Strange Magic – Maribog
by
Raven Diablo
Chapter 1 – The Day After
It was a long celebration that lasted the whole morning, Bog and Marianne stood by the edge of the remains of the bridge as everyone from both kingdoms were still rejoicing behind them. They were a bit tired from flying and dancing above. Neither of them slept a wink the night before. He stood behind her with her hand in his. She turned to look up at him.
"So, I guess this looks like our kingdoms will be at peace with each other from now on?" Marianne asked.
"I was never really at war with your kingdom," Bog said. "We usually kept to ourselves. Mostly it was the fairies and elves from your kingdom exploring in my realm."
"What can I say? My people are a curious bunch," Marianne said. "But there was the issue with you imprisoning Sugar Plum for all this time."
"Yes, you are quite right and I am sorry about that," Bog said as he clenched the fist of his free hand and said in a slightly angered tone, "I just became infuriated with her for not making a potion that worked. I wanted to keep her from spreading her love through the land, particularly my dark forest. But I didn't know the one I loved was in love with someone else, rending the potion useless. I didn't listen to Sugar Plum."
"We found out it was an imp that wanted the potion and it was using it to spread love throughout your land," Marianne said.
"Really? I don't understand. How was this imp not seen before?"
"First off, it's fast and hard to see. Second, it was another thing you didn't listen to Sugar Plum about. She knew about it," Marianne said.
"So that is what was causing it, I thought it was the fairies all this time."
"No, even though I must say we are pretty much guilty for spreading real love around...perhaps that is why you thought it was us," Marianne said
Bog placed his arms around her waist and looked down into her golden brown eyes.
"You know even though I am standing here holding you, I can't believe it is true that I am holding someone as beautiful as you. Never in my wildest dreams I thought I would have a butterfly fairy be interested in me. I am not attractive in the least bit. I still don't understand how you find me attractive."
Marianne turned around as she draped her arms around Bog's shoulders and said, "Well, I can see past your hard outer shell and unlike my ex, I find a softer side to you."
Marianne then ran her fingers around in the inside of Bog's collar where he had skin. He closed his eyes and clenched his teeth and it almost seemed like he was fighting the good feeling of her fingers running around his neck. But he exhaled rapidly and said, "Oh, that feels so nice."
"There are things about you that I find attractive. For one, Roland would have never did what you did. He's a coward. When I saw you standing there...so strong...holding up that enormous skull on you own, risking your own life so my sister and I can escape," Marianne said as she now ran her figures along the soft area of skin around the inside of his elbows. "As you fell, I thought that's the guy I want, the one that would give his life for me."
Marianne then rested her head on his chest and continued, "It is like you were saying in your great hall about how I was different. Well, you are different as well. You are so tough, fierce and strong on the outside, but inside I see a kind heart," Marianne said. "I figured out the reason why you like that boutonnière so much is that my sister made it for you. Your reaction to when I stepped on it wasn't what I expected."
Bog put his hand out and said, "Let's sit for while."
The two sat down by the ledge and Bog took her hand and said, "I am the Bog King and with the exception of my mother, no one ever gave me a gift before. Your sister gave it to me and said, "It looks good on you." She just looked at me with those big blue eyes of hers and I felt something strange in me that I have not felt in a long time. I then thought about some of the nasty things I said to her earlier and it bothered me. So I just told her, "Thank You."
Marianne smiled and said coyishly, "Uh, huh. I am right about you. You have a good heart...you are not truly evil."
"I don't know about that, I have done some pretty evil things in my life."
"Sometimes people lash out and do bad things because they feel they were betrayed and not loved and they want others to suffer, which is wrong, I know."
Bog shook his head in agreement as he looked to the remnants of what was left of Dawn's boutonnière.
"But if you were truly evil you wouldn't have responded the way you did to Dawn's gift."
"It was the act of kindness that for a brief moment, it got me."
"She is really a sweetheart though."
"Yes, I could easily see that she could be one to be spreading love all around and I did have my moments where I squirmed just thinking about that, especially when she was singing those overly cheerful songs." Bog said making funny gestures with his hands. He paused for a bit and looked back into Marianne's eyes. "But you are such a stark contrast from her. You are the tough girl. When you sing, your songs have grit and bite. I like your songs."
Marianne started to blush a bit and she said, "Thank you, and by the way, speaking of singing, when you sang that 'Mistreated' song at the Fairy Festival, I have to admit, you carry a cool tune very well yourself. I guess that is another thing I find attractive in you. I love your songs AND your voice."
"Really? You love my voice?"
"Yeah...you have a great singing voice, WAY better than Roland's."
"Roland can sing?"
Marianne looked Bog in the eye and suddenly burst out laughing. Bog Joined her.
"Well, he can, but not very well," Marianne said.
"You have a darker edge to you all around that I like...especially with your choice of music style. I have noticed that doesn't sit well with your father. I saw him pass out when you started to sing, 'Wild Thing.'
"Well, believe it or not, I wasn't always this way. I used to sing most of the songs my sister did and I was just as cheery as her," Marianne said. "But I have always liked the harder and darker edged songs. It was only recently I started to sing them aloud and proud."
Bog raised an eyebrow a bit in disbelief, "Hard to believe, especially when I first saw you, I could see that you were feisty and much the fighter. That was some nice hook you threw at me."
Marianne laughed and said, "Sorry about that...Roland made me like this. I just was hurting so bad after I saw him with another woman that I didn't want to love again. I just let my anger and hatred for him drive me."
"I didn't want to love again either after that night Sugar Plum mentioned. In fact I thought myself to be incapable of loving again, that is, until I met you."
"Awwww, well it is nice to know that I affect you that way."
"Just please stay this way, I like this 'new' strong and bold Marianne."
"Oh, don't worry, Bog, I like the changes in me too much to go back. I am the eldest daughter of the Fairy King and next in line for the throne. I am prepared to run the kingdom...alone if I have to...but I would prefer someone special by my side," she said in an almost hinting like fashion as she looked at Bog.
Bog just smirked at her remark and then looked down into the chasm below them. His face had the look of concern and to an extent sadness.
"My home...everything is gone. All the goblins and creatures that served me lived there. They have no home now," Bog said with a concerned look on his face.
"Not everything, everyone got out safely including your mom. And," Marianne changed to a more meek look on her face as she said, "Well, you have me."
"Yes, you are correct. What I have lost I had gained 10 times over in finding you."
"Awww, that's sweet of you to say," She threw her arms around Bog and gave him a hug. But then her look became more stern as she continued. "Well, I am going to fix this."
"How? I seriously doubt your dad is going to help me or my people."
"Well, it was our fault that you no longer have a home and I want to fix this. Roland had no authority to destroy your castle."
Marianne got up and walked back to the crowd with a brisk pace. Bog followed. She started to ask to the whereabouts of Roland. Sunny told her he stumbled on to him and he was with a bug.
"He ran off behind those boulders back there," Sunny said pointing to a large group of boulders in the distance. He was sitting on Dawn's lap and had his other arm around her neck. He had several lipstick impressions on his face.
As Marianne and Bog left, they could hear Dawn and Sunny sing 'Three Little Birds' softly. They flew over to the boulders and sure enough, they found Roland in a warm embrace with a bug getting ready to kiss it on the mandibles.
"Oh! Oh!" Bog called out, "That just isn't right!"
His outburst frightened the bug and it flew off.
"Wait!" Roland shouted. "Please come back, my love!" He then looked to Bog angrily and said, "Look what you did, you scared her off!"
"Oh, shut it Roland," Marianne yelled out as she pushed him up against the rocks
Roland let out a loud, "Uh!" and then yelled out, "Ow! That hurt Marianne!"
Marianne pressed her finger hard on his chest and her other hand was clenched in a fist behind her.
Bog raised an eyebrow and smirked. He liked how she stood up a guy that was much larger than she was. It was her stance...the look on her face. Her eyebrows on a slight downward angle showing her anger. She looked good to him, really good. He could feel that he was becoming increasingly more attracted to her. He just loved how bold and strong she was.
"There is a little matter we need to discuss about you destroying Bog's castle. That was not in any kind of deal and you were not authorized to do such a thing."
"Well, what do you expect me to do about it, huh?"
"Replace it."
"What?" Roland sneered. "Have you gone crazy, that's impossible."
"No, it isn't. In case you are forgetting, I am the princess of this kingdom and you have to obey me and I am ordering you to find a new home in the dark forest for Bog and his people."
"That could take weeks, or even months! Be reasonable, Marianne."
"Reasonable? Oh, just like how cheating on me was reasonable?"
"No, but I apologized already for that."
"Uhhggghh!" Marianne blurted out as she turned her head to the side and rolled her eyes. "Let me put it another way. That nice four story chalet my father set you up with as an engagement gift? I will be putting Bog, his mom and everyone else that lost their home last night up in there until you find something."
"But where am I going to stay?"
"That isn't my problem," Marianne said in stern tone while crossing her arms across her chest.
Roland started to pout as it looked like he was near tears as he said, "I am going over your head and telling your father, you are going too far."
Roland started to fly off. Bog gritted his teeth and was ready to go after him, but Marianne held him back.
"No, Bog, don't. I know you are angry with him, but if you hurt him...as much as he deserves it...then that is another thing my father will hold against you. What I want to do is talk to my father and make him realize that Roland acted on his own and wasn't following orders. He was only ordered to bring back Dawn and myself...not destroy your home. If I can make my dad see that Roland disobeyed an order, then he might see things my way."
"Alright, we will do it your way...for now."
"Good. Wait here while I go to the palace. Roland has a head start and the sooner I get to my dad, the better."
Marianne was ready to fly off when Bog put his hand around her slender arm and said, "Marianne, I want to thank you for what you doing for me. Thank you for standing by my side."
"Of course. I love you and I want to do what is right."
"I lo...love you too, my dear, please don't be too long," Bog said getting hung up on the word, love.
"I see you are going to have trouble with that word, huh? Don't worry, I shouldn't be too long, my boyfriend!" She said giggling.
Marianne then threw her arms around Bog's neck and planted a firm kiss on his lips.
"Hmmmmm," he hummed out loud.
Marianne broke off the kiss and said, "Good, huh?"
"Yes, very much so."
"All right then...TTYL!" she said and waved as she flew off.
As they waved to each other, Griselda came around the group of boulders and said, "There you are son. I thought I heard voices over here. Also Dawn said you would be here."
"Oh, hello mother, how are you doing?"
"Oh fine. The strangest thing. After all this time feuding with Plum, now her and I are talking as we are best friends. She saved my life back there. She just picked me up and carried me out of the castle before it came down on top of me. Speaking of which...what are we going to do? The castle was our home."
