[b]The Evertree, Part I – A D2 Short Story[/b] [spoiler]I needed a a break from my super serious Hive Guardian stories. Enjoy the awkwardness and irresponsible uses of Light!! Props to ShadowHeartMC for the inspiration to write from these perspectives.[/spoiler] [i]Rys[/i] “Class dismissed.” Those two words make my heart soar without fail. Faster than a normal Warlock could blink, I pack my books in my bag and race out the doors, colliding with Joseph, one of my best friends. Who also happened to be a Titan. “Easy there, Rys!” he exclaims. “Where are you off to?” I grin. “The Evertree,” I reply quietly. “NO!” “Yup.” “Then…you're gonna do the thing? With who? Details, man, details!” I hold up my hands, trying to calm him down. “Easy, dude. I’m meeting Tetra there. I asked her to meet me there yesterday.” “Duuuude. I knew there was something there that wasn’t there before.” When I raise an eyebrow, he replies, “my fam's still been watching those old movies. That one was said by a posh teapot. Very shnazy.” “Right…well, I have to get going. Tetra would kill me if I was late.” “Bro, she would kill you several times.” He slaps my shoulder and moves toward the exit. “BREAK A LEG!” My Ghost Damian appears at my side and looks at me curiously. “I still don’t understand how this friendship works.” “Me either, buddy. C'mon, Tetra's waiting.” - - [i]Tetra[/i] “He's late.” “A Warlock is never late,” I reply, trying to conceal my anxiety. “He'll arrive precisely when he intends to.” “Whatever,” my Ghost Trinity answers with a bored groan. “He's still not here. This is taking FOREEEEVVER.” “Patience.” “I can tell you want to kill him.” I nod, and instead of speaking Ikick a nearby, unsuspecting squirrel into the next sector. “Kicking squirrels helps.” “Oh, there he is!” Trinity exclaims excitedly. “I'll distract his Ghost.” “Uh…why?” She rolls her eyes. “Because amour waits for one, sista. LAATTEEERR!” I look down the hill and smooth my cloak absently. Indeed, I see Rys walking up the hill, and when he meets my eyes my heart flutters. His brown hair flailed in the wind; but not so much so that it distracted from his glorious hazel eyes. My skin feels warmer than normal. [i]Traveler, he’s hot[/i]. I barely see Trinity float away with Damian out of the corner of my eye. I do, however, hear her voice in my head saying, “Knock him dead, sister girl.” Rys nods as he approaches. “Hey.” “Hey.” My voice is squeaky, and I clear my throat and try again. “Hey.” Not much better. “I assume you already know why I called you here…” I cough again and nod. “To take part in a sacred ritual between a male and female Guardian binding them for life under the Light of the Traveler.” He blinks. “You did your homework.” “More of a Warlock thing to do homework, but yes.” “It's cute.” My knees feel weak all of a sudden. Great Hammers of Sol. “I never really asked if you wanted to take part in it,” Rys admits, scratching the back of his head and looking at the grass. “So ask now.” He looks up, cheeks red as Mars, and extends his hand with a kind smile. “Tetra Von Haarodrein. Would you do me the honor of binding yourself to me under the Light of the Traveler, above the depths of the Darkness, and within the balance of power?” Without a single blush, weak knee, or trembling lip, I place my hand in his and smile. “It would be my honor.” He smiles back. “I assume you read the ritual, as well?” “Of course.” “Let’s begin, then.” Rys closed his eyes, and extended his free hand towards the giant white tree ahead of us. Light pulses from his hand, a cacophony of colors, swirling around the branches. “I, Rys, heir to the throne of Steel, pledge myself to Tetra Von Haarodrein for all time. Whether separated by space, reality, or being, I swear on my Light to never forsake my love, as the Traveler did the Fallen. By the magic of the Warlock, I promise to uphold my vows to her alone, and no one else besides. This oath I make on the Evertree, Keeper of Word and Deed.” He nodded to me, his eyes still closed. My heart pulses with unbridled joy, and tears flow freely from my eyes. I also extend my free hand, closing my eyes as my own Light shines forth. “And I, Tetra, Blade Maker, pledge myself to Rys Alexander Buern, for all time. Whether in war or peace; strife or prosperity, I swear to never forsake my love, as so many have done before. By the blades of the Hunters, I promise to uphold my vows to him alone, and no one besides. This oath I make on the Evertree, Seal of Truths and Promises.” Our light intertwines, and a symbol is carved onto the ancient tree. A voice rings out across the hills, “These oaths I take, these promises I keep, these words I bear. Traveler be with you.” I open my eyes, and the Light is gone. But our symbol remains on the tree; elegant and beautiful. “You did really well,” Rys tells me quietly. I nod my thanks. “You weren’t too bad yourself.” He suddenly turns around and leads me down the hill. “Where are we going?” He looks back at me, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “Wouldn’t you like to know.” I frown. “Hunters are not known for their ability to handle surprises well.” [i]-Rys and Tetra, Guardians bound[/i] [spoiler]Thoughts??[/spoiler]