Several minutes had already passed. Velt remained seated, with Rurhy asleep against his chest, silently observing the other elves.

  “Hey,” a nearby voice said.

  “Yes, Ky,” Velt replied without turning.

  Ky smiled.

  “Don’t tell me you already recognize my voice.”

  “I’m starting to distinguish everyone’s voices. I suppose I can identify you that way now,” Velt answered naturally.

  “That’s good,” Ky said as he sat beside him, holding a small dark elf girl in his arms.

  “So this is Karshen, right?” Velt asked, looking at the child.

  “Yes. My little sister,” Ky nodded.

  “Hello, it’s a pleasure,” Velt greeted kindly.

  The little girl clung even tighter to Ky’s chest, hiding her face. Ky gently stroked her back.

  “It’s okay. He’s a friend.”

  Karshen cautiously lifted her gaze and observed Velt for a few seconds.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Karshen. I’m Velt,” he said with a calm smile. “You have a very beautiful name.”

  The girl hesitated, then nodded. A moment later, a shy smile appeared on her face.

  “Well, I’ll take her to eat something,” Ky said as he stood up. “By the way, Rychbi is back. He said he wanted to see you.”

  Velt was about to stand when Rurhy began to move.

  “Good morning, sleepyhead,” he said softly.

  It took Rurhy a few seconds to process where she was. Then, without a word, she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Good morning, Velt…” she murmured, still half-asleep.

  Velt laughed.

  “I have to talk to your father now. Go eat something, alright?”

  He gently caressed her cheek, and Rurhy nodded before walking off in search of food. Velt, meanwhile, went to find Rychbi.

  As he walked between the huts, he observed the elves celebrating. Some laughed, others cleaned up the remains of the battle, removing the bodies of the orcs. The air was filled with exhaustion, but also relief.

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  He finally spotted Rychbi talking with another elf. When he noticed Velt, he approached enthusiastically.

  “Ah, perfect! Just the one I wanted to see,” he exclaimed, wrapping Velt in a strong hug.

  “W-wait… what’s happening?” Velt asked, crushed.

  “We’re free!” Rychbi replied, laughing as he squeezed him even tighter.

  “Rychbi, my bones… my bones!” Velt protested, kicking his legs.

  “Oh, right… sorry,” he said, letting go. “There’s something I want to talk to you about. In private.”

  They began walking together.

  “What is it about?” Velt asked.

  Rychbi looked around, watching the happy elves. When they were far enough away, he stopped and stared at him seriously.

  “Tell me, Velt… would you like to become part of the village?”

  “Eh… what?” Velt took a second to react.

  “Not just me. The entire village wants you to be one of us,” Rychbi continued. “I’ve already spoken with everyone. I didn’t ask Rurhy because I already know her answer. Only you were missing.”

  Velt fell silent. He looked around, his eyes settling on Rurhy, who was eating alongside Karshen. Then he looked back at Rychbi.

  “I think… I’d like that. If you’ll allow me,” he replied with a sincere smile.

  “That’s fantastic!” Rychbi exclaimed. “We’ll announce it tonight.”

  “Tonight? Then… are we returning to the village already?” Velt asked.

  Rychbi smiled.

  “We never left. This has always been our home. The orcs drove us out, but now we’ve returned… thanks to you.”

  “I see,” Velt said. “But I need a little time before the announcement. There’s something I need to do first.”

  “And what would that be?” Rychbi asked, curious.

  Velt smiled.

  “Ask Rurhy to marry me. Properly.”

  Rychbi burst out laughing.

  “That’s excellent. If it helps, in our old treasury there are rings. Choose wisely, Velt. My daughter deserves a beautiful one.”

  He pointed to a particular hut.

  “Thank you,” Velt replied before heading there.

  From the outside it looked like an ordinary hut, but when he entered, an intense golden glow blinded him for a few seconds. When his vision adjusted, he was left speechless: mountains of jewels, gold coins, and gleaming weapons stretched out before him.

  “Wonderful…” he murmured.

  After discarding several rings for being too simple, he found one with a delicate pink gemstone. The color immediately reminded him of Rurhy’s hair.

  “This is the one,” he said with a smile.

  As he stepped outside, he searched for Rurhy with his eyes… until something blocked his view.

  “Looking for something?” a playful voice said.

  “Yes. You,” Velt replied as he turned around.

  “And what do you need me for?” she asked.

  “For this,” he said, showing the ring.

  Rurhy’s eyes widened.

  “Wait… I need to do this properly.”

  Velt knelt in front of her.

  “Rurhy, would you marry me?”

  He offered her the ring. Rurhy froze for a few seconds… then threw herself at him.

  “Yes! Of course I will!” she replied through tears, hugging him tightly.

  Nearby elves began to applaud. Without hesitation, Rurhy kissed Velt in front of everyone, without the slightest embarrassment. As they kissed, he slid the ring onto her ring finger.

  “Well, this was supposed to be announced tonight, but since we’re already celebrating…” Rychbi raised his voice. “I want to inform everyone that Velt has accepted becoming part of the village.”

  For a second, there was silence. Then the elves erupted into applause and cheers.

  “Congratulations,” Rurhy said, kissing him even more passionately. “I love you.”

  “I love you too,” Velt replied, returning the kiss.

  “Alright!” Rychbi exclaimed with a wide smile. “Prepare everything for tonight! We must celebrate properly!”

  The entire village sprang into motion. Some ran between the huts, others laughed while organizing tables, bonfires, and barrels. The atmosphere filled with energy and anticipation.

  Velt leaned toward Rurhy and whispered:

  “Do you think they’re happy for us… or do they just want to drink?”

  Rurhy laughed softly.

  “I think it’s both.”