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gently, so that Rei Takami was forced to look into his eyes.
"I was the Oak. I am Kalthanas, the woodsman your Great-Grandmother
bewitched so many years ago. Your trust in me released me from Rei's spell."
"I don't understand," Ariel said, "How did that break the spell?"
"You saw the inner strength the Oak had to offer instead of looking for
outer beauty. You saw inside the Oak for hidden beauty....and found me."
As he pressed his lips tenderly to hers, Ariel felt Rei's heart begin to
race as Rei Takami realized the truth of the wodsman's words.
They were married on the first day of Spring, at the site of where the
Oak once stood. To this day, those who happen across the secluded clearing
marvel not only at the beauty of the trees but at the large rock bearing
the following inscription:
"Be not afraid to look inside
Nor fear what ye may find...
For Beauty on the inside
Is the most valued kind."
--
The console buzzed. Wendy answered; it was Sarah.
"I hope you're not still angry".
"It doesn't matter".
"I think I really made a mistake by telling you that I had planned what
hap
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