Aurora, Capital of Deirdre 7th day of Daisy, year 1015
Kora helped Ben straighten his suit while Shadow lay in the spring sun on the balcony. Ben looked sharp, his suit a soft gray with a white shirt. Kora's own gray dress was beautiful, silk, overlaid with gray lace. It was fitted with lace sleeves, and off the shoulder. Her hair was up, with curls hanging down her back. She wore a smaller crown today, a simple circlet of white gold with emeralds. Her engagement ring winked in the sun, and her emerald earrings matched the crown perfectly. She turned so Ben could help put the emerald rose necklace on her, and they took a moment to admire themselves.
"We really do clean up well." Ben commented, as he kissed Kora's cheek. She smiled brightly at him. Today was Stella and Royce's wedding and if they did not hurry, they would be late. She kissed him quickly, before heading to Stella's rooms. She knew the bride was going to be a mess. Walking into the circus that was now Stella's room, she saw Ikalla and Ludis in dresses that matched hers. Ikalla had undone her braids today, letting her long curly hair hang down her back to her knees, with one braid around her head, and another as a loose low ponytail. She wore Ian's bracelet, and simple stud earrings in citrine to match. Ludis wore her amethyst rose choker, and matching earrings. Her hair was done up elegantly, curls around her face. Stella clearly stole the show, as she should. Her stunning white gown had a diamond encrusted bodice, and a long sapphire blue train. It was sleeveless and hugged her curvy body. She was fussing with her perfect hair, curled down her back, with her aquamarine crown atop her head. She wore her engagement ring, and the sapphire rose pendant that matched the others. Her makeup was soft, and enhanced her pouty mouth, her cornflower blue eyes lined with soft gray liner. The other women looked at her and shrugged. Bride jitters. Kora walked over and calmly removed Stella's hands from her hair.
"Stella stop fussing. You are so beautiful it hurts to look at you. Royce would be thrilled if you showed up in a burlap sack. This is beyond perfect." Stella smiled wanly, but they could still see she was nervous. A runner knocked on the door and let them know it was time. The wedding was to be held in the gardens, and Kora had gone all out, growing every flower imaginable in the color themes of the wedding. Petals floated on the wind, while blue and gray roses twined themselves around the pillars and altar. Soft mesh tapestries hung everywhere, with the Deirdren crest embroidered on them. They flapped gently in the breeze. Kora stood with the other women and helped them give Stella another once over. Stella took a deep breath and nodded.
"I'm ready." Malik came around the corner to escort his sister down the aisle. His gray suit matched Ben's, and he had trimmed his hair and beard. He wore his beaten gold crown and smiled down at Stella. He kissed her cheek and whispered with tears in his eyes.
"Mother and father would be so proud of who you have become Stella. You look beautiful." Stella sniffed, trying not to cry and hugged him tightly. She took his arm, and they turned to walk the aisle together. The music started and everyone stood. They opted for a less traditional melody than normal, with soft guitars playing a peaceful sound that filtered through the gardens softly. Everything was serene. Kora and Ben went first, followed by Ludis, whose date was escorting the bride. Ikalla went next, with Ian. He was still limping from the incident in the caves, but He looked handsome in a matching gray suit. Ikalla supported him and the music picked up as it was Malik and Stella's turn. Royce stood at the Altar, in a dark gray suit. His blue tie matched Stella's dress. His eyes filled with tears as he saw Stella, and he smiled, so wide Kora thought his jaw would crack. Ben went to his side, clapping him on the back as Kora waited on the bride's side. Ludis joined her, and Ikalla assisted Ian to stand next to Ben. Stella could not hold her tears back anymore, and Malik was almost holding her back as she looked like she was trying to rush down the aisle to Royce. They reached the end, and Ben stepped forward.
"Who represents the bride?" He asked. Malik looked down at his sister and kissed her forehead.
"Her brother, King Malik Eden, the 4th." He handed Stella over to Royce, and they stood in front of the altar. Kora then stepped forward. Malik moved to stand in front of them, and held his hands up, indicating the crowd to sit.
"Friends and family. We gather here today to celebrate the union of my sister and heir Estella Eden, and Royce Griffin of the Southern Desert Tribes." The wedding proceeded, Malik speaking of love and loyalty before all. Turning to face each other, Stella said her vows first.
"I vow, to always be loyal and patient. To hold you and ours close to my heart. For as long as we both live, I will be by your side. Always." Royce stroked her cheek and repeated the vows.
"You may now kiss the bride." Malik stepped back, and Royce leaned down, kissing Stella tenderly. She wrapped her arms around him, and the crowd broke into cheers. Clapping, Kora looked up, and in the flash of the sun she saw a vision. A man, bigger than any she had seen before, stepping through a doorway she never thought existed. The same door that is depicted in the stories of the dragons. She blinked, and it was gone. Her smile faltered, and she saw Ben looking over the happy couple at her, the question in his eyes. She shook her head and smiled again. Later. Let nothing ruin today.