside, this love was not something which would end soon. Maybe the children could wait just some more minutes, since ever moment of this clash between fire and ice was precious.

~The End~

P.S. They had twins~ A boy and a girl. And thank you so much for reading this, I really hope you enjoyed it! D.S.