Once their mission was complete, Willow had to brace the truth. Both her and Athela knew they had to part ways after so long. Willows longing for a simplistic life with Nikoli vs Athela's want to be involved in the world. It wasn't fair on either of them to feel forced to stick together. They would always be sisters, and always be in touch, the two made sure of that. 

The day Willow left for Aerenal, she hugged Athela tight, forcing her to promise to be safe and visit whenever she wanted and got the chance. With a final goodbye, Willow got on the ship to Aerenal, looking forward to her new life. Nikoli greated her at the port with open arms, embracing her after so long. People would stare as they passed, but neither paid them any mind as they made their way to Nikoli's estate. 

Willow spent the next few years within the woods, relaxing, hunting, and enjoying her time in the log cabin Nikoli had specifically designed for the two of them. It took her a while to get used to being called Bella again, but she enjoyed it. The two remained comfortably together however, Bella refused to marry him without Athela present. Within their free time, they began designing another cabin for when Athela decided to visit, or better yet, come live with them. Accustomed with all wheel chair accessibility, the cabin was perfect by the following spring. When the time came, Athela came to Aerenal. What Bella wasn't expecting was her to bring a man with her. 

Vakhad was sure to get a grilling as Bella questioned him the first time they met. However, she did eventually get used to him, much like Athela got used to Nikoli. Bella gladly showed Athela around her new custom home, welcoming Vakhad as well. That fall, Bella held her and Nikoli's wedding under the falling oak leaves, both Athela and Vakhad one of the few attendants. They all seemed to live peacefully for the next few years, Bella and Nikoli providing fresh hunted food on top of the other foods they bought from the nearby city. 

1004 YK

The spring came fast, the leaves growing back onto the trees and the flowers blooming throughout the forest as the days pushed through Lharvion. Bella welcomed a baby boy, his hair a vibrant red like hers, but his features less foxlike. Although it seemed he did inherited her animalistic traits. His vibrant hair was paired with furry bearlike ears and a long fur covered tail. 

As Bella held him curled up against her chest, she toyed with the fur on his ears and looked to Nikoli. "He's amazing. Your eyes, my animalistic nature. Fiesty too. He's going to be a handful."

Nikoli chuckled with amusement, his thumb brushing her cheek lovingly before he moved to sit in the chair beside her bed, holding her free hand. "Yes. But he is our handful. He'll turn out just fine with all four of us here to guide him. Soon to be five with your sister expecting. They'll have plenty of people to keep an eye on them." 

Bella looked happily down at their precious baby boy asleep on her chest with his tail tucked around himself, a comfortable smile on her lips. "Yes. He definantly will. Our little secret Prince Venus. Perfect beast of the Cyran throne."

--------

A few months later, Athela and Vakhad welcomed their son Dakhad to the world. Both of the boys were perfect and soon to hopefully be friends. Both had a loving and protective family as well as a curious spirit of adventure. Sure to both be handfuls in their own unique ways. Nothing these two sisters couldn't handle. Right?!