Chapter Two: Wedding Bells

The sun hung bright against a backdrop of a clear blue sky, birds singing sweetly as they fluttered about the expanse of a newly trimmed lawn. White chairs lined in rows divided by an equally white aisle which lead to a magnificent gazebo. It was embellished with flowers and vines as they snaked up the grand columns creating a natural yet magical look to the venue.

It had taken a few months to gather everything together and create this fairy tale of a wedding. From the cake tastings to the dress shopping it had been an adventure for Kendra. She had never been to a wedding before let alone planned one, but with Bracken and her family, mostly her mother, grandmother, and Vanessa, they had pulled it off. She had been so focused on planning little parts of the wedding she hadn't been able to see it all at once, but now as she studied her surroundings she couldn't be happier.

'It's beautiful.' Was all Kendra could think as she rounded the corner. However, she was spared only a few seconds of peace before being overcome by the feeling of a million butterflies fluttering within her stomach. It was as if she were walking on a cloud as she made her way down the aisle. Magical creatures of all kinds filled the white lawn chairs and as she slowly glided past them she could see the few rows that were dedicated to her friends and family. Everyone looked to be in awe of Kendra's appearance which in some way caused her to blush at the uncommon amount of attention, though she had to be honest, she too was amazed at her transformation.

Her brown locks had been curled into a regal updo, pieces curled forward to frame her face. She had applied a light amount of makeup not wanting to drown out her natural beauty, but to highlight it. Her eyelids were dusted with a silvery glow. Nevertheless, the true show stopper was her dress. Kendra may not have let it be known, but in truth when she envisioned her wedding day she had planned on going all out, though within budget naturally.

While dating Bracken she had traveled to the Fairy Realm on numerous occasions allowing her to meet and interact with those who lived there. Many of them flocked towards her not only because she was the Fairy Queen's handmaiden, but the slayer of the Demon King. It had earned her an excessive amount of compliments, and vocalizations of how they were indebted to her. In turn, when the news of her engagement had officially been released magical creatures of light raced to be the first to lend her a helping hand. She had been so grateful for their services. The dryads had taken care of the flowers, the satyrs the music, and the brownies the cake. But it was the fairies that had really outdone themselves.

The fairies were tasked with creating Kendra's dress and bombarded her with all sorts of questions, traditions, and suggestions. One that had really stuck out to her was the color of the dress. They had explained that because she was marrying royalty and she herself was not of royal blood it was tradition to dress in the family colors. She had gone along with the fairies and in the end, had been presented a work of art. The dress was a portrait ball gown with a royal train that had been constructed out of blues, silvers, and whites. Inlaid within the dress were small white flowers giving the imitation of stars. It was the most exquisite dress she had ever seen and was sure it was the reason so many of the guests were staring with such intensity.

It was an effort not to race to the end of the aisle. All she could do was smile brightly, gripping her father's arm for support as her eyes locked on to the love of her life. He too was dressed in a royal uniform decorated in silvers and blues with a silver crown she had never seen before. His hair had been brushed back and was lightly cushioning his birthright allowing her full view of his shining ice blue eyes. His face was of complete awe as he studied her features. It was in moments like these she was reminded, 'I am so lucky to have found you.'

As they reached the end she eagerly awaited as her father passed her hand off to Bracken giving her away. As soon as their hands met she showered him with feelings of love and excitement. His smile only grew as he looked down at her. Both of their thoughts were halted though as a powerful and authoritative voice resonated over the venue.

"Good day, everyone!" The Fairy Queen welcomed shining brightly in all her regalia, "We have gathered here today to join together my son, Prince Bracken and my handmaiden, Kendra Sorenson." She smiled as she spoke, pride and happiness radiating from her. "If there are any who object to this union speak now." A long pause issued before she continued, "There are no objections, so let us begin. Now I understand that you have both prepared vows. At this time you may share." They had read these words by themselves hundreds of times, but this was the first time they had shared their words aloud, let alone to each other. They had planned that Kendra would go first and as she pulled out a crisply folded piece of paper from the pocket of her dress she began to read.

"Bracken, I stand before you today not only as your soon to be wife, but as your friend. When we first met I was angry and scared about what was happening around me and quite frankly I was rude to you, but you were strong and did not waver in trying to befriend me and I thank you for that. I thank you for showing me what it is like to be cherished, to be held close, to be loved." Her eyes began to mist as she looked up at him hoping her feelings were not only traveling through her words but through touch as she held his hand. "We have both faced many hardships that have pulled at us in hopes of bringing us down, but I know that for me you have been my strength, my unmoving mountain, my ever-flowing river of hope and I couldn't imagine my world without you."

She took in a deep breath before continuing, tears slowly cascading down her cheeks as she smiled, her voice unwavering, "In my world when we talk of fairy tales they are out of proportioned and unrealistic experiences that lead to a happily ever after for the main characters. Some people say it's impossible to find happily ever after, but I smile every time I look at you because I know that my happily ever after is you. Today in front of our friends and family I proudly declare my everlasting and eternal love for you. Bracken, with these words I give you my heart, I promise from this day forward you will never walk alone, my arms will be your shelter, and my heart will be your home."

