Connor took both my hands. "Listen," he said. "I love you, Zera. I'm always going to. And I want to know…will you marry me?"

...I flung my arms around him and cried, "Yes!"

It took about two seconds for Opal to begin cheering.

"Alright!" she cheered. "I knew it was gonna happen!"

I looked over to see that her smile was even larger than mine. Sydney and Stella were smiling, as well, and even Sterling had a grin, big bear that he was. "Congratulations, treacle," he said.

"Thank you," I said, and looked back to Connor. Three girlish voices cried, "Kiss! Kiss!"

I could see the amusement in Connor's eyes, matching mine. "Shall we humour them?" I asked under my breath.

"I'm certainly not going to argue," Connor replied. So we kissed.

When we broke apart, I asked, "How long have you been thinking about this?"

"About a month and a half," Connor replied. "When you vanished, it was awful. I wasn't sure I was ever going to see you again. And I decided that if I did, I was going to make sure that you'd always be mine."

I smiled. "So it is nothing to do with the baby."

"Only a tiny bit," said Connor. Whatever else he may have said was interrupted as Stella exclaimed, "Baby!?"

I looked over at the faerie girl, feeling slightly guilty. "Ah, yes, I forgot to mention," I said, trying and failing to sound nonchalant. "I am a little bit, ah…pregnant?"

"And you didn't flapping tell me!?" exploded Stella. "Flapping flip, I miss just flapping everything, don't I? You kiss the mortal boy, you end up in prison, you get pregnant…why don't I just miss the flapping wedding too!?"

"Because I do not want you to?" I said, attempting to find some reason. "Stella, I am sorry!"

Stella was turned away, her arms folded. Blast it. Now I needed to make up with the faerie.

"Can I make it up to you?" I asked hesitantly. Stella did not turn back, and I glanced at Connor. He rolled his eyes, and I nodded with a smile.

"What if I let you be a bridesmaid?" I offered, grasping at things that might make her forgive me.

She turned slightly. "And?"

"And…" I was not sure what else. Then I thought of something and grinned. "What if I let you be a bridesmaid…and design the dresses?"

She immediately turned, grinning. "You've got yourself a deal!" she exclaimed. The light in her eyes worried me slightly, but I shook it off. Stella was my friend. If she went overboard, I could stop her. …At least, I was fairly certain I could.

"Zera," said Connor, and I looked at him. He whispered something in my ear, and I smiled. "That is an excellent idea," I said. We looked at Sydney. "Would you perform the ceremony?"

Sydney's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Really," I said. "And I would like you to be my other bridesmaid, Opal."

Both girls beamed.

"So where to, treacle?" asked Sterling.

I looked at Connor. "I need to go to Stornway," he said. "Mam and Dad need to know. Besides, I never asked for their blessing. I'm too young to get married without it."

"Closest I can get ya is Alltrades Abbey," said Sterling. "'Ere we go, then!"

Soon after, Connor and were walking into his parents' house. A blonde-haired girl of about ten had answered, and been very excited when she had seen Connor. This was Annie, the older of his two sisters. She had a plain copper sword on her back.

"Mam!" Annie called. "Dad! Connor's here, and he brought a girl!"

"Annie!" said Connor, and Annie backed up a few paces, grinning.

"You wanna fight?" she asked. "I bet I could kick your butt by now!"

"Yeah, right," said Connor, grinning back. "I can just take that – whoops!" He had reached for Annie's sword and overbalanced. I grabbed and steadied him as Annie burst out in laughter.

"What's going on here?" asked a male voice. From upstairs came a man who could only be Connor's father. They had the same dark hair and slightly crooked teeth, exposed now in a grin. He reached out and got Annie in a headlock. "Are you beating up on your brother again?"

"I didn't have to," Annie replied. "He tripped!"

"I did not," argued Connor.

Just then, a woman followed down the stairs. She had straight blonde hair like Annie, and dark brown eyes. No doubt this was Connor's mother.

She embraced Connor and then looked at me. "So who's this pretty girl?" she asked. Her voice did not have the same lilt as those I was accustomed to here; it sounded more like the accent of one from Coffinwell.

I felt myself flush as Connor said, "Mam, Dad…Annie…this is Zera." From their expressions, I could tell that he had spoken of me to them before.

