The Light Of Apollo's Love

Epilogue

"That was it, that was how she died," I stood in the forest, gazing across the water of the lake, the lily pads in full growth this summer. I had the small silver locket that Artemis had given me in my hands, its chain tangled within my fingers as I sighed. "I was going to marry her. I was going to propose to her a few months after we had truly reconnected, but I thought I should wait longer so she didn't feel rushed."

"She sounds like she was wonderful Apollo. I would have loved to have spoken with her." my mother watched my movements from her spot on the grass, slowly standing up and making her way over to me, putting an arm around my shoulder.

"She was. I should have not let her run off the way she did. I should have gone after her to protect her from Aphrodite," I looked over at her face, and there was a sad smile placed on her lips. "She left so many great memories for so many people, she tried to make everyone happy the best she could." I felt the breeze blow my uncut hair across my back; I had not cut it since Myrrh had passed. She had always tried to braid my hair the best she could, but it was not long enough in some sections. maybe when I see her again, she can braid it for me. "Come on, I want to show you something." I took her hand and started walking, making my way across the edge of the lake and into the depth of the woods. The path became familiar to me once again, the vine-covered trees, the fragrance of the white flowers that grew upon them. I made sure my mother was still keeping up with my steps, as I parted a section of the vines. We made our way into the clearing, the ground covered in thick vines and flowers. And in the middle of it was a large, golden chain tree, its vast canopy covering the sky, blocking out its blue with its golden flowers and branches.

"I brought her here all those years ago. She has been flourishing here. I'm the only person she lets past the vines, if you came here by yourself, you would get lost and end up back at the lake." As my mother gazed around in awe, I made my way up to the base of the tree, the vines parting a path for me as I walked. I climbed up the large tangle of roots, before steadying myself and placing my hand on the rough bark, sighing.

"Apollo, this is what's left of her, isn't it?" I looked back at my mother with a sad smile and gave a small nod. I watched as a vine slowly crept up the tree, making its way to my hand and intertwining around my fingers, the necklace still in my grasp as it make its way up my arm before stopping at my shoulder. The sweet scent of the flowers from the vine and the tree was overwhelming, but I had gotten used to it.

"Hello, my love. I'm sorry that I couldn't bring my mother sooner, it was difficult getting her here without hera finding out," I felt tears pricking my eyes as a laid my forehead against the bark, feeling the familiar heartbeat beneath it. I felt them trail down my cheeks and watched as they hit the roots beneath my feet. Within seconds I felt one of the vines caressing my cheek, and my tears were quickly wiped away. "I know Myrrh, I'm sorry I promised I wouldn't cry, I just wish I could see your beautiful face again." I felt my mother's grasp around my hand but could not meet her eyes.

" you'll see her again Apollo," I felt my mother's hand leave mine, and she stroked the curls on my head, but it felt as though she was distant. "I'll give you a few minutes to speak with her."

I opened my eyes, and the scene before me was much different. The tree was gone, and I could see the blue sky once again. I gasped as I felt a familiar pair of arms embrace me from behind, and the warmth of the woman I loved pressed against my back. I spun around and gazed down at the head of curls that I had missed so dearly, and at the dark eyes that I had longed to see for so long. I felt a sob catch in my throat as I tightly embraced Myrrh, hot tears pouring down my cheeks. I felt her small, frail hands caress my cheeks, wiping the never-ending stream of tears from my eyes. I sobbed as I rested my chin on her head, trapping her in a tight embrace.

"Shh, hey, I'm here now, alright? We only have a few minutes," She gazed up at me before placing a warm kiss on my quivering lips, wiping the tears from my now blotchy face. I wanted to speak, but it was as if any words I could say had been stolen from me. She looked up at me with a sad smile, before noticing the necklace that was intertwined between my fingers. "Is that for me? That is very beautiful dear, but I cannot wear jewelry now." She took my hands in hers, and I felt how cold she truly was to the touch. The only physical thing left of her was the tree and vines that how begun to grow when I had buried her. None of this was physically real. But it was enough simply to be able to see her again, even if it was only her soul. I felt her lay her head on my chest, the necklace slipping from my fingers into hers.

"Thank you."

I opened my eyes to see the dark bark of the tree, and my mother standing next to me. The ground beneath my feet was wet from my tears, and I wiped my hand across my eyes quickly and smiled at her. She took her arm in mine, and slowly we made our way from the tree and back to the edges of the clearing. A glimmer caught my eye, and I saw the silver locket, tangled around a branch, and embedded within it, and could not help but smile. I pushed apart the vines and made my way back onto the path with my mother at my side.

And for a second, I thought that I saw the outline of a familiar figure waving at me as I left, making my way back into the sunlight, knowing that one day we would be together again.

In another time.