"I assure you I have never been more sure of anything in my life." Thoril brought himself to his feet, his arms enveloping Callie tenderly. "And you? You're sure?" Thoril asked quietly, almost shyly. He gazed into the pools of her eyes, losing himself just like every other time he looked at her. Yes, he was definately sure.

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"I am. As sure as I can be." she whispered, leaning into him. She couldn't find any more words, her mind spinning with what had just happened.

Thoril tilted her head towards him and kissed her gently. "I am so happy. I have never been this happy." He whispered tenderly.

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"Neither have I!" she exlclaimed, her eyes positively glowing as she pulled back from the kiss to gaze at him. Gods, he was beautiful. She had never known exactly how much she could love until she had met him. And she would give her life any day for this man. She had already given her life to him, and trusted him with it completely. "I love you, Thoril..." she knew she said it often, yet it only seemed to mean more and more each time she had said it. Without him, she would die.

Thoril opened his mouth to speak, but only his mother's voice sounded. "Congratulations!" Frera smiled a knowing smile. "Pot of tea?" She asked. Without hearing an answer she disappeared into the kitchen, shrugging her jacket off as she went. Once inside the kitchen she looked to the photograph of her husband. "There we go," she grinned and walked over to put a pot on to boil.

Thoril exhaled heavily, with a chuckle. "I love you too Callie."

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She gaped again. "Did she...even leave??" she stared, blinking her eyes, instantly going red again. "Dear gods...she's a schemer.." Her voice was awed.

"She means well, really. I am her only child and hasn't had much practice in the art of subtle help and guidance," he rolled his eyes. "I guess we should dress and meet mother for a spot of congratulatory tea." He chuckled faintly. "I do hope she left...and just didn't simply wait outside the door." Thoril grimaced. Knowing his mother, that would be just the thing she would do. Thoril kissed Callie before disappearing into his room to change.

Frera waited patiently in her cosy living room, a smug smile on her face.

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Callie swallowed. "I...she..." she shook her head, astonished. A little sound escaped her as Thoril kissed her. She stood a few moments, blinking. His kisses always seemed to root her to the spot. She backed into her room and looked around for something not as drabby, but not elegant either. She chose a soft burgundy gown, trimmed with white, then left her room and slowly descended the stairs.

Thoril waited patiently for her, with his mother. He wore a navy blue suit with gold trim on the sleeves. He was freshly shaven and his hair, like always, was set into the windswept look. He looked up as Callie arrived, a warm, triumphant smile dawning his lips. He stood and met her at the bottom of the stairs. He held his hand out to her as he leaned in and lightly kissed her cheek. "You are so beautiful." he whispered softly.

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She blushed. "thank you, my love." she surveyed him, and her heart leapt into her throat. " So are you," she said past the big lump that had settled in her vocal cords. She reached up to trace a finger down his cheek gently.

Thoril leaned his head into her hand, gazing at her intently. "What would you like to do today, my sweet? Would you like to swing by the wedding fayre, like my mother suggested? Or perhaps just a relaxing walk through the town?"

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"I wish to do whyever you wish to do." she smiled gently, laying her hand flush against his cheek. "Whatever makes you happy, my heart." her heart had indeed sped up, and she couldn't take her eyes off this wonderful man she had fallen so deeply for.

"Let us see where the moment takes us, shall we?" He offered her his arm and proceeded towards the door. Everyone would be hard pressed to wipe the smile from his face this day. He paused at the door. "Will you be joining us mother?"

"Oh no!" she chuckled. "Far be it for me to impose on your special day. Take some time for yourselves, really." She stood and walked them out the door. "I shall see you both for dinner." she smiled warmly.

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Callie beamed at Frera. "We won't be too long." she waved, then tucked her hand into his arm and walked with him, her steps light and happy.

They descended into the town centre. The usual kiosks were beginning to set up. One kiosk purported to sell a potion of sort that banished blemishes. Another purported to be a weight loss potion. Another was designed for renewing age. Thoril rolled his eyes at the men and women who lined up at these stalls. Further in stalls filled with exotic flowers and rare gem encrusted jewellery began to crop up. Thoril stepped up to one particular flower stall.
"Grown with sugar water?" he asked.
"Only the best," the older man chuckled. "It's good to see you son. How is that mother of yours keeping?"
Thoril winked to Callie. "My mother is well, but too often cooped up in that big old house."
"Is that right?" the man asked, faking a lack of interest.
"Indeed, I would say she could do with some charming company."

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"Oh, she absolutely could. She would certainly find it refreshing!" Callie jumped in, playing along with Thoril's lead. She knew, and she found it funny. Thoril certainly did possess some of his mother's spunk, sass, and scheming abilities.