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Epilogue
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Athena Everleigh sometimes accorded with the social graces of her father's family in Dublin, whenever she visited them of course. But upon arriving home, she almost immediately transformed into Milly and went on long walks with her mother in the forest.
But in Dublin, she spent hours upon hours in Monsieur Clermont's blooming and buzzing shop, being fitted for new gowns and visiting with her friends and family. Of course, Margie and Rubina were always there—and Aunt Helana sometimes made her way into the store to see how business was coming along. But Athena mainly stayed to be with Sir Claudius and Monsieur Clermont.
During the day, Claudius advertised the store to folks on the street, but in the evening, after the shop's closing, they would all sit around the table and play cards and drink, or perhaps go to one of the local restaurants.
Sir Claudius always saw Athena home in his new, elaborate carriage he bought, and dropped her off at her mansion before he returned to Beochaoineadh Castle.
The first time Mr. Charles Everleigh noticed this man with his daughter, he inquired who exactly he was. Athena wrapped her arm tentatively around Claudius, but he assured her everything was fine with a pat of the hand. The man stepped up and announced himself as Sir Claudius II, the son of the late Sir Claudius. He had been away traveling the world, as young men often do, and did not know his father had passed until he arrived home. Upon entering the castle, he discovered that a will had been left for him in one of his father's compartments, and he had indeed inherited the castle, all of his father's belongings, and gold.
Charles was skeptical at first, but after sitting and having drinks with the man, he realized just how well-meaning, gentlemanly, and articulate he was. Charles also happened to realize how often his daughter and Sir Claudius glanced at one another.
Although at first, Sir Claudius and Athena did not spend much time together, over the course of a year, their interviews with one another lengthened, and, eventually, she was spending most of her days with him either in town or at the castle.
One day, Claudius rode up to the Everleigh's mansion and humbly proclaimed his affection for Charles's daughter. Mr. Everleigh was not in the least bit surprised, as he had noticed a fancy between the two. And he was perfectly happy for Athena to be marrying into old money, so he agreed to it and blessed their engagement.
After months of planning, the two were married in the small cathedral on the cliffs. Oceans roared and it rained softly the day they were wed.
Henri created the most beautiful gown for Athena, with tiny cream-colored tulips all over it. Claudius was also given a hand-tailored suit that fit him perfectly.
All of the children came, even the new child. Isolde glowed as she had in her youth, glowed like the sun gleaming through the trees in the green forest. She held her newborn while she watched her firstborn be handed off in marriage. For the first time, she truly trusted Sir Claudius as well as her husband and smiled as Charles handed their daughter off to Claudius.
Aunt Helena, Margie, Rubina, and Henri all came. And so did half of the small coastal town who was quite the lively bunch—this contrasted with the more subdued party of Dublin.
And in the far back of the cathedral, a pale woman with bright blue eyes, wearing rags—whatever she could find, most likely—sat. As Athena and Claudius kissed, she shed a tear. Although she had not found her happy ending yet, she was most certainly proud and overjoyed that her friends had found theirs.
On the way back to the castle in their carriage, Athena and Claudius discussed plans for their honeymoon. Perhaps they would travel to another country in Europe, or America even. They didn't know. But they made plans to do what they loved for the rest of their life, in partnership, together. Claudius sitting in his chair, translating and writing and soon, hopefully, publishing his tales. And then Athena perched in his lap, whether human or cat, while he read and wrote. They would venture outside, too, in the forest on walks—and slowly, Claudius grew to not dread them as much. Athena loved them and that is all that mattered.
Eventually, Sir Claudius recorded his voice telling tales on a record and sold them around the streets of Dublin—as well as his books—for everyone to hear and read. This was so that, even though people went about their busy lives, they could still look back and remember all the tales of magic and creatures of the forest, the forest that once was, long before the tall buildings and cobblestone streets. A reminder of everything that has come before, and that one day, we will return to again.
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End of A TALE OF THE SHAPESHIFTERS