Epilogue
Two years later, Melissa found out she was pregnant. She gave birth to a
beautiful daughter, Marina. Arowyn is a proud father. Marina is half elf as
Melissa and her mother are. Melissa’s grandmother had an affair with Tallesin
during her visits to Agartha back in the days. That was the elf her grandmother
visited when she was in Agartha and thus, she gave birth to Trista. Melissa’s
grandfather believed Trista was his daughter, so he knew nothing of the secret door
to another world.
******
Melissa visited Arowyn every year with Marina. Back home everyone wondered why Melissa never married the man who fathered her daughter. She remained single. Her own father had been distraught over the injustice and in his mind, he imagined a low life loser that got Melissa pregnant, abandoned her and the baby. He did not want Melissa to raise a child on her own, but many women do it all the time so, her father and stepmother helped as much as they could. Marina very rarely got sick, and the pediatrician found it extraordinary but just assumed that Marina is a product of healthy parents. Family and friends asked about Marina’s father, but Melissa would say, “He moved away,” cutting them off with three words.
“NO one needs to know and frankly they would never understand,” she thought. In later years, Carly married a lawyer named Peter. They had children. Carly remained friends with Diego until his untimely death in his late 70’s. Melissa continued corresponding with Carly until she was in her late 70’s. She was told by her older son that she has Dementia. It was devastating for Melissa to see her best friend wither away, but she continued visiting her once a month until the end. Melissa told Carly about Agartha. She knew that her friend will never tell anyone, she will never remember what was confided to her. Melissa talked about her adventures in Agartha. Carly enjoyed her stories but soon forgot them. Many times, she did not know who the strange woman was that visited her and told her wonderful stories of far away places.
Melissa is in her 80’s, her father has long passed on and died of a heart attack. Her stepmother remarried several years later and moved away but they corresponded frequently until her death. The house was left to Melissa, and she raised her daughter there. After her daughter married, they moved into the house and lived with Melissa.
“Mom, thank you for letting me meet my real dad many years ago. I was blown away to find out that he is an elf—a real elf,” Marina said as she poured Melissa a cup of Chamomile tea.” Melissa is on her bed, sitting upright with a pillow tucked behind her comforting her back. Melissa looked at her daughter. Marina has Arowyn’s hair and his deep blue eyes, eyes that are enchanting and vibrant.
“Your great-grandmother knew about Agartha and let me tell you a little secret. Your grandmother…rest her soul, was half elf as you and I are. I am very proud that you are my child.” She gave Marina a hug.
“I guess that’s why you look so young mother,” Marina joked. Melissa
does in fact, look much younger than her age. She is, after all, half elf.
“I hope you understand that this time—I will not return.” Melissa said,
with a somber tone.
“I know. My father waits for you and I will see you through, but I must come back as you already know mom. By the way, wants to come when I take you to Agartha. Melissa nodded. Johnny visited several times with his mother since he was a kid but never told his father about Agartha. Marina’s son is asleep, and David (her husband) is in their bedroom, watching television. Melissa understands the weight of carrying such a secret. For years she did the same.
“Agartha must remain a secret forever.
When outsiders know about the gate, the door will close forever.” She paused.
“There is no going back.” Marina nodded. “I understand.” She replied.
“In a safety deposit box at the bank, is my secret journal and the key.
It has all the details about my adventures in Agartha. Maybe one day, you can
write a book and tell the story.” Marina nodded.
“The key must remain in your possession and passed down to your son.” Marina nodded. Melissa placed the cup on the nightstand next to her bed. I feel sleepy now.” Melissa stretched her arms up and laid herself down and rested her head on the pillow. Marina heard her mother snoring. She left a night light on in her room. Melissa did not want to sleep in the dark. The darkness reminds her of the Mind Flayer.
*********
A party was thrown for Melissa on her 83rd birthday. Family and friends came to her party. It was the best party ever and Melissa shined with life, love, and her family all around her. It was her last party; she was ready to leave. A few days later, Marina, Johnny and Melissa went through the gate. Melissa’s grandson is in his 20’s and can’t wait to see his grandfather. Johnny is not married yet but does have a girlfriend. Arowyn waited for them. He hugged his daughter and grandson and gave Melissa a hug and a passionate kiss. He has not changed and remains a handsome, distinguished elf. Faye is still as youthful as ever. She fluttered around them chatting about almost everything she can think of as they headed to the village.
