Merry Christmas, my readers! I am so sorry this is late. I went on vacation last Saturday (hence why last chapter came in early) and couldn't write until Wednesday! And then, writer's block hit! It was awful.
That aside, I am only a day late, and I assure you, it will not happen again.
I keep getting review after review, and let me tell you, I feel so happy with every word you guys write out for me. Here are this week's replies:
Lily: *shrugs* I honestly am baffled at how much I really wrung out Deimos' character. Honestly though, I think complex characters are important, especially for villains.
Wildgirl6: You're welcome! Also, yeah, after rewatching season three, I also do believe that there are unicorns out there. Not sure where exactly this topic came up, but I am for it!
Catreallychaotic: Merry Christmas to you, too! And yes, I agree that the willingness of the dark mages to just kill and exploit other creatures is monstrous. I hate hate hate that aspect of dark magic.
Guest: I was wondering where you went! Welcome back! I'm glad you enjoyed these chapters. I hope you like this one!
solipsism is impossible: Merry Christmas, my friend! Also, you're right, Deimos really didn't have a shoulder to cry on after Esmeray's death, He just kinda… destroyed all of his feelings. Hence, why he had no qualms destroying the forge.
heneedssomemilk: Awe, your compliments make me blush. And, just a little tip from me to you, I find that dividing up writing day to day helps keep a good writing schedule. But hey, not all of us are avid writers, and that is a-ok.
Alyce and Indi: Thanks! Also, it's kinda hard for me to imagine someone like Ethari, who both has the toughness of hand and heart to forge deadly weapons, and the keen eye and steady grip of a jeweler and a magic craftsman, to be shy. Could just be me, though.
theburningearth: Yep. 'Tis a sad day when someone's love dies. But, you are correct. The plot will only thicken from here!
Anyway, we shall now return to our favorite couple! I kinda beat y'alls heads with angst galore the last couple of weeks, so this chapter is going to be nice and fluffy.
So… who's in the mood for a wedding?
Enjoy!
Three years had passed since Runaan and Ethari had shared their first kiss.
Three years since Runaan and Ethari first set their love for one another free. Those three years seemed both eternal, and not long enough. Like a rainstorm. One would lean against the window, listening to the pounding rain absently, wondering when the sun will come out. But when the clouds finally clear, one can't help but wish for the embrace of the rain once more.
In those three wonderful years, many events had transpired. First and foremost, with the help of all the other Moonshadow elves, Ethari's home and forge were rebuilt. Unfortunately, due to the fire damage and parts of the cliff face shifting, the cliffside was unable to support the original forge anymore. They could not rebuild it the way it once was.
However, they made do with what they had. Instead, they completely transformed Ethari's main room into his forge. The entire room was expanded, with the help of a few Earthblood elves, who sang the tree his home was built into to grow large and strong. A fire pit was added to the front right of the room, along with a brand-new anvil. Several more hooks were added to the walls to one day display all of Ethari's weapons. A larger table was built to hold all of Ethari's drawings and designs, and the elves replaced all of Ethari's tools with newer, better ones.
"I wish we could do more for you." Luna bowed her head to Ethari as he turned in a full circle, taking in his new forge. "The landscape affected by the fire was too damaged to rebuild your forge. I hope this will do?"
Ethari smiled widely. "It's more than enough, my lady." He bowed deeply to her. "This is more than I was hoping for. As long as I have fire, a hammer, and spirit, I can get back to work! Thank you so much for what you've done for me."
Luna nodded, a smile on her face. "You are our beloved craftsman, Ethari. To us, this is a way to repay you for your services. We are glad that we were able to help."
Meanwhile, Runaan completed his assassin training. His private instruction was switched to the new leader of the assassins, an elf named Hala. Not only was Hala a much more patient and adept teacher, she utilized both Runaan's swordsmanship and archery skills. When the day of the entrance tests came, Runaan passed with flying colors.
