Betrothed

"There, now it's all perfect". Selene smiled as she wore a silver pendant around his neck.

"Ma, this isn't needed, the money should have been saved for other things". Amari complained though the pendant was beautiful and shaped like a moon, certainly not something capable of being produced in Ikran.

"Nonsense, it suits you just fine, today is your day and you are going to look your best". Selene remarked.

"You look stunning, I still can't believe my best friend is getting betrothed". Briar wiped a few tears from her eyes.

"Quit the dramatics, we are still going to be seeing each other every day". Amari rolled his eyes.

"You are such a mood breaker, I was in my emotional moment you know". Briar pouted. "Selene you are going to have to make it up to me for all the stress I go through putting up with your son". She wailed dramatically to Selene.

"Alright, will my homemade meat pie be enough?" Selene asked with a laugh. "Certainly". Briar replied with a smirk.

"All done in there? We are getting late". Gareth's voice boomed from outside the door.

"We will be down in a minute". Selene replied, the sound of Gareth's receding footsteps echoing across the house.

"Alright that's our cue to leave, don't be nervous dear, it's going to be fine". Selene smiled softly as she gripped Amari's hand.

"I know". He smiled as he stood up, Selene and Briar following him down.

For once in a long time, Gareth had taken time to dress, a white shirt on which a brown fur jacket rested on top, brown trousers, and black leather boots, his blonde hair was swept back and styled with gel, it made his honey brown eyes stand out and even the scar that ran from his left eyebrow to his jaw, seemed less frightening, his lips curved into a gentle smile as he gazed at his son.

"You look amazing". He pulled Amari into a hug. "You don't look so bad yourself, Pa". Amari chuckled as they disengaged from the hug. "I didn't have a choice, it was either I dressed up or stayed at home, your Ma can be strict". He laughed.

"What is that about me you both are whispering about me?". Selene arched a brow.

"Nothing Ma, just about the fact that you look gorgeous". Freya chirped in.

"Indeed love, you look ravishing". Gareth twirled her and kissed her lips, her pale cheek coloring into a blush that almost matched her red dress, green eyes twinkling with happiness and her black hair weaved into a braid, a dearna placed in it, the snow white petals matching her cape.

"While both of you are cute and all, I need to remind you it's Amari's day and you are going to be late". Briar said.

"Right". Selene muttered as she moved away from Gareth, but he held her arm in a firm grip, she glared at him but he just shrugged, rolling her eyes she let him have his way.

"Freya behave, don't mess around the house, no spi_". "No spilling of food, no fighting, no arguing with Grandma Anne, and remember to have a nap at noon, I know Ma, this is the sixteenth time you are repeating yourself". Freya rolled her eyes.

"Don't worry Selene, Freya is in good hands, I will take care of her". Briar assured as she led Freya out of the house.

"Now I worry even more". Selene said.

"Ma, Briar can be many things but I assure you she will take care of Freya, it's not Freya's first time at their house anyway". Amari said, holding the edges of his cream-coloured cape, to avoid it being wetted by the snow.

✨✨✨✨✨

The ground was filled with more snow, it had snowed the previous night, but thankfully the weather was warmer now, a few old ladies sprinkled him with flowers and well wishes, which Amari returned with a smile, the day was looking up, colorful shops filled the roadside displaying their wares to buyers, a few patches of dearna's, the only flowers capable of growing in Ikran bloomed beautifully, roofs covered with snow, the colorful building of the school seemed to shine against the pale snow, the wall low enough for him to catch the children playing a game he and Briar had played in their childhood, but couldn't remember the rules now. At the center of Ikran, stood the statue of goddess Nyx, her hands cupped in prayers, a gentle smile on her lips.

✨✨✨✨✨

The council hall was the largest building in Ikran, its red painting shining like gold against the snow, as usual it was busy inside, the first floor was a large hall that was filled with chairs and a large table, and they served free breakfast and dinner here, a few children, orphans, were playing in the hall, the second floor was were they lived, their destination was the fifth floor were the matchmaker was, but everyone referred to her as an elder.

On reaching, there were already a few guardians and their parents sitting, Amari and his parents found themselves a seat, and after exchanging greetings with the others, they sat in comfortable silence, Amari watched with nervousness as the guardians were being called into the elder's room, knowing it would be his turn soon.

"Amari". The gentle voice of the guardian called.

