It began with a glance—sharp, assessing, not unkind, but unmistakably territorial.
The woman's name was Aven. A seasoned huntress, tall and lithe, with storm-colored eyes and skin bronzed by seasons of wind and sun. Her gait held confidence; her voice—when she finally used it—cut clean like a carved blade.
Charlisa first saw her returning with a group of hunters, dragging a wild boar on a woven sled. The villagers cheered her strength. But when her eyes met Kael's… something flickered. Unspoken. Old.
Kael shifted beside Charlisa, his jaw tight.
Later, under the shade of the shared eating tent, Aven approached, offering dried jerky to the couple.
Charlisa accepted with a polite smile.
Aven tilted her head. "Didn't expect you to still be here."
Kael bristled. "Aven—"
Charlisa touched his arm gently, and turned to the huntress. "You've known Kael a long time?"
Aven gave a short nod. "We trained together. Hunted the Serpent Ridge. He once swore he'd be my first bond."
Kael's eyes darkened. "That was before—"
"I'm not accusing," Aven interrupted. "Just... surprised. Outsiders don't usually stay. Let alone belong."
A few curious villagers nearby turned subtly, sensing the tension rising like summer heat.
Charlisa inhaled, drawing on Nima's words. She stepped closer, voice calm but firm.
"I understand how it must feel," she said. "You've built your life here. You've earned your place with sweat and grit. I admire that."
Aven blinked, uncertain.
Charlisa continued, "But I haven't tried to take anything from you. Kael chose this bond freely. I would never disrespect that freedom, not in him, and not in you."
A tense silence stretched.
Then Charlisa added softly, "You can dislike me, Aven. I'll understand. But if you want to speak with me—really speak—I'll always listen. That's how peace lives in a place like this."
A flicker of emotion passed through the huntress's eyes—something between pain and reluctant respect.
"I… didn't come to fight," Aven muttered finally. "Just needed to see."
She turned and walked away, leaving a subtle hush in her wake.
Kael let out a long breath. "You didn't have to be that graceful."
Charlisa smiled gently. "Didn't I? That was our peace to hold."
He kissed the side of her head. "You're stronger than most warriors I know."
That night, while the moon hung low and golden, they sat hand-in-hand near the lavender grove. No storms, no voices raised. Just the quiet strength of two people who chose each other—and a woman who, despite the shadows of doubt, had learned to walk forward without flinching.