Immortal (24 page)

People listened intently as he told the story of the fairy princess who had given him his horse. He told of how the horse found Staysia when she needed him. He told them all about Staysia’s request of him to name the horse. Staysia smiled and held her hand over her mouth. She shyly surveyed the room and the people that eyeballed her.

“My sweet!” Gabriel got Staysia’s attention. “My sweet, there is someone who would love to meet you.”

Staysia looked around the room. “Someone would like to meet me? Who would like to meet me?” she asked.

“Who would you like to meet?”

“Who is it?” she asked eagerly.

“If I were to tell you that you could choose someone, just one someone. Who would that someone be? Someone you have never met before?”

“Well, I don’t know,” Staysia put a finger on her chin as if it would help her think more clearly. She put her finger in the air. “Why, the Mother of the Fairies of course!”

“Good choice! That is who has come to meet you.”

“The Mother—is here?” She looked around for her. “Where is she?”

The people ooh’
d and aah’d again, their mouths agape. They were looking behind Staysia. She got the feeling the Mother was behind her and turned around slowly, almost afraid to look. The Mother of the Fairies walked toward her. The people had been looking upon her exquisite beauty, and perhaps the pink glow that hovered over her and around her body.

The train of the Mother’s light blue gown trailed behind her. She stood to be a bit taller than Staysia. Her golden wings fluttered gently beyond each of her shoulders as she walked. She carried a smile across her lips and kindness in her eyes. Her face was aglow with fairy dust. Her blonde curls fell past her waist and bounced behind her. The Mother looked directly at Staysia. She stopped when she stood in front of her.

Staysia stood face to face with the Mother. She didn’t know what she should say, or what she should do, so she just gazed at her—she just admired her beauty. Finally, the Mother smiled a kind smile directly at Staysia. This made Staysia feel a little more comfortable. She felt even more at ease when the Mother brushed her cheek with the back of her hand. And finally she spoke.

“You are a beautiful girl, Staysia
, and you have come so very far. I was honored to help you along the way. But I don’t think you needed me at all. It was all in
you.”
She glanced at Gabriel, Tristen, and Jasper. “You and your friends, that is.”

Staysia paid the Mother a curtsy and said, “I am so pleased to finally meet you. You have always been my protector, whether you knew it or not. As a little girl, I imagined you were there with me any time I needed someone.”

“I knew, and I was there.”

Staysia just smiled at the Mother, her eyes filled with tears.

“I wish you the very best. You deserve the very best.” She spread her arms out and looked around. “Everything and everyone you have gained in your life were always meant to be yours. This day has been awaiting
you
. I will always be with you, still.”

“I am so honored. You are such an exquisite and delightful being.”

“Now, I believe Gabriel has chosen a name for his horse that he would like to share with you.”

Staysia turned and looked at Gabriel and smiled, showing her teeth. Gabriel rubbed his chin as he began to speak. “I have decided to name this beast of mine a name that is not so common as Blackey or Midnight. I have named him Spartacus.” He took in a deep breath and looked at Staysia nervously. “Is Spartacus alright?”

Staysia laughed slightly. “It is perfect!” she concluded.

Gabriel took another deep breath and put his hand on his heart. He put his head back and looked
at the sky. He sighed with relief and looked at Staysia. “That’s a relief!” They laughed together.

“Yes, Gabriel, you have done well with the name.” The Mother said. She turned to Staysia. “Now, I must be on my way.” She put her hand on Staysia’s chest. “You keep me in here
always and I will always be with you, just as I am now.”

“I will. Always.” Staysia smiled and waved to her
. She watched her until she faded away and was gone.

* * *

Once all of the guests had gone, Staysia wasn’t interested in a getaway with her new husband. No, she had just discovered the most beautiful place she had ever known. She had everything she wanted right there on the island. She had her parents, her new friends, and she had Gabriel.

They stayed right there where they were. Of course, they had many journeys together after that. They built their home and had many little children. The trolls were no longer looked down upon. They looked up to Jasper and became cheery little beings of peace. The bridges were not guarded anymore
, and neither were the forests and cities forbidden to the trolls.

Spartacus was no unicorn, but he was nonetheless a hopeless romantic just like Gabriel. He found love in Isis and they had little uni-horses and lived a long and happy life with Gabriel and Staysia.

That is the end of my story, but the love that was found went on forever. Immortality is a precious gift when eternity can be spent with those you love. No empty holes needed be filled, no broken hearts to be mended. Joy and peace reigned with Staysia and her family. The hope that was born with the Sea Child brought unity to the people on his sixth birthday; unity and happiness that will never cease.