“Father, will you take care of her?” Marina whispered as she glanced at
Melissa. “Of course. She is my life as you and Johnny are,” Arowyn said.
Melissa’s wrinkles suddenly changed. She has a more youthful appearance and a
glow to her. Thirty years have been shaved off of her. Marina smiled.
“Thank you, father,” said Marina. Arowyn knew that Marina wasn’t going
to be able to see her mother every day, only once a year.
“Johnny and Marina stayed for a while but had to go back. She remembers what her mother told her.
“The longer you stay in Agartha, the more you’ll forget where you come from. Faye escorted them to the gate. “I will come visit every year,” Marina told Faye.
“Of course,” Faye responded.
“Please, if ever there is any kind of emergency don’t hesitate to call
on us,” said Arowyn.
“Of course,” Marina responded.
“Melissa will be in good hands. I promise.” Faye reassured her as Johnny
and Marina went through the gate and back home.
Notes from the Author
From the time Melissa ventured into the world of the Elves, she is tied to that world, not just by blood but by Love. The Elves that Melissa encountered live by rivers and streams. A large lake is located a few miles away from their village, they are Pescatarians. A Pescatarian is someone who adds fish and seafood to a vegetarian diet. When they threw Melissa a farewell party, their food consisted of various vegetables, nuts, grains, breads, and fish. Once a month the Elves venture to other villages, even some nearby human villages to trade for goods. Melissa and Arowyn do have more adventures in Agartha, but they also have an adventure or two in Melissa’s world. Melissa lived in both worlds and managed to juggle her time between her normal life and her secret life. A few years later, after her first visit to Agartha, Melissa gives birth to Arowyn’s daughter. She was 23 when she had her daughter. Melissa never married Arowyn nor any other Man. She raised her daughter as a single parent. Her daughter did marry and moved in with her mother. Marina gave birth to her son in her late 30’s. By the time Melissa is in her 80’s, her grandson is in his late 20’s. I’ve mentioned that Melissa has many more adventures in Agartha, and I am currently working on an eBook relating to her adventures, but this eBook will take place in California where Melissa lives. The story takes place between the last Chapter in the book but before the Epilogue. I enjoyed writing, In Company of Elves and hope that readers enjoy this fantasy book as well.
Side note: Marina does tell her husband about Agartha and that Melissa left to live in Agartha. She takes him to Agartha and he is bewildered over what he saw there. After some time, he comes to accept that his wife is half Elf and vows to keep the secret safe.
"The landscape of self-publishing has changed significantly over the last decade. Once considered inferior to traditional presses, self-publishing is gaining more attention and earning credibility as a viable way to access unique, and in some cases quality, content. What’s more, the increase in self-publishing has garnered a significant amount of attention from marketing companies looking to capitalize on this burgeoning industry. Major publishers are even jumping on the bandwagon as well, offering independent authors a variety of ancillary services to help market their books. Libraries have begun using self-publishing to reconnect with communities by offering workshops and resources geared towards independent authors. It is not uncommon for writers to choose the route of self-publishing because the traditional publishing route is difficult, if not impossible, for some writers to enter."
Anonymous
That statement is true! Many
self-published authors hit a brick wall when presenting their work to the
traditional publishers. Most of the time, traditional publishers don’t look at
every manuscript they receive. If their workload is heavy, they will return the
manuscript and thus depressing the author, who then decides to forget about
becoming a serious author.
NOTE: an author is someone who
has published more than one book. It doesn’t matter whether they are an
Indie/self-published authors or not, they are still authors. Indie/Self-publishing
is probably the only opportunity available to the beginners.
What’s the percentage of certain groups of people from obtaining authorship through traditional publishing routes?
The number of books published by people of color speaks volumes about the barriers that prevent certain groups from obtaining authorship through traditional publishing routes. In 2017, out of 3,500 books received by the center, approximately 3% were written by African American and Latino authors, 7% were written by Asian Pacific American authors, and less than 1% were written by Native American authors. Therefore, self-publishing is a route that allows writers to share their stories. It also creates an opportunity to be recognized as an author.
