The following day would be the Guardians' gathering. Gabriella and Validar have some morning projects they each need to complete after breakfast and then they have the afternoon to spend together, before the evening meal. She is once more dressed in the clothes she wore the day he first saw her in Corunglain and Validar is more casual this afternoon as well. Finally their duties were each winding down after the effects of the siege. They had a little more time to share before the next adventure would be calling.
In the quiet embrace of a private chamber, Validar's strong hands gently stroked the soft fabric of Gabriella's shawl. Her legs draped over his lap, a silent declaration of comfort and familiarity between them. The warmth of their bodies mingled in the cool evening air, a stark contrast to the tumultuous world outside the castle walls. The scent of sandalwood incense filled the space, a gentle nod to her exotic heritage that seemed to dance with the flickering candlelight.
Gabriella looked up at him with those vivid green eyes, a hint of mischief playing at the corners of her mouth. The soft jingle of her anklets as she gently swung her legs provided a soothing background melody to their conversation, a gentle reminder of her free spirit that had captured his heart.
"Tell me, my love," she began, her voice a warm whisper as she stroked his muscular arm, "How is it that you manage to emerge from every battle unmarred?"
Validar paused, a furrow forming briefly on his brow before a knowing smile graced his lips. "Ah, you've noticed," he said, gently taking her hand and raising it to the ring that encircled his finger. It was a band of gleaming gold, embedded with a single emerald that seemed to pulse with a life of its own. "This is no ordinary ring. It's a bauble won in battle, a Ring of Regeneration."
“So that’s why you have no scars. No signs of battle upon you.” Gabriella's eyes widened as she examined the ring closer, her curiosity piqued. "But how does it work?"
"It's enchanted," Validar explained, his voice low and earnest. "Whenever I'm harmed, it draws on its power to mend my body. It can be a slow process, but a very powerful one. As I told you before I supposedly have already returned once from the dead, according to my previous adventuring band, the Seekers."
Gabriella's eyes searched his, looking for any trace of deceit or jest. Finding none, she nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of his words. "I didn't believe you when you first told the story, thinking that you were simply boasting," she said with a laugh. "Then it truly is a gift," she murmured, tracing the emerald with her thumb. "One I am very thankful that you carry. And one that has allowed you to protect so many, including yourself."
"I like to think my good right sword arm and my will are more responsible. As well as the comrades that stand at my side. But the ring is certainly a welcome boon."
Satisfied with his explanation, Gabriella's gaze grew wistful, her thoughts drifting to their time together in Gateway. "Do you remember our days this summer?" she asked, her voice filled with longing for the simplicity of that fleeting summer.
Validar's smile grew soft as he met her eyes. "How could I forget?" he replied, his thumb brushing against the back of her hand. "Those were moments stolen from the chaos of the world, where we could just be... us."
Her eyes lit up with the fondness of the memory. "The way the sun kissed your face when we walked through the fields," he said, his voice a gentle caress. "Or the way you'd laugh as we splashed each other in the stream."
Gabriella leaned in closer, her smile growing as she remembered. "And the flowers," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "You'd pick the wildest, most beautiful ones and I would weave them into my hair." She reached up to touch the locks that had been so adorned, the memory as vivid as if it were yesterday. "Those were moments I felt truly alive."
Validar's gaze grew soft, lost in the sweet nostalgia. "The way you looked with the sun setting behind you, your hair alight with those flowers... it was as if you were a painting come to life, my sweet." His hand found its way to the nape of her neck, his thumb brushing against the soft skin there, sending a shiver down her spine.
Gabriella leaned into the touch, her eyes drifting shut as she savored the memory. "And the way the water in the stream outside Gateway felt on our feet as we cooled ourselves from the heat of the day," she murmured, a sigh escaping her lips. "It was so peaceful, so perfect."
Validar nodded, his expression mirroring her own. "Those were days unblemished by the weight of titles or duty," he said. "Just the warmth of the sun and the sound of your laughter to keep me company." Her laughter was his favorite sound certainly.
"But even in the chaos of war, I could always find a sliver of that peace, knowing you were waiting for me," Gabriella replied, her eyes still closed. "Whenever I was scared or overwhelmed, I'd think of those moments, and suddenly, everything didn't seem so dire."
Validar's eyes grew serious as he leaned in, his forehead touching hers. "You're the main reason I fight, Gabriella. For a chance to live those moments again. For a world where we don't have to hide our feelings behind titles or duty. Do not get me wrong, I fight for Pyris and I fight for all of Cynalon. It is my duty and I am proud to do it. But more than anything I fight so that we may have a place of peace to share."
