Episode 16 "Infinity"

Chapter 7 – Epilogue (FINALE)

Author's Note: So for the epilogue detailed below, the portrayal of the first sequence of events is intended to be "seen" in your mind's eye as a montage of different scenes with our favorite Revenge characters, at the same moment in time, 6 months into the future. There is no dialogue written until the montage ends, which should tie up the final storyline. To assist in envisioning the montage, I recommend the background music "Avenue" by Agnes Obel, a tune used in the Season 1 of the series. I hope I was able to do this final chapter justice, and I do hope you enjoy…

SIX MONTHS LATER

Nolan placed a gentle hand on the back of the companion that stood beside him, who stared ahead with realization and acceptance at his mother's headstone. It was Patrick, her firstborn son, having first come face to face with the evidence of his mother's death, there in the flesh. Beside it still stood Conrad's elaborate grave setting, as if welcoming that of his deceased wife's beside him, the plot being purchased years prior and only just filled despite their long terminated vows.

Conscious of the time he needed to grieve, Nolan breathed a respectful sigh and stepped away, taking advantage of the location to visit the other graves of dear loved ones. He walked one row ahead to see the other headstones he remembered, signifying the heavy tolls of loss that all had endured… Officer Ben Hunter, an unfortunate loss that seemed to be the crux of so many events in the past year, and yet morbidly led to the demise of Victoria.

He walked a few rows ahead… Aiden Mathis… a site that Nolan knew Emily still came to visit, when she was able, and Daniel respected, visiting Margaux's site for his own sake as well. It surprised Nolan that Daniel had her buried in the Hamptons, rather than in France beside her father, but no doubt it comforted him as he raised their son, knowing that when he was old enough, he too could come to visit and make peace with the dearly departed.

Another row ahead. Declan Porter. His was a loss the least mentioned but never forgotten. And then beside his setting… Emily Thorne, a name Nolan came to associate with his dearest and best friend, but that truly represented a completely different person: the woman formerly known as Amanda Clarke. Jack had taken measures after Victoria's trial, to ensure that the headstone be switched to properly name his deceased wife, while the world knew that the real Amanda still lived. Even so, it was hard for Nolan to stare at it, being so deeply entrenched in the habit of calling the real Amanda Clarke – Emily.

With his last thought of Emily, Nolan clutched at the rose he held in hand, piercing the metaphoric thorns into his flesh. He gathered enough courage and finally walked back, past where Patrick stood, still grieving, and on ahead to the rows at the beginning of the burial site, until he found it – the grave he had yet to visit since its foundation. He wept upon seeing it, breathing slowly as he gently laid the rose before the marble inscription that wrenched his heart to see.

David Clarke.

SCENE

Stevie walked briskly down the steps of the courthouse as the afternoon daylight began to expire, relieved to be leaving a full day's work at a reasonable hour. She paused once as she passed a newsstand, and doubled back to pick up the headline that she had ignored throughout her busy day. She left payment on the stand counter as she stopped to read it in place, holding it open so any one passing by could read the bold headline:

Resurrected Author Turned Hit-Man Faces Double Murder Trial.

She grinned at her handiwork, having played the senior role in seeing Mason Treadwell fully prosecuted for his clear implication in the murders of David Clarke and Victoria Grayson. The article depicted exactly what the public was led to believe – Mason had set out to entrap both David and Victoria, promising them both with the prospect of the assassination of the other. Details of the evidence submitted were sprinkled throughout the article, from his presence at the crime scene, to the large sum of money that was transferred into his account that same day – shown to be clear evidence of bounty payment, despite Stevie secretly knowing that it was Mason's blackmail request paid in full by Emily.

Filled with a sense of vindication at the trial that waited, Stevie closed the newspaper and tucked it under her arm, departing from the newsstand to head back to the apartment she had moved into not far from Jack, after her final decision to stay in the Hamptons…

SCENE

Jack knelt down at the bottom of the steps to button Carl's jacket, requiring a little bit of concentration as his son had grown so big and wouldn't hold still as often now that he had more energy to move around. He got him to wait just long enough so he could finish putting on his little suit jacket, and Carl was out of his hands in seconds, running back into the living room to play with the new dog – a golden retriever puppy that Emily had given to him and Louise as a wedding present.

