Story's Epilogue

The route leading through the desert, stopping at various oases that came up in perfect intervals for a full day of travel, was well worn and even. Construction had began to put stones down over the sand and make it a proper road with caretakers that would make sure it was never fully buried. A physical road would not only be easier to travel, but would offer the goddess a more secure path that she could use to travel to and from the ocean at her will.

Tegarama was massive city known for its artistic endeavors and the beauty of their creations, with vibrant dyes made from their desert flowers, and the plethora of performers that enjoyed venturing forth on the trade path from the desert jewel into Nerik and Sam'al beyond. The religiously devoted were beginning to make pilgrimages, following the path to the ocean and making offerings in the vast sea to their goddess. The young and the adventurous were eager to travel outward and see the unusual.

Nerik, for its part as a city of intellectuals and philosophers, was excited at the prospect of learning and documenting life in the desert, the history of Tegarama, and the new and interesting plant life that grew exclusively in their city. The exchange of culture, information, and tradition was rapid and exciting for those who valued knowledge.

And through the exchange of people, goods, and ideas, both countries were flourishing anew. None so much as the city that sat on the border of the kingdoms, through which the trade route cut, and who acted as a gateway from one country to another. The massive expansion of population, wealth, and trade turned what was once a military outpost town into a bustling, thriving city that had well expanded outside of its former borders and had become a blending of both cultures.

Through its rebirth, the city had been renamed Assur and a palace was currently under construction in the city center, built off of what was once the mayor's residence. It was currently only half completed, but the rooms that were finished were a wondrous blending of fountains, ferns, waterfalls, and trees that all mixed and merged together.

Construction had been rushed to make the royal suites livable in time for the gathering of the two royal lines from Tegarama and Nerik.

As the travel party from Tegarama stepped in through the Desert Gate, through which the path leading back to the desert city ran, the people from the city gathered and cheering. Their arrival marked the beginning of what people were saying was sure to be a glorious and lengthy tradition that would last for generations and assure peace and prosperity.

Somehow, it had already gotten out that the hero general from Tegarama intended to marry his newborn daughter to young Prince Juda and that the Nerik royal family was completely in agreement. Which would mean that these meetings would also be assuring the future legacy of Nerik - the country to which Assur officially belonged.

The babe in question was transported in her own palanquin carried by a team of strong men. It was heavily shaded and servants surrounded it to fan her as necessary. Though no one could see the child, they all cheered at her passing.

Waverly, seated on her own camel right near the baby's palanquin, grinned when she saw how loudly the people celebrated for her daughter.

Her joy was slightly mitigated by the knowledge that they were only cheering because they were certain she was to become their queen one day. Waverly didn't like that everyone was trying to fix her daughter up and yet she couldn't even roll over by herself yet.

She tried to push that thought back and focus only on the joy of reuniting with friends she hadn't seen in a year. She would deal with people trying to fix her infant up with her future husband later. She looked forward into the city, smiling to herself.

Rois had ridden ahead earlier in the day to prepare for the arrival of the king and queen. He promised her that he was waiting for her at the palace. Rooms, food, and baths had been prepared for them. The delegation from Nerik had already arrived and was going to meet them out front.

Waverly was near bouncing on her camel in excitement.

It had been a long and busy year, but it had been enjoyable.

Waverly had danced with the best troupe in the city for as long as she could until she began to develop a belly from her pregnancy and Rois became nervous because he was afraid that she would fall and hurt herself and the baby. After that, she had restricted herself to easy waltzes with him in their oasis and gentle stretches as desired.

The troupe promised that she could return after she had healed from birthing her daughter. She had only just started to dance again at the guild, teaching some of the younger dancers that had joined recently, when they had left for their first yearly visit.

It was going to last a couple weeks, giving them plenty of time to catch up and deal with any problems that had arisen since the trade route had been completed. There weren't many and most of them were problems with travelers and businesses.

More importantly, everyone would be together again. Waverly felt strangely like she was going home for the holidays, despite the fact that she had been to Assur exactly twice, having spent the night there on her way to Nerik last year and again on the return home. And Assur had been much changed since then. It didn't even look like the same place.

