Epilogue

EPILOGUE

I t's only a few days later and I'm standing in the town square, surrounded by a sea of monster folk, as I have taken to thinking of them, and I can't stop grinning. If you'd told me a week ago that I'd be getting married to an orc in a hidden magical village, I'd have asked what you were smoking. And then I would have slowly slipped out the door. But here I am, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Elowen stands before us, her eyes twinkling with ancient wisdom. Draped in robes adorned with mystical symbols, she clears her throat and the crowd falls silent.

"Dearly beloved monsters, mythical beings, and ... human," she says with a wink in my direction. "We are gathered here today to witness the binding of Thokk and Zoe."

I squeeze Thokk's hand, my heart racing. He looks down at me, those amber eyes full of love, and whatever nerves I may have had melt away.

"Somehow the hand of fate, with a little nudge perhaps has brought her here to us, and to Thokk. You both have opened our eyes to what is possible for Fablewood, and I believe I speak for all – or almost all -when I say we are grateful. And we are glad to welcome you, Zoe, to our town."

There's a chorus of "Huzzahs!" from the crowd. I spot Kalen giving me a thumbs up, while Koda pretends to wipe away a tear. Big softy.

"So," Elowen continues, "Under the eyes of the ancients, and the all-that-is, I now pronounce you orc and wife! Thokk, you may kiss your bride. Try not to squish her."

Thokk doesn't need to be told twice. He scoops me up, and as our lips meet, I feel a warmth spread through my chest. I look down to see my claiming mark kitty cat suddenly filling in with vibrant color. Swirls of deep red and purple dance across my skin, while flecks of gold shimmer in the sunlight."

"Wow!" I gasp.

Now it's really cool.

"Well, would you look at that," Elowen muses. "Guess it's official now, folks!"

The crowd erupts in cheers as Thokk sets me down. He looks at me with those amber eyes that I've grown to love so much.

"This is the happiest day of my life," he rumbles. "The only thing that would make it better is ..."

Suddenly, there's a commotion at the edge of the gathering and the crowd makes a hole for a new arrival. A clear ‘meow' cuts through the noise, before the little beast comes into view. and I watch Thokk's eyes go wide.

"Othrix!" he calls out.

Sure enough, the tabby cat saunters into view, looking like he doesn't have a care in the world. But he's not alone. Trailing behind him is a rather pretty calico.

Elowen's eyebrows shoot up. "Well, well, well. I don't recognize this little lady at all. Othrix, you sly dog... er, cat. Where have you been off to, hmm?"

Othrix just meows innocently, curling around Thokk's legs.

I can't help but laugh. "Looks like someone else has found their happily ever after as well."

Thokk scoops up both cats, cradling them both gently. "Welcome home, STB," he murmurs, as he busies himself raining soft kisses on Othrix's head."

"You must be the most lovable orc in all the land Thokk."

He hands me the little calico as we embrace. "I love you, Zoe Bennet."

"And I love you Thokk. Now and forever."

The crowd erupts into another cheer, as we nuzzle together, cats pressed between us. I feel a warmth bubble up inside me. I couldn't have ever imagined any of this, and yet there is not a single thing I would change. As we stand hand and hand, with our cats held close, I can't hardly wait for whatever will come next. I have no idea what kind of adventures Fablewood has in store for us, but I'm sure ready to find out.