At the end where Destiny awaits: Book 6 of the Kinstone series
Chapter 25: My home

(Me)

I stroll out onto the Estate, having had a rather long, yet incredible evening with my mother. She and I simply spent all night talking, going over my experiences beyond my overview to her. I had so much to tell her, so much to explain. We even spoke in Alcoran at times, which was incredible to hear a friendly voice with the language.

We ended up sleeping together, with my wolves nearby of course. I think Mom still has to get used to the fact that I have a second wolf. I think a lot more people will have to in the future.

My path takes me through the fields past the Manor. I gaze around, still seeing everything covered in snow. I feel a chill breeze brush against my face, yet it really doesn’t bother me. Heh, after spending a month in Japan in the cold, this really isn’t that bad when I think about it.

I feel my tails softly scraping against the snow, haven’t felt the need to transform back into a human. Why should I? I’m kitsune and this is my home.

I glance out into the distance, glimpsing the lake. I sigh softly, missing the gossip terribly. During my time in Japan, we kept in contact thanks to message stone. I have dozens of letters from them, and even a couple more from Savero.

To my surprise, when I finally unpacked my bag, I discovered several more from them. I think they couldn’t get through to me thanks to the barrier around the Outpost. I really hope they weren’t too worried when I didn’t reply to them.

I turn my attention back onto my path. Thoughts swirl within me, wondering what I’m going to do next. There’s much to do in the near future, of which I’m already coming up with a plan.

A smile then forms on my face as I look back out onto the Estate; think I’ll just go see everyone. Mom told me a few had returned, while others remained behind due to being trapped here.

I feel and hear the snow crunching beneath my feet. My smile grows, feeling my attachment to the land is stronger than before, even before I had to flee. Maybe it was the mental state I was in at the time that I didn’t notice it. Perhaps it was when I fought Lana and Mistral that night when the Estate fully recognized me.

Who knows?

I peer over to the forest, seeing the trees devoid of most of their leaves, with only the spruce and evergreen retaining their color. I nod softly, knowing that I need to go see the dryads and harpies. I’ve missed them dearly these past long months. So that’s on my docket, a reconnect with everyone.

I walk past the remnants of the greenhouse. Most of the structure has been destroyed, yet I can see that the framework for a new one’s already been completed. It looks like it’s going to be even bigger than the old one, which will make Velhemina happy. She often talked about expanding the greenhouse.

Next to it is a smaller structure, possibly the size of the parsonage back in Mercedes has been built. I smile, thinking it’s for temporary use until the new greenhouse is completed.

Even from a few yards away, I easily see the handiwork of Chaluk and Emeline on it. The precise bending of the beams and even the intricate weaving of the scrollwork, also with the fine crafting of glass. Chaluk is a master metalsmith and Emeline loves working with glass.

They aren’t the only salamanders that live here of course. Over half a dozen call the Estate home. So it’s no real wonder that the work would be completed so quickly.

I really think the Chinjaro-san would absolutely love to meet them, given their shared vocations. My thoughts drift towards the village, no doubt worrying over me. They watched over us during our time there, so happy to see me again. They are my family as well, people I love dearly. So, I wonder if I should contact them, just to let them know I finally made it home. It’s not a bad idea.

My walk takes me to the stables, glancing up to see part of the roof under reconstruction. I reach the fence of the corral and look around, hoping to hear the usual neighing and snorting of horses. It’s quiet as my eyes scan the area, worried for Lucayan and the others. I still have no idea what happened to them, Mom never told me or just simply hasn’t yet.

Wanting to get a better look, I leap over the fence and stroll around the snow-covered corral. My feet shuffle through the snow, feeling even more wind brush against me, catching in my ears. I sigh softly, seeing my breath forming in the air.

I then hear the sound of loud neighing coming from the stable. I quickly turn as my eyes grow wide as I watch a blazing red horse come charging towards me.

“EMBER!!!” I call out as tears well up in my eyes as I run to him.

The horse snorts and kicks happily as we meet, stamping his feet into the snow. As he lowers his head, I quickly hug it, stroking his muzzle, feeling his hot and course body. He in turn bats my chest with his head, even lifting me off of the ground. I giggle, nuzzling him.

“Oh god I’ve missed you,” I tell him, staring into his deep, brown eyes. He bats me again, swishing his tail behind him.

“He’s been worried about you for months,” I hear a voice call out.

I turn to see Lucayan standing by the stable doors. I grin, slipping off of Ember and running to him. The stable master laughs as he pulls me into a tight hug. I feel his hands stroking the back of my head.

“I’ve missed you as well, Young Miss,” he says. “I worried terribly over you ever since you fled here.”

I look up into the lycan’s eyes, seeing that he’s now sporting a short beard. His face looks slighter older, no doubt from said worry. “How are you here?” I ask.

He smiles, pulling back slightly. “After the greenhouse was destroyed, and the order to evacuation was issued, I managed to wrangle the herd to the portals. Even in hiding, we still performed our duty to watch and care for them. That all changed a week ago when your mother sent out word to return home. Granted, a few had already by the time we came back.”

