6 years later…

  Shortly after the 422nd Grand Magic Tournament, a new guild was abruptly established in the wake of the full disbandment of the Oronia Liberation Force.

  The Kalikori Temple, the old guildhall being completely remodeled and remade with dark red bricks and boards. Another design choice that Cole objected to, but again Juni respected his opinion however ignored it all the same. Yet they both agreed to the retirement of his bow, as it now mounted over the fireplace on the first floor.

  Akina provided most of the funding as she had a saloon in the town of Rullide, where the O.L.F. had originally been located.

  Lodell had opted for an early retirement as he was nearing two hundred, but was welcomed on as a partner and co-master to the guild.

  The Village of Garnet:

  A small settlement neighboring Serene and near the base of the Snowtop Mountains. One of the few villages that was spared Krayt’s wrath many years ago, and far enough away from the Dark Guild remnant fortresses that had lingered but now stood abandoned. It was only about an hour long carriage ride to Rullide.

  The people of Garnet were very much the same. Simple country folk who lived slow honest lives. Most were younger folk starting to settle down or the occasional wanderer who became entranced by the beauty of its many flowers and forgetting their troubles and staying.

  In a burrow of their own, dug out of a hill by hand and all the supports and internal construction made by Cole and his fellow neighbors. Sakura had her nursery and room made as well, all of it planned by Juni and Xylia.

  It was a gentle spring morning as a soft breeze blew in through an open window as Cole and Juni lay in bed in their room, the day a quiet one.

  The pitter patter of small feet rapidly approaching their bedroom door, as it was pushed open. A young child giggling as she crawled into her parent’s bed waking them both from a night out with Eugene and Akina.

  Both parents smiling hazily as Cole wrestled their daughter only make her more giddy and laugh more. Juni rising and slipping on her glasses she scooped the young girl into her arms with a smile.

  “You seem to be full of energy this morning, my little blossom.” Juni smiled, tapping her daughter’s nose and making her giggle.

  “I wanna go explore today!” Sakura exclaimed happily, making Juni raise an eyebrow as Cole chuckled inturn.

  “Definitely the adventurous type, something your mother takes after.” He said, as he finally sat up confusing the young child while making Juni roll her eyes.

  “Cmon little blossom, let’s get you changed for the day and some breakfast, then we’ll see about exploring.” Juni said, scooping Sakura up again as she kicked her feet happily and giggled giddily.

  Cole watched them leave, so many emotions still swelled up even now. He still could feel that question he always found himself asking, turning over in the back of his mind once again. Secretly praying this wasn’t the day, quickly shaking these thoughts from his mind he climbed out of bed to get ready for the day as well.

  Finding his wife in the kitchen and adjoining dining room, as she set down a bowl of porridge for Sakura. As she returned to the kitchen to pour herself some coffee he wrapped his arms around her from behind and held onto her.

  Taking her hand in his and kissing her ring finger gently.

  “You okay?” Juni asked, appreciating the affection but still a little concerned.

  “Just happy to have this.” He whispered, as she turned in his arms, offering him her cup of coffee.

  “Relax. Be here, and don’t worry.“ she said assuredly, Cole accepting the coffee as he took a sip, Juni now getting another for herself.

  After eating and getting Sakura changed, they were headed out of a large acreage of woods. Sakura loved it out here, running giddily to her favorite spot, a large clearing. Picking up a stick she randomly found she was off and in her own world, she ran and jumped up on a large rock playing some imaginary game, before leaping off again and running around some more. Both parents watching her and smiling, happy they were able to just have time like this.

  But even this genuine moment of serenity, Cole could still feel them. They were well hidden but he could still fell their lingering aura. Iris and Faye keeping their distance for Juni’s sake, but they were never too far away.

  As for Tigress he could not feel her anywhere near, and he hadn’t for six years. But he knew she was still around, she was just better at keeping her distance. Though she was no doubt keeping a close eye on the assassin who had come all this way for him.

  For Juni she had her own worries, she could feel it everyday, and had been for the last six years. It was very subtle, she moved a little slower, her migraines were more frequent, her eyes hurt more often. But in the last year or so, there had been days where she couldn’t get out of bed.

  For all of Faye’s knowledge and experience, even she couldn’t help, and not wanting to get anyone official involved.

  “You feeling alright..?” Cole asked softly, looking her way with a slight worry still lingering in his expression.

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  “I’ll be fine, stop worrying.” Juni said softly, assuring him with a nod only to make him exhale through his nose.

  “We do need to visit Rullide tomorrow. I know Lodell is a patient man and doesn’t mind tending to the guild, even if it’s only Aaron, Taiga, Iris and Faye right now. But he’ll still expect me to be a present guild master.” Cole said, looking out at Sakura as she crawled up on a fallen log and balanced herself as she walked along it.

  Juni watched as well, feeling her heart momentarily flutter as the young girl leapt down from high up. But she remained fearless as she scurried forward to a hollowed out tree trunk now, waving her stick around at imaginary foes and claiming victory in her made up castle now.

  “We should stop by Serene, I’m sure my mother would adore a day to take both of the kids out.” Juni pitched, Cole chuckling some at this.

  “Can’t argue with that.” He agreed, bodding his head side to side some.