Here is someone’s point of view regarding
self-publishing.
I Understand that “indie publishing” is all the rage, but despite royalty rates of 70%, I think self-publishing is a terrible idea for serious novelists by which I mean, novelists who take writing seriously. Here’s why. If you self-publish your book, you are not going to be writing for a living. You are going to be marketing for a living. Self-published authors should expect to spend only 10% of their time writing and 90% of their time marketing. if your passion is creating worlds and characters, telling great stories, and/or reveling in language, you might want to aim for traditional publication. I mute authors whose tweet streams are 90% adverts in the same way I wouldn’t watch the shopping channel. Most indie authors have tweet streams that are 90% adverts, perhaps a reflection of the fact that they must spend 90% of their time marketing. It certainly doesn’t make self-publishing look like the path to El Dorado. Why would I want to join this gang?
What I say about what that person said: He’s right about marketing however, he’s wrong about
self-published authors not taking their writing seriously! All authors take
their writing seriously! If they didn’t, they would not care when someone
gives them a not so good review!
There are people out there that just despise Indie/self-published authors. Why? The author did what others wish they can do, it's that simple. The self-published author doesn’t just talk about writing a book and publishing it, they go out and do it! They have courage and hope in a sea of vexing haters.
Do most self-published authors consider their writing a career?
The majority do but some are more realistic in the outcome so most have part-time jobs or even full-time jobs. Overall, self-publishing may be all the rage, but the writer has a choice. If he or she wants to publish traditionally, that's up to them, however more and more traditional companies are going in the way of self-publishing. Giving their audience a chance to read a diverse stream of books written by unknown authors. Some of those books can hide a hidden jewel. Just saying.
Chapter 1: A Truth Revealed
It’s been three months since Chandra and her friends arrived at the
sanctuary. “This place is very peaceful
and safe,” thought Chandra as she helped one of the women pick berries from
bushes in the garden. The sandy, blonde-haired, human female looked at
Chandra’s prominent belly.
“How far along are you?” she asked.
“I think I’m close to six months, Karla. I’m
not really sure, though. Linnea has a midwife monitoring the growth of my
belly.” Chandra responded, as she placed the weaved basket next to her feet and
exhaled. She looked up at the sky.
“The dusky lavender hue of the sky reminds me
of an Amethyst crystal and the white fluffy clouds hang prominently in the
foreground. Beautiful. It seems so otherworldly, so surreal. Can’t get over its
beauty. The best thing about this place is that my thoughts are my own. No
Soran.”
Chandra
felt a tap on her shoulder, she gasped and put her hand over her enlarged
belly.
“Are you
okay,” Symonea asked. She is one of the women that live in the sanctuary. She
is a Dryadian female, who escaped from a bounty hunter and stumbled into the
forest. Lucky for her, one of the warrior women that guard the gates
surrounding the sanctuary, found her and brought her to safety. “I’m fine,”
Chandra responded and sat down on a bench under a tree.
She exhaled
deep and smiled. “Chandra, I hope you
don’t mind me asking but who is the father? Is it Carlos?” Symonea asked. Her
innocent intrusion did not offend Chandra, but she wondered if Symonea has a
crush on Carlos, she has caught her eyeing him in adoration. Chandra smiled.
“The father is,” she paused. “on the other side. He can never crossover.”
Chandra sighed.
“Oh, I see.
He must not be pure of heart,” Symonea paused. “That is the only reason why he
cannot crossover or he is a threat to you and your unborn child.” What Symonea
said, flicked a light in Chandra’s head. “A
threat? Maybe. If he knew I am carrying his child, he definitely would not
approve. I don’t know how he would feel about it,” she thought. One of the
guards walked up to them.
“Linnea wants to talk to you Chandra,” said
a slender Valurin female, dressed in a pair of brown suede fitted pants, a
matching halter top, and dirty brown leather boots. Her hair is haphazardly
done up in a bun. Some strands hang loosely on the sides of her temples. She is
one of the guards. They dress differently than the rest of the women at the
sanctuary. Chandra is escorted back to the main compound. The main building has
two lower layers of rooms.
Carlos
passed them in the hallway, he abruptly stopped, and turned on his heels.
