The droplets of water sparkled like thousands of tiny crystals in the bright sunshine of the early morning. Each blade of grass that covered the sloping ground and each leaf hanging from the surrounding trees was adorned with a prism of light, and Emily stared in awe at the freshness of a world washed clean by the darkness of the previous night's storm. She breathed deeply of the air that was no longer heavy, the humidity having returned to the lake where it belonged, just waiting to evaporate in the heat of the sun and repeat its cycle once again. But for now all was cool, still, and calm. Her feet dangled over the edge of the wooden jetty, her toes dipping in the clear water beneath. When the ripples settled, she could see her reflection perfectly in the surface that was as smooth as glass.

She heard the cabin door quietly open then close, followed by soft footsteps padding nearer before Jace's strong arms wrapped around her, drawing her closer into his warm embrace. She leaned back and closed her eyes, a sigh of bliss escaping her lips.

Jace leaned his chin on her shoulder, his warm breath on her collarbone sending tiny goosebumps racing over her skin. She wondered if his touch would always have this effect on her. She certainly hoped so.

"Amazing view, isn't it?" she whispered.

"Yes, it is," he whispered back.

"Could it get any better, Jace? I just feel....complete, and....and perfectly at peace," she spoke oh so quietly, but his ear was only inches from her lips so it didn't matter.

"Mmm, I agree...being here with you in my arms, it's like...like we were always meant to be here, together... Why are we whispering?" he placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Because it's so perfect here I didn't want to break the stillness," she turned and looked into his eyes, the sparkling forest green depths that she couldn't wait to stare into and explore for years to come.

Jace's concerned voice startled her, "What's this on the back of your shoulder? A bruise?"

"Probably just got it in the battle. I'm fine, it doesn't even hurt," she reached up, covering it with her hand.

But Jace gently pried her fingers away, "I'll have to kiss it better."

"Mm of course you will, Jace the Healer," she grinned.

"What's that?"

"Jace. It means healer, or the healing."

"And...you know that how?" he tilted her chin to get a better look in her face, only to see a growing smile, her eyes lighting up as if they held a secret.

"Cyrus told me. We were talking the other day," Emily stated matter-of-factly, followed by a playful smile.

Jace just frowned, "Okaaay," but couldn't help grinning.

"I think it suits you. You know, you came here and saved everyone from perishing; brought healing and peace to a land that has only known war for decades.....Maybe that's why Cyrus gave you the name," Emily pondered this new thought then nodded her head with satisfaction.

"That's cool, I guess," Jace agreed. "But...there can't be peace forever, you know that right?"

"I know, Cyrus mentioned that also. Trouble and danger will still come to this land, but Jehovah will also prepare the right person to fight it and bring hope once more. It will be a cycle, I guess...until the end," Emily once more stared out at the lake, the warm mists already rising from the surface.

"Why don't we have breakfast, hey? I think a saw a mulberry tree out back – we could make pancakes," Jace rubbed Emily's arms before pulling her to her feet.

"OK, but I'll warn you now; I'm not sure I can make them as good as your mother's!" she turned in his embrace and patted his chest.

"I know," he replied flatly. "They'll probably be better," the wink he sent her caused a blush as expected.

Emily just giggled, linking fingers with Jace as they walked arm in arm towards their cabin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Thank you, Teacher. You teach me English really well!"

"You're very welcome, Nisung! I hope you have a good weekend," Meredee waved as her last student, a petite woman from Burma, left the classroom.

She sighed as she looked down at all the paperwork. The other teachers hadn't been able to keep up with it all during Meredee's impromptu time away for interdimensional travel. She needed to file away all the assessment papers, plan the outlines for next term's lessons, and determine if a couple of her students were ready for the next level. She absently fingered the gold dragon that hung from the chain around her neck. She'd taken to wearing it as a memento of her time spent in the most beautiful land, and remind her that she could be strong and fight when she needed to. Right now, she almost wished she was back there, would almost prefer to be out in the fresh air and do something more exciting and adventurous than just paperwork.

But it seemed she had returned to the real world, returned back to the rut she felt stuck in. But her life was good, wasn't it? She had a good job, great friends. She was using her teaching skills to reach others and be a good example for Christ. This is what He wanted her to do, right? So why did she feel like there was something more, something else she should be doing?

A run would help her feel better. Stuffing all the papers into a folder and picking up her bag, she left work and headed for the beach. She just wanted to stretch her leg muscles and release the strain from the day, breathe deeply as her heart pumped harder, and watch the sun set over the swirling ocean depths.

Changing quickly, she tied her laces and was off, pounding over the boardwalk before the path turned to concrete, running effortlessly for the first few miles. This right here, her own backyard with the squawking seagulls and friendly fishermen, the laughing children and crash of waves, should be beautiful enough, adventure enough for Meredee. She asked God to help her never take it for granted.

As she passed a copse of trees, a shadow moved behind them, dark brown eyes watching her and the setting sun – a woman in a flowing crimson dress, so out of place in this world, hidden amongst the she-oaks and pandanus palms.

"You can't run from me forever, Ka'leisha," she whispered into the darkening night.

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Yaaayyyy I'm so excited that I finished writing this story :) :D I'm also kinda sad that it's finished, but there may be a sequel :D Then we'll get to read what happens next!! :D
So, let me know what you thought of Jace and Emily's happily ever after! And Meredee's uncertainty as to her future.... ;) ;) 
I hope you liked this story! I had heaps of fun writing it :)