Disarray

Chapter Twenty-nine

The elves around them began applauding, and the fairies started singing again. However, neither Rylan nor Raelein noticed. They were engrossed in the most important kiss of their lives, the one that declared them unified.

Along with the wonderful feeling in his chest, Rylan felt his love for her strengthen. They were married. They were one. They would never be parted, the thought only made him love her more.

          They reluctantly broke away from one another, and faced the crowed that cheered for them. Raelein blushed, and Rylan squeezed her hand gently.

          When the applause quieted, the two of them strode back down the aisle of flowers and led the way to the larger area for the celebration.

          While most of the elves spread out to eat or talk, the couple sat down on one of the many benches, seeking a brief moment of silence.

          “Now I know what it feels like to be you. I feel so popular.” Raelein laughed. Rylan rolled his eyes and chuckled, she was implying that he was well known throughout Ubaria, again.

          “Do not fret, my love, you become accustomed to it after a while.” He replied with a tinge of sarcasm. Raelein laughed, and kissed him softly.

          “I can certainly grow accustomed to this.” She stated. Rylan smiled, and grasped her hand.

          Aden suddenly sprinted toward them with a grin.

          “Congratulations!” He said, out of breath.

          “Thank you,” Raelein answered. “You had difficulties breaking free from the crowd, did you not?”

          “You’ve no idea. There are so many elves here, I felt like a child amongst a large group of adults.” He laughed.

          “I trust, you proceeded correspondingly,” Rylan joked. Aden chuckled, and sat on a bench facing theirs.

          “It is hard to imagine that we are leaving Islea tomorrow.” He thought aloud.

          “It is.” Raelein concurred. “But I look forward to it. Leaving behind Arilia, Telvor and all the other elves will be difficult, but easier knowing we will visit often. I’ve heard many good things about the village.”

          “That it will,” Rylan agreed. “It is a delightful place, you will adore living there.” Aden nodded.

          “The world does not transform at sunset there…” he said, sounding slightly disappointed. “Nor will there be fairies.”

          “Have you changed your mind?” Rylan laughed.
          “Never,” Aden chuckled. “It will just be weird moving back after all this time. Hopefully they believe our lie.”

          “Did you two figure out our excuse?” Raelein inquired.

          “Yes,” Aden answered. “We will tell them that when we went into the woods to hunt, we were captured by slave workers and imprisoned in the Twin Cities of Narathia to be sold. You helped us escape; we fell in love, and married each other in a small town we took refuge in. It is a stretched story, but it is the most reasonable choice. They will never accept the truth.”

          “It appears to be sound. If they ever ask us about anything, simply find a way out of answering. Being taken hostage and beaten was traumatizing, we will have enough excuse to remain silent.” Raelein replied. “The Twin Cities of Narathia, what made you pick a place so far from your village? That is quite close to our realm’s barrier, the Bolvez’ Ure Mountains. Will they believe we were taken so far away?”