The Voyager and the Rogue

Chapter 44

This is one of the best chapters for any fanfic I've ever written, and I'm so proud of my work. I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as I do!

Word got around the village fast about mine and Eyarr's engagement. Morgan and Siobhan were the most excited; Siobhan playfully bragged she saw it coming.

Morgan asked Eyarr and me if we were ready to start planning a wedding, but that's where we were... held back. I still wasn't sure if Eyarr and I had agreed to move back to New Berk yet, even though his proposal and then our lovemaking, we hadn't actually... agreed on it yet.

"Why not? If that's where you want it-" Siobhan started asking. But I had to interrupt her.

"That's the thing, he knows that's what I want, but I'm just not so sure if that's what he wants yet."

"Didn't you discuss it?"

"Yes, but we never... officially agreed on anything." Siobhan slightly raised a questioning eyebrow but quickly reverted to a neutral expression.

"Hmm." I sighed. I didn't want them to get the wrong idea. Eyarr and I were just having a disagreement.

"It's not as easy as saying "this is where I want to get married." It has to be an agreement between us. Because... wherever we choose to get married is where we'll finally settle down and have a family. Have a home."

"... Which is what you've wanted all this time."

"Yeah, and I love him very much, but he hasn't figured out if he's ready for a permanent place. And I don't want to force him into it. And if it takes a bit more time, I'll happily wait. I don't mind."

"But it's still going to bother you." Morgan pointed out.

"I didn't say that." I defended, chewing my lip.

"But you're thinking it. Come on, Laeli. You've lived here for months, and we've learned much about you. Maybe Eir's already told you, but you're an-"

"-An easy woman to read. I know. He beat you on that." I interrupted, rolling my eyes. Again with everyone saying that. Did I just have everything up front and center? Was I not good at concealing emotions or expressions?

There wasn't much else to say, so the girls left it alone. As they left the house, though, Siobhan peeked her head back in for one last thing.

"Oh, by the way, the chief is throwing a party tonight to celebrate your engagement. Lots of food and dancing! It'll be fun!" I turned to her, taken aback.

"Wait, what? A party? For us?"

"Yes, silly! It's a big deal you guys are finally engaged! The whole village will be celebrating!" I was too stunned to say anything else as Siobhan and Morgan finally left.

I could never turn down a party, honestly. I always took any opportunity to dance with others, which I'd always loved. And back home, we made a big deal with celebrations—birthdays, weddings, engagements... and even funerals. Funerals were a celebration of life and honoring the souls of the passed.

When Eyarr returned from running an errand within the village, I mentioned what the girls told me. And he was equally surprised the chief wanted to throw a celebration for us.

"Really? That's... quite an honor."

"I know. But it'll be fun! It's been so long since I've danced around a fire." I took his hand, twirling myself around. He grinned and grabbed my waist, pulling me close.

"You're a very talented dancer. I can't wait to see you bathed in firelight."

"A romantic and a poet? Wow, I got a package deal here!" I teased.