The conversation feels good. Normal, after so much time of pain and uncertainty.
"Well, now I must ensure this matter is raised to the highest levels of Enduar government," I tease.
A small laugh escapes my mate’s mouth, and it turns into yet another sigh of relief.
The emotion bubbles up suddenly, moving me to speak.
"I love you," I say, marveling at the words.
"I love you, too.” Melisa grabs my hands and turns.
From here, I can see more children join Thea, Wren, and my parents.
“They didn’t make it far, did they?” Melisa says.
I laugh. “No.”
Though their play seems chaotic, it brings peace to my heart. To play out in the open, safe.
This is joy. This is freedom.
Once again, my heart… stirs.
Second Epilogue
MELISA
One Month Later,
Thedual’moraanandgrutaliah bondyrceremonies have never been performed for one person on the same day.
But today, we make history. I finally join the Enduares, along with my daughters. With Ra’Sa, we will bind ourselves to the mountain and each other for the rest of time.
The Fuegorra cavern glows red, just as it had during thedual’moraanceremony I attended months ago. My daughters wear deep purple dresses that match my gown. Coco trails at my side, already sporting her own Fuegorra, while my mate holds my hand.
Ra’Sa is stunning in his deep purple clothes. He even wears a bracelet with four little charms, one for each of us, save him.
It was a gift from one of his stone benders.
We walk in procession with hundreds of others, but we are put at the front of the line, just behind Mother Liana and Estela.
King Teo, Ra'Sa's parents, Lord Vann, Mikal, and all the women who had joined me in my house this morning are following.
When we finally enter the cave, a song that I knew well, one that had called to me before I left for Zlosa, sings to me.
My eyes fill with tears. Before I left, that moment had been sad. It had reminded me of heartache and how much I missed my daughters. Now, it sings of joy, and the intricate tapestry of my life.
The rest of the procession stops just outside the cave, and all, save our witnesses, family, and friends, enter. Lord Vann hands hammers to me, Thea, and Wren. I show the girls how to hold them as Mother Liana reminds me of the instructions.
"Be very still, my children. Listen for the song that will be sung only for you. Remember that the pain of the stone will last only a moment," she says.
Thea looks up at me. "It will hurt?"
"Hardly," Ra'Sa interjects before she has a chance to grow afraid. "And I will be here the whole time. It will help you feel like you have magical powers."
Perhaps she will,I say teasingly through the bond.
Ra’Sa grins.I would love nothing more.