Chapter Fourteen: Coronation/Wedding
Finally, after years of heartache and suffering. After numerous battles and loses, the end way finally in sight... The end of the darkness, and the beginning of the light.
Snow White stood idly in the doorway of one of the many palace stairways. Below her she could hear the simple music of the choir singing the age old song, that once, long ago her father had walked to on his own way to accept his duty.
Finally the melody of voices turned to a whisper and the muted sound of a bugle called the room to respectful silence. That was her cue and careful of the lace cape that trailed from her shoulders she began her way down the marble steps.
As she reached the bottom of the wide staircase she heard the choir start again, at the same time the wide double doors swung open in front of her, revealing the throne room to her. The audience was small, servants, top soldier, close friends, all standing silently, their eyes turning from the front of the room to the young princess, about to become a queen.
As she walked down the long hallway one of the audience began reciting the Alavon prayer, the Prayer of Hearts.
Prayer of Hearts
Oh above the clouds and above the steepest mountain...
Slowly she walked forward, her mind going back to all that had happened, from the times when this very moment had seemed impossible.
The master of the Heavens gives out his orders, till dawn be dusk and never end...
The throne, her father's throne, the high backed golden chair seemed to loom in front of her. As her steps brought her irreversibly closer.
Oh Most Mighty One touch the heart of servant and this heir, let her rule without fear but instead let strength, courage, wisdom and peace surround her for as long as she lives and is Queen...
She reached the throne, and slowly turned around, facing those that had been with her loyally through so many trials, all along they took up stands, took up swords in her name.
Let her governance be one of justice, mercy and happiness...
Slowly she sat and on the throne, behind her the priest moved, solmnly placing the crown gently a top her head, in her hand her father's golden septor was placed. And the old man took a step back a smile just barely visible on his face.
Let this be our hearts plea, the prayer of hearts. Amen...
"I present to you your Queen." The man sang out, turning and bowing low, the audience followed suit, their heads downed respectfully....
A Few Hours Later ...
Pink posies uninterrupted line the brick road that lead out the the hallway into the open. The pink was not the vibrant but a pale hue which gave off a dreamy effect.
The grass was well manicured revealing a uniformed finished. Lining of the grass where ever a portion may be was a curving stable of concrete four inches in width.
The seating was arranged ahead of the maze garden and the sun had just begun to set out the willow trees that stood that stood ahead of the opening to the maze on either side.
The small gathering of guests inside the castle had all taken to their respectives seats ready and waiting for what was to come. The chairs had been tied with ribbons the same intensity and color of the posies so that it came together in big bouncy bows.
Elsa stood ready at the alter anxiously awaiting her new found friend. Nicholas stood behind Charming awaited his bride. Nicholas kept sneaking peeks at Elsa and she in turn would catch him staring, blushing and giggling at his obviousness.
Garret stood fidgeting. It was odd really. He was always so composed before. When they went into battle. When something had gone terribly wrong with his mission. Even the first time he had met that wretched queen. Yet he couldn't keep still for the biggest day of his life.
Maybe it was because his other half would still his nerves. Maybe it was because he was afraid her would hurt her again. Maybe it was because she was not yet by his side. Maybe it was that the more time that passed he though that she would refuse him and leave him brideless at the alter.
Whatever the cause he knew for certain this was a leap into his happiness and if she didn't follow through he would be crestfallen.
Nicholas good naturedly patted his shoulder, noticing the array of expressions that had played upon his face even from his angle.
A soft humming melody, was heard and captured the attention of everyone present. The chatter and exchanges had died down to leave a stillness only covered by the sweet melody playing into the air.
All heads had automatically turned in the direction of the hall which was a few feet away.
Garret's hands began to sweat. He couldn't believe what was occuring. He was actually like a young lad whom had been bitten by the lovebug. Actually, it wasn't the lovebug but he had been bitten by love itself.
Snow emerged drawing gasps of awe from the gathering Nicholas and Elsa, but simply put she took Garret's breathe away.
From the top, a semi-opaque veil hung over her face hiding her expressions from anyone but herself. Her pretty figure had been adorned with the fabric of lace and cotton, lace at her arms reaching to the hook on either sides of and enclosing around her middle finger at a elastic band.
At the bodice of the garment, a heart shape formed above at her neckline and the revealing skin was covered in lace up to her neck.
The skirt of the garment flowed to the ground, cascading about her feet. A emerald matching the color of her eyes shade for shade, clasped her neck resting just above the hem of the bodice top. Matching earrings hung from her ears.
Snow was radiant as she stepped down the aisle and towards her future.
Elsa shifted to the side, allowing Snow to come into place effortlessly. She looked like a dream and Elsa didn't think she had ever seen a fairer maiden.
A small breeze came up, ruffling her own hair, and playing with the ends of Snow White's veil. It was a beautiful sight, as though nature itself was adding its pleasure in this wonderful day.
Nicholas shifted slightly behind the groom, this was by far the grandest event he had ever been to, and he couldn't help but feel slightly uncomfortable. His gaze slid past the bride that was just coming up to the alter and fell on her maid of honor. Elsa was wearing a dress with a similar shade to the bride's dress. It seemed to fit her perfectly as he couldn't help but smile.
At the same moment she seemed to catch his gaze, and raised her eyebrows back at him slightly, reminding Nicholas that he wasn't being exactly discreet.
He blushed and glanced at the ground, turning his attention back to the front where it was supposed to be, though it was rather challenging as his eyes held only on the lovely queen of ice.
