As Alo stood amongst the aftermath of the battle, the silence of the forest was shattered by the sound of the horn of Lughan. With a sense of urgency coursing through his veins, he knew that time was of the essence. Liv was out there, somewhere in the depths of the forest, waiting for him.
Alo's heart pounded in his chest, a steady rhythm that matched that of his footsteps as he ventured deeper into the forest. The ground beneath his feet was soft with fallen leaves, the air thick with the scent of blood and the stench of the grotto. Around him, the forest seemed to come alive after the battle with the rustle of leaves and the calls of wildlife, but Alo's senses were for but a single purpose, finding Liv.
With each step, he scanned the thick undergrowth, his eyes searching for any sign of movement. The forest seemed to stretch out endlessly before him, its dense canopy casting dark shadows making it harder to see. He called out her name, his voice echoing through the trees like a beacon of hope in the darkness.
Time seemed to blur as Alo moved his way through the forest. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig sent adrenaline through his veins, driving him toward it. He pushed himself to the limits of his endurance, driven by the fierce determination to find Liv and ensure their future
As he began to lose hope Alo caught sight of her, a figure kneeling amongst the scattered bodies of battle. Tears running down her face as she weeps. He runs to her taking her in his arms, holding her tight and kissing her bloodstained cheek. Tears begin slowly falling from his eyes as he whispers, “I was terrified I might lose you.”
In that moment, among the putrid wood of the forest, Alo knew that he had found his true destiny. With Liv by his side, he was unstoppable.
The hell of the hunt behind them, Alo and Liv take eachothers hand and begin the long journey back to town. On this day the many become the few and two shall become one.
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As Alo and Liv approached the village each step made anticipation bubble within them. They were the first couple to return, a tradition upheld by every village in the grotto, and they were now considered married though the official ceremony still awaited them.
As they reached the center of town, Liv's grandfather greeted them with a warm smile. "I knew you two would find each other," he said, his eyes twinkling with pride. "If you like, we can begin the ceremony."
Both Alo and Liv nod. Merwan cleared his throat, his voice carrying weight as he spoke. "Alo, if you would please remove the tie from Liv's hair."
With gentle hands, Alo untied the ribbon that held Liv's vibrant red hair in place. As her hair falls down, it seemed to dance in the sunlight, a flowing beauty the color reminiscent of the blood-red waters of the grotto. "Liv, if you would please remove Alo's tie," the elder continued.
Liv reached up, her fingers gently untying the knot that held Alo's black hair in place.
"Now, please take a section of each other's hair in your right hand," Merwan instructed, his voice soft but firm.
Liv reached for a strand of Alo's hair, her touch soft beyond compare. Alo trembles slightly as he takes hold of a strand of Liv's hair. Their hands shake with nervousness as they prepare to bind their lives together forever.
"Now, please repeat after me while braiding your hair together," Merwan’s voice said trembling as he sees his granddaughter the happiest she’s ever been.
Alo and Liv nodded in unison, their voices echoing each other. "Forever shall we be united, just as these strands shall forever be tied," they recited, their words as a promise to one another and nobody else. "My love for you shall remain as strong as this knot, on this day two strands become one, just as two lives become one. Till death do us part, I shall be there for you always."
As the last words echoed through the air, the Merwan produces a knife, its blade glowing in the light. With a steady hand, he cuts the connected strand from both of their heads, the final act in sealing their bond. Placing the braid in Alo's hands, he pats his shoulder. "Do well by her, son," he said, his voice filled with pride.
With the ceremony complete, Alo and Liv stand hand in hand, their hearts overflowing. Together, they face the future, bound by a love that is as unbreakable as the braided strands of their hair. And as they turned to face the village that awaited them, they knew that their journey was just beginning a journey filled with adventure, and above all, a love that would endure for eternity.