Dear readers of this story,

Another couple of hectic weeks have passed, and I've finally found the time to edit and post a new chapter. Next chapter will in fact be the last!

No words can describe how grateful I am for all your kind words and interest in this story! I *will* continue writing fan fic once this is done... but for my next fic I'll make a rather drastic change in fandoms. More on that later... some of those who have PM:ed me already know.

Well, enough rambling already. Enjoy!

Love;

BoMD

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Gradually, life in the Moving Castle was returning to normal. Or, mused Sophie, at least as close to normal as could be expected in a moving castle with a convalescent wizard.

Not too long after Markl had disappeared upstairs on the day of his return, Sophie's sisters had come bursting in through the door, with a wheezing and bouncing Heen in tow. Both of her sisters, (and not to mention Dana), had looked very surprised and almost a tad disgusted as Sophie just scoped up the dog, hugged him tightly and placed a huge kiss on his mouth. Heen just winked and giggled in his usual asthmatic way.

When Markl eventually returned from upstairs–fresh traces of tears on his face, but with a beaming smile from ear to ear–they had all enjoyed the most delightful meal together. Once they were done, Sophie's sisters and Dana had insisted that Sophie should go and check on Howl, and then get some rest, while they were taking care of the kitchen.

Naturally, Sophie was utterly grateful for their help, and knew that Dana probably would do everything in her power to help them back on their feet. Her usual independent self would always feel somewhat inconvenient when accepting help from others. But she was very well aware of that Dana was taking great pride in being able to give her something in return, and that she just had to accept it. However, little did she realize how fast the rumors about her 'allegedly unselfish and heroic act' were spreading across the town. It soon became clear to her that she wouldn't have to worry about cooking for quite some time. Every single day, people were showing up on their doorstep, bearing gifts that most often consisted of edibles or pre-prepared meals.

While she might had expected visits from most of their acquaintances and people who had attended their wedding, she was surprised to see that some of the visitors were perfect strangers, yet, they were addressing her as a long time friend. Some of them even brought money, which Sophie, naturally, refused to take. Some were, however, really persistent, and she once again got into the habit of making certain that there were always fresh flower bouquets available so she could offer them something in return. In fact, more and more requests for flower bouquets were starting to come in, and as soon as Howl had recovered enough to be able to help her out, she knew that it would be a good time to finally rebuild the shop and get the business restarted for real.

The number of Markl's customers was also steadily increasing, and so were the ones paying with real money. Loyal as the boy was, he always presented a full report on his finances every night, and none of the money were kept only for himself. Sophie was relieved beyond words to see that even without Howl's help, they would be able to obtain some kind of financial balance.

Howl's recovery, however, was not going to be a swift one. While there was no question about that he was actually recovering, his body had taken a severe beating. He needed help with virtually everything, and Sophie didn't even dare to leave him alone in the bathroom, since he had nearly fainted when trying to take his first bath. Not even the bath oils were helping much, and both of them were aware of that nothing could be done about it. Time, lots of rest and nourishing, easily digested food, were the only things that would help him restore his health.

All he really wanted to do was sleep, and for the first days (and nights), that was mostly what he did. He didn't want to see anyone, not even some of his most frequent visitors and customers from the past who dropped by to wish him a swift recovery. But when the farmer whom he'd helped with the warhead dropped by, together with his wife, Sophie just led them straight to the bedroom. Both she and Howl were almost moved to tears by their gratitude and deep concern for his well being. They didn't stay long, but promised to return within a couple weeks. Sophie assured them that they'd be welcome anytime they'd like.

During the first couple of days, Sophie was almost constantly at Howl's side. Between his customers, Markl spent a lot of time at his bedside as well. As soon as Howl was feeling well enough to start to show interest in his books again, they both seemed equally eager to catch up on their mutual reading and studying sessions. Markl was indeed very careful not to tire him out, but it usually ended very abruptly with Howl falling asleep mid-sentence in a pile of books (which Sophie had to clear away later). Even Calcifer spent a rather unusual amount of time away from the hearth, most often engaged in private conversations with Howl in the bedroom. Knowing that they were probably discussing practical matters about the castle and upcoming maintenance tasks that most certainly involved advanced magic, she had little interest to attend. But sometimes, fragments of fire-demonic snigger came floating out into the hallway from behind the bedroom door. It always brought a smile to her lips.

