Page 46 of Kingdom of Lies

I readily agree, curious to learn more about these human customs. We saddle our horses and set off down the forest road. "So tell me, how does a human ceremony differ from our elven ones?" I ask Hayes as we ride side-by-side.

He rubs his beard thoughtfully. "Well, for one there is a focus on the couple's emotional devotion, not just spiritual and legal binding. The rituals emphasize affection and joy."

I nod, intrigued. "Strange. But it sounds quite meaningful and beautiful?"

Perhaps a human wedding can help heal the painful start of Kathleen's and my union. A fresh start, joining in her cherished tradition. Hayes smiles knowingly. "You may just shed a tear yourself when you behold your bride."

“I should highly doubt that.” But I grin at the prospect. "Well, let us find a smith to forge those rings then!" With Hayes guiding me, I feel ready to embrace this new chapter.

Hayes chuckles and puts a hand on my shoulder. "Calm yourself, you do not commission a blacksmith for a wedding ring."

I blink in surprise. "No smith? How would one obtain a proper human ring?"

"From a jeweler of course," Hayes explains patiently. "They will have selections of finished rings ready to purchase."

"Ah, yes, of course. my mistake," I reply, a bit embarrassed by my ignorance. "Jeweler, yes that makes much more sense.”

Hayes smiles and nudges me. "You may know much about fighting, but still have much to learn… But we will manage."

We draw our horses to a stop in front of the village jeweler's shop, a quaint establishment nestled on the bustling main street. As we dismount, I instinctively crouch down to avoid hitting my head on the low doorway.

"Greetings!" calls the diminutive shopkeeper cheerily. I try to make myself smaller, feeling out of place hunched in this delicate space. The captain puts a hand on my shoulder. The little man's eyes widen comically as he takes in my imposing warrior frame.

“We are looking for a wedding ring.”

I offer an awkward smile. "A wedding! How lovely!" he exclaims, clapping his hands together. "Well, you have certainly come to the right place. I have a beautiful collection of rings that will surely please your lady."

He leads us to a display case filled with an array of rings, each one more exquisite than the last. My eyes widen in awe at the sight of them – sparkling diamonds, shimmering emeralds, and deep blue sapphires.

"Feel free to take your time and browse," the shopkeeper says with a smile.

I nod gratefully and begin to examine each ring carefully. I want it to be perfect for Kathleen.

After much consideration, my eyes settle on a delicate rose gold band adorned with a single sparkling diamond in the center.

"This is the one," I declare confidently, pointing to the ring.

Hayes nods in approval. "It is indeed beautiful. And I must say, rose gold is quite rare among our kind."

The shopkeeper beams proudly. "Ah yes, it is a special piece indeed. It was created by a skilled jeweler who passed through our village many years ago."

I cannot contain my excitement as the shopkeeper gently places the ring into a small velvet box and wraps it up for me.

I’m excited.

The amount I've changed and opened up in the short time I've known my mate...

I guess that's why they say it's meant to be.

I never believed any of that until now.

As we exit, I breathe deep in relief. Hayes chuckles at my obvious discomfort within the ornate shop.

"All is well. On the battlefield again soon," he jokes. I laugh too, more at ease under open skies. But for Kathleen, I would endure a thousand jeweler's shops without complaint.

That night, I lead Kathleen out to the moonlit gardens where I told her I love her. Stars twinkle above like scattered diamonds, the soft glow of the moon casting a dreamlike haze over everything in its path, turning ordinary flowers into ethereal works of art.

She is the most exquisite work of art.

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