"Ah! The mystery girl finally arrives," said Connor's father, grinning. He held a hand out to me, letting Annie out of her headlock. "I'm Connor's father, Nathan."

I shook hands with him, and Connor's mother introduced herself as Maria.

"So what brings the two of you here?" asked Mrs Trumble, leading the way into the small parlour. Connor and I looked at each other. I shrugged ever so slightly. These were his parents. It was up to him to broach the subject.

We all sat, except for Annie. She had left after the introductions. I could hear her upstairs, sharpening the edge on her blade. It made interesting background noise to the conversation about to occur.

"Mam, Dad…" Connor said, clearly uncomfortable. "I…well, I… Zera and I want to get married."

Once he finally straightened out his tongue, everything came out very quickly.

Mr and Mrs Trumble looked at us for a long moment. "…I didn't think you were that serious," said Mr Trumble finally.

Mrs Trumble looked at him fondly. "Nathan," she said, "I love you, but you're blind as a bat." She looked back to Connor. "But why now?" she asked. "Can't the two of you wait?"

Ooh, here was something that would be fun to explain. No, I am afraid we cannot wait. Why? Oh, because we have to go off and fight an ancient evil as soon as we can, and we do not want to take the chance that we may never be able to get married. And also because we got pregnant, despite the fact that I am a Celestrian and by all rights should not be able to conceive. But, you know, we could wait if you desire.

"Because," I said, "both of us know that we will never love anyone else. What reason is there to wait?"

Mr and Mrs Trumble looked at one another for a long moment. Then they looked back at us. "What about Zera's parents?" asked Mr Trumble. "Have they given their blessing?"

I stiffened slightly. "My father and I had a falling-out some months ago," I said, trying and failing to keep my tone neutral. "We have not spoken since, nor do I have any desire to speak with him. But my mother gave me her blessing only a short time ago."

I saw Connor looking at me oddly out of the corner of my eye, but I ignored it. Mother had said "'I give you my blessing'". How I chose to interpret that was my own business.

Both of Connor's parents hesitated. "If you're sure…" said Mr Trumble slowly.

"I'm sure," said Connor. At the same time, I responded, "I am certain."

Mr and Mrs Trumble looked at one another again. "If you're sure," said Mrs Trumble, "then I suppose it would be wrong for us to refuse. You have my blessing, Connor." She leaned forward and kissed him on his forehead.

"And mine as well," said Mr Trumble, putting a hand on his son's shoulder.

I felt bittersweet at this. Of course, I was overjoyed – Connor and I would be married! But I was also sad.

I wished that I could experience something like this – a family of my own. A mother, a father, siblings. I had Celestria, of course, whom even after this short time I loved as a child surely must love her mother. And Opal and Sydney were akin to sisters to me. But I would never have a family like Connor's. I would never have a mother and father with whom I could speak at any time.

"When do you two want to have the ceremony?" asked Mrs Trumble, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Um," said Connor. "As soon as possible, I think."

I nodded in agreement.

Mrs Trumble nodded. "And where?"

Oh. I had not thought about that, and I said as much. "But perhaps… Perhaps we ought to do it out by Loch Storn," I said. "I have only been there once, but it was quite pretty. It would be a lovely place for a wedding."

"It would," agreed Mrs Trumble.

Connor and Mr Trumble exchanged amused glances. "Was it like this for you when you were planning your wedding?" Connor asked.

Mr Trumble nodded. "As the groom, all you have to do is show up. The bride and bridesmaids do all the work."

"I am sorry," I said, smiling. "What do you think?"

As Connor opened his mouth to answer, there was a knock on the door. He rolled his eyes, and I laughed. Mrs Trumble went to answer it and returned trailed by Opal, Sydney, and Stella, who was complaining about nearly being shut out. I supposed that would be a hazard of being invisible to mortals, though it had never been a problem for me in Angel Falls. People there left their doors open all day and night, all the year round.

"So?" asked Opal, bouncing.

I smiled. "If you have the designs ready, then we are all set."

"Alright!" cheered Opal and Stella in almost perfect synchronisation. Stella grabbed my arm. "You two are coming with me," she said. "We need you so we can get the designs just right!"

Uh-oh, I thought amusedly. It seemed that Stella had taken it upon herself to design Connor's clothing, as well.

"What time do you think we ought to have the ceremony?" asked Sydney. "I can be ready anytime, but you two are going to need a bit, right? For vows and all that."

