_{*** Author's Note. This is a crossover story between the Relativity and Loreithian universes. A knowledge of the characters and past events may be helpful, but is not necessary to read the story. For more information on Relativity and Loreithia see the links in the artists notes below. Before you read this part make sure to read Part 11 - Safe at Last ***}

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Chapter 12 - Return to Gale

It had been Empress Kaliya's wish that they make the trek back to Elekville at night.  Even though Luciana was back safe at the Temple, she realized that Emmanuel would want revenge on the elf and the human, and she felt it prudent to travel under the cover of darkness.

By the time the griffin had landed, both travelers were nearly asleep.  Fariet fed the beast and sent it back home, then led Sara inside where they both collapsed, slumbering until the afternoon.

Fariet had purposely refrained from telling his family of his return. There were eight days until the portal was set to open and he greedily wanted to spend every moment alone with the Earth woman. It was hard for Fariet to believe that he had been gone nearly two months.  The house was tidy, but filled with dust and cobwebs.  Sara insisted on helping him clean, so they both spent several hours scrubbing shelves, floors and corners.

Once the two finished and freshened themselves up, Fariet prepared dinner. As Sara read one of the books from the shelf, the elf bustled around the kitchen, watching her from a distance. There was something quietly wonderful spending the day with the woman, doing ordinary things. Most of their time together so far had been filled with danger and adventure. He had feared that when they returned to his home, without the commotion, things would be strained and different. However, it was the exact opposite. It felt calm, comfortable, and perfect.

Though, in some ways, that made him more nervous than ever.

Supper was roast boar, seered potatoes, and stewed vegetables. Sara had picked some berries from the garden and Fariet had prepared a sweet pastry for dessert. The woman ate heartily and afterwards she leaned back in her chair, a content smile on her lips. "You know, I miss Earth food. I would love a cheeseburger, but I think I could get used to a Loreithian diet. Everything was amazing."

Fariet smiled.  His mother had been a wonderful cook and he was grateful she had showed him her skills before she died. "There's a few days before the portal opens. Is there anything you would like to do?"

Sara thought for a moment. "I think it would be neat if I could bring my brother and friends back something from this world.  Souvenirs...oh, I mean, gifts."

"We could do that. I'd also like to show you a few areas of the province. Our world is very beautiful and I'd like you to see some of it without rushing along to bring a tiny princess back home."

The woman's smile warmed his heart and she slipped her hand into his. "I'd love that."

Feeling his face flush, he rose quickly, gathering the plates. Fariet brought them to the basin, leaning heavily against the wooden tub. His heart beat quickly in his chest as he heard Luciana's words of encouragement in his mind, urging him to to tell Sara his feelings.

Why was he so scared?

Sara rose and moved to the fireplace.  There was a charcoal sketch of a couple on the mantle.  "Are these your parents?"

Fariet nodded. "I never knew a couple who adored each other more." His voice lowered. "I hope to one day find such happiness." The elf moved to her side. "Did you love Rogan?"

The question caught Sara by surprise and she turned to face the man. "No, why would you think that?"

"I don't know. He was strong and handsome, and he fancied you."

"Fariet, he was a rogue. I'm sure he had a woman in every town he visited. Yes, he was attractive, but I didn't love him." She laughed. "I have never found myself very taken by the strong, dashing types. I tend to like the more sensitive men. The type that cry at chick flicks and read sonnets."

The elf stammered. "I like sonnets."

The woman moved a step closer to him, taking his hand into hers. "You saved my life. You nearly died to protect me."

"That's because I love you," Fariet admitted. Before the woman could react, the elf pulled her to him, his mouth pressing against hers.  He had long wanted to feel her in his arms, taste her mouth, and be lost in her essence.

Part of him expected her to struggle. Instead, Sara wrapped her arms around him, her hands stroking his back. The kiss was long, passionate, and desire burned within him. His mouth moved to her throat, his hands caressing her thighs. She moaned, her fingers brushing across his chest.

Her lips moved to his ear, her voice a soft whisper. "I love you, too."

It almost seemed like a dream, but Fariet pulled back, gazing into her eyes. "Lay with me tonight," he whispered.

Sara's fingers stroked his cheek and he could see the faint hint of tears in her eyes. "I won't need castleberries this time."

