A/N~ Kyrette? Are you still here?

Kyrette~ :Where else would I be? I haven't left you Cat. Just need to rack my mind for more stories to tell. And, quite frankly, your house is a bit loud for quiet contemplation!:

Cat~ *laughing* Very true my fuzzy friend!

Kyrette *grinning* :Indeed. So, one final disclaimer and then the end of Shadowflame's story. Mercedes Lackey owns all to do with Velgarth, Heralds, Companions. Tayledras, etc. Now to the epilogue.:

Epilogue~

The spring leaves were opening to receive the gentle sunshine. Flowers had just started to send their scents into the air. An archway had been built of willow boughs and coaxed roses in a small clearing in Companion's Field.

Firesong stood next to Silverfox, watching proudly as his sister, Adept Shadowflame k'Treva, Tayledras Ambassador to Haven, slowly approached them. Today she had put aside her traditional black clothing. She had allowed Firesong to dress her as was properly fitting a bride and Adept. He had dressed her in blues and greens, with cream accents. She looked like a Queen.

Starfall stood slightly off to one side, smiling. He and Shadowflame had had many heart to heart talks over the last months. Their relationship was completely mended now. Firesong had even caught her calling him "father" a few times.

Firesong looked over at the groom. He appeared totally calm. After the initial uproar he'd caused, simply by appearing, he'd settled in nicely. His gentleness with children and ease with teaching had him as an extra hand with teaching. He taught not only the Mage-Gifted but also Healer or Herald Trainees having trouble grasping a concept. He and 'Flame made a wonderful team. Next to him the kyree neuter, Rrussin, sat wearing a jeweled collar and a huge grin. The neuter was glad to finally have his mind-mate paired off.

Above them the bondbirds all sat in silence, watching her walk toward her groom. Each had been groomed and decorated as well. Each bore decorated jesses that were nothing that would get entangled when they flew. Ayren sported a small headband with embroidery as a decoration. Even the gryphons had turned out in all their painted glory.

Shadowflame finally reached all of them, coming to a floating stop next to her groom.

The celebration that followed was talked about for decades to come. Shadowflame's story was added into the Chronicles by unanimous agreement among the Heralds.

Starfall returned to k'Valdemar Vale, content with his wife's daughter and his guilt purged.

Firesong and Silverfox stayed with them another year, Firesong catching up with his sister's lost years. He was there for the birth of their first child, a son, called Shadowhawk. When he and his mate returned to k'Valdemar themselves, all of 'Flame's wounds were finally Healed.

Shadowflame and Wanderstone never returned to the Vales. Not because they were unwelcome. They did not return, except for visits, simply because they'd made their own lives.

Shadowflame was heard, in years to come, to say: "I have my home. It took me a great deal of pain and trial to find it. Why would I leave it for another?"

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:So ends my tale of Shadowflame k'Treva. I know all of this was true. My mother's neuter 'uncle' was the one to tell me. His name? Rrussin.: ~ Kyrette

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A/N~ Reviewer thank yous and a few special thanks..

Hawk~ You've reviewed almost every chapter. Thank you my friend.

Queen's Own~ Thanks. Kyrette can be sorely neglected around here, but not with your scratches!

Badgerwolf~ Kyrette isn't sure if he'll give me anything more yet, but Yuril is still around as is Jelana (somewhere!) And they still work occasionally. So I have those fics.

Lurks_in_Shadows~ Again thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Fireblade~ Scheherezade is off looking for Jelana somewhere.. Don't worry I'll let her work out her frustrations on my muse then send her back. You won't be in too much trouble.

Now for some special thanks~

Shahanna, Etcetera-cat, mysticmoods, and Darkfyre~ The four of you get the biggest thanks. You have reviewed, cleared up minor points, and beta read for me. I can't thank you enough for all the help you've given. I have loved having the 4 of you helping me. I hope it never ends! Thank you very very much.

So that's the end of Shadowflame's story. Until the next time Kyrette speaks…

Zhai'helleva!

~!*Cat*!~