Now a fully-fledged member of the assassins, he was sworn to protect his home, his friends, and most of all, his love. Ethari was there when Runaan swore his allegiance, and his heart swelled with pride when Runaan cut his fingertip, delivering the words of the ancient oath as he sealed it with his blood. As he spoke the final word, Hala declared him an official assassin warrior of the Silvergrove. The Moonshadow elves applauded and cheered, one voice rising above the others as he grinned at Runaan.
At the end of the day, resting in Ethari's lounge, Ethari quietly bandaged Runaan's finger. Slathering a linen bandage with Sun's Tears salve, he wrapped the thin cloth around the cut carefully. Runaan sighed contentedly.
"It doesn't hurt, does it?" Ethari asked him as he adjusted Runaan's bandage. "It's not too tight, right?"
Runaan smiled. "No." In truth, it stung, just a little. But the knowledge that he was now a member of the most elite warriors of the Moonshadow elves was more than enough to dull the pain.
"Well, good." Ethari set the rest of the length of bandages aside, before laying his forehead on Runaan's shoulder with a thunk. "You did well, Runaan. I'm proud of you."
Runaan smiled. Wrapping his arms around Ethari's back, he rested his chin on the crown of Ethari's head. "Thank you."
Many months passed, but it wasn't long before Runaan received his first mission. He, as well as Tiadrin, Lain, and the other new warriors and assassins, were assigned to a ten-day patrol of the human side of The Border. Specifically, the edge of the border kingdom of Katolis. Not an extreme mission, but a dangerous one all the same. Any wrong move could mean fighting that could lead to their capture… or worse.
Runaan hugged Ethari tightly as the warriors prepared to depart. Runaan was ready. His pack was on his shoulder, and his sword, now paired with its twin, was slung across his back. Runaan separated from Ethari, holding onto his arms. Ethari held Runaan's shoulders looking into his eyes. A thousand emotions swirled in his brown irises, unspoken.
"Be careful," He whispered. Runaan nodded.
"Of course. It won't take long, I promise. I'll be back before you know it."
Ethari nodded. Pressing his lips together, he seized the collar of Runaan's tunic and pulled him into a quick, fierce kiss. Runaan's eyes were wide when Ethari pulled back, a blush on his cheeks.
"Wh-"
"I'll be waiting for you." He cut him off. Ethari put on a brave face. "Don't you dare be late."
Runaan was breathtaken. It took one more moment of staring at Ethari's eyes, before he allowed a small smile to grace his face.
"Of course." And with that, he saddled up on his Moonstrider, took his place behind Hala and her Shadowpaw, and the warriors rode away.
Despite both Ethari's worries and the worries of many of the other elves, the mission went smoothly. The group arrived at The Border in less than two days. Crossing over the lavaflow, they swept across the southern portion of the human lands for seven days. Though they saw many human encampments, and once or twice came across a town, they remained in the shadows and observed. Runaan's nostrils flared every time he could hear the humans talking. He could tell he wasn't the only one on edge. Tiadrin mouthed curses as she glared at them, while Lain clutched his polearm tightly. Each and every one of the newly initiated warriors were ready and waiting, fully prepared to leap out of the shadows and launch into battle.
Hala, however, kept a firm hand over them. "Remember, we are only to observe, then report back to Avizandum." She reminded them under her breath. "If we start a fight and do not finish it, they will fight back, putting all of Xadia at risk." Her gaze swept over Runaan. "It would be a tragedy to have to bring home the news that warriors have died."
Runaan pictured Ethari's face. He imagined the expression that would be there if he did not return. Runaan set his jaw, and sunk into the shadows. He followed every order given to him, until the sun set on their final day of their mission. The warriors packed away their camp, mounted their animals, and returned once more to their home in Xadia.
The warriors arrived at the Silvergrove in the middle of the tenth night. The new moon hung invisibly in the sky, the stars around it brighter than ever. Runaan, having reached the cliff that held Ethari's forge, dismounted from his Moonstrider.
"Well done," He rubbed the creature's forehead. The Moonstrider let out a soft, chuffing bark, then nipped at Runaan's horns. Runaan shooed the creature's snout away from his head. He didn't know where his feathered friend had learned her habit of chewing on his horns, and he doubted it would ever go away.