Gabriella's eyes searched his, feeling the weight of his words. "I know," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "And I am proud of you, Sir Validar." Her hand reached up to caress his cheek, the warmth of her touch sending a thrill through him. "But tell me," she said, her smile returning, "what was your favorite part of our time in Gateway?"
Validar didn't hesitate. "Every moment with you," he said earnestly, his eyes never leaving hers. "The weddings were certainly memorable. And one cannot discount receiving a medal from the Crown Prince! But if I must choose, it would be those quiet moments when we'd lie in the field, surrounded by nothing but the whisper of the grass and the endless dance of the clouds." He paused, lost in thought. "We'd find shapes in the sky, and try to guess what the other saw!"
"I cannot wait until we can do so again," she responded her eyes full of happiness.
Validar nodded, the vision of those days as clear in his mind as if they'd only just happened. "Neither can I," he said with a sigh. "But for today, we have this afternoon, and the promise of the Guardian's upcoming feast. Besides..." He trailed off, his eyes meeting hers, "with all the snow that has come so unexpectedly, you'd freeze those beautiful toes." He reached down and caressed her foot.
Gabriella giggled at his teasing, pressing her foot further into his hand. "Likely I would, but I'd endure it for the chance to lie together under the open sky with you again, my love, like we did in those fields," she said, her eyes shimmering with happiness. He lightly fingered the gold ankle bangles she wore as they talked.
"Your anklets," he said, his voice a mix of curiosity and admiration. "They never leave your ankles, do they? I noticed they seem to be solid bands of gold."
Gabriella looked down at the golden bangles that adorned her ankles, a small smile playing on her lips. "They are a part of me, as much as the air I breathe," she replied. "They are traditional Zakharan finery, a sign of status and beauty. But they are more than that to me. Would you like to hear the story of my twelfth birthday?"
“Without question!” The words were spoken without hesitation.
Echoes of Summer Past (5)
Echoes of Summer Past (5)
Conquer or Die!
Re: Echoes of Summer Past (5)
In a bustling marketplace of Zakhara, where spices filled the air with their warm embrace, a young girl named Gabriella danced among the stalls. Her bare feet nimbly carried her swiftly over the ancient cobblestone streets. Her laughter, a soft melody, blended with the chatter of the traders and the clinking of their wares. Her dark curly hair bobbed with each step, the vibrant colors of her dress fluttering like a rainbow in the desert breeze. Her eyes, the color of fresh mint leaves, sparkled with curiosity as they darted from one treasure to the next.
Today was her twelfth birthday, a day that marked her transition into adolescence. Her mother, a stately woman with the grace of a gazelle and the wisdom of an owl, had promised her a gift that would symbolize this milestone. The anticipation grew within her as the sun climbed higher in the cloudless sky, casting a gentle light that painted the city walls a soft gold.
Gabriella's mother called her over to the family's stall, her eyes gleaming with pride. The stall, a bastion of exotic fabrics and intricate jewelry, was a testament to their wealth and prestige. It was here that the finest silks from the West and the most dazzling gems from the East lay side by side, whispering tales of distant lands and adventurous journeys. Her mother's hands, adorned with rings that told stories of their own, reached beneath the velvet-covered counter to retrieve a small, ornate box.
The box was a masterpiece in itself, carved from sandalwood and inlaid with intricate patterns of mother-of-pearl. It was a treasure chest that held within it the promise of her newfound status. Gabriella's heart pounded as the lid was lifted, revealing the golden ankle bangles. The metal, warm from the sun, reflected the fiery hues of the marketplace, casting a glow upon her mother's face. Each bangle was a bold ring of gold, intertwined with intricate designs that spoke of the love and tradition that had been passed down through the generations of her family.
Her mother took one of the bangles and held it up to the light. The metal sang with a soft luster, as if it were alive with the excitement of the day. "These," she said, her voice a gentle caress, "are a symbol of your lineage, of the strength that flows through your veins. They will remind you of who you are and the legacy you carry. It is an important tradition in our family."
Gabriella took a deep breath as her mother knelt before her, the box of anklets in her lap. The market sounds grew muffled as the weight of the moment settled upon her. Her mother took her left foot, her hands trembling slightly with emotion, and placed the first bangle over her foot and forced it around her heel. The metal felt surprisingly warm and comforting as it slid over the curve of her foot and came to rest just above her ankle.
