Last chapter! I may add and Epilogue if it's needed by the time I'm finished writing this. This chapter is dedicated to SilverOakleaf, because she's awesome, and has followed the characters to the end. I love all of you and I'm sad to see this book end. :(

~Avis

***

Willy sat at one of the benches as he watched the whole village dance, in celebration of the town being rebuilt. Bonfires were lit and pigs were being roasted on a spit over the fires. People like Svengal and Thorn were occasionally sneaking a piece of meat off the carcass. Thorn however soon stopped once Karina noticed the grease in his beard and scolded him. Willy wasn't in the mood for any celebration. If he had gotten it his way, he'd be locked in his room all night to avoid seeing people. But Aarah, Abby, Lydia, Lynn, and Karina forced him out the door while Jesper, Hal, Thorn, MJ, and Tristan stood by laughing.

On the other side of the centre bonfire, Emmy sat in the same position as Willy. They held each other's gaze through the flames, neither one wanting to break the eye contact. Only when Tristian stood up on a table, calling everyone's attention, did they finally look away from one another. Tristan smirked at Aarah and took her hand, pulling her onto the table with him.

"We have an announcement to make." Tristan said grinning. He kissed Aarah on the cheek before turning back to the waiting crowd of Skandians. "Aarah and I are getting married." The roaring sound of applause started up, the Hounds and the Herons cheering the loudest. For the first time since Aarah's pregnancy was revealed, the whole village accepted her. Aarah was slightly pink and she scrambled off the table and over to Lynn, who was cradling Shaz in her arms. She took her baby back and thanked people as they came by to congratulate her.

Once Shaz was back in the safety of Aarah's arms, Lynn slipped out of the celebration, and headed back to the cabin. She was never good at parties, even when she was a maid. She would usually serve any parties hosted my Lord Finchshire. When she wasn't filling someones glass, she was standing silently in the corner with her friends.

As the sound of the party grew farther away, the less tense she became. She only came for Aarah, because she knew that her friend needed her. Once they had found out Emmy was moving back home, The two girls were heartbroken. Lynn couldn't imagine how Willy was feeling.

"Lynn?" An all to familiar voice called. She turned back on the road to see MJ, well she couldn't really see him at first. Her eyes were beginning to become accustomed to the Rangers strange cloaks.

"Yes?" She asked, heading back towards him. When she reached him, he pulled his cowl down.

"Where are you oft to?" He asked.

"The cabin. It's quieter." She said. He smiled and nodded.

"That's true, but what about Aarah and Emmy? It's Emmy's last night in Hallasholm, I think you ought to be with her." He said. She swallowed a bit, mentally cursing him for his logic.

"She doesn't want to talk." She said.

"She's upset, Lynn. It's a hard decision. Her father just died." He said.

"I know." She hung her head, feeling a bit selfish. "Fine, I'll go back." She mumbled. He smirked a bit.

"Good." Though neither one of them made any move to head back to the party. When Lynn finally felt they had stood staring long enough to make things awkward, she made the move towards the party. She was startled when MJ suddenly grabbed her arm gently to keep her from leaving. It startled her slightly, and she glanced at MJ in wonder.

"Is something wrong, MJ?" She asked carefully. He bit his lip, shifting uncomfortably.

"I-I...Just wanted to tell you you look beautiful tonight." He muttered. Her heart surged at the words. She wasn't just imagining the glances he gave her from time to time? Aarah and Emmy weren't lying when they teased her? Whoa there Lynn, he only gave you a compliment. Now say thank you and act like it never happened. Though she'd hate to admit it, but the stupid voice in her head was right.

"Thank you." She said awkwardly. He nodded once.

"I think I'll head back to the cabin for tonight. Go be with Emmy." He said. She swallowed and nodded.

"Goodnight, MJ." She said. He nodded once more and turned towards the cabin, leaving her breathless.

***

The next morning was tear filled as Emmy said farewell to everyone in Hallasholm. Erak cried the most as he embraced his niece tightly. As she moved down the line of people, they gave her hugs and some gave her tokens for her to remember them by. Willy was last, embracing her tightly.

"I'm sorry, Willy." She murmured in his ear. He gave her a small smile.

"It's not your fault, it's not anyone's. I'm sorry about your father, Em." He said sadly. She felt tears well up in her eyes.

"I'm sorry too. He didn't deserve to die." She said quietly. He rubbed her arm gently.

"No one does. Go home and comfort your mother. When the time is right, you'll come back." He said. She nodded, knowing his words were true.

"I'll miss you." She cried. He felt tears slipping down his own cheeks as he nodded. He cupped her face with his hands and kissed her slowly, savouring their final moments together. No one interrupted them, for they knew the pain both of them were going through. When they finally broke apart, Emmy let out some shuttering sigh, kissing his cheek. "Goodbye, Willy."

"Goodbye, Emilia." He whispered. She pulled out of his embrace and mounted her horse. Svengal would accompany her back to her home village, then return. As they made their way down the path leading out of Hallasholm, Emmy turned around in her saddle and gave Willy one last wave before she was out of sight.

***

Ahh! This chapter killed me! Emotionally drained! What do you all think? Do you think it needs an epilogue for more closure, or leave it at that? I was planning on this being the ending since I started the book, so I haven't really thought of any other alternatives. I love you all! Please comment and vote!

~Avis