War's Love

Fleeting Freedom

I awoke the next morning completely in a fog. 

Can I really marry Ares, God of War?

I got out of bed and changed into one of my older dresses. The dress was similar to the one I wore in brown except this one was a pale blue and it reminded me of that boy. I wanted to see his eyes again, but not just that, I wanted him to appear before me again.

I hurried out of the house with caution and quietly crept out the front door. It was early for anyone to be awake in Acrin, but I wanted to be free for awhile longer. 

I ran back to the shoreline and I wanted one more view of the ocean I had grown accustomed to. There was no excitement left to be had here in Acrin and I have no way of knowing if Ares can change that. I am walking into a completely blind relationship with a man I probably know nothing about. 

The waves crashing against the shore and I could smell the scent of the salted water. It's azure waters were like the boy's cold light blue eyes. I closed my eyes and began to picture his face again. The curve of his slender jawline and the way his small unnoticeable dimples showed when he lightly smiled. My eyes wandering through unruly black hair and my eyes landing on his. The blue was light and vibrant when the sun hit them. His eyes were soft around the edges and his cheeks lightly pink from an embarrassment. 

Opening my eyes, there was no sign of him and I noticed it was almost midday. I needed to head back before my family went into a panic to find me gone. 

I started up the path from the shore and took one last glance behind me. It will be the last time I wait for him and still no sign him again. I wanted to be disappointed, but would it be any fun if I pine for him like a lovesick little girl? I'm not that kind of girl. Though those feelings might be unrequited, I will still be attached to thoughts of him. 

I ran up the path and never turned to look back. I ran as fast as my feet could carry me and when I came near the sunflower meadow, I paused and walked into the thick of them. I felt like there was someone there, but I thought I saw him for a split second on the other side of the field. He was turning to leave and I ran toward him. 

"Wait," I cried and I tripped again on the skirt of my dress. I fell down on the sunflowers and then I tried to get up when my ankle hurt. I must have twisted it or sprained it. I put most of my weight on my other leg just to get up and what I thought was him was gone. If it was him, he's not coming back. 

I sighed and walked slower than usual back to the house. 

Every step ached on my right ankle and my heart was racing inside my chest. I felt unusual and kind of giddy by thinking maybe he did keep his promise even though it was a brief encounter with either my imagination or reality. 

As I walked passed most of my neighbors, they were eyeing me with uncertainty. I guess my father and the whole village knew of my intent tonight. The reality of it was closing in on me and freedom was just as fleeting as time. 

"Is that her?" I heard a few other girls my age or younger were glancing at me with disgusted gazes. They weren't jealous and not an ounce of envy to be had. 

The other girl next to her had blonde hair that had seen quite a bit of sun. "Yeah, I heard she's marrying the God of War. She's going to regret that," 

I walked passed them and smiled kindly. They quickly dropped the disgusted looks and were surprised by my caring nature. 

I went through my house gate and I heard my sister May from inside calling for me. She was no doubt freaking out. 

I hurried into the house and brushed off as much dust and dirt as I could. I heard May coming down the stairs. "Eleza," Her eyes instantly caught mine and she rushed to my side. She looked relieved and a little surprised by my dirty dress. "Eleza, what were you doing running off on today of all days?" She asked.

I looked her in the eye. "I wanted one last look at Acrin shoreline,"

She almost rolled her eyes and noticed my ankle looked swollen. She instantly helped me and I didn't have time to argue or complain. "Let's get you ready," 

We headed up the stairs and next thing I knew we were in my room. 

Can this freedom be so fleeting? I was to marry not just another man, but a God. It seemed ludicrous, all of it did.

Thanks for reading this. I have really gotten into Elezana's character. The best part is yet to come between her and Ares. Keep in mind, I recently decided to try and write a few chapters a week. I hope to write the rest of her story. It gets really interesting. Feel free to vote and comment on any of the chapters. I will try to update some of the chapters so there are not too many typos. Enjoy.