Dragonsoul

Chapter 61

Happy endings are possible though they are not void of sadness. They signify having the strength to move on and find your own happiness. They are the new beginnings.

For Leonie, the sun broke through the clouds when, with the help of her brother, she had managed to heal her best friend, the one being who stood by her side no matter what happened. Yet, even as Rimar started stirring and his eyes slowly blinked open, Leonie was worried.

What if her friend was no longer the same? What if all the precious moments she had shared with her dragon were due to her father's presence? Would she even recognize Rimar without it?

"Leonie, are you okay? Did we win?" Rimar asked the moment he was conscious enough to ask anything.

"That's all you have to say? How about explaining to me why would you do something as stupid as to jump in front of me? Was it my father? Did he force you to do that?" Leonie asked, trying to sound stern though all she could feel was relief.

While the discussion was happening, Amitola, Nald, and Toras decided that they should go and save the trolls by removing the water lilies. Also, they decided to check on Adamina and make sure that she was not seriously injured. However, another reason they chose to do so at that precise moment was that they did not wish to stand between the girl and her dragon.

"What? No, of course not! Rimodar would never force me to do anything I didn't feel comfortable with. We both wanted to protect you. It was an instinct. I am not even sure which one of us was in control at the time," Rimar said as truthfully as he was able.

Leonie proceeded to hug him so tightly that even the great dragon felt a bit uncomfortable at how strong her embrace was. It was much stronger than a girl her age should have had.

"Don't you ever do that to me again!" Leonie said through her tears.

"I promise," Rimar said, hoping that there would not come a day when he would be forced to break that promise.

"So, am I to assume that you were able to heal me?" Rimar asked.

"Yes, me and Nald. You know about that?" Leonie asked.

"I know most things that Rimodar knows. That was one of the things we were late in understanding. I think although Nald was always kind and gentle by nature, it never occurred to Rimodar that he might have the healing powers. It did not even cross his mind that both of his children could have much more power than he could have ever imagined." Rimar said.

"I have to ask. How much of your personality was yours, and how much was it my father? Are we even friends, or was all of that my father talking?" Leonie babbled on.

"Leonie, relax. I know this is all confusing, but one thing I know for sure is that we are friends. We will always be. Your father's spirit residing in my body rarely interfered. He was just there to provide help when need be, and he did offer some sage advice through my voice, but that is all. Most of the time, he was just a quiet presence in the back of my mind. You were spending time with me." Rimar said.

"How was that for you? Sharing your mind with someone? Did father ever bother you? Did you ever wish him gone?" Leonie asked.

"Well, it was different from how you and I are connected. Most of the time, I was barely aware of Rimodar's presence. However, from time to time, Rimodar took control to help both of us." Rimar said hesitantly.

Leonie could feel that there was something he was not sharing with her, which made her sad. She could not fathom a reason for him to keep any more secrets from her. The evil was defeated, the world was saved. There was nothing more to trouble oneself with, was there?