Robyn felt her sadness, and cooed, planting her other tiny hand on Mimi's cheek, and Mimi smiled gently, fighting back the sadness, to reassure her daughter, "I'm alright, sweetheart.", and Robyn cooed before her belly grumbled hungrily, and Mimi chuckled, "Let's have your mama feed you.".
Evangeline took a deep breath as she quickly moved Robyn to feeding position before the baby latched on and started to drink her mama's milk. "At least you got to see and hold her.", she said as Mimi nodded; Mimi now sadly was wishing that she could keep living after today... just to be there physically for her new daughter.
Ray smiled warmly, "I love the name...Robyn...it suits her...Don't you think so, my love?", asking Evangeline. She nodded. "It really does fit her so well...", Evangeline gently rubbed the small hairs that were on the young girl's head.
Mimi smiled gently as she kissed Evangeline on the cheek, "I couldn't be any prouder than I am... You did a really amazing job...She's truly part of all of us including you, Ray...", sighing deeply as she watched Robyn feed.
"Yeah... she does at least have some of my blood in her... even if I didn't sire her.", Ray said as Mimi kissed Ray on the cheek and held his hand.
Ray smiled gently at Mimi, and so, the next few hours were spent in changing her diaper, rocking her to sleep, and Evangeline even figured out how to express her milk into a newborn bottle of sorts for Mimi to feed Robyn while skin to skin, and sang a lullaby.
Ray and Evangeline were both torn yet happy to see Mimi glowing as a mother all those hours, yet her strength is failing her, and after one first and last story told to Robyn, Mimi kissed her daughter gently, stroking her little hair, and took in her precious baby smell before she left the nursery which is now changed from Mimi's bedroom.
Mimi tiredly smiled at Ray and Evangeline, "Will you two stay with me while we watch the Northern Lights dance in the sunroom?".
"Of course.", Evangeline squeezed her hand as Mimi sighed. "It'll be alright...", Ray said as she nodded. "I know... just... after these past few days...", Mimi closed her eyes and started to sob again.
Evangeline wrapped an arm around her, kissing her on the temple, "I know...It was just so wonderful with Robyn kicking inside me, feeling her move around on those few days, and then today...You aren't a bad mother, Mimi...We literally saw you with Robyn...You never even thought that she'd be a part of your heart until we made her...Do you remember what I said? On that day when Robyn announced herself?".
Mimi sniffled with a small smile, "That you and Ray would always make sure that our child is loved, appreciated, and treasured for who they are...", and Ray stepped closer, wrapping his arm around her as well, "And have we ever broken a promise thus far since you came here?", kissing her on the hair.
"No...You haven't broken a promise involving me...", Mimi spoke softly, and the couple smiled gently at Mimi, as they walked slowly to the sunroom, laying back on the daybed in the sunroom, while Ray opened the curtains on each window, revealing the beautiful night sky, with twinkling stars, and the Northern Lights dancing across the mountains and forests in the near distance.
Mimi smiled in awe, "They're beautiful...", and Evangeline smiled with a chuckle, "Sure is...", as Ray came to join them from the other side. "So, don't think that you have regrets, Dreamy-Mimi...You are always in our hearts, and you are always part of Robyn, no matter what.".
"I don't...And I will always be watching over all of you...If Robyn asks someday, please do not hold back even the smallest detail, Jay-Ray...She deserves to know...I just hope she wouldn't be mad at me, but I'm so tired...", Mimi sighs deeply, feeling her strength fading more by the minute.
Ray sighed as he was sure what that was meaning when she meant by being tired. She'd be going to sleep very soon and then wouldn't wake up... but at least she would be going out peacefully with family comforting her rather than what more than likely would've been her fate before if not for Sylvia.
Ray then whispers softly, "We won't hold back anything, but not everything at once until she's a teenager...Is that okay with you?", and Mimi smiles softly, "That's more than fair...She deserves to be a child, wild and free...".
Evangeline holds her hand softly, "That's why you named her Robyn, isn't it? Because it's a new beginning for her, that it's a new hope for her to grow up free, to give her the life you never had on the plantation...".
