Age of Darkness

Chapter 32: Happy Birthday To Me!

We stand at the water, watching the sun set over the sparkling water. The light's reflecting on the water makes it look so beautiful... It's like a billion stars have fallen on the ground, but twinkle on from within the water. The water... I get a great idea...

''Elizabeth, care for a swim?''

She states for a bit longer at the beautiful spectacle, then snaps out of her distraction, and replies.

''A swim? I don't have any swimming clothes!''

''That's okay. I have an idea. Just jump in with your clothes on.''

''My clothes will get soaked!''

''Just jump in. At the count of three! Don't worry! Ready?''

She nods.

''One. Two. Three!''

We both run, and dive in at the same time. Elizabeth is a little hesitant at first, but we manage. The moment we touch water, I create a super strong air bubble in the water, and we land in it, dry as a bone.

''Whoa... What happened?'' Asks Elizabeth, amazed at what just happened.

''I just made an air bubble! Welre fine.''

Actually, it worked better than I thought. Life in the ocean goes on, as we stand her in our bubble. The water swirls around us. The whole world around us is magical, extraordinary... Colourful fish swim past as if we're not there. Plantlife flourishes at the bottom. It's a whole other world.

''Happy birthday, Nicholas...'' Whispers Elizabeth, who seems as awestruck as I.

''How do you know it's my birthday?!'' I ask, shocked.

''Remember when we met, and we were up all night talking? You told me about your birthday.''

''Oh...'' I say, as Elizabeth pulls a package from her pack.

''I got you a present, or two.'' She places the package in my hand, and smiles.

''Where'd you get this?...''

''That shopping I did in the village, that was for your birthday.''

''You never stop amazing me...''

I grab one of the strings, and pull it, untying the knot. I open the package carefully, unfolding the paper, and I find clothing wrapped up inside. I unfold the garments, and observe the green garb. In my hands, I hold a dark green tunic, and pants.

''Wow, thank you!''

''I thought you'd need some new travelling clothes, since your old ones are getting a little... ratty. There's more.''

And indeed there is! I find a pair of brown gloves, with golden designs, on the top of the package. I put them on, and clench my hands, getting the feel of them.

And yet, there is more. I unfold a large suit of chain mail, beautiful golden links, and light as a feather.

''Wow, that's... Really nice of you!''

''There's one last thing.''

''Where?'' And then I see the object clang to the ground, er, bubble. ''Oh.''

I pick it up, and look at it closely. It's one of Elizabeth's blades. With a golden hilt, shining blade, and the name, Elizabeth Storm, enscribed on it's handle.

''You don't have to...'' I begin to say.

''I want to give that to you. I've got another, and besides, it's something special to me, that I would like you to have.''

''Thank you... Seriously, thank you so much. It means a lot, I-''

''Nicholas?''

''Yes?''

''I have one more gift.''

''Another? But you've done so much already...''

''This is important. Nicholas... Close your eyes.''

''Why?''

It's a surprise.''

I do as I'm told, and close my eyes, curious.

''Elizabeth, I...''

I feel her breath close to my face, and then it happens. I feel her lips touch mine, so softly... I'm shockedbat first, and my eyes snap open, but I don't pull away, and neither dies she. I attempt to say something, but I fail miserably, and it just comes out as a mumble in her mouth.

I can't believe it! Fireworks explode in my head. I'm actually kissing Elizabeth, or, well, she's kissing me. Me? I have no clue what I'm doing...

I feel her hands in my hair, and we slowly crouch down to the ground. I lose my concentration. I mean, my mind's gone blank, and our bubble almost pops.

We are no longer two different people, but one. One person. One mind. One body, acting as one.

Finally, and sadly, we break apart.

''Happy birthday, Nicholas...'' She whispers, and smiles slightly.

''Happy birthday to me!'' I exclaim, and she grabs my hand, and we continue too explore the underwater world, together...

Elizabeth and I sit at the fire, looking into each other's eyes.

''I love you, Elizabeth...''

''I love you too, my hero.''

And we stare at the dancing fire, hand in hand, sharing the night, together...

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There! It's the chapter you've all been waiting for! The romantic chapter! That's it! I'm done with the romantic stuff, at least for a while. This chapter was probably one of the hardest for me to write, as I have no clue how to write a romantic scene! No experience! It's a good thing I've read a lot of books. Of the 3 years this series has taken to plan, I started planning this chapter one bored night 2 years ago, and it's nice to finally get that out of my imagination, and on to paper. That's it! Now it's time for some action, and not the kind of action you're thinking of! The exciting, adventurous action! Hi-yah!