“Whoa! Stop the press.” His eyes shot open,
and they rested on Chandra’s belly. Chandra grimaced. Carlos has not paid much
attention lately to Chandra’s appearance and this is the first time he noticed
something off. Chandra stopped and turned around. She sighed. He finally
noticed her belly. Her cheeks flushed.
“Yes, Carlos I’m pregnant,” she confessed,
casting her eyes down briefly, feeling ashamed that she did not tell him
sooner. However, he is not the father so frankly, it is none of his business.
Carlos is taken back by the news. He gulped, surprised.
“Is it…
mine?” he stuttered.
“Chandra
chuckled. “No. Right now I need to speak to Linnea, I will talk to you about it
later.” She smiled and walked away quickly. Carlos sighed nervously and a
perturbed look shadowed his face. He never noticed her belly before since she
wears long loose dresses.
“When
we first arrived, we always hung out together but within time I was sectioned
off to work with other males that live here and eventually, I was moved to the
compound two blocks away from the main building. It’s no wonder I never noticed
Chandra’s changing body,”
thought Carlos.
“The sanctuary is a large place, sometimes people don’t see each other for a long time,” the warrior woman told Chandra. Chandra shrugged and nodded.
“Poor Carlos, I probably scared him. He
probably thinks he is the father. I’ll explain to him later if we cross paths
again,” she scoffed and smiled. Chandra was escorted into a well lite room.
At the center on a large metal pedestal, a
large egg-shaped stone, sits. She suspects that this is one of those Kry’ash
stones of Knowledge, that was brought to this world from Dryade. “How did they cross it to this dimension?” she
thought. Linnea walked in. Her slender body swept past her.
“How are you feeling?” She asked.
“I am doing good. Not sure how I got pregnant
by a Javarin, but I suppose anything it possible.” Chandra said, a worried look
shadowed her face.
She did not want Linnea to know that she is
scared to death about having a child even though she has had children before
back on Earth.
“It is understandable to be afraid,” Linnea
patted Chandra’s shoulder. “Don’t be afraid though, because you’re about to
embark on a journey to seek what is hidden inside your mind.” Linnea poured a
cup of tea for herself and Chandra.
“This tea will help you relax and make you
ready for the communion.”
“What communion?” Chandra asked. Her lips
stopped short of the rim of the cup as she second guessed whether she should
drink it or not. “Will this harm the child?” She asked.
“No, it will help you and the child,” Linnea
said.
You must
seek the truth and in order to do that, you must commune with the stone. All it
takes is for you to open your mind. If there’s any doubt, I will be here with
you on your first journey inside the Kry’ash.” Linnea assured her, but it’s no
comfort since Chandra naturally tends to be wary of new things.
Well, another year has gone by and even though 2020 wasn't the best for everyone I find that it gave me & my family some much needed breaks. Now that 2021 has come and a new President will enter the White House, I pray things will only get better.
Of course, the virus is not going to go away anytime soon. Family and friends affected by Trump and the whole 2020 dilemma, will never get together and apologize for being horrible human beings toward one another, during his presidency, however I feel that my family and I will fend well despite of what some people think. Now, with that said, I want to bring up that these past 4 years showed us who are friends really are and it brought out the worst in people, especially in those who were already divided politically or on personal issues.
A sibling called me on News Years Eve, saying that he wasn't going to ring in the New Year, that he wasn't going to stay up. Well, I personally don't care but unfortunately instead of him just saying, "Happy New Years to you and your family" and leaving it at that, he started in on me about who I voted for and lecturing me on how BAD things will get for me and my family because of the new president. I couldn't even put two words in, because of all the ranting he was doing!
Unbelievable. I tried to be civil by just saying, " Well I hope you and your Family have a happy New Year," and cutting the unpleasant conversation.
In the end he just said, " Yeah," and left it at that. It's unfortunate that people have become so divided over politics, with NO way of any reconciliation on both parties.
Final word on this:
When the bridge that connects us has deceased, there is no way we will ever talk again or see each other. I will move on.
My New Years Resolution is:
To continue writing and finish up the Chandra's Quest book series. I think I will focus all my creativity on accomplishing it. I will also do my best to avoid crazy, obnoxious, mean-spirited people but Life is what it is, you can't always avoid craziness and people who are unhappy and feel they should make others unhappy.
