CONTENT WARNING: major character death, grief
AUTHOR'S NOTE: the first part of this chapter takes place two weeks after the last one.
Áine
Twenty years after the Magic Realm was created
Between the recurring memories of the other life forces, and my own deep and aching grief, I cannot bring myself to concentrate on anything. Rowland had asked me when we would get a new Alchemy Sage, and Sarah when we would get a new Practical one. I didn't know. I wouldn't know for a long time.
I thought I was entirely prepared for what was to come, but with Tsuna's passing, I find that is not the case at all. I'm not at all ready for what my extended life will bring me. With Tsuna and Violeta gone, I ask for the advice of someone else with a long life - a life much longer than even Tsuna's.
"I don't know how I'm going to cope with all of this, Valravn. Tsuna said impermanence is necessary, and Violeta said that time is the only thing that can truly heal grief..."
It is hard to describe, Valravn replies. For me, to sever a bond with a master causes a horrific kind of anguish that affects both body and mind. I presume it is to alert the familiar to the master being in danger, but...it is a feeling I would not wish upon anybody.
I have killed my former masters for being threats to myself and others, but Jonah, my last beloved master before Owen... I felt as if my brain and my body were both being clawed at when he passed. I 'died' for him - defended him during the Bloodmoon. It took me forty years to recover from the wounds.
"I suppose that is the other part I fear - stagnance. I chose to extend my life, but I perhaps should have prepared myself more for it."
To do nothing for forty years and be safe whilst you do it is quite the blessing for an animal - not so much a human. You will have to keep your mind busy and distract yourself - if not from the boredom, from the storm in your mind. You must have many terrible memories - not helpful ones, either.
Valravn is right. I have far too much on my mind - I will need something to focus on during slower periods.
Áine...there is something that I must tell you. These past few days, I have felt something familiar to my previous master. I had less of a connection with Owen when I visited the family. I've found his thoughts and feelings harder to read, and sometimes it feels as if I have no mental connection with him at all.
"Less of a connection? He's probably having a rough time with his health. Perhaps he's shutting you out on purpose? He might not want you to worry about him."
Valravn lowers her head and wings, and lets out a long sound almost akin to a human sigh. She's trembling, bless her.
He has not shut me out of his mind for many years. I believe that there is not much longer left for your brother, Áine. To tell you the truth, I am nervous about how I may react when it happens. The feeling is nearly impossible to bear.
Valravn's words fill me with dread. This part of my middle ages are quite possibly the worst to be at - where anything can happen with your family and friends, where you come to terms with the potential of them not being around for much longer.
I know you have the Realm to take care of, Áine, and so do I - but I cannot do that whilst I am so restless, and the Realm will last as long as you do whilst your brother may have mere days. I believe you owe yourself some time away from here - that we should go and say our goodbyes to Owen. I would also like to stay with him until...
I try to blink away my tears, and I do so until my eyes begin to sting.
I'm sure people will understand me being away from a family emergency like this, but I'd also like to be there for Valravn. She may have stared death in the face over and over, but she does not feel as if she has an obligation to a master who mistreats her like in the past. She loves Owen as a friend, and as family. Her being an animal makes her no less susceptible to grief. She may feel things differently to us, but she has had to learn the emotions of humans in an attempt to get to know them better.
I wish we had known each other as children. I wish we could have grown up together. I wish we could have bickered with each other, and shared sweets and treats with one another. I wish we could have grown up laughing and crying together. I wish I could have been a teenage girl with an older brother to cry on when I became fearful or upset...but I suppose it is no good wishing. It is not about what could have been, it is about what has been, and what I have now.
"Valravn, I know this is difficult for you. I'm here for you if needed - always. So long as I am alive, and you are not confined to your orb, I am here for you."
The same to you, Áine. You have done so much for Owen that I owe you everything I could possibly owe you.
* * *
Owen
Twenty years after the Magic Realm was created
It still feels surreal to be retired. It feels even more surreal to be doing nothing and not stressing about doing nothing. It seemed many back at the Realm thought it tragic that I had to use the wheelchair that Eli made for me rather often, but for me, it was a lifesaver. I don't have much energy left these days, and thanks to Eli and his clever design and caring nature, I can still do a fair bit these days despite everything. Lydia and I often went on strolls, making the most of the spring sunshine before the weeks of rain came in.
We both spent so much of our younger years constantly working that Lydia and I were both grateful for the time we now had to actually do things couples would. Neither of us had much energy, but we had time - and that was enough.