"Marianne is taking care of that as we speak, mother." Bog said. "She's hoping her father might help."
"Ahhhh, I knew it!" Griselda said waving her finger at Bog. "She's a good girl, I knew it the moment I saw you two together. I thought maybe with the blond, but she was under a spell. But when you and that Marianne started to talk, I could see it in her eyes. She's the one. She's gonna be your wife, I tell you."
"Mom, for now that is still a dream. I just still can't believe it that a woman that beautiful wants to have anything to do with an ugly guy like me."
"Oh stuff it, son, that isn't true. You are very handsome, just like your dad. What that girl sees in you is the best kind of love imaginable. She can see into your heart. That's a good girl," Griselda said. "You make sure you hold on to that one...and you are right, she also happens to be very beautiful."
"I am just worried I am going to become infatuated with her just like what happened with that other girl and I end up chasing her off. That is what started the whole mess with the love potion in the first place," Bog said.
"Take it easy, son, and just take things one step at a time. Best thing right now is to communicate with her. Talk to her a lot and build up the trust between you and her and do fun things together. You keep her happy and she'll always be by your side."
"Thank you, mother."
"No problem. You are never too old to take advice from your, mom. You just have to listen. Besides, I can see already what affect she is having on you. You are becoming very polite and more like a gentleman by the hour."
"Well, I just want to be a good gentleman for her. I want to show my best manners in her presence."
"Right you are, my boy," Griselda said.
The two returned where the others were gathered.
Griselda returned to talking with Sugar Plum. Bog noticed that Dawn was standing by herself off to the side as Sunny was explaining the past night's events with the other elves.
Bog stood next to her and looked on as Sunny was talking.
Dawn said, "So where's my sister?"
"She went to see your father."
"Oh, OK," she said and then looked down to the boutonnière and said, "Oh my you can get rid of that if you want."
"I don't want to. Despite that you were under the spell of the potion, I...I thought it was rather nice that you gave me something. As weird as it may sound, I do like it."
"Well, I did mean what I said, you do look good with it and that isn't the potion talking anymore, but here...let me at least fix it up for you," she said.
Dawn then put two fingers in her mouth and whistled loudly. In a matter of moments her three pixie helpers came. She took the boutonnière from Bog and gave it to them and said, "Here, see what you can do with this."
The three pixies took the boutonnière and disappeared behind a nearby bush with it.
"Just give them a few moments and they will have it all nice and fixed up for you."
"Thank you, Dawn. I do appreciate it."
"Ummm, I am hoping you didn't mean what you said back there when I was in the dungeon. You really wouldn't have ripped my wings off now, would you?"
"No, of course not. I know I come off as bad and evil, but I am not so mean and sadistic to ground a creature of flight. Let alone harm a woman as lovely as you are."
Dawn giggled as she shrugged her shoulders, "Thank you. You are different than I imagined, not evil at all."
"Well, I am mostly misunderstood."
Just then the pixies came back with the boutonnière all fixed up and it looked better than it did when Dawn first gave it to Bog. Dawn thanked them and said, "Here you go, all fixed up!" Dawn said as she pined the boutonnière back on Bog's chest.
"Thank you. I will take better care of it this time," he said.
"Oh, you're welcome. Any friend of my sister's is a friend of mine."
Both looked on to Sunny as he continued to tell his story. When he was finished the group of elves dispersed and Sunny came to collect Dawn. He was still a bit skittish around Bog as he had a meek grin on his face as he tugged on Dawn's hand to lead her away.
"I'll see you later, Bog."
Bog smiled and nodded to Dawn as Sunny gently pulled her away.
Moments later Marianne returned.
"Well, I have some good news and...Wow! That boutonnière looks a lot better now. Dawn fixed it up for you, huh?"
"Yes, she has," Bog said as he pushed his chest out a bit in pride.
Marianne laughed, "Well it certainly does look great on you. I will have to make you one of my own one day."
"That would be nice, but what was it that you were about to say?" Bog asked.
"Oh yes! Well, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that I did get my dad to see that what Roland did was wrong he did agree that since I am not marrying Roland he would allow the chalet to be used to provide a temporary home for those that were living in your castle."
"Well, that was nice of him to do," Bog said scratching his head. "So what is the bad news?"
"He isn't offering much assistance in helping to rebuild your home, only a few men at best."
"Oh, that certainly does complicate things. Also, not that it matters, but if Roland was living in the chalet, where is he going to stay?"
"Roland would be temporarily staying at the palace. But it will not be permanent, so I have a funny feeling we have to find a place fast," Marianne explained.
Bog put his hand on his head and shook it, "This is an utter disaster."
"I'm sorry, but it did take some doing for my father to admit Roland's mistake. But when it comes down to it, he did see it that Roland was not following orders. I even managed to get Roland to see the err in his ways." Marianne explained.
"Really what changed his tune?"
"Oh...Just a little blackmail on my part. I told Roland that if he didn't cooperate with me that I would tell father of his little incident with Dawn back in the castle."
"Oh hooo hoooo! I like the way you think. You certainly are a tough cookie," Bog said as he shook his finger at Marianne and laughed.
"Uh huh. I don't fool around," Marianne said a little bit on the seductive side.
"That I can see," Bog said as he slowly reached forward and wrapped his long fingers around Marianne's narrow waist and he pulled her close to him and rested his chin on her head as he continued, "Thank you. However, I clearly heard you say 'we'"
"Well, I want to help you. I am going to go with you to find you a new home and will help you rebuild."
"Oh, no, you don't have to."
Marianne leaned up against Bog and began to run her hand across, his chest. He sighed.
"I know, but it is something I want to do and I think it will be fun. I do want to see more of your land with you. I had so much fun flying around in the forest with you last night before Roland showed up and crashed our little party with his army," Marianne said.
"Oh, about that, I am sorry I doubted you and tossed you into a spider web. I know now that you had nothing to do with it. I...I hope I didn't hurt you."
"No, you didn't, and I want to thank you for preventing Roland from dousing me with the love potion that first time. That was real valiant of you."
"Oh, that, well, it was nothing, I just acted on instinct as I saw the effect the potion had on your sister and I didn't want to see you singing, dancing and getting all ughhhh with that creep."
Marianne shuddered and shook her wings at the thought and exclaimed, "Nothing?! Oh, I would say that is a BIG something. That certainly is an ugly thought you saved me from. But when you did that I just felt a wonderful feeling that you would protect me from anything."
"I caught the look on your face and you were smiling at me and yes, I felt like I could protect you from anything.
Marianne looked around to make sure they were still alone. She looked up to Bog and had a very content look in her eyes. She reached around his neck and proceeded to give him a kiss. This kiss was different as it was very deep and passionate. Both of them started to breathe very deeply. She increased the suction on her lips and then suddenly Bog stumbled a bit and they broke off the kiss. Marianne giggled as she held on to Bog's chest to keep him steady.
"Whoa! That was some kiss."
"Oh, you ain't seen nothin' yet, Bog. I am just warming up," she said as she grabbed a hold of his staff, pushed herself away and broke into another guitar riff and began to sing;
(You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet - BTO)
'I met an evil bad man. And he took my heart away You ain't seen nothin' yet
He said I had it comin' to me, but I wanted it that way
I think that any love is good lovin'
And so I took what I could get, mmm
Oooh, oooh, Then I looked at him with my big brown eyes
And said,
B-B-B-Baby, you just ain't seen nothin' yet
I'll give you something that you never gonna forget
B-B-B-Baby, you just ain't seen nothin' yet'
Bog just stood in awe as he just listened to Marianne break out into another amazing song. When she was finished she tossed him back his staff.
"That was another amazing song! I love your music!" Bog exclaimed as he clapped his hands loudly.
"Well, thank you," Marianne curtsied. "It is like you said, I am different and so is my taste in music. I really am not one for all those fleety flighty songs that most of the fae sing," Marianne said poking fun at the type of songs the fairies would normally sing. She made flying motion with her hands. "I just want something with a good beat that you can really move to. Something a little more gritty and grungy," she said, clenching her fists.
"Very impressive."
"Thank...", Marianne said as she was interrupted by a large yawn that overcame her and she gracefully put her hand over her mouth. "Oh, sorry! We've been up all night and I am starting to get tired."
"Yeah, I am getting tired myself, I better get going and start to look for a new place."
"What?! That might take hours, or even days. You need to get some sleep too," she said poking her finger into his chest.
"Hmmm, no, not really, I have a place in mind," Bog said.
"Really?"
"Yes, but you go on back to the palace and get some sleep."
"But, I want to see it too."
"I guess you are not taking no for an answer, huh?"
"Nope!"
"Alright, tough girl, I will show you," Bog said offering his hand to Marianne.
Just then Dawn and Sunny came back and said, "Are you two coming back to the palace? Dad invited everyone for something to eat and finally get some sleep!"
"No, Dawn, I am going to go with Bog deeper into the woods, he says he knows of a place that he could turn into a new castle. I want to go with him and see it," Marianne said. "Just tell Dad so he doesn't worry."
"Will do!" Dawn said and then pointed a finger at Bog and said, "And you make sure my sister stays safe."
"Always," Bog replied as he bowed.
"Say, you are turning out to be a nice guy after all," Dawn said before she and Sunny headed back.
Marianne smiled and raised her eyebrows at Bog and then jumped up and took to wing excitedly. Bog also took to wing and then flew ahead of Marianne. She followed as they flew over the chasm where Bog's castle once stood. They only flew for a little while before they came upon a small creek that ran through the bog of the forest. Deeper in the dark forest very little daylight entered and it had the look of dusk. It had a foreboding look as the trees seemed to be more gnarled and twisted here. The nearby trees formed an intricate web of roots that all found their way to the creek. Marianne was getting an uneasy feeling and flew by Bog's side and held out her hand.
He took her hand and said, "Don't worry, everyone knows me here and I am the scariest thing in these woods anyway. They will not mess around with us."
"Well, I can handle myself, you know," Marianne said swallowing hard.
"Of course...tough girl."
Marianne smiled.
They followed the creek deeper into the forest until they came upon a tall cliff like structure ahead. The area here actually seemed a bit brighter, but not from the light from the sun, but some of the plants themselves had given off a cyan glow. Other plants gave off a purple and green glow. Surprisingly there seemed to be many colorful plants this deep. But the plants were deep colored; blues, maroons, purples and even some greens.
"It's actually very beautiful here," Marianne said, "I would have never known the dark forest can be beautiful."
