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Chapter 25

Chapter 25

By the next morning everything had been sorted for Tristan and I's journey west to the land of Markrena. Everyone had gathered at the docks to send us off. Elisa had found a nice pair of riding leathers for my journey along with a few nice dresses. Moorwin and Illyria sat on a sand bar not far from the docks.

Their scales gleamed in the morning sun. They were powerful and beautiful; sometimes I wondered why I had been chosen to lead this path. How was I good enough to work with these incredible creatures? Their loyalty was like nothing else.

We love you Gwen. Illyria chuckled.

So we are looking for other Ascensorem? Moorwin asked.

That is the plan, I wonder if there are any more out there. I looked out across the sea.

There has to be. Cerin's rein was not that vast. Besides Laymeria was not the only dragon stronghold. Illyria noted.

So many possibilities for new adventures Moorwin's eyes gleamed with the prospect.

I turned my thoughts away from the dragons and to the people gathered on the docks. Everyone who had impacted my life in the past two years was here. Monroe, Jonah, Katarina, Percival, and Myla. I looked on fondly. I may have lost three people important to me but I had people who loved me.

"I cannot believe you two are still leaving." Jonah laughed. "Come back to visit." He stepped forward and wrapped me into a hug. Monroe gave me a fatherly pat on the shoulder. Katarina looked as if she was about to explode.

"Like Jonah said you better come back." She crossed her arms.

"Of course I will Kat. I need something new in my life and this is it."

"I know." She then pulled me into a tight hug. "Be safe." She stepped back. Percival stepped up and gave me a warm smile. He had been there for me longer than most others. He looked severe on the outside but happened to be one of the most genuine and kind people I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

"Gwen I wish you all the best on this new adventure."

"I appreciate your good wishes. I also want to thank you for all you have done for me. I could have never done this on my own." Percival opened his arms and I stepped into his warm hug.

"I also cannot thank you enough for what you have done for me Gwen."

"What could I have done for you?"

"You showed me how to be passionate about something again. I had been lost for too long and you helped me find my way."

"Well it looks like we did a lot for each other." I chuckled. Last to step up was Myla, her eyes were glassy with tears.

"You are leaving me again." She sniffled.

"I will never leave you, we are merely apart from one another." She threw herself into my arms. "I will always love you little bird." Myla's body tensed. Mother had always called her little bird.

"And I will always love you little fox." We both smiled as we thought of our mother. Tristan had also completed his goodbyes. He walked up to me and took my hand in his.

"Ready?"

"Yes." Hand in hand we boarded the small ship that we chartered to take us across the Western Sea. The crew was small but hearty. They were a friendly lot and respected each of us. As we set sail Tristan and I remained at the stern of the ship and waved our final goodbyes.

The sun was high in the sky. It represented a new beginning for both Tristan and I. I knew that I would miss my friends and family dearly, but this was something I had to do for myself. After a lifetime of doing things for others I was finally putting my wishes ahead of others. I was glad that I was not facing this journey alone and that I had Tristan at my side.

The crew kept throwing glances skyward as Moorwin and Illyria flew high above. I hoped that one day soon I would get to meet other dragons and other Ascensorem. I also strived for Laymeria to once again accept them as they once had. Dragons were not something to be feared but a creature to treasure.

I turned from the stern as I lost sight of the docks and headed to the bow. New journeys lied ahead and I could not wait to begin them. Tristan stepped up behind me enveloped me in his arms and rested his head upon my shoulder.

"I love you." I whispered.

"I love you."

"So many possibilities."

"As long as I am with you anything is possible." Tristan murmured.