A Promise in the Grove

One week had passed since Akira, Elara, Liora, and Kael returned from the Crystal Vale, their packs heavy with frostbloom that saved Greenwood’s winter crops. The village hummed with quiet peace, snow blanketing the oak cottages, their vine roofs glowing under the double moons. The starbloom grove, born from the Starweave book’s ash, shimmered at the village’s edge, its light a beacon of hope. Akira felt at home, his heart full with Hana’s laughter, Elara’s love, and the village’s trust. But tonight, something stirred in him—a dream that had grown since Elara’s smile by the Crystal Vale’s springs.

The morning sun glinted off the snow, and Akira worked with Elara in the indoor shelters, their hands brushing as they spread compost from Hana’s bins. Moonwheat sprouted strong, free of fungus, thanks to the frostbloom. Elara’s silver hair caught the light, her green eyes warm as she adjusted a taro plant. “You’re good at this,” she said, her voice soft. “The village is thriving because of you.”

Akira grinned, his cheeks warm. “We’re a team,” he said, echoing their words by the river months ago. “You, me, Mom—everyone.”

She leaned closer, her druidic magic flaring faintly, coaxing a sprout to grow. “I love working with you,” she said, her smile bright. “It feels… right.”

His heart raced, thinking of the marriage hint at the feast, her hand in his under the stars. They finished the shelter work, their laughter blending with the rustle of vines, and walked to the river for a break. The algae glowed softly, its light dancing on the snow. They sat on a flat stone, their cloaks touching, sharing Hana’s dried apples. Elara rested her head on his shoulder, the air sweet with wildflowers despite the cold.

“I’m happy,” she said, her voice quiet. “The grove, my parents’ truth, you… It’s more than I dreamed.”

Akira kissed her, his love deepening with every shared moment. “You’re my home, Elara,” he said, the words easy now. “Always.”

They stayed there, hands entwined, the river’s glow a mirror of their quiet joy. As dusk fell, Akira knew that this was the right time to make his dream real.

The next day, in Hana’s cottage, the fire crackled, filling the air with the scent of cedar and moonberry tea. Hana stirred a pot of taro stew, her dark hair tied back, her face relaxed in the warmth. Akira sat at the table, his fingers tracing the bark letter she’d sent to the Vale, now worn from travel. His heart pounded, the weight of his plan heavy but exciting.

“Mom,” he started, his voice low. “Can we talk? It’s… important.”

Hana turned, her eyes curious, setting the ladle down. “Of course, Aki,” she said, sitting across from him, her hands folding over his. “What’s on your mind?”

He took a deep breath, the fire’s glow steadying him. “Everything’s peaceful now,” he said. “The crops are safe, the grove’s strong, Elara’s happy. I… I want to propose to her. I want to marry Elara.”

Hana’s eyes widened, a smile breaking across her face, then she laughed, soft and warm. “You’re not married already?” she said, her voice teasing but surprised. “The way you two look at each other, care for each other—I thought you’d tied the knot months ago!”

Akira blushed, rubbing his neck. “Really? You thought that?”

Hana nodded, her eyes sparkling. “Aki, I see how she supports you, like you do her. Back home, love like that meant marriage. I’ve called her my daughter in my heart since she welcomed me here.”

He smiled, warmth spreading in his chest. “I love her, Mom—more than anything. But I wanted you here, and I wanted her parents… their memory, at least, to be part of it. That’s why I waited.”

Hana’s face softened, tears glistening. “That’s beautiful, Aki,” she said, squeezing his hands. “Aeloria and Vaelar would be proud, like I am. Their memorial in the grove—it’s perfect for this.”

Akira nodded, his voice thick. “I’m nervous, though. What if… I don’t know, what if it’s too soon?”

Hana leaned forward, her voice firm but gentle. “Love doesn’t wait for perfect timing—Elara’s your partner, your home. Please don’t make my daughter wait any longer, Aki. She’s ready, and so are you.”

He laughed at the weight lifting. “Your daughter, huh?”

“Always,” Hana said, her smile wide. “Now, when are you doing this? And how?”

Akira took another breath, his plan clear. “Tonight,” he said. “In the starbloom grove, by her parents’ memorial. I want it to be special, with their memory there. Can you… Tell Elara to meet me there at dusk? Don’t let her know why.”

Hana’s eyes twinkled, a mischievous glint. “Oh, I’ll get her there,” she said. “And I’ll bring a few friends to watch. Liora, Kael, Miren—they’ll want to see this.”

Akira’s eyes widened. “Mom, no! It’s supposed to be private!”

She laughed, patting his hand. “It’ll be a surprise, Aki. Trust me. The village loves you two. They’ll stay hidden, quiet as mice.”

He groaned, but her laughter was infectious, and he nodded in response. “Fine. But make sure they’re quiet.”

As the sun dipped low, painting the snow gold, Akira walked to the starbloom grove, his heart racing. The grove glowed brighter than ever, its petals shimmering like moonlight, the memorial stone for Aeloria and Vaelar at its heart, wrapped in starbloom vines. He carried a small wooden ring, carved with a leaf pattern, which was made with Kael’s help days ago. It was simple, like their love, but strong. He knelt by the stone, touching its runes, whispering, “I hope you approve. I’ll take care of her.”

In the village, Hana found Elara by the fountain, her green cloak catching the fading light of dusk. “Elara, dear,” Hana said, her voice casual but warm. “Akira’s at the grove. He wants you to meet him there. Something about the starbloom.”

