As with the previous stories, this installment will take place during the latter chapters of Ember's End. As such, it will naturally contain SPOILERS for that book and the series as a whole. I expect most folks who frequent New Seddleton are all caught up, but Sam was pretty big on making sure we make sure new fans are aware of possible spoilers during the most recent Q&A session. Consider yourselves warned.

Emma was pensive as she left Picket’s room with Heather. The pair, with various assistants, had been working feverishly to attend to the badly wounded buck. Now, after a grueling period, they had at last managed to address his various hurts and get him into a stable condition. Exhausted after these labors on top of a day of exertion, the two does made their way down the hall in search of food and then rest.

Part of Emma wished to remain with Picket and watch over her dear friend. However, her pragmatic side realized that Picket’s recovery, if it happened at all, would be a lengthy one. She would have to leave him at some point, and more than once. Indeed, there were other cases, and duties, that required her attention.

She tried to content herself with the knowledge that two experienced doctors had taken over before sending her and Heather out. The thought actually brought a smile to her face as she considered the unusual colleagues. Doctor Hendow, a deadpan buck from Akolan, was watching over Picket in tandem with her old mentor, Doctor Zeiger. Were circumstances not so strange and dire, she thought it would have been amusing to see the two working together.

The pair came to a small foyer and found a handful of rabbits waiting for them. Whittle and Sween Longtreader sat side by side, hands clasped in mutual anxiety. On Sween’s other side sat Jacks, his head lolling against her shoulder. Across from them sat Heyna Blackstar, who was chatting amiably with the older pair.

Noticing Emma and Heather, Heyna rose, startling Jacks. He and his parents followed her lead and gaze, and then hurried forward to meet Emma and Heather. Heyna followed at a more sedate pace, curtsying to Emma as she came close. “I’ve just been catching the Longtreaders up on what’s happened since their capture in Nick Hollow.”

“And a very informative conversation it was, Miss Blackstar,” Whittle said with an appreciative smile. He turned back to Emma and Heather, his expression sobering. “But whatever news we have missed, there is one piece of utmost urgency. How is Picket?”

Heather took her father’s hands. “About as well as can be expected, under the circumstances. He’s suffered many wounds, and the fall and near drowning certainly didn’t help matters. But he’s stable, and some of our best doctors are monitoring him.”

“We have done and will continue to do our best for him. For now, that means taking care of ourselves so we can take care of him.” With that comment, Emma led the group down another hallway towards a dining hall. As they walked, Heather introduced Emma properly to her parents.

Just as the group was passing by a set of stairs leading up to the palace roof, the doors burst open. Emma could hear several rabbits’ voices, but a single buck came down the stairs first. Whittle instinctively moved between the does and the approaching shadow, hand straying to the pickaxe he still carried on his belt. Then the newcomer came into the light of the hallway, and both he and Whittle froze in astonishment.

It would have been hard to find two rabbits who looked, at the same time, so alike and so different. Where Whittle’s gray fur showed signs of having recently been wet with river water and sweat, the newcomer’s was stained in places with blood. His clothes, though disheveled, were well-made traveler’s attire, their cloth unlike the rough Akolan weave of Whittle’s garments. And where Whittle was almost painfully thin after his time in Preylord territory, the other rabbit was well-fed and muscular and wore a sword on his belt.

“...Wilfred?”

“...Whittle?”

The Longtreader brothers stared at each other in silence for a long moment, each looking as though he was looking at a ghost. Then, in a rush, they came together, throwing their arms around each other. What followed was a display that would have left few unmoved, as the long-lost brothers wept and alternatively sobbed and laughed. After another long moment, they had vented enough emotions to break apart and look at each other.

Grinning, Wilfred put his hands on Whittle’s shoulders. “Brother of mine…you look terrible.”

“You’re a fine one to talk,” Whittle retorted, fighting his own smile. Then he sobered, his eyes tearing up again. “Oh, Wilfred…it’s been so long. I have missed you so much. And…you must know…during the battle…I saw Garten.

“I fought him…knocked him off the deck of our ship. I reached out to him…tried to convince him to come back. But he wouldn’t…”

Pulling Whittle in close again, Wilfred closed his eyes as he held him tight. “You could not make his choice for him, Whittle. That you could find it within you even to try and reconcile…it shows what a great rabbit you are. Sween chose wisely when she chose you.”

“Oh, so you do remember me, do you, Wilfred Longtreader?” Looking up, Wilfred saw Sween smiling at him through her own tears, with Jacks looking at him uncertainly beside her. He grinned again-and then froze as he saw Heather standing with Emma and Heyna. For a moment, he was in the same state he had been in upon seeing Whittle.

Heather didn’t wait for him to recover, but rushed forward as Whittle finally broke away from his brother. She threw her arms around her uncle, whose own arms rose slowly as he fought through his astonishment. Then he clasped her tightly, tears flowing once again. Emma smiled at the sight, touched to see such tender emotion in a buck who she knew had only a short time ago been fighting fiercely on her behalf.

