Chapter Twelve: Goodbyes
Justin was asked to say
his speech first, and Valkin translated for the few elves there that didn’t
know the human language. Justin began after clearing his throat.
“Well, I’m not really
sure what to say about this whole affair; except that I am pretty glad it’s
over.” There were scattered chuckles, so Justin grinned amiably and continued.
“I would like to say that it has been a very good experience, and I am very
pleased to have known and been able to assist Shetta and Glevanne, and Valkin.
Not to mention Dusak and Vinea as well as all the other secret aides of the
princess and my friends. I feel honored to be able to say that I know these
great elves, and was actually able to help them.”
He stopped again to
catch his breath, and there was applause. Justin bowed, and then continued,
turning to Valkin, the newly crowned king, Shetta and Glevanne, in a blissful,
happy state, Dusak and Vinea, proud helpers of the king, and lastly to his
siblings.
“It has been the most
wonderful adventure in my life to be able to come along side these elves, and
with the help of my siblings, free this land from its worst enemy. I know that
if any more things like this happen, although we will all hope that it never
will, then ye can surely count on us to help again.” He walked over to Valkin,
and gripped his hand firmly.
“I feel it a great
honor to have known ye, Valkin. Ye have been a good and loyal friend, and I am
sure that if anyone would deserve this throne it is ye. I hope ye’ll never lose
it until ye have a worthy son to give it to.” Valkin returned Justin’s hand shake,
but before Justin knew what happened, enveloped him in a hug.
“I could not have
conquered this throne without your help.” He replied huskily as he let the
surprised Justin go. Justin gave him a quick nod, feeling the tears start
stinging his own eyes. Before anyone could see them, he told Duncan it was his
turn. Duncan stood, his hands rolling and unrolling his napkin nervously.
“I also am glad to have
been able to help Valkin conquer the throne, and Shetta and Glevanne get
married.” He said, slightly red in his face. “I would say more things about them;
all the things they did to help us complete our mission, but I’m not as good a
talker as Justin.” He stopped, and hung his head sheepishly. “But, all Justin
said, it’s the same for me. ‘T was an honor to know all ye elves, and an even
greater honor to know Valkin and the princess and Glevanne. They’ve been the best
of companions, and I could not have asked for better.” He quickly turned and
shook hands with Valkin. “I’ll miss ye.” He said simply, but Valkin hugged him
anyways.
“I’ll also miss you,
Duncan. As with your brother, I never could have done it without you, you’ve
both been great friends, and I’ll never forget it.” Mary now stepped forward as
if on signal.
“I’m also not a very
good speaker.” She said, smiling gently around at the elves. “But it has been a
great honor to come here, and it makes me so happy to see the fruits of our
work.” She gestured around the room. “I see all elves wearing happy smiles
instead of worried frowns. I see merriness, where once was sorrow. I see Shetta
and Glevanne married, instead of being kept apart by a man for his own good. I
see a king that is sure to rule his subjects wisely and well.” She paused. “Never
have I felt so glad to help, and never have I been so willing to be home
again.” Applause was given as Mary turned to the new king, an anxious look on
her face. “Ye will be kind to them?” she asked. Valkin shook her hand heartily.
“I promise.” He
replied. Mary smiled.
“It really has been,
not just an honor, but a pleasure to have known ye.” She said, retuning his
handshake with a firm grip. “I’ll never forget my adventure here, and I’ll never
forget any of ye elves.” Valkin smiled.
“And I won’t forget our
adventure or you humans either.” He said, his eyes twinkling. Mary laughed.
“I’m not sure whether
to take that as a compliment or not!” she exclaimed. Valkin grinned.
“Whichever will give
you the most pleasure.” He said. Mary turned back to her brothers with a sigh.
“We should probably
go.” She said. Valkin nodded.
“Yes, Felin has agreed
to escort you back to your stone circle. You know the way back to your home
from there?” Mary smiled, yes, she knew. Those woods she had been practically
living in since she was a toddler. Valkin understood the smile, and beckoned
the elf closer. Mary gasped slightly in surprise. Felin, the once almost
fearsome creature, was now a perfectly nice elf. His beard was gone, and his
clothes were no longer ragged. He didn’t look as if he would die of starvation
or prison filth. Felin smiled when he felt her stare.
“I look a lot better
now?” he asked quietly. Mary blushed, realizing she had been staring.
“I’m sorry.” She said
hastily. “But ye gave me such a turn! Ye are different.” The elf threw back his
head with a merry laugh at the expression on the human’s faces.
“There’s nothing like
having a set of good meals and a change of clothes after a long, hot bath to
change an elf that spent a long time in prison.” He said after recovering
somewhat. Mary smiled.
“I am very glad to have
you healthy again.” She said, still a little timidly. Felin returned her smile.
“Me too.” He said.
“Shall we go?” Mary nodded.
“Aye. I can’t wait to
see Mother and Father again.” A wave of homesickness swept over the humans, and
after another goodbye, Felin led them back to the stone circle.
As they parted from Felin
with one last round of handshakes, Mary turned to the elf.
“Let us come back
again.” She said, pleadingly. The elf nodded and a glint of mischief appeared
in his eyes.
“How is Valkin going to
rule without you?” he asked, as a way of reply. Mary raised her eyebrow.
“Soon?” she asked.
Felin’s eyes met hers and stayed there while he thought carefully about his
answer.
“I hope so.” He said.
The human’s left the
circle, and at the edge of the clearing, Justin turned to say one last goodbye
to Felin, but he was gone. He sighed heavily.
“I miss home, but I
miss the elves too. Will we ever see them again?” Mary looked ahead at the
cheery lights of home, and smiled.
“I don’t know, but
right now, I think home is the best place for me!” Justin and Duncan looked at
her. She cocked an eyebrow at them. “Race?” she asked. Grinning, the boys
nodded, and away the three siblings flew toward home.
THE
END
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