He smiled as he admired his son playing with the dog excitedly, and memories ran through his mind of a similar moment years ago, when Emily, then Amanda, asked him to watch over Sammy when he was but a puppy. The memories impelled him to glance upon the dresser near the doorway as he waited for Louise to join him by the door, and his eyes fell over their wedding photo, which they proudly displayed to celebrate their union. It was hard to believe it had already been a month since the tranquil ceremony at Nolan's beach club, and Jack smiled as he reminisced on how beautiful that day was – how complete it felt to have all their close friends there, that they would be seeing again shortly in just a few hours at Emily's home.

As usual his heart sank a bit as he recalled the one person who was unable to attend, and his eyes next fell on the photo that sat just beside their wedding portrait – a rare capture of David, himself and Carl, from the previous year. The nostalgia of his presence filled Jack with a mix of emotion as he palmed the frame into his hand, but he smiled despite the sadness, deeply appreciative that at least he was able to have a good relationship with David before he passed. And what's more, his heart was warmed by the reality that he still remained close friends with his daughter, whom he had to thank for introducing him to the mother of his child, to a new life free of the Graysons, and for finally finding happiness again, with Louise.

As if on cue, his newly minted bride entered the room, her hands full with baked goods and her purse clutched under her arm, dressed to impress and finally ready to go. She smiled his direction as he looked back up at her, returning the photo to the dresser and pausing to caress her face with a gentle kiss as they prepared to leave. He called for Carl, who finally came running over, and led their puppy to his crate while taking Carl by the hand and leading him to the door. The family of three filed out, leaving behind an aroma of warmth and family closeness in the air…

SCENE

The door to the nursery creaked slightly open as Emily peered through, checking on her most precious possessions before the day that awaited them. She was finally dressed, albeit wearing a robe over her delicate garment. She had gotten up a bit late, sometime after Daniel had risen before her, but he had become an early riser ever since Marshall came home, and Emily had gotten used to him getting up at the crack of dawn to tend to him. Only this morning, he had not returned to bed, and after getting herself ready, she had come down the hall to check on him, only to find them both fast asleep.

She smiled softly, peering into the crib where her soon-to-be adopted stepson, Marshall, slept soundly, and gently caressed his head, pulling his blanket up a bit over him. Daniel rested beside him in the rocking chair and Emily chuckled to herself as she reached over to lift the open book from his lap, pausing to browse it for a moment. It was Daniel's masterpiece – bound and published a bestseller in the past year. She ran her fingers across the beautiful cover where the title read boldly: Infinity: The Amanda Clarke Story, and traced the never-ending symbol that filled the first page, just above the dedication. She read it again to herself, despite having read it many times before – For the love of my life… and her father.

Reminiscing on its significance often brought tears to Emily's eyes, but today she felt a sudden surge of strength, despite longing for her father's presence, as missed as it would be. She closed the book and set it down on the table beside Daniel, allowing him a bit more time to sleep so she could slip down to the beach by herself. As she exited the room and came down the stairs, her walk to the shore was delayed by the arrival of the one person both she and Daniel shared in common – her sister, Charlotte.

Charlotte greeted her gingerly, toting a beautiful bouquet of flowers in hand, and softened at the sight of her sister coming down the stairs, looking her over from head to toe. Within moments she had come over to her and wrapped her in an emotional embrace, and Emily knew by how tightly Charlotte held her that her intensity was partly due to the sorrow they shared at David's absence. But Emily did not break down, only wrapped her arms in comfort around her sister, and then finally broke away to stand back and look at her face. Charlotte managed a smile through tears welling at the corners of her eyes, and Emily gestured for her to take a minute and go upstairs to see her nephew, while she continued her walk to the beach…

END OF MONTAGE

"I know it's bad luck to be seeing you right now but I think we exhausted all of that the first time around," Daniel whispered to Emily as he slowly made his way to where she stood at the crest of the shoreline, staring out onto the ocean. His pant cuffs were rolled up and he walked through the sand barefoot, in an effort to preserve his attire as long as possible before sunset came. The reflection of brilliant light on the horizon signaled that it was not long off. "Besides, you already saw me when you slipped in the nursery," he added, gently teasing her.

"You both looked so peaceful," Emily answered him, adding a sly grin to his earlier comment as she turned to face him, pausing to let him kiss her on the cheek and wrap an arm around her.

"And you look so beautiful," he replied before she could go on, admiring his fiancé's physique. "Never let me miss a chance at seeing you looking like this again," he continued donning her neck with another kiss. "I don't care how deep of a sleep I'm in."

She took his hand, adoring when he showered her affection like that, and continued with a smile, "I didn't want to wake you… we still have time before everyone gets here."