“My dear Heather…” Wilfred said, his voice choking with emotion. “We were told…Picket and I…that you were killed. That Garten did it…and displayed his bloody sword like a prize.”

“Garten tried to kill me, and would have, had it not been for…an unexpected bequest,” Heather said, pulling back from her uncle’s embrace. “It’s a long story-one which I will happily tell you and others. But for now, I think there are other acquaintances to be renewed…and made.”

Sween came forward then, and Wilfred’s smile returned as he fondly embraced his sister-in-law. He was then introduced to Jacks, who was initially somewhat shy of his uncle. However, Wilfred’s natural good nature and the obvious affection he held, even for a nephew he had not met before, soon broke down any barriers. Soon the five Longtreaders were all hugging and laughing, even as other rabbits began descending the stairs.

As Wilfred explained, he and a party of rabbits he had been with during the last stage of the battle had hailed one of the Seventh District ships once the fighting had ceased. Lake Merle’s waters continued to wash out of the breached dam, but had slowed enough that the former slaves could easily steer through the rushing waters. Wilfred, with some others, had asked to be brought to the palace. He had seen Morbin fall, but had been unable to make out clearly what had occurred from where he had been fighting without a distance glass.

Heyna took charge of Wilfred’s comrades, reminding Emma and the Longtreaders that they had been on their way to get some food and rest. Emma gave her distant cousin a rueful smile, seeing how Heyna acted to prevent her from assuming further responsibilities. Feeling both grateful and unwilling to argue, Emma accompanied the Longtreaders to the dining hall. Some thoughtful rabbits had provided water for washing, which the group took full advantage of.

The group sat down to eat, and Wilfred kindly took the opportunity to get to know Jacks better. Heather and her parents joined in the conversation as well, and eventually brought up the matter of Picket’s condition. Wilfred was obviously concerned at the news, but relaxed somewhat when Heather and Emma assured him that they had attended to his older nephew. Throughout the conversation, however, Emma noticed that the older Longtreaders always managed to turn matters away from the specifics of Morbin’s fall.

Finally, the group finished and left the dining hall. By now Emma, Heather’s parents, and Jacks were all looking tired, and to a lesser extent so were Heather and Wilfred. Hoping to give the reunited family some privacy, Emma led them to the chambers she herself had been using during her stay at the palace. They were meant for members of the royal family below the king and queen, but at present most of Emma’s siblings were scattered about the city.

Opening the door to the main room, Emma led the Longtreaders in and gave them a brief tour. Wilfred insisted that Whittle and Sween take the large bed, claiming an armchair for himself. Jacks, already showing signs of admiring his uncle, insisted on taking a second armchair and leaving a couch for Heather. Emma smiled, and was about to leave in search of a new place to rest when a new voice suddenly spoke up from behind her.

“Wilfred?”

Emma found herself wondering how many surprises and shocks the gallant gray captain could take in a single day. Seeing smiles grow on the faces of Whittle, Sween, and Heather, however, Emma suspected that this was one they had purposefully kept back. Wilfred, trembling, slowly turned in the direction of the doorway. There, wearing an expression that somehow looked both relieved and guilty, was her brother Smalls.

Both bucks stared at each other for a long moment, unmoving. Then Wilfred’s knees buckled, and he collapsed onto them, hands going to his face. Smalls moved swiftly across the room, having shed his breastplate at some point, and Wilfred buried his face in the younger rabbit’s tunic. Smalls gently laid his hands on Wilfred’s shoulders, his own cheeks wet with tears.

No one moved or spoke until Wilfred, at long last, looked up at Smalls’ face. “Smalls, I…I do not know what to say. I feel incapable of expressing my joy and wonder at seeing you alive. And yet…I cannot say how sorry I am, for failing you when last we were together.”

In a display of his surprising strength, Smalls pulled Wilfred to his feet, forcing the older buck to look down at him instead. “You will speak no words of blame against yourself, Wilfred. It was I who failed that day-failed to heed your wise counsel and that of so many others. My blood may be that of Jupiter Goodson, but you, Wilfred Longtreader, have been my father in his stead. No son could have asked for better, and it is I who must apologize to you.”

Yet again Wilfred’s eyes closed in response to a surge of emotion. He shuddered, and Emma, recalling what she knew of his history, could imagine he was thinking of those he had lost in the afterterrors and the terrible days that had followed. At last, however, his eyes opened again, and she saw in them a tenderness like that of her own beloved Lord Rake. Once more his arms reached out to pull another rabbit into a hug, and Smalls returned the embrace gladly.

“My father.”

“My son.”

After another long moment, they broke apart, wiping their eyes. Emma’s own cheeks were wet, and she couldn’t see a dry face in the entire group. Smalls, after asking after each of the other Longtreaders, turned to her with a smile. “Well, sister, it seems we shall have to find you some new quarters.”

