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Epilogue

The sound of padding footsteps across the floor continuously sounded through Perseus' room as he walked up and down the length of it. He did absentminded things as he walked, like fixing his hair, or adjusting the collar of his shirt. And then, he stopped in his pacing, and looked towards the window. Then, he marched towards it, before peering outside. He smiled slightly at the mass amount of decorating that had been laid throughout the city, but then it disappeared just as quickly as it had appeared on his lips. While Perseus was honored over the fact that all of it was for him, his mind was preoccupied.

After all, as Gruev had been constantly saying, You don't become a king with the snap of a few fingers. There are steps, traditions.

And even aside from all of the extensive steps that were to the letter, it had been a long path to becoming king. Years of recovery from the war had kept him busy, but he supposed that it was the best way to win the hearts over of the people. While there had been no official king or queen announced over the five year span, he acted as a ruler of sorts over the people. Some were against it, though the majority were satisfied with him. But now, the time was perfect. He only wished that his loved ones and friends who had passed on, Thalia, his mother, Fletcher, Hedge, could be there to see it.

He wished that Annabeth, wherever she was, could be there to see it.

Over the course of the five years, she had never once sent a letter. He couldn't help but feel angry in his own way, but would then remember that he hadn't, either. She was probably too busy to even think of writing a mere word down while traveling. And he was simply too busy to sit down and write anything. The only thing he could do was hope, pray, that she would keep her promise of returning.

"Perseus," The door swung open with Gruev's voice, "It's time."

He took a deep breath,

"Carriage ride through the city, then to the beach. I'm crowned, then I give a speech. Afterwards, there's a celebratory dinner in my honor in the throne room."

"It's about time you got it right."

Perseus turned, glaring at his friend, though he couldn't hold back the grin creeping on his face. He burst into laughter, as did Gruev. They walked to each other, clasping their upper arms in a brotherly sort of embrace.

"Thank you, Gruev. Thank you for everything."

Gruev shrugged, "I was just doing what I thought I needed to as a friend. That's all."

Perseus clasped his hand around the back of his friend's neck, before they broke out into laughter again. Gruev pulled him into his grip,

"You're like a brother to me, Perseus. You always have been," He released Perseus, "Now let's going, this schedule has no time whatsoever to spare."

As they walked through the courtyard, he looked ahead, towards the open gates. An ornate carriage was waiting for him. When they approached it, the driver quickly opened it, bowing. Perseus nodded in thanks, before climbing in.

"Don't forget to wave," Gruev reminded him, "And don't forget your speech."

Perseus regarded his temple with his index finger, "I've got it."

"I'll see you there, then," Gruev flashed him one more grin, before disappearing from the window of the carriage. Before long, it began to advance slowly, carefully. And within minutes, they were driving through the crowded streets filled with people. He smiled, waved, but he was sure he would've remembered to, even if Gruev hadn't told him.

People threw flowers into the street. Children roamed free, laughing, playing. From the windows of upper floors, people had streamers and banners hanging from their window.

"Gods bless you, Perseus!" Someone called.

Perseus nodded slightly in gratitude towards the horde of people, in hopes that the person might see it. He waved again, with the occasional smile. He continued this pattern of waving and smiling until the carriage came to a stop once more.

The crowd of people had been replaced with a panoramic view of the ocean, with its waves lapping gently across the store. The driver swiftly came down from his spot from the front of the carriage and opened the door. Perseus stepped down, as his feet planted in the sand. While the ocean was still fairly easy to see, it was obscured slightly from the population of Athens standing on the beach. But they made way for him as he walked down the beach, and bowed as he continued on.

He could see Gruev standing by the shore, hands behind his back. Perseus finally stopped in front of the shore, and could feel the cold ocean water clipping the back of his heels. Gruev stepped forward, clearing his throat slightly as he did. Eventually, the chittering stopped, and the civilians grew quiet,

"Today, is the continuation of new beginnings. After so many centuries of fighting amongst Athens and Sounion, we must be the ones to shape a new time, a period of peace amongst the two kingdoms. But a new ruler must rise up in order to maintain it. For five years, General Perseus has helped both sides in the repair and recovery from the devastation of the most recent Dekapente Chronia. For five years, his wisdom has guided us. And now, he has decided that he will hold out this task for the rest of his days. Today, is the beginning of a new king."