  They watched their daughter a little longer as she continued on playing and exploring more of the area. Cole could especially feel it in her even for her age. Her aura was very strong and flowed through and around her naturally.

  “We need to start taking steps, otherwise her dreams could become something that she won’t be able to fully control.” Cole cautioned, Juni looking to him with some slight disappointment.

  “We will. But for now, let’s enjoy the day we have. I think they’re having a local flower festival going on for the week.” She said, changing the subject as he smiled regardless.

  “That sounds like an excellent idea. Just as long I’m with you two.” He said softly, looking her way opting not to press her further.

  “Alright then, it’s decided. You get to wrangle her in.” She teased, making him chuckle again.

  “Cmon squirt, time to go!” He called out affectionately, calling her by one of many little nicknames thy called Sakura.

  Sakura whirling around being called back, her look of curiosity quickly turned to mischief as she took off again, her father couldn’t help but laugh as he gave chase. Juni sighing but couldn’t help but smile at this. Very quickly he caught and scooped her up, she squirmed playfully and giggled in his arms.

  “We’re gonna see the village flower festival, of course none compare to you, little blossom.” He teased, tapping her, making her wave his hand away and huffed a little.

  “Only if I get snacks.” Sakura said, making Cole snort as he carried her over to Juni.

  “I’m sure your mother wouldn’t mind getting some treats while there.” Cole replied, looking Juni’s way as she merely rolled her eyes as Sakura was once more giddy.

  Taking both her parents hands they all three left the woods and headed for the village square. Cole got Sakura some cotton candy that was being made, everyone putting their best grown flowers on display as Sakura was absolutely entranced by all the bright and beautiful colors, her eyes unable to take them all in.

  Juni and Cole just happy they were able to enjoy this life together and bring their own bundle of joy into the world, this was real for them. The last six years had been theirs and theirs alone, the memories they made were real and not one moment was wasted on staying angry over something simple that could easily be remedied. This life was theirs.

  By the time the festival began to end, Cole, Juni and Sakura were headed home again. Sakura excitedly giggling at her flower crown she had made.

  Juni made a simple home cooked meal for dinner, one of Sakura’s favorite dishes, Cole was playing with her in the living room. The kind of evening that was almost routine, eating together and then Cole taking care of dishes while Juni gave her night bath. Before bed she was allowed one hour of television, as all three sat on the couch together and let her choose which channel.

  Soon Sakura’s eyes were getting droopy and asleep before she knew it, both parents chuckling at this, Juni carefully lifting her and carried her to her room to tuck her into bed. Cole stood in the doorway as he couldn’t help but smile at this. This is all he wanted, just the simple things and beautiful days with his family.

  “They’re closer than normal.” Juni commented, her tone soft as to not disturb sakura’s sleep.

  “I know, I’m going to talk to them now.” He whispered assuredly, Juni sighing softly yet kissing him regardless.

  “Don’t be too long.” Juni said simply, as she turned to head for their bedroom.

  Cole exhaling through his nose, he gently closed Sakura’s door, leaving it just cracked open enough. He now headed out the back door and into the little patio garden, opening the back gate and heading out beyond the border of the village.

  Away near the mountain’s edge they waited, a small campfire burning and a small tent were the only indication of them having made their camp here. Both Elves waiting by the fire as they dropped their hoods on their cloaks.

  “What’s got you this close? Need me for something?” He asked as he joined them.

  “No, just wanted to let you know we’ll be taking Taiga and Aaron into the dungeons for an expedition.” Iris said simply, meeting his eyes as he sighed softly. “just figured it was better you knew ahead of time.” She added, her voice more absent.

  “Thank you sis. We’re headed to the guild tomorrow as well. We’re dropping Sakura off to visit Xylia in the morning.” Cole said softly, relaxing some now. But his attention shifted quickly to Faye “Faye? Are you alright with this?” He asked his former mentor.

  “I’ve raised my concerns and said my piece. I will not go argue again, not here.” Faye said, at last meeting his gaze before letting out a frustrated sigh. “Just be safe in your travels.” She added, bidding him farewell.

  Iris immediately pouring a pale of water into the fire pit, Faye up and grabbing the tent as she pulled it in one fell swoop into a pouch on her hip. Cole still was mesmerized by their own craft of magic still.

  “Darkness magic is often misinterpreted, as I said long ago. Incase you forgot.” Iris reminded him, though her tone held a faint bit of sarcasm and mischief in her eyes.

  “How could I forget?” Cole responded back smartly, yet he smile and hugged them both. “Be careful down in the pits, come back safe as well.” He added semi-serious.

  “I’ve found more wild dungeons in Faydark than any will ever experience. Though the death forest came close.” Faye remarked, though being somewhat honest.

  “We’ll be alright little brother. Just take care of your family.” Iris added, as they both left disappearing from view beyond the hundreds of trees clustered together.

  Cole sighing to himself, he quickly returned home, Juni was already asleep. Slipping into bed and wrapping his arms around her, she momentarily murmured and stirred. Taking his hand into hers she kissed his ring finger, his ring spear on the same hand on his pointer finger.

  Resting his head against her shoulder as he nestled into her back, he didn’t want to let go, he didn’t want to lose this.

  Before he knew it he too was taken by sleep, his mind too exhausted from so much to think of…