Oh. I had not thought about vows. "Yes," I said. "Perhaps we ought to go and get ready. A few hours should suffice, I think." I looked to Stella for confirmation. Fortunately, Opal was just next to her, so it did not look as though I were speaking to empty air.

"That should be plenty of time," said Stella, and Opal nodded.

"Alright," I said. I looked to Mr and Mrs Trumble. "Thank you so much," I said.

"Tell us when the time comes" was Mrs Trumble's answer.

"We will, Mam," said Connor. "Love you."

He embraced both his parents, and we left the house.

"Come on, you two," said Stella the instant the door closed. "Opal and I are going to make the most amazing wedding outfits in history!"

"Uh-oh," said Connor, grinning.

"Have a little confidence!" said Opal. "It'll be great. Just neither of you open your eyes. You –" she pointed at Connor – "are not supposed to see Zera in the dress before the wedding. And I don't want her seeing you, either!"

"Even more encouraging," I said, rolling my eyes but smiling.

The two of them pulled us away as Sydney headed in another direction. I supposed she was going to learn what it was she needed to say for the ceremony.

We stopped inside Opal's room at the Quester's Rest. Stella tied a blindfold around my head and around Connor's, despite our protests. It was clear that she was enjoying the power that I had given to her.

"Now," said Opal, "what were you thinking, Stella?"

"I've got it all drawn out," Stella replied.

There was a brief silence, and then Opal said, "That looks pretty good. But maybe…what if we made it a little more fitted right through here?"

"That could work," agreed Stella. "Do you have the cloth?"

"No," said Opal. "I have a faster idea. Connor, Zera, you two are going to need to be in your underwear if this is going to work properly."

I stiffened. "Excuse me?"

"Just pretend we're not here," said Stella.

"How!?" asked Connor. "You're going to be talking the whole time!"

"Then just pretend you're in swimsuits or something," said Opal. "Do you want wedding clothes or not?"

So, reluctantly, I shed my overclothes. Then I stood there, feeling rather exposed in just my strapless brassiere and underwear.

"Ready?" asked Stella.

I began to answer, but Opal spoke first. The question had probably been directed at her, anyway. "Ready."

"Alright then!" cheered Stella. "Let's get this fiesta started!"

As the two girls talked, I felt soft, cool cloth settle in around me. Its pattern would change slightly as one or the other had an idea, but it always stayed in the general form of a long, strapless dress.

I could hear them talking through Connor's outfit, too. But they were clearly only suggesting changes to the drawings, for I was unable to figure out what it was our clothing was going to look like.

Finally, half an hour later, they were finished. "Take them off and put your regular clothes back on," commanded Stella. "And don't touch those blindfolds til we tell you to! You're not going to catch a peek of what we've done until it's time to get ready."

We obeyed, not bothering to argue. When Opal and Stella had cleared out our clothing, they gave permission for us to take off the blindfolds. I had to blink for a moment before my eyes readjusted.

"Who's ready for a wedding?" asked Opal, beaming.

"Um," I said. I had thought about the vows the entire time I had been blindfolded, but none of it seemed quite right. I sincerely hoped that things would come out right when it came time. "I am ready when everyone else is."

"Excellent!" said Stella. "Connor, go get Sydney and tell her that we're ready. Zera, you stay here. It's hair-and-made-up time!"

Connor and I looked at each other. "Good luck," he said.

I grinned. "I will need it!"

He left. The three of us who remained in the room moved into the bathroom to prepare ourselves.

Opal took off her turban, and both of us took our hair down. Opal's hair was very kinky when it was not restrained or straightened. It fit her bouncy, cheerful personality, I thought.

"Maybe we should twist it into buns," suggested Stella. She did so with her curly blonde locks, leaving several to bounce around her face.

Opal tried the same, but shook her head. "It's a simple, outdoor wedding," she said. "Maybe we should leave the hair simple, too." She let her hair fall and combed it back into place. "Like this."

"I like that," I offered, not certain if this was bridesmaid territory or not.

"Well, you're the bride," said Stella. I smiled at those words. Stella let go of her hair and reached for the brush. We each combed through our hair, smoothing out the flyaways and taking out knots. Then we helped one another apply a small amount of makeup.

"Now," said Opal, smiling. "It's time for the dresses!"