Mimi nods tearfully, "Yes, that's right...Can you two sing for me?", and Ray holds her other hand gently, "Of course...Do you want one of the family lullabies?".
"Please.", Mimi whispers softly, and the couple gently glance at each other with a small smile of agreement, and then sang 'Once Upon a Star', slowly and warmly, while they laid together, holding Mimi's hands, watching the Northern Lights dance, the stars twinkling.
Mimi smiled serenely, trying to keep her eyes open, listening to them, the ones who gave her such a wonderful life after the potion, and she knew they'll keep her in memory through Robyn, and that the village is safe forever and ever, thanks to her...
She gives one last squeeze of her hands, feeling at peace as she closes her eyes, whispering so softly, "Until then, my family...I love you...", and then exhaling one last time, welcoming death as an old friend, not afraid anymore.
"Mimi?", Ray whispered as he listened, not hearing her breath or feeling her heart beating. Normally, he probably would've been quick to try and help resuscitate her, but both he and Evangeline knew that would be all for naught now. It had been coming for weeks... and he still couldn't hold back his emotions.
Evangeline quickly held Ray's head against her shoulder as he collapsed into her, sobbing with tears falling, as Evangeline cried in grief as well, kneeling over Mimi's body, pain in her heart for Ray yet feeling a tiny bit better that Mimi isn't suffering anymore.
They held each other silently for several minutes, faintly hearing the community hall's bell ring just once, to commence Mimi's peaceful death, their minds in the back of their head knowing that the news will appear in the evening magical newspaper to the village.
The village was saddened by the news as Ray and Evangeline scarcely managed to cover Mimi's body with her most beloved blanket, and the atmosphere became so bittersweet that night as the men of the outer family went to bring Mimi into a peaceful pose in her own coffin as Ray kept collapsing in tears, unable to do it himself which the others didn't blame him for...
With double bundling for the chill, all the village, including Robyn, went to the clearing beyond the village, where they attended the first funeral of the village, sharing stories of Mimi from the marketplace and such, placing flowers on the coffin, thanking her for the gifted protection, her friendship, and more.
The Northern Lights seemed to shine brighter as they danced over the village, with the stars twinkling more broadly, and Robyn herself gave a giggle as the wind blew through the grass and the trees, a warm breeze with a faint perfume of violets; violets that Mimi herself loved, and an echo of a voice, "Live well, all of you...Remember that all of us are free together...Love is always here...".
"Did you hear that?" Evangeline asked as she looked around; it was faint enough, but some could hear that voice.
Ray choked back tears, smiling tearfully, "That's Mama Odie...", before feeling the breeze through his hair, and then came Mimi's giggle, and the unique family can see a shimmer of an aura, seeming to touch Robyn in Evangeline's arms, and then came Mimi's whisper, "I'll always be with you, my daughter...", and Robyn cooed quietly as the breeze and shimmer flew high into the dancing Northern Lights, and then came a shooting star, through the Northern Lights.
Evangeline exhaled softly, "Mama Odie guided Mimi home...She's home in the heavens now, Ray...She's free...", squeezing hands with Ray who nodded with happy tears, and since they couldn't stay too long in the cold for Robyn's sake and such, the village returned home to their cozy homes.
And so, the village became a beautiful place for everyone as years passed: births, deaths, weddings, a refuge of safety, with the family losing Maurice and Aloysius, yet knowing that Mimi and Geppetto is receiving them home to the heavens, and all that follows in the future.
Within the span of acres Adam and Charles and Francois's families own, as the 19th century came to an end, the Native Americans were welcomed, creating a village of their own across the river, due to the Wild West and territories from the south, creating more jobs, more trading, and more interracial relationships in every kind of way, for Astre agreed as one that the Native Americans is as much as them to seek sanctuary and refuge, with their village named 'Nilak'.
Astre and Nilak became strong traders and such to the outside world, yet Nilak was surprised to see that the protective aura of magic is strong, for the Native Americans are more sensitive to nature and magic yet is very much happy that Astre accepted them as who they are.