"Come dear, it's your turn". Selene nudged him softly, Amari sucked in a deep breath and offered his mother what he intended to be a comforting smile, but he must have failed because she looked worried instead. He stood up and approached the guardian, the slightly older woman, with a head full of brown hair and hazel eyes sensed his nervousness.

"It's going to be alright, you are going to get a perfect match". She assured him with a laugh as she pushed open the heavy gold-colored door that led to the elder's room, she nudged Amari in and shut the door behind him.

Amari had expected the only person here to be the elder, but he was wrong, there were a few older men and women, a mix of guardians and shadow walkers present, they sat in a circular shape and the woman led Amari to the center.

"Greetings elder". He greeted with a bow, never has he felt so nervous, their eyes watching as though trying to see into his being. The elder was easily recognizable, her skin was paler than any he had ever seen, and she had sky-blue eyes and waist-length silver hair.

"Come child". She said as she stood up and approached him, Amari walked towards her, her hands taking his in her own, she closed her eyes, her body glowing softly, as the seconds passed Amari felt himself grow more nervous, finally she opened her eyes and smiled softly, walking back towards the other people, Amari watched as they whispered amongst themselves, but couldn't hear a word of what was spoken.

"Donavon". The elder spoke, Amari watched as the brown door, opposite to the one he had stepped in through was pushed open and a man walked in.

His long red hair was pulled into a ponytail, he had a sharp angular face, his amber eyes seemed to burn into his very soul, he was tall, his figure though slim brimmed with power, dressed in all black his gait was filled with confidence and elegance, it took a moment for Amari to notice the outstretched hand.

Amari swallowed, the offered palm seemed like an offer for a whole new life, he could see the guardian who led him in smiling wildly at him, the elders watched with a frown probably wondering what he was waiting for.

He placed his hand on Donavon's, the warmth and callouses of his palm, tickling his hand, no words were spoken as they walked out of the room.

✨✨✨✨✨

"Where are your parents?".

"Uh?" Too lost in the velvety feeling of his voice, Amari realized too late that he was being questioned.

"I asked where your parents are". Donavon said.

"Down the waiting hall". Amari replied as Donavon pulled him along.

"Ma, Pa". Amari called once they reached them.

"Donavon". Gareth laughed in pleasant surprise and Amari knew at a glance that his father was satisfied with his betrothed.

"Greetings, Commander Gareth and Lady Selene". Donavon greeted.

"No need for the formalities, just call us Gareth and Selene". Gareth patted him on the shoulder so hard that Amari feared he was out to dislocate Donavon's shoulder, but the man didn't even wince.

"We will send your belongings dear". Selene whispered as she hugged him, he watched as his parents disappeared down the hallway, the fact that his home was no longer with them sinking into the depths of his stomach.

"Let's go". Donavon said, Amari followed behind him, stepping out of the council hall, a sharp snowflake flew on his cheek, the cold air freezing, it was snowing again. Amari pulled his cloak tighter around himself, teeth shattering from the cold.

"Stand behind me". Amari did as he was told, the cold winds now shielded by Donavon's form, he wondered if the man couldn't feel the cold, their walk soon came to an end as they stopped in front of a house, Donavon searched his pocket for the keys and unlocked the door.

The house was cold, but still, Amari hurried in lest he be frozen outside, it seemed bare, except for a few necessities, the smell told him that no one had stayed here for a long time.

Donavon watched as Amari scrutinized the house, he hoped it was good enough, he had reached late in the night and had only managed to do a hasty cleanup, he was sure that some surfaces still had dust, but this would have to do for today, noticing his red nose and cheeks as he sneezed, Donavon went into the house.

Amari watched as Donavon went up the stairs, now alone, he shuffled awkwardly on his feet not knowing whether to follow or stay put, he wished he had a manual or something because god's was he clueless on how he was to proceed, so instead he focused on rubbing his palms together.

"Here". Amari nearly jumped out of his skin as he heard a voice, turning he saw Donavon holding a red stone.

"How did you get here?". He was certain he didn't see him come down the steps. "I shadow walked". Donavon said as he placed the red stone in his hands, his body was warmed.

"A fire core?" Amari asked in amazement. Donavon nodded. "Wouldn't it be better to sell it? This seems wasteful, we could just start a fire". Amari said as he watched the glowing red stone, nestled warmly in his palm, he had heard how expensive energy cores were.

"It would take too much time, you were cold". Donavon simply shrugged, as he ushered Amari to follow him up the stairs.

