Epilogue

The sound of chirping birds and arrows being fired at practice targets were a rude intrusion into a young girl's slumber. Sitting up, she stretched and yawned loudly, bringing her arm down when she felt the horrible pain in her shoulder.

"Good morning sunshine!"

She knew that voice anywhere. She flung herself at the owner of the friendly masculine voice, a smile forming on her lips.

"It's good to see that you recovered. For a while I thought you weren't gonna make it."

The girl rubbed her forehead and shook her head.

"How long was I out?"

"About three months and two weeks. You lost a lot of blood, and we thought you'd never recover."

"What about Helios? What happened to him? Tell me please!"

The hunter pushed his sister back a bit.

"You mean the Wizard? Oh he's fine...went back to Geffen a couple of weeks ago. He watched over you ever since he woke up last two months back...never left your bedside either."

The huntress smiled and twiddled her thumbs. She was overflowing with joy knowing that he was safe.

"Oh, by the way sis...I found this after your battle..."

She felt the small, solid, circular object which was placed in her hand.

"A ring? What's this for big brother?"

"That's Stormy's ring. Since you defeated him, it's only right that I give it to you."

The hunter embraced his little sister and gave her a kiss on the top of the head before leaving.

"Malene...welcome back to the land of the living."

-----

So, did you kids enjoy my story?

Hey, why are you crying? You thought she was killed didn't you? Well, you're not the first. Almost all of the young travelers to whom I told that story were fooled. But can you blame an old woman? I hardly ever get to have fun!

Well, it seems that the sun is rising, and the storm has passed. Are you sure you wouldn't like to rest first before you go? Oh I understand.

Well, if you ever find them, please tell them that the old bat known as Eula leaked their tale to yet another batch of young adventurers. Oh, and if you ever go to Alberta, please tell Lady Galena that I really need that ice gauche she promised me.

-end...?-

As the group stepped out, the young acolyte among them stretched and rubbed her eyes. She was feeling a mixture of conflicting emotions. She was both glad to leave the darkness of the cottage, yet sad, for she wanted to hear more stories.

"Hey, Come on! We don't have all day!"

She nodded at her swordsman partymate and ran to catch up with them. Fingering her pendant, she looked at the sky. She enclosed the crystal in her palm, smiling. The crystal was a beautiful Celestite stone carved into the shape of a butterfly. She had always treasured the necklace, for the ore within was the same as her surname. A soft whisper came from her lips.

"Dad...I found her..."

-end-