Island Dolls

Epilogue

Part I

Feioha climbed the cliff just past her house and as she did she saw that man, Charles sitting there and waiting for her. His back was toward her as he looked out over the ocean. Nimbus stood beside him and she could overhear him talking about something with that doll.

She was full of apprehension as she walked toward them, but she remembered her dream with Bitraben and steeled her mind.

This is what I want to do. I will conquer this enemy first, and then all the others that come against me.

"Is there anything I've missed?" she heard Charles ask as she approached.

"Yes." Feioha said suddenly, announcing her arrival.

Charles turned around with surprise.

"Oh, you came!"

The sound of music and singing from the festivities in the village below could be heard. Charles looked toward the village and back as Feioha.

"Are you not joining them?" he asked, curiously.

"There's no reason for me to join that." Feioha replied, glancing behind her briefly.

"Oh? I thought..."

Feioha looked up at Charles' face as a question rose up in her heart.

Is this the man I want to follow for the rest of my life?

The answer to that question immediately followed; yes.

"You thought what?" she asked.

"I thought that ceremony was for you?"

"Where did you hear that?" Feioha said, shaking her head.

"I..." Charles seemed about to say something but stopped himself, "Nevermind. Then, have you come to tell me what you want me to do for you? I hope it's not too difficult, since I plan to leave today."

"Yes, I know." Feioha replied. "The things I want is... for you to take me with you."

Feioha felt as if her heart stopped as those last words came weakly out of her mouth. Charles' eyes opened wide - he had obviously heard it.

"W-what..?"

He gave that answer, and Feioha looked downward with slight disappointment.

"I want you to take me with you." she repeated. "I want to follow you, wherever you go. I want to be the one who stands at your side always. That is my request."

"But.."

"Even if you don't love me, that's... well I'd rather that you did, but even if you don't, I still want to go with you. I know it might sound selfish, but.."

"No, I didn't mean that," Charles replied sheepishly, scratching the back of his head, "I just.. it's..."

"It will be dangerous?" Feioha asked, "I know. But didn't I tell you? I'm a warrior. I don't plan on dying easily. I will stand by your side to help you and protect you. That is my promise to you."

Feioha walked forward boldly and put her hand on Charles' cheek.

"I will watch over you. You have nothing to fear. With Nimbus and Bitraben, together we will conquer anyone who comes against us."

Charles gulped. His eyes looked full of fear, like a cornered animal. Was she taking the wrong approach? Perhaps she needed to...

"A-and as your w-wife, I will m-mouth with you and do all the o-other things that.. um.. you l-like to do..."