The sky was blue that day. There was no blood, no destruction—just a quiet city, unaware that the entire world was about to change.
Elandor was not yet a hero. He was not a legendary warrior, nor a protector of the people.
He was just a man.
A man who believed the world could be saved.
Varenoth was not yet a tyrant. He was not a feared ruler, nor a nightmare in the minds of men.
He was just a man.
A man who believed the world did not deserve salvation.
This was the day when the story truly began.
...
The afternoon sunlight spills in golden streaks between the towering buildings, casting long shadows across the lively marketplace. Merchants call out their offers, customers bargain, children run through the streets laughing–life moves forward without interruption.
Elandor and Varenoth sit at the edge of the square on a low stone wall, watching the crowd. They are young, filled with curiosity and ideas about the world.
"It's always the same scene," Varenoth remarks, folding his arms. "The merchants shout, the people argue over prices, the children cause trouble, and then everyone goes home as if nothing happened."
Elandor smiles. "Maybe that's the beauty of it. It's always the same, yet each day is a little different."
Varenoth watches the people carefully. "Would that ever be enough for you? If every day was just like this?"
Elandor shrugs. "I don't know. Maybe. Maybe not. For now, it's all there is."
The sounds of the marketplace echo around them, and neither of them feel like anything extraordinary is happening. It's just another day in a world that still seems simple.
Elandor tears off a small piece of bread and tosses it to the pigeons, watching as they quickly scramble for it. He observes the way they jostle and compete, each trying to take the largest share.
"They're just like people," he muses aloud.
Varenoth glances at him before smirking. "Why? Because they fight over the smallest things?"
Elandor nods. "Exactly. No one thinks about whether there's enough for everyone, only whether they themselves will get what they need."
Varenoth leans back, resting his arms over his knees. "Maybe that's just how things work. And maybe there's nothing wrong with that."
Elandor doesn't respond right away. He continues watching the birds.
Varenoth tilts his head thoughtfully. "Do you really think people are just like pigeons?"
Elandor shrugs. "Maybe. Or maybe it only seems that way right now."
"I have to work in my father's workshop tomorrow," Elandor says quietly, tearing off another piece of bread. "He thinks it's time I start taking things more seriously."
Varenoth glances at him with a faint smile. "Maybe he's right. We can't just sit here forever, watching people go about their lives."
Elandor grins. "Why not? That could be a life's goal–to sit here every day and observe the world."
Varenoth chuckles. "A life goal of doing nothing?"
Elandor shrugs. "Maybe. The world seems to manage just fine without me, doesn't it?"
Varenoth tosses a small pebble onto the ground and thinks for a moment. "But is that really what you want? To just let the world move forward without you?"
Elandor doesn't answer immediately, just watching the movement of the people around them. Merchants haggle loudly, children laugh as they chase one another, and life carries on as it always does.
For a moment, it feels like everything is exactly as it should be.
Elandor places the last piece of bread down before standing up, stretching slightly.
"Time to go."
Varenoth tilts his head back to look at him. "Already?"
"Your sister's wedding won't wait."
Varenoth pulls a face but eventually gets up as well. "You're right. If we're late, my mother will never forgive me."
As they walk, the noise of the market fades behind them. The streets are alive with preparations–flowers are being arranged into bouquets, tables are set, and someone carries a large tray of pastries toward the main square.
Elandor glances at Varenoth. "Have you spoken to her today?"
"My sister?"
"Yeah."
Varenoth shrugs. "Just briefly. She's nervous, but she's trying not to show it."
Elandor smiles. "So today, for once, you're not the center of attention in your family."
Varenoth laughs. "And I'm actually enjoying it."
As they continue, the air is thick with celebration–a day everyone is looking forward to.
The streets grow busier as the afternoon slowly shifts into evening. People gather in front of houses, the air carrying the scent of fresh flowers and roasted meats. The excitement of celebration is palpable.
Elandor and Varenoth arrive at Varenoth's family home, where preparations are already in full swing. Varenoth's mother carries a large basket of fresh bread inside, while his sister, Lissara, stands in front of a mirror, adjusting her dress.
"Don't tell her she looks nervous," Varenoth whispers to Elandor before they step inside.
Elandor grins. "So I shouldn't say she looks like someone who's thought three times about running away?"
Varenoth shoots him a sharp look before entering.
Lissara turns when she sees them, letting out a relieved sigh.
"Finally, you're here. Help me tie this ribbon–I can't seem to get it right."
Elandor and Varenoth step closer, working together to fix the decorative ribbon on her gown. The house grows livelier as more relatives arrive, children run through the halls, and the hum of excited conversation fills the air.
As they work, Lissara speaks softly.
"You two… do you ever imagine a day when you'll be preparing for something like this?"
Varenoth laughs. "Not me. But Elandor will probably dream about it like it's already written in his destiny."
Elandor tugs the ribbon a little tighter. "If I'm as nervous as you, I won't even try."
Lissara chuckles, but the tension still lingers in her eyes.
The evening approaches, and soon, the real celebration will begin.
Elandor adjusts the sleeves of his shirt, still getting used to the unfamiliar elegance. He rarely wears anything this refined, and although the deep burgundy color suits him, the embroidered cuffs feel a little too formal.
"I can't decide if this is too much or just enough."
Varenoth fastens the buttons of his shirt halfway, then briefly examines himself in the mirror. The dark blue fabric brings out the depth of his brown eyes, but he's less concerned with the appearance–he just wants to be comfortable.
"The only real question is whether my mother will approve."
Elandor snorts. "In that case, we might as well swap outfits, because I'm sure she'll have something to say about mine too."
Varenoth smirks and finally buckles a simple belt around his waist.
"The important thing is that Lissara doesn't start panicking."
Elandor runs his fingers through his hair, trying to tame the stray locks that always seem to escape, no matter what he does.
"You're her brother–it's your job to keep her calm."
Varenoth considers this for a moment, then shrugs.
"Maybe. But honestly, I think a glass of wine will do it faster than I will."
Elandor chuckles, clapping his friend on the back.
"Come on, let's go before someone else needs our help too."
The sun slowly disappears beyond the horizon, leaving streaks of orange and pink across the sky. The guests have all gathered, the square filled with excited murmurs, quiet laughter, and the delicate sounds of musicians tuning their instruments.
Lissara stands at the altar, hands trembling slightly, but her face is alight with happiness. Her wedding gown drapes elegantly around her, flowers woven into her hair, and with every step, the anticipation in her eyes is undeniable.
Varenoth stands among his family, Elandor right beside him. He glances sideways at his friend for a moment.
"This feels strange."
Elandor smiles. "What does?"
"Getting here so quickly. It feels like she was just a kid yesterday."
Elandor nods. "That's how it is. And soon enough, we might be standing in a ceremony like this too… maybe."
Varenoth makes a face, but before he can answer, the ceremony begins.
The officiant's words are simple yet profound. People listen in silence, some suppressing smiles, others blinking away a tear as the couple finally makes their vows to one another.
When the ceremony ends, cheers erupt–applause and joyous exclamations fill the air as the newlyweds step forward, hands entwined, ready to begin their life together.
The music swells, the celebration begins, and the night fills with life.