"Yes, the forest does have some areas that are very easy on the eyes. On the outside, it seems to be a dark forbidden place, but when you get to it's heart, it is beautiful indeed." he said and then he pointed ahead of them. "This creek leads into a large cavern ahead."
The creek split off to the left and then continued into a grotto like opening that led into the cliff. The cliff had many willow trees on top and their branches hung down low and obscured part of the opening.
The two flew through the branches and into the opening. Inside the the river then made an angled turn to the right and headed deeper into the cavern through another gaping opening. Many stalactite formations hung from the ceiling and the river bank actually sparkled below them. The two came in for a landing on the river bank. Like many parts of the forest outside, the inside walls of the cavern had those same plants that a cyan glow. Also hanging from the ceiling were those glowing yellow plant like structures that were in Bog's castle, these illuminated the ceiling. The two colors overlapped about mid way up the wall and stalactites to form a green hue. Bog led Marianne to a protrusion that had spaced openings and formed sort of a view block to the rest of the back of the chamber.
"I envision this as the great hall and towards the back there I could have my throne," he said. He then pointed towards the top and he continued. "Up there is a great vantage point for my guards, they can see everything up there."
Marianne just looked in awe. The two took to wing again continued following the river through the other large opening. They entered a chamber even larger than the first. Lining the walls going up there appeared to be many pockets or alcoves. Marianne flew up to one of the pockets and bog followed.
He said, "I call these..."
"...rooms," Marianne finished his sentence.
Bog had an amazed look on his face as he said, "Yes, rooms. It is amazing how we..."
"...think alike." Marianne finished his sentence again and continued. "Those with great minds usually do think alike."
"Not only are you amazingly different, you very intelligent too."
"Thank you. I can also say the same of you, you are breath of fresh air compared to that air head, Roland. And to think I was going to marry that imbecile."
Bog burst out laughing and said, "I agree, that wouldn't have been a bright move."
Marianne thought back to the previous night and laughed. She said, "You should have seen the look on your face when you said, 'That is the guy?'" She mimicked Bog's look and voice.
Bog laughed even harder this time and Marianne joined in. When he calmed down he said, Well, I was surprised. He didn't seem like a good match for you. I thought you could do far better than him."
"In a way I am glad I caught him cheating on me, I think I would have had a miserable life with him."
"I am happy too, somehow that chain of events brought you to me. Finally someone I can feel free to talk to. Someone with a good head on her shoulders. Someone that likes music with some kick to it," Bog said as he kicked a stone over the edge.
Marianne smiled and then continued to look around. "I can see it. Homes can be made around these rooms."
"Precisely. This chamber would be the living quarters for staff and servants." Bog said. "Come, there is more."
Bog flew down and Marianne followed as he lead her up the creek, this time through a much smaller opening into yet another chamber. This chamber was not as large as the other two, but it had a striking feature in that the creek terminated into a waterfall pool. The water cascaded down from a large opening in the ceiling that lead outside. The opening had many thin roots covering it, making it a natural screen. The bottom of the waterfall formed a large pool at it's base. The 'rooms' in this cavern were different. They were larger and faced inward. Some rooms faced the waterfall. Some sunlight managed to find its way into this area through the opening above the waterfall. As with the other chambers it was lit up the same way. It was clearly the most beautiful chamber of the three.
"Royal suites for you and your mom, correct?" Marianne surmised as she held her hands behind her back.
"Correct, and it comes with a pool!" Bog added pointing to the base of the waterfall.
"Oooo, I think that is an open invitation to a water fight?"
"Heh heh! You're on!" Bog answered. "I think we are going to have a lot of fun here."
"Yes, we certainly will," Marianne said as she looked around. "This is a beautiful place, Bog, why haven't you moved in here long ago."
"Primroses. They kept me from moving. The castle was close to the border so it was easy to watch over it. However, when my mind was overloaded and I needed a place to clear my head, I would come here. I knew this place would make a nice new castle, but the Primroses tied me down. So I just fixed up that old castle the best I could," Bog explained.
"Well, you didn't do too bad of a job with it. Some parts of the castle were nice. I was amazed that you put my sister in a rather nice cell. I saw you gave her a nice bowl with fruits for her to eat and she had a nice bed. I even saw a nice table with a chair."
"Uhhhh, that was actually my second bedroom. If we had prisoners I wanted to keep a close eye on, I would stay in that room and keep a handle on things. But since the room did have a gate, it nicely doubled as cell. And...I didn't want to risk a war with your father, so I made sure Dawn was taken well care of." Bog paused and then continued. "There was something else too. Sugar Plum would sometimes sing songs down here. Some of her songs were very good. On nights I had trouble sleeping I would go down to that room and listen to her sing. One song in particular would put me right out."
Marianne asked, "What was the song if you don't mind my asking?"
"I don't know it's name."
"So what was the song about?"
"It was a romantic song about a couple dancing, the woman wearing a beautiful red dress the guy likes. It is kind of mu...mushy. Neither your's nor my style."
Marianne had a puzzled look on her face, "Mushy, huh? Not like you to like a song like that."
"Normally no. But it wasn't as irritating and annoying like most mushy songs."
"Could you sing part of it for me?"
"No! Sorry, I don't really recall all the words."
"Could you hum part of it or..."
"Marianne please," Bog said closing his eyes and turning away and held up his hand.
"Okay, I am sorry, I didn't mean to pry, perhaps another time then?"
"Yes, another time. I am feeling tired now. Come," Bog said as he flew up to the top most level of the cavern. The last room on the end had a makeshift bed. Many twigs were piled on top of one another and then feathers were piled on top of the twigs. The bed was fairly large and could easily hold two people.
"Oh, you made a bed here! So then you did come here and sleep often."
"When I wanted peace and quiet, yes. Sometimes those that I live with...even my mom gets on my nerves and I just need a place to clear my head."
"I understand. I have a few places I go to as well in the Fairy Kingdom to 'cool off' when I am in a bad mood. As you can see, I have a temper."
"Gee, I really hadn't noticed," Bog said sarcastically.
Marianne giggled and said, "I like it when you make me laugh."
"I like watching you laugh."
Bog put his hand out and offered for Marianne to lay down on the bed. She crawled into the bed and Bog covered her with a large feather.
"Tucking me in?"
"Well, no not really, I was...just..." Bog let out a long sigh and said. "Yes, I was."
Marianne smiled as she said softly, "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
He then removed a smaller feather from the side of the bed and proceeded to lay down on the floor next to the bed.
"Bog! What are you doing? The bed is big enough for the both of us," Marianne said hanging her head over the edge of the bed.
"Oh, well, I didn't want you to think that...well, we just met and I didn't...well, I just wanted to..." Bog found himself stammering again.
"Oh Bog, you are just trying to be a gentleman."
"Yes"
"It's OK, you can come into the bed with me. Besides, with everything that has went on since yesterday, I do want someone to cuddle up with," she said with a little seductive look on her face.
"Are you sure it's OK?"
"Bog...I know you that wouldn't take advantage of a situation."
"Oh, no, absolutely not. I don't want to ruin a good thing with you."
Bog gently climbed into the bed, but kept a good space between himself and Marianne. She looked over her shoulder and shook her head. She then rolled over to face him, put her arms around him and pulled herself close. Bog's eyes widened.
"I said I wanted to cuddle," Marianne said sternly looking deep in his eyes.
"Oooo, feisty. You know I like that," Bog said.
"Uh huh."
Marianne looked to be in deep thought and after a few moments, she said, "You you know, that is another thing different about you."
"What is?"
"You have professed your love for me, but yet, you have not once ever made sexual advances towards me. Had you been Roland right now, he would have immediately jumped into the bed and started to press himself into me and would say, 'C'mon baby lemme give you some gooood lovin'" she explained, changing her voice to sound like Roland's and gyrating her hips in a lewd manner.
Suddenly Bog burst out laughing and Marianne joined in.
"Really? He actually said that to you? When?"
"On our first date!"
"Wha? Didn't you get a hint that this guy was trouble making a lewd comment like that?"
"At the time, no not really. I didn't think to much of it as I thought he would think twice about hurting me since my dad would straighten him out. But as it turns out my dad initially took his side even after I told him Roland cheated on me. Seemed like no one was on my side and I just felt like I could just wither and die."
"So your dad just saw a big pretty boy that would probably make the best looking son in law and future ruler for the Fairy Kingdom, without taking into consideration that he cheated on you and hurt your feelings."
"Exactly! See, you get it, but no one else does. I had to remind my own dad of that. Makes me wish I would have met you long ago. My life was so close to being ruined if I didn't catch Roland yesterday. He would have cheated on me all the time. Once a cheater is always a cheater. My Dad just doesn't get that and I don't know why."
"Perhaps he will come around, as it is, you are his daughter."
Marianne shook her head in agreement.
Another thing, he can't sing that well either. I never liked his voice. Now you are like, wow! What a singing voice you have. Ahhhhhh!" Marianne swooned. "You can sing for me all day."
"Thank you, you have a beautiful voice yourself."
Marianne yawned aloud as she pressed herself deeper into Bog's body.
"Thank you. I feel so safe with you right now."
"I feel very good too, I never thought a woman would ever cuddle up with me, let alone one as beautiful as yourself."
"You're flattering me," Marianne said with a little giggle. "Thank You."
Marianne turned around and pressed her back into Bog's chest and he put his arm around her waist.
"You're welcome, sweet Marianne. Have a pleasant sleep."
"And you as well, my Bog King."
It was later on in the day when Marianne awoke to find that it was much darker in the chamber and when she looked up to the opening in the roof, it was much darker outside as well. She turned over to wake up Bog, but he was gone. She suddenly started to panic as a feeling of abandonment came over her.
"Bog!" she anxiously shouted.
"Down here, my dear."
Marianne breathed a sigh of relief as she thought, 'Oh, he didn't leave me alone.'
She then got out of the bed and flew down. As she descended, she could see that Bog made up a makeshift table and seats out of some of the rocks that were near the waterfall. He was arranging some items on the 'table' as she landed before him.
Bog looked up and said, "I woke up before you feeling hungry and figured that you were hungry as well, so I decided to fix us a little something to eat."
Marianne got a good look at the makeshift table. Bog used a large green leaf as a table cloth. In the center he had two small amber orbs that lit the whole table up.
He pointed to the items on the table and said, "Fruits to eat and nectars to drink. I hope it will be to your liking as it is the best I could do with what I could find outside of the cavern."
Marianne looked in shock at the table and the calm serene look on Bog's face. She was amazed to find that not only he was a gentleman, but also somewhat of a romantic. She couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed. She was ready to come out with a sweet outburst, but then she decided to play coy."