And that came to fruition within improvements to Astre and Nilak, like a memorial art gallery of sorts built above the community hall to show the beginnings of the villages from their migrations and such.
In the Astre part of the memorial art gallery, there are portraits of Geppetto, Maurice, Aloysius, and their loved ones, along with Perla and Geppetto's old Italian village, Jules and Charles' old French village, Adam's castle and surroundings, and so on through the years of the progression of the families from the half decades and such, along with camera pictures they developed from a flashing stand camera.
"And Granna Mimi actually was 14 years old again?", a 9-year-old girl asked, looking at the portrait of Mimi, and glancing at her mama and grandma with an awed smile.
Evangeline nodded as she held the girl in her arms like she always enjoyed. She was getting a bit too old for the carrying but she wanted a closer look at the portrait that was a bit too high up to her.
"Yep... she was... of course, with all the magic this family had been through, it wasn't too out there... but she was a different case...", Evangeline replied warmly yet tenderly.
Robyn, standing next to Evangeline, smiled softly, "That's right...So, your granna Mimi, she wanted to be brave, and so she was, for the entire village, my darling Eudora.", as she breastfed her 9 months old baby boy, Daniel.
Eudora blinked in surprise, "Golly...Wasn't she even a bit scared?", and Evangeline gave a small chuckle, "No, my granddaughter...Her voice was returning back to her, and she wasn't scared to speak up when she wanted to forget scary things, to erase nightmares away forever.".
Evangeline took a deep breath, "But of course, to heal, it would come at a great price, which sadly would be her life greatly shortened...". It had been years now, but the pain of losing Mimi still hurt; even when they didn't know each other for too long.
It's a great thing of experience when one's human and mortal, and Evangeline is both...She can understand now why Perla and Juliet misses Geppetto so much even after many, many years, and she isn't alone, as Belle still hurts after losing Maurice, and Charles, for losing Aloysius as well...
Eudora pips up softly, "She was very happy through, right?", and Robyn smiles softly, "Oh, she certainly was...Your uncles and aunts saw her change from a sad, frightened girl to a happy, bubbly girl...".
Evangeline nods, "That's right...Mimi was certainly one of the beautiful women in parties, and she was quite the dancer...And a right good arm when it came to snowball fights, much like you, my darling Eudora.".
Eudora chuckled as Evangeline looked back to Robyn, "But I want you to know... that she watches out for all of us... she makes sure that this place is safe and that all who reside here are happy; especially her own family.".
Robyn smiles at her mama, knowing that she was and is greatly loved, appreciated, and kept closely by Evangeline and Ray, and Robyn replies, "And it's all because she loves us, Eudora. You can count on that.".
Eudora smiles at her grandma and mama, "I already do!", and Evangeline chuckles, kissing Eudora on the temple, "That's our girl.", before a voice calls out, "Girls, the sun's going down, and we're gonna miss out on dinner if we're late for Jules and Leila's anniversary party!".
Evangeline puts Eudora down as she sprints across the floor, giggling, "Papa!", as Evangeline and Robyn smiles, glancing at Ray who is gently helping Robyn's husband who is seven months along, along with Robyn's wife.
Robyn's husband Nicholas was disowned for loving a Native American woman and a Black woman altogether, after being discovered as intersex, by the honorable Mr. Doyle's son, and Robyn & Nicholas' wife, Binesi is discovered to be bisexual like her wife, yet she is treasured for it, and loving her heritage to be a Native American.
"Guessing you're still full of energy.", Nicholas chuckled as he leaned down to hug his daughter. "Did you enjoy your time with Grandma and Ma?", he asked Eudora.
Eudora smiled, nodding, "Yeah! Papa, do you think Grandma Leila would let me have a couple of cookies before dinner?", and Nicholas smiled, "You'd have to ask her, Eudora.", as Binesi smiled, kissing Robyn, "How's our little tyke doing?", stroking Daniel's little head as he is still feeding upon Robyn's breast.
"Apparently, still hungry...I think he'd want to sleep through the party...again...", Robyn chuckled amusedly, and Binesi giggled softly, "Daniel sure loves to dream...", before Eudora goes by Binesi, "Mother, can I sit up front in the sleigh, please?", looking up at her mother.
