It seems my current circumstances are not so bleak as once I had thought. This night, not only has the Remnant Order's list of allies grown longer, but Bucta has asked for my hand! Even as I wright, said hand trembles with excitement for this, and my face is nigh frozen in an adolescent grin. I shall recount now the details, that I may never forget them.
Having sent a request for me to shelter him in my Winter Mansions, my anonymous Dwarven friend arrived upon my doorstep, bowing so low as one of his station never should. Behind him soon rode Theowic the Merchant. I welcomed them into my home, though I could not help but be miffed for the merchant's mannerisms towards me, failing to name me "Lady".
We three spoke for a time, the conversation keeping mainly to our war efforts. I bade Theowic to begin recruiting and hiring from those that would see his wares. He considered this, and then consented, stating, "I suppose that the trust betwixt peddler and buyer is deep, and one that is often unconsidered." The, the Dwarven Lord would speak, informing me of much regarding our enemies.
Suddenly, my door was thrust open, and Bucta was the one to enter through it. Yet he was beaten and bloodied./My joy on seeing him after so many days of his absence, was replaced with concern on noting this. But he did not seem to know the existence of his hurts, and so cried aloud my name before embracing me in a kiss. I was relieved, until I remembered my guests. Bucta and I broke apart, and even his cheeks were reddened for the audience.
It would seem that my love was attending the tavern once more, and had truly lost himself in his sorrows. Drunken, he had participated in many a brawl, for which I reproached him sternly on his confession. Yet, when he had sobered, he sought to return home to my company, feeling that now, after so many weeks of mourning, he was ready to move on from his grief for Quincell's death. He was broken to lay eyes on the smoking ruins of my Estate, thinking me to have perished in it also. Until, one of my men found him, and gave him word of my wellbeing.
The Dwarvish noble saw our elation fade for our embarrassment, and excused himself, though whether to allow us privacy, or for his own disapproval of our affectionate display, I know not. Soon after, Theowic also departed, though he would not be remaining in the manor as our guest. Then, Bucta and I retired to my chambers, in which we spoke at great length after he had cleansed himself and changed attire.
I made known to him all that had transpired, and allowed all my fears to be voiced. He comforted me, as only he could do anymore. Then, I desired for him to see something. So often had I recounted the events of my wedding, and he had ever been kind enough to listen, but now he could see it.
Outside, I led him to the arch under which I was wed, and we stood beneath it as Aornn and I had done so long ago. I recounted it to him again, detailing all that had happened, whom had attended, everything. Perhaps it was for the fact that this was the home in which I was espoused, but as I finished, and when he had offered to me a ring of his own, I could not deny it.
My eye filmed as he slid the golden band upon my finger, small stones glittering upon it. I contemplated all that this meant, for him and for me. I will never find the love that I had for Aornn again...but perhaps this new love would suffice? Mayhap, this was the way we two would be repaired from our many wounds? We returned to our quarters, and lay together, our love expressed in all its exuberance, and I knew in my heart, as I had that first night...I love this man.
Now I watch as his breathing steadies, and he sleeps. So, I am now his betrothed, and he mine, after so many months of courtship. Yet, I fear that unlike with Aornn, I may not be bound to him immediately, for Damric would not allow our union. And, I think it unwise to divert our efforts to a marriage, rather than to the conflict presented us. But, be it one year or ten, I shall eagerly await the day that Bucta and I stand under our own arch...the day that I may allow Aornn's memory to fade from my heart, and be at peace...
-D
