Our Story
The Saga of Nicole & Gavin
(As Told by the Bards of Stormsvlei)
Long before the wedding feast at Stormsvlei… before the dancing, the laughter, and the raising of goblets… there began a tale.
Not in a castle tower.
Not in the halls of kings.
But during a quiet moment after a stormy season of life.
Nicole had recently stepped away from a long journey of the heart. After leaving Timbavati and a long relationship behind, she spent time healing, rediscovering herself, and rebuilding her spirit.
Her heart was gentle and cautious. Romance was the last thing she expected.
But fate is a mischievous creature.
One evening, guided by curiosity (and perhaps the ancient gods of questionable decision-making), Nicole opened the mysterious modern rune known as Tinder.
She did not seek love.
Maybe a conversation.
Maybe a new friend.
Nothing more.
And then… across the digital seas appeared Gavin.
Now Gavin did not arrive like a polished Viking warrior of legend. No heroic portraits. No grand declarations.
Instead…
One single profile picture.
Just one.
And not even his best selfie.
On paper, it was not promising.
But they shared a few interests, and something in Nicole’s instincts said, “Why not?”
So she swiped right.
Then Gavin sent his message.
And it was not the usual nonsense of the digital lands.
It was kind. Honest. Thoughtful. The sort of message that makes time pause for a moment.
Gavin explained that Tinder was not truly his world and that he would soon delete the app. Before disappearing from the digital realm, he left his number.
After something so sincere, Nicole could hardly ignore it.
She had not shared her number with anyone else.
Not a single soul.
But this Viking stranger seemed worthy of a chance.
She barely managed a shy “hello” on WhatsApp…
Before Gavin immediately summoned her with a video call.
And just like that…
The saga had begun.
The Council of Protective Siblings
Before meeting Gavin in person, Nicole sought the protection of her family stronghold.
She went to her brother’s house, where her sister-in-law helped prepare her for the evening, blowing out her hair while the family gathered like a council of watchful guardians.
Plans were made.
Nicole’s brother had her location.
A secret safety word was established.
And he promised to call during the evening to ensure all was well.
This was not just preparation.
This was strategy.
The “Not Date”
Before the meeting, Nicole laid down the law.
“This is NOT a date.”
She wished to take things slowly.
Gavin agreed.
Or at least…
He pretended to.
They met that Monday.
The conversation flowed easily, and Gavin wasted no time telling Nicole how amazing she was, how kind she was, how beautiful she was.
Nicole blushed.
A lot.
At one point Gavin turned to the waitress and said:
"Isn’t she just so beautiful?"
Nicole immediately turned tomato red.
She joked about having a secret weapon — green concealer — to hide her blush.
But against Gavin’s compliments?
It stood no chance.
To this day, Gavin can still recall exactly what Nicole wore that evening.
Right down to the cowboy boots.
The Great Eskom Darkness
After dinner they returned to Gavin’s home.
And then…
As if summoned by the gods themselves…
Eskom arrived.
The power vanished.
Darkness fell across the land.
And so the two of them sat there, in the quiet candlelit darkness, simply talking and getting to know one another.
Meanwhile…
Nicole’s brother called to check in.
Except Gavin answered the phone.
This did not impress Nicole’s brother.
Not even slightly.
The safety word?
Completely forgotten.
But once Nicole reassured everyone she was safe, the evening continued.
The Forbidden Kiss
Eventually it was time to leave.
Gavin walked Nicole to her car.
Now remember…
Nicole had made one rule very clear.
This was not a date.
And there would be no kissing.
Did Gavin respect this rule?
Absolutely not.
He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss.
Just like that…
The Not Date officially became a Very Real Date.
Nicole blushed, panicked, and reversed her car so fast that a brick flew up and nearly struck Gavin.
But…
She liked the kiss.
She admitted it.
The Morning Realisation
They spoke late into the night, and Gavin only said goodnight once Nicole had safely arrived home.
The next morning Nicole woke with a quiet certainty in her heart.
Something special had begun.
Still half asleep, she rushed to Tinder to screenshot Gavin’s beautiful first message so she could keep it forever.
Only to discover…
He had already deleted the app.
Exactly like he said he would.
And So the Saga Began
Not with dragons.
Not with battles.
But with:
One brave swipe.
One honest message.
The Great Eskom Darkness.
A forbidden kiss.
And two hearts deciding to take a chance.
Sometimes fairy tales don’t begin in castles.
Sometimes they begin on Tinder…
With one photo, kind words, and just enough courage to say hello.
And now the next chapter of the saga will be written…
At Stormsvlei.
Gavins Tinder Profile Pic
Nicole's Date Outfit