Jacks, who had become somewhat shy again at Smalls’ entrance, found his voice again as they were leaving. “Good night, Prince Smalden. Good night, Princess Emma.”

“Good morning, Princess Emma.”

Emma looked up from the medical report she was reviewing at her desk. She was in the same chambers of the old palace where she had left the Longtreaders all those years ago. Since then, though, they had been converted into her offices. From here, as princess and First Warren’s foremost doctor, she oversaw various operations in the city in the name of her brother, King Smalden.

Jacket “Jacks” Longtreader was also much changed from the day she had first met him. Now of age, he spoke with confidence. He had long ago traded his coarse Akolan garb for clothes befitting an educator. Emma thought, in the same way she might think of a few of her brothers, that he was quite handsome.

“Master Jacket Longtreader to see you, Your Highness,” said Emma’s secretary belatedly and unnecessarily. Elska Willow, moving past Jacks, deposited a stack of papers on Emma’s desk. The younger doe, now full grown, was a far cry from the terrified orphan Emma had known long ago at Halfwind. She was usually quite professional but, Emma thought with an inward smile, had of late been prone to bouts of daydreaming and flustered behavior.

“To what do we owe the pleasure, Jacks? I’ve told you more than once to dispense with formalities. We are family, and not just because your sister is married to my brother. Did you come to arrange another students’ visit?”

“Not this time, Emma, though the students are always eager to visit with the veterans in your care. As it happens, I was in Newcity speaking with the king and queen. Word arrived that the Ramnor will be sailing on to Lake Merle this afternoon, bringing the Pilgrim’s expedition back home. Their Majesties wanted the news brought to you, and I volunteered to deliver the message.”

Somewhat stunned, Emma sat back in her chair and pondered the news. The Pilgrim’s expedition had left nearly three years ago. They had sent messages home, of course, but in all that time they had not been seen. It was strange to think that she could have spent so long a time apart from Cole and Heyna Blackstar, her distant cousins, and from Jo Shanks. The twins had joined Jo in volunteering for the mission, with leave from the king and queen.

Regaining her composure, she smiled at Jacks. “Well, that is good news. I appreciate you going out of your way to bring it to me. You’ll have to express my gratitude to Their Majesties, if I don’t see them first.”

With a smile and a nod, Jacks turned to Elska. “A pleasure as always, Miss Willow. I trust your brother Lukan is well?”

“He is; thank you, Master Longtreader.” She curtsied, and Jacks bowed in response before leaving. Emma turned her attention back to the report, and Elska went over to one of the room’s bookshelves. Once sure that Jacks was far out of earshot, Emma spoke.

“I suspect that Master Longtreader was more interested in having an excuse to see you than in bringing me news.”

Elska’s ears reddened, much to Emma’s amusement. The younger doe said nothing for a moment, keeping her back to Emma. Finally, she turned around, an embarrassed smile on her face. “I do enjoy seeing him. Much as I seem to recall you enjoying the chance to see Captain Shanks.”

The comment surprised Emma, but not enough to make her speechless. “Captain Shanks is an old friend. Seeing him was, and undoubtedly will be, a pleasant experience. But he never makes a point of saying it’s been a pleasure, or asking about my siblings.”

“Perhaps because you have quite a few more siblings than I do, Princess Emma,” Elska replied with a smile.

A couple of hours later, Emma stood in the midst of a great crowd on the shore of Lake Merle. The great body of water had been restored some years ago, the dam repaired after its breaking. The islands that had once stood in its midst were gone now, collapsed and covered by water. A search had been made for heirlooms of her royal ancestors after the war, after which the mountain had been sealed to become a true tomb for the fallen dragons within.

Now the lake also saw traffic, as vessels traveled up and down the Rivers Flint and Fay without fear. Accordingly it was home to a large dock, which was crawling with deckhands in anticipation of the arrival of the Ramnor. Emma glanced about, taking note of others who had come to greet the homecoming. Though the king and queen were absent, as were Picket and his family, she saw a number of familiar faces.

Harmony stood with Dote and his family, eyes locked on the ship as it drew near to the dock. Dote had been best friends with Stretch, who had been betrothed to Harmony’s sister Melody. Both had died in Akolan, but Dote had been like a brother to Harmony ever since. Other friends of Harmony’s stood nearby, including Harmon, Dalla, and their children.

Some distance from this group stood a lone buck in traveling clothes. Emma was pleasantly surprised to recognize Kylen, if a bit puzzled at his lack of entourage. On the opposite side of him from Harmony’s group stood a group of rabbits she remembered from Halfwind. Among them, she saw with a surge of fondness, were all the members of the Bracers who had survived the war.

Junder, healthy and happy in spite of his missing arm, stood next to the scarred but sturdy Owen. Nate Flynn was there, single eye watching the ship as it reached the pier. Kent Halmon stood next to Studge, who impatiently tapped a wooden leg on the ground. Jo’s old friend Lund and Deever of Vandalia were present as well.

