Song Suggestion: Til the Stars Fall From the Sky (Piano Cover)

DAVIDSON: SEVEN MONTHS LATER

March 29th, 322 NE

Jon was right. These past few months have been difficult. But today is one of the brighter days. Because this morning at 4:23 am loud infant cries rang throughout the house. The birth itself wasn't easy either. For the past few months, Mare's health had worsened drastically. But from the moment her son was born her health has taken a sudden turn for the better. For the past few weeks she was near comatose, now she sits up in bed with her newborn in her arms. Maven, of course, sits by her side, looping his finger through the child's small fist. He really does look like his father.

And when Maven's not by Mare's side he's with Alex. The two have grown considerably close these days.

At first, I thought I would have to tolerate all three kids in the house, but I've not only become used to it but comfortable.

Now, while Alex bakes in the kitchen, I step out of the house into the fresh cool air. Snow from a few days ago has nearly melted completely. And I take a moment to enjoy the quiet. But then I hear the crunching of snow behind me and my moment's peace evaporates.

I don't turn around.

"I told you she would survive the birth," Jon speaks.

"Always with the dramatic entrances."

He comes up to my side, "You've grown to care for them. Even Maven," he says, ignoring the jab.

I do the same and I change the subject.

There's something that's been on my mind for the past ten months. "All of this, putting their lives at risk, toying with their future. So much suffering. For what? For something you can barely see?"

"The future is almost never clear."

"Than how can you be so certain?"

He sighs. "It was necessary that we push them together. Everything has gone according to plan."

"Even when they died?"

"The child's ability needed to be awoken as soon as possible. And now that he is born Mare's health will improve. You saw evidence of that yourself."

"And now?"

"We wait."

"For a threat that may never come."

"Oh, it will. In time."

"Then why keep it a secret?"

"Like I said, it won't be for a while. Best we let them live their lives in ignorance for now."

"We've brought down kingdoms. I'm sure it's nothing we can't handle."

"I wouldn't be so sure of myself if I were you. There are a few things I am certain of. We'll need everyone for what's coming. Elara was nothing compared to this. Death would have been kinder to Mare and Maven. But by putting them together they will be stronger for it."

"And Alex?"

Jon only grins. "I've been meaning to congratulate you on your new family. But as for the true meaning to your question. Maven and Alex will need each other for years to come. But there is no need to worry. I also see happiness, laughter, and...hope."

His gaze goes distant, not in thought, but in the future.

"Huh, a future of light and dark indeed."

"Well, I hope your right. But I also hope you're wrong."

"I wish the same. Somethings are blurred but others are set in stone. I see heartbreak, death, division and so much pain. A new generation as well as those from the past both uniting and tearing each other apart. But one thing is for sure, the burning crown will reign again."

DANIEL: ONE YEAR AFTER MARE'S DEATH

I take over bedtime duty for tonight. Clara, barely a year old now, fell asleep downstairs.

This past year has been difficult, to say the least. There hasn't a been a day when I didn't feel the urge to give up. But I still hold on to the promise I made a year ago.

Don't lose hope, no matter what.

I remember the talk we had two years ago when she caught me outside of the house. I had told her then there was no hope for me. Turned out I was wrong.

Now I carry my granddaughter upstairs to her room for bed.

I pass the flag in the hallway, a sickly yellow with four red stars, a black stripe crossed through two of them. It makes me hold Clara a little tighter.

I don't turn on the lights when I enter the nursery, not wanting the brightness to wake her. I lie her on her back, her dainty but long lashes flutter for a second, before closing again. Per usual, I reach over her crib and open the window just enough for a warm summer breeze to fill the room.

And that's when I smell it.

Faint but also clear. It smells of pine and fresh dirt.

I turn slowly as she moves from the corner of the room by the door. Out of the shadows.

She's just as I remember if not...stronger.

Mare takes a few steps closer before whispering, "Hi, Dad."