The Dreaming Land

Epilogue: Reprise

A month had passed since Belial had been defeated, and his wish had come true. Tephim floated high above in the sky, like a guardian over the planet, and an ever present reminder of the time he and his friends had spent together. The king had given Orius a house, and he went to work as a knight. It still felt odd, but it was better than being a thief. His thief connections had vanished from Gigas, hoping to cover their tracks and cut ties with him. That didn't bother him, though. He had real friends, now.

Misha had moved in with him, and started going to a local mage academy. It wasn't prestigious, but it was meant for beginners. She was doing way better than any of the other students, and the teachers didn't feel she even needed to be in the program. Still, she went anyways.

Imara had returned home to Haysia to face her family, even though it might mean exile, or death at the hand of the emperor for her failure. The King had sent a written recommendation to the emperor of Haysia, explaining how heroic she was, and how her efforts had saved all of Veonys. Though, she wasn't sure what good it was going to do. She promised to write when she knew what was going to happen to her, if she had a chance, so Orius was making his way to the post office.

Quintir had taken his notes back home to Kalya to show the rest of the academy. In a letter he'd sent to Orius, he explained that the information he'd gathered was going to change the way magic and moon shards were viewed, and that he was now seeing a girl he met in Volkanholm named Oleana. He wanted Orius and Misha to meet her, expressing how brilliant she was, and about a project she'd been working on. He didn't understand much of it, but looked forwards to meeting the young lady soon.

Entering the post office, Orius was greeted with a salute. He still hadn't grown accustom to it, but it flattered him. Whatever ego boost the attention gave him, Misha quickly cut down with a snarky remark and a laugh. He didn't mind, though, knowing it kept him grounded he appreciated it in a way. The postman handed him a single letter, the one he'd been waiting for.

Inside it read;

"Dear Orius,

I hope you're doing well. Haysia is beautiful this time of year, I wish you could see it. Anyways, you're probably dying to know, so I'll get to the point. The emperor took the recommendation from King Harrier quite well. I got a heroes welcome here, too. My clan also received its freedom. I can't believe it! You have no idea how ecstatic I am right now.

I hope Misha is doing well, pass along my hello and tell her I miss her dearly. When I get the time I will come back to Gigas City and visit you. Say hi to Quintir for me, too.

Love, Imara"

Parts of the page were stained with tears, which didn't surprise him at all. He smiled, and tucked the letter into his pocket, leaving the post office. It seemed as though each of them got their wishes in the end. Orius smiled, wondering if he might cry, too.

The damage caused by Belial had been severe in some places, but they people effected were recovering. Local authorities reached out to help all of those in need so no one was left out. They wouldn't be beaten down so easily. Orius smiled, looking up at Tephim as it made its slow transit across the clear blue sky, knowing that all around the world people were celebrating their lives under their dreaming moon.