Disarray

Chapter Twenty-nine

          “I am most sure, yes. In their eyes, there will be no other possibility. I chose it because of its distance; it will explain why it took us so long to return.” Rylan replied.

          “Ah, wise decision.” Raelein complimented. She laughed. “What an appropriate conversation to have at a wedding. “Hmm, is the lie to cover up Rylan’s heroic actions that, ironically, saved their ignorant lives in fact believable?”

          “Well, it is our wedding.” Rylan added with a laugh. “Though, it certainly is an odd topic for such a joyous event.”

          “Shall we dance?” Raelein inquired. The musicians had just begun to play, and a few couples had begun to sway to the calming tune.

          “We shall.” Rylan stood, and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Come, Aden! We will find you someone to dance with.”

          The three of them made their way through the crowd, weaving around clustered groups of mingling elves. Before long, a loud, jubilant laugh rang across the grounds, and Rylan immediately recognized the chuckle as Jalmar.

          “Rylan, Raelein, Aden!” He called out happily. Rylan spotted his large, black figure instantly.

          “I found your dancing partner.” Raelein laughed. Aden rolled his eyes with half-annoyed half-amused a smirk.

          “My friends,” He said, pulling Rylan and Aden into an awkward embrace. “It has been far too long! Since Zayleth’s attack, I’ve been quite busy forging and repairing weapons; there has been no time to find you, much less converse! From what I have heard, you three have been busy too, two of you toying with death, and the other left alone to fret. Such things keep one occupied, do they not?” Aden laughed wryly.

          “Perhaps slightly,” He replied.

          “And training lessons with the two of you, ah, but I doubt there will be need of those in the future, seeing how you both are quite proficient. Rylan, you saved the world with a mere blade! If anything, I can hope you will teach me instead.” Jalmar laughed again, his delighted chuckle that was quite contagious. He was so bubbly; it was delightful to be around such a lively spirit.

          “So, I have heard you three are leaving us tomorrow.” His smile dissipated and he looked genuinely sad.

          “It is true. But we will return to visit often.” Rylan added. He grasped Raelein’s hand again, disliking the previous space between them.

          “You had better!” Jalmar smiled. “There just may be a few battles in the future we could use your skills in, perhaps, one day, I can send a fairy to inform the three of you.”

          “Perhaps, yes. If in that case, we must have an excuse at the ready, Rylan,” She laughed.

          “I can capture you, which will make for a good excuse for leaving.” Jalmar suggested jokingly. “Or, perhaps, I can kill the three of you, and drag your bodies outside of the village to revive you.”

          “That sounds like a wonderful idea! No one will question a massive, dark elf heaving three dead people toward the gates; it is a brilliant plan indeed.” Raelein exclaimed blissfully. She laughed. “But thank you, no. I have died, and I’ve no desire to do so again.”

          “Although your plan is quite ingenious and shockingly safe, I also must decline.” Rylan stated. “I am quite sure we will need explanations for occasional journeys to Islea, we will simply inform them than we intend to extend our adventure.”