"This one," her mother whispered, "represents the journey of your life thus far, the experiences that have shaped you into the young woman you are today." With a gentle push, she urged the bangle until it found its new resting place, a perfect embrace of her growing identity.
The second bangle was placed upon her right ankle. "And this," her mother's voice grew solemn, "this one is for the future, for the paths you will choose to walk, the struggles you will face, and the wisdom you will gain."
Her mother stood, her eyes brimming with unshed tears as her daughter was about to take the first steps approaching womanhood, and withdrew a step back to admire her handiwork. The bangles gleamed against Gabriella's sun-kissed skin, a stark contrast to the dusty marketplace. A hush fell over the surrounding stalls as the merchants and customers caught a glimpse of the sacred family tradition unfolding before them. They knew the significance of the golden ankle bangles, a symbol reserved for the most esteemed daughters of Zakhara.
But then, to the amazement of all present, her mother reached into the box once more. Two more anklets lay nestled within, their surfaces etched with the similar intricate patterns as the first two. Their eyes met, and Gabriella felt the thrill of excitement mixed with confusion. "These," her mother said, her voice thick with emotion, "are to represent and remind you of your dual lineage, from the kingdom of Cynalon."
The crowd murmured, for it was uncommon for a girl to receive four golden anklets, a tradition reserved for the most esteemed and revered families. Yet here she was, a girl of mixed heritage, being bestowed with such an honor. Her mother's eyes searched hers, seeking understanding and acceptance, and in that moment, Gabriella knew that she was loved beyond measure. This was an unspoken testament from her mother that she was to live a special life.
Her mother took the next bangle and held it to the light. It appeared to shimmer with an inner fire, the gold seeming to pulse with the beat of her heart. "This," she said, her voice steady yet filled with a hint of the emotion she had been holding back, "this is for the spirit of Cynalon that dwells within you. It represents courage, for you will always be a bridge between our two worlds, my love."
Gabriella nodded solemnly as her mother slipped the third bangle over her left ankle, the coolness of the metal a welcome touch in the summer heat. It settled into place, and she felt a sudden surge of emotion, as if the essence of two separate lands had been bound to her very soul. She looked down at the anklets, feeling the weight of her heritage, both from the sun-kissed lands of Zakhara and the mysterious hills and forests of Cynalon.
Her mother's voice grew quieter as she picked up the fourth and final bangle. "And this," she said, her eyes never leaving Gabriella's, "this is the union of your worlds. It is for the love and unity that you carry within you." The metal seemed heavier than the others, a solid band that seemed to gleam with the very beat of her heart. The merchant's daughter felt her mother's warm hands upon her leg, the gentle pressure of the gold as it slid over her foot, around the swell of her ankle, and finally found its home alongside the others.
The bangles, without a clasp or a hinge, fit loosely around her ankles, a silent declaration of her newfound status. Eventually as she grew into womanhood, they would carefully hug her ankles, a silent partner in every step she took. Each one was a piece of her identity, a part of her soul now bound by gold. The first two felt warm, their touch melding with her skin as if they had always been there, a testament to her Zakharan lineage. The second two, somehow cooler to the touch, whispered of the Cynalonian spirit, the adventure and mystery that lay dormant within her.
The story ended there, the quiet moment in the bustling market a stark contrast to the tumult of emotions that had just been shared. Validar leaned forward, "A fascinating story, Gabriella," he murmured. "It's clear that was a pivotal moment in your life."
They sat in a cozy parlor within the duke’s manor, the grandeur of the room a stark contrast to the intimate conversation that had just unfolded. The crackling fireplace cast a warm glow over the velvet-covered furniture and the rich tapestries that adorned the walls. The scent of sandalwood filled the air, reminding her of that fateful day in the marketplace.
Gabriella took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the golden anklets on her bare feet. "It was a very special moment," she said softly, "but at that young age I hadn’t yet begun to understand the path laid before me. My mother said that I would be a bridge between two worlds, the strengths of both within me. I didn’t really know what that meant."
Validar nodded, his gaze lingering on the bold, intricate anklets. "Indeed," he mused, "you've done so admirably. Your compassion and resilience shone through during the aftermath of the siege of Corunglain." He reached out and gently touched one of the bangles, the gold glinting in the firelight. "It would seem that her intentions sent you well onto your path. A declaration of your character, your heritage."
Gabriella felt a blush warm her cheeks, her eyes never leaving the anklets. "They have been," she agreed. "A reminder of where I come from, and where I can go." She paused, looking up to meet his gaze. "And now, we stand on the precipice of another journey, together."