✨✨✨✨✨

The bedroom was the neatest place in the house, the bed covered in a soft yellow fur, and a larger fire core was placed on the table, warming the room and bathing it in a soft red glow.

Amari was startled out of his thoughts when he felt warm calloused hands removing his cloak, he tensed, body growing rigid as Donavon's hands wrapped around his waist placing small kisses on his neck.

"Wait". He cried, struggling out of his hold.

"Why?" Donavon frowned in confusion.

Amari bit his bottom lip, he knew what he was asking for was absurd, it was natural to bond immediately after the betrothal, but still he was afraid, the thought of giving himself to a stranger scared him, maybe his head had become jumbled after reading too many novels, the leads only becoming intimate after they loved each other, but he did not want this, not now when the very thought filled him with fear and made him feel nauseous.

"We must bond". Donavon said as he watched Amari remain silent, his hands reaching for his shirt.

"No, please I am not ready yet". Amari cried,.

Donavon stopped, the fear and tears in Amari's eyes gripped his soul.

"Alright, I won't touch you, stop crying". He said and left the room.

Amari remained standing as he wiped his tears, the fact that he had disappointed his betrothed filling him with guilt, he wished he had explained more, told him that he wasn't refusing him but just wanted more time for them to become comfortable, but his tongue always failed him when he needed it the most. He sat on the bed too tired by all the events that had happened today.

✨✨✨✨✨

Amari groaned as he woke up, not sure what time of the day he had fallen asleep, it was a dreamless sleep, the fire core was still glowing its warmth probably the reason he was lulled to sleep, he noticed his ceremonial sapphire clothes now wrinkled from his sleep, but it was all he could wear until his parents sent him his belongings.

Walking down the stairs, he noticed the absence of Donavon, the silence felt strange, having always been surrounded by his family's happy chatters.

After searching, he finally found the kitchen, everything seemed new, there were only a few ingredients available, but still it was enough to make one of the numerous dishes his Ma had thought him of.

✨✨✨✨✨

The sweet scent and sounds in the kitchen were what led Donavon to the kitchen, he leaned by the door a small smile on his lips as he watched an oblivious Amari busy himself with the cooking.

Orphaned at an early age, he had lived most of his life in the council hall and after he had joined the warrior division he mostly stayed at the camp, he never regarded this place as a home, the bareness always reminding him of the fact that he was alone, but now it seemed that he was finally finding his home.

He watched as Amari almost burnt himself with the food, as he finally noticed his presence by the door, he saw the way his body tensed as it always did in his presence, all former traces of relaxation gone, he frowned but he knew they were new at this and it would take some time for Amari to warm up to him.

"Are you hurt?". He asked as he held Amari's hand checking for injuries, but thankfully it was only slightly red.

"No it's fine, a little ointment will make the redness fade". Amari said as he attempted to remove his hand from Donavon's firm grip.

"You should be more careful". Donavon released his hand.

"Right". Amari bobbed his head. "How long have you been there?" Amari asked.

"A couple of minutes". Donavon replied.

"Why don't you wait at the dining, the meal will be ready soon". Amari said, Donavon thought about it, nodded, and left.

✨✨✨✨✨

"So, are we going to see your parents tomorrow?". Amari asked, not able to bear the silence as they ate.

Donavon swallowed a mouthful of rice. "They are dead".

Amari froze for a second. "I am sorry, I didn't know that". He said softly.

"It's alright, I was young when it happened, but if you want we can visit their graves tomorrow".

"Sure, I would love to".

They fell back into silence as they ate. " Amari, you don't have to be so tense, I won't touch you if you aren't ready". Donavon said as he finished his food and stood up to return the bowl.

✨✨✨✨✨

They were making progress or so Amari believed, the atmosphere was less awkward, and while much wasn't spoken, the atmosphere was comfortable, after breakfast, they left for the grave site of Donavon's parents.

As they walked Amari noticed a small group of people gathered around the lake.

"They are having a purification ceremony". Donavon informed, noticing as Amari kept stretching his neck. "We can watch if you want to". He added.

"But, we are supposed to visit your parents". Amari was conflicted.

"We will go after they are done, my parents won't run away". Donavon replied as he led him towards the lake.

For many years, the lake at Ikran was believed to be magical, it could cure any sickness, so for years seven days after a baby was born, they would be fed water from the lake after a prayer session by the priest.

Amari gasped at reaching the lake, underneath, the pure crystal waters, he could make out a darkness so thick that it was chilling, it moved and clotted like a living creature, desperate and hungry to feed.

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