"Charlotte's inside with Marsh," Daniel replied with a contented sigh. "Probably plotting on how to whisk him away during the ceremony without everyone noticing…"

Emily grinned and let out a soft laugh. "I'm so glad she decided to stay… she's so good with him."

"I think he's good for her, too," Daniel corroborated, often thinking about what life would have been like if his sister had become a mother herself shortly after Declan died. But he was ultimately consoled that her stint in rehab had strengthened her for the grave loss she suffered at the end of the previous year – both of her parents at the same time. In spite of it, she had remained strong and returned not only for the services, but to rekindle her relationship with both of her siblings. It had been a blessing for her to return in their lives, and knowing that she would look after Marshall while he and Emily went away on their honeymoon was all the comfort they needed to leave without worry.

Daniel watched Emily's eyes continue to drift as she stared deep into the horizon, and tested the waters just to make sure she was alright. "Are you sure you're up to these next two weeks?" he asked, knowing it would be their first time away for that length since Marshall came home.

Emily turned without hesitation to immediately assure him. "I am," she confirmed, and Daniel was relieved. He often worried about her certainty when she was fragile like this, but Emily had made her decision long ago and had no intention of turning back. "Thank you," she continued, drawing his interest. "For agreeing to have just a small dinner reception at the house…it means a lot to me."

Daniel obliged with a nod, relishing the evening they had planned. "Anything for you, Em," he locked his eyes onto hers. "Besides, we did the big wedding before… and Jack & Louise had the elegant soiree at the club a month ago. For us, a quiet evening will be perfect – just a clambake on the beach… with family."

Emily nodded back with a grin; catching his reference to the first party she ever threw for Daniel, so long ago. She never stopped appreciating his sensitivity on all counts, and was grateful to still have Jack and Louise as close friends, as well as Stevie. Before her nostalgia on the subject could overtake her, she remembered something to tell Daniel. "That reminds me – Nolan called. He and Patrick are on their way."

"That was quicker than we thought, wasn't it?" Daniel responded, referring in part to Patrick's arrival, but also to his reunion with Nolan.

Emily smirked, unsure of how close Nolan truly was to Patrick, but didn't deny the potential was there for rekindling. "He said Patrick got an earlier flight," she recalled, speaking carefully about the subject. "So they could visit the site…"

Daniel nodded, understanding finally. "I'm glad he finally answered – I couldn't blame him for not coming to the services," he shared, aware that the sting of Patrick's relationship with their mother left behind its own wounds. "Even though I'm sure my mother is turning in her grave at the thought he didn't show…" he added, aloof.

"Perhaps it was for the best?" Emily offered, trying to console him. "With Charlotte here today, her children are finally reuniting again… it's what she would've wanted in the end."

Daniel agreed, despite not caring to spend much time dwelling on what his mother desired. He had moved past her loss with a heavy heart but full determination to learn from the life she led. "Well she got it," he went on. "And ironically it's us – that brought everyone together."

Emily smiled inside, a delicious feeling of satisfaction collecting in her heart as she pondered the truth that Daniel had just spoke. If only Victoria had embraced that fact sooner, perhaps she would still be around to see it. How poetic.

"Hopefully the news will lift Patrick's spirits," Emily continued, hoping to lighten the mood with the brightness that swelled in her heart, pushing past the shadow of loss that was finally beginning to fade with time.

Daniel glanced at her, the mere mention of it lifting his own spirits and making him giddy. "So is there anything you need me to do, before the time comes?" He watched as she shook her head graciously, and continued to persist sweetly, turning to hold her by the waist as she wrapped her arms around his neck in return, a bit of a distance between them. "You need help getting ready… setting the dinner table…finding your something blue?"

Emily laughed, finding his attempts adorable. "I'm fine really – I took care of everything this morning."

"Even dinner?" Daniel was surprised.

"Caterers are on their way," Emily assured him. "Louise is bringing the cake, and Nolan is doing the champagne… I promised you it would be simple." She smiled, proud that her multi-talents included delegation when needed.

Daniel shook his head, admiring the strong woman he was about to wed. "Listen, I know I wrote you as invincible in my book, but in real life you're just like the rest of us," he teased her, leading with his chin as she mocked him back in return. "Are you ever going to take it easy?"

Emily pretended to think it over. "Hmm… no? But if I do, I promise not to tell you."

Daniel gave her a challenging look, and Emily finally submitted. "Fine… you can get your son dressed," she relented, giving him at least one chore to make him happy. "That's if Charlotte hasn't beat you to it already."

