Our tale begins with a pair of runaways who needed no one's approval, only each other.
They ran to their favourite woodland glade, close to the beating heart of England, and tried in vain to stop their own hearts racing...
...as they awaited the arrival of the only other person in possession of their secret.
And she would perform a rite,
as they delivered their handwritten promises to each other, crafted from a commitment that will anchor them both like the roots of the trees that bore witness.
Emotions ran high...
...feelings deep.
A kiss to the applause of rustling leaves.
No plaudits or speeches; just a seating plan for two...