Epilogue II
Elizabeth:
Seven Years Later…
London hadn’t changed, not really. The city of her birth remained crowded and the streets congested, albeit the vehicles were no longer horse-drawn carts and carriages. The air was much improved, no longer choking on coal and smog.
The Thames had the same lazy, gurgling quality and the river water even smelled a bit dank in the summer sun.
Home sweet home.
Roman ran to the corner and back again, impatiently waiting for his parents. “Mom, we’re going to miss the light.”
Despite a difficult pregnancy, Roman arrived a robust baby and grew into an active child. Tall for his age, he appeared entirely human. Subtle details gave away his Mahdfel heritage, such as uncanny reflexes and agility. Roman’s energy required constant redirection, because an idle Roman was a child about to cause mischief. Fortunately, Reven proved apt at finding small missions to allow his son to burn off that excess energy.
“Patience,” Reven said, not increasing the pace of his ambling stroll. He held her hand. While it appeared a sweet gesture, Elizabeth held tight because the crowds parted around Reven. It was easier to let him pull her along in his wake.
“That’s your son,” she said.
“I do not know what you mean. I’m the soul of patience.”
She couldn’t really argue with that. Reven could wait out an ice age if need be. “I mean the excitability. That’s all you.”
“Perhaps he’s an art enthusiast.”
“Really, because I think he’s more interested in going for an ice cream after the museum than the actual museum,” she said.
He chuckled, not disagreeing.
“I’m interested in the paintings,” Mara said. She begged and pleaded to come along, but all the dramatics were unnecessary. She had her Uncle Reven wrapped around her finger as much as ever.
Once in the museum, Reven crouched down to speak to Roman, warrior to warrior. “I have a mission for you,” he said, tone confidential.
Roman’s eyes light up. “I can do it!”
“I need you to scout ahead with Mara, search for interesting things to show your mother. Hold her hand, you know how she likes to wander off.”
Roman nodded.
“And stay within eyesight of your mother and me,” Reven finished.
“I can protect her. I know how to do a flip now.” Roman recently learned how to flip an opponent over his back. Now that move was his go-to solution for everything.
“A scout maintains contact with his warlord,” Reven said.
“I understand,” Roman replied, voice solemn. He grabbed Mara’s hand and practically dragged her through the gallery.
“Are you sure that’s wise?” Elizabeth asked.
“Mara won’t let him rush her and if he’s scouting, he’s too busy to get into trouble.”
She wasn’t so sure about that. Roman’s ability to find trouble never ceased to amaze her.
In the years since they married, they strolled alien shores under the light of two moons, visited mountain tops just to take in the view, and swam in warm oceans with luminescent seaweed. Every day had been filled with discovery and laughter, and she drew inspiration knowing they carried their heart and home with them.