The Stellans resided high up in the formidable mountains that bordered the Dranex land. Their territory was characterized by harsh weather conditions, with biting cold winds, heavy snowfalls, and treacherous terrain. They were resilient and resourceful people, having adapted to the unforgiving environment over generations. Their homes stood amidst the towering peaks and snow-covered slopes of the mountains. Unlike their neighbours, they were a close-knit community, relying on one another for survival and support. Their traditions and way of life were kept insulated from outside influence. Surviving in these harsh conditions required immense skill and knowledge.
Lucy stood in the sacred space of her temple, the soft glow of flickering candles casting gentle shadows upon the walls. The air was filled with the lingering scent of incense, carrying the essence of ancient traditions and the prayers of generations past. She wore a flowing gown adorned with delicate symbols representing the celestial forces, a reflection of her role as the village's spiritual guide.
Before her, an intricately crafted altar stood, adorned with offerings of flowers, herbs, and crystals. The soft light from the stained-glass windows bathed the room in a kaleidoscope of colours, creating an ethereal ambience. The temple was her sanctuary, a place where she connected with the divine and sought guidance for her people.
As she began the blessing ritual, Lucy closed her eyes, centring herself in the tranquil space. Her voice, gentle yet filled with conviction, resonated within the temple walls as she chanted sacred verses passed down through generations of her family. Each word carried intention and reverence, calling upon the ancient deities and spirits to bestow their blessings upon the village and its inhabitants.
Her movements were graceful, fluidly transitioning from one ritualistic gesture to another. She extended her arms, palms open, offering her devotion and gratitude to the unseen forces that guided their lives. Her fingertips lightly brushed the surface of the offerings, invoking their essence and inviting their benevolent presence.
Lucy's connection to the divine was palpable as she immersed herself in the ritual. She felt the energy of the temple respond to her, the gentle hum of spiritual vibrations enveloping her being. In this sacred space, she was a conduit between the mortal realm and the celestial planes, channelling blessings and guidance from higher realms to her people.
Her hands pressed together in a final gesture of gratitude, acknowledging the divine presence and expressing her deep appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon them. With a final bow, Lucy opened her eyes, her spirit filled with renewed purpose and clarity. The temple's atmosphere seemed to shimmer with subtle energy as if the blessings she sought had taken root within the sacred space.
"I'm I interrupting?" He was yes; that familiar voice drew her out of a trace only the spirits of their Gods could induce upon her.
Lucy turned towards the voice, a smile forming on her lips as she saw Sting standing at the entrance of the temple. "Not at all, Sting," she replied, her voice carrying a serene warmth. "You're never an interruption. Please, come in."
Sting entered his footsteps barely audible on the polished stone floor. As he approached Lucy, he glanced around the sacred space, taking in the tranquil atmosphere and the remnants of the blessing ritual. There was a sense of reverence in his gaze, an understanding of the sanctity of this place. "Lucy," he began, his voice softer now, "Silver requested your presence."
Lucy's eyebrows lifted in curiosity, her mind already pondering the possible reasons for Silver's request. "Give me five minutes to get ready," Lucy responded, "Can I offer you something? A blessing or a prayer, since you're here?" Her teasing laugh echoed through the temple as she went to retrieve her heavy coat. The furs from the animals provided them with great warmth against the cold.
Sting laughed with her, a flicker of adoration crossing his eyes. He had always held Lucy very dearly in his hurt. Their little banters mostly centred around his refusal to visit the temple, yet all his memories were within those walls watching her perform her duties.
"Thank you, but I'll pass," he said. "Your presence is enough of a blessing for me." He couldn't help the heat that reddened his cheeks. Maybe sometimes it was hard to resist his urge to show her how much she meant to him. He took a bit of pride in seeing her cheeks redden under the candles' lights, it was not by the cold seeping through the open door. "Silver is at the grand hall with the elders."
The two mounted his horse and took off for the main part of the village. It was beautiful to admire it from afar as smoke billowed from their chimneys. Their homes were built with sturdy stones into the mountainside or nestled within rocky outcrops. It wasn't such a long ride from the temple to the village and as they ripped through the bitter cold of the mountains Sting wished they were back at the warm temple. Yet he relished the moment; holding her so close was a rare opportunity.