Soon enough the Ramnor was moored and the landing ramp lowered. Cheers greeted the crew as they disembarked. The Pilgrim, as lively as ever, nodded and waved as he made his way into the crowd. He would no doubt be on his tireless way to Newcity to inform the king and queen of all that had transpired since his departure. Emma smiled to see him, recalling how the ship had been christened Ramnor following his vehement objection to the name Massie.*

Other members of the expedition began mingling with friends and family in the crowd, and Emma tried to catch sight of her friends. She saw Cole first, the white spot on his forehead standing out sharply against his black fur. It was soon joined by the gleam of his teeth as a wide grin stretched across his face. The reason for the expression soon became evident as Harmony came running towards him, hands clutching her dress to keep it from tripping her up.

Emma smiled as Harmony reached Cole and threw her arms about him. Absorbing her forceful greeting, the buck steadied and put his arms around her. Heyna appeared, shaking her head in amusement at the pair as she walked past them. She saw Emma and waved, but scanned the crowd further until she saw who she was looking for.

Blue eyes shining, Heyna made her way to where Kylen stood waiting. Emma marveled at his answering smile, so different from the cocky grins and smirks she had been accustomed to seeing at Cloud Mountain. She reached him, and they embraced, less energetically than Harmony and Cole but with obvious affection. The sight touched Emma, even as a cry rang out from the Halfwind contingent.

Turning her eyes back towards the dock, she saw him. Captain Jo Shanks was as tall as ever, and his frame had filled out in maturity. He no longer wore a bow or quiver, but walked with confidence and ease. Seeing him again after so long made Emma feel happy-so happy it surprised her.

For a moment he was almost lost to sight as his old comrades engulfed him. Emma laughed softly as she watched, feeling fond of all the brave, battered veterans. Jo received their greetings warmly, obviously happy to see them. Then, as he turned from one old friend to another, his eyes suddenly met hers.

“It’s good to see you, Emma.”

Turning at the familiar voice, Emma saw Lord Morgan Booker standing beside her. She smiled at him, curtsying as he bowed. The handsome lord, his old scar faded, smiled back as Emma spoke. “And you as well, Morgan. What brings you from Vandalia?”

“A meeting with King Smalden and Queen Heather in Newcity. I had hoped I might see you on my way there or back. When I heard about the Ramnor, I suspected you might be here. I recall how close you were to the Blackstars and Captain Shanks.”

Morgan’s recollection of detail was touching, and Emma spoke briefly with him. Once they had caught each other up on various happenings, she bid him a polite farewell. She quickly found Cole and Heyna, still with Harmony and Kylen. They had been joined by other friends, including Dote’s family and the Bracers. However, as she looked around, Emma noticed something that gave her pause.

Jo was gone.

Days passed, and Emma continued with her usual routine. She had been somewhat perturbed at the realization of Jo’s absence, and at his failure to subsequently reappear for a proper reunion with her. However, she told herself that he had his reasons, and was doubtless adjusting to being back home after three years abroad. Cole and Heyna had both had to leave to join in the expedition’s report to the king and queen.

Unfortunately, she had seen both of her distant cousins since then, while Jo had apparently vanished. Much as she tried to brush the matter off, she kept thinking about it at odd moments. In fact, she was doing just that in her office one morning when Elska came in. The younger doe, looking bright and happy, brought a stack of mail to Emma’s desk.

“You’re looking particularly pleased about something, Elska dear,” Emma said, coming out of her reverie. “Might I inquire what it is?”

“Well, Your Highness, as it happens I have plans for this evening,” Elska said. Her smile grew wider, which was a feat considering how big it had already been. “Master Longtreader is taking me to the theater.”

“Really?” Emma raised her eyebrows in mock astonishment. “Well, I hope the two of you enjoy your evening. I expect I shall spend mine reading over paperwork, as usual.”

“Perhaps you should read your mail first,” Elska said, heading for the door. “I saw a couple of things that I believe will interest you.”

Intrigued, Emma turned to the new envelopes. She went through them, finding mostly regular correspondence. Two of the letters stood out, however. One was large and ornate, her name written in an elegant hand that she recognized as Cole’s.

Opening this, she was pleased-and not particularly surprised-to find a wedding invitation. Or rather, a double wedding invitation. The Blackstar twins were getting married to their respective sweethearts, and had apparently decided to do so at the same time. Emma could only imagine the crowd of guests, between the twins’ friends from Kingston, Harmony’s from Akolan, Kylen’s subjects from Terralain, and others from across Natalia.

Smiling, Emma put the invitation aside and turned to the second envelope. This one was small and plain, bearing only her name in similarly plain lettering. Recognizing the writing as Jo’s, she opened it eagerly. There was a single sheet within, and it bore only a single paragraph besides the greeting and Jo’s signature.

The smile disappeared as she read it once, twice, and then a third time. She quickly shoved it into a pocket, rose, and left the room. Closing the doors behind her, she turned to a surprised Elska. Telling her she was going out, she made her way out of the palace.

And then she ran.