I smile happily as I listen. I know Sebastian and kobolds returned just as Mom came back, so maybe others had to be informed.

My heart then leaps in my chest as my eyes grow wide. “Does that mean the gossip is coming home?”

He smiles, “I’m not sure of when anyone else is. Only that they will.”

I smile, nodding. Our home is back, and Mom is calling everyone to it. I giggle to myself, thinking of the sacred crystal in Dewloura, calling its people home.

Lucayan grins, “Would you like to take Ember out?”

I grin happily. It’s been so long since I rode my horse and he always loves when I do.

My ears then flick to the sound of heavy padding in the snow I turn to see both Fenris and Athena standing some distance away from us from behind the fence. I giggle as they stare at us, shaking my head. “I have such jealous parents.”

Both wolves huff and stare at Ember who in turn looks to them. The horse’s head shakes as he turns and faces them.

“I can’t believe that I’m seeing another Uldulvan wolf,” says Lucayan.

I grin, looking to Athena. “Yep, she’s mine too. She’s also like Fenris in that she’s like a mother to me.” She puffs her chest proudly at me.

The stable master smiles as he looks her over. “I look forward to caring for her as well.” I grin and look to her, knowing I need to share with him some of the notes I took while in Dewloura.

He then looks to me, “Do you still wish to ride Ember?”

I smile, feeling my cheeks burning softly. I’ve been riding wolfback such much these past few months that’s it really become the norm for me. Heritage perhaps.

I smile, nodding to him. Both wolves then snort while Ember happily stamps his hooves.

I roll my eyes at them. “You two are completely the same. Both are fine with me riding on either of your backs, yet not when I ride on someone else’s.”

Athena looks to me, “Your place in on our backs, as our little girl.”

I grin, happily swishing my tails behind me. “True, but I’ve missed Ember too.” I really do want to ride him again. It’s been so long since the last time I did.

Athena still looks to me, hoping that I’ll change my mind. But…I’m not.

I turn to see Fenris glaring at Ember, seeing the old rivalry resurface. I giggle and shake my head, leading Ember into the stable. They’ve had this rivalry since I came to live permanently here. I’d switch between them on occasion, often depending on my mood at the time.

I walk to his stall, smiling brightly as I replace my saddle. It’s still in great shape despite everything that’s gone on. I look up, listening to the rafters creak from the wind outside. I can see even more of the repairs being done on the roof.

All around me I hear the sounds of other horses as the go about in their stalls. I smile, even seeing Mom’s massive horse Bester. I still remember when she and I first went out riding together nearly three years ago. It’s still unbelievable that it’s been that long now.

My ears flick back as I hear the sounds of heavy hooves rushing to I turn to see the holtsaurs and minotaurs running to me. I then giggle as they pick me up into their arms and hold me close to them.

“We missed you so much Young Miss,” says a male minotaur.

“We’ve been so worried about you,” says a holtsaur.

The others all each express the same sympathies, all clambering to hold and hug me. I feel like I’m being smothered by everyone. My face practically melts into the chest of one of the older holtsaurs, no doubt full of milk. She grins, stroking my hair. I blush softly as it feels super warm on my cheek.

“Are you back for good Young Miss?” asks a female minotaur. “We don’t want to worry about you anymore.”

I grin softly as they others look to me while still being held up like a child. “For now, but after I deal with something else, I will be.”

Everyone sighs and nods, hugging me even tighter to them. I know everyone’s been worried about me, now wishing that I’d never leave them again. It was the same when I left Ashogihaga both times.

The group then lets me go, slowly lowering me to the floor. “We can’t wait for that day Young Miss,” speaks another minotaur.

I grin, “Me either.” I know that day will come, hopefully soon. However, there’s still a lot that has to happen before it does.

I smile and then hop over to Ember’s stall and pick up my saddle, hoisting it onto his back. After a couple moments of tightening it down, I walk and slide the bridle onto his face, tightening it down but just enough not to hurt him. I smile, patting his face before leaping onto his back. I feel light as I land onto my saddle, it really has been a long time since I last rode on him.

I pick up the reins and take him out. Once I’m beyond the corral, I give my horse a light tap with my heel and off we go.

We race through the fields, feeling the chilled wind rush past my face and into my ears. I shiver slightly from the cold, but it’s nothing I haven’t felt before. It feels really good to be riding Ember again, feeling each one of his powerful strides as his body jostles and ripples under me.

I know Ember feels the same, his body feels incredibly warm against my legs. His head dips and rises with each stride, his mane waving in the wind. He’s happy and he’s showing it off.

At my sides, I see both wolves racing beside me. Both wolves seem massive compared to Ember, with Fenris reaching easily up to my knees. I grin down to them as they occasionally look up at me.

Athena looks to me, “You should be riding sidesaddle like a proper young lady.”

I grin, “Hey, I often did this in Dewloura.” Although, I did get into the habit of riding sidesaddle while there. Part of it was because of my attire and the perception of being a proper young lady. That and my outfits sort of demanded I ride that way.

She huffs, “You are a proper lady of Shyair and should conduct myself as such.”

I giggle as we ride on. Fenris merely smiles to me, yet I can tell he’s still jealous that I’m not on him. I smirk, yet know that I will at some point in the near future.