Not only would she get to see Hatti and Ramus, but she would see Sara as well. She hadn't seen her maid since she had left with Pinar to get married and live in Nerik. She had gotten a single letter from her on a clay tablet since that assured her and Rois both that she was happy in her new home and expressed again her gratitude for allowing them to marry.

She and Rois had a bet going as to whether or not she was pregnant yet. Rois had already told her that she wasn't showing since he had seen her after riding ahead, but Pinar was being strangely protective over her and Sara kept grabbing for her flat belly.

Waverly hated to admit it, but Rois was probably going to win the bet. It seemed the new generation were all going to be born around the same time.

Vestos rode at the front of the delegation by himself. In a separate palanquin, held by a team of eight, Adana wasn't allowed on a camel. She was far too pregnant to safely ride and had to be carried. Rois and Waverly were also betting on whether or not she went into labor while they were here.

Despite her impending birth, Adana wouldn't hear of it that she be left behind. She wanted to see everyone as well. She was also currently trying to wish another pregnancy on Waverly. She insisted that she and Rois have another baby and then marry it to the child she carried. Waverly was getting annoyed that everyone was marrying off her fetuses.

She hadn't yet told Adana that she already was pregnant again. And, since she had found out when the blue lady had appeared in their oasis before they left, she knew for a fact that she was having another girl that the blue lady fully intended on marrying to the boy in Adana's womb. Sisters to take over the thrones of both kingdoms to further assure her power.

Rois knew very well that she was aggravated because she was being used as a baby maker for the goddess and that she didn't like her children's futures chosen for them. He had promised her that, regardless of what the goddess planned, if either prince was unworthy of their daughters, couldn't love them properly, or treated them badly, he wouldn't allow the marriage.

He was loyal to his goddess, but he was also loyal to his mate and their children. Waverly had to be assured her daughters were happy before she allowed the marriages to come to pass. She didn't rightfully care how the people cheered or the goddess schemed.

Turning her head, Waverly once again checked on the palanquin. Ishina and Nadia were taking turns caring for her daughter. They would fan her as needed, change her, and make sure she didn't overheat as they traveled. Waverly wanted to hold her, but it was far safer for the infant girl to be in her palanquin, in the shade, where she could be kept cool.

Despite any annoyance she might feel at the blue lady, she was still overwhelmingly happy. The aggravation of her kids already being given away was a small one.

Because she still had Rois. The one person in all creation that could complete her. And with him, she now had their baby. A tiny girl that had her father's quiet and unassuming temperament. She hardly cried, rarely fussed, and already seemed interested in the world around her.

A small smile pulled at her lips as she touched her belly. Soon, her first daughter would be joined by another. Waverly could only imagine how this one would behave, but she couldn't wait to meet her and find out. She was afraid that the second one would take after her instead of Rois and they would be given a hellion instead of another angel.

But, despite knowing that she would have to stop dancing again in a few months, despite knowing that the goddess was using her to play matchmaker - or matchbirther, she supposed - she was actually happy to be pregnant again.

Rois glowed in her happiness. He loved feeling how content she was. There couldn't have been a more attentive and loving partner through her pregnancy. He had literally felt everything she did. He was with her through the uncomfortable back and ankle pain, the strange and powerful cravings for food she couldn't eat because they existed only on earth, and then through the labor pains which had racked both of their bodies, laying them both low.

And, despite having gone through all that, he was happy she was pregnant again as well. He was looking forward to every cramp, every craving, and every mood swing that they were going to be experiencing together again.

There was a strange joy in having a partner who experienced your pregnancy with you. Waverly didn't know how women without mate bonds could survive it. Half the time, her misery had only been palatable because he had been suffering with her, reducing the pain. Their labor had been strange because he had been in the same positions as she had. They held each other's hands, squeezing and riding out contractions as they were both pushing their baby out.

But the indescribable happiness at holding their little girl the first time had been magnified in each other. To see her face, to hear her cries, was equally enchanting and therefore greater to share it between their bond in the way only mates could experience.

After being together for so long, they no longer felt like two individuals. They were one and the same, a two person hive mind. Sometimes, Waverly would find herself speaking in plural where she should be only talking about herself because Rois was always with her, part of her, and they experienced everything with each other.

