Chapter 30: Epilogue

Before midsummer, the smithy was finished, a solid stone structure with a slate roof and wide openings on three sides. Work had started on a second house, with plans for a third. An open shed had been added onto the front of the barn, which would make it easier to get in and out during the winter.

Feldan was looking at ways to expand the cave rooms and the library lighting. Haldor was working on plans for a saw mill, and deciding which parts of the meadow to expand by cutting timber.

Elli and Sylvie had become fast friends. Both were learning how to make glass.

The young ravens had figured out how to open the loft door latch, and were learning to fly.

Frida was looking very content, and putting on weight.

The garden was growing well, and Indeira was able to replenish her supplies of herbs, both medicinal and flavorful. Because of the knee brace, she was even able to get into the forest a ways for mushrooms and other woodland plants. Rafe went with her anytime she did, avidly soaking up knowledge of herbs and edible plants.

In spite of losing her twin, and her parents, a little more than a year ago, Indeira realized she was happy. She would always miss her twin brother Raith, and her mother and father.

But she had a new family, the best kind of family: the family you choose.

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