Page 20 of Wed to the Dark Elf

"How did you ever manage this without my noticing?"

He chuckles. "I confess Tarath and Gantre made poor excuses your way while I brought things through the passage." At my amazed laugh he spreads his hands. "Midwinter should be full of magic. We have had so little true joy for so long. Now with the war won, I wished to kindle something special between just the two of us."

I blink back sudden tears at his earnest words. That even amidst the enormous burdens of rule he would remember an idle fancy I once shared, a fragment of something lovely lost...it leaves me speechless. I can only pull his face down to mine in a fierce kiss. For long moments we lose ourselves in a world with only the two of us.

When we finally ease apart, Vamen keeps me folded close against his chest. "This is but a small token. In years to come I hope we might have many bright memories to share."

My earlier melancholy seems banished entirely by his heartfelt gift. But now comes my turn. I take a small steadying breath and smile up at him. "Then let us begin this very night."

Taking his hand, I press it gently to my still-flat belly. His eyes widen at my meaningful look. I laugh through joyful tears to see dawning wonder and elation paint his features.

"We will be a family."

With a whoop, Vamen lifts me into his embrace and spins us both in giddy circles. I cling to him, sharing his infectious delight as the candle flames blur around us. A bright spark now burns within me, kindling hope for the future. Whatever joys or trials come, we welcome them together.

EPILOGUE - IRIS

I pause in hanging the laundry to watch my daughter, Elia, toddle unsteadily across the grass. Her pudgy hands grasp at humming insects and swaying flowers alike, examining each new discovery with equal measures of caution and delight. Despite winter's bite still clinging to the mountain mornings, life has returned to these lands. And with it, joy and light.

Smiling, I return to pinning up the wash. Nearby in the courtyard, Vamen oversees the recruits at their training, barking the occasional correction when a spear thrust goes awry. The echoes of steel and youthful shouts are sounds of renewal. Many months have passed since the war's end, enough for even the deepest wounds to begin mending.

We suffered painful losses both within these walls and without. Fathers, brothers, children. The tragedies ripple onward through generations. But finally the days of mourning give way to celebration of new life and hard-won peace.

With the treacherous king cast down and a wise council of allies shaped under Vamen's steady hand, the Northern Mountains have entered a prosperous era. Our borders are secure, our peoples united in purpose. There are still rifts of suspicion and old hatreds between races. But for now, we have forged bonds strong enough to shoulder shared burdens, defend common interests. The rest will come slowly, through patience and compassion. My human eyes see the future clearer each morning as we rise together beneath these peaks.

Vamen appears near the kitchen gate, skin glistening from his own training. His smile flashes white against midnight-hued skin as he scoops up our squealing daughter and tosses her skyward. Her giggles echo off the stones. No castle child was ever more doted upon than our little star.

Curling his strong arms around my waist, Vamen draws me close for a lingering kiss. When we finally break apart, his catlike eyes shine with well-earned contentment.

"Will you walk with me, wife? I've a matter to discuss."

Intrigued by his cryptic smile, I take his proffered arm and let him guide me toward the forest paths beyond the outbuildings. Our daughter hops between us, pausing to inspect every pebble and flowerbud along the way. The sun filters hazily through new growth leaves, warming layers shed for spring's return. Vamen keeps me guessing with idle chatter until the trees open up to reveal a clearing brightly lit with mid-morning radiance.

Ahead sits a charming cottage built of timber and river stone. My breath catches at its rustic beauty. Vamen leads me up the path to the carved oak door.

"It still needs work, but solid enough for now. What do you think?" He suddenly looks boyish.

"You...built this for us?" I whisper in wonder.

"For you." He brushes my cheek tenderly. "You've brought light back to these halls, Iris. Given me blessings I never dared dream of. Now I wish for you and our child to have a peaceful place of your own, away from the pressures of court."

Tears prick my eyes. I fling my arms around his neck, nearly shouting with joy. "It's perfect! A haven for our family."

Our daughter squeezes between our legs, straining her little head back to take in the roof's peak. "House!" she declares happily, and we laugh.

Over the next weeks, we slowly furnish the cozy cottage and discuss plans for a small garden and perhaps eventually animals. All simple comforts I never knew I craved so profoundly. It is a gift beyond price, this little haven.

On the day we move in our meager belongings, Gantre comes to bid us a gruff temporary farewell. He embraces me like a bear.

"You'll be missed in the halls, lass. But we'll still see you often."

I smile through my tears. "Of course. Neither of us could long bear to be apart."

Vamen lifts me over the threshold as dusk's gold light washes our new walls. Inside the combination sitting and dining space, a vase of wildflowers perfumes the air. Our child immediately begins exploring every corner and cupboard, leaving small fingerprints on every surface. Her joy lifts my heart.

Later that night after she finally drifts off to sleep in her tiny bedroom, Vamen stokes the timbers in our own hearth. I slip my arms around him from behind, resting my cheek against the steady thrum of his heartbeat.

"Never could I have imagined such happiness would be mine, when last we stood within these walls awaiting war. Now each morning's light feels a renewed gift."

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