"I think there's hope for humans and elves to live together. Each culture has so much to offer. And our family will only be one of many to unite them."

-

Epilogue:

"Momma!" The little boy around the age of five came running from down a gravel path. The beautiful she-elf, who knelt at a small garden outside a cozy wooden home, looked up in time to see the teary eyed child run at her. Flinging himself into her arms, the boy sniffled.

Deedlit smiled as she comforted her eldest son, Teseus. He looked so much like Parn, however the child was a little emotional- getting worked up over little things. She was use to finding the boy teary-eyed and crying into her chest, she didn't mind of course.

'He's such a gentle soul,' she mused to herself as she got the boy to calm down. Wiping his tears away with a silken cloth, Deedlit noticed her son's clothes were a bit damp.

"Teseus, what happened?" She asked holding him at arms length to get a better look at him. The brown haired, blue-eyed child did not seem to have any injuries, just a bit of dirt on his face and a damp tunic he wore.

"Ghim... Ghim..." The boys sniffled.

"What did your brother do this time?" She inquired. The two brothers got along most of the time, however they did get into their fair share of fights... especially with the local children.

After they had returned from the Elven Forest five years ago, the family decided to settle near the town they had been helping. Parn, Orson, and Slayn all helped construct a beautiful home a little way out of town. Next to the small forest with a stream, the family found home and began to raise their children in both the human and the Elven traditions.

The two boys, for doing everything together were turning out with quite different personalities. Teseus may have had Parn's human body type and looks, however he was truly not one meant for a warrior's life. He enjoyed playing in the nature surrounding the family's home. Teseus also was a constant at Deed's side, especially when she went to tend the small gardens that they planted behind the house. The little boy had also taken instantly to the family's pet dragon. When he was not with his parents, or family friends, the boy was playing with the large creature on the open plains surrounding the town.

Where Teseus made friends easy with the other children of the town, Ghim was another matter. Like a true elf, he was quiet and reserved for his age. This did not allow for him making too many friends in the town, and it did not really seem to bother the boy either. He much preferred to practice his shaman skills with the spirits as his mother had taught both boys. In sparing practices between the boys, Ghim was no match for the strength of the human physique and often resorted to using his ability to call spirits to his advantage.

"Teseus if you want my help, I have to know what your brother did." Deedlit said, even though she could probably guess what had happened. The small fights had increased since Teseus had tried to get his brother to join him and the other children for games. Ghim, who just wanted to meditate or do other things like read and talk with nature, would get frustrated at the pestering of the others. Since he still had a long way to learn about the ways of swordsmanship- Ghim stuck with his strengths. Both parents were amazed at his skills, and even concerned that Teseus would feel left out due to his troubles using the spirits.

"I just wanted to play tag with him and the others... I just wanted to show them he was fun and that he could play too." The boy sniffled. All he wanted to do was get his brother to play with his friends and be included into the children's games.

"Honey, you know your brother is different. He doesn't like to play those kinds of games..."

"But they make fun of him..."

"Ghim may look smaller and more different than the rest, but he's strong and can take care of himself." She smiled down on her son. "You have such a kind heart, don't worry. Your brother will come around in time." Deedlit assured him as she placed a kiss on his forehead. His response was to hug her tightly.

"Am I different too?" Teseus worriedly asked before letting go of his mother.

"You both are special and there are many people who love you; especially your father and I. You remember that." She instructed him as she let go of him, and stood up. "Your father should be home soon, we had better get dinner ready. Would you like to help?" She asked gathering the herbs and roots she had taken from the garden.

"YEAH!" The little boy cried, he was always happy to help his mother.

"But first, go change into some dry clothes."

-

The family's dinner was spread out on the wooden table in the center of the large kitchen area in no time. When the new family first officially moved into the house, they were surprised to see the town's people had fully furnished the home as a way of thanking the couple for all their help. Remembering all the trail rations they ate, and the attempts to cook over a small campfire made her thankful for the wood stove. It made cooking for four easier on all of them.

Teseus came sprinting into the house dressed in a new green hued tunic with fresh flowers in his hands. Placing them in a vase Deedlit had given him, the boy looked happily on the table with the flowers in the center.

