Disarray

Chapter Twenty-nine

          “Maybe we wish to stay with friends we met on our travels back home?” Aden posed.

          “I am in favor of your suggestion, Aden. Sorry, Jalmar,” Raelein laughed. “Perhaps we can arrange for another time for you to kill us and steal away into the night with our bodies.” Jalmar chuckled.

          “I shall await the day earnestly.” He replied, his dark eyes hinting his sarcasm. “Sadly, I must return to the armory, as much as I would prefer to stay and celebrate. Islea must always be equipped, and I still have many weapons to prepare. I wish you all the best of luck, and I hope to see the three of you soon.”

          “Farewell,” Rylan stated sadly. He had always hated saying goodbye. Aden and Raelein also bade farewell, and the three of them, their hearts slightly heavy, continued to weave through the crowd.

Over an hour later, Rylan and Raelein finally had their first dance together. It was a pleasant delay, but slightly irritating. But once they had begun to dance, he deemed the wait worth it.

          They had been occupied greeting several elves, participating in brief conversations, and accepting congratulations. Rylan found it somewhat enjoyable, speaking with all the elves. He had felt bad about unintentionally avoiding them throughout his stay, and he felt like this somewhat redeemed him.

          Most of the elves thanked him, with admiration, for risking his life to save Ubaria. He reluctantly endured their words of awe, but he did appreciate them. Rylan disliked being adored for something that was hardly worth being applauded over. Raelein had inquired why, and he explained how it didn’t seem as complicated as he had expected, and how it did not feel right to be praised for something that was not very difficult. She had understood what he said, but was rather surprised by his humility.

          “I suppose we are equal in our dancing skills.” Raelein laughed softly. It was near the end of the song they currently swayed to, and neither of them had been very graceful with their movements.

          “It appears so,” Rylan replied with a smile. “I thought we would be good at it, seeing how we both are proficient in swordsmanship. They are slightly similar; they both involve using your whole body with precision.”

          “They are alike in a few aspects. Though, your main purpose in dancing isn’t to kill your partner.”

          “Perhaps we should practice dancing, one day.” He suggested.

          “Perhaps so, yes,” Raelein kissed his lips briefly. “Being near the same height is convenient, we can kiss without effort.”

          “Any effort would be worth it,” Rylan laughed. “But yes. I am glad you do not surpass me too far with your elven stature.” She chuckled softly and embraced him tightly. The song had just ended, and he welcomed the sweet moment of closeness after the awkward while of dancing.

          “Now let us eat,” Raelein exclaimed. “I am ravenous.”

          “I concur. I feel as if I’ve been starved.”

          The couple made their way toward the dining hall, which was, thankfully, nearby. Inside, quite a few tables were set up, overfull with food. Tender, succulent, meat, ripe fruits, sharp cheeses, warm bread, and crisp vegetables were all prepared in delectable ways. The wonderful smell of the variety of foods made them hungrier. Each of them plated various bits of food that caught their glance, and savored each bite as they ate. Though they both preferred not to state it aloud, they knew it would be the last Islean meal they would eat for quite a while.

After Rylan and Raelein had finished dinner, they were greeted again by jolly groups of elves that graciously congratulated the newly wedded couple. The celebrations were over now, and it was near suppertime.

          Rylan and Raelein had decided to visit the fairies for the last time, even though most of them had attended the ceremony. They were going to miss the delightful creatures, and with the tiny, charming beings, the enchanting forest around them.

          They sat, their hands entwined, immersed in the enthralling sunset. The sky was ablaze with a fiery shade of pink. Golden clouds speckled the canopy of pink above them, making the already-brilliant sight even more astounding. The atmosphere around them took on the colors of the sky, and reflected the hue of the fading sun off the leaves of the trees. With the glowing colors of the fairies, it looked as if a rainbow had burst, spreading its bright hues amid a forest of gold.

          “It seems even the sky wishes for us to stay.” Raelein smiled.

          “We may stay if you wish, my love.” Rylan answered. He turned toward her, eager to gaze into her eyes, a far greater beauty than the colors surrounding them.

          “Nay,” she replied. “Islea is a wonderful city, but I long to see the splendor of other places as well, even if those places are not large and well-known. Also, meager villages have a beauty of their own.”

          “Perhaps you are correct. Dwelling in such a place as this for so long seems to rob us of the appreciation we have toward it.”

          “That it does.” Raelein agreed. She moved closer to him, careful to be cautious about her pristine white dress, and laid her head on his shoulder.

          “This day was flawless,” she smiled.

          “It was.” Rylan concurred. “And I am ecstatic to spend the rest of my days with you, my dear Raelein.”

          “And I you, Rylan,” She answered. “I will always love you.”

          “And I will always love you.”