The Half-Witch Bride

The Undying Vale

Three Days Later

~Celeste's POV~

These past three days felt the shortest and the longest at the same time. Short because we barely made any stops along the way, blasting through the road. Long because my only companion during the trip barely uttered more than a few words whenever I tried to strick up a conversation. I spent most of the time looking out of the tinted window, or if it was warm enough, rolling it down and feeling the wind in my face. It was almost as if I was taking one last look at the world that I knew, perhaps subconsciously knowing that the world I was moving into would be completely different from this.

At last, the fated day arrived, and the cars finally rolled to a stop in the middle of a forest that looked as old as the earth itself. Moss covered, stout, and tall trees stretched out as far as the eyes could see, while the ground was covered in leaves and lichen. When I stepped out of the car, it was almost as if I could feel a tingling at the bottom of my feet and the tips of my fingers. I knew what magic felt like a little bit when I used it to grow my plants, but this was far heavier than what I had ever experienced. I turned around to see that everyone else had stepped out of their vehicles, gathering together in one spot. My road trip partner gestured for me to join the others. I walked over, spotting Elden, then immediately spotted the strange, almost out of place ruins. It looked like a small delapitated stone house, covered in ivy and overtaken by the forest flora. Although it looked quite old, the door that stood at the entrance looked as if it never aged, standing tall and strong, a large iron knocker hung in the middle.

When I approached Elden, I looked up at him. My heart skipped a beat, finally being able to see his face after the car ride. He looked down at me, his eyes flashing an eagerness that quickly went away when a councilmember walked up to us.

"Sire, shall I begin?"

"Yes, Thallan, let us get going. I am eager to return home."

Thallan. I would have to remember that name. He seemed nicer than the other one. I watched as he approached the door and reached out with his hand, toching it with his palm pressed against it. I couldn't hear if he had said anything, but quickly, a blue hue of light emitted from his hand. I watched in awe as the blue light wavered and flicckered, tendrils of magic dancing away from his hand.

"You know magic?" I asked Elden, unable to tear my eyes away from the door. I heard him chuckle softly at my childlike amusement.

"It is not like your magic. We simply are able to manipulate the magic that already exists within the Undying Vale. You, a possible half-witch, are able to create magic, infuse it with other things, and the such. At least, that it what the old texts say. We have not seen many witches in the Vale, as they have retreated away from society, opting instead to live in secluded covens."

"What do you mean?" I asked, my curiosity big enough to tear my eyes away from Thallan.

"I will elaborate later. The portal is opening."

I quickly forgot about being left on a cliffhanger when the entire door started glowing from within. It was a bright, icey blue light that filtered strongly through the cracks of the wooden door. Strangely, none of it escaped out of the caved-in ceiling or crumbling walls, as if the door itself was the portal and nothing else. Elden extended his arm out for me to take. I placed my hand in his shakily, both from excitement and anticipation. Strangely, I felt no fear as we began walking towards it, and when we got close, Thallan swung the door inwards, revealing the portal in all its glory.

Without hesitation, Elden stepped in, and I followed after him, swallowed whole by the light. It felt as if I was suspended through time and space, moving and not moving at the same time. My whole body tingled, buzzing with strange electricity. I heard a familiar voice in the emptyness, but before I could focus my attention on it, it all came to a sudden halt. I hadn't noticed my eyes were closed until Elden mentioned for me to open them. I opened them slowly, my breath taken away when I realized what formed in front of me.

We were on a cliff, overlooking a vast region of land, stretching far and well past the horizon. There were rolling hills and tall mountains. Rivers and creeks ran through the land like living, breathing veins. Everything was covered in the most beautiful fauna and flora that I have ever seen. Earth seemed to vastly pale in comparison,especially when it came to the colors that my eyes had never seen before. It was like a mythical, magical jungle that sparkled and shimmered with iridescence. I stood there speechless while the rest of the party filtered through the portal, with Thallan last. I turned around to look at the portal behind us, shocked to see the very same wooden door and broken stone house. Thallan placed his hand on the now close door, closing the portal and snuffing out the light. Behind the house was a vast forest, much like the one we had been in on Earth, but far more majestic and buzzing with even more magic. The trees seemed to stretch upwards and touch the sky. I probably looked ridiculous with my jaw dropped as I took everything in.