We left the bathroom. Opal retrieved three bags from under the bed and pulled out the dresses.

Two were blue halter-topped numbers with a slim green belt across the waists. They were both small, clearly made to fit Opal and Stella's small, skinny frames.

The third was sleeveless and plain white. It was longer than the others, in both the bodice and the skirt. There was no belt to define the waist, but the bodice was clearly fitted. A small, white cloth flower rested on the skirt.

We slipped into the dresses, and I sighed at the feel of the soft fabric against my skin. The dress was fitted through the hips, and made in such a way that when I looked in the mirror, I could see no hint of the weight I had lost during the two months in the Goretress.

Stella's and Opal's dresses looked lovely on them, as well. Opal picked up the flower from where I had set it on the bed and reached up to tuck it behind my right ear. "There," she said. "Perfect."

The three of us looked in the mirror. Each of us had a smile upon our faces.

Then I heard feet coming up the stairs. "Shoot!" Opal yelped. "Zera, get in the bathroom and close the door. Connor can't see the dress yet!"

I hurried to do so. Like them, I knew the superstition of it being bad luck for the groom to see the bride in the dress before the wedding.

The door to the room opened, and I heard several voices. Then footsteps left the room, and the door closed.

"We're good!" called Stella. I exited the bathroom, enjoying the feeling that my skirt made. It billowed out slightly behind me in a way that I found quite pleasing.

"This is great!" said Opal, pulling me into a hug. "I can't believe you're getting married! It's just so awesome!"

I smiled. "It truly is."

A short time later, I stood off the path leading to Loch Storn. Connor already stood inside of the cliffs. His parents, his sisters, Erinn, Patty, Simona, and her parents sat inside with him.

"Ready?" asked Stella, looking at me.

"I am ready," I replied.

Opal grinned. "Let's go, then!" she said, taking the arm of the man Connor had chosen as his groomsman: Sensei Michael, his martial arts teacher. Stella preceded the two of them in.

"Come on, treacle," said Sterling. He had agreed to give me away in the absence of a father. We linked our arms together and entered the area beside the loch.

I had been a bit nervous, not knowing what to do. But when I saw Connor, dressed in a simple white tunic and long white pants, all my fears dissolved to nothing. I smiled as I realised that Opal and Stella had made a flower for him, as well. It sat behind his right ear, just as mine did.

Sterling and I parted ways in front of where Sydney and Connor stood. I moved to face Connor. He took my hands in his.

"You look beautiful," he murmured.

I felt my face go warm. "Thank you," I replied.

"Dearly beloved," said Sydney, and we turned to look at her. She was smiling. "We're gathered here on this beautiful afternoon to join Connor and Zera in marriage. Now, I may not have much experience with romance, but it's impossible for me to imagine two people who deserve each other more. And when I look at them, I can tell that it's going to last forever. Do you two have vows ready?"

We both nodded. My stomach gave an uncomfortable lurch. Nothing had fit together properly in my head; what were the odds that things would work now, in front of people?

But looking at Connor, I felt myself calm down again. This would not be hard. I was speaking to Connor. I could tell him anything.

As the groom, Connor spoke first.

"Zera," he said. "I can't find the right words to really say how I feel about you. But the closest I can come is this: I love you. I feel like I've always known you, even though it hasn't really been long. And I just know that I'm going to love you all of my life, no matter what happens." He smiled. "I promise."

He moved the flower behind his ear to the left side, signifying that he had found a mate: Me.

I knew what to say now. The words came out seemingly of their own accord.

"I was always alone growing up," I said. "And I always knew that something was missing…something important. But it was not until I met you that I discovered what it was. You are all I ever needed, and all I will ever need. I love you, and I will love you every day of my life…however long that may be. You are my soul mate, the love of my life…my best friend. I love you, Connor."

Connor smiled as I moved my flower to behind my left ear.

"By the power the Almighty has seen fit to vest in me," said Sydney, smiling, "I declare you two husband and wife." She grinned. "Kiss!"

We obliged.

As cheers erupted from the small crowd and our kiss lingered, a sense of rightness welled up within me. This was how it was supposed to be. Connor was mine forever, and I his.

I had never been happier in my life.

Simona surprised us all by announcing that she had gotten a last-moment reception put together in the Great Hall of Stornway Castle. When I had heard this news, I looked to Sydney.

