The ancient Great Tree stood magnificent in the village center, its massive trunk wider than twenty elves could encircle with arms outstretched. Silver ribbons and white flowers adorned its bark, while crystal chimes hung from the lower branches, singing softly in the morning breeze. The entire village had gathered—women of all ages forming circles around the sacred space, their faces bright with anticipation and hope.
Rayan's breath caught as he stepped onto the petal-strewn path. Princess Elena stood waiting beneath the Tree's canopy, and the stories hadn't done her justice. Her golden hair cascaded down her back like spun sunlight, woven with tiny white flowers that seemed to glow against her fair skin. The ceremonial gown hugged her graceful figure, its flowing skirts embroidered with silver thread that matched the ancient symbols carved into the Tree itself.
As he walked closer, Elena raised her eyes to meet his. They knew about each other but weren't intimate friends since Elena was about 100 years older than him. They didn't got to know each other well before marriage since the queen decided the marriage suddenly and there wasn't much choice anyway! She offered him a small smile that made his heart race.
Queen Maria stood beside the Tree, her regal bearing unmarked by the centuries of hardship. Her voice carried clearly across the gathering as Rayan took his place beside Elena.
"My people," the Queen began, her words resonating with both authority and deep emotion. "Today we witness not just a union of hearts, but the dawn of our race's renewal. A hundred years have passed since the darkness fell upon us, since we lost most of our men and women to the war that nearly destroyed us."
A hush fell over the crowd. Even the youngest children aged under two hundred years, barely more than babies seemed to sense the solemnity of the moment. They sat in small clusters near their mothers and older sisters, wide-eyed and quiet.
"We have survived," Queen Maria continued, her voice growing stronger. "We have endured. And now, we begin to truly live again." She turned to Elena and Rayan. "You stand before the Great Tree that has sheltered our people for three thousand years. Its roots run deep into the heart of the forest, just as your roots must run deep into the heart of our community."
Elder Marcus stepped forward, carrying an ornate chalice filled with water from the sacred spring. "Rayan, do you swear to protect this forest and all who dwell within it? To lead with wisdom, fight with courage, and love with an open heart?"
"I swear it," Rayan replied, his voice steady despite the trembling in his chest.
"Princess Elena, do you swear to rule with justice, to guide our people with compassion, and to carry forward the ancient wisdom of our mothers?"
"I swear it," Elena answered, her musical voice carrying across the gathering.
"Now, before the Great Tree and all who witness, let the binding words be spoken."
Queen stepped aside while Elder Marcus came forward. He turned to Rayan first. "Rayan, do you take Princess Elena as your wife, to cherish and protect, to stand beside in joy and sorrow, until the stars fade from the sky?"
"I do," Rayan said, his voice carrying clearly across the silent gathering. He looked into Elena's eyes as he continued, "I promise to honor you as my queen and love you as my wife. Together we will restore our people and build a future worthy of those we've lost."
Elena's cheeks flushed pink, but her voice was steady when Elder Marcus turned to her. "Princess Elena, do you take Rayan as your husband, to support and guide, to stand beside in triumph and trial, until the Great Tree falls?"
"I do," she replied, her musical voice filled with determination. "I promise to stand with you as your queen and cherish you as my husband. Together we will lead our people from the shadows of the past into the light of tomorrow."
Marcus said, "Let the sacred waters bind you to each other and to the land."
"I, Marcus, officially declare you two husband and wife. May your bond remain strong forever."
"Rayan, from hereby, will be called as Prince Rayan"
With a soft smile elven Queen hold up the chalice, "Let's drink."
She didn't like alcohol but for this sacred day she decided to have some.
They drank together, Elena's fingers brushing his as they shared the cup. The water was cool and sweet, tasting of mountain springs and ancient magic.
From the crowd came a cheer—soft at first, then building as voices joined together. Women threw flower petals into the air while the children clapped and laughed, their joy infectious despite their small numbers. Mira wiped tears from her eyes in happiness while Natasha whooped loudly, making several of the more dignified matrons smile despite themselves.
"Long live Princess Elena!" someone called out.
"Long live Prince Rayan!" came another voice.
The celebration erupted in earnest then. Musicians brought out flutes and small drums, filling the air with melodies that spoke of hope and new beginnings. Tables laden with honey cakes and fruit wine appeared as if by magic, tended by smiling women who had spent days preparing for this moment.
But even in the midst of joy, the shadows lingered. Rayan noticed the careful way the women arranged themselves, making sure no space looked too empty. He saw how some of the older matrons touched the small memorial stones they wore, remembering husbands and sons who should have been here to see this day.
Little Finn, barely over hundred, tugged on his mother's dress. "Mama, when I grow up, will I marry a princess too?"
His mother, Senna, blushed crimson while nearby women burst into laughter. "We'll see, little one," she said, ruffling his dark hair. "We'll see."
Queen Maria raised her hand for silence. "Let this day be remembered," she said, her voice carrying the weight of prophecy. "Not as the end of our struggles, but as the beginning of our triumph. May the children born from this union be many and strong. May they know peace where we have known war, abundance where we have known want."
She approached Elena and Rayan, placing her hands on their joined ones. "My daughter, you've grown up into a lovely young lady. I'm sure your father is watching you from heaven." With smile lingering on her face, she put off her necklace and said, "It was given to me by your grandmother on my wedding day. Today I shall pass it down to you. Wear it with honor." Suddenly she noticed Rayan and changed her mind, "Maybe our Prince can do this job for you."
Rayan took the necklace gracefully and with shaky hand he approached he neck.
Elena straightened as a circlet of woven silver and emeralds was placed upon her neck. She felt as if her mother was passing down her legacy through this necklace. Her mind got filled with determination.
"Now bride should gave her speech." Queen whispered, "It's your first step to become a queen. Make sure to act brave."
"My people," Elena said, her voice carrying new-found confidence. "Today we celebrate not just a marriage, but a promise. Together, we will rebuild what was lost. Together, we will write a new chapter in our people's story."
The cheers erupted again, louder this time, filled with hope and determination. As the celebration swirled around them, Rayan felt the full weight of his destiny settle upon him. He was no longer just a survivor—he was the future of his race, standing beside the woman who would help him forge it.
The sacred Tree's leaves rustled in the wind, as if blessing their union, while somewhere in the distance, the sound of children's laughter promised better days to come.