Memory Thirteen: Forever and Always
That evening, Light Spinner went back inside, glowing with happiness. Nell knowing her greatest shame – her biggest secret – was a huge weight off her chest. Norwyn sat on the couch, drinking tea. "How did it go, my child? Your mood seems to have improved."
Light Spinner sighed blissfully as she sat on the couch beside him. "He still loves me. He didn't break off the relationship, Norwyn."
The satyr looked surprised; Light Spinner's heart sank. "Well then, child..." he said slowly. "What will you do next?"
Light Spinner inhaled. "I'm going to propose."
Norwyn gave her a kind smile, as if mocking her. "I'd thought you might be a trifle bit more...traditional."
"Oh, hush. I'm the most nontraditional Delvalian in this country." Her heart pounded with anticipation. "I'll get the rings. What should I say?"
Norwyn shrugged. "When I proposed to dear Rosaline, I simply bent down and gave her the ring. But you may wish to try something different."
Light Spinner frowned. "I see." She looked toward the window. "I will take this under advisement."
The satyr had a sad look in his eyes when she gazed back at him. "You're so grown-up, child," he said gently. "Have you thought about a house, once you marry him?"
"We've...been thinking it over," Light Spinner said – this was no lie, for she and Nell had been discussing the possibility of marriage for many months. "There's a quaint little cottage a street away from yours, with roses on the railing. We thought that might be a good start."
"I know the one," Norwyn said with a smile. "I assume you will be able to afford it?"
Light Spinner nodded. "We'll make it work. Oh, Norwyn..." she sighed. "I haven't been this glad in a long time."
"Cherish it," Norwyn said, rising and embracing her. "You're young, my child. Your age is the best time of one's life."
Light Spinner held him back, smiling – for tonight she would propose to Nell. And she had no doubt he would agree.
✧✧✧
Nell met her by the river in the evening next week. Alura had said the meeting was an urgent matter; he was a bit nervous as he met her on the bridge.
She wore a lovely navy-blue dress with white rhinestones, but in her defense, Nell did ignore her suggestion to wear something nice. "What's the occasion?" he asked.
Alura pointed to a lunch-basket beside her. "I thought we might have a picnic," she said. "It's some of the shepherd's pie you taught me how to make. Help yourself."
Nell sat down. They'd had picnics before, but somehow, this one felt more regal. "So," he said as he dished a plate, "how'd Norwyn take it?"
Alura shrugged. "He was glad for me. I wish he was more understanding, but..." she shook her head. "He's always been the type to expect the worst."
Nell nodded. "Figures. Mum's the same way." He studied his bandaged hand again. "She was fawning over this like mad."
Alura paled. "You didn't tell her it was me, did you?"
"No," Nell said. "I said it was a steam burn. Don't worry – I won't let your secret slip. I promise."
Alura looked to the side. She seemed unusually on-edge tonight. Grinning, Nell leaned forward. "Is there something you want to tell me?"
She cracked a smile, cheeks turning pink. "Just eat," she said. "I'll tell you after."
"Ah, come on. You've got me brimming with anticipation."
"You and I both," she said. "It's exciting. Don't worry."
"Exciting how?"
"I dislike repeating myself. Dinner first." Her eyes sparkled. "Do you like the food?"
"It's loads better than mine. Is that...parsley?"
"Yes," she said. "It's an old favorite of my homeland."
Nell smiled. So exotic. So foreign. But so understandable, at the same time. Alura was beautiful, through and through...
She finished her food, and Nell followed suit. Then she stood up, fishing around in her handbag. Nell smiled. "Alright, so what's this news? I'm really curious..."
He trailed off as she pulled out a small velvet box. Inside was a silver ring.
Alura pulled her veil off. "You know everything about me now. All my secrets. All my failures." Her hands shook on the box. "I know it would be difficult. We would have to learn to live on our own. But..." She swallowed. "I want to be your bride. Nell, will you marry me?"
Nell gazed at her perfect white skin, her deep green eyes, the way she looked at him like he was valuable. Not a misfit, not an ugly "half-breed". As a person – someone she wanted in the most intimate way possible.
Nell took the box, trembling with happiness. "I thought you would never ask," he whispered. "Of course, Alura."
He put on the ring. Then Nell lifted her up in his arms and kissed her. Though they shared such love before, this time felt different. Before, there was little guarantee they would stay together, no promise that their love would last.
But this time, hunger wove through their affections. A hunger they shared. They would be happy together. Nell, and his wife. Nell, and a Delvalian – a woman he thought he would never have.
It was the sweetest paradox possible.
❂❂❂
Did you know...
- I drew upon the proposal scene between Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes from Downton Abbey for this chapter. It's one of my favorites in literature.
- I want to normalize the girl making the first move in the dating relationship, and I also like experimenting with how different cultures handle proposals and marriages. It's one of my favorite elements of worldbuilding.
Tell me what you think...
- Should Light Spinner and Nell get married? Why or why not?
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