Epilogue

Four days had passed since Beryl was destroyed. Laurana and the Qualinesti elves had returned to the world of the dead, along with Beryl's spirit.

Once Shadimir and his companions arrived home, Giogi and Cat prepared for their leave. Giogi had thanked Shadimir for a grand adventure, and said that they should do it again sometime. Tara also managed to escape the battle, as she was sitting in the study when Shadimir and the others returned.

On that same day, Alustriel had quickly returned the dragonlances back to Juniper. Shadimir had told Alustriel to say hello for him.

Shadimir learned that the drow cleric of Kiaransalee was imprisoned at a small temple of Lolth on the outskirts of Menzoberranzen. The hunter wondered why the Lolth worshiping dark elves would keep Malice locked up instead of killing her. Part of him suspected that Malice had planned the drider capture and was biding her time.

On the eleventh day Marpenoth, Aliyah and Deidra left to join the Emerald Enclave. It was a tearful goodbye as Stephanie hugged her sister tightly, then hugged Deidra and Ophila. "You all take care of each other," she said with a smile.

Aliyah smiled at her sister. Stephanie was beginning to act more motherly with each passing ten-day. She then looked at Shadimir, who was holding a sleeping Jacen in his arms. "Good luck to you three," he said softly. Deidra walked up to Shadimir and hugged him tightly.

Ophila smiled back at Shadimir and hugged him gently. She then smiled, and scratched Elros's neck. The snow tiger, who was sitting next to a sleepy Andreya, smiled back at the druid.

After they said goodbye to the twins, Aliyah, Deidra, and Ophila walked away from Shadimir's house and began their journey.

Shadimir looked at Stephanie, who had tears in her eyes. He walked over and kissed his wife tenderly.

"Shadimir, these arrived at the shop today," yelled Jepetto as he came running towards the house. When got close enough to Stephanie and Shadimir, the deep gnome held in his hand open, revealing three small pins. Each pin was shaped like a rolled up scroll sealed with a round yellow moon. The pins were set in white enamel, rimmed with a circle of twelve blue-white stars.

"Those are Moonstar badges," Stephanie remarked, gently taking one of the badges.

"How observant to you Stephanie," a soft female voice announced. A beautiful woman with long silver hair appeared at the front door behind them. She wore a silk purple robe and had a silver circlet in her forehead. This woman bore a slight resemblance to Alustriel. "Only Moonstar agents are allowed to keep those."

"Moonstars?" Shadimir and Jepetto asked in unison. The doomguide looked up at the woman, recognizing her.

"Lareal Silverhand Arunsan, Lady Mage of Waterdeep," Stephanie greeted with a smile. "So with presenting us with these badges, you want us to join the Moonstars?"

Lareal shrugged. "You were offered to join the Harpers years ago, but you didn't accept. I told Khelben that you weren't interested, but he insisted I come and persuade you."

Stephanie shook her head. "I didn't want to join the Harpers because I didn't want special treatment from my father."

"Elminster didn't want you to join the Harpers just because you are his daughter and he wouldn't have given you special treatment. He wanted you to join because of your hard work and dedication. Still, he is proud of you. But enough of the old mage, let us discuss this over tea."

The doomguide kissed her husband's cheek, then gently took Jacen into her arms. Lareal smiled as she walked past Shadimir and picked up little Andreya. Together, she and Stephanie walked inside, holding each holding a twin in their arms.

Shadimir sighed and looked at Jepetto. "You are about ready to go inside?" he asked. Jepetto nodded, then walked inside the house.

The hunter was about to follow Jepetto, when he saw something move behind him. He turned to see Drizzt DoUrden standing there. The drow ranger smiled at him, but ebony skinned face wore an expression of exhaustion and worry.

"The guests just keep coming," Shadimir remarked. "What brings you here Drizzt?"

Drizzt walked up to Shadimir. "Well First I want to say thank you for sending Aliyah and the others to help me. I would have helped in the fight against the dracolich, but Aliyah had left so quickly. I also want to ask you something. The werewolf who attacked me. He spoke of Malice. My mother was named Malice."

Shadimir already knew where this conversation was going. He placed a hand on Drizzt's shoulder. "It's a long story my friend. Perhaps over a cup of tea we can discuss this."

The drow's stomach turned in knots at the thought of drinking more tea. "No thank you, I've had enough tea to last me for a month."

Shadimir quickly remembered Aliyah telling him that she told Drizzt to drink some Wolfsbane Tea after he got bit by the werewolf. Part of him felt guilty, because the undead hunter was the one who had first heard of the Wolfsbane Tea and told Aliyah and Deidra about it while they were in Sundabar.

The hunter led the drow inside and they quickly proceeded towards the study, passing Stephanie and Lareal, who were discussing about the Moonstar Organization, a band of renegade Harpers who used their knowledge of history and magic to prevent disaster in Fauern. Jepetto was reading a book on magical devises and Elros was watching over the twins as they slept on the floor next to their mother.

Once they were in the study, Shadimir and Drizzt sat down. Then, the hunter began the story…

In memory of Sarah Jones, a wonderful teacher and a good friend