"Go to the caretakers and get yourself something to eat, girl. You've earned it." He patted her flank, and she galloped off, rounding around the wall of the cliff and disappearing from view.
Runaan climbed up the winding staircase to the forge. Strangely, it felt like he was doing it for the first time. As he reached the top of the stairs and walked to the forge's double doors. Grasping the door handle, his heart beating with anticipation, he slowly and silently slid the door open.
Immediately, a white head popped up from the far left of Ethari's workbench. Selena tilted her feline head as Runaan tip-toed in, her tail waving pleasantly. She gestured her head to the right, and Runaan's eyes found a familiar figure.
Ethari was bent over, his tools clinking and clanking as he worked. Runaan gazed at him. A slow, soft smile grew on his face. It had only been ten days, but it might as well have been ten years. Looking upon him felt so familiar, yet brand new.
Runaan stepped towards Ethari. Quiet as a mouse, he stood only a foot away from him, trying to peer over his shoulder to see what he was making. After many heartbeats of no success, Runaan finally cleared his throat, making his presence known.
Ethari's soul practically left his body, he jerked so hard. Whipping around, he exhaled loudly when he recognized the elf behind him.
"Holy Xadia, you scared me, Runaan!" Ethari exclaimed. A hand over his racing heart, he shook his head, exasperated.
A moment of silence hung in the air, before it clicked in Ethari's brain.
"Wait- RUNAAN!" Ethari lept up from his seat and embraced Runaan. All the air rushed out of his lungs as Ethari squeezed him tightly.
"Oh my Xadia, you're back! You're back safe!" He laughed in relief, burying his face into the crook of Runaan's neck, inhaling his scent of pine and flora. Runaan's mouth moved incoherently, feeling heat creep up his neck, across his cheeks, and to the tips of his ears.
"I… I'm back, Ethari." He sighed, hugging him back, pressing a long kiss to his cheek. Ethari smiled, shutting his eyes against the tears pricking in the corners of his eyes. It was a long time before the two of them finally separated.
"Why are you still up?" Runaan suddenly questioned him. "You shouldn't be awake this late, Ethari!"
Ethari raised a brow. "I was waiting for you! You were scheduled to come back at any time today, so I waited, and now you're here!" His eyes narrowed accusingly. "After you nearly gave me a heart attack. Again."
Runaan sighed. It was almost comedic, how often Runaan accidentally snuck up on Ethari. "I know, I know, I'm sorry-"
Ethari's eyes suddenly lit up. "Wait! That reminds me!" Bouncing on the balls of his feet, Ethari ran to his bench, scooping something off of it. Returning to Runaan's side, whose brow was raised in confusion, he held out the object that was in his hands.
"Happy Birthday, Runaan!" He chirped. Runaan gasped at what Ethari held.
A tiny metal mouse lay within Ethari's cupped palms. Its minuscule, emerald green jeweled eyes stared back up at Runaan as he gazed at it. Dozens of other green crystals were embedded in the creature's metal body, along its flanks, in its toes, and all along its curving metal tail.
Runaan was speechless. He blinked at the trinket, his mouth hanging slightly ajar. Ethari looked back and forth between him and the mouse, biting his lip. The silence stretched between them like a bowstring, ready to snap.
"… Wait, it's my birthday today?"
Ethari gaped at Runaan. He was genuinely shocked. Surely, he couldn't have forgotten his own birthday-
Then Runaan looked at Ethari, and his expression of confusion made Ethari burst out laughing.
"Ha ha ha ha, yes?! It's the seventeenth of May. You seriously forgot your birthday was today?!" He laughed even harder when he saw Runaan's ears redden.
"Hey, I just got back from a mission! It's not exactly my top priority to remember the day I was born!" He defended himself. "And who told you?!"
"Lady Luna did." He answered. Runaan's mouth dropped open.
"What."
"Yeah." Ethari giggled at Runaan's horrified face. "She came to have me inspect her throwing knives a few days ago, and she mentioned that it was your birthday today. I figured, since I had a few days before your arrival, I would make you something, so…"
Runaan looked back at the mouse. He exhaled airily, touching the mouse's tiny wire whiskers. He gently took it from Ethari's hands, holding it as if he were holding a real baby mouse.