"When is dad going to be home?" Teseus asked looking at the food as he sat in his chair ready to eat. The growing boy had an appetite almost as big as Parn's at times.

"They were just finishing up with the new grainery on the other end of town. He should be home soon." She assured him.

The door opening and closing made the boy even more excited. Rushing up from his seat, Teseus rushed to the door expecting to see his father. Instead, Ghim had entered.

"Is dad coming?" Teseus asked looking out the door.

"How should I know?" Ghim said quietly and entered the kitchen. After placing a kiss on his mother's cheek, his usual routine after coming home, the boy sat down in a chair. Placing his books underneath the chair, he sat in silence. He knew his brother had told his mother all about the small fight they had gotten into earlier. Expecting a grounding as the worst punishment, the boy was prepared for what ever they were going to say.

To his surprise, his mother continued to place food on the table as the three of them awaited the return of their father.

They did not have to wait long. The sun was still high in the sky, as Parn burst into the house with a cheerful "I'm Home." He was greeted as always with a hug from the oldest, he was always excited, Parn smiled.

'So much energy in him, just like I was... yet so different. Levelheaded and not as stubborn. Not exactly sure where that came from, both Deed and I are too stubborn for our own good at times.' He thought returning the hug.

After setting the boy down, Parn walked into the kitchen seeing his second son sitting quietly at the table. The hint of guilt was on the boy's usually solemn face. The human part of the little elven boy was always showing up, and that's what Parn enjoyed the most. His sons were unique, and that's why he loved them both. Parn patted his son on the head as he passed over towards his wife.

"And how is my lovely wife doing today?" He asked after a kiss.

"Just fine, but the food it going to get cold. You were a little late today." She smiled.

"Things didn't go as well as expected, but no more talk of work- how is my family?"

-

The meal was finished in no time- the two elder men shoveled in the food set before them, while Deedlit and Ghim ate at a slower pace.

The family then retired to the family's den before a gentle fire in the fireplace. Parn wrapped Deedlit in a blanket and hugged her to him, as the boys did their own activity. Ghim continued to read and waited for the scolding, however it never came. Teseus on the other hand talked about the day and his adventures with friends as his parents listened.

"So Ghim, what did you do all day?" Parn asked finally getting to say something after listening to Teseus.

"The same." The boy replied and returned to his books.

"And tomorrow?"

The boy looked up from his book. Accepting he wouldn't get much out of it if he was continually bothered by questions, he shut the book. Shrugging, he told his father he didn't have any plans.

"Great, how would you both like to visit your grandparents?" Parn asked. He and Deedlit had planned to spend the weekend alone- sort of an anniversary present from Deed's parents. After five long years of marriage and raising two energetic children, they wanted to be together with out the boys for once.

"You mean it?" Teseus asked.

"I don't think they would have suggested it if they were not serious." Ghim added looking at his parents.

"We want you both to go and learn about the forest together. Your grandfather is very knowledgeable in many things. And he will help both of you with your Elven skills." Deedlit added. "And you'll both have to work together." She stressed the 'together' looking at Ghim a little sternly.

"Yes mother." Ghim replied, knowing this was part of the punishment for being mean to his older brother and his friends.

"Well it's settled. We will drop you both off tomorrow morning. You can spend an entire week there and learn all you want."

-

Kissing both of the boys goodbye, Deedlit thanked her parents for watching the boys. Her mother insisted it was nothing and that the two of them needed a break.

Neither objected and soon the couple exited the forest where their transportation waited patiently. The large red dragon pickup both of his masters and took off back towards their home.

"It's nice having this place to ourselves." Parn said as he stretched and sat down in a chair near the fireplace.

"I just hope mother knows what she's getting into. Sheris says she'll never baby-sit for us again because of the ruckus they cased last time." Deedlit worried looking out the window towards the forest. "They are YOUR children after all. And they tend to get into as much trouble and more than you do good sir knight." She added with a kiss as she sat down in his lap.