"AwwwwwwAre you being romantic with me, Bog?"
"Oh, What, me? Romantic? Naw! It was like I said, I just threw this together real quick," he said as he adjusted the stone closest to her and then took her hand and made gesture for her to sit.
"Please, have a seat."
"Oh, Bog, this is so nice!" Marianne said as she looked at how orderly everything was set up. "You sure can set up table nicely. How did you learn how to do this?"
"You forgot that I live with my mother? It was one of the things I picked up from her."
Marianne laughed a bit as she went for a grape which was cut in half. Bog sat down across from her and also took a bite from his half of the grape. She looked around at how the chamber was now mostly lit by the luminescent plants that adorned the walls of the chamber. That and the waterfall did make for a very romantic setting and Marianne couldn't help herself as she leaned across the table and gave Bog a kiss.
"That's my thank you for setting this all up," Marianne said.
"You're very welcome." Bog replied.
As they continued to eat, Marianne and Bog were looking around the chamber and they envisioned what they would do to remodel it to create a home. They figured that his living space would be right were there would be plenty of space to create homes in the adjacent chamber. Bog also pointed out that behind certain 'rooms' there was access to a network of tunnels that connected the chambers together and they even went to other parts inside the cliff.
"Wow, this is really going to be a big project," Marianne said.
"However, I think it can be done in a reasonable time. Obviously I am not going to let my guys loaf around."
"Oh, I think it will be spectacular. I want to help so bad!"
"Well, thank you. I do appreciate your offer to help. But we can plan more tomorrow, it will be dark soon and I best be getting you back to the palace before you are missed."
Marianne reluctantly nodded in agreement as she said, "If I wouldn't be missed, I would have loved to stay all night here with you."
"I know, I would love to stay here with you too. But I do want to get on a right foot with your father and get you home."
The two took to wing and proceeded to follow the river back down and out of the cavern. It was near dusk and the bioluminescent plants shown even brighter now making the forest even more beautiful.
"This is so amazing! I am so glad you are picking this spot for your new home."
Bog just smiled as they flew down stream. Once the past the cavern area, things in the dark forest became very dark and dank. This area certainly seemed to look the scariest and it was much darker than any other part of the forest. Not much sunlight came through the canopy in this area. Marianne swallowed hard and then turned to Bog.
"It is kind of spooky here," she said.
"Kind of like a natural shield, huh?" he said. "Any outsider would have to pass through here. Most would turn away not knowing what beauty lies behind," Bog said as he swung his staff back pointing to the area they just left.
The river turned away and then the ground dropped before them as they approached the area where Bog's castle used to stand. This area started to get a bit brighter. Soon they reached the border and exited the Dark Forest. The sun caught their eyes as it was just starting to touch the horizon.
Bog stopped suddenly and Marianne shot passed him a bit and then stopped herself to look back and said, "Why are we stopping?"
"Well, I guess this is goodnight, you know your way to the palace from here. I am going to go back."
"No Bog, I want you to come to the palace with me."
"I don't think it will be appropriate given your father's reaction to me."
"Well, he is just has to understand that I am old enough to make my own decisions on who I go out with."
"Tomorrow, perhaps as I have to discuss my plans with your father. But tonight it is best if I stay in the Dark Forest."
"Well, at least see me to my front door, that is the appropriate thing to do after a date," Marianne said in a stern tone."
Bog smiled, "That I will do."
The two flew back to the palace gates
As they approached they could hear one of the guards yell out, "She's here open the gates!"
"Well, I guess this is it," Marianne said rubbing her hands nervously. "I really don't want you to be alone in there tonight."
"I think it is better that I go."
Marianne shook her head and said, "No, I am next in line for the throne and my word has to mean something. Wait here."
Before Bog could answer Marianne flew into the palace. Through the main gates Bog could see many fairies and elves moving about. They looked like they were preparing something.
It took a little while, perhaps a little longer than a little while, but Marianne returned and her face was glowing.
"My dad said it was OK! You are invited to dinner. He also wanted to tell you that your people will be taken care of they were also invited to dinner!"
Bog seemed to be puzzled by Marianne's answer and he was thinking as to why, all of a sudden, was the king so nice...to go as far as to even provide food for his people.
But he just took it like a gentleman and responded accordingly, "Thank you."
"Come! Come! They will be ready soon," Marianne said as she held out her hand.
Bog took her hand and the two flew off together into the palace.
The palace was a stark contrast to his own castle and Bog was amazed with it's opulence as they flew down the main hall. The ceiling was vaulted and very high here and many fairies darted to and fro. Some were carrying things. Some flew slow, others flew fast. It seemed like it was a busy area of the castle. They didn't have to fly far as Marianne stopped by a set of double doors and landed with Bog.
"This is the dining hall," Marianne opened the doors slowly and they walked in.
The dining hall was very grand and had several tables and one long table in the middle. There was an open area in the middle and the floor was made from wood. Obviously the dining room was also a place for dancing and other entertainment. The longest table was obviously the royal table and in the middle was a very ornate throne like chair. Obviously this was where the king sat. Next to the large throne there were two smaller thrones flanking the large one. Bog surmised that those were the thrones for Marianne and Dawn. There were other tables that were closer to the walls, but a few were not used. One of the tables was much smaller physically, but also very long. This was were the elves were sitting. No sooner had she entered the room, Dawn practically flew right into both of them.
"There you are! Where have you been? You had Dad and I worried!"
"Dawn, I can handle myself and I was with Bog," she raised her hands to Bog giving him a smile. "He's the Bog King and no one is going to mess around with him."
Bog just smiled back at Marianne.
"Well, we are just about to have dinner. Dad figured we would have a big feast tonight since those of the Dark Forest are invited. Did you two find a place?"
Marianne looked to Bog and he gestured for her to answer, "Yes, as a matter of fact, we did. It is the most beautiful place too. Very natural. It is much nicer than his old place."
"Oh really? Where is it?"
"It is deeper in the forest within a cavern that a small creek flows into. There are chambers with rooms and the walls glow," Marianne explained with excitement in her eyes.
Dawn stood holding her hands on her chest and her eyes grew wider with each moment as her sister described the new spot that Bog picked out.
"It does sound wonderful, can I see it?"
"Yes, tomorrow when we all go."
"Great! Now let's eat, I am hungry!" Dawn exclaimed.
As they all headed to the dining room table Marianne was puzzled that there wasn't enough place settings at the royal table. She was hoping there would be a place for Bog next to her spot, but instead, Roland was sitting in that spot. He seemed to be in an rather unhappy mood as he kept looking in their direction and giving Bog a sneer. His cronies were sitting along the length of the table on the left side. Other members of the guard were sitting on the right side.
Just then the Fairy King came in and there was an announcement. Everyone including Bog bowed.
"Arise everyone!" The King announced. "We have special guests dining with us tonight from the Dark Forest. The Bog King himself and his fellow subjects."
The Fairy King gestured to one of the tables was off to the side and Bog saw that Stuff, Thang, Brutus and his Mom were sitting at the table along with some others from his castle. At the head of the table there was a slightly more ornate chair. Bog surmised that was his spot.
There was a lukewarm applause and no one on the side of the royal table where Roland and his men were sitting were clapping at all. The king, Dawn and Marianne sneered at them and they slowly clapped.
"My apologies, Bog...er a, your excellency, for the less than ideal place settings, but it was the best I could do on short notice," The King said.
"Understood, your highness." Bog replied.
"Daddy, can I have a word with you?" Marianne asked.
"But, of course, my dear. I always make time for my girls," the Fairy King said.
The two walked off to the side where no one could hear.
"Why have you set them so far off. By right Roland and his men should be sitting off to the side for what he has done to me and the Dark Forest folks should be sitting with us. Also why are Roland's men in armor...for dinner?"
"Marianne, my dear, we barely know them, we don't know their true intentions," The Fairy King whispered and then added, "Frankly, I don't share your enthusiasm for the Bog King and I am taking precautions."
"I can assure you he is a gentleman and you are making him feel less welcome. This is embarrassing."
"Well, everything is set up and can't be changed now. At least I offered them food, drink, and a place to stay."
"Thank you father, but I want to make them feel welcome," Marianne said.
Bog and the Fairy King watched curiously as Marianne grabbed a chair from one of the unused tables and proceeded to drag it. Roland looked to her and had a puzzled look on his face. She continued to drag her chair over to the table where the Dark Forest creatures were sitting and placed it next to Bog's seat.
She said looking to everyone at the table, "I personally would like to welcome you to the palace and I will be joining you as your host for dinner. As you all know, I am Marianne eldest daughter of the Fairy King and next in line for the throne. You are all guests in the Fairy Kingdom and I do hope you enjoy your meal tonight. If there is anything you need, just let me know and I will take care of it for you."
Griselda said, "Oh, thank you, you are such a sweetheart, young Marianne."
The others at the table just nodded or grunted.
Griselda continued, "Oh, don't mind them, I am sure they also appreciate being here tonight, they are just not used to such kindness."
The Fairy King just looked away in a bit of a huff and took his seat at the table along with Dawn. Bog sat down at his table and said, "Good evening folks," the then turned to his mother and said, "Mother".
Everyone replied, "Good evening, Sire." Griselda replied, "Good evening, son."
Bog turned to Marianne and said, "You didn't have to do that, you could have sat with your family."
"No, Bog, I don't like that my father pushed all of you in a corner and that bastard Roland is sitting next to me. I wanted to sit next to you and that is what I am going to do."
"Well, thank you. I do appreciate it."
"Besides, I wanted all of you to feel welcome here and if am the one to do it then so be it." Marianne said.
Bog made an upward gesture with his head and everyone stood and said in unison, "Thank you, your grace."
"Awww! That's OK. Please sit, you don't have to go nuts with formalities. I am not big on them. Just call me Marianne.
Everyone nodded as they sat down.
Soon the first course was served which was a soup and everyone dug in. Sadly some of the creatures didn't have the best table manners and were making noises and loudly slurping. Brutus actually belched.
Marianne started to laugh.
Bog cleared his throat and said, "Ehhh Hem. May I remind you all we are in royal presence. I suggest you act accordingly."
Brutus said, "Sorry boss."
Bog sneered at Brutus.
"Bog, it is OK, I think they are funny." Marianne said.
"No, they still need to mind their manners."
Thang just looked at all the spoons and knifes on the table and said, "Which one do I use?"
Bog was ready to say something but then Marianne jumped in and explained the use of each utensil as well as formal dining etiquette in a subdued voice. Bog just sat in amazement as he watched his girlfriend explain everything. She would glance at him and smile every now and then.
