Disarray

Chapter Twenty-nine

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Raelein sat up slowly, grudgingly facing another day. Her movements were slow and heavy, dragged down by the sleep that still beckoned her. She stopped, mid yawn when she realized what day it was. It was her wedding day.

          She exploded into a burst of euphoric giggles, finding no better way to express her ecstasy. Energized by a sudden surge of adrenaline, she leaped out of her bed, throwing her sleeping furs to the ground in the process.

          Raelein continued to smile, and sat herself at the table, waiting eagerly for Arilia to arrive to help her get into her dress. They had spoken a few days earlier, and Arilia insisted she wear the dress Ellia, Raelein’s mother, wore when she married, which was actually quite beautiful. She was honored to do so; anything of her mother’s was welcome to her.

          Around ten minutes later, her aunt finally arrived. Raelein jumped up to unlatch the door. She embraced Arilia tightly, despite the dress in her arms. She hugged her back as best as she could, and hurried inside.

          “I am nearly positive it will fit, your mother was about your size when she was young.” Her aunt laid the pristine white dress on the table, showing her what it looked like.

          Raelein marveled as she stroked the soft, layered fabric. Several tiny gems were implanted throughout the bodice; it looked like the shimmer on fairy wings. It was sleeveless and elegant, but in a modest way. She wondered how much work had gone into making this exquisite dress.

          “It is beautiful,” she murmured.

          “Your mother crafted nearly all of it herself. It took her months.” Arilia grasped the skirt gently, her heart obviously aching at this bittersweet reminder. Raelein embraced her again, silently sharing a brief moment of sorrow.

          “No weeping,” Arilia laughed, wiping a tear from her cheek. She smiled. “Except, perhaps, tears of joy,”

          “Agreed.” She concurred. “I can hardly wait another moment; let us get me into this dress!” Arilia laughed, and nodded.

Several minutes later, Raelein glanced at herself in the old, large mirror she had in her room. The dress looked beautiful on her, and she liked to think it made her look prettier. Her auburn hair had curled perfectly, thankfully.

          “The ceremony starts in an hour.” Arilia said. Raelein turned and smiled. “It seems so far away…”

          “Not for me.” Arilia stated with a slight smile. Moments later, she burst into tears, happy-sad tears.

          “I swear it, you were just a child last month.” She laughed. “You have grown into a beautiful young woman, my dear Raelein. Your mother would have been so pleased.”

          Raelein embraced her, not exactly knowing what to say. Her aunt wiped her damp cheeks, and blinked her turquoise eyes dry. She smoothed her dark blonde hair back. She smiled and laughed.

          A little while later, Raelein, with Arilia, left her small house to walk to the gathering grounds to be married to Rylan.

Rylan paced back in forth, filled with excitement and anticipation. Ever since he awoke, he had been in the highest of spirits.

          “Rylan, sit down.” Aden laughed. He continued pacing.