As They Fall [First Draft] ~ Currently Editing ~

Epilogue

Two Years Later

"Are you ready?" exclaimed Flora, fixing a few strands that had escaped the complicated mass of braids, beads and flowers that was my hair. Upon my return to Havar and the revelation of what Lord Marsh and Rihnunir had done, Lady Flora had been shocked but nonetheless relieved to see me once again. I hadn't realised just how much I missed her until I saw her comforting smile and piercing blue eyes for the first time in months.

"Of course, she is," responded Yana, fussing over Tia's dress. Flora chuckled and smiled at me, squeezing my hands excitedly. Much to my relief the two of them had gotten along famously, both of them quick-witted and lovers of dancing, even managing to draw shy Tia into their banter.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be I guess." I sighed, taking a few calming breaths before I examined myself in the mirror. The person smiling back at me had changed greatly over the two years she had spent working and travelling, her eyes were bright and excited, her posture straight as if a heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders. My mother's wedding dress had been lost in the fire that claimed her life but the one I wore instead was still beautiful. It was white, modest and trimmed with lace. My locket contrasted with the material nicely and I caressed it habitually, rubbing my thumb and finger over its smooth surface.

"It's time!" announced Geoffrey from the other side of the door. The Stablemaster had apologised profusely for his behaviour following my uncle's capture and was heartbroken by his death, but the two of us had made up and he had been honoured when I asked him to walk me down the aisle. He opened the door and Flora, Yana and Tia excitedly took their places in front me. As the music played and my bridesmaids had disappeared, he offered his arm to me and I took it gratefully, allowing him to lead me down the large staircase and out the front doors of my home, to where a vast crowd was waiting. The front garden had been redecorated to accommodate the large quantity of people, but the pathway and clusters of wildflowers remained, comforting reminders of the view from my bedroom window.

I swallowed nervously, feeling everyone shift to look at me as I approached as I made my way down the aisle, passing elf and human alike. Tia had scattered petals down the aisle but my attentions was fixed ahead of me. All my fears melted away when I saw Charlie waiting for me at the altar, dressed in clothes not unlike his disguise from the ball, only this time he was himself and he was perfect. The left side of his neck still bore the burn scar from our battle but it paled in comparison when he flashed me his signature, mischievous grin as our gaze met. Merek stood proudly beside him, his new metal hand catching the sunlight and making it dance on the flagstones beneath him, paid for by his first earnings as a merchant. During his travels, he met his now fiancé Myr, a red-headed elf from a Kingdom across the seas. She was seated with his family, her hands resting happily on her swelling abdomen as she watched me. I smiled at her as I passed and she returned it, her unusual yellow-green eyes reminding me ever so slightly of Elizabeth. When Geoffrey passed my hand into Charlie's I squeezed it and took my place beside him. The priest performed the ceremony with a combination of Galaani and Eularian traditions. We exchanged our vows and then Charlie slid the ring his father had forged for his mother onto my finger, the diamonds and sapphires shining brightly. I slid a similar gold band onto his finger in return and the two of us met in a blissful embrace, both having finally achieved our deepest desire. We initiated the dancing with my favourite set, and this time I truly lost myself in the music and movements, perfectly satisfied with my partner. I danced with Lowin next, followed by Geoffrey, Merek and finally Telrith.

It was during the group dances, that I met the Prince of Galaan for the first time in many years. He had been sent in place of his father, who was far too busy to attend and had become so fond of Misaeh during her time at court that their own wedding was quickly approaching, signifying the true union of both Kingdoms. When the elves finally revealed themselves and opened the borders of Eularia there were some that remained sceptical and others that refused to believe Lord Marsh had taken part something so horrific, but the devastation that battle had brought on the forest and both Kingdoms could not be ignored. King Alfred pardoned Charlie for his previous crime and knighted him, awarding him Lord Marsh's land that neighboured my own, but he declined. Sir William may have been a pompous idiot, but ultimately, he was a puppet and had nothing to do with his father's crimes. Shortly after things had returned to normal and I reclaimed Havar, he approached me and apologised for his behaviour. Part of me recalled the way he had acted at the ball but I pushed it to the back of my mind and accepted it nonetheless. He had even been extended an invitation to the wedding, but wisely he declined.

For the first time in a long time, I was at peace. The images of everyone I had lost no longer haunted me and every day something new and bright was being born. Orchid and Valiant's foal was born a few months before the wedding and it wouldn't be long before Merek and Myr's child would be born. I stood on the balcony in what was now my study and looked east to the snowy peaks of the Otkir Mountains in the distance, relishing in the knowledge that the vibrant kaleidoscope of dragons I had once imagined was real.

A/N: Phew that's it, folks! It's been an incredible journey that much like Amelia I never thought I'd reach the end of. I have so many people to thank but a special shout out to Raven17 who's been there since the very beginning all those years ago. I could never have done it without you GeekyStories, always the first person to give me feedback and let me know when things don't make sense and giving me the confidence I need to write. I also need to thank my faithful critics Sceritz and EdCorbett even if you're not up to date you both have helped me so much. My quiet, but dedicated readers like UnderTheStarlight, Derphne and many others. 
And last but not least, a special mention for stpolishook, PhilKessler and Rethelias who are my inspirations and Wattpad writing idols <3

Thank you to anyone and everyone who has decided to give As They Fall a chance and take the time to read, vote and/or comment on any of my chapters. You're all incredible.