As time passed, Nate, now sixteen, prepared to leave for Aetherium Academy in Eldoria, the capital city. His parents had saved for years, hoping to give both him and his older brother, Kristoff, a chance at a better future. Despite Nate's protests, arguing that a simple life as a village guard like his father would be enough, his parents were adamant. They wanted more for their sons.
Perched high in his favorite tree overlooking the village, Nate took in the familiar sight of his home one last time. The small cottages nestled between fields and forests were all he had ever known. A soft sigh escaped him as he considered the distance that would soon separate him from everything and everyone he loved. The weight of his dual memories – his current life and the one before – made the impending change feel even more significant.
Just as Nate was beginning to lose himself in thought, a familiar voice cut through the stillness. "Nate!" Sam's voice carried with it a sense of urgency, tinged with a hint of exasperation he knew all too well.
He tried to hide in the tree, his fae-enhanced agility allowing him to shift silently among the branches. But a chunk of earth shot through the air and struck the branch near him, knocking him off balance. With a loud thud, he hit the ground, groaning in pain. Sam stood over him, a smirk playing on her lips, her hands still glowing faintly with earth magic.
"You need to get ready for our engagement ceremony," she said firmly, folding her arms across her chest. "You can't keep hiding forever."
Nate grunted as he stood, brushing the dirt from his clothes. "Engagement, right. Still feels weird, doesn't it?" he said, his voice a mix of amusement and uncertainty.
Sam's smirk faded for a moment, her hazel eyes softening. "I know it seems sudden. But... I don't want to lose you. Not to some noble girl in Eldoria or someone you meet at the academy." Her voice wavered slightly, betraying the emotions she usually kept in check.
Nate studied her face, his enhanced perception catching every nuance of her expression. Sam, his childhood friend, the girl who had been by his side through thick and thin, was now standing before him with an expression he hadn't seen before—vulnerability. He realized, in that moment, that while this engagement felt rushed to him, to Sam, it was a way to ensure they stayed connected, even as their paths diverged.
"You don't have to worry," Nate reassured her, placing a hand on her shoulder. A faint tingle of magic passed between them, a reminder of their growing bond. "No one's going to take me away. We've been through too much together for that."
Sam blushed slightly, her usual bravado faltering. "I know. But I've heard the stories, Nate. At the academy, there will be plenty of girls—nobles, even—and you... well, you're not exactly the same village boy anymore." Her eyes traced the sharp lines of his face, the ethereal glow that seemed to emanate from him, a testament to his fae heritage.
Nate chuckled softly, a hint of his past life's wisdom coloring his words. "I don't care about noble girls or status, Sam. You've always been the one I've cared about."
Her smile returned, this time more genuine. "Then you'd better show up on time, or I'll start reconsidering that."
Nate grinned, watching as Sam turned and walked back toward the village. The conversation left him feeling a mix of emotions—relief that she cared for him so deeply, but also a nagging sense of responsibility. The customs of this world were different from what he remembered in his past life, and the idea of marriage, even an engagement at sixteen, still felt strange. Yet, he couldn't deny the bond he had with Sam, and the way his heart felt lighter when she was around.
Later, after cleaning up and preparing for the ceremony, Nate found himself standing before the small village temple. He wore his best clothes—brown leather trousers and a crisp white shirt—and had tied back his shoulder-length black hair, his pointed fae ears on full display. His sharp jawline and emerald eyes gave him a regal look, and as he glanced at his reflection in a conjured illusion mirror, he couldn't help but notice how much he had grown in the past few years. The blessing of the Goddess of Beauty was evident in every line of his face, every graceful movement.
As the village gathered, the elder Freda, dressed in traditional white robes, stood at the altar. Nate's heart pounded in his chest as Sam appeared, walking arm-in-arm with her father, Chief Braxton. She wore a beautiful white dress with green embroidery, her hair adorned with flowers and a crown of leaves. Her usual playfulness was replaced by a soft, almost ethereal grace that took Nate's breath away.
The ceremony began, with Freda binding their arms with a golden chain. As she did, Nate felt a surge of energy, as if the very magic of the world was acknowledging their bond. "By the sacred binding of this golden chain, forged with the blessings of the gods, I declare the engagement of Nathaniel Cromwell and Samantha Fields. May this bond symbolize the beginning of a union that will grow stronger with time."
As Freda finished speaking, she smiled at them both. "You may seal your engagement with a kiss."
Nate leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Sam's lips. As he did, a familiar blue screen appeared before him, causing him to pause briefly:
[System Notification: Skill "Lover's Embrace" has now been partially unlocked.]
His mind raced as more details appeared:
[Lover's Embrace]
Description: Allows the host to gain a skill or affinity from partners acknowledged by the gods.
Partners:
1st Wife: Samantha Fields (Partial) — Skill: Nature's Harmony (Rare)
1st Part: Briefly project a calming aura.
2nd Part: Locked until union is consummated.
Nate blinked, trying to process what this meant. He had wondered about this skill before, and now the gods had made it abundantly clear that his path would be... complicated. He couldn't help but smile at the absurdity of it all—gaining skills from partners, and already being recognized by the gods for his engagement to Sam. Dismissing the prompt for now, he returned his attention to her.
Sam smiled, clearly unaware of the internal chaos caused by the system prompt. Together, they walked toward their families, who were waiting to congratulate them. Chief Braxton, while still somewhat hesitant about the engagement, softened when he saw how happy his daughter was.
Later that evening, Nate and Sam found themselves sitting by the lake, watching the moonlight reflect off the water. The air was cool, and their fingers intertwined as they sat in silence. Nate could feel the new connection between them, a faint magical thread that seemed to pulse with each beat of their hearts.
Sam broke the quiet, her voice soft. "My father has two wives, you know."
Nate glanced at her, a bit surprised by the sudden comment. He knew about Chief Braxton's second wife, but she rarely came to the village, as she was a seer who preferred to keep to herself.
"She once told me that there are many paths in life," Sam continued, her eyes focused on the shimmering water. "But only one leads to true happiness. She said that the man on this path would attract many... flies." She chuckled softly. "If I chose to follow him, I'd need to secure my place early."
Nate frowned slightly, his past life's experiences clashing with this world's customs. "I don't have wealth or power for more wives, Sam. I'm not even sure I'm worthy of you."
Sam smiled at him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You may not have it now, but you will. I can see it, Nate. And when the time comes, I'll accept that you might have other... interests. But as your first wife, I'll always have the final say."
Nate laughed softly, feeling a mix of amusement and admiration for her boldness. "Even if I had a hundred wives, you'd always be the first woman I gave my heart to."
Sam blushed deeply, her face turning a deep shade of red. "Good," she whispered, leaning in closer. "Because I'm not letting you go that easily."