Emma arrived at the west gate in record time, slowing and moving more slowly in order to get her breath back to normal. The gate wasn’t particularly busy, as it was still the afternoon. Most travelers arrived or departed early in the morning, unless on special occasions or business. A few guards were evident, but in the Mending they now greeted, assisted, and took note of arrivals and departures rather than carrying weapons or keeping watch.

Her sense of urgency somewhat diminished by the speedy run, Emma began to think again. She had come here for a confrontation, and thought it best to take her quarry by surprise. With that in mind, she moved into a nearby alley and positioned herself to watch the road. Then she waited, hoping desperately that she hadn’t arrived too late.

Fifteen minutes later, just as she began to think she had run here in vain, Emma saw him. Jo Shanks was walking towards the gate, wearing traveling clothes not unlike Kylen’s. Except for the absence of bow, quiver, and sword, he was carrying the same gear he had borne throughout their travels together. The key difference was that now he was going somewhere without her.

“Captain Josiah** Shanks, I must speak with you.”

Jo turned, his eyes widening in surprise at the sight of her. Her stern tone, and her use of his rank and full name-which no one ever used-robbed him briefly of the power of speech. Then, recovering himself, he bowed. “Of course, Princess Emma.”

Nodding curtly, Emma turned towards the gate, but turned aside before reaching it. Jo followed her up a staircase to the top of the city wall. They were in view of a good number of rabbits, some of whom took note of the presence of the princess and hero. Ignoring them, Emma turned back into the city, her eyes peering towards the Hero’s Field in the distance.

“You know, I’ve been knocked off this wall twice,” Jo remarked, trying to break the silence. “Both times by attacking birds. Of course, that’s not something that I’m in particular danger from anymore. Still, I’m not especially fond of the place.”

Looking directly at him, Emma put her hands on her hips. “Is that all you have to say to me after three years of being away? Idle chit chat about the wall? You may be in danger of being knocked off of it a third time if you can’t do better than that.”

“I…I’m sorry, Emma,” Jo said, thoroughly chastened. He took off his bags and set them down against the inner edge of the wall. Then he leaned on top of it himself and stared off towards the Hero’s Field. “It’s good to see you again.”

“Oh, really? If it’s so good, why were you about to leave without doing so.”

“There was the other day-“

“Really? One second of eye contact? Does our friendship mean so little to you that you’re content with that after years of nothing but letters?” Seeing the guilt her words provoked, Emma felt some herself.

Pulling Jo’s letter from her pocket, she began to read aloud. “‘Dear Emma. After some consideration, I have decided to resign my commission and leave First Warren. It seemed best to do this immediately, rather than disrupt things further down the line. I wish you all the best in your endeavors. Yours, Jo Shanks.’

“…where will you go, Jo?”

He shrugged, not looking at her. “I don’t really know. Back to Halfwind, maybe, though I doubt I’d even recognize the place now. Owen wrote to me to say that Heyward and Gloria did a number on the old hedges. Only those two would have picked that for a honeymoon!

“Or maybe I’ll head up to Black Lake. Gort and Slimmo have a place up there now, putting the Savory Den and Blackstone mess hall both to shame. Vandalia might be nice too, or Cloud Mountain, or Nick Hollow. I might go to all of them, or even further north into Farlock’s old territories.”

“But…why?”

Jo gave no answer for a minute or two. He stared off across First Warren, but she could tell he wasn’t really looking at the scenery. Finally he gave a deep sigh and turned to her. In his eyes was a look Emma had never seen before.

“Can you tell me one reason why I shouldn’t?”

She bristled, equally dismayed and angered by the question. “What about all your friends? Picket-“

“Doesn’t need me. He has Weezie, and their kids, and the farm, and his parents, and the Weavers, and goodness knows who else.”

“The Blackstars-“

“Are getting married within the month and don’t need me hanging around,” he said, holding up a hand to stop her. “Let me get everyone else out of the way for you. The king and queen have thousands of willing rabbits in their service, including an extensive extended family. Most of the surviving Bracers are married, and those that aren’t are courting or have family or friends to take care of.

“Pilgrim has his band, and though I’m welcome among them I know it’s purely kindness. It’ll be a while before they go on another expedition anyway, and I’m not sure that’s the life I want. I can accept, and even be grateful, to find myself an archer and a soldier in a world that needs neither. But the fact of the matter is that, so far as I can tell, there’s nobody who needs me.”

“What about the votary sisters?” This question, which she hoped would give him pause, did not. Jo started laughing, and in spite of the seriousness of the conversation Emma was glad for a moment. It struck her, suddenly, just how long it had been since she’d heard Jo laugh, and how good it was to do so again.

Finally he stopped, and though he smiled it was rueful. “Emma, you of all rabbits know how little the votaries need me anymore. Once I was a help, I’ve no doubt. But Firstflower seems to make even the oldest of us grow younger all the time.

