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.
