Part Eight

Something Lost, Something Gained Epilogue

Couples danced on the dance floor, and melodically music filled the atmosphere, but he could see from where he sat that their heart was not in it, everyone thinking about Aurelia.

He hadn't meant to return to the Great Hall, but found that he could not resist, after all this is where they had spent most of their time, and he knew that a lot of the good memories resided here. But now as he stared at the couple on the dance floor, he realised that it had been she, who brightened the atmosphere, no matter the danger and the dark times outside, she who could make them laugh when they were down. She was the one that could always bring a smile to their face, and make them join in many activities they would not usually do.

Even now as he thought, he realised how truly thankful he was when he had found her, all those years ago by the cliff. It was not until after all these years that he realised that it had been she who had taught him how to love and have fun every once in a while, which by all means he did.

It was one reason why he loved cubs so much, knowing the pride and joy their parents must feel, looking at their smile, and childlike innocence as they grew.

A frown bore on his expression and he remembered many a celebration when Aurelia would play matchmaker, and shove him into the arms of a lovely young lady when he was least expecting it, before running off and he only had Blastus and Gumlittle to thank for, as they only encouraged her to do it.

They had always joked that he was always too serious, and would never lighten up, but with Aurelia around he found it hard to be serious, and allowed himself to join in with the fun.

His shoulders sagged, and he rested his head in his hands, closing his eyes and listened to the music drawing to a close very soon.

It was times like this, that he wished Aurelia were still with them, joining in their merry making, and making them laugh. But those days were gone now.

Pulling back, he opened his eyes to reveal a small gold necklace in the palm of his hand, and his eyes glazed over.

She had been fifteen when she had passed over, and had she been alive she would've been sixteen this very day.

He could feel a sharp pain digging in his palm and he looked down to see that his hand had formed into a fist whilst he was lost in thought, the necklace still in his hand, and he pulled it close, so it rested over his heart.

Another struck up, more sorrowful than the last, and he looked round to see that no-one was dancing, all remaining in their seats, lost in thought and staring into space, and he rested his head in his hands again, letting the music sweep over him.

"I seriously hope that you're not moping, Plucki Gummi" someone whispered in his ear, startling him, and he whipped his head round, his eyes widening, and his mouth falling open.

"Hmm…I think that's the first time I've ever made you speechless" said a feminine voice with a chuckle.

Everything seemed to have frozen in the great hall, even the music had stilled, and everyone's eyes were on the one person, whom stood before Sir Plucki, and she ducked her head, her cheek flushed with embarrassment, and she knew she had all the attention of the great hall.

"Aurelia" he replied barely above a whisper, before wrapping his arms round her lithe form, and pulling into a bear hug, crushing her, when she yelped 'ow' he quickly released her and looked at her concerned, afraid that he may have hurt her.

"Just a bit sore" she motioned at her chest where the arrow had once been.

Nodding his understanding, he kissed her forehead, then pulled her into his arms again, for a more gentle embrace, and the tears he fought to hold back, spilled down his cheek. He very rarely cried, but the feel of having Aurelia back in his arms again, alive, he thought his heart would burst with joy and happiness, and he turned his gaze over to the medics at the far end of the great hall, his gaze curious, sad and questioning why they didn't tell him sooner.

"We didn't want to raise your hopes too much, in case she didn't pull through" explained Bessi solemnly then smiled at the two of them.

Blastus and Gumlittle approached the duo, looking over Aurelia taking in her dishevelled appearance and tired eyes, confirming that she was indeed very much alive, and they wrapped their arms round her, forming a group hug.

To many of the gummies looking at them the scene unwrapping before them was simply blissful and heartfelt, and they wiped the tears away from their eyes, and went forth to greet her.

Embracing many gummies, Aurelia felt loved and cared for, and she pulled away from the grandfatherly embrace of Councillor Berrybaum, smiling at him, before she collapsed in her seat beside her guardian, Sir Plucki.

The music striking up again, everyone noticed the change in music, and it suddenly became more cheerful and lively, and many couples got up to dance, Aurelia could see now that they were more in their high spirits and a lot more cheerful than they first had been, and she rose from her seat, and sat on Plucki's lap, snuggling up to him.

"Aren't you a bit old for this?" he teased wrapping his arms round her.

"Never" she replied just as amused, and made herself comfortable.

For many couples dancing on the floor, they could only smile and consider how cute the two looked before continuing on dancing.

Slowly rocking her, back and forth, as if she was a young child again he watched the couples on the floor also listening to the music, and felt content.

"Plucki" Aurelia murmur filled with sleep, brought him back to reality, and looked down at her in his lap.

"Hmm" he acknowledged.

"Don't do that" she murmured.

"What?" he asked innocently.

"This rocking" she replied. "I'm hardly five years old anymore".

"I know" he replied sadly. "You grow up too fast".

She snorted, very unladylike, causing him and her two uncles to laugh, and she cuddled up closer to him, seeking his warmth, and decided that just maybe….she'll let them treat her as their little girl for tonight.

Partying for the rest of the night, she able to stay with them until near midnight, when she began to drift off to sleep on his shoulder. He didn't mind though, just happy that he had her with him, even if they didn't join in the dancing and other activities tonight.

When the festival was finally over, and most gummies had left he rose from his place, Aurelia still slumbering in his arms, as he exited the great hall, and took the short cut back to their rooms.

Upon reaching their chambers, he kicked the door open to her room with his foot, and crossed the room and placed her on her bed.

Smiling at how innocent and content she looked, he knelt over her sleeping form, and swept the loose strand of her hair out of her face, and he pulled the covers up to her chin, instantly reminding him how he used to do this often when she was younger and he kissed her forehead once more then rose and went to the door.

"Don't ever leave. I can't bear to lose you again" he whispered sincerely "Goodnight Aurelia" then closed the door behind him.

"Night. Pa" she murmured in reply, then promptly fell back to sleep.

THE END.

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