Eye Of Snake

3 MIDU

Midu stood before the young man, who offered his hand with his palm facing the sky. In the background, the Great Tree of Viridia sheltered them beneath its massive, glowing branches. The girl placed her hand on Gram's. At that moment, she lifted her gaze and found the icy, penetrating blue eyes of the prince of Rocaventia.

–You may pronounce your vows –said the Grand Scholar as he tied their hands together with a ribbon.

–My dear Midu Eldaren, princess of Viridia –Gram began–. From the moment our eyes met, I knew our fates were intertwined in ways that neither time nor space could comprehend. Today, before these witnesses and under your sky, I vow to be your refuge in times of uncertainty and your companion in every adventure life brings us.

Midu was a half-human; the only trait distinguishing her from a human was her elongated ears and her deep connection with nature. The girl had large, emerald-green eyes, long, golden hair tied in a braid, and her face and body bore symbolic tattoos from her culture.

–My beloved Gram Maristhar, prince of Rocaventia, from the first day you arrived in Viridia, I knew my life would change forever. I have seen strength and passion in you. Today, in this sacred place, I vow to be your light in dark times, your comfort in difficult days, and your joy in every moment we share.

Gram was slightly older than Midu. His hair was long, almost as long as hers, but unlike her golden locks, his was black as night and as straight as a sheet of paper. The boy was remarkably pale, almost translucent, slim and slender, but with an air of fragility. He was also tall and loved wearing silver jewelry.

They paused briefly before beginning the joint vow. When Midu noticed Gram's lips move, she began to recite with him.

–We commit ourselves today, and every day we have left in this life, to love and respect each other. May our souls find peace in each other's embrace, and may our hearts beat as one with every step of our journey. With these words, we seal our love and our promises, eternally bound as husband and wife. May our union be strong and enduring.

Their gazes met again, and their lips pressed together for a few seconds.

–No one would guess they met just a week ago –Elara whispered to her husband.

–What does it matter? Do you realize the importance of this moment? –Vladar asked, not expecting an answer–. This alliance between Eldaren and Maristhar makes our houses the most powerful in all Valoria.

–You're right –Elara replied–. Besides, I've heard that Teron Shakin has just died.

–Yes, that old man, along with Durkin Cimarro, practically dictated orders throughout Valoria—one from the north, the other from the south.

Vladar was an older man with long white hair and an eye patch over his right eye. He had lost it thanks to Durkin on the day of Prince Gram's birth. Vladar had told Durkin that his son would be much stronger and more handsome than the king of the sands' child. At first, Durkin had played along, but when Vladar let his guard down, Durkin grabbed a glass and smashed it into the recent father's face. As Vladar writhed on the ground, the last thing his right eye saw was Durkin, just as serious as before the whole conversation.

–But with our new ally, we could stand up to the Cimarro –Elara tried to persuade her husband.

–It's not that simple. For starters, we don't have full control over Viridia's forces, and it's very difficult to cross that cursed desert of sand –Vladar grumbled.

–Well, at least the girl seems beautiful –Elara said, returning to the original conversation.

–Yes, beautiful, young, and without much spirit –the man remarked–. He'll manipulate her however he wants.