Althea

Epilogue

   The butterflies Solomon used to give me turned into tiny little feet.

     Our son is perfect in every sense of the word. His eyes are a gateway to my soul and I would do anything for him. He completes our family. He is everything to us; the best parts of both of us.

     Deirdre's new job keeps her busy. She still hurts, and probably always will. Hearts never fully mend.
     Brynhilde's new sisters became mini-hers. Like one Brynhilde wasn't enough. Soon they developed a reputation as the Faye worlds vigilante gang. They each have their own horse. Each of the young witches named their steed after Evanida. I have never seen Brynhilde emotional except for when it came to her beloved mare, and this was no exception. She hugged her sisters close when they told her and let her tears wet their robes.
     Philena is more hardened now. Her tattoos were marred by lightning shaped scars. However, she is still the benevolent ruler, the peoples queen and more beloved by her people then ever.
     Cassius lives like a prince. He has mares aplenty, food in abundance, and he never tires of the adoration he receives from butterfly and dryad children. He tends to give the new stable hands some trouble when he goes on his little escapades. Solomon doesn't help matters, he plays right along when the poor kids come to tell him that Cassius has "escaped."

     What my mom said about my birthmark was true. I had been chosen. Now, I am truly happy. I know who I am. I am special to my new friends, my new family. Solomon and our son, Deirdre, Brynhilde, Philena, even Cassius made me feel valuable. They loved me; and I them. They are my reminder that true, pure love for and from others defeats all. It makes our imperfect world perfect. Keeps us grounded. Makes us valuable.