Aetheria Arising : Relic of Time Wars- Missing centuries story.

thankful

The light of dawn....

Lessa hugged Daisy, Allura hugged them both again as several people came forward to congratulate them. Many cheered more and clapped loudly. It took a half an hour before everyone returned to their seats. Banth, Shadz, and Colby watched the crowd carefully, noticing not everyone was happy about the wedding of the Guardian and the Oracle.

Colby carefully noted those who don't cheer, including his father and brother. When he met Tol's eyes, his brother looked away, as if he was ashamed. His father, Elder Tabot openly glared at him from his seat with the Elders Council as the wedding couple, who are speaking with the Princess. Colby purposely offered the Princess his arm as she stepped back to her place beside the Elders and his father. Finally, Presbyt Myles offered a final blessing. Almost everyone bowed together as a sign of friendship and loyalty, a few refused, or simply remained seated. The Presbyt led the newlyweds out first, followed by their attendants and Colby and Lessa.

The pavilion had been decorated and set with tables. The weather was warmer than expected as the sun rises in the sapphire sky. The wedded couple sat at a special table on a raised platform, soon the area was filled. Princess Allura, Lessa, and Colby joined them for the first meal. Lessa hardly spoke because she was so shy and Daisy felt bad for having put her through the wedding until she realized Colby was making her shier than normal while Colby, who was normally rakishly humorous, was acting extremely polite. It made Daisy wonder if they had feelings for each other. In her mind, she worked the puzzles of their personalities and wondered how long it would be until they were a couple.

The morning meal was served. Afterward, the festival of the Day of Light Returning began in earnest. It reminded Daisy of a renaissance festival she once attended with her lost friend Darcy. There are games, and contest, and music, and more food than could be eaten in a tenday. Kaleth and Daisy spent much of the morning sitting side by side on what are basically thrones as the Lord and Lady of celebration. It made Daisy squirm, because everyone was bowing to them. Kaleth couldn't hide his amusement.

"Get used to it, my lady. You are royalty now," he teased.

"Oh, I will never get used to it, and as soon as today is over, this is going to stop," she vowed, waving her hand at the crowd.

Della handed her a cup of mint tea and bowed, joining in teasing her, "But you have to put up with it today, my Lady Oracle."

Behind her teacup, Daisy made a frustrated, growling sound. They all laughed at her.

Later, after midday meal, the Guardsman Colby approached the Princess and handed her a small palm-sized computer tablet. She glanced though its contents quickly. Her sapphire eyes looked intensely into his emerald ones, as she asked seriously, "Are you sure you wish to include all these names, Guardsman Colby?" His father and brother's names were on it.

Honestly answering, Colby revealed, "Yes, my Princess. My mother Coranthenia was the granddaughter of the Elder Lord Orion, our duty is to Aetheria and to do what is right always. My own father tried to murder me, as my mother was murdered. I stand with my mother's half-sister, my Aunt Della and my Uncle Rolf. We are loyal to the kingdom, my Princess. The list is accurate as it is." The Princess nodded and was quiet for a moment. She believed he was correct, but they had no proof.

"Your mother was a wonderful teacher who still inspires me. She would be proud of the man you have become," Allura responded softly.

"Thank you, my Princess," he replied quietly as he bowed, then he walked away toward the crowd. She turned the other way to find the Guardian and the Oracle.

Allura found Kaleth and Daisy sitting under a tree on a blanket, her head on his chest, her hand resting over his heart, a bunch of tiny, white wildflowers beside her. Allura flopped on the blanket by their feet, tiredly.