Throughout the rest of dinner, the Dark Forest folks remained quiet and very well mannered. But things over at the royal table took a turn in the other direction. Roland and his three cronies were drinking heavily and talking loudly. At first the Fairy King, Dawn and the others at the table were laughing along, but then Roland's jokes started to become lewd. The Fairy King and Dawn were grimacing and making faces as the group of four men became boisterous. One of them even broke wind and blamed it on his seat.
Marianne looked over to the royal table in disgust and said, "They can be so nasty! Getting drunk and embarrassing me."
Roland asked for another round of drinks, but even the Fairy King himself had enough as he said, "I think you and the boys had enough to drink, Roland."
Roland just pouted as he said, "Yes sire."
"I think it is time for some different sounds," the king said as he gestured to some pixies that were playing some background music. "Let's have some songs and dance."
Everyone cheered.
"Sunny, why don't you kick things off. You usually always have a good song for us." The king asked.
"My pleasure, your majesty." Sunny answered as he bounced down from his seat at his table and took to the center of the room.
He nodded to the pixies and they broke into a slow reggae style rhythm.
Mostly everyone was rocking back and forth in their seats. Marianne closed her eyes and also rocked back and forth in her seat. Soon others at Bog's table were also swaying to the beat with her.
She then opened her eyes, turned to Bog and said, "I just love this style of music and Sunny is the reggae master around here."
Sunny started to sing.
(Is this love - Bob Marley)
I want to love you, and treat you right,
I want to love you, every day and every night,
We'll be together, with a roof right over our heads,
We'll share the shelter, of my single bed,
We'll share the same room, yeah! For Jah provide the bread.
Is this love, is this love, is this love,
Is this love that I'm feelin'?
Is this love, is this love, is this love,
Is this love that I'm feelin'?
I want to know, want to know, want to know now!
I got to know, got to know, got to know now!
He would glance over to Dawn often while he was singing and she was giggling and arching her shoulders forward. It was clear that he was serenading her and there were many 'Awww's that emanated from the crowd'.
"I see you have a wide interest in music," Bog said.
"Yeah, as long as it doesn't get too mushy I am fine. I usually prefer the faster music myself," Marianne said as she continued to rock back and forth. "Dawn is the one that is into the love songs and ballads."
"Apparently 'Team Roland' isn't keen on this music," Bog pointed out.
Marianne looked over to see Roland eying her down, "Naw, that isn't it...something crawled up his butt and died."
Everyone at the table burst out laughing. Bog put his hand over his mouth to stifle his laugh a bit. He then said, "You are too much, Marianne. I don't think I have laughed this much in a long time."
Both Marianne and Griselda smiled. By this time there were people dancing on the middle of the floor.
After Sunny's song was over, Dawn raced over to him and gave him a huge hug and planted a kiss on his mouth. More "Awww's" emanated from the crowd. Sunny then offered the floor to Dawn.
"Uh Oh, Here comes the Queen of Mush," Marianne warned jokingly.
Immediately Brutus was finding bread and other food items and began to stuff his ears with them. Everyone else at the table started to laugh.
Dawn apparently noticed and said, "Don't worry Brutus, I am not going sing that song."
"Uhhh, OK," he said smiling.
Dawn then turned to look at Marianne and said, "Queen of Mush, huh sis? We'll see about that."
Marianne was surprised that her sister managed to hear her remark. But then again, like herself, she did have rather large ears.
Dawn nodded to the pixies and suddenly the room erupted in a loud horn blaring intro which dropped into a heavy disco dance beat. The vibration from the bass could be felt throughout the room. Everyone looked wide eyed as this was not a typical song that Dawn would sing. Both Marianne and her father had the widest eyes. Bog just grinned from ear to ear. Everyone at his table was soon bobbing to the beat, even Brutus.
"Yeah! This is more like it!" Brutus said.
Dawn would every now and then turn to Sunny as it was now her turn to serenade him. He climbed up on to the end of the table so he was closer to her face and he would dance on the table as she danced on the floor. She would reach out and take his hand every now and then.
Dawn sang in a slightly low register than normal. Marianne just looked on stunned with her mouth open as her little sister belted out the lyrics to the song:
(Best of My Love – Emotions)
'Doesn't take much to make me happy Demonstrating love and affection Whoa whoa, you got the best of my love Going in and out of changes My love, my love, my love, my love Oh, got the best of my love
And make me smile with glee
Never, never will I feel discouraged
'Cause our love's no mystery
That you give so openly, yeah
I like the way ya make me feel about you, baby
Want the whole wide world to see
Whoa whoa, you got the best of my love
Whoa whoa, you got the best of my love
Whoa whoa, you've got the best of my love
The kind that come around each day
My life has a better meaning
Love has kissed me in a beautiful way
Ooh, oh oh oh oh oh
Whoa whoa, you've got the best of my love
Whoa whoa, you've got the best of my love
Whoa whoa, you've got the best of my love
Demonstrating sweet love and affection Oh, but in my heart, you're all I need Oh, oh oh oh oh oh Oh, givin' you the best of my love Oh, oh oh oh oh oh
That you give so openly, yeah
The way I feel about ya, baby can't explain it
Want the whole wide world to see
You for me, me for you
Oh, it's growin' every day, ooh
You've got the best of my love
Oh, oh oh oh oh oh
You've got the best of my love
Oh, givin' you the best of my love
Oh, oh oh oh oh oh
You've got the best of my love
You've got the best of my love
Oh, givin' you the best of my love
Oh, givin' you the best of my love'
The song Dawn was singing was very well known as now many people were picking partners and dancing on the floor. Bog and Marianne even got up to dance. Marianne was showing off a bit and began to move her body to the beat. Bog became more and more distracted by her as she really looked good dancing. Their dance was short lived as the Fairy King himself cut in and collected Marianne. He tried to dance with her a bit, but had a bit of trouble keeping up. Bog was unhappy that he lost his partner, but he knew family comes first. So he slowly returned to his seat at the table. Moments later, he noticed Roland coming over and it looked like he tried to cut in on the king and dance with Marianne. He could see he was affected by his drinking and his movements were weird. Bog tried his best to strain his ears, but couldn't hear much over the loud music. But it was clear when he saw Marianne was shaking her head in refusal.
After the two minced some words Marianne turned around and stormed off towards a set of frosty windowed doors that appeared to lead to a balcony outside and Roland stormed out of the dining room altogether. Dawn took notice and her smile disappeared as she had a bit of a worried look on her face, yet she continued on with her song. The Fairy King threw his hands in the air and shook his head before returning to his seat.
Bog started to get up from his seat as he wanted to check on Marianne. Suddenly Roland stormed back into the room and made a bee line for the same doors that Marianne went through. Bog looked to the Fairy King and he didn't notice Roland's reentry as he was discussing something with one of his guards.
Griselda leaned over and talked into Bog's ear, "Did you see that? I don't like the look of it. I think you better check on your girl."
"Mom, you don't have to tell me twice, I am on it," Bog said with a cross look on his face.
Bog got up and headed towards the doors. When he reached them, he slowly opened up the doors and peered outside. He was shocked at what he saw. Roland had Marianne pinned to the wall with one of his hands wrapped around her throat and the other. Her dress was completely torn around her midsection exposing her stomach. Her torso was expanding and contracting rapidly as she was laboring to breathe.
Roland angrily said, "You took everything away from me. My army, my home, even my love. I am stuck in love with a bug, for goodness sake! All because of you! And now you embarrass me in front of everyone in there when all I wanted was to dance with you?"
He heard Marianne gasp out, "Roland, you're drunk! Stop it! You are choking me."
Suddenly Bog felt a rage build up within him as he slammed both doors open and stormed right towards Roland. Roland immediately let go of Marianne and she slumped to the floor coughing. He tried to go for his for his sword...however, in his drunken state he grabbed for the wrong side of his body and Bog was too quick for him. He pulled Roland's own sword out of the hilt and held it to Roland's chest. He then took his hand and placed it on his throat and slammed him up against the wall.
Roland was racked with fright and was cowering. Bog gritted his teeth as he single handedly lifted Roland up off the ground by his neck.
"How do you like it when someone is squeezing the life out of you, huh pretty boy?"
Roland tried to speak but just kept gasping.
"You take out your frustrations on a woman! Have you any decency? You are pathetic and shouldn't be allowed to live."
Marianne caught her breath and held up her hand and said, "Bog, please calm down, don't do it."
Bog kept his eyes on Roland as he said, "He's dangerous Marianne and I am not going to allow him to hurt you anymore. He has hurt you enough!"
The music stopped inside and there was movement towards the door and it opened. It was Dawn.
She assessed the situation as she saw her sister sitting on the floor gasping for air and her dress was torn. Her eyes shot to Bog holding Roland a couple feet off the floor with a sword in his hand.
"Dawn, please get Daddy," Marianne said as she still sat on the floor holding her neck.
Roland suddenly managed to gasp out out few words, "Dawn, this monster hurt Marianne and is now trying to kill me!"
Dawn shot out of the door as Marianne shouted, "No Dawn, that isn't true!" But it was too late she was gone.
Marianne got up and staggered over to Bog.
"Bog, please listen to me carefully, please...give me the sword and let him breathe."
"He doesn't deserve you, he doesn't deserve the right to even look at you."
"Bog please, I know you are angry, but I know what I am doing."
"Aright, Marianne, as you wish."
Bog gave the sword to Marianne and she held it up to Roland's throat. In her stance Bog could see the bruises that Roland left on her neck.
"Let him down slowly," Marianne said. Then she turned to Roland and shouted angrily, "You move and I swear I will run you through."
Bog was very impressed as he saw the fire in her eyes. She had the same look on her face that she gave him last night just before she punched him in the jaw. But this time it was Roland's turn to feel her wrath.
"Bog, just stand off to the side, but still stay close to me." Marianne instructed, her voice was becoming more grating with anger by the moment.
Bog did so and Roland tried to speak but was interrupted as Dawn returned with her father. He entered with his sword was drawn.
He had a confused look on his face as he asked, "Marianne, what the heck is going on here? Dawn said Bog was trying to kill Roland, yet you have a sword to his throat."
"What Dawn told you isn't true. Roland lied. Roland held me up against the wall by the neck, choking me. Bog defended me."
"Oh, come now, I don't believe that, but someone better tell me what the heck is truly going on here," he then turned to Bog, pointed his finger and said, "You! I let you into my home and trust you and you come with your band of creatures and cause trouble."
