The Final Hour

Alternitive Ending

Hi guys! I've gotten more then a few requests for a alternate ending, so I decided to write one. So enjoy! OrkaDorks4ever this is especially for you!

Ok-here it is!

oOo

Streaks of red and pink dance across the sky, and the cold stings my cheeks. I can hear the celebrations down in the square below me, but it's a welcome sound. During the war, there were parts of me that truly believed I wouldn't ever hear the sound of happiness again. Some of this still feels surreal. The days since I've returned from Asenhouse have been a whirlwind of funeral arrangements for our soldiers, and statements to the crowd. At some points, especially when comforting grieving family's, I almost wished I was back in the battle. At least there I didn't have to talk to the family's of people that died for me.

But then I give myself a mental slap and realize that I am so blessed to be home. I'm so blessed to be alive. After I killed Artol in the great hall that day, Gray had attacked me when my back was turned. Fortunately for me, she didn't injure me too severely, and several soldiers came to my aid. But I know that I got lucky. I could have been killed.

I'm really glad I'm not dead.

"Are you ready to go?" A voice spoke into my ear, making me flinch. I turned and smiled softly at Mufar. You can see the effects of the war on his face-these months haven't been easy for him. But he's still here with me today-something I thank God for everyday.

Mufar offers me a smile, and sticks his arm out, linking it through my own. My country was hit hard by the war. Really hard. Some political figures figured it would be good to have a celebration to boost morale.

So basically we're going to a giant party.

People are crammed into the castle-stuffed in every corner. And I guess I'm expected to make a appearance. Actually I'm kind of looking forward to a party. I'm in need of some fun. I want to let go of what happened and just focus on the present. Even if it's just for a night.

I lean my head on Mufar's shoulder as we slowly walk towards the hall, where you can already hear the music and chatter of people talking and laughing. If I close my eyes, I can almost picture my parents, waking in step beside me. I know they would be proud-I just know it. I was never the kid that my parents were proud of. But wherever they are, I know that they would be smiling. And that's good enough for me.

When I open my eyes, at the hallway, I can just make out Derrin, smiling a brilliant smile at us as we approach. He, the least of all, seems affected by the events. He still is happy-which is remarkable after everything. It's kinda refreshing.

Mufar lets go of my arm and kisses my cheek.

"We made it kid." He whispers. I can't help but let the corners of my mouth lift as I look back up at him.

"Yea we did. Thank you." I murmur back. Mufar just nods, and pushes me gently towards Derrin.

Since I'm a klutz, I trip. And fall. To the ground. Hard.

Nice move Eadu...

Everybody falls. Physically and metaphorically. But what defines us, is how we rise after we fall. Its a choice you see? You can choose to stand up, or you can choose to stay on the dirty metaphorical ground of shame. I choose freedom. I choose pride. I choose life, and love and all that it has to offer. I chose to rise with my head held high.

So I push myself up off the floor and accept Derrin's hand. He smoothes a stray strand of hair behind me ear and kisses me tenderly on the forehead.

"You ok?"

Without hesitation, I flash a toothy grin  back up at him.

"Yea...yea I think I am."

He squeezes my hand, and I think he knows that I'm not just talking about my fall.

And then the doors swing open, and I step out into the sea of people. And even though I absolutely hate the 'she lived happily ever after' cliche, I can't help but be reassured that maybe things will be ok. Maybe this is my happily ever after.

Actually, I know it is.