Reaching the hall, Sting let Lucy head inside as he led his horse to the stables. The wind howled through the snowy mountain peaks as Lucy entered the grand hall, awaiting Silver. The hall was adorned with intricate tapestries depicting celestial bodies and a towering statue of Serio, their patron deity. At the far end of the room sat Silver with his two sons on his sides. Seeing her enter, the elders rose from their seats. Lucy's role was of utmost importance and held great significance within their community. The woman stopped just before Silver, offering a deep curtsy. Even if her role was of equal standing with Silver, she made sure to always show respect to the man who fathered her after her parents' death.
"Rise Lucy," Silver stood up, moving from his seat to hug his adopted daughter. They were a prideful tribe, especially taking pride in their familial relations. Those were the most sacred for them. The cold of the weather was not affecting the warmth of their hearts. "We need to discuss something with you. Take a seat."
Moving towards her seat at the council's table, Lucy offered a smile to the men gathered and her brother seated at the far end of the table on the left. "If it is another reading of the stars, I assure you that nothing has changed lately in the sky." Murmurs followed her words, as the gathered men offered a small prayer.
"Periods of stability are better than those of conflict." Makarov's statement was met with a chorus of agreement. Their tribe had faced many turbulences with the neighbouring clans and tribes under the previous leader. Silver had tried to restore their relations to the best of his abilities in the short while he was in his new role.
Silver nodded in agreement hearing the elder's words. "Lucy," His voice rumbled, his gaze filled with both concern and determination. "You know that our tribe faced many difficulties lately." That was enough to catch her attention. There was a tone of uncertainty in his voice, a hesitation that normally was not present. Lucy understood the delicate balance their tribe held with the other clans, and how unity and harmony were paramount for their continued existence. "I had a thought, which I discussed with an old friend of mine," Silver continued, his voice steady. "We thought of merging our tribes through marriage."
Lucy's eyes widened in surprise, at all the things that were not what she expected to hear. "With which? Not many that I know off have a woman as apparent heirs." Lucy's role extended beyond the confines of her tribe. She sometimes served as a diplomatic ambassador, representing the Stellan tribe in interactions with neighbouring clans and tribes.
"That is true," Silver smacked his lips trying to find the courage to announce the news. "My old friend is the leader of the Dranex." Filling restless he stood up passing close to the fire. "As you know, due to our previous leader, relations with that tribe were terminated rather abruptly." Seeing her nod, he admired her calmness and hoped she maintained it while he delivered his next thoughts. "The problem is the daughter is too young for Lyon or Gray to marry, very young."
"I hope you don't want me to bless a marriage between a man and a child?" Lucy's tone was questioning, yet at the same time, a lingering judgement showed. "Even if we're facing difficulties, I refuse to break our traditions." Their tribe did not permit women to marry before at least their nineteenth birthday and even then, it was considered early. She had heard rumours of the Fiorian tribe, known for their affinity with the land and the sea, but she had never expected they consented to child marriages.
"There is not one of us agreeing to that kind of union, and never will be." Another voice added, followed by a chorus of agreement from the others.
"You misunderstood." Under the pressure of her judging eyes, Silver realised how her role as priestess had helped her grow more than him, even if she was much younger than him. "Igneel has two sons, well one since the older one is illegitimate."
"And which woman from our tribe do you want to marry off?" Thinking about all the families of their tribe she could think of one or two more likely to be proposed. Some families would surely be honoured to marry their daughters into another powerful tribe and have them take the role of leaders.
Silver's gaze softened; his voice filled with warmth, even if he dreaded what he would tell her next. "Lucy, my dear, I have come to consider you as my daughter since your parents' untimely passing. It is with a heavy heart that I must ask you to bear this responsibility." Silence followed his request.
Lucy's heart swelled with mixed emotions. It was true that by her status she was a worthy bride, adding that Silver had in every sense adopted her after her parents' passing, which made her the most logical option. For everyone else, it must have been obvious, for her it was like the heavens decided to play with the strings of her fate. The weight of her duty as a high priestess felt for once too heavy to bear. Intertwined with the deep loyalty she held for Silver and her tribe, made it all the more difficult to raise her voice and refuse to web and flee for her temple.
As she was contemplating her fate, the door to the hall opened. Sting's entrance moved the attention of everyone on the approaching man. The silence felt heavy, only a few in the room were unaware of the feelings the man held for their priestess. All the villagers shared close-knit bonds, the elders had seen the children grow up and learn to adapt to the harsh environment that surrounded them. A child born into the village was everyone's responsibility. It was obvious to many that these too, having grown close together since childhood, would end up at some point together.