When they rode through the gates of the half finished palace, she immediately spotted him where he was standing with Ramus, Hatti, Pinar, and Sara. He was in front of them, and she knew that his eyes were on her even before she could really see his eyes.

She gave him a smile as they approached before looking beyond him to Hatti and Ramus. Young Prince Juda, already up and walking around, was hiding behind his mother. A tiny eye peeked out from behind her skirt as she watched them approach.

"Waverly!" Hatti beamed, waving at her as Rois approached to help her down.

He smiled at her, kissing her cheek as he set her on her feet before allowing the others to approach and greet her as well.

What followed was a flurry of hugs, cries of excitement, and the joy of reunion. Hatti cooed over Adana's large belly as Ramus congratulated Vestos with a hearty pat on the back. Pinar came forward to greet Waverly, bringing Sara with him.

Her former maid was dressed up as a proper lady, but she still bowed her head to Waverly as she approached, trying to keep her eyes averted.

"My lady." She murmured, smiling slightly.

Waverly chuckled, throwing her arms around her. "You don't have to do that, you know? You're not my maid any longer."

Sara smiled, putting her arms around her cautiously. "I know, but you will always be my lady."

Waverly leaned back, smiling from her to Pinar. "Good to see you again."

"Waverly." He nodded his head, looking past her to the palanquin. "So, are you going to introduce us to your daughter?"

Waverly beamed, sharing a look with Rois as she walked back to the palanquin. Nadia was already waiting with a sungaurd, like a square umbrella, that she would hold up over the baby while she was out of her palanquin.

Waverly reached in past the drapes that blocked the sunlight and smiled at the little angel that was currently batting at the dangling toys hanging from the top of the palanquin. When she saw her mother's face, she let out a soft coo of happiness and began kicking, flailing her arms.

A smile pulled at Waverly's cheeks as she bent low and lifted her precious baby into her arms. The others had all gathered, Rois waiting right at her side as she stood, to meet the baby. Waverly turned, presenting her with a proud grin.

"Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to Arinna Kizzuwatna."

Rois put his arm around Waverly's shoulder, smiling at his daughter - named after his mother. She had lived long enough to see her grandchild born, but had passed away in her sleep not long after. It had been Waverly's idea to name their daughter after her.

The sight of her tiny face, squinting into the bright light, filled him with pride and joy as he ran his hand over her head, pushing back her black hair. Her skin tone was a mixture between the two of them and would probably only darken once she was allowed out in the sun. Her eyes were just now beginning to darken to brown. She was a bit pudgy, but seeing his baby fat and healthy made Rois happy because it meant she was strong and eating well.

Vestos and Adana smiled at her, holding hands as Vestos ran his hand over Adana's belly. They watched as Ramus and Hatti looked at her in delight.

"What a perfect princess." Pinar admired, standing tall as he held Sara close. "She will be a great-"

"You say 'queen' and I'm decking you." Waverly warned, her eyes sharpening on him. "She is a great baby and nothing else. Let her be young, jeez."

Pinar chuckled, holding up a hand. "Quite a protective mother, aren't you? I wasn't going to say 'queen'. I was going to say that she will be a great woman one day."

Waverly hummed in disbelief as Ramus took one of Arinna's tiny hands in his. She immediately started smacking his hand, enjoying the sound that it made when she did so. He grinned, nodding his head once in approval.

"You've done well, Waverly. She's lovely."

"Juda." Hatti turned to her son, who was still hiding in her skirts. "Do you want to meet Arinna?"

He shook his head quickly, hiding his face so he wouldn't have to see her. Hatti chuckled, running her hand over his dark hair as she looked back at Waverly.

"He's shy." She laughed apologetically.

"Why don't we get inside out of this heat?" Vestos suggested, smiling at Adana. "I'd rather Adana not be outside for too long."

"Oh, stop it." She chided with a smile, running her hand over her belly.

However, his request was honored as Rois gestured forward to welcome them inside. The current mayor of Assur was waiting for them just past the entryway. He nearly fell over himself in his haste to welcome them and show them to their rooms.

