One of the villagers scoffed. "And how do we know you're not just saying this to protect him?"
Ryu's voice thundered through the air, his anger palpable.
William stepped forward, his eyes sad. "Ryu is telling the truth. We’ve all lost people we loved during the pirate attack. The Elves were just passing through, and when they saw us under attack, they risked their lives to defend us, when they didn’t have to. We owe them our gratitude, not our mistrust."
Silence hung in the air as the villagers processed William's words.
“What did you do to the pirates?” called an old woman in the back of the crowd. Ella recognized her as May, an seamstress who had lost her whole family in the pirate attack, even the little grandchildren. Her eyes were burning as she looked at Ryu, her face set in a mask of anticipation.
“We killed them all,” Ryu said shortly. “Set fire to their ships, and sank the rest.” He shrugged. “We hurt them enough that they would never think of returning here.”
May nodded. “Well, that’s good enough for me,” she said softly.
Slowly, one by one, the villagers looked around at each other, their stern expressions softening.
Yulia’s father stepped forward, and when he spoke, his voice was soft, and filled with newfound respect. "Ella is right. We've been safe since the Elves arrived. Maybe it's time we rethink our stance."
After a few more minutes of restless muttering, the villagers dispersed, leaving Ella, Ryu, and William standing in a hushed moment of contemplation. William's gaze shifted between Ella and Ryu, his stern features softening.
William sighed heavily, his stern facade showing cracks of uncertainty.
"Well, come on inside, then. I’ll set the kettle on; you both can stay for supper.”
~
Days turned into weeks, and Ryu's presence in their lives slowly melted away the frostiness between him and William. Ryu visited every day, flying to meet her on Ember, and soon, William got used to setting out three plates for their supper.
They spent evenings together, sharing stories of their past, their hopes, and dreams. Ella watched with joy as her foster father warmed up to Ryu, recognizing the genuine love and care he held for her.
On one particular evening, as they gathered around the crackling fireplace, William looked at Ryu with a twinkle in his eye.
"I have to admit, Ryu, you've proven yourself. I can see how much you love my girl, and it brings me comfort. You have my approval to marry her."
Ella's heart soared with happiness, tears of joy glistening in her eyes. She threw her arms around William, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, William."
William chuckled, patting her back affectionately. "Congratulations, my dear. I only want the best for you."
As the conversation continued, they spoke fondly of Ella's brother, Thomas, who had been absent from their lives for so long. Ella's eyes shimmered with a mixture of longing and hope. "I miss him, William. I wish he could be here to share in our happiness."
William's face softened with understanding. "I miss him too, Ella. But wherever he is, I have a feeling he's alright. And who knows, maybe someday our paths will cross again."
Ella nodded, a sense of comfort settling within her. "I hope so, William. I believe in the power of fate and the bonds that connect us all. I have faith that our family will be reunited."
As the evening drew to a close, Ella found solace in the warmth of her home and the love that surrounded her.
Ryu, William, and Ella shared a toast to the future, raising their glasses in celebration of the love that had brought them together and the adventures that awaited them.
~
Now, as she and Ryu were ready to join their lives together forever, Ella's heart swelled with anticipation.
The rituals unfolded, each one infused with elven magic that added an ethereal touch to the proceedings. Incantations and blessings filled the air, their words weaving a tapestry of love, commitment, and eternal bonds.
The priest who was conducting the ceremony began the rituals by purifying the shrine, asking for the blessings of the gods upon the two people joining their lives together that day.
Then came the time for thesan-san-ku-doceremony. Ryu had explained that the ceremonial drinking of sake represented three oaths taken three times,symbolized by three cups, poured three times, and swallowed by the bride and groom in three sips.
In the climax of the ceremony, the priest stepped forward, holding a crystal vial containing a shimmering potion. With graceful movements, he poured the elixir into a cup and handed it to Ryu, who took a sip and handed it to Ella.
