The air in Avalon was thick with tension. Just days remained before the final battle, and everyone felt it. Everywhere they looked, there were quick, reassuring glances, whispered words of hope, and moments of quiet reflection.

The Plateau had seen many stories, but this felt like a defining chapter. Everyone knew that the coming days would shape their futures, maybe even reshape past events. The preparation went beyond weapons and strategies; it was about steeling their hearts, reliving memories, and finding solace in shared experiences.

Finn approached Abigail with a perplexed look on her face. "Abigail, something's weird happening to me. It's like I have two sets of memories now. In one, I remember the world being destroyed and coming back to the past with Marguerite, Roxton, and Challenger. But there's another memory, where everything is normal in the 21st century. I remember living with my parents and having a sister."

Abigail nodded slowly as she listened to Finn's words, her wise eyes taking in the young woman's distress. She explained: "Finn, what you're experiencing is not uncommon, especially given the temporal disturbances we've been dealing with. Our actions here, in the past, are creating ripples, potentially affecting the future and your memories of it. The existence of two memory streams suggests we're on the brink of a significant change. While it can be disorienting, take it as a sign. We're close, very close, to winning this battle. And when we do, the true path of history will solidify, and your memories will align. For now, hold onto both. They're a testament to the fight we're in and the better future we're striving for."

Finn looked at Abigail with admiration. "Wow, you are so wise. Every word you say sounds so deep and profound, like you were some kind of a sage."

Abigail chuckled softly, her eyes warm with understanding. "I've lived a long time, Finn. Life teaches you many things, and if you're willing to listen, you gain wisdom along the way. I'm just sharing what life has taught me."

Finn smiled, her gaze deepening with genuine warmth. "Do you know what I like about you the most?"

Abigail raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "What?"

"You are so motherly," Finn replied with a chuckle. "You act like you're everyone's mom."

Abigail laughed softly, her face lighting up with a tender smile. "Well, dear, in times like these, everyone could use a bit of mothering. It's my way of making sure you all feel a little bit of home, even when you're far from it."

The two women shared a moment of silence, the weight of their journey and the choices ahead filling the space between them. Finn's eyes seemed distant, lost in contemplation. Finally, she looked back up, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. "If we win, that means I'll have to go home, doesn't it? To the new future I mean - to my parents and sister?"

Abigail met her gaze steadily. "The choice is up to you, Finn. You can go, or you can stay."

Finn's eyes welled up with uncertainty, her voice quivering as she spoke, "But the choice is so difficult. How could I possibly make it?"

Abigail, with her innate wisdom, offered a gentle smile. "Life is full of difficult choices, Finn. But remember, the best decisions come when you listen to your heart and trust in yourself. Take your time, weigh your feelings, and the answer will become clear when the moment is right."

The soft glow of countless twinkling stars filled the sky. Challenger and Summerlee sat side by side, each enjoying a glass of wine and a smoking pipe.

Summerlee, looking slightly pensive, turned to Challenger. "George," he began, his voice soft and filled with genuine curiosity, "how do you feel, knowing you can't share all of these wonders with the outside world?"

Challenger looked into the distance, a far-off gaze settling in his eyes. "Arthur," he replied, his voice even and composed, "there was a time when I would've given anything for the world to recognize my discoveries, for the fame and glory that came with it. But here, in this place, with all of you, I've discovered something far more valuable. True friendship, love, and a sense of purpose that goes beyond praise and recognition. That, to me, is worth more than any fame the world could offer."

Summerlee pondered for a moment before replying, "George, I've spent a good portion of our acquaintance trying to refute your theories and contrast your findings. But amidst the disagreements and our banter, I've come to realize that our friendship, forged in the fires of exploration and survival, is unparalleled. Your words resonate deeply with me. We've seen wonders and faced perils that few can even dream of. And through it all, the camaraderie, the laughter, and even the heated debates... It's all made this journey worth it. I dare say, my friend, you've put it rather eloquently."

Challenger sighed, the weight of the moment pressing upon him. "And yet, every journey has its final steps. As we approach the end of this one, I find myself reflecting on all we've encountered and learned. The horizon may be drawing near, but the memories of this expedition will forever remain etched in my heart."

Summerlee, swirling the wine in his glass, asked. "George, once you find yourselves back home, what do you plan to do?"

Challenger took a thoughtful puff from his pipe, his gaze distant yet determined. "First and foremost, I want to ensure that every remaining day I have is devoted to making my beloved Jessie's life as joyful and fulfilling as possible."

Summerlee nodded, smiling gently at his friend's devotion, also taking a puff from his pipe.

The two men sat in companionable silence for a moment, sipping their wine and inhaling the aromatic smoke from their pipes. The weight of Summerlee's unspoken decision hung in the air between them.

Challenger finally broke the silence, voice gentle, "You're not planning to come back to London with us, are you, Arthur?"