“I saw old Sister Lala the day after I got back. She was playing bouncer with a pack of younglings-and winning. It’s been a long time since the votaries needed me. That was part of why I felt I could join the expedition in the first place. And it’s part of why I feel like I can, and should, leave now.”

So saying, Jo reached down and picked up his largest pack. He pulled it on, but before he could bend down for another Emma put a hand on his arm. She looked him straight in the eyes, holding his gaze intently. Once sure that she would be able to tell whether or not he spoke the truth, she spoke calmly.

“You’ve got answers for just about everything, Jo…but what about me? What makes you think it’s all right for you to leave me? And if the votaries were only part of the reason for you leaving before, and leaving now, then what is the rest? Please, just tell me.”

“Because…I don’t think you need me, either,” Jo said. It seemed to Emma, however, that saying this was more painful than any of the rest had been. “And my regard for you is the rest-or at least a good part of the rest-of my reason for thinking it was not only acceptable, but right for me to join the Pilgrim’s expedition and to leave now. Because the last thing I wanted to do-would ever have wanted to do-was risk hurting you.”

Emma shook her head, uncomprehending. “What are you talking about, Jo? What risk was there of you hurting me, and how would leaving have prevented that then or now?”

“Then…it was because of Picket. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think you were in love with him. But he loved Weezie, and while you were able to accept that, it still hurt. Maybe you didn’t need it, but I wanted to give you space. I didn’t want to do anything, accidentally or on purpose, that would have caused you more pain than you were already feeling.”

Jo’s words made no sense to Emma at first. She was surprised at how well he had read her feelings, and touched by his sentiments. But she couldn’t see why he would have been worried about anything he did hurting her. Then, slowly, it dawned on her.

“Wait a minute, Jo. Are you saying…you had feelings for me?”

“Had…and have.”

Reeling at this admission, she stared blankly into his eyes. “Since…when?”

“Since…I don’t even know. Whatever Cole may say, you are my best friend…and have been for a long time. That’s part of why I’ve never said anything before. I treasure your friendship, Emma. I don’t know what I’d do, or how I’d feel, if I did something that breached it.

“Finding out you were a princess kind of scared me, if I’m being totally honest. For a while after that I felt like I wasn’t even worthy to consider courting you. Our little adventure at Blackstone and Cole’s advice helped correct that attitude. But it-and everything that happened between me and Amber-also made me cautious in other ways.

“It wasn’t long after that when I picked up on how you felt about Picket. And even before that, I got the sense that you might have eyes for another buck. I wanted to respect that; it was one of the things I learned at Blackstone. And now, just as I didn’t want to intrude on you coming to terms with your feelings for Picket, I don’t want to come between you and anyone else.”

“Anyone else?” Now Emma was confused again. “Jo, what-or who-are you talking about?”

“Lord Morgan was with you when the Ramnor came in, wasn’t he?” At her nod, Jo gave a shrug. “I remember how you two were at Vandalia, and how much he’s cared for you since. He’s a good buck, and I can see the two of you being very happy together.”

“But what about you, Jo? If you really feel that way about me, how can you just walk away?”

Jo turned away, but she could hear the sad smile in his voice as he spoke and reached for his other bags. “Because whatever my feelings, I can’t force them upon you. Aunt Grenda told me that love is two hearts meeting in a crowd and deciding to leave that crowd together. You wanted to leave that crowd with Picket…but he left with someone else.

“Once, I wanted to leave the crowd with Amber, but she wouldn’t, and I hurt her and the one she had chosen to be with when I couldn’t accept that. I would never want to repeat that mistake, especially not with you. For me, it’s enough to be counted worthy of your friendship. You may not have the love of the Hero of the Cause, but you are more than worthy of the love of one of the most honorable lords in Natalia. As for me, I’m the kind of buck you can remember with a laugh-even if it’s accompanied by an eye roll, like one of those Goofhack the Blabber tales.”

“Don’t say that, Jo! There is no reason for you to think I would value you less than any other buck! You have been there for me, and I for you, through our darkest times! You are kind, and good, and…and…”

Emma’s heart was so full she thought it might burst. She felt as though she had to say the right thing, right now, or she might lose him forever. It suddenly occurred to her to wonder why she couldn’t bear that thought. The instinctive answer was so simple, and yet so profound, that it emerged from her lips as a whisper.

“…I love you.”

Her words, quiet as they were, made him freeze. Slowly he turned around, his eyes meeting hers with a questioning look. She met his gaze, unfaltering, though she trembled slightly with both her admission and the weight of feeling that had brought it about. Instantly he dropped the bags he was holding, came forward, and took her hands in his.

Neither of them said anything for a time; then Jo spoke quietly. “You…you love me? But…I thought…”

“Morgan is a friend-a dear friend. But he’s never been more than that to me, even if he hoped I might be more to him. You were right, Jo-I did love Picket, and I hoped he would love me. I think that hope, and the pain of finding it was not so, may have prevented me from loving any other buck. But now I think it may also have blinded me to how I was beginning to feel about you.”