Daniel chuckled. "Yeah, I bet she has," he agreed, and then finally leaned in to kiss her briefly on the lips before turning to go inside.

But Emily held onto him before he could walk away, needing him to remain a moment longer so she could open up to him. "Daniel," she added. "Thank you."

"For what?" he replied, perplexed. "As you can see, my job is just to show up – I barely lifted a finger."

Emily shook her head, growing serious. "No, not that," she continued. "For making me so happy. For believing in me…. And," she added with increased sincerity, "For giving me a family."

Daniel smiled, deeply treasuring moments like these when Emily spoke from the heart and mouthed his own heartfelt 'I love you' to her in return.

Emily watched as he walked away, and while looking that direction, observed how beautiful the ceremony location looked, a pathway decorated with lights and elegant flowers leading up to the steps of the beach house porch, starting from the sands below. The dinner table was set up beside it outside, bringing back the memories of the clambake Daniel referred to, from nearly five years before. This setting instead had warmth to it, an endearing touch of effortlessness, as it existed only as a formality to confirm the bond that already existed between them. As she turned back, she noticed a loose twig amongst the brush on the beach, and bent down cautiously to pick it up, using it to trace deep imprints into the wet sand by her feet. With the final strokes, she found herself growing a bit weak, and worried at first it was her condition before recognizing the real reason. It was the same reason that brought her out to the beach in the first place – her memories of her father.

Her mind took her back to the night he left her; the same night she and Daniel had announced their engagement to their host of friends at Jack's house. Losing David was something they all had mourned, but it still pained her to know that it was in pursuit of her own nemesis that his life was sacrificed. But as heart wrenching as it was to learn he and Victoria had destroyed each other, she felt an innate sense of redemption from knowing that her father's infinite love for her had preserved her alive and saved her from continuing down an unending journey of revenge. Despite having renounced her vendetta six months prior, as long as Victoria lived, David knew that Emily would never be rid of the cycle of hate. And after hearing of her escape and her father's hand in it, Emily knew he not only wanted to protect his daughter from Victoria, but also from her own vengeance. David knew Emily would never stop until he ended the journey for her, and not only had their deaths vanquished any possibility that she would continue, but it secured Emily's promise to forgive. Both she and Daniel had mourned enough, and had been taught the greatest lesson they could possibly learn – that what goes around comes around.

Out of admiration for the lesson, and the many others her father had deeply instilled in her heart that would never go away, Emily spoke aloud, declaring her love for him before she returned back to the house to prepare for the ceremony that awaited.

"I love you, Dad… Infinity times infinity."

SCENE

Author's Note: As these are the final two scenes below, I will say goodbye leaving you with the same song that began the episode 'For You' by Angus & Julia Stone. The picture below is meant to be 'envisioned' in silence, watching the events unfold without the character's voices, only the music playing, although there will be some dialogue. There is also a special frame included for your benefit to answer the question I'm sure is still on your mind…Enjoy =)

Emily breathed deeply as she walked arm in arm with Nolan, down the stunningly outlined aisle of lights that led from the beach to the rear porch steps of the beach house, the house that once belonged to her father, once belonged to her, and would now belong to both her and her husband. Nolan grinned aside to her as they walked, and she did her best not to giggle at his choice comments, only kept her eyes on Daniel, and her bouquet elevated just below the bust line of her dress, which beautifully accentuated her figure.

It was hard not to look at the faces that looked on beside them, and as few as they were, it felt as if the entire beach was full, they held that much significance. Jack and Louise stood on the side closest to Nolan, full of smiles as they passed by. Stevie stood just behind them, holding Carl's hand as he waved. On the side closest to Emily stood Charlotte, holding baby Marshall in hand, doing her best to tilt him towards them so he could watch, and behind her stood Patrick, observing in the background. And to the surprise of all, a late attendee also stood a few paces back – one that Emily had reached out to months before, since her father's passing, to finally come to terms with: her mother, Kara Clarke.

The wedding party made a dazzling sight as Nolan led Emily gingerly up the steps to meet Daniel, who waited for her patiently, enjoying every second of watching her walk towards him. As she finally made it to his side, Nolan stepped around her to begin the ceremony, and the lovers held hands, eagerly anticipating the vows that would follow.

When the time finally arrived for them to solidify their commitment, they locked eyes, concentrating if only on each other before the moments ahead, but never forgetting the past behind them. They had overcome mountainous obstacles, but somehow had found their way back to each other each time, and for all their sacrifice, they had found a happy ending.