Waverly was happy to get indoors, in the shade. She bathed with Arinna to cool them both off, letting the baby play in the water in her lap as she washed them both. Rois was seeing to getting everyone settled and couldn't join them, though he normally would do so.

Freshly cleaned and dressed, Waverly passed some time playing with the infant as Nadia and Ishina quickly worked to put their trunks into the room. They were eager to go see Sara and could leave as soon as they finished their chores.

Waverly sat against the headboard of the bed, her legs up with Arinna resting between her thighs as she let her investigate and play with her hands. She found that staring at Arinna's face was easily the most interesting thing in the world and she could probably do it forever.

And, soon, Arinna would have a younger sister. Waverly couldn't be certain as to the date of conception as she was with Arinna, but she imagined that it was probably the same as before. Which meant she was probably only a week or so pregnant, only accounting for the time it had taken to cross the desert to reach the border.

And just like Arinna, this baby was also already betrothed. The sobering thought made her frown as she looked at her perfect daughter.

"How do you feel about marrying Prince Juda?" She asked her softly.

Arinna responded by kicking at her belly. Waverly chuckled, leaning in to kiss her forehead, then nuzzle her happily. If she loved one this much, would her heart even be able to handle how much love she would have for two of them?

"I love it when you feel like this."

She smiled, looking up at the entrance to the room where Rois was leaning against the wall, just watching her. She wasn't aware he had come inside and offered him a smile and her hand. He obligingly walked forward, taking it in his own as he sat down, pulling her and Arinna into his lap together so that he could hold onto both of them.

Waverly sighed, resting her head down on his chest, as Arinna started kicking against him instead. She generally tended to kick Rois harder and Waverly wasn't sure if it was because she liked kicking him specifically or because their bodies were different and she preferred kicking at his hard muscles versus Waverly's soft belly.

Regardless of the reason, Rois adored it when she kicked at him. Arinna had such a demure and soft temperament that he worried that she might not have any of her mother in her. However, when she kicked, when she played, she was vibrant and active and it was then that he saw Waverly's personality and passion shining through.

"We're having dinner together with everyone." He told Waverly, taking over using his fingers to amuse and play with Arinna.

"They looked good." Waverly smiled, thinking about them all. "And you're right, Sara is definitely pregnant. I don't think Pinar once let go of her belly."

He nodded in agreement. "I imagine that Hatti will likely be pregnant again if she's not already. She and Ramus were talking about it before you all arrived.

"There's going to be more kids than we can handle soon."

"That is a good thing. It means it is a peaceful, prosperous time."

Waverly hummed in agreement, eyes moving down to her own belly. "When do you think we should tell everyone that I'm carrying again?"

"At dinner tonight?"

"Just spring the surprise on them?" Waverly grinned without any real joy. "Adana's going to be stoked. She gets to find out she's having a boy and that the boy already has a wife in the same day."

"Hm, that sounded strangely bitter."

"Can I just have one kid that's not immediately married off?"

Rois chuckled, kissing the top of her head. "You can have as many as it takes until you're satisfied, my mate."

"I swear, if she gives the third one away..." Waverly's voice trailed off as she chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. The first one had only just been born and she was already worrying about what was going to happen to the third.

"You act as though they're married immediately."

"It's the principle of the thing."

Rois hummed in understanding as he kissed along her temple. "Shall we go? I'm sure everyone has a lot to talk about since we've last seen each other."

Waverly nodded, gathering Arinna up. The baby girl immediately reached out for her father, cooing and grabbing for his face and neck. Rois smiled as he took her from Waverly. The tiny girl fit against his chest like a doll.

Seeing them together, Waverly had to bite her lips to avoid crying. The joy at seeing her mate hold their daughter was powerful and indescribable. If she had tried, she couldn't imagine having lost the opportunity to have this.

Rois carried Arinna in one arm, holding Waverly close with the other as they walked to the room everyone would be dining in together. The open room just off the courtyard held both an impressive pond and diverse selection of plant life. When the three of them walked inside it was to find the others already gathered.