“You…you never said anything, before.”

“Perhaps not…but then, you never acted like you were leaving before,” Emma said, a touch of her usual playful manner returning. Then she sobered. “Honestly, though, I think this helped me realize how much you do mean to me, Jo. We’ve been separated before, but this would have been the first time I didn’t know, or hope, that you were coming back. And…I cannot bear that thought.”

And then Jo kissed her.

“Well, it’s about time!”

Startled, the pair looked around, having briefly forgotten where they were. Looking down, they found that a small crowd was watching them from the street below. Cole and Heyna Blackstar were there, as was Kylen, all three of them grinning. Others of their friends, and various passersby, seemed either surprised or amused. At the head of the pack, wearing a smirk worthy of Lord Captain Helmer the Black himself, was Picket Longtreader.

“First Warren’s postal service has gotten faster while I’ve been gone,” Jo muttered. “Honestly, a significant part of my plan was being gone before any of you even received my letters. Still, I suppose things really turned out for the best, in the end. Then again, you know they’re never going to let us live this down.”

Laughing, Emma nodded in agreement. “No…but would you really want them to?”

“Not really,” Jo said, grinning back at her. And this time it was Emma who kissed him.

Cloud Mountain was even more beautiful than Emma remembered. The damage it had suffered after the Battle of Rockback Valley had been surprisingly light, and much if not all of it had been repaired. Morbin’s armies, finding it empty, had been more interested in scouring the surrounding woods for the escaped rabbits than destroying empty homes. Fortunately, many of the artistic treasures had been carried away to safety or hidden away in secret vaults, and thus escaped the brief but intense rampage of the enemy.

King Whitson’s Garden had been devastated, but in the years since the War for All Natalia it had been replanted. The statues of Whitson Mariner and Fleck Blackstar, destroyed by the invaders, had been lovingly replaced. The original Lighthall had been destroyed, but the stained glass windows-those that had survived Bleston’s attempt on her life-had been preserved. Now the hall itself was restored, and had been closed off for Emma’s private use.

Master Luthe Glazier had recreated the shattered eighth window exactly as it had been. The tenth window, however, he had altered. The top panel now showed not one, but two white-furred rabbits, crowned and glorious as they presided over the Mended Wood. It warmed Emma’s heart to see her brother and Heather, her best friend, depicted in such loving detail.

Heather herself had been in Lighthall earlier, along with Emma’s older sisters. However, they had all left on other business, and now only Angelica was left to help Emma with her final preparations. The older doe, who had indeed become as close to Emma as any of her blood siblings, smiled affectionately at her as she snipped a loose thread from Emma’s dress. “You look lovely, sister. Father would be so proud of you.”

“Thank you, Angie,” Emma said, smiling even as she felt tears at the corners of her eyes. “If anything could make this day sweeter, it would be having him here.”

“Agreed,” Angelica said, wiping a tear from her own eye. “But I know that he, and your father the king, are watching you. Both will be so glad for the happiness that awaits you.”

Emma heard the door open, and turned to see Whit striding towards them. Her brother looked every inch a prince, dressed in his finest clothes and with his fur shining. Stopping at the sight of them, he smiled warmly. “How lovely you look, my dear. Oh, and you look quite nice too, Emma.”

Rolling her eyes, even as Emma snickered, Angelica walked up to her husband and kissed him on the cheek. “You Jovesons and your teasing. To think that I actually missed it all those years in Akolan. Now what exactly are you doing here, my love?”

“Well, as you might recall, I have also been given a task to perform for Emma this day, and the time has come. I’ve come to collect her and send you in ahead of us,” he said. “You should probably move speedily. I left the children with Winslow, but I don’t think he can cope with them for long.”

Once again Emma laughed, and Angie slapped Whit’s hand playfully as she made her way out of the room. Whit came up to her, his gaze becoming tender as he looked down at her. Careful not to disturb anything, he gently laid a kiss on her forehead. “You really do look lovely, my dear sister. And I cannot express how honored I am to accompany you on this day.”

“I am grateful to you, Whit, both for your kindness and your willingness. Smalls was willing but didn’t want to steal any attention away from me. As for Winslow…he’s still not particularly comfortable at big events. Frankly, I’m glad he was even willing to attend.”

Nodding, Whit extended an elbow, allowing her to loop her arm through his. “He does have his reasons, and I cannot fault him for that. And I suppose there is some propriety in the arrangement, given that I was the first of your brothers you spoke to actually knowing I was your brother. In any event, I certainly won’t draw attention away from you-for one thing, you’re by far the more pleasant of the two of us to look at.”

Slapping his arm playfully, much as Angie had done, Emma allowed him to lead her out of Lightall, through King’s Garden, and into Hallway Round. It was strange to see no blastpowder barrels sitting there, after their constant presence in all the years she had lived at Cloud Mountain. Now the only guards were guards of honor, who wore immaculate uniforms but bore no weapons. Bowing deeply to the prince and princess, they opened the door leading out onto the village green.

