Epilogue:
Kyoko stood in the doorway of her home near the lake and smiled softly as her wonderful husband regaled the rather large group of small children with stories illustrated and punctuated by magic. She giggled at the little dolls he created to animate and embellish his tales and their lessons. She watched as they rode tiny toy horses and danced about for little festivals. She smiled and waved to him when she saw the little sparks that represented the end of the lesson and stories, to signal that it was time for it to come to an end for the day.
Kuon looked up at his wife and smiled softly. He nodded. "Alright my little cubs. That will be enough for the day."
"Awwww..." An adorable little girl with violet eyes and black hair whined with the others.
"Please Great Father Kuon, tell us another story." A small boy with green eyes and tawny hair begged with the others.
He smiled softly with pride at the group of children. "Now children, don't you wish to eat the snacks that Great Mother Kyoko has prepared for you?" He chuckled as he firmly planted his staff and arose from his comfortable seat under the large oak tree. At that announcement the children rushed to her with excited pleas, hugs and kisses.
A beautiful young woman with blonde hair and golden eyes emerged from the house and assisted Kyoko with the children, placing plates stacked high with treats for the children on a large outdoor table. Kuon grabbed a small sandwich and kissed the young woman on the cheek.
"Another history lesson Grandfather?" She smiled.
He chuckled and nodded as he pulled his still beautiful woman into his arms and kissed her, then placed her firmly on her feet.
The white-haired, golden-eyed woman smiled at the younger. "Will your mother and father be joining us for dinner this evening, Hope?"
The young woman nodded as she wiped the black-berry jam from the nose of one of the children. "Father, Mother and Illusionist Maria, will stop by with Grandfather Yuki and Grandmother Kanae after they complete their yearly testing of the barriers on the borders."
Kyoko nodded.
"How are they holding?" Kuon asked as he sat on a bench he had made many years ago with his father.
She smiled softly. "They are holding very well, Grandfather. You needn't worry yourself. We all know the spells and charms to keep it firm for many generations to come." She assured him.
The young woman turned to Kyoko as she sat next to Kuon. "Grandmother... Um... I won't be able to attend my advanced shape-shifting lessons tomorrow."
Kuon looked at he curiously.
"Why is that, Granddaughter? Do you have plans with Ryuu?" Kyoko asked.
Hope patted her little belly. "I believe you told Rose, with Nadia, that it wouldn't be healthy."
Kyoko gasped, sprung from her seat beside Kuon and both grandparents hugged their granddaughter.
"Have you told Sora and Lily yet?" Kuon asked as he stroked her hair.
She shook her head. "We plan on telling them this evening when they return from the borders."
"How are you feeling? Is there any nausea, faintness, chills, tiredness?" Kyoko started listing off ailments and Kuon chuckled.
"She's fine, My Heart or she wouldn't be here with us." He kissed her cheek and she pouted.
"I promise Grandmother, but I was wondering if you would do me and Shin the honor of delivering our firstborn son." She asked quietly.
Kyoko squealed. "Of course! I would love nothing more."
In the Spring, a new Shaman would be born into the Realm of Meadolake, with his markings appearing naturally without the aid of an outside hand. As with every new magical child in the community, the spirits, the fae, the animals and every resident magical being would surround the home and bless the child for their future prosperity and gift them with the promise to teach them all that the could in the years to come.
Kyoko and Kuon would witness as many new great grandchildren as Kuu had before he had joined the ancestors. They would then join him, along with the others, to watch over and teach from the spirit world, before returning to live again in Meadolake anew.
~Fin~