Binesi raised an eyebrow, "You driving, Ray?", and Ray nods, "Yes, Binesi.", and Binesi looks down at Eudora, "You know we all have to vote.".
Robyn chuckled, "Papa Ray is careful, Binesi.", as Nicholas kisses her on the other cheek, rubbing his baby bump, and he chuckles, "And that means yes, Eudora, including me, but do behave with your Grandpa. He's in charge of the reins, not you, is that clear?".
Eudora nods eagerly as Evangeline and Ray shares a kiss on the lips, smiling, and Ray replies, "You'd have to say it more than just a nod, granddaughter.", with a wry chuckle.
"I understand, Papa, Mama, Mother!", Eudora replied quickly, and laughter rang around the group before Ray replies, "Let's go then. I can't definitely miss out on dessert!", and they agreed, leaving the art gallery room, with Robyn and little Daniel as the last ones.
Robyn glances at the portrait of Mimi, "I hope you don't mind the chaos, Momma...It's strange, but I have the feeling that you're happy...", with a tender smile.
Robyn practically felt a warmth come up her spine after she had said that... if that wasn't a sign, she didn't know what was. She smiled and walked away to rejoin the others.
Meanwhile, on a balcony that had a decent view of the village, Perla and Juliet were enjoying the rare case of pleasant weather as Perla smiled, "Hard to think some days... about how this all came to be. Starting with you being a runaway... and me being nothing but a block of wood.".
"Certainly is magical... after all, it was that which brought you to life and started all of this... I know I wouldn't have gotten off that island if you never came along.", Juliet said as Perla took her into a deep hug.
"And me either... we both saved each other that night... and saved so many more along the road... and this... all this... this is a pretty just reward, wouldn't you think?", Perla chuckled.
"Honestly? Couldn't ask for more, Slats.", Juliet smirked. Perla giggled, and smiled, "No regrets, Lampy?", and Juliet shook her head, "No, not one, Pinoky.", with a smile.
"Mom, Mama?", Carlo called out, and both women look to their son with smiles, "Yes?", and Carlo replied, "They're bringing out champagne and fizzy drinks. You coming?".
Juliet replied, "And hot chocolate?", and Carlo looked frantic, "Drat, I knew I forgot something!", and Juliet chuckled, "Relax, son, I'll go help you. You coming, Perla?".
"Give me a minute or two...", Perla smiled, and Juliet nodded, kissing her on the cheek, "Okay. Any longer than that, I'll send Adam after ya.", with a wink before leaving the balcony to join Carlo, to help him out.
Perla sighed deeply as she saw the stars slowly appearing while the sun went to set steadily, replying, "Thank you for making me become real, Father...", thinking of Geppetto.
She looked up at one star, that practically was starting to blink a few times to her, before she smiled, knowing exactly that it was Geppetto looking down on her.
"You alright?", Adam asked as he wrapped his arms around Perla as she blushed. "Yep... I'm doing fine.", she told him. "Good, come on, don't want to miss the party, do you?", he asked.
Perla giggled, "Definitely not. I am so curious about what Tiana whipped up for dessert, next to dinner that Ella and Rosalie made.", and Adam chuckled, "They've worked hard, that's for sure...", before smiling at Perla tenderly.
"But before we get moving, here's something...", Adam whispered lovingly before kissing her on the lips deeply, and Perla sighed happily as they pulled back, "I love you too...", before smirking mischievously.
Adam bemoaned playfully, "I know that look. You're going to be teasing me all night, aren't you?", and Perla smiled wryly, "Maybe...", before kissing him on the lips teasingly and giggling as she swayed her hips, leaving him.
"How did I ever get so lucky?", Adam laughed heartily as he went to join his incredible wife, leaving the balcony together, to enjoy the party, to laugh, share stories, and more.
Outside, the stars twinkled brighter as the sun finally set on a beautiful day, giving all people the comfort of their families and friends in their homes, knowing that they are safe, happy, and in peace forever and always.
The End.