Lydia had done everything she could to assist me, and I wish she could know just how truly grateful I am for her.
Some women stay with their husbands because they feel they have no choice in the matter, but I'm glad that Lydia and I are still very much in love with one another. I feared that the distance between us when I moved to Glimmerbrook and began my role as Sage would change our feelings for one another, but nothing could. It reminded me of what she used to call me in my youth - a word translating to one's heart and liver, someone you couldn't live without - and I felt the same way about her.
The trouble was...there would soon come a time where Lydia would have to live without me.
Simon had done all he can for me, and he'd been hard at work researching my issues so that he could find a cure or a treatment later on for others with my same condition. He often beat himself up for not being able to find the answer, but I had to keep telling him that medicine was rarely about immediate results. I told him to keep trying - it could take years to find answers, but he'd find them, so long as he didn't give up hope.
Sometimes, blood would randomly trickle from my nose, or my magic would crackle around me for a moment. I often had a tingling feeling all over, much as you'd get when overcharged, only I hadn't used my magic for months and months. For a few weeks now, I'd done nothing but stay in bed.
We wake up in the middle of the night, with Lydia seeming out of sorts.
"I don't know what I'm going to do without you by my side, Owen. It'll be like losing a part of myself."
I hold her face with my hand and gently stroke her cheek. Her tears trickle down my finger. It pains me to see her like this...
"I will always be a part of you, Lydia. You know that."
She puts her head to my chest and begins to sob. I put a hand to her shoulder and try to calm her, but it doesn't seem to be helping at all.
"I was hoping I would have longer with you, Owen. I'm sorry. I feel so childish."
"There's nothing childish about it, Lydia. I just want you to know that, whatever happens, I will always be with you. I love you. I always will."
"When you were ill all those years ago, I saved so many people. I just wish this was something that I could save you from as well. Losing a patient was never easy, and this is no different. I always feel like there was something I could have done."
"You've done everything you can, Lydia. You always have done. Please, don't blame yourself. I'm fortunate to have someone like you - always have been."
I don't bother to go back to sleep. I hold Lydia until her tears cease. She eventually falls asleep in my arms, with her head on my chest and her hand over my shoulder.
* * *
In the morning, whilst Lydia is downstairs, I'm visited by all of my children at once - and all of them with tears in their eyes. Perhaps the worst part of all of this is not what will happen to me. No, it is knowing how much it will devastate everyone I will leave behind.
"We have a message to pass on from Rowland. He says he misses your classes and hopes you are doing okay."
"That's kind of him. He's a kind young man."
"He's a good friend to us. He thinks the world of you, Father. You saved his life, after all."
Simon is sitting on the edge of the bed sobbing his heart out. He's done well as a physician, but he's still in his early days of the job, and hasn't yet mastered the finer aspects of balancing his emotions.
"I've done everything I can, Father. I'm sorry. I'm so, sorry. I should have-"
"Simon, please. This isn't your fault. Like I said, finding answers takes time. Be patient with yourself. Keep at it, and eventually, you will find what you're looking for. Even if you never find a cure, you may find a way to ease the symptoms. You never know. Progress is always the goal of this profession, son. You won't solve everything straight away."
Simon sighs to himself.
"I won't stop looking for answers, Father. I will try to put as much research into this as possible. I'll make this easier for everyone - I promise. Though I would like your permission on something...your book you were writing on science and magic and how they compliment each other. I'd like to build upon that. I think I may even be able to get it published at some point. I would of course credit you as well."
I'd spent so long working on that manuscript, and I hadn't expected to get it published or even finished in my lifetime. For Simon to finish it for me, well, I'd be more than happy.
"Of course, my son. Change whatever needs changing. That would be fine."
"Thank you, Father. I'm sorry. I wish I could be more like you, but I can't. It's embarassing. A physician shouldn't be so sensitive."
"There's nothing wrong with sensitive, Simon. It just means you're as caring for your patients as you are for your family."
"Your sister's right. You remind me of your uncle, and look at him now - thriving with a business and a family of his own."
Simon's siblings sit on the edges of the bed. Constance sits next to him and puts a hand on my shoulder.
"We wanted to thank you for everything you've done for us, Father. You've always looked after us, and we knoq that you didn't ever want to make us feel the way your father made you feel. Most other people like us, their fathers aren't so caring as you are."