Fariet couldn't help but laugh, joy in his heart. With a smile, the elf scooped her into his arms, carrying her into the bedroom.

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In the time leading up to the portal's re-opening, the days were filled with merriment. Fariet brought Sara about, showing her the wonders of his country, visiting the beautiful scenery and meeting many of the people of his village.  They dined at small inns and visited countless shops.  Sara bought jewelry, bobbles, and toys for her friends and the children back home.  

Each night, Fariet brought the woman to his bed. Elves were considered the most lascivious of the races in Loreithia and were not quickly satiated.  The long hours in the darkened room were spent lost in the pleasures of warm skin, soft lips, and passionate cries.

The morning sun shone in through the window and Fariet stared out into the field.  Two bunnies were bounding after each other, clearly in a mating dance.  The sight made him smile sadly.  Arranging the items on the tray, he picked it up, carrying it in the bedroom

Sara was asleep. The elf knelt down, regarding her for long while. He wanted to remember everything about her.  In many ways she reminded him of an elf and he wondered if that is why he had found himself so attracted to her, even from the moments of her first arrival.  However, he realized that his caring was deeper than that.  He had grown to love the sweet and honorable woman he learned her to be--a woman he could see himself spending the rest of his life with.

His finger caressed her cheek and Sara's eyes opened.  She gave a sleepy smile.  "You're awake."

He nodded.  "What is it you say in your world again?"

Sitting up, Sara pulled the covers to her neck. "Good morning?"

"That's it. But today is a sad morning. It's the day you leave."

Sara glanced down, sadness gracing her features.  The time she had spent in Loreithia was special.  Her love for Luciana had always been there, but now she felt such deep affection for the world itself, and even deeper feelings for the man in front of her.

Realizing he was bringing up sorrows, Fariet set the tray in front of her.  "Breakfast."

A wide smile spread across her lips.  "Eggs, toasted bread with berry jam, wheat porridge, and coffee."  It wasn't actual coffee, but Fariet had managed to find a nearby seed that brewed a liquid very similar.  Sara had been grateful for the effort.  "Thank you," she whispered.

The elf touched her hand. "Everything for you, my love."

Taking a bite of the bread, Sara returned her attention to the elf. "I know you've told me, but so much has gone on. When will the portal open?"

"About an hour before sunset. The mages were able to predict that the portal should bring you to the exact location where you entered our world."

Sara nodded, but was clearly nervous. "If all goes well."

"It shall." The elf squeezed her hand.  "But we do have all morning together and I would like to do one last thing before you leave."

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The air was calm, almost too calm, and it made Sara nervous.  Even though she had promised herself she wouldn't cry, she had spent most of the walk through the forest in tears. Fariet had brought her to an artist in a neighboring town. Together they had sat as the man sketched their portrait together, one for each of them. Seeing the picture seemed to cement the reality that this was probably the last time she would see the elf.

They had made their way through the woods, to the location Fariet and his siblings had first found her and Luciana. The elf had told her that his brother and sister had wanted to come to say goodbye and would be meeting them there.  However, when they made it to the familiar clearing, they were alone.

"I'm going to miss you so much," Sara finally broke down in uncontrollable sobs, throwing her arms around the man. "I don't want to leave."

Fariet kissed her softly, wiping her tears away. "But I would not let you stay."

"Why?" Sara asked, hurt in her voice.

"Because your world needs you, your family needs you. It took great courage for you to come here, to help save Loreithia.  You need to return and bring that courage back to Gale. I want you to take this."  The elf pulled out a gold ring with a small green stone. He slipped it on her finger.

"Where did you get this?" she gasped, realizing it much have cost a fortune.

"The reward money. I will have little need for it once I return to the Temple. I want you to wear this and remember me forever."

Sara pressed her mouth hard to the elf's. "I could never forget you."

A wind began to whip up, but it was not a normal occurrence. A small pinprick of color appeared in the distance. The purple swirl began to grow.

"Sara!" a small voice called.  The redhead glanced up to see Masira rushing forward, her brother, Kale, close behind.  They both plowed into her, nearly knocking her over with their hugs.  An older man and woman stood behind them–Fariet's aunt and uncle.

"We're glad we made it in time. We wanted to meet you and give you our thanks," the woman spoke softly.

The man nodded. "Because of you, we will now have refuge at the Temple. That is a great blessing for our family."

