~ One year later ~
Anatol was lively as ever.
The village began the necessary preparations for this years upcoming spring festival.
Calypse Castle too, was in full bloom.
Several junior knights officially joined the order as another new batch of Nobel sons arrived to be trained as squires.
Riftan somehow managed it all.
Calypse Castle, the village, the knights, and his growing family.
Maximillian had given birth to a beautiful baby girl who Riftan named Scarlet. This was very fitting for the child had beautiful red curly hair just like her mother. It was clear to everyone In Anatol that she was the apple of the Riftan's eye.
Cassian was now three and spent most of his time getting into trouble with the Calypse boys, especially Roem.
Nura was also thriving.
It was already evident that she would one day grow to be one of the most beautiful women in all the seven kingdoms. She absolutely loved all of her uncles among the knights, especially Ulyseon Rovar.
Gabel felt each day slip through his fingers as if it were sand. Every second his children grew older in front of his eyes. Often he would tease Elara asking her to come up with some kind of spell so that he could freeze time, and stay forever like this. He wanted to always be able to play with his energetic son, or hear his beautiful daughter say papa in her sweet baby voice.
Life was quiet and tranquil.
The very best part of his day's had become the early mornings.
Gabel watched his wife hastily mount, wrapping her long legs on either side of her horse.
It had been sometime since he had last seen her in trousers.
God she looked good.
Though he greatly enjoyed seeing her tiny body in a dress, the way it hugged her curves, something about seeing her long legs in trousers immediately set his body aflame.
Morning rides with her had become a regular occurrence.
"What are you doing? I said I wished to see the sunrise, do you plan on making me miss it?"
Gabel snapped out of his trance and mounted his steed.
They quickly rode through the quiet town up to the small wooden path.
A short time later the woods cleared and the beautiful open field came into view.
This was Elara's favorite place to go.
Gabel too favored this spot. The wildflowers that she wore in her hair the day they were wed, covered the dew soaked field.
He trotted his steed over slightly behind hers.
Seeing Elara's beautiful gray cloak fall across her chestnut steed, instantly took him back in time.
How could someone be so beautiful? Everything about her called his name.
He watched her face glow as shades of pink and orange light burned like fire at the edge of the of the sky.
Never had he seen a more peaceful sight.
Had he had died and went to heaven?
Welcomed by an Angel of light.
"Husband."
Elara's angelic voice spoke out while keeping her gaze focused on the sunrise.
"I am with child again."
Gabel closed his eyes and took in a long, deep breath.
It felt as if she had shot an arrow directly into his heart.
~ End ~
Thank you to all who have followed along and enjoyed this love story.
Sometime In the near future I plan to write a short story following the grown Lachzion children and their relationships with the children of the other knights.
Title of sequel- Arrow in Time
🏹🖤