"You never made me feel bad about not having magic, like what Samuel did to Eli. You made me feel like it wasn't all over for me because of it. I remember being so scared when Lord Volpe took you away. I'm so glad that..." Ophelia stalls and makes an awkward sound in her throat. "I'm so glad that it...didn't work out the way it was going to."
"I personally think it was pretty awesome that you killed Lord Volpe. He had it coming."
"August?! Is now the time?!"
"I'm just saying what everyone was thinking...and Father could do with a little light-heartnedness right now."
I can't help but chuckle. I won't pretend that I regret it. I don't regret it at all.
Eli
Twenty years after the Magic Realm is created
I had been preparing myself for countless years to eventually lose Owen. He'd been gradually slowing down over the years, and even though he was only in his sixties, he looked far older than that. Now, I believe he's closer than ever to leaving us.
I'd been so hyper-emotional for so long that I surprised myself with how well I held myself together upon visiting him. I didn't want him to worry about me. I hope that he isn't.
"I can't imagine how much it must have hurt to do what you did - to defy our father just for me. I know you loved him and thought the world of him, but you still did it. Both you and Oskar - you saved me from him. I'm only where I am today because of you."
"That's not true, Elijah. You're where you are today because you have always been such a talented young man. And of course I would have done what I did for you. I apologise, Eli...I was not always good to you, but you were always important to me. I wasn't going to let anyone do harm to you - even if it was Samuel."
Owen lets out a pained sound as he turns to face me.
"You can cry if you'd like, Eli. Please don't keep your emotions to yourself."
"How do you feel, Owen?"
His eyebrows raise.
"Grateful, Eli. To be surrounded by such good company, to have such a loving family, and to have done so much in the time granted to me. I didn't quite expect it to be so adventurous as it all was, but I have no regrets. I appreciate all of the time we've spent together, Eli. I've always thought the world of you."
I can feel my face aching with incoming tears. "As have I, dear brother. Thank you for everything."
Áine
Twenty years after the Magic Realm was created
"I often wish we were always siblings, Owen. I appreciate all the help you've given me as well as others, and I'm sorry for how awful I was to you when you tried to stop me from what I was doing. I said some horrific things that I just cannot take back..."
"There are no hard feelings, dear sister. I promise."
"I know you will go far, Áine - but I need you to have more faith in yourself. I know you have what it takes to make a long-lasting difference in the future, as you already have in the present. For as long as you live, remember that I will be keeping an eye on you, and I hope that you will remain an asset to magic-folk as you have been since you were young."
"I will, dear brother. Thank you for everything you've done - and I'll be sure to keep an eye on Eli as well."
"'Keep an eye on me? Áine, I'm in my forties!" he replies, with a forced chuckle.
"You could be in your four-hundreds for all I care, Eli. I won't stop keeping an eye on you - you know that."
Valravn is lying on his chest, and won't stop chirping at him, making sad sounds. I don't know what they are discussing with one another. All I know is that they both think the world of each other, and that I will have to keep an eye on Valravn after this to make sure she will be alright. I can't imagine how much this must hurt for the two of them...
Valravn
Twenty years after the Magic Realm was created
He's slipping away from me - I can feet it. Our mental connection is not stable. The only comfort is that, when it is stable, I can sense peace and comfort from him. He isn't so afraid as he was of death. Lydia sits on the edge of the bed, and looks down into the carpet. She gave him a kiss on the forehead as he slept, ruffled the feathers on my head, and then sat there, saying nothing.
I keep trying to get his attention. My body is trembling. The nervousness I felt when I lost Jonah is already setting in.
Owen...are you there?
I ask three or four times before he responds.
Valravn. What do you need?
Owen...was I a good familiar?
I sense a strong and loving sensation from him, and he slowly pets my back with the last of his energy.
You are the best familiar anyone could ever ask for. I ask one favour of you, Valravn...please take care of my family and the Magic Realm for me. Good luck picking one of my children to bind yourself to. I think they'd fight over it even in their twenties...I hope you know how much you have meant to me.
I nuzzle into his chest, and he lets out a little laugh.
I love you, Owen.
He runs his hand over my head and pats it, briefly opening his eyes.
I love you too, Valravn. Take care.
I remain in my place for the rest of the night, and there comes a point where I no longer feel the gentle rhythm of his breathing. There comes a time where my connection to him severs entirely. Lydia notes my discomfort. It takes everything in my power not to panic, but she holds me in her arms like one would hold a beloved cat, and she tries to calm my nerves.
"Don't you worry, Valravn. I know for a fact that he loved you dearly - just as we do. Please, try to be calm. We'll take care of you."
