Epilogue: Where Time Stands Still

The forest of Iskaar Reaches was alive with morning light, its emerald canopy casting shimmering patterns on the ground below. The air was thick with the scent of pine and wildflowers, and the faint chirping of birds wove a melody through the trees. Sienna’s heels clicked against the uneven path, an incongruous rhythm in a world untouched by modernity.

Her black curls, now grown to tumble halfway down her back, gleamed in the golden light. The elegant flow of her cream dress hugged her figure gracefully, while her high-heeled shoes were ill-suited to the rugged terrain. Her proud posture remained unbroken, though each misstep on the dirt trail made her wince internally.

Sienna paused, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder as she surveyed her surroundings. Despite the natural beauty of the place, she was growing impatient. I knew I shouldn’t have trusted his directions, she thought with a huff, rolling her sharp green eyes.

Finally, the forest opened to a quaint cobblestone path, and in the distance, she saw it—a small wooden house with a porch adorned with mismatched chairs and a weathered garden table. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, hinting at a cozy fire within. The sight stirred something in Sienna’s chest, a faint flutter of nostalgia and apprehension.

As she approached, a voice, soft and curious, called out from behind her. “Who are you?”

Sienna turned swiftly, her dress swishing at her ankles. Standing a few paces away was a young girl, no older than five. Her long, chestnut hair fell in wild, silky waves, and her bright green eyes sparkled with an innocent intensity. Her delicate features mirrored the beauty of someone Sienna knew well.

“Hello, sweetheart,” Sienna said softly, a rare gentleness in her tone. Her lips curved into a smile as she crouched slightly to the child’s level. “Are your parents home?”

The girl pressed a finger to her chin, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. “Mama and Papa always say not to talk to strangers,” she said with an air of seriousness, her small mouth forming a slight pout.

Sienna let out a low chuckle, her eyes warm. “Ah, but I’m not a stranger. I’m a friend of your parents. My name is Sienna. And what’s your name?”

At the mention of her name, the little girl’s face lit up with surprise. She gasped, clapping her hands together before bursting into delighted laughter. Without warning, she began twirling and skipping in circles around Sienna, her excitement bubbling over.

“Well,” Sienna muttered with a bemused smile, watching the girl’s uninhibited joy.

“Come on,” Sienna offered, holding out her hand. “Let’s walk to your house together. You can introduce me to your parents.”

The child nodded enthusiastically, her tiny hand slipping into Sienna’s as she hummed a soft tune. They strolled toward the house, the cobblestones crunching beneath their feet.

After a moment, the girl glanced up at Sienna, her green eyes wide with awe. “Wow... I’ve never seen hair like yours before!”

Sienna laughed, her curls bouncing with the motion. “Oh, you mean these unruly things?” she teased, running a hand through the dark spirals. “They can be a real bother sometimes, you know. But I think your hair is lovely—so silky and smooth.”

The girl giggled, her face lighting up with pride. “I love your curls, Sienna! They’re so pretty!”

The unabashed admiration in the child’s voice caught Sienna off guard, and a faint blush crept into her cheeks. She reached up, twisting a lock of her hair around her fingers. “Well, thank you, darling,” she said softly, a rare flicker of vulnerability passing through her. She was crearly the daughter of his father, he always had the same super power on her, making her blush with his sincerity.

From the distance, a voice broke the tranquil air. “Sienna!”

Sienna froze, her head snapping toward the sound. The voice was unmistakable—deep, familiar, and as boisterous as ever.

“Sienna, where are you?”

Through the sunlight filtering between the trees, she saw him standing on the porch. Calen. His long chestnut hair fell loosely over his shoulders, and his green eyes sparkled with warmth. He was dressed simply in a white shirt rolled up to his elbows and worn trousers. His broad smile lit up his face, as vibrant as the day she first met him.

Before Sienna could respond, the little girl squealed in delight and tore her hand from Sienna’s, darting toward him. “Papa!” she called, her voice ringing through the clearing.

Calen crouched, his arms wide open as the girl launched herself at him with an impressive leap. He caught her effortlessly, lifting her high into the air before spinning her around. Their laughter mingled, filling the space with pure, unrestrained joy.

Sienna stopped in her tracks, watching the scene unfold. Calen’s affection for the child was evident in every movement, every smile. The resemblance between them was uncanny—the same piercing green eyes, the same easy charm. Her heart ached, though whether it was from wistfulness or contentment, she couldn’t quite tell.

With the girl perched on his hip, Calen turned toward the path. “Who are you coming with, my love? I’ve told you many times you souldn’t talk to strangers!”

The girl tugged at his shirt, her small voice interrupting him. “She’s not a stranger, Papa! She’s my friend Sienna!”

Calen's expression shifted as recognition lit up his face. “Sienna!” he exclaimed with unrestrained happiness, striding toward her. “I wasn’t sure if you’d come or not—I didn’t get a reply to the invitation.”

