Daughter of Dusk
Epilogue: A Symbol of Memory

One month later . . .

Blaire stands with me just outside the main square. It was a space that wasn’t acting as anything useful, so, with collaboration with the island, it’s been cleared out, and is now a lovely clearing filled with the softest, greenest grass imaginable. Our Headquarters is in the process of being built too, and should be finished in the next few months. But that is not why we’re here today.

I’ve been coordinating with Teagan all month about a small addition I wanted to make to the city. A landmark, one that will be enjoyed by everyone on the island. And finally, today is the day we can bring such a thing to Kera.

She stands in the field, part of a circle made up of ten or so Earth Wielders, giving me a thumbs up.

I stand with my back to them, facing the crowd, and Blaire steps into the front row next to Mychal. It wasn’t mandatory for the entire island to show, so the crowd is small, but I’m happy they’re sharing this moment with me.

“Thank you all for being here today. As the new leader of Kera, this was an addition I wanted to make to the island right away, and I’m eternally grateful to Teagan and the other Earth Wielders for helping me bring this vision to life.”

I’m quiet for a few moments as I play with Soren’s amulet between my fingers. “This is something that means a lot to me. As some of you know, I – I lost a dear friend recently.” I take a breath. “His name was Soren, and he was a kind, selfless, wonderful soul who would have loved this place. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. And . . . he is no longer with us, but that does not mean he is gone. And so, I wanted to create a symbol of his memory, here, on the island, so that his kindness and love will never be forgotten.”

I turn, nodding at Teagan.

She and the other Earth Wielders close their eyes and slowly lift their arms in unison. At first, the ground shakes beneath us, and for a moment, I worry that something has gone wrong. But those anxieties quickly wash away as I watch a tree grow to life before my very eyes.

It starts out small, spiralling higher and higher into the sky in a matter of seconds, creating a thick brown trunk with intertwining roots that nestle into the ground. Several branches spring from the top of the trunk, with silvery leaves enveloping the branches as they cascade to the ground. It fills the space with gentle grace, with a presence that only a willow could bring.

Warmth sparks in my heart as I cover my mouth with a smile, and I watch the tree come to life before my eyes. It’s just as beautiful as the one in Zala; just as grand and powerful. I know Soren would love it if he were here.

I turn back to the small crowd as their applause echoes through the area.

I lift a hand, and silence covers the space once more. “This is a willow tree.” I look down, smiling to myself as the past comes rushing back to me, before looking to the crowd once more. “This gentle giant was something of immeasurable value to Soren, and myself too. It was a place that provided us joy, peaceful solitude, or anything that our souls may have needed. I treasure my memories attached to the willow, and I hope the same could one day be said for all of you.”

The small crowd erupts into applause again, and I turn back to the willow. It sways lightly in the breeze as the curtain of leaves breaks in a few places, revealing a hint of the secrets within its branches.

A tear rolls down my cheek as I smile, and the warmth in my heart spreads to the very tips of my fingers.

Soren, I miss you every day. I know you would have loved this place. The blue sky, the colour, all of it. But I know you’re still here. You’re still alive in my heart, in the amulet, and now in the willow too. A part of you will always exist in this world.

I promise I’ll always be your memory, and I look forward to the day I get to see you again, whenever that may be.

But for now . . . I’ll see you later, love.