Juda, who was sitting with Hatti, immediately hid his face in her side when they entered the room and couldn't be coaxed to join the festivities as the feast began. Hatti explained again that he was shy as Ramus tried to gently pull him away without success.

Rois assured them that Juda could hide if he wanted and the rest of them sat together and talked about everything that had happened in the last year.

Adana's coming baby was discussed at length and Ramus joined Rois and Vestos in betting when they thought the baby would be delivered. Waverly and Hatti talked about birth itself and how much it hurt. Ramus and Rois - both who felt their mates' labors as they did - added their own experience for what she would go through.

It was then that Pinar announced Sara's pregnancy. She was still too early to be showing, but they had known for some time that she was likely carrying. Sara was still shy and uncomfortable around the royals and nobles, but she accepted their praise and congratulations happily enough.

And since it seemed to be the time to do it, Waverly also added that the goddess had informed her that she was pregnant with a girl that was destined to marry Adana's boy. Which meant everyone congratulated her as Vestos took Adana in his arms and cried out in joy that she was going to be giving him a son. He then hugged Waverly and thanked her for his new daughter.

"Stop it!" She grumbled, holding her belly protectively as she frowned at Rois who was holding Arinna up to Ramus so he could look at his own future daughter. "I am about to ban all mentions of marriage as it pertains to my children."

"Why are you angry?" Pinar asked, chuckling. "You're giving birth to future queens. You should be proud and overjoyed."

"Excuse me for not liking that they have no choice in this. I don't want them to marry their sons because they have to. I want them to do it because they want to. And I definitely don't want them to feel pressured into doing it because it's all you lot will talk about."

"Easy, Waverly." Ramus chuckled. "No one is forcing anything. Juda won't even look at her." He gestured to his son who was still doing his best to hide behind Hatti.

He had been slowly peeking out from behind her, but at being so directly addressed, he had returned to immediately hiding. Ramus clicked his tongue at the boy, walking their way.

"Leave him, Ramus." Hatti begged, petting his back. "He's just nervous."

"He's going to be king. He needs to learn to deal with nerves."

Ramus didn't heed her words as he grabbed his son and picked him up. Juda immediately turned, hiding his face in Ramus' neck. He clung to him as Ramus walked back to where Rois was still cradling Arinna in his hands.

"Come on, Juda. She's not going to bite." Ramus patted his back gently. "Just say hi."

Waverly walked over to join them, leaning against Rois' side as Arinna cooed and blew her tongue for the fun of making the sound.

It took a little more coaxing to get Juda to turn around. Ramus had to practically lift him up and force him to look forward. Juda tried to cry and complain, but Ramus wasn't going to let him hide forever.

Juda finally lost the fight, looking down at Arinna.

And the boy suddenly went limp as Arinna stilled with her hands in the air. The two of them stared at each other as though hypnotized. Waverly frowned, reaching for her daughter as she looked between the two of them, concerned.

As she watched, before she could ask or pull her away, she could see something dark forming on Juda's belly under Ramus' fingers where he held him up. Her eyes widened as she grabbed for the fabric swaddling Arinna and yanked it down.

Similar marks were forming against Arinna's belly. Not quite swirling like waves, not quite reaching and expanding like branches. The lines were perfectly symmetrical and nonsensical but beautiful. They were black, spreading out, up to and around her belly button.

Mate marks.

Waverly let out a cry of dismay as Juda began trying to reach out for Arinna while Arinna kicked and flailed her arms in excitement.

Rois was biting his lips, doing his best not to laugh as Waverly struggled with herself. She turned, throwing her arms up in aggravation.

"That damn blue lady!"

Curious as to what had set her off, the others began gathering around. They stared and remarked in wonder to see the mate marks as well. When Ramus tried to pull Juda away from Arinna, he cried out in protest, trying to grab hold of her. Worried that he might hurt the delicate baby in his excitement, Rois pulled Arinna away from him. Arinna, distressed at losing sight of her soulmate, immediately let out a shrill cry unlike any they had heard from her.

"I'm going to throw sand into her basin when we get back to Tegarama!" Waverly declared, pacing up and down the room.

"This is wonderful!" Hatti laughed, kissing Juda's cheek. "Glorious day!"

