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IT HAD TAKEN THREE long and sweltering days to get to the location of their new home in the western sands. The sun was brutal while he was awake, beating down on us with his rays, the moon a welcoming sight to usher in the darkness and cool our brows. We set up the tents in a circle so that the door- ways opened into a common meeting place. We would have to figure out something else for more permanent structures. They would, after all, be living here for a very long time.
I had bestowed upon them my magick, which took quite a toll in and of itself. I granted them longevity, and since my magick would undoubtedly affect them, I made sure that instead of destroying their minds, it would alter their appearances to survive in a harsher climate such as this. Over time, they would evolve to adapt to their surroundings. It was the best I could do with my limited capabilities. The Macularians would have to figure the rest out on their own.
I needed rest after giving out so much of my magick at once, and slept for several days. It was wonderful to do nothing but sleep. I dreamt of my children often, playing with Thane in the gardens of the Otherworld, seeing Moira grow into her own and get her Mark. I wasn’t exactly sure if they were dreams or visions, but I was grateful for them nonetheless.
The process took three moon cycles to complete. It was utterly exhausting each time, but as with the first, I slept for several days after sharing so much of my magick. Draining my body of its magickal essence had turned several strips of my hair white, in stark contrast to my normal auburn locks. In this time, Eublepharis had melted down the crown and forged it in- to a necklace like the one I saw in my vision. He had also taken the ruby and hidden it ‘somewhere safe’ as he said. I didn’t know where, and didn’t want to know, to be honest. His people had started scavenging the sands for stones to make huts with, and had made some good progress.
While walking through the little village to find their leader, I reflected on my travels. In all this time that I had been with the Macularians, I had not heard from Gwadei, nor from my shadow hounds for that matter. It was heart-rending knowing that they most likely had not survived the battle with Gwadei at the elven village, for surely, they would have sought me out by now. I was beyond humbled looking back at it all and seeing all of those who helped me in my cause and sacrificed them- selves to save all of magick. For that is what we have done. By stopping Gwadei, we saved all the magickal races from his tyranny.
“Eublepharis, it is time for me to go. I am tired, and my journey is complete. The stones are safe once again, and Gwadei has been defeated.” I grew wearier with every sentence.
“I understand. We shall continue our watch over these sacred items and wait for the future queen. You have my word. We appreciate the gifts you have bestowed upon us, and will honor you and your goddess by telling of your story to our young. Go in peace, young queen. You have fulfilled your quest.” He gave me a hug and stepped back to bow. The rest of the tribe gathered behind him, and all bowed before me in a final farewell.
“Thank you, my friends.” I turned and entered the small tent they left reserved for my stay. Looking around once more, I sighed in contentment and laid down, closing my eyes. It was over. The Annarii are once again safe, my daughter among their ranks. The other magickal races were sharing in the burden of guarding their sacred stones, once again, to wait for the next ruler. The Macularians would now join them in that duty, and one day, when she arrives, she will see that they, too, belong under her care.
“Welcome home, daughter.”
I opened my eyes, and there, standing before me, was the Goddess Fellura, herself. Next to her, Thane was in the arms of Trina, and Torvin stood next to her. On the other side of the Goddess, my beautiful Cyscáth Bytheiad, Bythane and Moirae, sat with matching looks on their faces. I smiled wide as the tears fell freely down my cheeks. I was home. The goddess had granted me my leave and rewarded me with the love of my friends and my child in the Otherworld.
“You have done well, young Emalia. I am proud of you.”
I handed her the final crystal, the spirit stone, the Onyx. She nodded her head as she accepted it and stepped aside so I may be properly reunited with my loved ones. Taking Thane in my arms and receiving hugs and welcomes from those around me, we turned to make our way into the gardens of the Otherworld. It was time to enjoy our forever, together.
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The End