"Sire, what I told Dawn was true," Roland said. "Marianne is just trying to protect this scaly backed cockroach."
Bog gritted his teeth at Roland and then muttered, "Your Majesty, if you please, just check Marianne's neck for yourself, and the truth you are looking for will become clear.
Marianne looked over to Bog for a few moments the anger on her face turned to a smile and she mouthed, 'Thank You'.
Bog smiled back to her as her father came over and inspected his daughter's neck. He then looked up to Bog and he held his hands up. The Fairy King quickly realized that his finger tips and hand size were much too large to have created the marks on Marianne's neck. He then walked over to Roland and looked at his hands.
"Roland, give me your hand," The Fairy King bellowed.
"Sire, if you please allow me to speak, I..."
"I said, give me your hand, that's an order!" The Fairy King shouted.
Roland's face winced as he slowly raised his hand and the Fairy King looked them over. Suddenly the King's face began to turn red and he gritted his teeth.
"How dare you take a hand to my daughter! I trusted you like I would a son. I gave you a good home and I even gave you a second chance despite you cheating on her. This is how you repay me?" He shouted at Roland. He then turned his head towards the door and yelled out, "Guards!"
Instantly four armored guards entered through the doors.
The Fairy King pointed to Roland and said, "Get this monster out of my sight, lock him up!"
They took a hold of Roland, but Marianne stood with her eyes locked to his and her teeth gritted as she started to slowly push the sword deeper into his neck. Roland squeezed himself as hard as he could up against the wall.
Marianne's father put his hand on hers that was holding the sword and he looked in her eyes, but her eyes didn't budge from Roland's. Her grip on the sword tightened.
The Fairy King spoke low into her ear, "Marianne, my dear daughter. I know you are upset, but you know killing him is going to make things better. "
"Yes, Yes. Listen to your father." Roland gasped
The king swung around and gave Roland an angry look lifting his own sword up to him.
"You shut up! You say nothing for you have nothing to say. So help me that I don't run you through myself," he paused and then said, "You know what? Maybe I should l let her kill you for what you have done. She's a grown woman now and can make her own decisions."
Suddenly Roland's face turned pale as he now no longer had the support of the king. His eyes shifted to Marianne. Her eyes glared even more at him as her breathing became heavy and she showed her teeth even more. Suddenly, he became frightened, the tip of the sword was starting to cut into his throat. He could feel his blood starting to trickle down his neck.
"No, No, please Marianne! I'm sorry, please." Roland said, his voice quavered with fright as he begged for his life.
This was music to Bog's ears as he looked at how his woman stood strong staring her foe deep in the eye. He looked to how her arms looked as she held the sword. They were beautifully toned and defined. He had really nice rounded shoulders that formed an indentation towards the middle upper part of her arms. He also noticed that her stomach was nicely toned as he glanced at the torn section of her dress. She was a strong woman and very well built indeed. He could feel a strong feelings of attraction inside, they were too strong as suddenly Marianne not only looked beautiful, but she also came off as sexy. But he tried to be careful as not to make it obvious that he was checking her out.
In a horse smoky voice Marianne said, "You ever touch me again, so much as a finger...I will kill you."
Marianne then stood back and tossed the sword over to Bog and he caught it. He put the sword into the floor and leaned up against it. Marianne smiled at him and raised her eyebrow.
As Roland tried to move from the wall, Marianne turned and stepped back. She then jumped forward and whipped her leg around giving Roland a roundhouse kick right to the jaw. A tooth flew out of his mouth.
Everyone gasped as Roland just crumpled down to the ground. One of Sunny's elf friends muttered, "That's gotta hurt!"
Bog stood in awe at what he had just seen. It was a beautifully executed roundhouse kick. Suddenly Bog felt a tingling sensation. It was something he hadn't felt in a long time...he was becoming aroused. Quickly he tried to squelch the feeling.
"My tooth! My tooth! You kicked out my tooth!" Roland cried out like a small child. "You ruined my beautiful smile. You're mean!"
Marianne just rolled her eyes and said to the guards, "You heard my father, get this piece of crap out of here."
Bog quickly put his hand over his mouth as he tried his best to keep from laughing. Not that it was a funny situation, but because he was just so impressed with how Marianne handled the situation and it was just an amazing sight to see. How strong she was and the fire she had within her.
The guards came over and collected Roland as he continued to wail about loosing his tooth and wanting to see his dearest bug lover.
The Fairy King clapped as he came over and embraced his daughter and said, "You have the mark of a great ruler indeed. You have done the right thing and I am proud of you, my daughter."
After she let go of her father, Marianne then rushed over to Bog and embraced him and said, "Thank you for being my knight in shining armor."
"I...I...Well...Your Welcome, Marianne." Bog stammered. He couldn't believe that he, the Bog King, could be compared to a knight in shining armor, by a beautiful woman.
Marianne looked up and then planted a kiss on Bog's lips. There was cheering among the crowd. Their kiss was short as Bog could feel a presence approaching. It was Marianne's father. He looked over to Bog and began to speak.
"I owe you an apology for doubting you and not trusting you. Furthermore, in Roland's drunken state...I feel..."
Suddenly the king became racked with emotion as his eyes started to glisten over.
"If it wasn't for you, I could have lost my daughter."
"Well, your highness, I do care for your daughter. I saw she was in trouble and acted accordingly."
"Thank you, your excellency. I know that you and my daughter have bonded and I no longer will get in the way. You formally have my permission to court her and my blessing. I only ask you to keep her safe."
"Thank you, your majesty. It will be an honor, and I will keep her safe with my own life if need be."
Marianne smiled from ear to ear and started to jump up and down shaking her fists. She then bounced over to her father and hugged him. Bog could make out that she whispered "Thank You" into his ears.
"Anything to make you happy, my daughter. If Bog makes you happy, then so be it."
Everyone in the vicinity began to cheer.
The Fairy King then looked up to Bog and said, "Whatever you need from me...men, supplies, anything to rebuild your home, just ask and it is yours."
"Thank you again, your majesty," Bog said as he bowed before the ruler of the fairies.
Dawn came over and wedged herself in between Marianne and her father and she yelled, "G.H.!"
"G.H.?" Bog said with puzzled look.
"Group hug, Bog. My daughters ended up just saying G.H. It's a family tradition."
After they broke off the hug, the Fairy King said, "Well, this supposed to be a party, so lets get back to celebrating!"
"Oh! Dawn, go and tell Bog's mother and friends that they are to join us immediately at the royal table."
"Yes, Daddy!"
"Bog, I am going to escort Marianne to her room so she can change her clothes."
Bog nodded in acknowledgement.
As they started towards the door, Marianne looked over her shoulder and blew Bog a kiss. He pretended to catch it and then he reciprocated, blowing a kiss to her and she pretended to catch it. Her dad noticed and he just looked back and smiled.
Bog walked over to the door as he saw Dawn holding his mother's hand as she escorted her and his men over to the royal table, taking the places where Roland and his men sat. A couple of stronger soldiers helped move a very nice ornate throne looking seat right next to Marianne's spot on the table. Bog figured that was going to be his place for the rest of the night.
He thought back on what happened throughout the evening and not only was he amazed that he won the heart of a beautiful woman, but he won the trust of her father, the very powerful ruler of the Fairy Kingdom.
'Finally things are looking up for once,' Bog thought to himself.
He took a look at his surroundings. The balcony was very ornate and had a beautiful view out to the meadows and a river that lie just beyond the castle boundaries. After a few moments passed, he heard a thumping beat from inside as the party resumed. The song was unfamiliar but had a good beat. He found himself tapping to the rhythm as he leaned on the balcony rail.
Suddenly he heard a voice behind him, "Everything alright, Sire?"
Bog looked behind him and it was Thang.
"Oh, yes, I am just waiting for Marianne to come back."
"Dawn just told us everything. She is alright...is she?"
"Yes, thankfully. She is just getting changed, her dress was torn."
"I think she's going to be the one, Sire. I like her a lot."
"The one?"
"Well, we were all talking at the table and we do hope to see that Marianne becomes your wife."
Bog sighed and said, "I hope so. She's really a wonderful woman."
"Oh! We have been moved to the main royal table"
"Yes, I know."
"Well, I will be going back to the party, so if you don't need me..."
"No, I don't, go back inside and have fun."
"Yes, boss."
As Thang retreated back into the dining room, the music changed to whomever was going to sing next. This song was very up tempo and had a good heavy beat. He could hear someone by the door shout, 'Wow, she looks hot tonight!' This got his attention and he turned around and slowly started to walk to the door.
Then he heard a familiar voice ring out, "Think you were showing me up sis? Well take a listen to this!" The voice was Marianne's.
Bog picked up the pace to a near jog as the room erupted into a heavy rock bass line. He was nearly running by the time he entered the room. He put on the brakes and practically slid into the center of the room. He came to a stop a bit back from a table that was placed in the center of the room. On top of the table was Marianne swaying to the beat of the music. She raised an eyebrow indicating she was impressed with Bog's entrance. She put her hand under her chin and smiled as she waved to him.
Bog waved back slowly with a stunned look on his face. She went back to her room to change alright. She was wearing a beautiful red silk dress. The voice that spoke up earlier was right. She looked hot...red hot.
Marianne's dress was a halter style which had a beaded strap that ran from around the back up to the chest area over one shoulder, around her neck and over and back down the other shoulder, chest area and went back around to the back. The strap itself had beads affixed to it for the entire length. The neckline was a deep 'V' that plunged down midway through her sternum. The area over breasts were pleated and another strap went from the the underside of this area. This was also beaded and joined up with the long strap that ran around the back and neck. Another beaded strap seemed to form a belt that cinched in her waist a bit, giving her more of an hourglass shape. The beaded areas on each side formed a nice triangle shaped cutout exposing her sides. In the center of the 'belt' the beads made a beautiful diamond pattern. Below the belt the dress' skirt ran all the way to the ground and it was long and flowing. The pleated design on top criss crossed from the diamond pattern and draped down each side of the dress. She had a matching beaded necklace that attached to the strap that ran around her neck. Her makeup was different too, from what he could make out at that distance, her eyeliner and shadow appeared to be darker and pulled out from the corners making her eyes appear more feline. Her lips were now ruby red to match the dress. Her hair was pretty much the same as earlier, but now she had a single purple flower in her hair. She was stunning and a sight to behold. Bog could swear to himself that he never seen anything more beautiful in his life before. When she started to sway back and forth, he noticed that the skirt part of the dress had a slit over the left leg and Marianne's leg protruded slightly from the slit when she swayed.