Elden gently nugded me alongside him, walking through the forest on a small, worn path, threatened to be overtaken by overgrowth. I thought I heard the occasionaly twinkling within the forest, wondering what it was, but simply chalking it up to the magic of the place until something buzzed right past my face, causing me to jump in surprise. Elden chuckled while Lucien flung his hands left and right, admonishing whoever dared to fly so close to the Elven King. All of a sudden, the creature that zoomed past me fluttered back and stopped right in front of me, barely a few inches away from my face.

"Oh, well, hello there," I was only able to whisper out a few words in my shock. What hovered in front of me was a tiny humaniod shaped thing. Its limbs were long, thin, and stick-like while its fingers and toes curled like leaves. The head was long and thin, the eyes wide and black. Although the wings were flapping as fast as a hummingbird, I could tell that they were brilliantly colorful. I watched as it bowed to Elden and then turned to me and spoke, but all I heard was the soft tinkling of a tiny wind chime. I looked up to Elden for help.

"This is one of the fairy-folk. There are many kinds, most of them mischevious and full of tricks, but these are forest fairies. They are charged with protecting this forest and the portal, making sure nothing unwanted comes through. It is greeting you and wishing you a lovely stay in the Vale."

I turned back to the fairy with a smile, lifting my finger to let it shake it in a sort of greeting.

"Oh, thank you! It's nice to meet you too." The fairy wrapped its hand around my finger, giggling, or what I thought sounded like a giggle, at my strange way of saying hello, then fluttered off. I couldn't help but smile at the interaction. I could feel Elden's eyes against me, but before I could turn and see his gaze, he turned away and continued walking. I heard Lucien muttering behind us, something about the audacity of fairies. It seemed to me Lucien had a problem with every species that weren't elves, and perhaps even with elves who didn't conform to his standards. No wonder Elden had to be careful, especially when he had someone like him following his every move. Although these thoughts made me worry about my own conduct among the elves, I allowed myself to once again be dazzled by the beauty around me. I had always felt most at home around plants and nature, but this felt like nothing else on earth. I was more than home here, and the electricity flowing through my veins with every step I took was energizing, as if I felt my own magic getting stronger. But there would be no way to test it, to try and see, as all I knew how to weild it was to hum a silly song and watch plants grow.

I had the urge to try and hum a little, but that thought was interrupted as we reached an end to the forest, stepping out to a well-trodden dirt road. Three brilliant-white carriages stood on the road, each outfitted with a driver who sat on top. I was a bit confused as to why the carriage needed a driver since I saw no creatures attached to them in order to pull it. I sighed, the situation rather familiar to the three cars on earth.

"You're telling me I have to ride in a different carriage than you, again?" I looked up at him, not hiding the disappointment at having to be separated once again. He looked down at me apologetically after making sure his councilmen were busy climbing into the cariage at the front.

"I'm sorry, I would much rather ride with you than them, but for now I can't. We must remain a respectful distance from each other, especially when it concerns being together in private places."

"Is that how this will be the entire time?" I asked, slightly afraid at the answer.

"No, my flower. Once we are married, you and I may be together at any point. We will remain respectful and contained in the public eye, but in private..." He trailed off, his tone and his eyes changing drastically. His face had darkened in a seductive way that made my heart pound and my skin sweat. I watched as he took a deep breath and regained his composure, smiling softly and leaving me breathless. I had no clue how I wouldn't die of a heart attack when the day would come that he could finally be intimate with me. For once, I was almost thankful at the aspect of being in a separate carriage, as I certainly would die at having to be sat so close to him after all that. I cleared my throat with an awkward cough, wetting my lips.

"Well, alright then. Could I at least have a more talkative travel partner?" Elden leaned his head to the side with a curious gaze, thinking for a bit.

"Would you prefer to travel with Ruvaen instead? He is as talkative as it gets."

"I would like that." Elden nodded and turned towards the group of men gathered around the third carriage. He raised his hand and beckoned with a gesture for Ruvaen to step closer. I watched as the husky man approached us, bowing his head in acknowledgment to both him and I.

"My lord, my lady?"

"My mate requests your company on the ride home." Elden said, his tone even. I watched as Ruvaen's eyebrows raised slightly in surprise, but he turned to me and bowed deeply.

"It would be my honor to accompany you, my lady."

Elden nodded and turned, bowing his head towards me before heading off to the first carriage. I watched as he effortlessly stepped inside, disappearing from view. Ruvaen opened the door to our carriage and offered his hand for me to take as I took a fairly wide step up into it. As I sat down on the plush, soft, baby blue cushioned seats, I noticed that inside of the carriage matched the outside, clean and white, beautiful and intricate in design. Ruvaen climbed inside, his large frame filling up the space, yet if felt as if the carriage widened at the same time. I would have to learn to accept that magic was now all around me, and things may not be as what they seem. That was especially true when I felt the carriage jolt into motion. I leaned my head out of the open window, watching as the carriage rolled on its own, nothing pulling or pushing it.

