Page 60 of The Divine Shallows

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As morning broke, the mother stirred and opened her eyes, greeted by a sense of joy as the sun’s warmth kissed her cheeks. Before her lay an unexpected sight: a cluster of ivory wildflowers cradling a bundle of cloth. With widening eyes, she beheld her daughter nestled within. Listening to the gentle rhythm of her child’s breaths and the soft murmurs of her awakening, the mother marveled at the beauty of the moment. Attempting to reach for her child, she found herself immobilized, frustration bubbling within her.

Sensing her distress, the willow extended a comforting touch and spoke softly to her, reminding her of their bargain. Remembering their terms, the mother stilled, deliberating a question. “Will she remember me?” she asked the willow, who offered a sympathetic nod in response. “She will.” Then came another question from the spirit, “Do you regret your decision?” The mother’s answer was swift. “Never,” she declared. “In this lifetime and all the lifetimes beyond, I would choose the same fate.”

Aunora’s fingers danced over the harp strings with fervent strokes, building towards an overwhelming crescendo that shattered Elowyn's composure, stirring something deep within her until the harp's melody softened into a soothing rhythm.

Many moons had come and gone since the mother struck her bargain with the mighty willow. Each day, she awoke by the willow’s side, rooted to the spot where she had made her solemn vow years before. Seasons cycled like clockwork—wildflowers bloomed in patches, rain nourished the rivers, the sun bathed the land, and snow blanketed the feylands.

One spring morning, the mother rose by the willow’s side, expectingthe day to unfold like the countless ones before it. Yet, as she watched a passing fey gather juniper berries nearby, a glimmer flickered in her gaze.

The fey hummed a merry tune as she gathered the deep, black-purple berries into her basket. The mother watched in fascination, captivated by the graceful sway of the fey’s movements. Memories stirred within her, reminding her of a time when she too moved with such ease—a time now long past. With her basket brimming with juniper berries, the fey let out a satisfied sigh, indulging in the sweetness of one berry before looking to the sun and settling in the shade of the willow.

The fey ran her fingers along the ivory wildflowers that grew around her as she plucked a stem to inhale its fragrance. She twirled the petals between her fingers before releasing them to the ground. Leaning against the trunk, the fey closed her eyes, feeling a mystical connection with the willow as she traced her hand along its smooth bark. A sense of lost familiarity washed over her, a smile gracing her lips as she surrendered to the comforting touch.

After a few moments of silence, the willow addressed the fey, though the willow knew her words would remain unheard.“Daughter, you’ve come back to me at last.”

Aunora concluded her performance with a final, magnificent note, prompting tears to well up in Elowyn’s eyes. Applause filled the music hall, and she turned to see Draeden’s eyes shine with silver, mirroring her own emotions. Aunora gracefully rose from her seat, acknowledging the crowd with a smile and a bow before retreating from the stage.

“That was breathtaking,” Elowyn confessed to Draeden, her voice filled with awe. “I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything more beautiful.”

“I’m glad.” Draeden smiled at her. “Now, this definitely takes the cake for one of my most treasured memories.”

“I had no idea music could sound like that,” Elowyn murmured.

“One day, I’ll play something for you,” Draeden promised. “Perhaps a piece on the piano, just for you.”

“You’d really serenade me with the piano? Who knew you were such a romantic.”

“How could you doubt it?” Draeden teased. “Haven’t my heartfelt gestures proven enough? The more I offer, the more I find myself indebted to you.”

“I suppose you’re right. I stand corrected,” Elowyn chuckled softly, shaking her head. “But rest assured, I intend to collect on those debts soon.”

“I eagerly await it,” Draeden affirmed. “But for now, we have other matters to attend to. I have another surprise in store for you.”

“Today seems to be full of surprises,” Elowyn remarked, a playful smirk tugging at her lips as she reached for his hand.

Draeden left a coin on the table before guiding them toward the exit of the music house. As they stepped out onto the charming cobblestone street of the Art District, they were greeted by the soft sun, indicating that the Ceremony was only a few hours away.

“Draeden?” A lilting voice floated from behind them.

Elowyn and Draeden spun around to find Aunora descending the limestone stairs, her elegant attire now replaced by a thick, brown hooded cloak.

Draeden’s face lit up upon seeing the soloist. “Aunora!”

Aunora returned his smile, stepping down the stairs to embrace him warmly. “I thought it might be you in the crowd. By the Goddess, when did you become taller than me?”

“Likely because it’s been years since you last saw me,” Draeden chuckled. “I assume you’re in town because of my mother’s request?”

“Yes, that’s true,” Aunora answered. “Though, I’ve also been away from Orwyn for far too long. It was time to return home.”

“How long will you be staying this time?”

“A few weeks... Maybe a month at most. I can’t lingertoo long. My troupe will need me back on the road eventually. We’ll be performing a few shows here in Orwyn, but we have plans to travel to the Elune Isles next.”

“Ah, don’t forget about us here while you’re basking in the sun and swimming in the tides of the Swyn Sea,” Draeden teased.

“Now that’s an enticing thought...” Aunora laughed, then turned to Elowyn as if noticing her for the first time. “And who might your companion be?”

“Erm, please keep this between us, Aunora,” Draeden interjected, placing a reassuring hand on Elowyn’s back. “This is Princess Elowyn Fangwright.”