"That is what you did while we were Stella's and Opal's guinea pigs, was it not?" I asked, smiling.

"That's right," Sydney said. "When I told Simona about the wedding, we decided you two deserved a proper reception. So she pulled a few strings and got everything set up."

"Thanks, Syd," said Connor.

The two of us held close to one another all of the journey back to Stornway. Giggles and whoops ensued whenever we would kiss, and little Kathy insisted on picking flowers and throwing them on us. It was an interesting substitute for rice.

Upon entering Stornway, most of the party stopped in shock. Nearly every resident of the city was out along the streets, cheering. I looked at Simona.

"You did this!" I accused, beaming.

Simona smiled. "Yes, I did," she said. "I don't think any of you realise just how grateful all of us are to you for the help you gave us a few months back." She gestured to the people. "Here it is."

I could feel the heat in my cheeks as our small party made its way through the streets of the city to the palace. But I could not stop smiling. Who needed benevolessence? This, this was the essence of mortal gratitude. And it was directed in goodwill upon our new family.

Inside the Great Hall, a table had been set up with a number of foods laid upon it. Four people with instruments sat to one side of the Hall; the rest was cleared out. As we entered, Simona smiled and nodded to the musicians. They struck up a lively tune. Soon, Connor and I were dancing, and we were not the only ones. Mr and Mrs Trumble, Opal upon Sterling's feet, Sydney and Sensei Michael, King and Queen Schott: All of them were paired up and dancing with us. Simona, Annie, and Kathy had begun a three-person dance and were whirling around in circles. Stella was dancing wildly off to one side. We avoided her carefully, not wishing to be accidentally slapped in the face by a dancing faerie.

I had never enjoyed myself more. Connor and I danced together as much as we could manage, although on occasion one or the other guest would ask to cut in.

At one point during a brief break between songs, King Schott approached and asked, "So, are the new Trumbles enjoying themselves?"

I smiled at hearing Connor and myself called that, especially after what I had claimed as my surname in the Goretress.

"We certainly are," said Connor. "Thank you, sir."

There were brief toasts, after which Opal whipped out her (thankfully clean!) knife and cut the white-frosting-ed cake. She put two slices on plates and handed one to me and one to Connor, her natural beam lighting up her face.

"Open up," said Connor. Before I could do so all the way, he had stuffed a piece of the cake at my mouth. I managed to swallow what little ended up inside before I began laughing.

"Take that!" I said, shoving a bit in his face in retaliation.

He wiped it off and tasted a bit off the back of his hand. "Lemon," he said. "Pretty good."

I began laughing, as did he. More cake was distributed, and I cleaned off my face as the reception continued.

The reception did not end until after sundown. When it finally came time for everything to end, both Connor and I received hugs from each person who had come, along with their best wishes for our future. Then we parted ways. King and Queen Schott, along with Simona, retired to their chambers within the castle; Connor's family went back to the house; Sterling and Stella headed for the Starflight; and the rest of us returned to the Quester's Rest.

"We've got a surprise for you," said Erinn as we walked in. "Patty and I. If the Trumbles would please follow me!"

She had a smile upon her face, and I could not help smiling as well. The Trumbles. Connor and I were the Trumbles. We were truly, officially, never to be parted. We were one.

Erinn led us to a lift in the back left corner of the common room. I had never been in a lift before, but it was not truly that exciting. As we began up, Connor asked Erinn, "So what is it?"

"You'll see," she replied, smiling.

The lift stopped not long afterwards, and Erinn led us out and down the hallway. She stopped in front of one of the wooden doors. "Alright," she said. "This is it."

She pushed open the door, and I beheld an incredibly luxurious-looking suite. Occupying the centre was a huge bed with a net canopy. Every cloth furnishing in the room – curtains, bedding, chair and sofa cushions – was pure white, the same colour as our wedding garb.

I looked at Connor in amazement. As his eyes met mine, I suddenly thought about that bed. A sudden rush of desire poured through me, speeding my heart and my breath.

"Do you like it?" asked Erinn, distracting my attention slightly.

I nodded. "It is beautiful," I told her, not quite able to look away from Connor. "And it certainly fits a wedding."

"That was the plan," she explained. "It's all yours. Have a good night!"

She gave each of us a hug and left.

Once Erinn was gone, Connor and I hurried into the room and locked the door.

We were together forever. Nothing could stop us now.