I don't own any of the Tamora Pierce characters.

=Afterward=

=years later=

He stared at his young daughter, with her bright green eyes and determined spirit. She stared back at him, waiting patiently for his response. She had the wild determination of her father and the manners of her mother. It was a dangerous combination that most people would fear. She had long straight black hair and pale skin. She had that from her mom. However, she had the quick agility and charm that she had gotten from her father. Yes, she was Neal and Yuki's child.

She didn't feel like waiting patiently for her father's answer, but that was all that she could do. That, or run off…but her best friend, Akane, had advised against that. Akane said that running away is NEVER an answer, and the young girl always listened to the wisdom of Akane.

However, she wasn't getting any younger, and that was the problem. Becoming a knight, she wanted to do that at this age, like her auntie Kel and uncle Dom. She didn't want to appear there, older than everyone like her dad.

She also wanted to be a respected mage like her Uncle Numair who was living happily with his wife, Daine. They had retired to the midst of the forest where Daine would walk around nad stare at the sights as well as continue to transform and be with the animals that she loved. She, herself, had found out that she had rather strong healing magic a few days ago while she had healed a child who was burned rather badly.

She also wanted to be a fighter like her sword teacher Alanna and quick with her hands like Alanna's husband George. She already knew a few tricks that both Alanna and George had taught her.

She wanted to be smart and cunning like Akane who was in the Queen's Own, and rumored to become the next commander, or like Merric who was working hard as protector and leader of New Hope. She wanted to be compassionate and helpful like her older brother, Cedric, who watched over her and cared for her.

Cedric, who was currently stuck at the University learning magic was becoming very well known for his healing abilities. It sucked that she barely saw him because of he prospered so well. His new job, taking Cedric away from her and leaving him in the castle. But, if she were a knight, she'd be able to see her brother every day like she use to do. She had missed him.

Neal sighed. His daughter was just like Alanna, Kel, Daine, and even worse, his wife who was watching him with a twinkle in her eyes.

Neal fell into his seat. It wasn't that a girl knight was uncommon in this day and age, it was just that…this time it was his daughter….

Neal sighed. "Fine. It looks like you're going to go no matter what I say, anyway." He bent forward and ruffled his daughter's hair. She grinned back, showing off her wolfish/impish smile that always worried her father…it looked too much like his own.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Yuki went over to answer it and was greeted with a man standing at about six feet. His light blonde, almost white hair, contrasted sharply with everyone else's dark hair who was in the house. It was hard to believe that this man considered himself part of that family.

Neal's daughter darted through the room to see who it was. She peeked from between Yuki's legs and grinned wildly. It was him! Cedric. She ran into his arms and threw her own about his neck. "I missed you, brother!" she cried out.

Cedric gave her a hug as well. "I missed you too, Cedar. I hear you've been giving your mom and dad grief."

She shrugged as she was put on the ground. "Just the usual. Dad can take it. I learned most of my tricks from him…"

Cedric set her down. He glanced at Yuki and at Neal for a moment, telling them something with his eyes. Every year, Cedric would come back then dissapear for a day or so. He'd bring flowers with him…it didn't matter what flower, as long as the petals were as pale as the colors that radiated from the moon, or deep shades of crimson.

Young Cedar watched him beneath her lashes. Even though he was always smiling, there was a certain sadness about Cedric that made her wonder. What had happened in the past that wouldn't let him go?

=END=

Thanks to everyone who reviewed and/or read this story. Your reviews helped me to get this far and inspired me to do my best! If it wasn't for you, the reader, I would never have had the patience or the determination that I had to finish this tale. Thank you once again and see you whenever!