Ramus nodded in agreement.

"Waverly?" Rois called out to her gently. He held open his arm and she immediately rushed into it, taking Arinna from him.

However, the baby didn't want her mother and she immediately tried to squirm away, reaching for Juda desperately until Ramus finally relented, bringing him closer. He warned Juda to be gentle but he needn't have bothered. The young prince touched her hand, her arm, as though she were a castle made of sand and would crumble if he were too forceful.

"She's not even half a year old yet." Waverly pouted, holding her closer.

Rois chuckled, kissing her temple. "At least you know that she will be happy with him."

It was somewhat comforting knowing that Arinna would eventually be as happy as she was now. That joy, however, was dampened when she looked to Adana's belly. She somehow knew that the blue lady was going to pull the same stunt twice. It was an easy way to be sure that the people she desired to be together were successfully married and her plan was realized.

Vestos seemed to pick up on what she was thinking and he smiled. "I can't wait to introduce our children, Waverly. It will be a momentous day."

"This sucks." She murmured.

"Can I claim your third child?" Pinar asked, holding onto Sara with a smile. "I wouldn't mind giving my babe a mate as well."

"Stop it!" She growled, holding Arinna tight as she kissed her head.

Rois chuckled, holding onto Waverly and kissing her forehead. "Don't worry, my heart. You still have a great deal of time before you have to surrender Arinna to her future husband. But, you know that they will be happy. Isn't that a relief?"

"Only slightly, because it still sucks that the blue lady gets exactly what she wants."

"Yes, but when our goddess gets what she wants, we are all made happier."

He gestured around the room at all of them. Brought together by the goddess' machinations. Rois, in his loyalty to her, had been given Waverly. She was gifted with healthy children that were given their own soulmates in turn. Assured of a happy, prosperous future with that rare perfection of having their soulmate. Arinna and Juda would never be alone or unhappy. Nor would Waverly's second daughter and Vestos' son.

It was a bright future laid out before them.

Waverly let out a sigh as she relaxed against Rois' chest. A beautiful future for both countries and all of their families all because Rois had asked to meet her.

He wrapped his arms around her and Arinna both, one hand on her belly where their next babe was already beginning to grow.

"Are you truly unhappy, my mate?"

Waverly smiled despite herself. "No, I'm not. I'm still throwing sand in her basin when we get back though."

Rois, endlessly entertained by his mate's dislike of his goddess, only chuckled as he held her tight. "I love you for that passion of yours.

"And I love you." She assured him, kissing Arinna's cheek.

She didn't want to think about giving her babies away so early, but even she had to admit that it was nice knowing that they were all going to experience the same joy and completeness that she had.

For years afterwards, Juda and Arinna would meet when they were brought together once a year and every year that passed as they grew older.

Waverly's second daughter, Henti, predictably mated to Vestos' son, Sari, almost as soon as she was born, the very first time they were introduced.

And while her third child, her son Ryuhi, didn't mate to Pinar's daughter, Nepis, the two of them spent every waking moment together whenever they could during their yearly meetings.

Their children grew up together, at least for a few weeks a year. Their friendship grew naturally as they spent time with each other. And, per Waverly's request, no mention was made to them of what the goddess intended for their futures.

When Juda came to her asking if he could follow them back for a year so he wouldn't have to be separated from Arinna, she and Rois came to the agreement to spend a year in each kingdom, taking their children with them. Henti and Sari protested at being separated, but Arinna and Ryuhi were elated at being able to be together more often.

From that year onward, she and Rois lived between the two kingdoms, alternating each year where they went and who they spent their time with. She was never without her friends. She was never without her children.

Waverly watched her family grow and change with each passing year. She held Rois' hand through each day, never long removed from his side. They disagreed occasionally, they fought sometimes, but not a single night passed that she didn't fall asleep in his arms, content just to hold him.

And in moments like that, when they were wrapped around each other, thinking about her expanding family, she couldn't imagine a happier life. While she couldn't forgive the blue lady completely, she gave her gratitude and a grudging respect.

For her children. For her family's happiness. For her soulmate. Her Rois.

And for every day filled with happiness and joy that filled the years they spent loving each other.