We arrive at the forest and trot slowly through the trees. Above me I can hear the wind howling against the canopy as the branches clack and creak. It’s always felt lifeless during the winter, granted that how it’s supposed to be. No green, no leaves, merely life retreating to await the spring.

I pan around, hearing the sounds of a few animals as they scurry about. I know some have filtered in since the Estate was unsealed. However, how long will it take for the roaming herds of deer to return?

Now, if there’s one animal I really don’t want to return are wild pigs. They caused absolute havoc last spring and it took Silvi, Fenris, the harpies and I weeks to clear them out. The meat was great when cooked, but there were just too many of them.

We travel along the same paths I would often run on in the mornings. I listen as the caliche is crushed under Ember’s hooves the deeper we venture.

We soon replace ourselves where the enclave of dryad’s reside. I scan around, seeing no one around. My head tilts as I wonder if they’re hibernating, giving it’s now winter.

The branches surrounding us begin to creak, and not because of the wind. Some even begin to move on their own. Athena slowly creeps forward, guarding me. I smile to her, reaching down and stroking her head. Fenris on the other hand simply sits and smiles.

I then watch as the dryads slowing begin to emerge from behind the trees. Bright and warm smiles adorn their faces as they come closer. Several slowly approach me as I slide off of Ember, holding onto the reins. Athena sees this and slowly relents. I can’t say I blame her being protective of me.

The dryads smile, with the patriarch looking to me. “It does us such joy to see you home Young Miss.”

I grin, “The minotaurs and holtsaurs said the same thing.”

He smiles happily. I look around seeing that their numbers aren’t the same as they used to be. I feel a pang in my heart, recalling that Mom said they lost many in the battle. I grip the reins tightly, noting a few missing notable faces. Many who passed were adults and a few young adults. I knew them for years, playing with the youngest along with the twins when their parents finally allowed them to.

The patriarch comes closer, “We did indeed lose many in the battle. However, my wife is not counted among them.” I look up to him, seeing him smile warmly to me. “She is resting and recovering along with many others. She did attend the burial of the fallen, yet had to retreat afterwards.”

Tears well up in my eyes, feeling a small measure of guilt for their loss. Yet I am glad she’s still alive. The matriarch, Sedona, was always a source of knowledge of the forest for me. So it’s great she's still alive. Her husband Loerbos would often be out tending to the orchards and groves with the others. I’d be right there with them, lending an extra hand or tail when needed.

He smiles, kneeling down and taking my hands into his. “You needn’t blame yourself for what happened Young Miss. Death claims us all, be it in battle or in peace. We all answered the call to fight of our own volition.”

I nod slowly. Even still, I feel the pain of losing them. I’ve lost so much family in such a short amount of time it hurts incredibly.

Behind me I feel my tails being wrapped by others. I look over to see Fenris and Athena smiling to me. I give them each a soft smile, wiping away my tears.

I then hear flapping of wings as they descend from above. Winged-arms soon envelope me as the smell of feathers fills my nose. I look up to see Amira and several of her brood-mates all surrounding us. I grin, quickly hugging her tightly.

She swoons, nuzzling my face. “Mmmm, welcome home Young Miss.” She then looks me over, “You are looking more beautiful than the last time I saw you.”

I grin, clinging to her. “Thanks Amira,” I then again look to her and the other harpies. “It's so amazing to see so many of you alive.”

She grins, kissing my cheek as the others gather close. I giggle softly as I’m smothered with attention. Athena seems at loss over this while Fenris again merely smiles. I watch as he leans into her, whispering into her ear.

I listen as everyone begins to tell me of the aftermath, their laying of the fallen to rest and the slow recovery and reconstruction of my home and the forest after Silvi fell onto it. They admit that the work wasn’t easy, given the loss many key people.

I nod as I listen, “I never stopped thinking of home.” My gaze then lowers, “I feel so angry for losing so many. I just…just can’t get over this.”

Amira lifts my face, stroking it while Loerbos rests a hand on my shoulder. Their eyes are soft and gentle as they look to me. I smile softly, knowing they’re cheering me up. I know I shouldn’t blame myself for what happened. I should be happy and joyful that I am here with them and that others are alive.

I glance over to see Fenris and Athena smiling to me, their tails wrapping around each other’s. I sigh happily, feeling a little better now. I really shouldn’t put myself down, nor should I let tragedy dominate me. It did for a time, but not anymore.

We stay with both groups for a while, with me explaining my journey across the world and even through time. Everyone marvels at my tales which brings me some happiness. When I decide to leave, Amira pulls me into a tight hug. “I look forward to seeing those pink tails soaring through the trees again.”

I grin, “I can’t either.” I still love racing from branch to branch, a habit I further explored while in Japan.

She smiles as I hoist myself back onto Ember and pull on his reins and turns, leaving the enclave. I look back, smiling the dryads and harpies. So many friends, people I’ve known from the moment I first came here. They will be here for me no matter what and I can’t thank them enough for that.

Both wolves take their place at my side as we once more venture into the forest. There’s a place I really want to go to now.