26. Draknir

As I resume my duties after a brief absence, I cannot help but confess to Captain Hayes that I have fallen deeply in love with Kathleen. His eyes twinkle with amusement and he lets out a knowing laugh. "Ah, it was only a matter of time before you became smitten with her. But be careful now – she is a virtuous woman, far too good for the likes of you."

A rueful grin spreads across my face as I shake my head. "Too true, my dear friend. An angel like her has no business consorting with the likes of me."

Hayes lets out a hearty laugh and claps a hand on my back. "She"s a fine match, though I"ll never understand what she sees in a rogue like you." His voice is filled with genuine admiration.

I can"t help but chuckle at the captain"s playful teasing. "Truly, I am blessed beyond measure to have won her love," I reply with a wide grin.

Hayes" own smile widens. "Indeed. So what comes next for you two?"

As I ponder his question, my thoughts drift to Kathleen. "I wish to make things proper between us after everything.

Hayes strokes his beard. "Have you considered a wedding in the human custom? It may help heal wounds."

I look at him in surprise. "A human ceremony? I know little of their esoteric little traditions."

"It is quite moving to behold," Hayes explains. "Makes the union feel truly sacred and cherished in a way that's special and unique to the race."

I nod slowly, intrigued by the notion. "A fine idea. It would bring our house honor to embrace her human roots. And you would help me to learn their rituals?"

Hayes claps my shoulder. "Gladly. Let"s celebrate your love in a way she will understand."

"So for a human wedding, you"ll be needing a ring to exchange vows with," Captain Hayes explains as we head into town.

My eyes go wide. "A ring?"

"Come, let us venture into the village to start preparing for this wedding," Captain Hayes declares, clapping me on the shoulder.

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.

But she is more than a work of art; she is the embodiment of beauty and grace. My perfectly imperfect mate, every curve and flaw and line a masterpiece to behold.

I guide her to a secluded alcove, framed by an abundance of fragrant blossoms that she loves so dearly. The soft petals brush against our skin as we enter this private haven. Trembling with nerves, my heart racing in anticipation, I sink to one knee before her.

My perfectly imperfect mate.

Her eyes go wide, hands rising to her mouth in surprise. Heart pounding, I present the velvet ring box.

"Kathleen," I begin, voice husky with emotion, "From the first moment I saw you, some deeper instinct told me our fates were meant to entwine. At the time, I thought it was bad, let"s be honest you were a mess..."

She laughs and playfully hits me. "But somehow you showed this old warhorse that he did in fact have a heart... along with the capacity to love and all the rest..."

I cradle her small human frame against mine. "Though the path has been difficult, my love and devotion have only grown."

Kathleen"s eyes glisten with tears in the soft glow. I press on, her hands in mine, my heart racing with excitement and love. I gaze into her bright, beautiful eyes and ask the question that will bind us together in the human tradition: "To honor you, and celebrate the blessing you are in my life, Kathleen, will you marry me?"

Tears of pure happiness well up in her eyes like sparkling jewels, threatening to spill over as she nods eagerly, unable to contain her overwhelming joy. "Yes!" she exclaims, the word bursting from her lips with such force it seems to echo through the night. She pulls me into a fierce embrace, her arms wrapping tightly around me as if she never wants to let go. "A thousand times yes!"

All around us, the world melts away and colors seem more vibrant in the moon and starlight.

Our kiss is a perfect moment.

She completes me in ways I never even thought possible.

And for her, I want to start the rest of life together right.

Anything for her.

My love.

My true mate.