Alaina grinned as tears flowed down her face, but still did not believe the princess. An hour later, and they were all ready to leave. Jaetyn had gone to Alaina's master's home and found nothing there belonging to her mother. Alaina was disappointed, but brightened when she wrapped her mother's ocarina in a protective cloth.

They stood, waiting for Alaina's grandmother, who had said that Alaina must get something from her. Jaetyn, Gem and Alaina stood in an awkward silence. When she did finally come down the stairs, Alaina's master was with her.

"No!" Alaina screamed, but Jaetyn pulled her behind him and Gem.

"Relax, I'm not here for you," her master said. "I'm letting you leave; you were starting to become a nuisance, anyway."

"Alaina?" her grandmother said. Alaina stepped forward calmly. "Give me your hands." Alaina obeyed. Her grandmother grasped them tightly and then she glowed brightly, causing everyone to turn away.

"Alaina," said a much gentler voice. Alaina blinked and looked around. Everyone was gone, even her grandmother. Alaina tried letting go. She was holding hands with a young lady who looked a lot like her, but whom she had never met before.

"Don't let go, Alaina. If you let go, we lose the connection, and I am lost forever."

"Mother?" Alaina asked.

The lady nodded. "I am so sorry that you have lived such a hard life. But, Jaetyn and Gem will change it for the better."

"You're dead because of me, I don't deserve better."

"My daughter, you deserve the world. Don't ever blame yourself for what happened to me. I was a sickly child and way too young to have my own child. Oh, Alaina! How I wish I could be with you forever more."

"How is this possible? Why can't I see you again?"

"My mother has a Touch, but there is no time to explain. This is the only time my mother can do this with me. Then I will be gone from her body to live in peace in the heavens.

"Remember this, my child; I am always with you, never fear. Trust Gem and Jaetyn and learn to love them. They will be good parents to you.

"Will you give a message to Jaetyn for me?"

"Of course," said Alaina.

"Please tell him that I still love him and will continue to love him. But, tell him that it is good for him to love another. Tell him to trust his heart. Tell him to move on."

Lorraina sighed. "My time is almost over. I'm so sorry that I have left you. Please, leave this place behind and don't ever come back. It has changed much since I died and I don't want you to suffer anymore."

"I love you," Alaina stated.

"As I love you." They hugged and Lorraina kissed Alaina on the forehead.

Everything rushed back in darkness and Alaina collapsed on the ground, weeping.

"Good-bye," Alaina's grandmother said, then she left with Alaina's master. Jaetyn cradled Alaina in his arms.

"Did you see your mother?" he asked.

"Yes," Alaina answered once she had calmed down enough. "She also wanted me to tell you that she still loves you and always will. But, she wants you to trust your heart and move on. She says that you can love another."

Jaetyn glanced at Gem and then smiled. "Are you ready?" he asked Alaina.

Alaina nodded and took a deep breath. He helped her up and then Gem opened the door. Gem and Jaetyn went to their horses to secure their belongings and prepared to mount.

Alaina took a step outside and the wind blew past in greeting, as if saying, "Where have you been?" Alaina smiled happily and took a few more steps forward. She breathed deeply and then finally said to herself:

"I'm free."

She ran into Jaetyn's waiting arms. He knew how different this was for her, how exciting it was.

"I'm free, Jaetyn!"

"I know, honey."

"Thank you for everything...Father."

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