Zora breathed in deeply, staring out her balcony, feeling the breeze, just as she had the day Hunter had kidnapped her. She counted in her heart quickly. That'd been 4 years ago... she sighed happily. Lance walked from below her balcony and waved before continuing. She turned back inside. Nellie was asleep in her bed, curled up in a small ball, sucking her thumb. Myth was next to her, curled up in the space between Nellie's chest and knees.

"She's cute, isn't she?" he asked. Zora smiled. "Just like her mother when she's asleep," Zora sat down on the bed and felt his arms encircle her. He pulled her to him and hugged her, then moved to kiss her neck.

"Wonder how much longer she'll sleep?"

"Long as we let her,"

"Let's let her sleep in today,"

"I think we can do that," Zora turned. His eyes were still the same beautiful bright brown. She kissed him.

"I love you,"

"Love you," there was a knock on the door and Lance came in.

"Come on, now. I didn't make this deal so you two could enjoy life,"

"Why did you then?" Zora asked.

"Because you asked me to. Remember that it was your idea to exchange your freedom for your happiness." She looked back at the man who held her.

"Remind me again why I did that,"

"Because I love you, Zora,"

"I love you, too, Hunter,"

Epilogue

Upon the retreat of Night Bandit's old group, Lance moved to imprison the wounded Hunter. Zora stopped him and said she would stay and be the Fire Balance if Hunter could stay with her and they could raise their child there, but free from the burdens of being a Balance. Lance agreed. Hunter's wound healed after some special care and time. Zora and Ember accepted the position four weeks after striking the bargain.

Naomi kept in close contact with the family, being the caring grandmother and still ever nosy mother she'd always wanted to be.

Kyle returned to wandering after Zora and Hunter went back to the Elite Stadium. He never came back home.

Max, Zora's younger brother, married Hattie a few months after Nellie was born. They left the Stadium, but kept in touch with Zora and Hunter.

Miles aka Night Blade had been Hunter's best friend throughout childhood. Together, they became bandits and slowly gained a band of followers. When Miles was 17 he met a girl named Katy while in a village market. The two instantly fell for each other and she eventually left her home to be with him. She was killed in a raid two years later. Upon dying, she made him promise that he'd learn the world's true power. After having nearly killed Zora in his quest to fulfill his promise to his lover, Lance let him go at Hunter's request. Miles is the only one of this group to still wander the world to this day.

After she was released from prison on a three year sentence for various crimes, Day Blade was never seen again.

This is the tale of the Fire Balance...

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Notes:

Reviewers: I would like to thank everyone who has reviewed for this story, ObsidianSpires, someone, Spirit of the Sky, Blaze Totality, Facia, darkmichael, and Dragon Whisky. Thank you all so much!

Readers: I would also like to thank anyone who has only read it. Authors never know the extent to which their works are appreciated; there are always readers who remain in the shadows. You know who you are. Thank you.

Side Note: For those of you who have been following Nellie's Life, I have separated her story from Zora's. A quick click to my profile page and you'll find the story listed with my others. Many thanks!

DreamWeaver010