A once cold palace that floated on top of an island and large cloud was now beaming with life and wedding decorations; as if to welcome its guests and offer its blessing to the husband and wife to be. The water gods once quiet palace was now filled with honored gods and goddesses.
From afar anyone could see a beautiful palace drenched in red drapes and decorations. The sky itself was clear, and warm with a slight breeze to rid of any humidity. Loud music played in the court yard along with a bountiful table setting for guests filled with a wide range of food and drinks to last into the night.
"Has it started already head maid?"
"Yes, my lady. How do you feel?"
"Hah....nervous. What if I make a mistake? What if I trip and fall or something?"
"Ahem, my lady. You need not worry. No one would dare to make fun of you unless they want to end up facing master's blade."
"That's not really helping me here."
"I'm just saying not to worry my lady. It will be a simple wedding as we don't do every little custom like the humans."
Taking a deep breath in Qian Lan stares at her reflection in the mirror. As if she had become someone else, she could hardly recognize the reflection of the beautiful woman before her. Red bold lips and pink blush were used to add color to Qian Lan's pale skin tone.
Dressed in her mothers wedding dress, Qian Lan was also adorned with a golden headpiece and jewelry. Bracelets filled each wrist, even her shoes were made with gold strings. Before long, the head maid ushers for Qian Lan to begin heading out.
"My lady, it's time."
As the head maid motions for Qian Lan to rise up from her seat, a loud horn could be heard in the distance. Grabbing her veil, Qian Lan hands it to the maid to place it over her headpiece evenly.
"Alright, I'm ready....no more turning back."
Qian Lan places her right hand onto the head maids left hand as the head maid leads her out into the court yard.
"Remember what I said, my lady. I'll hand you off to master. You two will walk over to the heavenly king who will bless your marriage and seal it in the book or matrimony. You two will bow to the heavenly king and then to each other. That's it."
"Ok....okay....I got this. I can handle this. Ha....ha."
Qian Lan chuckles nervously and continues to calm herself as they made their way into the courtyard. After a few minutes of walking, Qian Lan could hear laughter and cheers from a distance.
The head maid suddenly comes to a stop and Qian Lan could feel the grip of a warm hand enveloping her hand. With her veil still covering her face, Qian Lan whispers out.
"Jiang?"
"Yes, it's me Qian Lan."
Just as the head maid had mentioned, Jiang leads Qian Lan all the way to where the heavenly king was waiting. The ceremony continued on without any disturbances. Through her veil, Qian Lan could feel the stares of everyone who came to join in on their special day. Once the couple finished bowing to each other, the gathered gods and goddesses were screaming even louder and congratulating the new couple. Qian Lan could here Jiang thanking everyone as he continued to hold onto her hand. The duo sat in the center and spent the rest of the afternoon thanking the gods and goddesses for their gifts and attendance.
"Sigh, are we done yet?"
"Tired? I'm not used to this myself."
"Just a bit, I didn't sleep much last night when I kept thinking about today."
"It's almost over Qian Lan."
Jiang says to Qian Lan as he stretches his arms and lets out a small yawn. Once the greeting was over, everyone moved onto eating and enjoying the endless wine that was provided by the goddess of harvest.
Just like that, night soon came and the esteemed guests were now slowly leaving. Jiang motions for the head maid to help Qian Lan into their shared room as he sees off the heavenly king. Once Qian Lan was out far enough she finally stretches out her legs and arm.
"Arghhhhh, finally! I can breathe again!"
"My lady, that's not very ladylike."
"Ha Ha, it was a much needed stretch okay."
"Come along, we need to head into the shared room before master comes."
"Shared bedroom? Do I really have to do "That" tonight?"
"My lady you aren't a child. What else does a married couple do on their wedding night?"
Qian Lan quietly follows the head maid the rest of the way while calming her racing heart.
"We're here, my lady."
The head maids helps seat Qian Lan at the edge of the bed and reminds her not to move or remove her veil. Nervous and worried, Qian Lan remained still like a lifeless doll until she hears Jiang knocking on the door. Silently letting himself into the shared bedroom, he stares at the figure before him.
Smiling and beaming with happiness that now Qian Lan was his wife, the water god slowly walks towards his blushing bride. With his fan he slowly lifts Qian Lan's veil. Slowly looking up, Qian Lan locks eyes with the man in front of her.
"Jiang?"
"You're beautiful Qian Lan, even more so tonight."
Slowly leaning in, the water god slowly lays Qian Lan onto the bed; closing the silk bed curtain behind him.
The candle light burned out with a slight gust of wind. Just like that, their wedding day came to a close with no issues. The loud music and chattering of laughter soon died out only leaving the sounds of the wind brushing against the trees.