"They'll be fine." Parn said and pulled her closer to him. "Deed... I need to ask you something. And I want you to be honest- no matter what, I need to know..."

"Parn? What is with the serious face? You know you can ask me anything- I hope you would know that by now, we have been together for over five years."

"Are you happy Deedlit?"

"What a stupid question." Deedlit replied playfully swatting at her husband. "Only a human would be so insecure. Don't you think I would tell you if I wasn't?"

"I guess I was a little stupid to be worried about that." He said after Deedlit gave him a powerful kiss. "But there's nothing you want, or need? Anything at all, name it and I'll move heaven and earth for you."

"You always were so caring. I guess that is where Teseus gets it from."

"And Ghim must be taking after his name sake... silent all the time, moody, not exactly the friendliest looking of people..." Parn smiled thinking about their sons.

"He'll get over it. Right now he just feels a little different. After all we are one of the first Elven families to live with humans." She pointed out trying to sound superior. However the face Parn made questioning her tone, caused her erupt into laughter.

"That's because you love humans... me especially." He replied with his own tone of confidence.

"Hum... maybe you're right..."She said as she straddled his hips in the chair. Looking deeply into those blue eyes she loved so much, she knew she would never want for anything more in her life.

"Well, now that I think about it... there is one thing I do need." She began poking gently at his chest.

"And what would that be?" He smiled seductively at her.

"Well, that would be nice too," she giggled as Parn began to kiss her neck and ears. "However, I think a new extension of the house is in order." Deedlit said.

"What?" Parn's current romantic mood stopped at the strange request.

"Well, where else will we put the nursery?" She asked with a pout.

"Deed?"

"And it better not be twins again. No more of that trouble. I want a normal pregnancy... maybe a girl this time." She added as she waited for Parn to wake up from his shock. "Parn? Did you hear me?"

Grapping her hands, Parn pulled her closer to him and pushed his hungry lips to hers.

"That was nice." She smiled as he let up so they could both breathe.

"Are you sure Deed?" He asked looking from her eyes to what he could see of her waist. As he looked over his wife, he found nothing out of the ordinary. She still looked almost the same as when he first met her. The only difference with Deedlit's appearance was instead of the short skirt, she wore a similar dress- only it was longer going to her knees instead of mid thigh.

"I'm sure. And she's a little way along." Deedlit smiled allowing Parn to touch her lower stomach. Placing her small hands over his, she gave him a reassuring squeeze. "This one seems to be much more behaved and she's probably going to have the body type of the elves."

"Thank the heavens, I don't ever want to go through nearly losing you ever again!" He said sternly. "But I thought we were being careful... I..."

"Parn, it's been five years. Besides, I want a little girl. We can't stop having children until then." She kissed his cheek.

"Deed... I'm still worried."

"Oh shush. Everything will be fine. You'll see. Therefore, you better get going on that extension. She's not going to wait forever you know."

"Oh I have to do I?" Parn kidded as he pulled her back to him chest, kissing the top of her head, he allowed his hands and lips to trail downwards...

-

The couple stared out the open window up at the gorgeous night sky. Thousands of stars were shining brightly down on them as they lay in bed wrapped together in a loving embrace.

"Parn, it's my turn to ask you something." Deedlit said as she sat up and looked down on him.

"What is it Deed?"

"Are you happy?"

"What?"

"You asked me if I was content here... but what about you? Do you ever think of what life would have been... if you did something different?"

Reaching up to cup her cheek, Parn smiled lazily up to her.

"No." He answered still a bit tired from their activities. "I never have to think about the possibilities because I know I made the right choice. I married the woman I love, settled down with her and now we are on baby number three. I could not be any more content than I am when you are in my arms. I thought I wanted power and glory- however I found something better than ruling a kingdom."

"Parn, to me you will always be my king."

"And you, my queen." He whispered pulling her down to him again in a passionate kiss.

Forever-

A/n:

So, that's where I'll call it Owari! (The End)

Thanks for the reviews and support! It's been longer than expected, but I hope you enjoyed the wait and the fic.

Thanks again for the reviews, I enjoyed hearing that people liked the fic

Ja Ne