True Love Lost Forever: A Dark Tale of Fantasy

  Chapter Three

  Covenant Fulfilled

  Kelvyn died shortly after Logan turned eighteen. Unable to afford a decent funeral, Logan cremated his father and spread the ashes into the local river. No one came and mourned Kelvyn's passing, he had pushed everyone away. Logan never felt so alone, but he still remembered Aideen. He couldn't think of anything but the coming equinox. An equinox where a blood moon will rise, and the veil between light and dark will be removed. And maybe- Logan hoped, Aideen will remember too.

  The day of the equinox, Logan finally arriving at Natash. He remembered being tired and dishevelled when he walked into the small village. Garlands of flowers were arranged in special locations throughout the town and stacks of wood were prepared for the fires that would be lit that night. People were every where, getting ready for the celebration. He saw a few people he recognized and he hoped someone would recognize him.

  Then, as if from a dream, he heard a soft, familiar voice call his name. And then again, even closer. Logan looked to where the voice was coming from and saw her. No longer the little girl the young boy dreamed about, but Aideen was now a woman. He froze, not knowing what to do, the little boy still had control. She stopped a pace away. Looking down at her, Logan couldn't believe his reality. Aideen reached up and ran her fingers through his thin, straggly beard. Pulling him towards her, she put her arms around his neck and held him tight. Hesitantly, he enveloped her as well. It took a moment for all his fears to wash away and he lifted her, drawing her into himself, as their energies became entangled. He never wanted to let her go again. They spent long into the night talking under the full blood moon. Only reluctantly did they part early the next morning to prepare for the wedding they had waited their whole lives for.

  When the sun was at its peak, Logan waited for Aideen. The rush of the river, close by matched the thoughts in his head. The families were gathered and waited in anticipation. Logan had shaved and was dressed in a white tunic that came to his shines, showing his bare feet. Fine patterns of red embroidery were stitched down the seams and on the wide, cuffs of the long sleeves. The exquisite stitching continued onto a black belt that hung around his waist. In his right hand, he held a staff that was enhanced with an entwining snake carved around the length. Logan remembered feeling like a new man. Finally, he would be with Aideen forever.

  Logan watched Aideen approach from the trail that led from the village, the sight of her made his knee's weak. Her long curly, black hair was tied back with a string of white flowers, enhancing her fine cheeks and chin. Her delicate nose was just as lovely as her elegant ears. She was wearing a flowing, white dress that reached her ankles and her feet were also bare. A black vest with red, embroidery, hugged her waist and chest. The crystal pendant she had made years before, hung around her neck, catching the sun. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and he couldn't believe he was destined to be with her. Teague, guiding her right arm, was dressed in his finest robe, looking very proud. Teague passed Aideen's hand to Logan and he gladly took it in his left. Her green, eyes looked into his and they shined with joy.

  Logan and Aideen turned in unison to face the village druid. He also wore a long, white robe, with a plain, black sash around his waist. His long smoky, grey hair reached down his back and his course beard came to his chest. Vibrant blue eyes had a look of perpetual contentment in them, as he smiled at the young couple. Logan gripped the staff tightly in his left hand and Aideen gripped on top of his. Taking a rope that had a red, silk ribbon woven into the braid, the Holy Man wrapped it around their hands, binding them to the staff.

  “We ask the Maker of the Sky, of the Earth, of the Water- to encircle this couple. May the gods surround them with their love. To protect them today and every day, as they stand together in holy unity,” the Druid's deep, clear voice reverberated through the trees.

  Logan and Aideen took the staff and began to carve a circle into the soft, green moss around them. In unison they chanted, “The Mighty Three, our protection be, encircle us. You are around our life, our love, our home. Encircle us, O Sacred Three. The Mighty Three.”

  Once they had finished creating the bond between them, the Oracle continued. “These, who were once two, have now become one. So- in front of the gods and these witnesses- you may kiss each other.” Logan and Aideen responded passionately.

  “What the gods have brought together, let no man separate.” The Priest finished.

  Logan and Aideen turned together, still tied to the staff, towards their families. The relatives began to ring bells- warding off any spirit that might, now and in the future, bring them evil. Others threw little stones with blessings on them into the river. Logan remembered thinking that life was now perfect, and they would grow old together. His dreams had come true. The passion they shared that night, it seemed, would last forever.

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