"… I love it." He whispered. Ethari beamed with pride as Runaan peered at his creation, feeling its jeweled body with awe.
"… Why a mouse, though…?"
Ethari scoffed, as if it was obvious. "Because it's just like you, Runaan!" He laughed when he glared at him. "Too quiet! Always sneaking up on me! I should get you the bell I had Selena wear until she learned to announce her presence whenever she walked in the room I was in."
"Ha ha, very funny," Runaan rolled his eyes heavily. Petting the metal mouse one last time, he set in on Ethari's workbench. Without warning, he whipped around, grabbed Ethari's waist, and pulled him close until they were chest-to-chest. Ethari blushed, surprised, as Runaan folded his hands against the small of Ethari's back, never breaking eye contact.
"So…" His voice was as smooth as glass. He tilted his head ever so slightly, calm turquoise eyes making Ethari's heart flutter. "Is that… the only present you're going to give me?"
Ethari melted. Leaning against Runaan's chest, he smiled up at him. "It doesn't have to be." Snaking his arms around Runaan's neck, he connected their lips in a deep kiss.
As naturally as a river flows, Runaan's hand cupped Ethari's jaw, stroking his cheek with his thumb. They pressed their foreheads together lovingly, lips separating as they caught their breath, before joining back together again. Ethari's eyes fluttered, his gaze meeting Runaan's, all the love he felt towards him within his brown irises.
"Welcome home." He whispered against his lips. Runaan sighed, holding Ethari close, as he kissed him in the light of the luminent flowers within Ethari's forge.
That was years ago. Two more of Runaan's birthdays had come and gone. The next birthday of Runaan's, the two of them shared a glass of Moonberry Moscato. Ethari surprised him with yet another little trinket: a crouching Moonstrider cub. Runaan spent hours gazing at it, admiring its tiny paws and feathers, its fierce, yet adorable expression. Ethari knew he would like it. He had caught him playing with the baby Moonstiders enough times to learn that Runaan loved the creatures.
On his most recent birthday, he had received a beautiful songbird sculpture. Each feather was a different colored metal, all swirling as it held up its head in song. Who knew that Ethari could craft such intricate sculptures from rainbows? Runaan insisted it was his favorite gift yet.
"Until next year," Ethari would always say. "I'll make you something you'll love even more than the last."
It had now been only a few months since Runaan's last birthday. He had just returned from a two-week long mission to drive a group of humans back to the human side of The Border, and he was sprawled out on Ethari's couch, humming pleasantly as he listened to Ethari practice his lute.
"Two lovers, afraid to be together,
They're hunted near and far,
Never finding a place to be safe,
Dance to the moon to call its magic…"
Runaan tilted his head when Ethari paused his playing. "Forgot the next lines again, didn't you?" He chuckled as Ethari pouted at him. "You're adorable."
Ethari puffed out his cheeks, only proving Runaan's words. "It's not my fault! Nobody ever remembers those lines, anyway!"
"Pfft." Holding out his hands, Runaan snuggled next to Ethari, who sighed in defeat and set down his lute. Ethari rested his head against Runaan's, not even attempting to fight the contented smile on his face.
"You're doing alright, Runaan? Your wound is healed?" Ethari asked.
"Of course, my love. I'm alright." He assured him, smiling a little at Ethari's worry. During the mission, Runaan had taken a sword to his left side. It was quite deep, but luckily, Runaan quickly finished his battle and stemmed the blood flow. The Earthblood elves who were tending to the wounded patched him right up. It was a good thing, too. If the Earthblood elves weren't there, Runaan would have had to have been rushed back to the Silvergrove to be treated by Healer Canneta. Ethari would have had a fit if that had happened.
"Then what's the matter, Runaan?" Ethari questioned him. "You're playing with your braid. You only do that when you're really thinking about something."
Ah, how they could read each other so well. Runaan immediately set down his braid, fighting back a smile. He was waiting for him to notice. Runaan met Ethari's eyes.