Elara’s eyes lit up, curious. “The grove? Is everything okay?”

Hana smiled, hiding her excitement. “More than okay. Go on, he’s waiting.”

As Elara hurried off, Hana gathered Liora, Kael, Miren, Thalion, and Taryn, whispering the plan. Liora’s grin was wide, her dagger tucked away. “A proposal?” she said, clapping her hands. “I’m not missing this!”

Kael chuckled, his bow resting. “He’s brave,” he said. “Let’s keep quiet for him.”

Miren hugged Hana, her mittens soft and warm. “It’s so romantic!” she whispered. “I’ll bring extra lanterns for the party.”

They crept to the grove, hiding behind snow-dusted oaks, their breaths hushed. Villagers joined, their faces bright with anticipation, and lanterns dimmed to avoid notice. The grove’s glow bathed the clearing, the memorial stone a quiet sentinel.

Akira stood by the stone, his cloak dark against the snow, the ring in his hand. Elara arrived, her silver hair shimmering, her eyes curious but warm. “Akira?” she said, stepping closer. “Hana said you needed me. Is the grove okay?”

He smiled, his nerves fading at her voice. “The grove’s perfect,” he said, taking her hands, their warmth steadying him. “It’s you I need to talk to.”

Her brow furrowed, but she nodded, her trust clear. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” he said, his voice soft. “Everything’s right. Elara, you’ve been my strength since I came here. You helped me bring Mom, find your parents’ truth, and save the crops. You’re my home, my love.”

Her eyes widened, tears glistening, her hands tightening in his. “Akira…”

He knelt, holding the ring, its leaf carving catching the starbloom light. “I love you, Elara,” he said, his voice steady now. “I want to spend my life with you, here in Greenwood, with our family. Will you marry me?”

Elara gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, tears falling. “Yes,” she whispered, then louder, “Yes, Akira, yes!”

He slipped the ring on her finger; it fit perfectly, and he stood, pulling her into his arms. She kissed him, her warmth soft, the grove’s light flaring around them, as if Aeloria and Vaelar approved. The hidden villagers couldn’t hold back, bursting from the trees, cheering and clapping. Liora whooped, tossing snow, while Kael grinned, his bow raised like a salute. Miren waved lanterns, their light dancing, and Hana hugged Thalion, her eyes wet.

Elara laughed, blushing, clinging to Akira. “You planned this?” she said, her voice teasing.

He grinned sheepishly. “Mom did,” he said, nodding at Hana, who winked.

Hana hugged them both, her voice thick with emotion. “Welcome to the family, officially,” she said. “Though you’ve been my daughter forever.”

The crowd cheered louder, and Akira raised Elara’s hand, the ring glowing. “We’re getting married after winter!” he called, his voice clear. “When spring comes, we’ll celebrate with everyone, under the great oak.”

The villagers roared, their joy filling the grove. Miren ran to the square, shouting, “Party time!” and elves hurried to set up tables, lanterns, and food. The night turned festive, snow sparkling under the moons. Tables groaned with moonberry pie, roasted taro, and Hana’s dried apple and corn, the air rich with their scents. Elves sang, their voices weaving with the wind, a song of love and renewal. Liora danced with Miren, their laughter infectious, while Kael shared frostbloom tales, the crowd hanging on his words.

Akira and Elara stood by the memorial, hands entwined, the starbloom light warm on their faces. “After winter,” Elara said, her voice soft. “With your mom, my parents’ memory, and the village. It’s perfect.”

Akira kissed her, his heart full. “You’re perfect,” he said. “I wanted them here, in spirit. And Mom… she’s been planning this longer than me.”

Hana joined them, carrying cups of moonberry tea. “I knew from the start,” she said, her smile wide. “You two belong together.”

Elara hugged her, the ring glinting. “Thank you, Hana,” she said. “For everything.”

The party grew, lanterns floating above the square, their glow matching the glow of the grove. Thalion raised a cup, his voice strong. “To Akira and Elara,” he called. “For love, for Greenwood, for spring!”

The crowd cheered, cups clinking, and Akira felt the village’s trust, built through crops, rituals, and quests, now sealed with this joy. He danced with Elara, her laughter soft, the snow soft under their boots. Hana watched, her eyes proud, while Liora spun Miren, Kael clapping along. The starbloom grove glowed brighter, its magic a promise of spring’s fertility, a beacon for their future.

As the moons rose high, Akira and Elara slipped back to the grove, the party’s music faint. They stood by the memorial, the stone’s runes glowing, starbloom vines curling tight. “I feel them,” Elara said, touching the stone. “My parents… They’re happy for us.”

Akira held her, the grove’s light warm. “They’re with us,” he said. “And we’ll build a life they’d love.”

She smiled, her eyes shining. “With you, I know we will.”

They returned to the party, hand in hand, the village’s joy wrapping around them. Akira thought of Earth, left behind, and the home he’d found—Hana, Elara, Greenwood. The proposal, the cheers, the grove’s glow—it was a promise, not just to Elara, but to their future, rooted in love and hope. As the night danced on, he knew spring would bring their wedding, and with it, a life brighter than the starbloom light. 

(Note: I uploaded a picture of Akira and Elara as a gift from me to all of you. I uploaded it to the showcase. Make sure to go see it at least once. Even though the picture was made with AI. But I hope that you would like it.)