* * *
After some time of mourning and rituals, we bury Owen beside his daughter, Lucia. I hope that he may be united with her, if human beliefs in the afterlife are anything to go by.
Everyone looks so heartbroken. Owen meant so much to everyone, including myself. In all the time I've spent bound to him, I've enjoyed every second of it. His mind was sometimes a scary place to be, but he always treated me and his family with respect - nothing like most of my past masters.
I hardly move from his grave. I've been here for days, mourning him and pining from him. Everyone has kept a close eye on me, but Simon comes out here every evening to try and make me feel better, even in all his heavy grief.
Simon is incredibly similar to his uncle in terms of his emotional nature and his overflowing compassion. Without fail, he does this every day no matter how tired he may be after the working day is done.
Perhaps Simon might be a good choice to offer to bind myself to. He's a caring soul, and I could assist him with his work as a physician with my healing feathers. I may make that offer to him and see what he thinks.
Owen, wherever you are, know you are missed.
Owen
Twenty years after the Magic Realm was created
Everything is white. There's no sound, no wind, nothing. Could this be life after death? Does such a thing exist?
"Owen, my dear..."
I turn around to an empty chair.
"Please, son, sit here. You're exhausted. You can rest now. You can rest forever."
I gaze up to the figure that materialises in front of me.
"Mother? Mother, it's you. Good heavens, it's you... I've missed you so dearly."
"As have I, my son...I'm just glad that you were grey and wrinkled before you arrived. You've made made so proud, my sweetheart."
Liza was the kindest woman besides Lydia that I have ever known. To see her again is a blessing. It's still a lot to get used to. I don't know if this is the real afterlife, or the last of my consciousness giving me positive images in my mind before it well and truly ceases to function.
"Mother, what I did to Samuel - I don't have any regrets. I need to be honest with you. He deserved it."
She holds her elbow and looks down, her eyes glistening.
"I should have done more to protect you from him and Volpe. And my poor Eli - I wish I was there to protect him-"
"No, Mother - do not blame yourself. It was Samuel's fault. We feared if you did anything more, that he may have done to you what he did to Eli... Neither of us wanted you getting hurt. I have one more question, Mother. Do you know of my daughter, Lucia, who passed?"
I hear the sound of a baby babbling, and I'm immediately brought back to those precious days we got to spend with her before we lost her.
"Look over there."
There's a wooden crib not too far from here. Mother puts her arm over my shoulders and assists me over to it, and as I get closer, the baby's laughter grows louder. She appears to be waking from sleep.
If I could cry, I would be in floods of tears. It's her - it's my Lucia. After all these years without her, I have her back - I have my little daughter back at last.
"Lucia, my treasure, it's been far too long...Please, don't cry. You father is here now. You remember me, don't you? - though I look a little different to what you remember."
"Your younger siblings, they told me to say hello to you. So did your mother and your uncle - and they all love you very, very much."
She babbles at me and reaches out, her tiny fingers wrapping aroud my index finger. Whether this is the real afterlife or a figment of a dying brain, I pray this moment never ends.
"Lucia, my darling, I'm here now. I'm here and I'm never going away. Your father is never going to leave you, okay? You may never grow old the way your siblings did, but I am going to take care of you now. I've missed you so, so much, but I have you in my arms now."
Her little laughs feel my chest with a loving warmth. Her big, brown eyes stare into mine, a little smile across her face.
Don't worry, Lucia. Some day, your mother will be reunited with us both, and we will both take care of you. I'll never, ever let you go, my sweet little girl.
Áine
Twenty years after the Magic Realm was created
We had a gathering in memory of both Owen and Tsuna at the Magic Realm, which attracted most of the students. Lydia had come to me to apologise for what happened with my daughter, but I tell her that it was not her fault. She was trying to protect her, and Róisín would have potentially tried to help in a more dangerous way otherwise... I don't blame Lydia nor Reynold and haven't done for years. It was James Tanner's fault, and he was dealt with. I tell Lydia that I am there for her whenever she needs it.
However, this is not it for losing those who are dear to me. I have received a letter from Clementia, who states that Reynold does not have much time left at all. Clementia and I have taken him to Lunvik, at his request. Clem gently greet the wolves, who we find inside of the house when we arrive.
"Are you sure this is what you want, Reynold?"
He lets out a raucuous cough and a wheeze before he mumbles back to me.
"Yes, Áine...I know I don't have much longer left. I want to be amongst the wolves when I die. It's our way of giving back. You remember, don't you?"
