"Unless, of course, you want that to happen," the elf lord said with a tinge of dark humor.
"And besides," the maiden continued with a dirty look towards her husband, "you are no longer the android that you were."
"What do you mean?" Mericlou said. "I don't feel any different."
"But you are," the maiden said. The magic that revived you has also changed you. Tell me, what is it that do you desire most?"
"Only to be with Aldrec," Mericlou said. "I want to be with him forever, and for our love to grow, and …"
"Go ahead, daughter," the maiden said encouragingly, after Mericlou paused, and flushed deep crimson. "There is no shame in it."
"I … wanted … I mean, I … I would have liked to someday be able to bear his children," Mericlou said in a small voice, but then swiftly rebuked herself. "But I can't. I know that my kind is only compatible with humans."
"Not anymore," the elf lord said, "now that our essence dwells within you."
"What do you mean?" Mericlou said, not knowing whether to be amazed or afraid. What happened? What did you do to me?"
"Nothing more or less than made your wish come true," the maiden replied, placing a calming hand atop Mericlou's head. "Now you are ready to make the journey with your husband to your new home."
"But … my family," Mericlou began, overcome suddenly with a most embarrassing wave of selflessness. Her ties to her family, she realized at that moment, were as strong as those she had to Aldrec, and strangely, she found that a part of her did not want to leave. Distantly, she felt her eyes well up with tears of indecision. "I don't … I mean, I can't …"
"Sister," Noroa said, stepping courageously but cautiously towards her, "This is your life. You should go and be with Aldrec. He's your husband now. I'm really very happy for you."
"You … are?" Mericolou said, sniffling once. "I thought that you'd be upset that you didn't attend our wedding!"
Noroa took her by the hands. "Of course not, sister! Why would I be? I'm just glad that I could see you married at last. You have to understand that it took a lot of courage for me to admit my own feelings for Garen, and to want to leave you and the family behind in order to be with him. Now, it's time for you to take that leap of courage as well."