Many times however, Sophie found herself just silently watching Howl as he was sleeping, his chest slowly moving up and down, his face relaxed and undisturbed. Despite the fact that he had lost several pounds–that unfortunately would not be easily regained–he still looked so beautiful… but fragile. How would she ever allow him to go out again, even on the simplest of missions, without worrying herself to death? It would be a difficult time, no doubt. Even Markl and Calcifer often lingered in the bedroom long after Howl had fallen asleep. Sometimes, all three of them had found themselves sitting by his bedside in silence. Though they never spoke about it openly, she suspected that the others had similar thoughts and feelings.

But the only thing that was really gnawing at Sophie's subconsciousness was the premonition that Suliman would not let her–albeit involuntary–act of magic go unnoticed. She had tried to bring it up with Howl on several occasions when he was awake, but he was always changing the subject. She was not surprised, however, when exactly a week from the day when it all happened, a royal messenger turned up at the door, delivering a letter addressed to "Mr and Mrs Pendragon." Since it wasn't addressed to Howl specifically, she opened the letter herself, on her way upstairs.

To whom it might concern, it began.

Sophie felt her heart beating hard as she kept reading on.

It has come to our attention that as on August 4 at 4:47 a.m., an unauthorized act of magic was performed within this household by a practitioner of magic previously unknown to us.

In order to determine the kind of legal action to be taken, we hereby demand you to leave a full report in writing before September 4, stating:

* The practitioner's full name

* The purpose of the act

* The consequences of the act

* Any long time effects of the act, including unintended side effects and damage to any person or property

The letter was written in firm, perfect letters with the royal seal at the bottom.

Feeling the first stab of anger at Howl since he had fallen ill, Sophie rushed to the bedroom and gave him a rather abrupt wakeup as she slammed the door behind her and dropped the letter on the bed. Placing an extra pillow behind his head, Howl sat up in a semi-reclined position and read the letter through, seemingly a couple times. To Sophie's annoyance, he just gave a small laugh, looking at her. "What are you so upset about? Give me a day or two, and they'll have their report. We have nothing to worry about."

"Come on, Howl," Sophie urged, rolling her eyes. "It says 'legal action'. I want to know what it means. And now."

Howl sighed. "I'm pretty certain that Suliman is very well aware of that you saved my life with the dagger. However, I doubt that any of them could foresee your attempt at the blood quenching spell. It probably caught them by surprise, and I'm pretty sure that's what behind this. But I'll explain it to them in the letter, and under these circumstances, I'm pretty certain they'll just look through their fingers…"

"Look through their fingers? Suliman?!"

"Well, alright, maybe not–"

"Howl!" interrupted Sophie with a tired sigh. "What is the worst case scenario here? What will they ask of me?"

"Err…" Howl's eyes avoided hers, and she could see that he was probably genuinely exhausted, but she needed to know.

"Err, what?"

"Well… the worst case scenario, from your point of view, that is… is that she'd probably have you sign up as, well, as a disciple, for me, that is… well, things could be worse…"

Once again, he gave a little laugh, but Sophie still wasn't pleased. "And then, she'll make me take some kind of exam, won't she? And have me sign a contract with similar terms to yours?" She gestured at the wizard contract, where the dagger now was back in its usual place.

"That might be the case, yes…" Howl reluctantly admitted. "But Sophie, look… it's pretty much unavoidable. Your magic… it's very, very strong. I think both of us have been aware of that, ever since you restored my heart. Those things just happened naturally to you, and you didn't reflect too much upon them, practical as you are. But now… well, the blood quenching spell, you really thought it through, you know… and planned it. It was bound to happen, sooner or later you would find yourself in a situation where you'd choose magic–like… to save my life." He smiled a tired smile. "I think you'd better embrace this ability, and learn more about how to control it. Then you can choose for yourself whenever you want–or don't want to use it…"

He did have a point, of course. But Sophie was far from certain that it would be a good thing to let him win this argument. She sighed. "I still can't see it as my destiny… that's all…"

"Destiny?" Howl snorted. "Nothing is predetermined, Sophie, the choice will always be yours in the end… And we still don't even know what Suliman has to say about all this. I'll give them their report, and you'll have absolutely nothing to worry about, my love." He yawned. "Now… if you'll excuse me, but I'm rather sleepy… hmm, but also… You don't think you can make me some of that delicious corn formula of yours, do you?" He winked.

Sophie rolled her eyes. "Well… I will think about it." She walked out the door, hearing Howl's soft giggle behind her. She couldn't tell, however, whether it was just inside her head.

To be continued...