I do, but it sound no less brutal. Still, if that is what he wants, then that is what we shall do.
Clem can't bring herself to say anything to him. They have both known each other since birth, and after over sixty years, they will finally be separated. As much as it pains me, I know it pains her more. Clementia is such a kind woman, but I fear she will become lonely after this.
I can't hold back my tears. Though we have not been together for a long time now, I have loved him no less than I did when we were partners. He means as much to me now as he did back then. I sense old feelings coming back to me, and I do everything in my power to subdue them.
"I can't apologise enough for blaming you for what happened to Róisín. I know it was me who was the reason you ended up on the cliff that day. I'm so, sorry, Reynold. I can't take back what I did. All I can do is say that I'm sorry. What happened to our daughter - it is not your fault. I should never, ever have blamed you."
Clem scowls at me and clasps a fist, soon releasing it and returning to her soft and downtrodden expression. Reynold lifts himself up a little, grunting in pain, and reaching a hand forward.
"Don't apologise, Áine. You already have - multiple times." His voice is hoarse and whispery. "I forgave you long ago. You listened to us eventually. You built the Realm and you put your energy to preserving the history of magic-folk and training the next generation."
"I won't pretend I'm not slightly afraid. I am likely the last of the Lunvinchenaîné...It's horrific to think about. That said - you know what makes me less scared for the future, Áine? I will see her again. I wonder how Róisín is faring in Lunvin's wilds...I'm sure they are looking after her there."
I reach my hand out to run it through his hair and quickly retract it.
"Reynold! Please, forgive me. I'm so sorry. I - I -"
"If it will comfort you, don't hold back," he says, in a soft and welcoming tone. He puts a hand against my cheek, and I feel a warmth in my stomach that I haven't felt for years. Now is not the time - no, now is not the time... but I can't hold back.
"You have always meant a lot to me, Áine, ever since we met. We've been through a lot together, and even though it eventually split us apart, we still stuck together in our own way. We may not be together any more, but I want you to know that I will always love you in some way or another."
My chest feels as if it's on fire. My tears won't stop streaming. Reynold has been a part of me for so long that losing him will be like losing a part of myself.
"Reynold, I will not let anyone forget the Lunvinchenaîné. I promise that to you."
The wolves watch intently. It's hard to tell if they have love in their eyes, but that's how it looks to me. I can't stop bawling on him. Reynold sits himself up and holds me in his lap, sobbing against his chest.
"You saved my life, Reynold. You took me in when I needed you most, and I don't regret a single day that I have spent with you. You were an amazing partner and an even better father. Thank you for everything you've ever done for me, and for helping me so much with our daughter. When you see her, please tell her how much I love her...and how sorry I am."
My hands trace his wrinkles, and his bloodshot eyes gaze into mine with an air of longing.
"Reynold, can I ask you something?"
"Of course. Anything you'd like."
I try to hold back my words, but I can't. I will never see him again in some time - I have to just say it.
"I know we are no longer together, and you can say no if you like - but would you be okay with one last kiss?
He's taken aback by the question, and his shock soon dissolves into tears. He softly takes my hand, brings me up onto the bed and presses his lips against my own.
For a moment, all of my grief disappears into nothing, grateful to be in Reynold's arms one last time. I've always felt like nothing could ever do me any harm in his embrace.
He slowly brings his lips away from my own, and smiles at me. "How was that for a last kiss?"
"Perfect - just like you, Reynold. You have been a wonderful friend and a wonderful partner, and much like you, I will always love you in my own little way."
"All I ask is that you don't dwell on me," he says. "If you find someone new and you fall in love with them, don't hold back. Let yourself be loved again - you deserve all the love the world is willing to give you. And let new friends in - you'll need them as much as you needed us. You'll go mad otherwise."
* * *
The night is cold, and Reynold is lying against a rock at an old mooncaster ruin, the wolves surrounding him. Clementia holds his hands and tries to stop her crying, but she can't.
"I'm going to miss you so much, dear brother. You truly have been with me since the very beginning of our lives, and a part of me hoped that I would not outlive you so I wouldn't have to see this moment. I'm so glad that we reconciled in our youth. My life would have been dreadful without you by my side, dear brother. Thank you for everything."
"And thank you, Clementia, for your understanding and forgiveness. I hope you realise just how strong and incredible you are. The people who come to the House of Friends are lucky to have someone so kind as you, my dear sister. I know you will miss me, but I kindly ask that you try to think of good memories. Try to keep in good spirits. I know it sounds difficult, but I want both of your memories of me to be of the good times we had together."