"I got something on my mind," he admitted, a mischievous look in his turquoise irises.
"Oh, is that so?" Ethari smirked playfully. "Mind telling me what it is?"
Runaan returned his smirk. "I could… but you have to earn it."
Ethai tilted his head. His brown eyes were alit like fires. "Earn, you say?" He raised a brow. "How so?"
"Spar with me."
Ethari's eyes flashed. Ooo, it had been forever since they had sparred together, just the two of them. With Runaan away on missions or training exercises, and Ethari always busy with his work, they spent most of their time together relaxing and enjoying each other's company. One-on-one sparring was a rare treat that Ethari would happily accept.
"You're on."
The moon was full that night. It spilled its light across the empty field behind Ethari's forge, illuminating the grass with an ethereal glow. Runaan stood on the far side of the meadow, his blades in hand, staring at Ethari.
"Just because I like you doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on you!" Runaan yelled to him, brandishing his blades.
Ethari twirled his polearm in response. "Don't worry," Runaan's eyes widened as Ethari's skin turned translucent, his lavender tattoos standing out with his brown eyes, "I don't plan on holding back, either!"
Runaan smiled, his own skin becoming the same see-through black that his boyfriend's was, his turquoise eyes gleaming within his now black sclera. The corner of his mouth ticked in a smile, before he charged at Ethari and connected their weapons in the first swing.
Swordplay with Deimos had been terrifying, fast-paced, and unforgiving. Swordplay with Hala, or any of the other warriors, was regimented, predictable, and almost dull. But… swordplay with Ethari…
Nothing matched the exhilaration and sheer thrill of sparring with him.
Ethari almost never used the same moves twice. He would one second be fighting with his bladed polearm, then next be battling with his longswords. He could switch between the two as fast as lightning. Runaan was always on his toes as he fought with him. He felt light as he parried blow after blow, a look of intense concentration as he kept up with Ethari's strikes.
"You're still as skilled as ever," Runaan told him as he blocked a swing with both swords. Ethari scoffed amusedly, gritting his teeth as he parried several blows quick slices from Runaan's blades.
"Just because I'm a blacksmith," he separated his polearm, locking his swords with Runaan's, so close that the two of them were almost nose-to-nose, "doesn't mean I don't enjoy a good fight every now and again."
Runaan grunted, tilting his nose up in feigned defiance. "Still… I will not let you win this fight."
Ethari smirked. "You underestimate me, my love. I have a few things that would make even an assassin like you flinch."
Runaan opened his mouth, about to ask exactly what, but no sound came out. Ethari had abruptly let go of one of his swords, grabbed Runaan's hand, and kissed it. Runaan's thoughts promptly slammed to a halt. His eyes widened in shock, and the hand in Ethari's hold loosened its grip on the sword.
Ethari grinned. With a quick upward jab of his elbow, the sword went flying in the air. Before Runaan could react, Ethari snatched it and swiped his and Runaan's stolen sword in an 'x' motion, sending Runaan flying backward.
Runaan, after taking several flailing steps backward, let his body bend back, placed his free hand on the ground, and performed a single-handed back handspring, once again regaining his balance. He glared at Ethari, who had the most smug of expressions on his face as he reassembled his polearm, throwing Runaan's sword to the side.
"That was a dirty move." Runaan frowned.
"And it worked," Ethari grinned at Runaan's angry, blush-dusted face. "All is fair in love and war."
Runaan raised a brow. "Really…"
His tone of voice sent a shiver of premonition up Ethari's spine. Runaan's turquoise irises were flashing in his midnight black sclera. Suddenly, he crouched to the ground and kicked off, sprinting directly at Ethari in a lightning pattern. Ethari sucked in a breath as Runaan grabbed his empty hand with the hand that still held his sword, his free hand wrapping around the hand that held Ethari's polearm. Ethari swallowed when he met Runaan's eyes. All the fire, all the passion, all the indescribable emotion he felt, all burning within his turquoise irises.
