Pennies For Peace

Epilogue

A/N: I considered going on to how Stefan built the Alliance organization, brought about racial acceptance between supernaturals, etc. But, I don't have enough inspiration to sustain that, so I'll just tell you.
Stefan brought the fractured Alliance members to a remote location, and they healed and grew. Eventually, they started sending out missionaries of sorts that wanted to spread the word that any supernatural seeking acceptance was welcome in the Alliance. The organization continued to grow, developing various outposts, bases, and safe-houses throughout the supernatural world. They also became very well-known to the authorities of the supernaturals.
The leaders called for a council with the leader of the Alliance, each of them separately of course. He agreed, but only if they consented to meet with him at the same time as the other species' leaders. Eventually, they all agreed, and the meeting was set.
Stefan explained to them Laney's vision of an undivided world, and they were most definitely intrigued. Several more meetings followed, and audiences grew until representatives from packs, covens, nymph colonies, and vampire clans all around the world came. Every corner of the supernatural world was shaken to its core by what Stefan spoke of. The idea was loved by some, and hated by others.
Over time, the idea gained more and more support, and there were more supernaturals involved in the Alliance than there were outside it. Finally, the races were accepting each other. Old feuds dissolved, new friendships were forged.
It took several human lifetimes, but Stefan's immortality allowed him to see it through to the end. He clung to his life, even though it was next to empty. He didn't see Marie much, because she'd found her beloved in another vampire and they managed the Seattle sector for him. Anyone could see how much he missed Laney, more than ever.
When the final laws were made, and it was clear that the racial acceptance was permanent, Stefan knew he could finally rest. More than anything, he missed his Laney. He'd written letters to her, he'd even spoken to her, but he was tired of never receiving a response.
Everyone was shocked at how long Stefan had held on. Many knew that when any being lost their soul mate, they quickly followed their love to the grave. The only thing that had stopped Stefan from doing the same was Laney's unfinished dream.
But now, it was finished, and he could just... Rest.

** Third Person POV **

Stefan was ready to rest.

He'd already called Marie to say goodbye and, though she was sad, she hadn't fought him. She knew that it was his time long ago, and he was ready to stop fighting.

So he did. Stefan laid down in his bed, and closed his eyes. Only thoughts of Laney filled his mind as he went to sleep... Without the intention of waking up.

As everything turned black, Stefan released his last breath in a sigh of relief.

** Laney's POV * Land of the Dead **

It's beautiful here.

I loved the forests, the meadows, as well as my tree house in the village I stayed in. I had plenty of friends here, and I'd been reunited with my mother and father, even Jake once he'd joined us.

Today I wore what I always wore. A flowing white dress, with snug half-sleeves and bodice, that sported a sweetheart neckline and black embroidered flowers throughout, especially on the hem, which brushed the ground. The simple black flats were comfortable, and helped me balance on the rocks as I made my way down to the Mirror Pool.

You see, many were sad when they first arrived in the Land of the Dead, because they'd left someone behind. The Mirror Pools were a way to help them... Or us, as I should say.

The Mirror Pools had a special magic that allowed us to keep watch over those in the living world, and I was one of the ones that visited regularly.

Many pitied me, because it had been decades since I'd arrived, and Stefan still hadn't joined me. I was fine, though, because my sorrow was overshadowed by my pride in him.

From my first trip to the Mirror Pools, I'd seen how Stefan worked to continue the work I'd started. I'd watched as he rebuilt the Alliance, and guided the entire world of supernaturals into peace... A feat that I never could've managed. I was so proud of him, that I was glad he hadn't arrived yet, even if I missed him.

As I approached the Mirror Pool, I saw that someone was already there. He seemed familiar, with his black hair and strong build, but I couldn't place anything else except the tired slump of his shoulders. I assumed he was a new arrival, looking back at the world he'd left, so I politely waited until he was finished at the Mirror Pool.

After a while, he didn't move, and I became curious. Who was he watching, that took so long?

Slowly, I approached the man, and called, "Excuse me, are you alright?"

He stiffened at the sound of my voice, and straightened. At first I was worried that I intruded, until he turned around.

Both of us froze.

I couldn't believe my eyes. There, only a few feet away, was the person I'd been watching for many decades...

"Stefan?" I gasped, joyous tears flooding my eyes as I drank in his appearance. The familiar features, a new set of black pants with a white pirate-style shirt and black boots, his rich dark hair, and, most of all... His eyes.

Then his voice reached my ears, as he murmured in shock, "Laney?"

I choked a laugh and nodded, smiling brightly. Stefan broke into the biggest smile I'd ever seen... And I could've sworn I smiled wider.

I immediately ran to him, jumping into his arms as he reached to catch me. Both of us laughing through happy tears, he spun me around before setting my feet on the ground. My arms were around his neck, and his were around my waist... And I finally tasted the lips I'd waited for, for what felt like centuries.

As we pulled away, Stefan spoke the three words that, for so long, I'd wished to return.

"I love you," he whispered, and I held him close.

"And I love you," I repeated.

He held me tight, and it was quite a while before I lead him back to my village. I honestly wished he'd hold on for eternity, but it was alright...

Because now we had eternity.

And I would never have to let go again.