A Fairy-Tail Marriage

“There’s really only one way to learn, and that’s to travel, after the wedding, to the village Mariah told us about,” Blake suggested.

Braxton seemed to like that idea. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “That might actually be fun for both of us. We’ll need to make appearances all over the kingdom to improve morale anyway.”

“Exactly,” Blake agreed, hoping his friend would find the positive in this marriage.

After several minutes of silence, Braxton asked, “What time am I getting married?”

“Ten tomorrow morning,” Blake answered.

“What am I wearing?”

“Mariah made a tux for you.”

Braxton’s eyes shot up. “How does she know my size?”

Blake shrugged. “She’s a fairy, and no ordinary fairy. She seems to know everything.”

Braxton mused on that a moment. “I’ve noticed she’s curiously well-informed. She’ll be a useful mother-in-law.”

“I agree,” Blake said, noting the slurred words at the end of his sentence. “Let’s be off to bed then. You need your beauty rest.”

Braxton rose a little unsteadily. “Yes. Must look my best for my bride.” They stumbled to the rooms, and Blake let Braxton fall onto the bed fully clothed.

*****

Mariah walked down to the stream dressed in her best attire. Her husband had assured her everything was prepared, but she had to see for herself. She hadn’t been involved in the actual decorating, but Althea’s best friend, Cala, had arrived early that morning to oversee everything.

Mariah searched for her among the flittering fairies and wandering werewolves. When she saw her, she called, “Cala!”

The lovely fairy turned and waved. “Hello, Mariah! How do you like it?”

“It’s perfect! Althea will love it,” Mariah smiled.

“I certainly hope so,” Cala mused quietly, looking around. She had visited with her friend before decorating commenced. Althea was not at all happy about this marriage, so Cala had put in extra effort to please her in this area. “I was about to go back and make sure she doesn’t need anything.”

Mariah waved her hand. “The only thing she needs is a new attitude about all this.” Althea and Mariah had had another argument that morning, this one more explosive than any of the others. Mariah was afraid her daughter would not speak to either her or Tristan for some time after this wedding took place.

Cala put a hand on her shoulder. She’d heard the yelling, she’d heard Tristan interrupt and end the argument. “I know she’s angry now, and I’ll admit, I don’t blame her, but she’ll come around.”

Mariah arched an eyebrow at her. “Thank you for your honesty.”

“Of course,” Cala said, a smile on her face. Movement caught her eye. “Oh wow. Is that the werewolf king?”

Mariah turned. Braxton and Blake had walked in together, and the king looked drool worthy. “Yes, the one on the left.”

“Gods, he’s handsome! She doesn’t have much to complain about, does she?” Cala said quietly, gazing at the handsome werewolf. “Those big shoulders alone could make a girl swoon.”

Mariah laughed. “He is a bit of eye candy. Althea does admit to that.”

“Good morning, Mariah,” Braxton greeted, smiling at the women. “And you are?”

“I’m Cala, Althea’s best friend,” Cala introduced herself with a smile. She turned her eyes on Blake.

“Blake. I’m Braxton’s best friend.”

“We’ll have a lot to talk about, I’m sure,” Cala told him, and they shared a chuckle. “I have to go inside and help Althea. We’ll be starting in ten minutes.”

Braxton nodded and looked around at the area. Cala had done a wonderful job; an arch decorated with vines, flowers, and fairies as small as lightning bugs lighting up in all sorts of colors. The aisle was lined with leaves and against the edges Cala had conjured several lilies in various colors. Chairs were filled on one side with werewolves dressed in mostly earth tones: browns, grays, greens, and blacks. Most of the werewolves had come out in their best attire, while others were a little on the shabby side, wearing clothes they didn’t mind shifting in.

On the other side were the fairies, who were all dressed in their finest and brightest clothes. Every color in the rainbow was represented in their attire or their hair. The contrast was almost headache-inducing, but Braxton liked that the two groups were interacting peacefully.

He moved to the arch and smiled at the glittering fairies and the Gorgon who waited to conduct the ceremony. “Good morning, Theno. Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“We Gorgons enjoy wedding so much. I thank you for allowing me to perform this lovely ceremony.” The Gorgon spoke and moved slowly. Their impartiality was infamous; they held no opinion on the behavior of any species other than their own. Humans were the only group who had anything to fear from the Gorgons; only they would be turned to stone when they looked at one of them.

Braxton smiled at her. “It’s definitely going to be the wedding of the century,” he joked.

“You jest, but this wedding is the first of its kind. The creatures of this world are happy about this union and believe this will end hostilities between your people and hers. I agree.”

Braxton looked at her. The Gorgons made him uneasy; they had a knack for knowing things before it was possible to know them. He smiled without speaking, and turned to watch his future bride float down the aisle on iridescent wings.

His eyes widened as her face came into view. Stunningly beautiful, her green eyes practically glowed as she watched him as she floated closer to him. He could not determine the length of her brown hair; it was in an intricate up-do and topped with a tiara of leaves. Her face was heart-shaped and lovelier than any face he’d ever seen. Her skin shone like the sun, and Braxton wondered if she or her mother had used magic to make her appear so. . . Flawless, he thought, smiling at her to ease the obvious discomfort she felt.

Althea smiled back, mesmerized by the transformation of his face. When she’d first stepped out, the frown marring that handsome face had been frightening, almost menacing, the werewolf close to the surface. Fear had leapt into her heart until he had smiled at her. She hated to admit it, but the man was more handsome than any other she’d ever seen. Of course, she thought, I won’t tell him that!

When she reached his side, she took his arm and they faced Theno. “Good morning, Princess Althea.”

“Good morning, Theno. I’m happy to see you,” Althea replied sweetly. She had known the Gorgon her whole life and had always liked her.

“Happy to see me. Not happy to marry,” Theno pronounced quietly so only Althea and Braxton could hear her. “Neither of you are. But don’t worry, handsome Braxton and lovely Althea, you will find your happiness in each other. Eventually.”

Althea and Braxton exchanged a glance. Her premonition sounded nice, until she added ‘Eventually.’ A scary word, the pair thought together.