Sienna hesitated, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Yes... sorry about that,” she said, her voice softer than usual. “I got your letter a month ago, but with work... well, it’s been hard to get away. I guess I’m a bit late... forgive me.”

Calen chuckled, his tone teasing. “Oh, don’t worry. You’re always fashionably late, aren’t you?”

But before she could reply, Sienna raised an eyebrow. “Wait a second, if you were shouting my name just now, why are you acting surprised to see me?”

Calen laughed louder, his green eyes dancing with amusement. “Oh no, I wasn’t calling for you, Miss Ego,” he said, his teasing again as familiar as ever.

Sienna’s lips pursed, her brows knitting together in playful indignation. “What do you mean, clown?” she snapped, stepping forward with a huff.

Calen grinned and gestured toward the little girl in his arms. “I was calling this young lady here.” He set her gently on the ground, and as soon as her feet touched the cobblestones, the child dashed toward Sienna.

The girl wrapped her small arms around Sienna’s legs, looking up at her with a radiant smile. “Sienna!” the girl said, her voice filled with joy. “It’s the first time I’ve met someone with the same name as me! Can we be friends?”

Sienna froze, utterly stunned. Her gaze flicked from the child to Calen, then back to the girl. The realization hit her like a wave. Calen’s daughter bore her name.

For a moment, she didn’t know how to feel. Emotions swirled within her—a strange mixture of disbelief, nostalgia, and overwhelming happiness. She blinked rapidly as a few stray tears slipped down her cheeks, unbidden but welcome.

With a trembling hand, she reached out, gently stroking the soft chestnut hair of the girl who looked up at her with such earnestness. Sienna knelt, bringing herself eye level with the child. A warm, genuine smile spread across her face.

“Yes, of course, sweetheart,” she said, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat. “We’ll be the best of friends, alright?”

The girl’s eyes lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically before hugging Sienna tightly again. Sienna closed her eyes, embracing the little girl in return.

“Who’s out there?” a feminine voice called from the doorway of the wooden house. Emerging into the sunlight, a woman appeared, her long black hair flowing like a dark waterfall to match her equally dark eyes. She wore a simple yet elegant white dress identical to the one the little girl wore. Cradled in her arms was a tiny baby swaddled in a soft blanket, no more than a month old.

“Oh, Sienna!” the woman said, her face lighting up with a warm smile.

“Livra,” Sienna replied, standing and walking toward her. “You look absolutely radiant.”

Livra chuckled, shaking her head. “Don’t say that, Sienna. I’m still swollen from having the baby, my breasts feel like they’re on fire, and I barely sleep. This whole ‘motherhood’ thing is a nightmare!” she joked, though her eyes sparkled with humor.

“Oh, come on,” Calen interjected, stepping up beside her and gently taking the baby from her arms. “He’s been such a good little guy. Don’t let her fool you, Sienna. She just likes to complain.” He began rocking the baby with practiced ease, his grin as teasing as ever.

Sienna smiled, the scene warming her heart. “I’m sorry I didn’t make it when he was born,” she said softly, her tone full of genuine regret. “When you invited me, I really wanted to come, but work was—”

“Don’t worry about it,” Livra said, waving a hand dismissively. “It’s been so many years since we last saw you, we weren’t even sure if you’d ever visit. But you’re here now, and that’s what matters. Come inside, we’ll catch up over some tea.”

"I'm sure she prefers some beer or anything stronger." Said Calen mocking her.

Sienna sighed. “You will never change... but sure I’d love that,” Replied as she followed them toward the house.

“What’s the little one’s name?” Sienna asked curious.

“Leontius, after my father,” Livra said with a proud yet nostalgic smile.

“Leo! Leo!” Calen piped up, bouncing the baby lightly in his arms. “Leontius sounds like an old man’s name with dandruff in his hair, doesn’t it, Sienna?” He shot a mischievous glance down at the young Sienna still clutching at the older Sienna’s skirt.

The little girl beamed and raised her arm triumphantly, joining in the joke. “Old! Old! Dandruff! Dandruff!” she chanted, giggling with unrestrained joy.

Sienna couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head at the father-daughter antics. “You’re both impossible.”

The five of them—Calen, Livra, the baby Leontius, and the two Siennas—entered the cozy wooden house. It was a modest but warm home, its wooden walls adorned with simple decorations and shelves of books. The smell of fresh herbs and dried flowers lingered in the air, mingling with the faint scent of baked bread.

They settled into the living area, where laughter filled the space. Between sips of tea and bites of freshly baked biscuits, they reminisced about their younger days, recalling old adventures and fond memories.

The years of distance melting away as though they had never been apart.

For a moment, as Sienna looked around the room, at Calen’s animated gestures, Livra’s radiant smile, the giggles of young Sienna, and baby Leo’s soft coos, Sienna felt something she hadn’t in a long time: peace.

The years had changed so much, but here in this little house in the middle of a forgotten island, surrounded by laughter and love, it was as if time had stood still.