Ruvaen chuckled as he looked at my bewilderend expression. I turned back to look at him with an embarressed smile, noting that he was the only one, besides Elden, who dared laugh at me for any of my behavior that would be deemed strange to them. His demeanor and his body language were far more relaxed than the others as well, instantly putting me at ease.

"As with all things, the carriage moves with magic."

"You don't have domesticated animals?"

"No, not really. The Elves have long figured out how to manipulate the magic around them that animals have not been needed for a millennium. They do exist here, and many kingdoms and races and species use them, just not us."

"I'm glad you're willing to answer my questions. The other guy only gave me the occasional grunt." Ruvaen laughed out loud for this.

"My apologies, my lady. Warriors are not the most eloquent of my people. We are taught mostly to fight and to protect. I, on the other hand, love a good conversation. But, you will soon learn that most of us do not talk much, and when we do, it is mostly a calculated, appropriate response."

"Is it because of rules and tradition?" I asked, leaning in, wanting to understand it better.

"Yes and no," Ruvaen answered, though it felt like he was thinking about how much he wanted to reveal to me. "While traditions and customs dictate how one should speak to those who are older, younger, or of equal status to you, what you say is heavily regulated, not by rules and law but from past experiences. We are careful in what we say and how we say it because saying the wrong thing or saying something out of emotion can get you sanctioned and exiled. Even certain actions can get you the same punishment."

"Well, that seems awfully harsh for speaking your mind. How do people express their concerns about the kingdom if they aren't allowed to?"

"Oh, people express concerns, but mostly in private and under hushed tones. On the outside, no one complains because we have built the perfect society, where no one has a want for anything. We have established ourselves in a way that is far superior to the others in the Vale." I processed his words. Even as easy-going as Ruvaen was for an Elf, he, like the others, held the very same belief of superiority in his people.

"Ruvaen, do you think they will like me then?"

"To be frank, my lady, they will not, but no one would dare show it to your face. You are our king's fated mate, and that is respected. He has a lot on his shoulders, upholding those traditions and being the model example to his people. That is why you must try to be liked, follow our rules exactly. The more you try, the better you will be liked. Even if I don't wholly approve of all of our customs, it is simply easier to go along, then go against." Although I was thankful for his honesty, I couldn't help but be stung by his words, the nervousness returning to the hollow pit of my stomach. Ruvaen noticed the change in my demeanor, shifting in his seat and gesturing for me to look outside.

I followed his hand, looking out at the window as the trees faltered off, revealing vast, rolling hills, covered in a rainbow of wildflowers. I scooted up to the window peering out, forgetting his words, and took in the scene breezing past me. I inhaled the air, intoxicated by the sweet smell. I tried to see if any of the flowers were like the ones back home, but since the carriage rolled on by pretty quickly, I wasn't able to make out much, besides that the flowers were growing in the most wildest shapes, with some of them having petals numbering in the the hundreds. I kept my gaze outside as the hills turned into a quaint little village, human-like people milling about. We passed a small street market where a few vendors were hawking their goods to passerbyers. It was as if I had been transported to a magical past.

The village turned back into rolling hills, then back to patches of wooded areas. I swear I thought I saw centaurs in the distance, but I was afraid to confirm it with Ruvaen, in fear that I might say something silly. There surely would be a library that housed some sort of book that explained all the creatures of this land.

The road twisted and turned, scenery flashing by me so fast that I couldn't possibly keep up. All I knew was that everything my eyes laid upon was beautiful beyond description, as if a page from my childhood fairytale books had come alive. I had to pinch myself often, not entirely sure that this whole thing wasn't some elaborate, long-winded dream.

"We have arrived at our kingdom, my lady." Ruvaen spoke, prompting me to glance outside of the window once more.

The carriages came to a slow stop, and when I peeked out, I saw that we had arrived at some gates that were being swung open. The white-gold metal work, complex and intricate, glimmered in the sunlight. The carriages began moving once more, passing a few posted guards at the gate. As soon as my carriage passed through, I noticed how the entire environment changed drastically, as if entering another world within a world. The trees here had white bark, with leaves that shimmered green and gold, colors shifting in the light breeze. Although we were passing through what seemed like a forest, it was far more tamed and manicured than what we had passed by before. It was missing that wild magic I had felt coursing through my veins, instead replaced with a soft humming that barely grazed against my skin. Trees were soon replaced by beautiful, white stone houses and buildings, organically shaped and sculpted. Many Elven people were strolling about, pausing their business as they noticed the carriages roll by.