Sting took note of the silence in the room, his brows furrowing in worry. "Am I not permitted to enter?" Every villager had the right to attend the council's meetings, so it wasn't uncommon for anyone to barge in if they wanted.
"Come inside child, take a seat." The unsteady voice of an almost ancient man broke the silence as he beckoned the man inside. Silver closed the door behind him, offering bows to everyone gathered, before taking a seat to the benches closer to the walls. Even if he was permitted to attend the meetings it didn't mean he could seat beside the elders. Only direct heirs to their positions could seat there, like Laxus.
Lucy's eyes followed Sting as he sat on the far end. Had anyone told him what they needed her for? She knew he held feelings for her, knew that if given the chance he would propose a marriage between them.
"Father, this is madness!" Gray exclaimed; voice laced with frustration and taking the whole room's attention on him. "You cannot force Lucy into this union." He just couldn't sit by idly as his adopted sister's fate was decided. How could they consider offering her up like that? His reaction earned all of Sting's attention.
Lyon nodded in agreement; his voice steady yet resolute. "I understand the need for unity, Father, but we…I disagree with picking Lucy for this position."
"I also oppose this union." Laxus's booming voice filled the room, as his grandfather held him back from standing up. Makarov understood his need to defend his half-sister, but it was a decision they couldn't oppose.
"You have presented no arguments as to why we shouldn't choose Lucy for this role." As Silver's words hung in the air, tension gripped the room, each person aware of the weight of the decision that loomed over them. Sting's gaze darted between Gray, Lyon, and Laxus, his expression a mix of concern and conflict. He had kept his feelings for Lucy hidden, believing that his love for her could never be reciprocated. But now, as her fate hung in the balance, he couldn't stay silent any longer.
Standing up from his seat, Sting took a step forward, his voice filled with conviction. "I also want to oppose." It was not his time nor the place to do so, but he couldn't just sit and watch. "I understand the importance of unity, but forcing her into a union goes against everything we stand for as a tribe."
Silver's brows furrowed, caught off guard by Sting's words. The room fell into an expectant silence, awaiting his response. The weight of the decision seemed to press down on him, lines of concern etching onto his face.
Finally, after a moment of contemplation, Silver's gaze softened, and he spoke with a mixture of understanding and regret. "Sting, I appreciate your love for Lucy. However, as the leader, I must consider the greater good and the responsibilities that lie upon us. This decision is not made lightly. We must put the needs of our tribe first."
Sting's shoulders slumped slightly, a mix of disappointment and resignation filling his eyes. He understood the weight of his leader's words, but his heart ached for Lucy and the future that seemed to slip away.
Gray, Lyon, and Laxus exchanged glances, their hearts heavy with the knowledge that they couldn't change the course of the decision. They had voiced their opposition and stood up for Lucy, but ultimately, the final choice rested in Silver's hands.
Lucy, observing the exchange, felt her emotions waver between gratitude for her brothers' unwavering support and a sense of helplessness at the magnitude of the situation. She knew they were fighting for her happiness, but she also understood the complexities of tribal duty and the sacrifices that sometimes had to be made.
Taking a deep breath, Lucy stepped forward, her voice filled with determination. "I appreciate all of your concerns and love for me. I know that this path may not be the one we desired, but I will honour our tribe and the responsibilities placed upon me."
Sting's gaze never wavered from Lucy, his heart heavy with longing and the knowledge that he couldn't change her path. But he vowed silently to himself that he would be there for her, offering his unwavering support and love, even if it meant silently bearing the ache in his own heart.
At that moment, Laxus locked eyes with Lucy. "Lucy, you cannot accept this. I will not stand by as you are forced into a marriage with a stranger."
Lucy's heart ached at Laxus' words, knowing the love and protection he felt for her. She held his gaze, her voice filled with resolve. "Laxus, this is not a decision I can make solely based on personal desires. It is a duty entrusted to me, and I must honour it for the greater good of our tribe." Even if she was not fond of the idea at all.
Silver's voice commanding yet tinged with affection, filled the room. "My children, I hear your concerns, and I appreciate your love for Lucy. But as your leader, I must consider the future of our tribe." Turning to Lucy, his gaze was filled with both pride and sorrow. "My child, I understand the sacrifices you will have to make. Know that I do not ask this of you lightly but as a leader."