Gruev pulled from his cloak a worn-out box. He opened it, revealing a decorative crown. Someone assisted Gruev by taking the box from his hands. Gruev turned to Perseus,

"Kneel."

Perseus lowered himself so that he was on one knee. Gruev raised the crown until it was just barely hovering over Perseus' head.

"I crown you," He lowered his hand, resting the crown, "Now, rise."

He took a few paces back, giving him room to stand. Perseus rose from his kneeling position. Gruev then bowed, saying as he did,

"Hail, Perseus, King of Athens and Sounion."

The Athenian people promptly bowed,

"Hail, King Perseus."

After a respective amount of time, the people gradually returned to their normal stances. Perseus stepped forward,

"Today, we will begin our true recovery. All of us, Athenians and Sounions alike, must learn to come together as one. And together, we can start an eternity of peace. Long live Athens, and long live Sounion!"

After Perseus' short, but impacting speech, the entirety of Athens began its celebrations. Food and drink were a breeze to acquire. Blue streams of confetti fell through the air like rain. People danced through the streets, as musicians from every which direction were playing. And as much as Perseus wanted to go outside and join in on the celebrations, rules were rules, even it he was king now. So, he was confined to the palace, awaiting the feast that had been thrown in his honor.

"Gods, the palace has turned into stuffy room of nobles to a madhouse of drunken monkeys," His friend grumbled, "I don't blame you for leaving."

Perseus shrugged, "I think a happy event is long overdue. They deserve it."

Gruev leaned against the railing beside him, taking sips of his drink at random intervals.

"I can't do this job on my own, Gruev."

"Of course," He answered in agreement, "No one person can rule over a kingdom, much less two, on their own. You'll have help."

He stood out on the library veranda, watching the ocean intently. The moon's pale reflection omitted a shimmering circle of light on the water's surface as it traveled back and forth against the shore.

"I miss her, Gruev."

He nodded with a faint grin,

"I'm sure you do. It was difficult enough for me, being away from Juniper a mere handful of months. You can just hope, that's all. But I...Suppose I should be heading back inside."

"Alright."

Gruev stood idly by for a moment, before walking off the veranda. Perseus turned his attention back to the view of the ocean. He froze when a warm hand draped over his own. He jumped slightly, and when he glanced over to see who it was, his heart skipped a beat. Her blonde hair almost appeared silver under the moonlight as she smiled up at him.

"Annabeth?" He whispered.

She nodded a few times, trembling slightly. Perseus let out a massive breath, and whether it was from sheer joy or relief, he was unsure. Almost instantly, he pulled her into his arms. They held each other, running their hands through each other's hair as they took in every new detail of each other. Finally, they broke away slightly, as Annabeth ran a gentle hand along his chin,

"I see you've grown out the beginnings of a beard," She commented.

He laughed, pulling away slightly.

"Gods, Percy. It's been five years. Can you believe it?"

Perseus shook his head, "Not in the slightest."

He leaned down, grazing his lips on hers. After a moment, she slowly began to return the kiss. It was a long, hungered kiss, one that they had been waiting for for almost half a decade.

"But if it means sharing a moment like this with you, then I'd be willing to wait another five years."

Annabeth grinned, as she whispered, "You won't have to wait for me any longer, Perseus."

"Well, then. If you're up to it, then I'd like to share in a moment like this with you everyday."

She wrapped her hands around the back of his neck, pulling Perseus towards her. Annabeth planted a kiss on his lips.

And for the first time in his life-in both of their lives, they really, truly, were at peace.

The End.

A/N: And thus ends These Mountains That Divide Us. As a special thank you to everyone who has supported the story, I have a link to something on my Tumblr blog. Just check out the update section on my profile, and it should be there. It additionally has some information about my next story, which includes the title, summary, and the major characters involved.

Thank you all so, so much,
Gwyn (Leaded-Pegasus)