Elven Legacy

Epilogue

Author's Note

The reason it took me so long to write this epilogue is that I wasn't sure the book needed one. The last chapters end things with everyone going home, and I figured the rest could be left to the reader's imagination. If you were perfectly happy with that ending, you don't need to read this epilogue. But if you've been craving something more, then this is for you.

~~~

A lot has changed since my last letter. Moira is officially queen now, which is quite a relief. It was a complicated process; we had a lot of opposition from the nobles. But the people of Fellera love Moira, and I know it was the right decision. They simply weren't ready for an Azurian queen. Though of course Zemisha will continue to be involved, much more than they realize. My friends at the castle will miss me, but they saw how my health was degrading, and they know this is for the best.

Since the situation in Chyulin has gotten worse, Dharkan moved back to Fellera with Viper and their kid. Kitera actually spends a lot of time with them. She told me she feels truly happy for them, whilst she still greatly enjoys her freedom and the lack of distraction from her work. I suppose some people shine brightest when they are independent.

Speaking of, I was sorry to hear you broke things off with Ferian, but I understand. If you two work better as friends, then that's that. It reminds me of what happened with Matt. By the way, he's with Bryani now – he came back to work at the castle troupe, I introduced them, and they hit it off. Which fills me with joy because all I ever wanted was for them to be happy.

Your last letter left me with some questions. Do you still live with Ferian, or did you move out of your home above the tavern? I hope you can still keep your bartender job; I know how much you enjoy working at Sun's End. In any case, you just might see me in Hart Delun soon after receiving this letter. I can hardly wait to see you and Fenek again.

***

Noah leaned over the ebony bar counter to get Fenek's attention. "Hey, your rum isn't gonna drink itself."

Fenek took a break from playing with Hannia's long braids and whispering sweet nothings in her ear to look at Noah with slightly intoxicated brown eyes. Still so boyish at twenty years old.

"Here you go, kid." Noah handed him the ceramic cup, which Fenek accepted with a little grimace in the corner of his mouth.

"I'm not a kid."

"You'll always be a little kid to me." Noah pressed a hand to his chest with exaggerated emotion.

"Oh god, now you sound like my dad." Fenek drained most of his rum then noisily set down the cup on the bar.

Hannia rolled her eyes. "He's messing with you, Fen, as usual."

"I sound like Seyar, huh?" Noah cleared his throat. "Hand me back that poisonous beverage, young man!"

Hannia burst out laughing. "That was very good."

"Yeah," Fenek agreed gingerly.

"So, what are you having?" Noah asked Hannia.

She hefted up her mandolin case. "Nothing. I'm playing later."

"Can I make a special request?" Noah asked.

She smiled fondly. "Siren of the Dunes?"

"That predictable, huh?"

"You said it, not me!" Hannia chimed before stealing a sip from Fenek's cup.

"Hey, I thought you weren't drinking!" Fen protested.

"It's just one sip!" she argued.

Ferian came over to their corner of the bar and leaned beside Noah. "Trouble in paradise?"