Snow couldn't believe that she was, in reality, walking down the aisle. It felt like a vision or a dream, like she wasn't there at all. She couldn't help but feel nostalgic. It was have been perfect if her parents could be here to share this phenomenal day with her. She took in a deep breathe holding against tears.
The decor was breathetaking, the posies really made the scene picturesque. It matched the ribbons tied neatly behind the chairs which were arranged for the guest.
Her gaze settled on Elsa. The younger woman she couldn't stand in the beginning but soon found kinship with. She was beautiful in her own gown and it seemed that it was not only she that had noticed. Nicholas couldn't tear his eyes away from her for more than a few seconds Snow noted in amusement, chuckling behind her veil.
Her eyes then settled on her Prince Charming, Garret. Snow's breathe caught in her throat at the sight. He was staring right at her composed as ever.
She could only admit to herself that she felt a bit nervously. Even more so without her father to walk her down the aisle but somehow he would like Garret. Somehow she knew. She could feel it in her gut.
It was a while long before she could face him at the alter but the moment was altogether sweet. Snow gazed at him and she couldn't imagine a person that complemented her so perfectly.
The sun had gone lower on the perfect day, finding the guests and the happy couple idly mingling on the great lawn.
Quiet conversation, and soft laughter filled the dusk air the sun casting orange and purple glows everywhere the light could reach.
Off in the distance hoof beats could be heard, sounding as though several riders were hastening in the direction of the palace, the few guards that were near tensed, fearing some sort of evil would attempt to thawrt this fine day.
From below the hollow the sounds grew louder and a moment later four riders came into view, the guests who could see the riders stopped their chatter and watched curiously.
Elsa noticed the sudden tension and slipped away from her conversation to investigate, Nicholas on her heels.
The lead rider pulled up, and because of the hood casting a shadow over their face you couldn't see the details, the rider scanned the crowd as they slip rather unsteadily off the steed and onto the crowd.
They turned towards Elsa and suddenly the whole demanor changed.
"Elsa!" The rider shouted, making a beeline for the woman and knocking her completely over with the force of an embrace. The hood fell back revealing fiery orange locks, now in disarray from long distances.
Elsa was laughing even as she tried to pull the other woman out of her vise like grip.
"Anna! What are you doing here?" She exclaimed, looking up at Nicholas with a bright face.
"I was looking for you!" the younger woman said, her grip relaxing slightly, as she realized the other couldn't breath completely.
Elsa succeeded in finally pushing Anna off her long enough to stand back up. She was blushing furiously as she realized there were several people staring. Anna seemed unaffected by it, she was usually receiving those looks anyway.
All Elsa's friends stood to the side with questioning looks on their faces.
"This is my sister Anna." She explained, trying to smooth out her dress as best she could without looking too obvious. For her part Anna was beginning to realize that she has embarrassed her sister, and attmepted to rectify the situation by making a neat curtsy.
Suddenly, Garret was hit by a snowball. All attention settled on him waiting for his reaction.
Olaf flounced into view with Grumpy chasing after him, five other dwarves hot on their heal.
Most stood still not wishing to offend the prince but Snow laughed harder than she ever had before
And to Garret it was music to his ears.
Their attention reverted to Elsa and Anna.
"Hello Anna," Snow came forward, holding her hand out to Anna.
She took it eagerly, a broad smile on her face from the incident with the snowman and the dwarves.
"You must be Princess Snow White." She said excitedly.
"Queen Snow White of Alavon." Elsa prompted her sister softly, causing Anna to blush slightly.
"It's alright I'm also just getting used to the title. Meet my Garret." She signaled to him and at once he was at her side, taking her hand against his.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance Anna."
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance as well, Prince Garret."
Anna tucked her hair behind her ear, a signal to her older sister she was rather uncomfortable with the situation.
"Anna, how did you know where to find me?" Elsa asked, still unable to belive she was there.
"When you didn't return from your venture on schedule, we knew something had happened... Then Olaf delivered to me your message. Elsa I was so worried." She said softly, this time gently clinging to the older maiden.
Elsa smoothed her sister's hair with her hand, looking over her shoulder at the ever hovering Nicholas, he probably wasn't even sure if he should trust Anna or not.
Nicholas noticed Elsa glance in his direction before signaling him over. He walked slowly over to the scene and stood beside Snow.
"Princess Anna, is it?" Anna blushed slightly. She nodded shaking his hand.
"Nicholas." Anna turned to Elsa gripping her hand as Nicholas moved to her side.
"Queen Snow White and Prince Garret, what a beautiful day it is now that you are bonded. Please accept my deepest wishes on bountiful happiness and blissful love."
"We do thank you," Charming announced.
"Speaking of blissful accept my wedding present. It's the only one I could have gotten on such short notice." Was all Elsa said before it single particles of light snow began to fall overhead.
"Oh you have our gratitude." The two replied, Snow smiling gratefully at the woman that she had come to call her friend.
Nicholas came to the opposite side of Elsa, his one hand sliding around her waist as they watched the large white flakes fall.
Anna glanced over at the tall young man standing so close to her sister. What was even stranger was the fact Elsa seemed to enjoy his close pressence.
"I like him." She whispered quickly into Elsa's ear, earning a soft blush from her sister, and a gentle nudge with her elbow.
Meanwhile the snow could be see falling at all their heads. The pristeen white taking on the organge glow from the sun as the flakes fell. The day couldn't been more perfect. One this day in Alavon no one was without a smile or a cheerful spirit.