"I will do my best, brother. I hope that your rest is peaceful. Wolves, make sure you take care good care of him in the meantime, you understand? Make sure his last moments are comfortable."
The wolves give a raucuous bark-like sound in agreement.
"It's been a pleasure, Reynold. I'm incredibly grateful to have ever met you. It will hurt for many years without you by my side, but I will always remember all the good you've done me and everyone else. Reast in peace, my dear."
* * *
Clem and I take a walk around Lunvik. We don't hear the wolves howling yet; Reynold must not be dead just yet, but before we left, the wolves seemed to snuggle around him in an attempt to keep him warm. The two of us are utterly devastated, but we try to remember what Reynold said. We try to speak of good memories. One of the wolves accompanies us for a stroll, seemingly to comfort us both.
"I hope we can spend some more time together, Áine. Soon, this is going to grind me down, and I don't know if I'll be able to cope. For now, I'm only happy because Reynold told me to be - but it'll be difficult."
"I know, Clem. It'll be rough for the two of us," I say, trying not to cry. "You're the last of the Morgan family lineage now, but I don't want you to feel alone. You have me to talk to whenever you need to."
I open up her palm and place a glimmerstone into it. She looks into it curiously.
"Use this to transport to the Magic Realm. It's perfectly safe, I promise, but you can visit whenever you need someone to lean on, or cry on, or anything at all."
"I can already feel it seeping in," she replies. "I'm trying to fight it, I promise I'm-"
"I know Reynold wanted you to be happy, Clem, but you will have to allow yourself to mourn and grieve before you can heal and be happy. Let yourself cry, let yourself wish he was still alive, and then you can get to healing. Be patient with yourself. You've always been too hard on yourself, and now is not the time for that."
Clem gives me a tight hug, and I feel a wet warmth on my shoulder as she sobs into it. "You are the best friend anyone could ever ask for, Áine, but look after yourself as well. I know how much he meant to you, and I appreciate how much you did for him."
* * *
We bury Reynold besides his daughter in the hopes that they will find each other easier in Lunvin's wilds. Eli carves a memorial, for no charge at all, for the last of the Lunvinchenaîne, complete with some information on their kind and some thanks from the people that knew him. It pains me to know that I have seen an extinction, and I pray to the Sun and Moon alike that I will not see another in my lifetime. The lives, culture and the amazing things the mooncasters have done over the years will never be forgotten. I will keep their books and artifacts safe in the Magic Realm, and in my next version of the book of history I will come to write, I will make sure everything I know about them is included.
History will not forget either of you - my beloved friend and partner, my beautiful daughter. It hurts to know that you are now both just memories to me, but those memories will comfort me in the many years to come.
Reynold
Twenty years after the Magic Realm was created
This isn't what I was expecting at all. This gives me horrible, horrible memories... I don't want to be back here again.
Please, don't let this be the afterlife. I don't want to deal with them again. I don't want the night-wraiths back.
"Reynold - please, don't panic."
That accent. They're doing it again, but with someone totally different.
"Don't worry. You're safe now, Reynold."
"Don't be frightened. I know it looks a little strange, but-"
"You're doing it again, aren't you?! I didn't join you the first time and I won't do it the second! You're not going to hassle me for the rest of eternity! Back off, night-wraith! Stop disguising yourself as the people I care about! I know it's not Oskar!"
"What? What are you - night-wraith? It's me, Oskar! Who else would it be? Has it been that long since I died that you have no idea who I am?"
"No - but it's not been long enough since I last died to remember how much your kind messed with me!"
"Father! Stop!"
Her voice freezes me in place. I've been longing to hear it for over twenty years. Please, don't be a night-wraith, please...
Róisín steps forward, with a panicked expression. Seeing her again fills me with immense joy and equally-as-immense guilt. Seeing her like this...
"Róisín, my dear, would you please talk some sense into your father? He's acting rather strange."
"Father, we aren't night-wraiths! It's us! It's me, Róisín, your daughter!"
I have no way to tell whether or not they are telling the truth, but illusion or not, I can't pull myself away - not from my own daughter. If it really is her, then I can't just walk away.
In the hopes that my wishful thinking is proven correct, I don't back away.
"Róisín - I'm sorry. Sorry does not make up for what I did, but I want to apologise for how much I let you down. I was trying to protect you. You deserved better."
