Palladium X Reader
Chapter 6
Masterlist
The next three days were a whirlwind of activity as everyone prepared for the ceremony.Poor Athos and (Y/n) were almost entirely separated as they both took part in their individual preparations. Mostly that both had to prepare separately for the ceremony. It was more a test of faith to “see if distance made the heart grow fonder” or if it showed that the couple wasn’t ready for such an intimate union. While also allowing for both man and woman to take the time they needed to understand and meditate on themselves to prepare for such a change. The union of two souls was the focus.
So as the day began both (Y/n) and Athos were united after several days as they prepare for the ritual. Seeing Athos after so long (only three days) made (Y/n) tear up a little. But (Y/n) was quickly pulled aside by Athos’s mother and sister as (Y/n) herself had no elven family who could help her. She felt shy when she had to change into the rather revealing outfit that would make room for all the runes and jewels to adorn her skin. It was a set of twin sort of nets that were coated in a variety of blooms that covered her breasts and her groin, wrapping around her hips in a natural way, as if they had been growing on her own body. She looked over at Athos with a shy smile as she saw him in a similar outfit, though his was more foliage than flowers. Then came the adornments, (Y/n) was painted neck to ankle in shimmering gold and blue paint, the patterns swirling on her body as currents of a river or the gentle breeze. Runes were also littered amongst the shapes, each marked with a small gem that was apparently grown by what the elves called an “elder tree”.
Athos made his way over to (Y/n) once they were both dressed. Taking her hand his eyes misty as he lifts her knuckles to his lips. Planting a shaking kiss on her skin, his eyes holding all the love and adoration. Making (Y/n)’s own eyes water as she bites her lip and tries to hold back a hiccuping cry.
“You, as always, are a vision…” He whispers, which just as a tear of pure joy falls from both their eyes Athos’ family playfully chases him off. Claiming that he’s ruining the markings on both their faces.
Once both (Y/n) and Athos were properly cleaned up they were led to what could only be described as a gargantuan petrified tree, it held the shape of an old twisted oak, but was entirely made of black stone similar to pumice, with small multicolored faceted stones scattered throughout. They walked into the room, (Y/n)’s eyes landing on a gold ring of runes embedded into the stone, surrounding a much larger crystal, it was faceted and yet had natural cracks and bumps along its surface. It pulsed with an energy that everyone could feel even from outside of the cave. It’s onyx color like a black hole, sucking in all the light around it but also seeming to have this otherworldly glow to it. Athos went to one side of the crystal, (Y/n) watched as he moved behind the mysterious crystal. The other women around (Y/n) stopped and Athos’s mother pointed to a circle on the far right.
“Stand there darling, the rest will come to you.”
(Y/n) shyly steps over to the circle and places her feet in the loosely foot shaped swirls in the center. She then gasps as they markings on the floor glow gold, the stone in the middle turning clear. Showing her beloved Athos standing across from her, his own circle glowing with the crystal.
But there was something odd… About him, he didn’t look as… elf-ish. His ears weren’t as pointed, his eyes were softer, less angular, even his face and hair seemed to shift a little. But the changes were so subtle that she couldn’t really pinpoint it.
But just as (Y/n) was taking in the new look of Athos he has a new version of (Y/n) to study as well.
Her face and body had largely stayed the same, but there was a brightness to her appearance that wasn’t there before. He couldn’t quite pinpoint a spot, but there was a rather obvious difference. Her ears, once rounded and rather small. Now sported delicate points and moved a bit further out from her head than before. Her hair was longer, a streak of gold hidden in the (h/c) locks. Her eyes are now a jewel like (e/c). Then there was a feeling that came into Athos’ mind, no. Not a mere feeling, but a need to take (Y/n)’s hand. He lifts his arm the same time (Y/n)’s image does, leaning forward as the crystal ripples a crystalline hand reaching out to both lovers across the crystal. Both take the offered crystal hand, stepping into the crystal as it glows a blinding green. Making all of Athos’ and (Y/n)’s family turn away to avoid being stunned by the light.
Athos opens his eyes to a multicolored void, looking around he sees a glorious being. (Y/n) floating just a foot away, he couldn't make out her details. His eyes squint as he tries to see more of the details of her face. But it doesn’t help as her whole body was kind of clear as if she was reflecting the colors surrounding them. A bright and warm light grows in her chest. Slowly filling the empty cavity. It calls to him, pulsing golden. He stretches out his hand, (Y/n) doing the same. Reaching for the golden light in his own chest.
The tips of their fingers touch the light in each other's chest feeling as if he had touched her for the first time. It was… cosmic, gentle, delicate, like he was touching her very soul. He saw and felt everything about (Y/n) in that moment. Her delights, fears, insecurities, her memories went through his own mind. Like he was experiencing them himself. How much of an outsider she felt as she wandered the lands of gardenia. How terrifying it was to have magic for the first time. How soothing his presence really was to her.
They melded body and soul, becoming one being. (Y/n), having touched his own soul, now feels every moment in Athos’ life, his fears, embarrassments, insecurities of his own. How he grew even as an adult, came into his confidence, and just how painfully shy he still was. She laughed that he still was so shy when it came to her. Resolving that she’ll have to embrace that sweet part of him.
Then just as they finally fully meld being one soul, suddenly they are separated again. Not torn apart, or forcefully separated. But like oil and vinegar, naturally separating. Now as two, having a greater understanding for one another than ever before. Though Athos can’t really bring himself to let go of her hand…
their technicolor world is suddenly parted, as their crystalline bodies once again become real. Pushed out of the crystal, Athos felt a familiar sense of power. Turning to (Y/n) he gasps,
“Your ears! They’re-” But he’s interrupted by (Y/n)
“Your ears! They’re-” They finally finish in unison
“They’re just like the reflection!”
This caused all of the gathered family and friends to laugh, which is when the pair noticed the glowing symbols on their bellies. Athos reached out to touch hers as (Y/n) brushed his with her fingers. It was a spiral locked in a tri-almond kind of shape with little triangles surrounding it, (Y/n) had hers pointing out, while Athos had his pointing in. (Y/n)’s fingers trailing up his torso made him shiver. Taking (Y/n)’s hand and kissing the palm.
“You were always beautiful, but now… You’re like a shining jewel” He pecks her lips, gazing into her eyes “You are as much mine as I am yours… I owe you my life.”
(Y/n) smiles, and doesn’t wait for Athos to kiss her again. Instead murmuring “and you’re why mine is worth living” and pulls him in for an adoring kiss of her own.