༄ 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒙 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓 (𝑽𝑫𝑻) ༄

Epilogue

I did go back and finish Ch 25 so please let me know what you think!

I hope the ending doesn't seem too rushed. There was so much more I wanted to put in here, but decided against it because it didn't help the story progress. So I've cut it with plans to maybe do something with it later (see the end author's note). For now, the final chapter!

᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽

As the days stretched, Ana got better but she still awoke some mornings in pain. Although it wasn't as intolerable as before she couldn't wait for it all to end. Especially since there had been no outward change to her appearance—based on what she could catch in reflections and the lack of any comment from others aboard. No visible explanation as to what was happening.

The journey home was a little quicker and easier than the trip to Ramandu's Island. They sailed past Deathwater Island, having no reason to go ashore and it reduced some of their travel. There was no fear of the mist and they had mostly clear skies. While it did storm on occasion, it was nothing like the violent tempest they had experienced before. It seemed as though things were on their side now. So this also helped cut some time off the journey. Ana could also tell that the crew was appreciative of the smoother sailing.

Though they still had enough food, Caspian wished to stop at Coriakin's Island. It gave anyone who wanted to go ashore some freedom to move around. After all, conditions aboard the ship were still quite tight. Some were starting to get antsy from being in such tight quarters for so long. So many took the opportunity to go ashore and explore the island. It not only provided everyone with some space for their companions but a chance to breathe in fresh air. Ana knew she could take this opportunity to also freshen up a bit.

Before they reached the shore, they were greeted by some of the Dufflepuds. They had learned to use their oversized foot as a boat and even fashioned paddles so they could steer, courtesy of Reepicheep. He had taught them how to do all this before they had departed the first time. Ana was glad to see they were still using the skills he taught them. When one inquired as to where Reepicheep was, it was hard to tell them what had transpired. It was still difficult for her to acknowledge the Mouse's absence.

The Duffers were friendlier than their first arrival. Ana suspected they were glad to have visitors and that they hadn't frightened the crew away. They did apologize to Ana for kidnapping Lucy and her. She accepted it on both of their behalf. Although she never felt in danger around them, Caspian was still a little upset by the whole thing. He had warned the others about them before coming to shore. But his worries were unfounded the second time. Though they behaved a little childishly, they did try to be more welcoming than when they had last met.

Caspian, the lords, Drinian, and Ana all had dinner in Coriakin's mansion. The rest of the crew and passengers that had come ashore were also invited, but most declined. They were more interested in exploring and stretching their legs than eating in the mansion. Ana also suspected that they felt it might've been a bit too crowded, though none would say it aloud. But the others took the opportunity to talk and thank Coriakin for his help. He was just pleased that they had been successful and everything was put right.

They spent the night on the island, all declining Coriakin's kind offer to sleep in the mansion. It seemed everyone agreed in that regard. Though a bed would've been nice, everyone wanted to feel like they had more space to stretch out a relax. Especially since they didn't have to crowd onto the beach and were able to spread among the island. Ana still dreaded the mornings and couldn't wait for things to get back to normal—when she wouldn't have to worry about pain. Caspian had been concerned but seemed less so now that he could see that Ana was doing better.