"No, please, Father, don't say such things! It wasn't your fault. You and Lydia tried to protect me. It was the witchfinders' fault - no-one else's. All you and Mother have ever done was try to protect me. I saw what happened with Mother...I'm glad you and the others talked her out of what she was doing. I didn't want her to be wrapped up in revenge for my sake. I love her. I want her to be happy."
"I know you do, sweetheart. Don't worry. She's enjoying teaching magic in the realm she created."
Róisín laughs and smiles. "Mother always was clever, wasn't she? Creating her own little world...oh, how I would have loved to go there."
I grab my daughter into an embrace, and I don't want to let her go. I never want to let her go again.
"Róisín, I have longed to see you for so long. I was quite afraid of death, but the only thing stopping me from being afraid was knowing I would see you again..."
"I've missed you too, Father. I do not want to say I am glad you are dead, but I am glad that you are here. It's just a shame that the stories of Lunvin's wilds turned out to be a kind tale to comfort the dying...but it's okay. You're here with me now. You may be the last of our kind, but I know Mother will keep us in the history books for as long as she lives."
"She will, my sweetheart. She will never forget either of us. We can watch over her together."
"Well, now everything is cleared up, I think it's a good time to catch up, don't you? Don't worry. Your daughter's been safe with me. I welcomed her here, the same way I welcomed you."
"Thank you as always, Oskar. I hope you know how much everyone misses you in the living world."
"As much as I miss them, I imagine... but at least you can rest easy now, Reynold. You've led a busy life, and now it's time to do as little as you like for the rest of time. Enjoy yourself."
Katlego
Thirty years after the Magic Realm was created
Eli and Daniel worked incredibly hard to bring us statues of the first ever Sages of the Magic Realm, which we have completed with glowing orbs of magic. Aren't they lovely?
"Look at how youthful I am here. Wonderful, isn't it? Don't I look regal and menacing?"
"Yes, Mother - which is why you should retire now before you end up looking feeble and menacing."
" No."
"What do you mean, 'no'? You're an old lady! You should be doing what old ladies do - like crochet or screaming at the youth of today!"
"Moeti, my son, you need to understand something important. I am privileged to have led as long a life as I have. I may even be lucky enough to die peacefully in my sleep of nothing more than old age. Many people are taken much younger than I am, my son. I'm making the most of the time that is given to me and I will keep teaching until my time is up."
"Mother, you've always been the same since I've known you and both Ellie and Áine agree with me. You refuse to rest. It's not good for you! I know you feel privileged to have led a long life - but you've worked hard enough to earn a rest, don't you think? I mean, I think I'm capable enough to take over from you."
I cannot get it into his head, can I? I feel lucky that I am still here. Why would I want to waste the last years of my life doing absolutely nothing?
"It is not a question of your capability, Moeti. It is simply a question of making the most of these golden years, that's all." Have a little faith in your mother, will you?"
"Which one?"
"Very funny. Moeti."
"Well, you said it yourself - you'd always take Ellie's advice over your own because she looks after you. So go and ask her - I bet she'll agree with me. In fact, I bet ten Simoleons on it."
"Fine, then. I hope you're ready to cough up your coins, then."
* * *
Áine and Ellie are in the staffroom. She's trying to console Áine, it seems. She's tearful a lot of the time as of late. It's around the anniversary of Reynold's death, after all. I miss him. He was always such a caring man. Didn't have a bad bone in his body.
"I'm so sorry to interrupt you both, but Ellie, Moeti has a question. Do I work too hard?"
"Yes."
"And should I consider slowing down?"
"Yes!" the two of them say in unison.
"Excellent! Now I owe Moeti ten Simoleons!"
"For what?"
"Never mind."
"Kat, you need to think about your future. You've done enough for everyone else's - now think of yourself for once in your life, my darling! Just once!"
"If I may say a few things?"
Her voice is unsteady.
"Yes, Áine."
"Kat, you were one of the first friends I ever made in Henford. You took me in when I needed you most, you looked after me whilst I was pregnant. Goodness, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have known until it was incredibly obvious. You have done nothing but good for everyone in this country, and you need to give yourself rest and reward yourself. I promise, you've done enough. You more than deserve time to yourself to enjoy your later years with relaxation. If you won't listen to Moeti or Ellie, then please, listen to me. I know I'm going to lose you at some point, and if I do, I want it to be because you died peacefully, not because you made yourself sick from overexertion."
Áine's words grasp at both my memories and my heartstrings. She's always been such a sweet woman. I don't like to see her so upset. Her tears burgeon until she's crying into her hands.
