AN: The epilogue is up now. Turns out I wasn't finished with the story after all. Now all is completed. I really hope you have enjoyed this story, may the Spirits guide you and bring you to where you need to be.

9-1-2010: Some edits have been made to this and the last chapter fixing a few grammar issues and clarifying a bit of continuity. While the story may be done, that doesn't mean it cannot still be improved here and there.

Epilogue

Denahi stopped then, watching the faces of the young ones before him, seeing the awe that floated on their faces…all but one. Kenai's face was passive; a knowing look in his eyes, and Denahi knew that the boy was smiling inwardly. "That is my story, little ones. Now, you all must get to bed, or else your parents shall have my hide." He gave them an impish grin as he scattered some powder onto the fire before him causing to flare up and then dampen down so that only the embers were glowing.

In this new darkness, he moved off, away from the rock and the wall of the ancestors. He moved slowly, not because of ill health but because he was contemplating the stars above, and the ribbon of colors where two of his brothers now lay. "Many years it has taken…." He whispered silently to himself.

"But the time was worth it, big brother." Denahi turned to find Koda standing beside him, gazing up as well. Koda had grown into a fine man, looking a great deal like Kenai, though even shorter.

"Where is young Kenai? He's more trouble than his namesake." Denahi grinned as he turned and watched Koda, whom turned to look back at him. "Tama was bringing him to bed last I checked."

They began to stroll again, Denahi only nodding his head to this news and they moved in silence for a few more moments until they were among some of the tribe's huts. Denahi looked over at the leather band around Koda's neck and down to where it was tucked into his shirt. Koda caught the look, his hand going to it. "Tananda gave it to me, during my ceremony. It's my totem."

"You always keep it hidden, why have you never shared it? I know she held your ceremony in private, for reasons I may never know, but…." He couldn't really find a way to finish the sentence and he let it trail off.

Koda shrugged. "It always brought strong memories forward - it's a reminder in a way of what you just told the children tonight. When I used to tell the story, I would distance myself from the emotions that came with it - the memories always seemed to bring pain along even with the good. Tonight, watching your telling, I realized I no longer feel regret or pain with the memories. My Totem fits, it has for a while, I just didn't notice until now."

Koda pulled the totem from beneath his shirt, holding it up in the moonlight so Denahi could get a good look at it. Denahi's eyes widened, his mouth opening silently before he closed it and grinned. It was the first time he'd ever seen a totem with multiple creatures in it, let alone specific ones. 3 young men were standing around a young bear cub, an eagle with spread wings enclosing them all. Koda let it fall against his chest as he looked from Denahi to the lights above. "It represents brotherhood."