Katiyana spun gracefully, and Justin caught her hand. They stepped forward, left, right, back and finished with a flourish. They clapped for the band when the song ended.
"Boy, these leaders of ours sure know how to throw a victory celebration, eh?" Justin asked, grinning. Katiyana nodded happily. The party was in one of Restar's villages, with the Minea Sea reflecting their bonfire and the Blue Star shining overhead. Musicians from Restar's villages played happily, and everyone had donated food.
Katiyana excused herself to go hit the punchbowl. Maralise and Restar were talking with Jonah and Sapphire. Pearl was ladling out the punch, nodding approval at Katiyana's appearance. Katiyana was clad in the outfit she had borrowed after her rescue in Zen, a gift. She felt beautiful, smoothing down the green velvet.
"Congratulations, Lady Katiyana," Restar commented, gray eyes twinkling instead of ironclad. "How does it feel to have your dream come true?"
"Wonderful. I owe you all so much," Katiyana replied, fingering the silver chain around her neck. Dangling on it was a platinum medallion, the sign of a Knight of Meribia. One side was carved with the white dragon holding a sword, their symbol. The other side was a knight's decision. Katiyana had chosen Zen's symbol, a tree growing on a boulder, with a crossed sword and staff behind it. She would always remember that mages and knights needed to work together to protect most effectively, and for her friends.
"Oh, Katiyana, I heard back from the commanders. They approved you joining our squad," Jonah said, smiling. "I am honored that you requested it, and I know we'll work well together. We start in two days."
"Thanks, Jonah. I can't wait!" Katiyana replied. "Oh, oops! Commander Jonah."
"You have two days yet," Jonah assured the girl, grinning.
A new song began, and Sapphire grabbed Jonah's hand. "Come on! Stop it with your new recruit and come dance with me!" she ordered.
Jonah sighed. "I'm doomed to be fought over by pretty ladies. I'll suffer," he moaned gallantly, and followed Sapphire to the dance area.
The others laughed. Jonah would suffer, all right, but Katiyana suspected that he would enjoy it. Oh, well. She knew that she would enjoy her new life, protecting the people of the land that she loved. "Hey, Katiyana! Can't let Jonah monopolize all the pretty ladies!" Brock called.
"Excuse me, I'll come talk later," Katiyana said, laughing, to the mages. She joined Brock in a fast-paced dance, whirling to the music. They waved to Shulin, dancing with the leader of the Jing dojo.
Restar smiled. Katiyana would be fine now, working as a Knight of Meribia. With the demons returned to their own world, he could put his plans into place. He would resign his nobility, and live in this village as just a mage.
"Restar? If you're retiring, why not come to Vane with me? We always need people for the Magic Guild," Maralise asked.
"Maralise, this is my home now. Besides, if I leave, my people will think I'm abandoning them. And... I'm just not ready to leave the Minea behind, either. This is where my heart is," Restar answered with a sigh. "Here, with all my memories of my beloved Sharion. But, I know she'll be with me, and she'd want me to move on in my life."
"She was an incredible woman. I think you picked the right person to inherit her sword, too," Maralise commented.
Suddenly, Gareth and Jesta came up. "Um, Restar, would you like to... dance?" Jesta asked, sounding unusually unsure of herself.
"Delighted, my lady," Restar replied, taking her arm.
"My lady guildmistress? Would you do me the honor?" Gareth asked.
"Charmed, I'm sure," Maralise answered primly.
"What?!" everyone asked, shocked.
Maralise laughed. "That means 'yes,' you classless buffoons. Let's go!" she replied, tugging on Gareth's arm.
"Maralise says you're retiring. What are you going to do with Serak Palace?" Jesta asked curiously.
"It'll be a refuge, in times of need. One person should not occupy such a large area," Restar replied. This satisfied her, and she just concentrated on the music.
But, Restar had other reasons. The place would serve as a memorial, for several things. To remember that unity was the greatest strength. To show what humanity could accomplish. To stand as proof that dreams could come true, no matter how impossible. Most importantly, to testify that true love never died.
As Restar spun and danced neatly with the Knight Commander, he smiled. His heart was free, at last. Sharion was here, smiling, her spirit watching over them all. Now and for always.
Back to the Shrine to Ghaleon.