Validar's hand lingered on the anklet, his thumb tracing the etched patterns. "Together," he echoed, his voice thick with promise. "We've come a long way from that first meeting at the feast of the Seekers."
Gabriella nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "It almost feels so long ago." She leaned back into the plush chair, her eyes drifting to the flickering shadows the fire cast upon the ceiling. "But every step, every challenge, has brought us here, to this moment."
Validar gazed at his love, voice low and earnest. "I am so proud of you, Gabriella. Your inner strength, determination and your grace under fire—"
She cut him off with a laugh, the sound like a melodious bell in the quiet room. "You make me sound like a heroine from a bard's tale," she said, her cheeks pink. "I'm just a merchant's daughter with a penchant for helping where I can."
Validar's expression grew serious, his eyes searching hers. "No," he said firmly, "you're much, much more than that. You have the heart of a lion, and the grace of a swan.”
Gabriella felt a warmth spread through her, the same warmth she'd felt when her mother had first placed the bangles upon her ankles. She'd never thought of herself in such a way, but hearing Validar speak so highly of her filled her with a sense of pride. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice a little hoarse. She nuzzled in closely and enjoyed the warmth of his embrace. He leaned in, and their lips met, the kiss gentle and filled with the promise of a future that seemed to stretch before them like an uncharted map.
Today was her twelfth birthday, a day that marked her transition into adolescence. Her mother, a stately woman with the grace of a gazelle and the wisdom of an owl, had promised her a gift that would symbolize this milestone. The anticipation grew within her as the sun climbed higher in the cloudless sky, casting a gentle light that painted the city walls a soft gold.
Gabriella's mother called her over to the family's stall, her eyes gleaming with pride. The stall, a bastion of exotic fabrics and intricate jewelry, was a testament to their wealth and prestige. It was here that the finest silks from the West and the most dazzling gems from the East lay side by side, whispering tales of distant lands and adventurous journeys. Her mother's hands, adorned with rings that told stories of their own, reached beneath the velvet-covered counter to retrieve a small, ornate box.
The box was a masterpiece in itself, carved from sandalwood and inlaid with intricate patterns of mother-of-pearl. It was a treasure chest that held within it the promise of her newfound status. Gabriella's heart pounded as the lid was lifted, revealing the golden ankle bangles. The metal, warm from the sun, reflected the fiery hues of the marketplace, casting a glow upon her mother's face. Each bangle was a bold ring of gold, intertwined with intricate designs that spoke of the love and tradition that had been passed down through the generations of her family.
Her mother took one of the bangles and held it up to the light. The metal sang with a soft luster, as if it were alive with the excitement of the day. "These," she said, her voice a gentle caress, "are a symbol of your lineage, of the strength that flows through your veins. They will remind you of who you are and the legacy you carry. It is an important tradition in our family."
Gabriella took a deep breath as her mother knelt before her, the box of anklets in her lap. The market sounds grew muffled as the weight of the moment settled upon her. Her mother took her left foot, her hands trembling slightly with emotion, and placed the first bangle over her foot and forced it around her heel. The metal felt surprisingly warm and comforting as it slid over the curve of her foot and came to rest just above her ankle.
"This one," her mother whispered, "represents the journey of your life thus far, the experiences that have shaped you into the young woman you are today." With a gentle push, she urged the bangle until it found its new resting place, a perfect embrace of her growing identity.
The second bangle was placed upon her right ankle. "And this," her mother's voice grew solemn, "this one is for the future, for the paths you will choose to walk, the struggles you will face, and the wisdom you will gain."
Her mother stood, her eyes brimming with unshed tears as her daughter was about to take the first steps approaching womanhood, and withdrew a step back to admire her handiwork. The bangles gleamed against Gabriella's sun-kissed skin, a stark contrast to the dusty marketplace. A hush fell over the surrounding stalls as the merchants and customers caught a glimpse of the sacred family tradition unfolding before them. They knew the significance of the golden ankle bangles, a symbol reserved for the most esteemed daughters of Zakhara.
But then, to the amazement of all present, her mother reached into the box once more. Two more anklets lay nestled within, their surfaces etched with the similar intricate patterns as the first two. Their eyes met, and Gabriella felt the thrill of excitement mixed with confusion. "These," her mother said, her voice thick with emotion, "are to represent and remind you of your dual lineage, from the kingdom of Cynalon."