Having finished Daniel's vows while Emily listened in a trance, Nolan finally turned to her. "And do you, Amanda Clarke, take Daniel Grayson to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

Emily stared deep into his eyes, clutching her bouquet tightly as she spoke her response.

"I do."

Daniel's eyes lit up with excitement, and within moments of Nolan announcing them man and wife, he had taken her into his arms to validate their union with a perfect, tender kiss. But not before Emily turned to pass her bouquet to Louise, who was waiting at the foot of the steps to relieve her of holding it so they could embrace. In doing so, Emily's full profile became visible to all in attendance, proudly displaying the large bump swelling in her belly underneath her wedding gown, as she melted into Daniel's arms…

SCENE

The reception dinner slowly began to quiet down against the backdrop of the stars appearing in the night sky, and one by one, the guests gravitated inside the house to relax in the cozy atmosphere while a few of the hired attendants cleared away the tables. A few friends took this as an opportunity to leave for the evening, and Emily and Daniel stood to say farewell to Stevie and a sleeping Carl over her shoulder, as well as Patrick, and finally, Kara. Emily spent the longest amount of time saying goodbye to her in private, and Daniel looked on as he knew more would eventually come from their budding relationship, but smiled contentedly that at least she had been there to see her only child get married. Kara left Emily with a wistful look on her face, but a sure sense of pride at how her daughter had turned out.

When Emily returned to Daniel's side he was ready to join the company inside, but sensed in his wife an emptiness, one that he knew as long as they were together he would be unable to fulfill, and had to respect when she needed a moment. He allowed her that, knowing how much it meant on their special day, and gently caressed her round stomach before letting her go with a tender kiss. She thanked him for understanding with a smile and watched as he went inside ahead of her, draping Marshall over his shoulder, with Charlotte a few paces behind them. Emily promised to be careful as she walked towards the beach, drawing Nolan's attention as he stared after her, nodding to Daniel with his eyes that he would keep watch over the expectant mother while she stole a moment alone by the water.

Clutching at her belly while she walked, Emily thought to herself about the life that remained within her, the daughter that she would soon be raising in just a few months, feeling a sense of symmetry after having said goodbye to her own mother only moments before. Part of the forgiveness that she bestowed on her resulted from the knowledge that she was about to begin her own journey – a new one. Not one of vengeance, but one of her own infinite love. And if life had taught her anything, it was that she would treat this journey with the utmost care.

Emily took a final breath as she looked back out onto the ocean, savoring the last sight of the waves crashing out at sea, breaking against her feet along the shoreline. She looked down wistfully and saw the infinity symbol she had engraved in the sand hours earlier, and watched as the tide came in, the waves making their way up to her ankles, covering over the imprint until it slowly began to fade away. With a saddened yet accepting sigh, she turned from where she stood, taking a mental picture of the ambience to emblazon into her heart, and made her way back to the beach house yards away, walking slowly and cautiously up the hill. As she approached her abode, her eyes began to fix on the warmly lit home she was thankful to return to, and the figures she watched entering the house from afar gave her relief. At the end of the day, she was grateful for much: A circle of friends she could rely on. A new future she had to look forward to. A final resolution to her mission of revenge. And a blessing of life. Despite her losses suffered in the past and her previous low regard for life, she had come to treasure it evermore now that her path as Amanda Clarke had finally begun. It was a path she had worked tirelessly to finally have within her grasp and one she could share now with those she loved most. It had nearly escaped her, and the prospect now gave her a feeling of satisfaction and renewed her confidence in moving forward, as she trudged back towards the house. She knew as she walked away that not only were her trails away from the beach a metaphor for letting go of the past, but also letting go of the lingering memories of her father, whom she would forever treasure, behind her… everlasting now only in her heart like the unrelenting brush of the waves upon the sand.

Author's Note: And so it ends my dear friends…. I really have little more to say than THANK YOU SO MUCH for all your support as you followed me in this journey down an alternate Revenge universe! It has been a pleasure to write for you and to read your dearly detailed reviews, which have truly touched my heart. I do so hope you enjoyed this ending as much as I enjoyed writing it, and that it satisfied all your questions with fulfilling answers! Please please respond when you finish and tell me your thoughts! I will be posting a subsequent author's note to answer any questions if there are still things left out there that you wonder about and I will keep you posted if I decide to write any future fanfic for the Revenge universe… until then… as always ~ Love and Reven8e ~ Infinity x Infinity ~ MothToANewFlame