Book of Ellagar

Epilogue

Three years had passed since Ellagar discovered the final egg beneath the remains of the black dragon. The swamp had returned to its vibrant state, filled with life and the harmonious sounds of nature. Ellagar and Thelara had gone back to the island where they first met the Mother Tree. In that place, Thelara, now the Daughter Tree, served as a beacon of hope and renewal.

Ellagar and Thelara watched as the egg hatched, revealing the reborn Verak and Ardvek. When they hatched from the final black dragon egg for the second time, much of their previous memories of the battles and struggles had become faint and misty. The younglings thrived, their spirits strong and their bond with each other resilient. They had grown into capable and clever adolescents, ready to take on the world.

The swamp around them teemed with the sounds of nature, and the air was filled with the early spring scent of blooming flowers and the gentle rustle of leaves. Ellagar stood at the base of Thelara's Daughter Tree, her heart swelling with pride and contentment. The tree had grown tall in the three years since it was planted, and the pixie court was now nestled in its branches. The years had been kind to the swamp, and the scars of the past had healed, leaving behind a vibrant and thriving ecosystem.

But today was different. Today, Grandmother had come to claim them.

Ellagar stood at the edge of the clearing, her heart heavy with pride and sorrow. Thelara's spirit intertwined with Ellagar's mind, offering silent support. They waited, knowing that Grandmother approached, her commanding presence worrying at the edge of Ellagar's mind. Thelara kept her powers subdued to avoid Grandmother's attention.

As the sun climbed higher, Ellagar enjoyed the feel of the swamp whispering to her. She watched as Ardvek and Verak practiced their combat forms. They moved with a natural connection to each other, knowing where the other would be next without looking. It was like watching a dance. Ellagar lost herself in the rhythms.

The tranquillity was interrupted by a familiar, demanding voice. "Ellagar, my child," Grandmother's voice echoed through the clearing, sending a shiver down Ellagar's spine. "It is time. I have come to claim the younglings."

Ellagar turned to see an ancient human standing at the edge of the clearing, her presence as imposing as her voice. Ellagar pondered this being, having never met Grandmother in person. She had always been a distant voice in her mind. Ellagar glanced over and saw the boys exchanging glances, their expressions a mix of anticipation and apprehension. They knew what would happen, which didn't make this any easier.

"My child," Grandmother's voice echoed in Ellagar's mind, filled with warmth and understanding. "You have done well. Verak and Ardvek are ready to fulfill their destinies."

Ellagar nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "I know," she whispered, her voice trembling. "But it is hard to let them go."

Grandmother placed a gentle hand on Ellagar's shoulder. "They will always carry a part of you with them. And you will always be a part of their journey. Yet, as we discussed, I must make them forget parts of this life, so they think they are human boys."

Grandmother looked around the island that had been Ellagar and the youngling's home for the past three years. The small huts were well-constructed and maintained. Grandmother seemed almost concerned as she turned to Ellagar, "What will you do now? You cannot stay here alone; will you return to be with your sisters in the Concordance?"

"It's kind of you to be concerned, Grandmother," said Ellagar. "I will decide later; maybe I will settle down with a clutch partner." Ellagar turned to Ardvek and Verak, "Safe journeys, my loves."

Verak and Ardvek stepped forward, their eyes filled with determination and love. "We will make you proud, Clutch Mother," Ardvek said, his voice strong and steady. They both embraced her, saying their farewells and clearly excited to embark on something new.

Ellagar smiled through her tears, her heart filled with pride. "You already have," she replied softly. "Go, my younglings, and fulfill your destinies. I will always be here, watching over you."

As Verak and Ardvek followed Grandmother into the depths of the swamp, Ellagar stood in shared thought with Thelara, their hearts aching with the bittersweet reality of their younglings leaving the nest.

With a deep breath, Ellagar reached for Thelara through their bond. "We will be okay," she said, her voice filled with quiet resolve. "We have each other, and I will stay here with you my clutch partner, Thelara Daughter Tree."

Thelara took shape beside Ellagar and nodded, a gentle smile on her lips. "And we have our own secrets."

Together, they watched Verak, Ardvek, and Grandmother disappear into the distance, knowing their love would always be with the younglings, no matter where their paths led.

As the sun moved towards noon, casting a warm golden glow over the swamp, Ellagar felt a sense of peace. The future was something to worry about tomorrow, but she knew that together they could face whatever challenges lay ahead. The comforting presence of Thelara's spirit was a reminder of the resiliant love that had carried them through their darkest days.

Ellagar had long mastered the ability to step into the Daughter Tree realm, and now she and Thelara shared a quiet moment in their sanctuary. Thelara, when inside the Daughter Tree realm, was as solid as any living being, and Ellagar lounged in the physical warmth of her partner.

Ellagar's gaze fell upon a tree within the realm, focusing on the large seed pod attached to it. She recalled the day when she and Thelara had created the pod, their spirits intertwining as their love and magic merged in a beautiful dance of light and energy. The air around them shimmered with a soft, ethereal glow, and the place within the Daughter Tree pulsed with life.

As their energies merged, a tree sprouted and flowered. Then a pod formed, its smooth surface glowing with a soft, silver light. The pod pulsed with the promise of new life, a testament to their love.

Ellagar caressed the pod gently, her eyes filled with wonder and hope. "This is our legacy," she had whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Our own final egg."

Thelara glowed brightly, her presence a comforting embrace. "Together, we will nurture and protect our daughter," she had said. "Our love will guide her, just as love has guided us."

Returning to the present, Ellagar felt a renewed sense of purpose. She turned to Thelara, her heart filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Thelara," she whispered. "For everything."

Thelara reached forward warmly. "We are in this together, Ellagar. Always."

As the first stars twinkled in the night sky, Ellagar knew their journey was far from complete. However, in this moment of peace and reflection, she allowed herself to simply exist. Surrounded by the love and strength of her family, she felt prepared to face whatever the future had in store.