Runaan's mouth ticked in a grin. With an expert thrust of his wrist, Ethari's hand went slack, his polearm tumbling across the grass. Ethari gasped as Runaan grasped his hand once more, his turquoise eyes boring into his. In one swift motion, Runaan dropped his remaining blade and fell to one knee, his head bowed, placing his other hand on top of Ethari's.
The world fell silent. Ethari breathed deeply as he stood, one hand raised to his face, the other held between Runaan hands. Runaan closed his eyes, his heart pounding loudly.
"This is it."
"R… Runaan…" Ethari whispered. "Wh-"
"Ethari," Runaan spoke. His head was still bowed, but his voice rang out loud and clear. "You are… the only one."
Ethari blinked many times. His hand curled into a fist below his mouth, his brown eyes wide as he let go of his full moon form. His skin lightened back to its dark, purple-ish tone, his tattoos returning to normal. He moved his mouth, but no sound came out. He could only stare at Runaan's bowed head.
"Ever since I met you, long long ago, you've been… the best part of my life," Runaan continued. "I never really understood what feeling happy was… until you."
"Runaan…"
"We've been together for over three years now, but still, each day, I learn something new about you. I feel closer to you. I… I love you even more than I ever thought could be possible."
Ethari's heart was thundering in his chest. His hand covered his mouth, shaking. He knew… he could feel it coming. Runaan drew in a deep breath, mustering all of his courage, and lifted his met to meet Ethari's eyes.
"Ethari…" Runaan's eyes held a love beyond comprehension. "I want to be with you for the rest of my life. Will you… marry me?"
Ethari's world stopped. Everything around him seemed to fall away into nothingness, until there was only Runaan. Runaan, on one knee, looking up at him with a hopeful love, his turquoise eyes wide. Runaan, asking him to be his. Forever.
Tears slipped from Ethari's eyes. Behind his hand, he smiled the biggest smile. Laughing, breathless, he nodded.
"Yes! Yes!"
Runaan's face lit up. His shocked face lifted into a grin of pure euphoria. "You- You will?!"
"Yes!" Ethari cried. He embraced Runaan, laughing as they fell against the ground in each other's arms. Ethari tried to wipe his eyes, but was too shaky with laughter. Runaan reached up from beside Ethari, stroking away the tear trails. Ethari's laughter slowed at Runaan's touch. Runaan gazed at Ethari as he held his head in his hands, a soft, gentle smile on his face. Ethari sighed happily, leaning into Runaan's palm.
"I love you." He said.
Runaan pressed a long, deep kiss to his lips. He pulled him to his chest, laying on the soft bed of grass, underneath the twinkling stars and the light of the full moon. Runaan stroked Ethari's hair, sighing as he held him close. He was so perfect. So, so perfect.
And he was his. Forevermore.
"I love you, too."
Runaan and Ethari's wedding was the most wonderful day of their lives.
Runaan and Ethari both wanted a private ceremony, quiet and calm in the light of the moon, so there were only five people attending the wedding. As the leader of the Moonshadow elves, Luna was officiating. And, of course, there were the very-soon-to-be-newlyweds, Runaan and Ethari. The only guests were Tiadrin and Lain, who had married two years before. Lain, whose nerves had grown into those of steel from the ruthless life of a warrior in the Dragonguard, now fussed endlessly over his still-stubborn wife, who was six months pregnant.
"You really should sit down-" He began.
"I am fine." She snapped quietly.
"I never said you weren't, I just don't think it's good for you to be standing up for so long."
Tiadrin fixed him with an icy glare. Lain held up his hands in surrender. She had really perfected her glare.
"We've barely been standing for twenty minutes." She hissed as quietly as she could. "This won't last long enough to cause any harm to me. Besides, I'm pregnant, not impaired, and I'm not delicate."
Lain sighed. "I know…" The look on his face made Tiadrin soften like butter.
"I appreciate your worry, love." She leaned into him, allowing him to support some of her weight. In truth, her feet hurt like hell, but no way was she saying that out loud. Lain would lose his mind. "It won't take much longer. I promise I'll rest all day tomorrow."
