[Fortunately, Darin's focus doesn't afford him a moment to protest against Elise. He's spent his life doing one thing or another leading to the angered yells of someone. But, in reality, he also trusts Zelda to have faith in him. If there's one thing Darin knows he's good at, it's being creative in the moment.]

[Hector has been quiet throughout the process but as he bears witness to Darin's work, he can't help but comment.]

[Would that I had your skill in life. Perhaps I could have avoided my fate...]

[If you did, you'd have been a different man entirely. I wanted to be a knight, once upon a time. But if I'd followed that path...]

[His mind goes back to a moment earlier this evening. With Zelda on his arm stating how thankful she was.]

[If I'd become a knight, I'd be in someone else's services. And I doubt I'd ever have found myself in hers. I'm her blacksmith just like you're Elise's knight. Be proud of that!]

[Hector considers Darin's words and finds truth in them. There was no guarantee every path would lead him to Elise. He may have lived that fateful day, but would he truly be happy?]

[As Hector is lost in thought, Darin's eyes catch sight of the vines as they entwine themselves first around his wrist and then into the braids of the rings. He watches with no small amount of wonder as the vines complete his design, complete with budding 'gems' atop the bands. He takes note of the needle-like thorns and laughs to himself.]

...No better way to seal a vow than with a drop of blood...right...?

[He carefully pills a little of the metal up around each bud so that little prongs hold the fragile bud in place, as if he were creating the socket for a gemstone. Then, he turns his gaze to Zelda and Elise, holding up two matching bands— nature and iron woven together in harmony.]

...Let's go find a minister and get you guys married. Ready?