Anik ? Epilogue
Anik was not too comfortable with the shuttle, but she did not complain, either. Having this part of her journey slightly unpleasant was something she was willing to deal with, if she finally got to go home. She covered her ears, and tried to shut out all noise, as the shuttle was soaring upwards, hoping this would soon be over.
She sighed louudly when the shuttle stopped. "This was horrible" she stated. "I don't like it. It's completely unnatural." She was not throwing up, despite feeling sick. But she smiled to Ory'Hara. "It's fine. I can still say I was in space. And there are other things you can not sense."
She was more calm on the ride to the moon, and let herself be led through the main ship, after they arrived. As Ory'Hara said: [color=0066cc]"Here we are. Welcome to my home. If you'll follow me up to the bridge, we'll be on our way to yours."[/color] Anik just smiled.
She smelled the weird technology, and listened to their echoes, finding how they were built very curious. It even led to her forgetting about being averse to similar things.
Slowly, her mind got to be at ease, as she was waiting and living on the ship with Ory'Hara. As they were staying on the bridge, Anik said: "This was a more pleasant journey than I had expected, especially after this beginning. I will keep you in my thoughts. Maybe I could even manage to visit you in my dreams. If you ever need my help ? and are able to find me at the time ? I am willing to help you." Then, she hugged her.
Additional thanks were spoken when they arrived in Brazil, and Anik said her goodbye to Ory'Hara. It was in a city she knew well, having arrived there the last time, and having visited it several times after. After asking Ory'Hara to bring her to a specific spot, the outer part of the favelas, she could navigate it by sound and smell alone. She waved, as she made her way down to the river.
It was easy to find the boat she wanted, as people recognized her, and were very friendly. Even some kids came to her and hugged her, happy that she was back. But she had to go further, to her real home. A long boat ride later, she arrived in the jungle. And after a long walk, she arrived in the village of dragons.
A few years later
After much experimenting with plants, which made her dream of different worlds, Anik finally dreamt of a giant, seven-headed, dragon on a rocky plateau in the mountains. The smell was familiar. She walked to the side of it, and touched it, then laid her head and her hands on it for a while, just liking the feel of the scales.