Chapter 32 #2
The ancient trees surrounding the castle with bark as white as the Christmas star were adorned with evergreen leaves.
Warm white lights and golden baubles sparkled like a million stars in the night sky.
The scent of freshly fallen snow mingled with the sweet aroma of pine, filling the air with a sense of enchantment.
The elves in all of Ravensong would celebrate the festive holiday this year.
Indeed, they were all arriving in their finery to celebrate with us.
Human and elf alike.
Swaths of rich greenery hung low above the large oak table at the head of the many tables arraigned upon the grand dais. A band of musicians played Christmas songs in both the human tradition and lilting style of the elves. Children ran around the tables, their laughter like the tinkling of bells.
My heart warmed as Elden and I sat at the head of the table surrounded by so many beloved faces.
Each and every one felt like family to me now.
Of course, mother and Daisy sat to my left, with Aldaar never far from his new playmate.
Sam and Lila sat with foreheads pressed together, sharing secrets and giggling.
Our guests from Spindlewood and Stormhold smiled eagerly.
Hawthorne and Oak played with the holly berries on the center of the table.
Scarlet and Rowan worked to keep their young son from eating them.
Rafia sat excitedly at the end of the table, mug of hot chocolate in hand, a gleam in her eye.
Serrina nodded to me kindly, a twirling of mischief in her eyes.
Jel had been able to reverse the growth of a chocolate nib, producing the seeds of the cocoa tree.
He and his staff planted an all-new cocoa tree orchard in the palace garden, magically accelerating the tree and its fruit’s growth.
What would normally take years took mere weeks.
Hot cocoa was the first thing served to all before the feast. It was a joy to see the surprise and delight of all who were trying the delicious concoction for the first time.
Serrina and Elden had schooled me in all of the noble’s names for weeks, including their partners and children.
But I had also requested to meet and learn all I could about the castle servants and craftspeople.
Every face that greeted me seemed familiar, even if I did catch a few narrowed eyes and curious whispers behind gilded hands.
My stomach fluttered with anticipation as I thought on our first Christmas morning together.
Tomorrow morning! I couldn’t wait for Elden to open his gift from me.
A mature, closed pinecone full of seeds I’d collected from that four-thousand year old bristlecone pine at Winterthorn. I hope he loves it.
Elden stood, and the music quieted as everyone looked expectantly at the king. I swallowed down my nerves as many of the eyes turned to take me in as well, curiosity and expectancy in their gazes.
“This will be the first of many Christmastimes here in Ravensong, all thanks to my love, Noelle.” Elden raised his mug of hot chocolate.
Sam let out a whoop, while others clapped. My insides went as molten as the steaming mug in my hands. Elden smiled widely and continued. “Noelle healed our dying lands with her love and with her magic. She made me this delicious drink.”
Everyone raised their warm mugs of hot chocolate.
“And with this toast, I want to thank you all, human and elf alike, who made this feast possible. But mostly, I want to thank Noelle Baker, the woman who holds my heart in her hands. Please join me in this toast of peace, hope, love, and good will to all.”
Everyone cheered and raised their glasses, taking indulgent sips of the delicious drink, but Elden was not done. He stood expectantly, waiting for everyone to quiet.
“Noelle?” Elden held out a hand, which I took, then rose by his side, where I always longed to be.
Elden produced a dazzling gold chain from his breast pocket, hanging from it was a golden pendant in the shape of a bluebell, a brilliant star fragment glowing softly in the delicate petals.
“Noelle, this is the necklace of Elandir, a fragment of the star that crashed into our homeworld so many years ago.” The star’s light reflected throughout the dining hall in gentle prisms of light.
“The star that brought our peoples together. Its light shines for eternity, even as our love will shine forever as a testament that our peoples can and should be united as one. It is said to extend the life of the one who bears it. Will you make me the happiest of elves and be my bride, my queen, in a year’s time? Marry me by next Christmas?”
A general intake of breath filled the chamber followed quickly by the absolute expectant silence.
My eyes were only on the king. On his steady smile.
The beauty of his face, the strength of him.
The male who loved plants, helped me discover my magic, softened my heart, and most of all loved all of me.
I didn’t have to think, I knew the answer already.
“Yes!” I said through shaking breaths. “I will be yours and you will be mine.”
The promise we’d made to one another at the castle of Winterthorn was never to be forgotten or diminished.
We shared a kiss under the hanging boughs of holly and strategically placed mistletoe as we made a promise before human and elf to unite our peoples and bring peace back to our lands with the light of peace, hope, and love.
The end.