NOVEL WEB Chapter 15: A Flame Eternal
For years, I had been a leader to my people, a guide through shadows and struggles, and yet, when it came to Arien, I found myself utterly unsure. Every word I wished to say seemed too small, too simple, to capture what burned within me. She was the brightest light in my life, and yet, for all her brilliance, she never made me feel lesser. Around her, I felt more myself than I ever had, as though her fire didn't consume but illuminated.
It was on a quiet evening, as we walked through the forest near Onymë Ennorë, that I decided I could wait no longer.
The woods were alive with soft twilight, and the gentle hum of crickets filled the air. The light of the stars filtered through the canopy above, casting everything in a silvery glow. Arien walked beside me, her presence a warmth against the coolness of the evening. Her hair shimmered like living flame, her orange eyes glowing faintly, as if lit from within. She was utterly otherworldly, and yet, she was here, with me.
"Arien," I began, stopping beneath an ancient oak whose gnarled branches seemed to stretch endlessly. She turned to me, her expression curious and open, and I felt my heart quicken.
"Yes, Emlithor?" she asked, her voice as soft as the crackling of a hearth.
I hesitated, searching for the right words. "I have fought many battles, crossed vast lands, and faced countless challenges. Yet none of that prepared me for what I feel when I look at you."
Her brows lifted slightly, and a soft smile curved her lips. "What do you feel, my friend?"
I took a breath, steadying myself. "You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen, Arien. Not just in appearance, though that is undeniable, but in spirit. Your light, your kindness, your strength—they have become a part of me, as essential as breath. I love you, Arien. I have loved you for years."
For a moment, the forest was silent, save for the whisper of the wind through the leaves. I braced myself for whatever her answer might be. Then, she stepped closer, her fiery gaze softening.
"Emlithor," she said, her voice rich with emotion, "you have shown me a love I never thought I would find. I was a wanderer, a flame without purpose, until I met you. You have given me a home, a place to belong. I love you, too."
The days that followed were a blur of joy and preparation. Word of our betrothal spread quickly through Taur-im-Duinath, and the Avari, ever a people of celebration, threw themselves into planning a grand ceremony. It was not just a union of two hearts but a moment that brought the entire realm together.
The capital city, Onymë Ennorë, became a hive of activity. The Kinn-Lai artisans adorned every street with garlands of flowers and intricate banners woven with gold and silver thread. The Hwenti builders worked tirelessly to construct a grand platform in the city's central square, where the ceremony would take place.
Even the distant towers of the realm were lit with great beacons, their flames visible for miles, a symbol of the unity and light that Arien had brought to our people.
The day of the ceremony dawned clear and bright, the golden light of Laurelin casting a warm glow over the city. The streets were filled with Avari from every tribe, their voices mingling in a harmonious buzz of anticipation.
I stood at the center of the platform, dressed in robes of deep green and gold, a circlet of silver resting on my brow. My heart pounded as I waited, but it wasn't with fear—it was with an overwhelming sense of rightness.
When Arien appeared, the crowd fell silent. She walked slowly, her hair flowing like liquid fire down her back, her gown a shimmering cascade of gold and crimson. Around her brow was a delicate crown of fiery blossoms, crafted by the finest Kinn-Lai hands, a gift from the Ar Lách. She looked every bit the living flame she was, and as her eyes met mine, I felt a lump rise in my throat.
She joined me on the platform, and together, we faced the assembled Avari. A cheer rose from the crowd, a sound of pure joy that echoed through the city and the forest beyond.
The ceremony itself was a blend of ancient traditions and new beginnings. The Kindi recited the ancient blessings, their voices clear and melodic. The Cuind presented us with a pair of intricately carved bows, a symbol of strength and partnership. Each tribe offered their own gifts and well-wishes, a reflection of the unity that defined our people.
Finally, I took Arien's hands in mine and spoke the words that had been on my heart since the moment I met her. "Before the stars, before the trees, before the first song was sung, there was a flame. That flame lives in you, Arien, and it has guided me to this moment. I pledge my heart to you, my light, my flame, my love."
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she replied, her voice steady. "Emlithor, you have shown me the beauty of this world and the strength of a love that endures. I pledge myself to you, my partner, my equal, my love."
As we exchanged rings, a great cheer rose from the gathered Avari. The sky seemed to brighten, the very air alive with the joy of the moment. The festivities that followed lasted long into the night, filled with music, dancing, and the kind of laughter that seemed to heal old wounds.
But for me, the most magical part of the day was when Arien and I slipped away from the crowd, finding a quiet spot beneath the starlit sky. We sat together, her head resting on my shoulder, the world quiet around us.
"I never imagined this," I admitted, my voice soft. "Not the city, not the towers, not this."
"And yet here we are," she replied, her fingers lacing with mine. "Together."
As I looked at her, her fiery hair glowing faintly in the starlight, I knew with certainty that this was only the beginning. Together, we would face whatever came next, our love a flame that would never be extinguished.