There was a moment of pause as Kendra's vows traveled over the expanse of the field. The sighs of a few magical creatures could be heard as the sweet words of love were spoken. Bracken's eyes sparkled in the sun as he too was overcome with the feeling of love from his beloved. Taking a deep breath he smiled.

"Kendra, my dear shining light, the words you've spoken now have only increased the ever-flowing feeling I have for you. Kendra, I also remember our first meeting very clearly, but in a very different way. Where you say you were angry and scared I remember looking at someone who was determined and strong. That is what you are Kendra and so much more. I've never said this out loud, but when I saw you for the first time it was as if a pillar of hope had manifested itself in you. You were my hope, but now you are something so much more. You are my eternity."

"When I gaze into your eyes it's like falling in love all over again. When you smile I have the urge to find a way to give you the world. When you laugh it's as if the heavens have opened up so the angels could peer down and pinpoint where such a beautiful sound could come from. Kendra, you make this imperfect world we live in an unblemished creation. We might have faced hardships and we might face more in the future, but what I want you to know and what I want both my world and your's to know is that my love for you will forever transcend time and space. I promise from this day forward I will love and stand by you through the good, the bad, and the ugly."

A feeling of euphoria blossomed between the couple as they stared at one another, oblivious to their surroundings. A small cough was heard directing attention to the Queen as she too was smiling with intense happiness. "Those were beautiful promises spoken by you both, but before we continue I have a gift of my own to share with you."

"Mother?" Bracken questioned watching as his mother's slender hands presented a white box. As she opened the case it revealed two silver wedding bands. As Kendra gazed upon the jewelry she could see the slight difference between the two. The larger of the two bands, which she assumed was Bracken's, was inlaid with what looked to be a blue fire opal, while the smaller one, which she deduced must be hers, was inlaid with a white fire opal. They were simplistic masterpieces.

"While reconstructing Zzyzx we were able to unearth many lost talismans and trophies that were left by their previous owners in a dash to enter the old fairy realm. One of the treasures were these," She smiled holding up the box. Oos and ahhs could be heard throughout the crowd as the sun highlighted the radiance of the gems. "The Ever Rings. When these are worn by two people they share the lifespan of an ancient unicorn." Kendra was so shocked she let out a small gasp, a hand hovering over her lips as she looked towards Bracken before returning her attention to the Queen. "I've known for quite some time that Bracken has been searching for a way to slow your aging Kendra and when one of my fairies brought me these rings I knew this would be the perfect time to present them." She pulled forth both rings handing the larger to Kendra and the smaller to Bracken. "No one may use the powers of these ring or remove them but yourselves unless you deem it. I hope that this gift will solve your issues for the future." Shock overcame the Fairy Queen's features as a small hand encircled hers.

"I don't know how I could ever thank you," Kendra whispered looking up, her green eyes shining brightly. The feelings of immense gratitude, love, and respect flooded the Queen's mind along with a joyous warmth emanating from the hand in hers. "There is no payment required." The Queen replied. Kendra released her hand stepping back to stand by Bracken as the Queen resumed her position between the two.

"Now let me conduct my main act." The Queen turned plucking a crystal tiara from a plush cushion behind her. It was a very elegant depiction of silver flowers and leaves as they were woven to create a halo. Kendra dropped into a deep curtsy as the Queen stood hovering the crown in front of her.

"Kendra Sorenson, do you solemnly promise and swear to the laws and customs of the Fairy Realm, to be just and fair in your actions, to create peace and uphold your image as a princess of this realm? Do you promise to support and aid your people if the need should ever arise?"

"I, Kendra Sorenson, solemnly promise to do so."

Gradually the Queen descended the tiara until it rested snuggly atop Kendra's head. The Queen then motioned for her to stand and face Bracken bringing Kendra and Bracken's hands together. "Prince Bracken, do you take Kendra Sorenson to be your lawfully wedded wife to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish for time and all eternity, that you will keep the laws, rites, and ordinances pertaining to this holy order of matrimony?"

"I do." Bracken smiled voice strong and proud as Kendra slipped the ring against his finger.

"Kendra Sorenson, do you take Prince Bracken to be your lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish for time and all eternity, that you will keep the laws, rites, and ordinances pertaining to this holy order of matrimony?"

"I do." Kendra grinned as Bracken slipped the cool metal along her ring finger. As soon as the silver was secured a ring of white light dispersed throughout the field.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you Prince Bracken and Princess Kendra, husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!"

Kendra only had a second before she was pulled forward into a passionate kiss. Her lips quirked into a smile against Bracken's as she heard the cheers and laughter of their guests.

"Shall we dance, my princess?" Bracken smiled.

"We shall." Was her reply.

Kendra let out a yelp as she was swept off her feet and into the air as Bracken carried her across the field. She grinned giving him a quick peck on the cheek.

"I love you, Bracken." She whispered in the crook of his neck.

"Forever and always," Bracken answered back leading his lovely bride to the music and laughter of their new life together.