"And I will get to see Luciana again," Masira squealed.  

"Of course you will," Sara said, hugging the girl close. "Do remember to send her my love, will you?"

The girl nodded.

The portal was now fully open, a large disc of purple light.  Through the haze, Sara could make out the forest beyond, the North Woods outside of Gale.

"I love you, Fariet," she whispered to the elf one last time, her lips meeting his.

"I shall travel to Gale someday to see you," Fariet said with conviction."Once the wars are over. I promise."

The woman stroked his cheek. "I hope you will have a wife and family by then, and that you will only know happiness."

Squeezing her hand, tears fell from the elf's eyes.  It was the first time he had allowed himself to cry. Placing a kiss on the woman's head, he handed her the bags he had been carrying. He pointed to the charm on her neck, "I'll be with you in your dreams."

Turning away from the group, Sara sucked in a deep breath and began to run forward.  She leapt into the swirling mist, a moment later everything turning black.

Fariet stared blankly as the disc swirled for several minutes and then slowly closed. He had never felt so empty in his life.

"It shall be all right, boy," his aunt said, placing her hand on his shoulder. "It is best to have known love and have it taken away than to never have known love at all."

It was an empty saying as his heart was heavy, but deep down, he knew it to be true. "But that does not take away the pain. I fear one day she will find love and never think of me again."

"I don't believe that will happen. Certainly not now, with what you've given her."

The woman's voice was curious and Fariet looked at her with pleading eyes. "What do you mean?"

Smiling, she grabbed her nephew's hand. "Let us head back to the house. We have lots of packing to do.  I'll tell you along the way."

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She was suffocating. She couldn't breathe. There was a dank mustiness that filled her nose and lungs and she coughed, trying to expel it.  

Someone please help me, her mind cried.

She felt strong hands upon her and terror gripped her.  They had come for her and were taking her to the slaughter.

No! her mind screamed, followed by her mouth. "No! No! No!"

"Sara!"

The voice was deep, strong, and familiar. The fear that filled her was suddenly replaced with recognition and joy. "Michael!"

Her eyes opened. She was in her bed, safely at Crystal Towers. Michael knelt over her, his hand stroking her forehead. Sara jolted forward, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Oh thank goodness," she sobbed. "I thought they had come again, to take me to the altar to sacrifice me."

Michael stiffened and then pushed her back, his eyes meeting hers in confusion. "Altar? Sacrifice?"

Sara laughed, the happiness of being home fully hitting her.  She squeezed her brother's hand.  "I'll tell you all about it later. But I did it! I got Luciana back home to her mother and everything is right in Loreithia again. And there may even be a cure for her vampirism in the future. They still have a journey ahead of them, defeating the Emperor, but I know they can do it. I can't tell you how happy I am."

Her brother smiled, but there was a bit of concern in his features. "Then why are there tears in your eyes?"

Flushing red, Sara waved her hand. "I'm just so happy to see you. I was afraid I'd end up in the forest and you wouldn't know I was back."

"That's why I packed your cellphone," Michael explained.

Sara pushed away, realization hitting her. "You did that? I thought Luci grabbed it."

"I wasn't sure if it would have a charge to call me, so I placed a homing beacon in it. When you returned, I picked up the signal and hurried over. You were totally unconscious and I couldn't wake you, so I brought you back here." The blonde-headed man smiled at her. "It looks like you had quite an adventure. Not bad for a week and a half."

"What?" Sara gasped. "I was gone nearly 2 months. How can that be?"

His brow furrowing, Michael shook his head. "There must be a different time-stream in Loreithia." Pulling her close again, Michael squeezed his sister tightly. "Well, I'm glad it was only a week and a half. I was besides myself with worry the whole time. I don't think I could have handled two months."

Pulling away, Sara groaned. She was dizzy and queasy. "Ugh, I feel awful. Inter-dimensional jetlag, I suppose."

"Well, you probably need to get something to eat."

"Cheeseburger!" Sara chimed. "And french fries, and a chocolate shake, and a hot dog with everything on it."

Michael laughed, true relief and happiness in his voice. "All right. I think we can handle that. And anything else, m'lady?"

Sara blushed, realizing her brother must have been snooping around her bag. Rising, she grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the door. "And a big sour dill pickle.  I suddenly have the strongest craving for one."