The Night's Curse #3 (Waverly Stump and The 7 Realms)

Chapter 10

In between fishing, slingshot and archery lessons, training, Wood Elves hosting wild sporting events, attacks from the dark army, news of unrest from other realms and the general, uncomfortable smell of random things burning – the Elves held a lot of marriage ceremonies.

It was that time of the year for them. If someone was not getting hitched then they were getting engaged. It was absolutely normal to witness boys proposing and hear girls squealing wherever one went, or bump into ceremonies at every turn. Waverly had been to so many of them that she had ultimately lost count.

Sometimes, she crafted random gifts to present to the newest couple as it was likely for her to run into a nuptial during the day or at night.

Dermot helped, and together, they amassed an entire hoarde of wedding presents. Diarmaid, on the other hand, simply took stuff from the Wanderers Cavern. Somehow, his gifts were never questioned. Instead they got the highest praise being items from ancient times.

"Will anyone not figure out where he gets them from?" Waverly had asked.

"Hopefully not." Was Dermot's reply.

"Will you get married one day?" She pestered.

Dermot went silent for a short moment then shrugged. "Maybe."

"What about Raid Maid?" Waverly laughed, recalling Diarmaid's mode of introduction the first day they had met.

Dermot let out his signature melodious laughter. "I wish he'd get married soon. At least then, he'll learn to be responsible for someone other than himself."

The following week, Waverly was in her room, perfecting her letter to HalfHyde when a powerful pounding on the door made her jump. It was so loud it threatened to break her door down. She rushed to it as soon she recognized the voice calling out her name.

When she turned the knob, a bearish hug knocked her to the ground. Phyllis was squealing in excitement, and Waverly did not need to guess far to know why.

"Ceylon proposed to you." She muttered weakly as Phyllis's arms tightened around her neck.

"Yes." The Elfin squealed joyously.

"If you don't let go, I will probably die before the wedding." Waverly choked.

Phyllis broke off immediately. "By Gayl, I'm so sorry. I'm just really excited." She pulled Waverly to her feet.

"Can I see your ring?" Waverly asked, suddenly contacting the excitement fever.

Phyllis stretched out her right hand where a slim silver band shone on her tiny finger even in the dimly lit room. It held a diamond that was cut to look like a blooming flower with two sapphires in the middle that practically glowed.

"It is amazing." Waverly commented, inspecting the ring. There were tiny details in Elvish across the band, but the dull light did not permit her to read them.

"I know." Phyllis agreed, bopping up and down. She had the widest smile on her face that grew even wider every time.

"When are you—?

"We still have a few years left to court." The Elfin interjected. "Perfect timing is all that matters for a wedding, but I don't care about that. I'm just so happy he asked me now."

Waverly gave a questioning pout. "Now?"

Phyllis sighed. "Yes. You know of all that has been going on lately, right?" She lowered her voice. "The Emperor of Chaos himself is on the loose and people are dying. A war is coming and there's the possibility of the obliteration of all life on earth."