Lucy's eyes glistened with unshed tears. She knew that the celestial forces had chosen this path for her, aligning their destinies with that of the Draxen tribe. It was hard to keep her composure, yet her voice remained steady as she spoke. "I will uphold my duty. I will honour this union." As the echoes of the decision subsided, the hall fell into a contemplative silence, each member of the family grappling with their emotions and the path that lay ahead.
Silver let his hand rest on Lucy's shoulder, a mix of relief and pride flickering in his eyes. "You are wise beyond your years, Lucy. I trust you." With a solemn nod, Lucy accepted her fate, embracing the weight of her responsibilities as a high priestess and now, a bridge between two tribes. She knew that her path was set, and she would walk it with grace, devotion, and a steadfast commitment to the greater good of her people.
"If my presence is no more required, may I return to my temple?" Lucy's eyes held a silent plea as her eyes locked with Silver's. Even if she accepted it was too much to take in on such short notice.
"Of course, my child." With her head held high, Lucy commanded an air of grace as she moved towards the exit. The elders rushed to bow as she passed, admiring the conviction of the young woman.
Laxus went to stand up and follow behind her to make sure she was fine, yet his grandfather's tight grip prevented him. "Let those two find peace alone." Just then a deafening bang echoed around the room as Sting made his hurried exit.
As she left the grand hall, the sun's gentle rays washed over Lucy, casting a warm glow on her troubled face. Sting followed closely behind, his concern for her evident. The weight of the moment hung in the air, mingling with a sense of frustration and unspoken understanding.
Lucy turned to face Sting, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and sadness. She appreciated his presence, knowing that he had followed her not just to ensure her well-being, but to offer solace in this difficult time. Their connection ran deep, a bond forged through shared experiences and unspoken feelings.
Sting reached out, gently placing a hand on Lucy's arm. "Run away with me." He couldn't stand by and watch her get married to someone else.
Touched by the sincerity reflected in his eyes, Lucy offered a faint smile, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Thank you, but I can't." Maybe under a different sky, they would have been allowed to explore those unspoken feelings that hung between them. Fate had other plans though.
They stood there for a moment; eyes fixed on each other. All the words they had to say, would matter not. Their path was set to split. "Let me take you back."
Nodding she waited as he left to fetch his horse. She didn't know she was holding her breath until his footsteps faded away and she tasted the fresh air. It was the first and last of the few tears she would let spill. Her gaze fixed on the horizon, trying to catch so much-needed oxygen. Everything felt suffocating. The reality of having to marry a stranger sank in all the more forcefully.
Lucy took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on the horizon. She could do this. For her people, the tribe that raised her. She would do it because Silver trusted her, and depended on her for this much-needed peace between the two tribes. Taking another deep breath, she wiped the tears of her eyes hoping that Sting wouldn't notice she had shed a few tears.
Just then he appeared before her, offering a hand to get on the horse. She grasped it tightly and kept their hands intertwisted as they took off for the temple. The journey seemed faster than before, passing in silence tense yet comfortable.
Right in front of the temple's steps she stood, studying every single detail of the grand structure. "Can you stay with me for a while?" Her request was met by the sound of his feet stepping on the ground as he dismounted the horse. The two walked to her small stable, where her horse was resting. Making sure everything was alright, they made their way to the back of the temple where a more private room was located for Lucy to stay if needed.
They had spent almost all their childhood in that room, as children that cared more to let their imagination wild and play, than be forced to study. Now, as they stood just outside her door, alone and with the burden of knowing that these were not days of fooling around, their imagination was not wild. They were not children anymore; they were adults burdened with responsibilities.
Lucy's hand went to open the door, yet Sting was right behind her preventing her. His mere presence made a shiver run down her back. Turning to face him, she saw in his face the same conflicting emotions that she believed reflected on her own. His touch was gentle, the callouses on his hands grazing her cheek as he cupped it.
Their lips met tentatively. What it meant neither knew. Was it a chance to explore the unknown or a single goodbye? It was daring, something not ever expressed between them. It gave them both the comfort they needed, yet at the same time sorrow filled them. That kiss was the beginning of the end. A memory they would hold of each other, with the knowledge that they could never pursue anything more.
A/N: I never explore Lucy paired with anyone else, but for some reason in this story Sting came up as a potential interest.
Feel free to share your opinion on this pairing.
Stay tuned for next week's update.
Take care you all,
Melpomene