Lain wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "Okay." Waving to Luna, who had raised an eyebrow at the two, he fell silent as Luna continued the ceremony.
"The bond of marriage, in the essence of true, real love, is the greatest bond between two souls." Her words echoed in the midnight air. "Love is an eternal mystery that we will never understand. Love transcends the bodies of those who feel it, connecting the spirits of those who feel it together. No matter the person, no matter the body, love exists between those with life. And tonight…" a smile adorned her face as she looked at the elves before her, "we shall honor the love between Runaan and Ethari, by sealing their bond in marriage."
Runaan and Ethari gazed at each other with smiles on their faces. Dressed in all white, flowing silken robes, held each other's hands as they listened to Luna speak. Blue fireflies danced around them in a slow, elegant rhythm. Tiadrin and Lain leaned together as they watched their friends. They could see the love between them. It was truly magical to see.
"The time has come." Luna finished her speech. In her hands, she held a silk pillow. Two pairs of metallic clasps lay on the shining fabric. Their hearts beat as one as they each picked up the other's clasps. Holding them in their hands, they looked to Luna, ready.
"Runaan," Luna dipped her head to him. "Bow your head."
Runaan dipped his head low. He closed his eyes, unable to contain the smile on his face. Folding his hands over each other, he listened as Ethari began his wedding vows.
"I, Ethari, son of Zira and Alden, do take thee Runaan, son of Alyaa and Amaris, as my lawfully wedded one. You bow before me, but I understand that I am no greater, nor no less than thee. I take thy hand today to promise to love you, through darkness and through light, until death do us part."
Runaan was still as Ethari slipped the clasps onto his horns. After it was done, Runaan rose up, looking into Ethari's eyes with a smile. Ethari smiled back, his hands clasped in front of himself.
"Now," Luna nodded to Ethari. "It is your turn."
Ethari bowed his head to Runaan. Runaan smiled at him for a moment, before bringing up the clasps to Ethari's horns, and began to recite the ancient vows.
"I, Runaan, son of Alyaa and Amaris, do take thee Ethari, son of Zira and Alden, as my lawfully wedded one. You bow before me, but I understand that I am no greater, nor no less than thee. I take thy hand and promise to love you, through darkness and through light, until death do us part."
Once the last clasp had been done, Ethari raised his head. The sight of the gleaming metal clasps adorning his horns made Runaan's heart soar. He smiled at him as he took his hands once more.
"With this, I, Luna, daughter of Lady Raith and Lord Artem, do seal these elves' hands in marriage." She raised their joined hands, a length of silk ribbon in her hand. She wound it around their wrists, twice on each side, before tying the ribbon. "Do you, Runaan, and do you, Ethari, promise to love each other, through darkness and through light, through storms and through clear skies, through good and through evil, until death do you part?"
"I do." They spoke as one.
Luna closed her eyes, smiling, before stepping back with a nod.
"Then, as the ruler of the Silvergrove and all who reside within it, I now pronounce you happily wed." Tiadrin and Lain cheered as the ceremony drew to a close. Runaan and Ethari smiled at each other, holding their linked hands as if they will never let go. "You may kiss your love."
Runaan, cupping Ethari's cheek gently, Ethari, holding Runaan close, leaned forward and kissed for the very first time as husband and husband.
*sniff* My boys… *sniff* all grown up and married now…
So beautiful.
Want to see an actual piece of the rough draft of this chapter I wrote while I was still planning it out?
[Runaan proposes, Ethari says yes, tackles him in a hug, blah blah blah, romantic shit]
As an asexual, writing romantic scenes is either me throwing words on a page and hoping they make sense, or me actually trying to describe it in detail, all while blushing madly and squealing like a broken car heater. There is no in between.
Anyways,
I want to say that I maybe, just maybe, might hit 100k words before I complete the fic… but the jury's still out. However, 100k words for my first completed fic would be fantastic… who knows? Maybe I can get a little side-story request of our favorite couple and little Rayla from any of my readers to stretch my word count a little? *wink wink*
Who's to tell what the future holds? As always, see y'all next week!
~TheMistDragon