Summerlee took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the myriad of stars above. "No, George, I won't be going back. I've lived a full life, experienced more than I ever dreamed possible, especially with our adventures here. With Anna gone, there's little left for me in London. Besides," his voice took on a soft, reflective tone, "Avalon has become a home. My daughter and granddaughter are here. They are my family, my legacy."

As the night deepened, Challenger and Summerlee sat side by side, two old friends reflecting on lifetimes of discovery. The silent bond between them spoke of countless adventures shared and the unbreakable companionship they had forged in the heart of the unknown.

Lying side by side on the cool grass of Avalon, Veronica and Ned found a moment of peace beneath the vast expanse of the night sky. Their foreheads touched, creating a shared world between them, while their hands, intertwined, conveyed silent promises.

Veronica traced a line across the sky with her finger, pointing out the constellations to Ned. "See that group of stars over there? That's the Archer of Avalon. My mother told me."

Ned smiled, squeezing her other hand gently. "I never paid much attention to the stars back home. But here, with you, it feels magical."

Veronica turned to him, her eyes soft and warm. "Ned… Everything changed when you came into my life. I've found something... someone… worth fighting for."

He smiled, "And I've found someone worth living for."

They both gazed into each other, comforted by each other's presence, dreaming of a future together, beyond the looming battle.

"I can't wait to explore the world outside the plateau with you," Veronica whispered, her voice filled with excitement.

Ned grinned, "And I can't wait to show you so many things." He hesitated for a moment, drawing in a deep breath. "Veronica... Do you want to get married?"

She looked deep into his eyes, considering his words. "I don't know. We can, but it doesn't matter here on the Plateau. However, I do want children."

Ned's grin grew wider, a playful glint in his eyes. "We can start working on that right now."

She responded with a gentle smile, her fingers brushing his cheek. "We'll wait... We'll give Roxton and Marguerite a chance to go first. We can focus on us when we return to the Plateau."

Malone's eyes sparkled, leaning in to brush his lips against hers, whispering, "Deal."

The flicker of candles in the room cast a warm glow on the walls. The sounds of Avalon at night hummed softly in the background. Marguerite and Roxton lay side by side, their bodies touching, but their minds seemingly miles apart. The weight of the impending war pressed heavily on their hearts, leaving them engulfed in an intense stillness.

Roxton's fingers brushed against Marguerite's as they intertwined their hands. The world outside might have been in turmoil, but in this moment, there was only them.

Breaking the silence, Roxton whispered, "I have something for you, Marguerite. Close your eyes."

She glanced at him, her eyes searching for a hint, but finding none. A soft sigh escaped her lips, and she obeyed, letting her eyelids fall shut.

The cool metal of a ring slipped onto her finger, surprising her. As she opened her eyes and looked down, the shimmering brilliance of a diamond greeted her. The stone seemed to capture the very essence of the candlelight, reflecting and refracting it in a dazzling dance.

Tears welled up in Marguerite's eyes, not just because of the beauty of the ring, but more so for the sentiment it held. "John," she barely whispered.

Roxton gazed into her eyes. "Marguerite, this ring is a promise. A promise that, no matter what the future holds, I want you by my side. I want to face every challenge, every joy, and every sorrow together. Will you marry me?"

The weight of the moment settled between them, and Marguerite remained silent, her gaze shifting between the dazzling gem and the depths of his eyes.

Roxton, a mix of hope and anxiety in his eyes, gently prompted, "Well, what's your answer?"

Marguerite's voice trembled as she replied, "This is the most beautiful ring I've ever seen."

A shadow of annoyance crossed Roxton's face. "That's not an answer, Marguerite."

Marguerite looked at the sparkling ring and then into Roxton's hopeful eyes again. Tears welled up, emotions burning within her – joy, love and fear. The uncertainty of the war cast a shadow over this tender moment. "John," she whispered, her voice trembling with vulnerability, "I love you so much. I want this, I truly do, more than anything. But the thought of losing you, of us not making it through the battle..."

Roxton's face softened as he contemplated her words. "How about this," he began gently, "You keep the ring for good luck. Wear it, let it remind you of what's waiting for us on the other side. After the battle is over, we will continue this conversation."

Marguerite smiled, touched by his understanding, and nodded. "Deal."

They leaned into each other, sealing the agreement with a deep kiss. As they parted, Marguerite's curiosity got the better of her. "Where did you get this ring? I've never seen a ring with a bigger diamond."

Roxton chuckled, "Abigail, of course. Who else?"

They shared another tender kiss, the weight of the impending battle momentarily forgotten, replaced by the warmth and comfort of each other's embrace.

Marguerite nestled closer to Roxton, her head resting gently on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, a rhythmic comfort in the soft glow of the dimming candlelight. He wrapped his arm around her, holding her securely against him, their worries and fears momentarily shut down by the reassuring presence of the other. The diamond ring on Marguerite's finger subtly caught the flickers of candlelight, emitting a gentle glimmer in the serene darkness of the room.