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Epilogue I"Areida!"
A young woman with flowing brown hair in a wild-green dress ran to meet her friend- an Ayorthaean young lady with a dark almond-shaped face, her black hair braided with pink yellow ribbons. They laughed as they met to embrace each other, each laughing and smiling.
"It's been a long time," said Areida, after letting her newly found friend go.
"It sure has," Ella agreed, and added, "It's good to know that you haven't changed."
"How would I change?" Areida wanted to know. "You're not telling me that you thought I'd turn into another Hattie. Is she still in Frell, by the way?"
Ella shook her head solemnly.
"Apparently, my stepmother and sisters have left Frell for somewhere else in Kyrria. They are reconciled."
"That is good."
They surveyed each other, and Areida burst out laughing.
"What?"
Areida grinned.
"You really have grown taller, haven't you?"
"I'm nearly five foot six, now," Ella said proudly. Areida patted her lightly on the head.
"In other words, you're five foot five."
"Well, it's always nice to say it otherwise," Ella defended herself. "It makes you feel taller."
"Come back to my house, and meet my family. Where's Char, by the way?"
Ella smiled.
"Out for some dutiful purpose. It's the works of our freedom, given by Lucinda. Believe it or not, it's actually rather handy."
Areida frowned.
"What do you mean by that?"
Ella laughed, and told her all about Lucinda's gift of freedom.
"So you see," she concluded, "It's all worked out rather well."
"That's great. I have some news for you, too." Areida smiled shyly.
"What is it?" Ella said. "Out with it."
"I'm going to be married in fall."
Ella's mouth dropped into a perfect "o" in surprise, and they laughed again, hugging each other tightly.
"That's great news!" she cried. "You have to invite me, remember? Whom are you engaged to?"
"Someone."
She smiled mysteriously.
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That night, a large ensemble of people gathered around the dinner table.
"Congratulations to the new King and Queen!" all of them cried. There was Areida, Albrecht- whom Ella met, and found out it was he Areida was going to marry, there was Areida's large family with many siblings, and, of course, Ella and Char, who sat next to each other. They smiled at each other.
"Everything's finally coming to a happy ending," Char said cheerfully, taking a plate for Ella as dinner started.
"Yes. It's good to know it's all good. No more adventures, though," she said remorsefully.
Char grinned. Wait till you see the elves," he grinned, leaning in closer to his wife. Ella smiled.
A faint glimmering shadow watched in the midst of happy guests celebrating the marriage of the happy couple. She smiled, let out a small sob of happiness, and then swiftly vanished, when she saw the newly wedded Queen turn her head.
The elves were just as glad to receive a visit from Ella and Char, and they heartily welcomed the couple. A small elf climbed onto Ella's lap, and gurgled happily.
"Shua!" Ella hugged the little elf-child, who nuzzled her happily.
Their visit with the elves only lasted two days, and the elves were sad to see them go. Still before they left, an old elf approached them with a wrapped package.
"For us?" Ella asked delightedly. The elf nodded, and smiled, revealing a mouthful of white teeth. She carefully opened the package. It had been obvious that the elves had treasured the item greatly, and Ella drew a small breath of surprise as the last layer of wrapping tore away. It was another Agulen- but it was not pieces of precious pottery, or sculptures of animals. It was a small sculpture of the elves with two people, which she clearly recognized as herself and Char.
"It's beautiful, she whispered, and Char agreed.
"How did Agulen know about us?"
The elf motioned for someone, and an even older elf made his way from the group of gathering elves.
"I am Agulen," he said. "I've heard of you and Your Highness, and what you've done for the elves. It is a thank you gift from us, and also a gift of congratulations."
Agulen had noticeably long and green fingers, and Char thought that they were the born hands of a famous sculpturer.
"Thank you."
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Their honeymoon stay was in a lush green forest, where in the centre, was a large wooden bungalow, surrounded by fresh flowers and ferns. Ella laughed in delight.
Let's go in," Char said, opening the door, which lay a very warm and inviting kitchen with a feast prepared fit for a King and Queen. Well, they were the King and Queen, after all…
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Four years later
"Twins!" The former King and Queen Daria and her husband Jerrold gasped delightedly.
Char smiled. It was perfect. A beautiful little girl, and a handsome young boy; Princess Eleanor, after Ella's mother, and Prince Jerrold, after his own father. Jerrold had been particularly pleased when Char announced his son's name.
"Good choice, he had heartily voiced, and Char laughed.
"My first grandchildren, " Jerrold said in a satisfied sort of way, and was holding the baby boy fondly in his arms.
"Where is Ella?" Daria asked suddenly.
"Taking an old ramble in the gardens with Areida. She should be back soon."
"How wonderful," Daria remarked in reply, then said,
"May I hold Eleanor?"
Char nodded, and carefully handed the bundle of pink-laced blankets to his mother. Daria's face broke into a relaxed smile. So many years since she had held a baby. She was getting old, and already, her beautiful dark blonde hair was beginning to be streaked silver.
"Perhaps, I'd better find Ella and Areida," Char said. Eleanor and Jerrold the second should be fed now. They'll start to cry soon. Can you look hold them for a while?"
Of course. God and find Ella, my son."
Char left the room, and was about to open the door, when Areida suddenly burst through it. Char stepped back in surprise, and frowned as he saw Areida's wild and ecstatically worried expression.
"What's happened?" Char asked instantly. Then-
"Where's Ella?"
Areida's eyes seemed almost delirious, as she said,
"Gone! She's gone- this woman in black robes just appeared, and then took Ella, and they both vanished!!! I don't know what to do, I don-"
Char panicked.
"Mother, Father," he called desperately, and they rushed back into the room.
"Ella! Ella's disappeared!"
"How can this be?" Jerrold thundered.
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Char waited. And waited…
Ella never came back. And there was no chance of knowing where she was…he could only keep on waiting…