She was not only beautiful, but incredibly sexy. Bog found himself swallowing hard and he could feel a tingling sensation from low within. He thought to himself, 'No, not now. Control it Bog, get a hold of it." He looked off to the side for a moment, but now he noticed that mostly everyone in the room was looking at him and Marianne. As the intro played, Bog noticed a table with a single seat was behind him, which wasn't there earlier. Given how he was feeling, he felt it was 'safer' to sit down. After a few bars of the rhythm played, Marianne started to sing in low soulful voice. Bog began to breath heavy just from the sound of her voice.
(Burning Love – Wynonna Judd (Originally Elvis Presley))
Lord Almighty, Baby, Baby, Baby
I feel my temperature rising
Higher higher
It's burning through to my soul
You're gonna set me on fire
My brain is flaming
I don't know which way to go
(Marianne takes to wing and flies above the table as a group of pixies join in on backing vocals on the chorus) Your kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky
With burning love
(Marianne lands back down on the table on one knee, her other leg is fully exposed through the slit in the dress. She raises her forearms up and makes a fist in both hands as she rocks her shoulders back and forth.) Ooh, ooh, ooh,
I feel my temperature rising
(Marianne throws her head back and puts out her arms, hands with fingers splayed and she stands back up)
Help me, I'm flaming 'Cause your kisses lift me higher
I must be a hundred and nine
Burning, burning, burning
And nothing can cool me
I just might turn into smoke
But I feel fine
Like a sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky
With burning love
(Brutus tosses Bog's Staff to Marianne and she jumps down from the table breaking into a guitar solo)
(Guitar Solo )
It's coming closer
The flames are reaching my body
(Marianne Tosses the Staff back to Brutus and she slowly walks over to Bog's table swaying her hips. Bog's eyes widen.)
Won't you help me
I feel like I'm slipping away
It's hard to breath
And my chest is just a-heaving
(Marianne slams her hands down on the table and stares Bog straight in his eyes) Lord have mercy,
You're burning a hole in me
(Pixies sing)
Whoa Yeah!
(She grabs Bog by his lapels and pulls him out of his seat and sings straight to his face. Bog is stunned but also very impressed with her assertiveness. )
'Cause your kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky
(Marianne starts to dance in front of Bog)
With burning love
With burning love
Ah, ah, burning love
(She rocks her shoulders up and down)
I'm just a hunk, a hunk of burning love (8x)
I'm just a hunk, a hunk of burning
(Marianne puts her hands around bogs neck, and leans back. He puts his hands on her hips to support her. She tosses her head back and closes her eyes)
Looooove
(She looks back up to bog)
Oh, that's good!
The room erupted into a loud applause. She bowed to those in front and then turned to the royal table in back and bowed to them. The Fairy King was wiping his brow as it appeared he was a bit faint at seeing the sexy way his daughter danced in a rather revealing dress. But as Marianne turned and bowed, her wings fell to the side and he could see that the entire back of the dress from her neck down to her hips was open.
He once again swallowed hard and he could feel his heart begin to pound. That tingling sensation within begin to return. Marianne was extremely attractive. He could feel the primal side to him kick in and he started to get a strong desire to get close with her. But after she mouthed her 'thank you's' out to the crowd, she came to him and threw her arms around his neck and planted a firm kiss on his lips.
The crowd even clapped harder and there were some whistles. The heat of the moment was starting to get too much for Bog as he found it nearly impossible to keep his feelings at bay and the tingling sensation grew.
When they broke off the kiss, Bog took Marianne's hand and they went back off towards the balcony where they can talk. Upon going outside he quickly sat down at a table and said, "That was superb! Just the way I like it."
"Really? I was hoping you would like it," Marianne said as she closed the door to the balcony.
"It was wonderful."
"Thank you. I thought of it because of...you know, the red dress, burning red hot, Burning Love," she said as she walked to the balcony rail. She purposely let her wings fall to the side to fully expose her back.
Bog swallowed hard and he slowly approached Marianne from behind. He started to look her up and down her bare back. He was ready to reach out to hold her waist, but he was afraid that touching her exposed sides, feeling her soft skin would be all he could handle. He watched her body expanding and contracting as she breathed. He said, "My goodness, I just don't have the words to describe how beautiful you are. I thought you were lovely before, but this is such a beautiful dress."
"Thank you. This one took a lot longer for the pixies to make because it is made from silk. But unfortunately I don't have many nice dresses and this one is the nicest one I have. I was saving it for special occasion, so I put it on. I hope you like it."
"Like it? I love it. I adore it. I have difficulty taking my eyes off of you."
"Awwww, thank you. You are becoming such a schmooze," Marianne said as she turned a bit and giggled, but then she turned back to look out to the balcony.
Again Bog looked up and down her back.
She glanced back and said, "You can touch me you know."
It was an open invitation and Bog felt he couldn't hold back any longer. He raised his hands and was ready to wrap his fingers around her exposed, but delicate looking waist, but then shifted and placed his hands on her hips instead which weren't exposed."
Marianne turned around and had the look of disappointment in her eyes as she said, "Bog, I put on this dress mainly because I want you to touch me. I want to feel your fingers on my bare skin. Y...You do want touch me, right?"
"Yes, very much so. But I didn't want to do so without your permission."
"Awwww, Bog. Being a gentleman again, huh?"
"Yes."
Marianne turned towards the rail again and let her wings fall to the side again.
Bog focused on her bare back. She had a beautiful indentation that ran down her back. He carefully placed his hand on her back and Marianne gasped a bit as he gently ran his finger along the indentation. He could feel the individual vertebrae of her spine.
"Hmmmm, that's so nice," Marianne said closing her eyes. "Please, again."
He was about to do it again when he was interrupted.
Dawn threw open the balcony doors and both Marianne and Bog jumped. Bog moved over to the balcony rail next to Marianne.
Dawn skipped over to Marianne and she said, "Dad's going to wrap things up in an hour. FYI!"
Marianne let out a sigh and she looked slightly angered as she said calmly, "Alright, Dawn. Just have the servants start to clean off the tables, I still am talking with Bog."
"Righto, on it!" Dawn said as she looked down and began to check out her sister's dress. She put her hand under her chin and said, "Ooooo Ooooo. If Roland would see you now, he would be eating his heart out."
"Oh, please, don't bring that buffoon up any more. I have a real man now."
Bog's eyes flew open wide at Marianne's remark.
"Ohhhhkay. I guess I will leave you two love birds alone. TTFN!"
"Oh! One more thing..."
"Yes?"
"Knock next time, sis."
Dawn scrunched up her face in shame and said, "Sorry."
Marianne waved as Dawn flew off. She partly closed the balcony doors behind her and then went back to the rail next to Bog. The two looked out over the meadow. Marianne glanced down to Bog's hand. He got the message and placed his hand under her wing and around her back. She smiled.
"So it looks like you won over my father's heart and that's not an easy feat...especially by someone from outside the kingdom."
Bog didn't answer right away as he still swallowed hard. Marianne noticed that his eyes were glossy and he was having trouble making eye contact with her.
"Bog is everything alright?"
"Yes, my dear, everything is fine. More than fine actually. Thank you."
"Thank you?"
"Yes, what you said in front of your sister, well, it just felt good."
"Well, you are a real man. Not like that jerk that is behind bars where he belongs. Despite his size, his bravado is false. He's total coward. You came to my assistance right away, without hesitation. I like that."
"Still, I would have been fine if you ran him through with his own sword. That's what I would have done."
"What? Do you think my decision was weak?"
"No, absolutely not. You have exceeded my expectations for any woman and you did do the right thing. But, oh, when you held that sword to his neck, that look on your face, so attractive."
Marianne giggled and said, "So you find it attractive when I am angry?"
"I like it, I find it...sexy," he said as he moved behind her back. "But that doesn't even compare to the way you look now."
"Oh...Bog...really?" Marianne said as she looked over her shoulder.
"Yes."
He put his hands on her shoulders and she looked over her right shoulder. His fingers were so long they reached her chest. His thumbs reached passed her shoulder blades. She closed her eyes and reveled in the moment at how his huge hands felt, the tips of his fingers were touching her skin very gently. Bog slowly ran the back of his fingernail up the crease in her back and she began to breath heavy. When he reached the point where her four wings came together, she moaned.
"Ohhh! Bog, you are getting frisky with me. Hmmmm, That area between my wings is very sensitive."
"I'll stop if it bothers you."
"No way. K...k..keep going, please. It feels good!"
As Bog continued rub her back and he glanced over her shoulder to try to look at her face. Her eyes were closed and she would let out a small moan every so often.
After a few moments, Bog stopped and he said, "There is something I need to do."
"Hmmmm, thank you. That was nice. Please don't be too long. I want to continue this."
"Certainly, my dear," Bog said as he held out his arm for her to take.
Marianne couldn't help but sigh loudly. She took his arm and leaned up against him as Bog escorted her back into the dining room. The room was still pounding with music and many of the folks were now dancing. he started to look around.
"Who are you looking for?"
"Sugar Plum. If you see her send her my way."
"Alrighty then, will do...my love."
The two gave each other a quick kiss and then parted. Marianne went over to her father while Bog continued to look for Sugar Plum.
Bog he was frantically looking around. He managed to find his mother. He went over to he and said, "Mother, have you seen Sugar Plum? I know you were talking with her tonight."
"Sure, son, she's over there in the corner talking with Sunny and Dawn."
"Thank you, mother."
Bog marched over to Dawn, Sunny and Sugar Plum and stood by waiting until they took notice.
Dawn looked up and said, "Oh, Bog, anything you need?"
"Yes, may I speak with Sugar Plum privately?"
"Sure," Dawn said.
Sugar Plum narrowed her eyes and said, "What makes you think I want to talk with you."
"Sugar Plum!" Dawn said with a surprised look on her face.
"Could you please hear me out?" Bog asked trying to stay calm.
Dawn and Sunny excused themselves and when they were out of earshot, Bog began to speak.
"I am in need of your assistance," Bog asked.
"Oh, really now. Do you think for a second I am going to help you after what you have done to me?" Sugar Plum crossed her arms over each other and narrowed her eyes.
"Look, I know and I am sorry I didn't listen to you. I am further sorry for holding you against your will for so long. I know I owe you big time, but for now I need a favor. It's for Marianne, It's for love.
Sugar Plum narrowed her eyes further, but she had a soft spot for anything romantic and was at least willing to listen to Bog. In a slightly angered tone she said, "Alright, but only because it's for Marianne and has to do with love. What do you want?"