The crowd murmured, for it was uncommon for a girl to receive four golden anklets, a tradition reserved for the most esteemed and revered families. Yet here she was, a girl of mixed heritage, being bestowed with such an honor. Her mother's eyes searched hers, seeking understanding and acceptance, and in that moment, Gabriella knew that she was loved beyond measure. This was an unspoken testament from her mother that she was to live a special life.
Her mother took the next bangle and held it to the light. It appeared to shimmer with an inner fire, the gold seeming to pulse with the beat of her heart. "This," she said, her voice steady yet filled with a hint of the emotion she had been holding back, "this is for the spirit of Cynalon that dwells within you. It represents courage, for you will always be a bridge between our two worlds, my love."
Gabriella nodded solemnly as her mother slipped the third bangle over her left ankle, the coolness of the metal a welcome touch in the summer heat. It settled into place, and she felt a sudden surge of emotion, as if the essence of two separate lands had been bound to her very soul. She looked down at the anklets, feeling the weight of her heritage, both from the sun-kissed lands of Zakhara and the mysterious hills and forests of Cynalon.
Her mother's voice grew quieter as she picked up the fourth and final bangle. "And this," she said, her eyes never leaving Gabriella's, "this is the union of your worlds. It is for the love and unity that you carry within you." The metal seemed heavier than the others, a solid band that seemed to gleam with the very beat of her heart. The merchant's daughter felt her mother's warm hands upon her leg, the gentle pressure of the gold as it slid over her foot, around the swell of her ankle, and finally found its home alongside the others.
The bangles, without a clasp or a hinge, fit loosely around her ankles, a silent declaration of her newfound status. Eventually as she grew into womanhood, they would carefully hug her ankles, a silent partner in every step she took. Each one was a piece of her identity, a part of her soul now bound by gold. The first two felt warm, their touch melding with her skin as if they had always been there, a testament to her Zakharan lineage. The second two, somehow cooler to the touch, whispered of the Cynalonian spirit, the adventure and mystery that lay dormant within her.
The story ended there, the quiet moment in the bustling market a stark contrast to the tumult of emotions that had just been shared. Validar leaned forward, "A fascinating story, Gabriella," he murmured. "It's clear that was a pivotal moment in your life."
They sat in a cozy parlor within the duke’s manor, the grandeur of the room a stark contrast to the intimate conversation that had just unfolded. The crackling fireplace cast a warm glow over the velvet-covered furniture and the rich tapestries that adorned the walls. The scent of sandalwood filled the air, reminding her of that fateful day in the marketplace.
Gabriella took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the golden anklets on her bare feet. "It was a very special moment," she said softly, "but at that young age I hadn’t yet begun to understand the path laid before me. My mother said that I would be a bridge between two worlds, the strengths of both within me. I didn’t really know what that meant."
Validar nodded, his gaze lingering on the bold, intricate anklets. "Indeed," he mused, "you've done so admirably. Your compassion and resilience shone through during the aftermath of the siege of Corunglain." He reached out and gently touched one of the bangles, the gold glinting in the firelight. "It would seem that her intentions sent you well onto your path. A declaration of your character, your heritage."
Gabriella felt a blush warm her cheeks, her eyes never leaving the anklets. "They have been," she agreed. "A reminder of where I come from, and where I can go." She paused, looking up to meet his gaze. "And now, we stand on the precipice of another journey, together."
Validar's hand lingered on the anklet, his thumb tracing the etched patterns. "Together," he echoed, his voice thick with promise. "We've come a long way from that first meeting at the feast of the Seekers."
Gabriella nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "It almost feels so long ago." She leaned back into the plush chair, her eyes drifting to the flickering shadows the fire cast upon the ceiling. "But every step, every challenge, has brought us here, to this moment."
Validar gazed at his love, voice low and earnest. "I am so proud of you, Gabriella. Your inner strength, determination and your grace under fire—"
She cut him off with a laugh, the sound like a melodious bell in the quiet room. "You make me sound like a heroine from a bard's tale," she said, her cheeks pink. "I'm just a merchant's daughter with a penchant for helping where I can."
Validar's expression grew serious, his eyes searching hers. "No," he said firmly, "you're much, much more than that. You have the heart of a lion, and the grace of a swan.”
Gabriella felt a warmth spread through her, the same warmth she'd felt when her mother had first placed the bangles upon her ankles. She'd never thought of herself in such a way, but hearing Validar speak so highly of her filled her with a sense of pride. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice a little hoarse. She nuzzled in closely and enjoyed the warmth of his embrace. He leaned in, and their lips met, the kiss gentle and filled with the promise of a future that seemed to stretch before them like an uncharted map.
Conquer or Die!