Epilogue

Paige waved through the blacksmith’s door at Terry, and he jogged up to her, looking pleased.

“Paige, I was just thinking about you.”

“Oh, there’s been so much going on, Terry. You wouldn’t believe it.”

“I think I would. A few of my friends came here yesterday. They told me all about you.”

“You mean you know?”

He nodded. “I’m glad you’re alright.”

“Well, that’s thanks to you. Your present saved my life.”

He did a smile, hands sliding into his pockets almost shyly. “How’s the girl doing?”

“Mallory? She’s fine. She’s back in classes, she’s catching up.”

“That’s good. I heard you got a special badge.”

“Aw,” Paige went, for once being the one to blush among them. “Yes, that.”

“The High Priest must be very proud of you.”

“It was nice to get it.”

“And have everyone in the temple clapping for you? I should think so.”

Paige thought of her project back in her cubicle, finally completed, with the badge of exceptional behavior sewn under her name. Before she put it up in her doorway, she planned to bring it back and show it to her parents and brothers.

“There’s going to be a funeral for Faith tomorrow, in the morning.”

“I heard about that.” He lifted one pretty black brow. “Are you going to be there?”

“I don’t see why I shouldn’t.”

“Alright.”

Paige gazed up at him, hesitant for a second. “Would you, uh, like to come, Terry?”

“To the funeral?”

“I just thought I’d like it if you were there with me and my friends.”

“Oh, of course.” He flashed a beautiful smile for her, and Paige’s initial nervousness fell away.

“I know it’s not the most positive occasion …. ”

“No, it doesn’t matter. Thanks for inviting me.”

“Right. So I’ll see you tomorrow? It’s right after breakfast.”

“Alright.”

“Wait for me outside the sundial.”

He laughed. “Sounds familiar.”

Paige thought for a moment, then remembered their very first private talk. “I suppose it does.” She cocked her thumb behind her. “Until tomorrow, Terry.”

He bowed his head, raven locks curling down into his eyes. “Until tomorrow, Paige.”

- - -

Gilraen : Ah, it's finally over. So sad. I'm the kind of person who reads very much into things, and I think I liked a lot of the theories and stuff that you brought up. I like people like that because they make me think.

Anyway, you've been great, and I would never want to get rid of you! You've been a really great reader, and I can't wait to post something up again, though it might be a while because I am so busy. Hopefully in a few months. I'll be back, love ya, and take care!