"Áine, my friend, please don't cry. I owe you thanks, also - you stood up to both Tsuna and Gideon for my sake, and you were one of my first good friends in Henford as well, even if we were apart for many years. Even in those times, I've never forgotten all that you've done for me. But you too need to try and rest. You work too hard around here. You're being battered by grief, memories that aren't yours, years of terrible events circling through your mind...You owe yourself the same grace you give everybody else."
She gets to her feet and moves to give me a hug, but quickly backs away.
"Oh, Katlego... I love you too much. I love you too much to let you suffer. Don't worry about me - I'll be fine."
"Well, now you sound like me."
I grab her by the shoulders.
"Áine, I have a proposition."
"I will rest if you rest. Until my final day, we will try to find time to have some good time together for as many days as we can. And I'll retire. Moeti can take care of the Mischief classes - he offered to do so. How does that sound?"
Aine tuts and laughs. "So you're roping me into this, are you?"
I give her a beaming smile. "Absolutely."
* * *
During our times of mutual fun and rest, Áine and I got up to allsorts.
First off, we had a small contest between each other on who could cast the best spell. We got the students to vote. Of course, they voted mine as best - I turned her green and hideous for a week. She's forgiven me since... I think.
We strolled the Realm together and spoke of good memories, including making Gideon drink a witch's urine and Samuel Annorin's famous embarassment at his celebration.
The more time we spent together and took time for ourselves, the more I realised the years were catching up to me. Everything ached, I had less and less energy, and eventually, we took to doing less intense activities, like simply staring into the sky or reading together.
* * *
"Well, well? What's this? Katlego Anansi listening to advice?"
"Mother, I really think you should just let me take over as Sage. I know what I'm doing. I think."
"I don't doubt that at all, Moeti, but...to tell you the truth, I'm not ready to hand that title over just yet."
"Agh! Why are you so stubborn, Mother? You took me in when I had no-one. The least you could do is let me return the favour! Any other parent would kill to have a son like me."
"I'll have you know that I am the only Sage who has never killed anyone for any reason."
"Kat!"
"You see, Moeti, I rather like being the Sage. It's good fun. You are welcome to take the title from me if you must, but I'm not willing to give it up until..."
Moeti gives me a sad stare, and I immediately feel awful.
"I know it will happen eventually, but I don't want to lose you or Ellie. You both raised me as your own, even when I wasn't the best-behaved child. When I was very young, I often thought about who my 'real parents' were...but when I was a bit older, I realised that what happened to them, well... I shan't say it. That, and my real parents are the ones who took me in and raised me and gave me a chance I wouldn't have had otherwise."
"No Mischief child is a well-behaved child, my son! The clue is in the name. Moeti, you know that I will be guiding your every move, don't you? I will always be by your side in one way or another." I look around to Áine. "The same goes for you too, you know. Tsuna, Owen, and eventually, me - we'll all be keeping an eye on you. You will never be without us. You understand?"
Áine places her hand gently on my arm. "I understand. You have a beautiful soul, Kat."
* * *
As the weeks go on, I don't have it in me to keep up my daily fun activities with Áine. Ellie has not moved from my side. Áine has a lot on her plate at the moment, but I know she will understand. I do feel for her; it may seem a good thing that her life is much longer than it should be, but she will be frozen in her late thirties her entire life. She will never find the closure and freedom that you find in your later years.
"You're doing it again."
"Doing what?"
"Gazing longingly into my eyes," she says, chuckling and flicking my hair out of my face. "You look exactly as you did when you first met."
"And you look just as beautiful as you did when we first met, Ellie. Why would I look at you any different now?"
I stroke her cheek and she giggles at me, lying her head on my chest.
"I don't like thinking about getting exiled from Henford, but if it hadn't have happened, then I never would have met you, my love. You changed everything for me. You saved me, and you saved Nia...I miss Nia."
"I'm sure she misses you too, Kat..."
I hope that she will return to me in the afterlife. I'm surprised she lived the long life that she did.
Thirty years after the Magic Realm was created
Three-hundred years after the Magic Realm was created
The Peteran and Jacoban religions did not survive into the modern day, dissolving about one hundred and fifty years ago. The Muddled rules and morals of both religions and lessening belief in the Watcher in a growing age of science and reason led to both of them becoming obsolete in Henford. Whilst many still believe in the Watcher, there isn't much of a religion surrounding it outside of wishing upon the Watcher and asking for Their blessing.