The houses slowly got bigger and bigger as we reached what I assumed was the center of the land, surrounded by large groups of people, all elegant in their ethereal clothing and careful movements. Ruvaen motioned for me to look ahead of the carriage, and when I did, I was struck with the most impressive view of the largest structure yet.

"Is that the castle?" I asked hesitantly.

"Indeed, welcome to your new home."

The castle was a massive structure in height, towering above all other buildings by a mile. It was built using the same white stone as the others, but it glimmered and shined like no other. The architecture itself reminded me of a Gothic cathedral, with its towering spirals, beautiful icy blue windows, and delicate details, all lovingly and carefully sculpted into the walls. It stood stoic and cold, both impressing and humbling its onlookers.

All the carriages rolled to a final stop. I watched as Elden stepped out, greeted by his subjects. Even though all the Elves, to me at least, carried themselves like nobility, there was no mistaking that his aura and the way he carried himself set him apart from his people by a long shot. It made me feel proud for him, my heart swelling, yet at the same time apprehensive that I would be able to carry myself as queen as well as he handled being a king.

Ruvaen stepped out of the carriage first, helping me out as well. I felt immediately self-conscious as hundreds of eyes fixed themselves upon me. I suddenly wished I was wearing something far more nice than just jeans and a T-shirt. I was ushered along and behind Elden, Ruvaen walking behind me, as I became flanked by Thallan and Lucius. We entered inside the magnificent castle as a group.

Once again, I was awestruck from the architecture. The ceilings were unbelievably high, intersected by stone beams that criss-crossed each other. Pillars as stout as tree trunks ran along the entire length of this part of the castle. The floor was polished white marble, with gold that was flecked throughout. A few people milled about in this area, perhaps nobility or workers in the castle. They all hushed their conversations to watch me pass them. I tried to acknowledge one group but was met with a disapproving tsk from Lucien. Not wanting to create a bad first impression, I followed along silently, focusing on keeping up with everyone until we reached the end of the vast hallway. Two guards pulled open an imposing dark wooded, carved door, revealing another room.

This one was smaller than the hallway and circular in structure, the ceiling just as impossibly high. As I looked up, I noticed that the entire ceiling here was made up of glass, allowing a copius amount of sunlight to filter through. Since the sun was setting, a soft golden glow washed over the white stone. As I looked back down, at the far end of the room stood an imposing throne, made of a soft gold that looked like a bunch of tree branches had intertwined to create a seat fit for a King. The floor here was also marble, but a large depiction of what looked like a map had been carved and painted, covering almost the entire floor. I had no time to even get a better look at it, as we had turned to the left, heading towards another set of large doors. This part was a bit more modest, the ceilings not so high. There were many passage ways and doors down this hall.

Here, the group stopped and split off. Elden, Lucien, and Ruvaen headed off in one direction, leaving me behind with Thallan. He turned and bowed his head towards me.

"I am afraid I have not been officially introduced to you, my Lady. I am Thallan Glynren, Councilman and Master of Lore. Allow me to escort you to your temporary lodgings." He began walking, and I followed, comforted by his warm introduction. He reminded me of a grandfather, despite looking as if he was only around 40 years of age. He had long golden hair, and a few braids decorated his visage. His robes were deep green, accented by small silver details around the hems. A sliver, metal tree branch-like brooch adorned his chest on the left, perhaps an indication of his status as a council member.

He led me through a few doors and halls until we reached a door that was slightly taller than the others we had passed by. Before opening the door, he paused and turned to me with a smile.

"I know that adjusting to our world and ways will be an arduous task for you. But I am excited that you are here and that our King has found his fated mate at last. Please know that I am a friend here at court. Do not be afraid to reach out to me for help in any shape or form. I am always at your beck and call, my lady. Please have a good rest and refresh after our travels. Two maids have been assigned to you, and they are waiting inside." With that, Thallan bowed deeply and left me alone with the door.

I timidly turned the handle and pushed it wide open. As Thallan said, two petite Elven girls were waiting in the middle of the room.

"Welcome home, our lady!" Both of them said simultaneously. Before I could squeak out a response, or even take in the details of my room, I was promptly whisked away into the washroom, the sun fully setting below the horizon, ending the day and washing the Vale in soft twilight.