| "That would explain why we couldn't bring it home," Hermione said. "Because it gave its completion to our cause." "We worried for nothing," Kat said. "Of course," Keilich continued, "you can see that the sword's completion has brought our dying planet back to life. Never before have I seen so many people. People who had died off from the prophetic hurricanes from months earlier, but whose lives were restored because they were good people in their previous lives. The seas are full of ships and the cities are once again replenished with its citizens. Should you and Clara ever return to Lamuth in your lifetimes, you will see your township rebuilt and your friends there to greet you." Kat and Clara smiled. "I don't know if I wish to return," Clara said. "I think of Trillan as home now; we have been granted Guardian hood and a purpose to our existence." "So do I," Kat said. "I wish to stay here and be Guardian of Trillan and a servant to my new found friends here." "Then go meet them," Jervin said, holding his right hand towards the door. "There are thousands out there who love you, and millions more waiting to come and praise you. Go out and wave to them." Kat, Clara, Salem, and Hermione all walked together through the doors of the palace. The crowd roared as they stepped out in a line, waving to them. For hours they were cheered, and given gifts of flowers. Leaders from all over the world came to applaud their success. That evening, the crowds left the palace and gathered in the streets for a festival to celebrate the return of the adventurers. All night long, people danced and sang and prayed to S'Allumer. There was much to eat and drink and plenty of decoration. At one point, while they were not dancing with other Guardians or citizens, Hermione led Kat out of the streets to the docks. A thought weighed heavy on her mind that she only wanted Kat to hear. "Why are we down here, Hermione?" Kat asked, as she stepped onto the docks. "Follow me to my ship," Hermione said, walking up the plank to the deck of the Covenant. "I have something important to tell you." Kat and Hermione stood on the deck together, looking out over the moonlit ocean. "Why are we here?" Kat asked again. "Is something bothering you? I'd hope not, because the mood is too bright now to be sad." "I am not said," Hermione said. "But I have something I need to say to you because, well, I've been doing a lot of thinking." "What could you be thinking about, Hermione?" Kat asked, not turning her head. "Whatever you say will be safe with me, I prom--" At that moment, Hermione took Kat by the hand. She turned to face Kat, holding Kat's left hand close. Kat seemed a bit flustered. "Don't be afraid," Hermione said, smiling. She held Kat's hand in both of hers, almost in contact with her face. Kat smiled. "Are you--" she stuttered. "Are you like me, Hermione?" Hermione smiled. "I'm glad this is not too strange for you," she said, releasing her hand. "I am not the strict captain you thought I once was." "You are just like me, Hermione," Kat said. "Are you saying that--" "I fancy you, Kat," Hermione said. "It is difficult for me to repress; although I am so devoutly religious and proud of my beautiful country, I do not fancy the gentlemen....Only the ladies." "So do I," Kat said. "I once felt such ways for Clara, but she wishes to be with men in her future." "We have grown so close over such a short period of time," Hermione said, holding hands again with Kat. "Will you let me...will you let me court you, Kat?" Kat smiled. "Oh, my," she whispered, flattered. "Goodness, what will people say?" "Things like that don't matter now," Hermione said. "Love and devotion brought the world together; surely, then, we can be together as such. I have always been afraid of disclosing my little secret, fearful of what others would say about a great captain like me. But I am afraid no longer." "That is good," Kat said. "I was the same way for a long time." "Will you then let me court you, Kat?" Hermione asked. "I want to be with you." "Yes," Kat said, smiling. "Yes, you may." Hermione then leaned forward and closed her eyes. Kat followed suit as the two kissed each other, slipping their tongues into each other's mouths. They held hands as they kissed together for several minutes, then released. "I will keep this hidden if you wish, Kat," Hermione said. "I don't think it will matter," Kat replied. "Now, we should return to the festival. The night is so young, and there is so much left to be happy for." Back to Stories Back to "TAOK&C" Back to Home |