A Different Path

Chapter 19

"What about Brighteyes? Hers seem to sparkle in the light," Rose petted the purring kitten.

It took some convincing, but everyone agreed on the name. Brighteyes seemed stop like her be name as well as she mewed. Rose put her down so her fitting could be finished. Once the final touches were added, it should be ready. The veil was being prepared as well. It would cover her face so it could be lifted up. Another thing the family wondered about was the chord... If two people were married by the church, a chord would be placed around them. It was normally in the shape of an infinity loop, signifying unity until death do they part. It was a religious thing and there was religion in Narinder's Cult... Rose would talk to him about it. It was a little something from her culture and she did want to incorporate it somehow, even if they were of different faiths. Narinder was very understanding so maybe he would have an idea about it. When the fitting was done, Rose helped with meal time. She didn't tell her family what happened when she went to see Shamura.

If anyone asked, it was merely a serious talk with an in-law. What was spoken was between Shamura and Rose. Rose didn't know what they were thinking or doing right now. What she did know was that Shamura was more than likely wary of her. She did up and tell them about the very thing they were against. Rose didn't care. If anything, they should worry if she disregarded the limits she has. Now that it's mentioned... Rose will keep a close eye on Narinder's usage of resurrection... She does NOT want that new power to go to his head... Narinder was a god and had no limits to what he could achieve with his power... Nothing could stop him unless a dead follower wanted to remain dead... Surely he wouldn't go crazy or mad with power... Rose was pretty convincing when she got mad, not to mention that she had five children and many grandchildren... She knew how kids were and if she needed to rest her husband-to-be as such, then so be it! Too bad that didn't work with a lot of her old and former enemies. It would have made things so much easier.

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The days to the wedding were coming closer. Kallamar insisted that Narinder have new robes prepared. He even offered some of his vast collection of fabrics. Kallamar was happy that someone other than himself was getting married. Heket was married too, but her wedding was a while ago now. Kallamar married four times. Right now, he was sending Narinder design after design, much to his little brother's dismay. The one good thing Narinder thought of the designs was that they weren't underwater or sea-based. Kallamar truly thought of them when he designed something. He did help Heket with her and her wife's wedding dresses whether they liked it or not. He tried to help Rose, but she already had her dress being prepared, as well as the veil. Instead, Kallamar gave a beautiful silver tiara to match her dress. It was his wedding gift to her and a welcome to the family. It'll be like having another little sister! One that won't beat you up or bite... The sentiment reminded Rose of her late in-laws. They were nice people that didn't care if she was a hybrid.

Rose still remembered their faces and their lives until they passed away. Adlan was more than likely happy to be with his parents again. Rose looked at the engagement ring she wore... The rings Adlan gave her were now family heirlooms along with her original amulet. Rose used to wear one with a purple gem. Now, she wore the Crimson Stone around her neck. When the time came for it to choose a new wielder, another jewel would take its place. Rose hoped to guide the wielders, whoever they may be, young or old. The Crimson Stone would still be hers for a while more. There was still time. Part of her wanted to know who the next wielder would be and part of her wanted to wait. Even before she became a mother, Rose always cared about others. That feeling amplified after she had her children and grandchildren. When the time comes... then she would act.

Right now... she was in Narinder's arms. They stood before the stained glass windows of the temple, holding hands. There, they would seal their vows of love and devotions. There, they would become husband and wife. Narinder stood taller than Rose... he looked at her beautiful eyes... one golden, the other purple. Rose looked at his eyes - all three of them were beautiful in the subtle light, they were shimmering with a crimson hue... One of them did not think to ever fall in love again. And the other never thought he would fall in love at all. Maybe this is what his lovestruck brother was talking about? Love was truly a wonderful feeling, especially when you find the right person to share it with. Looking at the sight, one might see two lovers spending a sweet moment together. In the future... unaware to them both... the eyes of the Bishops would look down upon them. They might have taken a different path in this world, but history is set in stone.