The name was not particularly fitting on this day, as the green could hardly be seen. Many seats had been placed on it, and those seats were packed with rabbits from across Natalia. As she and Whit made their way down the long aisle between two massive sections, she spotted a number of familiar faces. Many of the survivors of Harbone, grateful to her in spite of their grievous losses, raised their hands in gestures of welcome.

Lord Gantlin Hewson, who had taken over the lordship of Chelmsford in the stead of his father-in-law Felson, bowed his head as Emma and Whit passed him and his family. Lokson and his wife, Amber, with their contingent from Halfwind, smiled gladly at the sight of her. Lady Elisabeth and the rabbits of Blackstone, among them Matron Gallipot Grenda and the cousins Gort and Slimmo, raised their fists in salute. Morgan smiled at her as she passed the Vandalians, finding happiness in her happiness even though it had not been found with him.

Whittle and Sween Longtreader sat with many former inhabitants of Akolan, Jacks and Elska sitting together by their side with Lukan sitting on the row behind his sister. On the other side of the young couple were Maggie and Edward Weaver, beaming at Emma as though they were watching a granddaughter. Across the aisle from them sat the Kingston contingent, with Lord Victor’s kind eyes radiating almost as much affection as Lord Rake’s might have done in his place. Next came many rabbits from Terralain, with Samual and Gina Goodson sitting happily beside Naylen, Rowan, and their children.

At the front of the gathering sat many rabbits from First Warren and Newcity. Winslow was indeed surrounded by nieces and nephews, but looked relieved now that the ceremony had begun. Her mother, Lady Glen, sat there in the midst of Emma’s other brothers, looking radiant as her daughter approached. Sitting on her lap, waving excitedly at his aunt Emma, was young Rake Joveson, who was the very image of the grandfather he had been named for.

King Smalls sat near his sister-in-law, Weezie Longtreader, with many of their respective children seated between them. They were aided in the task of corralling the excited younglings by Kylen and Harmony, who were-for the time being-apart from their respective spouses of several months. Wilfred and Airen Longtreader sat nearby with their adopted children. Doctors Zeiger and Hendow, Jone Wissel and the Pilgrim, Prester Kells and Sage Kins, Gloria Folds and Eefaw Potter, and many others sat watching in quiet excitement.

The aisle ended at the last place Emma would ever have guessed in her younger days: the maple tree that had once served as Helmer’s private training course. Though it still bore scars, the tree now bore fresh leaves, flourishing like so many damaged things in the Mending. It was also hung with many banners, in honor of those who could not be present upon this day. One, black and bearing the emblems of a ship’s wheel and a burning torch, was for Helmer himself.

There were banners for King Jupiter and Lord Rake, of course, and for Angelica’s mother and siblings. Other fallen citadel lords, officers, and soldiers were not forgotten, nor were citadel ladies or medical staff whom Emma had known and lost. Beside the banner for her fathers-the one with whom she shared blood and the one who had raised her-hung one that stood for Jo’s mother and father. Finally, at the base of the tree, she saw the archway.

A line of rabbits extended from either side of the structure. On one side were a number of does, including Heather, Heyna, Angie, and Emma’s sisters. Opposite them was a group of bucks: Picket, Cole, and the surviving Bracers. Her nieces Maggie and Hanna stood with their mother, while Picket had his one hand on the shoulder of young Josiah Longtreader to help keep him calm.

Young Jo’s namesake waited for her beneath the arch, looking as happy as any buck had ever been. Jo Shanks was dressed every bit as immaculately as Whit, to whom he nodded gratefully as the older buck reached him with Emma. Gently, Whit placed the hand with which Emma had been holding on to his arm in Jo’s hand, and kissed her on the cheek before backing away. He took his seat with Lady Glen, smiling as his son Rake scrambled over into his lap.

Looking at her husband-to-be, Emma felt a warmth and depth of affection she could scarcely comprehend. She recalled how, more than once, she had told Heather that she didn’t need to be married to have meaning. It had been true, and she did not regret that time. However, looking into the eyes of the love she had never looked for, she felt that together they would each find a purpose and happiness that neither could have found alone.

With a quiet cough, Emma and Jo’s chosen officiant stepped forward, his blue robes shining in the bright sunlight. Brother Heyward looked at his two friends, smiling almost as brightly at the sight of them as he had upon his own wedding day. Long since cured of his old nervousness, he spoke confidently as he commenced the ceremony. “Dear beloved, we are gathered here today…”

The Beginning.

*Wink, wink.

**I figure Jo is named for S.D. Smith’s brother Josiah, who is a big liaison to the Green Ember fan community.

Sorry to all the Morgemma shippers out there, but Jemma won me over from their first conversation in The Last Archer. My condolences as well to the Pemma fans, even though it was Sam who sank that particular ship. I was honestly one of you at one point, but by the time of Ember’s End I was pretty solidly Peezie. Hope you can enjoy this one anyway.