Marianne had a puzzled look on her face as she watched Bog and the Sugar Plum Fairy talking in the corner. She wondered what Bog was up to. Then her father caught her attention again and she walked over to him.
"I came up with a good idea to deal with Roland. I think we should humiliate him a bit and then sentence him to banishment. Then he would have wished you ran him through."
"Ooooo, Dad, that does sound a bit dark for you."
"No, Marianne, it isn't. The more I think about his hand around your neck, the more I am angry at myself for even letting him have a second chance after cheating on you. I didn't know he can get the violent. I was pushing for the marriage between you and him and you really would have had a miserable life with him. I was going too much by what was on the surface and not really taking into consideration what was really inside and how you felt. That was wrong of me and I am sorry, my daughter. I don't know what I would have done if that bastard badly hurt you, or worse."
"Well, Bog was nearby, thankfully."
"Yes."
The Fairy King embraced his daughter again, "You and Dawn are all I have and I love you both."
When they separated, Marianne noticed a tear rolling down his eyes. She said, "I love you too Dad."
The two smiled at one another for a few moments and then Marianne said, "So, I guess you plan on letting me do the humiliating?" A few fruits to the face in the stocks perhaps?"
The Fairy King laughed and said, "If that is your desire, sweetheart. I will make it so."
Marianne raised an eyebrow and laughed. Her father joined in. She looked out to the crowd and Bog caught her eye as he was waving her to follow him. He was heading towards the balcony and he had his staff.
"Excuse me, Dad."
"Oh! Marianne, we are going to wrap things up soon. I don't want to make it a late night, especially if we want to start bright and early tomorrow to help Bog with his new home."
"Understood."
Marianne gave her father a kiss on the cheek and then flew off to the balcony. The entire balcony rail had lit fairy candles lined along it. There were candles on the tables and benches as well.
Marianne placed both her hands on her chest and she sighed saying, "Oh! Bog! I am impressed! This is so nice and romantic!"
"Well, I tried by best. But I did have help."
Marianne narrowed her eyes and said, "Sugar Plum helped you, didn't she?"
"Yes, she had a big hand in this, but there is more."
"More?" She questioned as she looked into Bog's eyes with a bright smile.
"I have something to say...er rather sing for you."
"Really?"
"Bear with me though, it is something not in my style, but I think you might like it."
Marianne's large eyes became even larger as she clasped her hands together. Bog held his finger up to Marianne. He then flew out over the balcony's rail and nodded. She had a puzzled look on her face as to what Bog was up to, but soon he was back on the balcony and he walked over to the doors and closed them tightly muffling the music that played beyond.
A slow melody started to play in the background and it it was just loud enough to fill the balcony area.
"A ballad?" Marianne questioned as she giggled. "That's not like you at all."
Bog gave Marianne a look of angst and he said, "Please, Marianne, seriously this is hard for me as it is."
"Ok, OK, I will be quiet."
Bog approached Marianne and put his arms out as if getting ready for a dance hold.
"You are going to dance with me...formally?" Marianne looked surprised. "You know how?"
"Yes, and Yes."
"Oh...Oh...Oh my! This is unexpected."
Marianne immediately put her arms up and the two assumed the proper posture for formal dancing. Bog then started to lead as the music continued in the background.
Marianne look of surprise became more of that of shock as she said, "Holy Crow, you CAN dance. But how did you..."
"...learn how?" Bog interrupted and completed the sentence.
"Yeah?"
"I live with my mother...remember?"
"So your mother showed you how?"
"Yes, indeed she did."
All of a sudden Bog and Marianne heard a small whisper say, "Sing already!"
Bog's eyes widened and then he took a couple deep breaths and started to mouth out the counts to the measures of the music playing in the background. 'Four, Three, Two, One'. As he started to sing, he brought the hold in tighter and they were almost face to face.
(Lady In Red – Chris Deburgh)
'I've never seen you looking so lovely as you did tonight The lady in red is dancing with me cheek to cheek (Bog brought his cheek to hers) I've never seen you looking so gorgeous as you did tonight The lady in red is dancing with me cheek to cheek The lady in red
I've never seen you shine so bright
I've never seen so many men ask you if you wanted to dance
They're looking for a little romance, I didn't give 'em half a chance (Marianne giggled)
And I've never seen that dress you're wearing or those highlights in your hair
That catch your eyes, I have been blind.
There's nobody here, it's just you and me, it's where I wanna be
But I hardly know this beauty by my side
I'll never forget the way you look tonight
I've never seen you shine so bright, you are amazing
I've never seen so many people want to be there by your side
And when you turned to me and smiled, it took my breath away
And I have never had such a feeling, such a feeling
Of complete and utter love, as I do tonight
There's nobody here, it's just you and me, it's where I wanna be
But I hardly know this beauty by my side
I'll never forget the way you look tonight
I never will forget the way you look tonight
My lady in red
My lady in red
My lady in red,
I love you'
Marianne said as tears started to roll down her cheeks, "Bog...I never...Wow! I...Oh! I love you too."
She just threw her arms around his neck and placed her lips on his and they began to kiss deeply.
Suddenly there was an eruption of applause. The two broke their kiss and with a shocked look on their face they looked around all around the outside edges of the balcony, those that could fly were hovering in place and clapping. By the door, which was now partly open a stack of mostly elves heads ran from the bottom to the top of the door with Sunny being on top. Sandwiched between him and the other the elves heads where those of Dawn, her father, and Griselda.
"Oh! Sugar Honey Iced Tea!" Bog and Marianne said at the same time.
Sugar Plumb flew down from the balcony above them and said (mainly to Bog), "Peek a boo, how did I do?"
She then took a look at Marianne of whom was wiping the tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Oh, wow! That good, huh?" She said.
Marianne's look of bliss faded as she felt that her privacy with Bog was violated and she yelled out all around, "Can't we have some privacy for a moment around here?"
"Oh, come now, my dear," The Fairy King said. "That was so romantic. Bog I am impressed, well done!"
"Daddy!" Marianne said as she marched over to the door and pulled it open.
The entire stack of elves came tumbling down into a pile that formed around Dawn's and the Fairy King's legs. Griselda was sitting on the floor to the side and began to laugh. She shouted, "That's my boy, I knew he had it in him!"
"Mother!" He shouted and then he turned to everyone and said, "Marianne is right!"
"Uhhhh! Don't be angry with them, Bog," Sugar Plum said wringing her hands together. "It was my fault."
"What?" both Bog and Marianne said together. They looked at each other and smiled at their unison. But they then looked with narrow eyes at Sugar Plum.
"When the last song ended...well, you sounded so good Bog, that I..."
"What did you do, Plum?!" Bog said looking a bit irate.
Sugar Plum was rubbing her hands together and she said, "I piped the sound into the dining room."
Bog gave Sugar Plum an angry look as he started towards her.
"Bog, your highness, please. It was just you sounded so beautiful."
Suddenly Griselda came between them and said, "Son, don't be angry with her. I want to know I am very proud of you. I know that wasn't easy for you. But to me, what Sugar Plum did was a gift. I never knew you could sing like that. So beautifully done."
She then turned to Sugar Plum and said, "Thank you, Sugar Plum, I think you did well, your accompaniment was beautiful. You have made me very proud of my son tonight."
"Thank You Griselda, at least you appreciate my work around here." Sugar Plum said as she started to off in a huff.
Suddenly the Fairy King all the elves, Dawn and Sunny all came towards Sugar Plum and congratulated her on a good job along with Bog. The Fairy King walked over to his daughter and put his arm around her and looked over to Sugar Plum and Bog.
"There has been a lot of emotions here tonight and I have to tell you both that you have done well. It makes me feel wonderful to see my daughter so happy that she cries tears of joy."
"Daddy!" Marianne said.
"Oh, hush now. You know I only want to see you happy."
"But still it was a private moment."
"Ok, I am sorry for the intrusion. But don't be mad at Sugar Plum," The King said as he looked to Sugar Plum and said, "I appreciate you and I am happy that you are back with us for good. I will reward you greatly for for that amazing performance."
When the King and Marianne passed Sugar Plum hovered with her hands on her hips as she glared at Bog.
"Finally some people around here appreciate, me. I helped you touch her heart," she said pointing her finger accordingly."
"Uhhhhhh, fine! Yes, you did help out greatly," Bog initially said an angered tone, but then his tone softened and he smiled a bit as he said, "Thank you."
"You're welcome!" She replied.
"Thank you, Sugar Plum," Marianne said and then turned to everyone else. "Ummmm, it is possible that Bog and I can have some privacy?"
"Oh! Yes, quite right," The Fairy King said. He turned to everyone else and pushed his hands towards the dining room, "Come now, you heard my daughter. Everyone back into the dining room."
Everyone started to file back into the dining room.
Sugar Plum flew close to Bog's ear and said, "You honestly really did sound fantastic. Very heartfelt and perhaps..." She interrupted herself before continuing. "Oh, yes, sorry. Private time."
Sugar Plum started to fly back up to the balcony above when Marianne said, "Sugar Plum?"
"Yes?"
"The dining room is that way," she said pointing towards the doors.
Sugar Plum snapped her fingers as her plan to hide above the balcony failed. She slowly flew back into the dining room. Griselda gave her son a wink as she got up and went back into the dining room.
Marianne closed the balcony doors and blew her hair up letting out a sigh.
"So that's my family. All of them are completely crazy about love," Marianne said. "You think you can handle it?"
"Of course. I think if I could handle Roland and win over your father's trust in one day. I think I can handle anything this place can dish out."
Marianne started to put some of the candles out, but left a few lit along the balcony rail.
She then turned to Bog and put her arms around him, "I would like to resume where we left off."
"As would I," Bog said as he reached up under Marianne's wings and began to caress her lower back. He started to inch his way closer to that sweet spot between Marianne's wings and began to rub that area lightly.
"Ohhhh, that's so nice!" Marianne said as she closed her eyes and put her head on Bog's shoulders. She reached around and started to run her fingers up and down Bog's back.
"Ahhhhhhh! That certainly works for me too," Bog said.
Marianne giggled a bit as she said, "I kinda knew it would."
Bog looked up as he saw that the dining room was becoming dimmer as the lights inside were going out. The voices inside were dying down. It appeared that everyone was calling it a night.
There was a bench at the far end of the balcony and Marianne led Bog over to it. There were a few candles lit near the bench. They sat down on the bench, Marianne sat on Bog's lamp and draped herself around him.
"This was the single most wonderful day I have experienced in a long time," she said.
"It certainly was a wonderful day," Bog replied.
The two brought their lips together and engaged in a deep romantic kiss.