Walter concentrated on taking slow, even breaths. Why on earth had he said "yes" to this?
He stood in the most sacred place in New Trollmarket – next to the Heartstone. With him stood Blinky, holding his leader's staff. The partial strand of Christmas lights still adorned it, giving the object a certain element of eccentricity, just like Blinky. The other troll wore a big, black bowtie, poking out from under his chin. Perhaps it was his attempt at dressing up for the occasion even though he still wore the same worn-out trousers as always.
The rest of the room was filled with the trolls of New Trollmarket, seated on a host of mismatched chairs – no two of which were identical.
Claire stood in the front row, holding Emil who grinned up at her and babbled happily as she made baby noises at him.
Even Nomura was there, sitting near the middle of the assembly where she wouldn't be immediately noticed, but her green eyes still stood out to Walter as he surveyed the crowd.
He took another breath to steady his nerves. This was what Barbara wanted. Despite his dislike for being put on display like this, he was willing to do it for her.
His wings prevented him from wearing any sort of shirt; the best he'd been able to do was switch out his drab, brown cape for a nicer looking white one. He considered black, but after trying it on decided it made him look too much like a monster out of a movie. White was the best he could do.
The music started, and Walter was grateful it wasn't the traditional, bombastic bridal entrance. Nomura chose this song. Chopin's Clair de Lune played from her MP3 player now hooked up to a loud speaker so the soft tones of the piano could ring throughout the caves.
All the trolls stood.
Walter's nervous annoyance vanished, washed away by the sight of Barbara emerging from the back of the gathering. She walked arm in arm with Jim down the hastily-made aisle. She was… stunning. She'd told him her dress wasn't anything special – more of a summer dress than a wedding gown. It was white with a pattern of blue flowers, but the sight of her made him forget to breathe all the same. Her hair was elegantly arranged atop her head, allowing a few strands of red to frame her beautiful face.
Jim wore his Trollhunter armor, shining and spot-free.
As mother and son approached, the realization hit Walter – this was not some contrivance of his imagination; it was real.
When Barbara and Jim reached the Heartstone, they shared a hug before Jim stepped aside, taking his place next to Claire as the music ended.
Walter stared at his bride, dumbfounded. Barbara smiled at him, blushing just the slightest bit.
"Dearly beloved," Blinky started in a voice fitting any movie or TV-show. "We are gathered here today to witness the union between Barbara Lake and Waltolomew Stricklander."
Walter just managed to keep back a nervous gulp as he silently begged Blinky not to ruin this most important moment. Walter didn't know if he would be able to handle the other troll pulling some hair-brained shenanigan right now.
"This union," Blinky continued, "is a union that goes beyond all rhyme and reason, against all odds. These two met in the midst of war, one not even knowing she was ensconced in conflict and that the man in front of her was the enemy. Neither was she aware he was from another world – one of trolls and magic. His world and hers were so different that even the thought of them someday becoming one was not just unlikely, but impossible. That these two who circumstance made into enemies would find a way to become partners was even more unlikely."
Walter looked into Barbara's vivid, blue eyes.
Blinky went on. "However! If these events have proven anything, it is that there is something out there stronger than such differences, something so powerful it can bridge the barriers of different worlds. It is something stronger than war – than hate – than any creature in this world. That thing is love."
Walter stared at Blinky, astounded – impressed at the other troll's eloquence.
"Love can build bridges, bring even the most unlikely of people together. Love can change people either for the better, or for the worse. In this case, I fell the change was most certainly for the better! I think we all should take great inspiration from this," Blinky offered. "There is much more to our lives than war. We should all look to these two as shining examples of how to find a new and better way to live our lives. They, who, against all odds, found love, nurtured it, and bring it here today so we may witness the fruit of their hard work." Blinky looked from Walter to Barbara. "It is my honor and privilege to oversee this union. War brought these two together, but love – That is what kept them together, and now it will aid them in building something different, something new! A family! A son! Two sons, in fact! May the second one turn out just as marvelous and wonderful as the first! Now," Blinky motioned for Claire to step forward. "The rings please."
Claire passed Emil to Jim, then picked up a pillow. On it rested a pair of wedding bands. She took the rings to Walter and Barbara.
"Now, Waltolomew Stricklander," Blinky said. "Wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife? To live together after God's ordinance in the Holy Estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her? Comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto her as long as you both shall live?" Blinky asked.
Walter never took his eyes off Barbara. "I do."
"And, Barbara Lake," Blinky continued. "Wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband to live together after God's ordinance in the Holy Estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him? Comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto him as long as you both shall live?"
Barbara's eyes glowed with joy as she looked up at Walter. "I do."
"You may now exchange rings," Blinky said.
Barbara and Walter carefully picked up each other's bands. Walter slipped the gold ring onto Barbara's finger and she slid his on.
"I hereby declare you husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride," Blinky said as Walter leaned forward. The pair kissed as well as they could.
Cheers and enthusiastic whoops erupted from the crowd.
Claire sniffed, tears streaming down her cheeks. "And I promised not to cry." She swiped at her eyes and nose with her sleeve.
Even Nomura clandestinely wiped her eyes with a handkerchief.
Jim held Emil, eyes wet. He tried to snort back his tears.
They weren't alone; several trolls wailed, especially Dictatious, seated, ignored, on the last row. The only one crying even more than Dictatous though was NotEnrique whom was absolutely disolving into tears as he openly wailed and cried.
Blinky smiled at the couple before him, just as touched as the audience. He cleared his throat. "One action remains," he declared, holding out a vial of silver liquid.
Walter nodded and took it. Barbara watched him wide-eyed as Blinky fetched a basin of water and gave it to Barbara. She held on to it tightly as Walter pulled the cork out of the vial and let the contents flow into the water. He mixed it thoroughly until the water turned from sparkling silver to snowy white.
"I'm just going to stand over here," Blinky said nervously, eyeing the magical water. He stepped far enough away so there was no chance he would accidently be exposed to it.
Walter met Barbara's nervous gaze. Just as they'd planned, he placed his hands over hers and together they raised the basin, but before the water tipped out, Barbara hesitated.
Walter looked down at her, a soft smile gracing his face. "It's going to be alright," he assured. "This was my decision; it's what I want."
"Are you… sure?" Barbara asked.
Walter nodded. "I've been over this, many times, and I'm not changing my mind," he replied. "I want to spend every day with you. I love you so much. I want us to live life together, raise Emil together. So, let's do this together, like we planned."
Barbara nodded. She pushed the basin up just a bit higher and tipped it, spilling the contents all over Walter, soaking every inch of him in the magical solution.
Barbara put down the now empty basin. "How do you feel? Any different?" She looked him up and down.
"It'll take a while before the effects are visible. I feel fine, just a slight buzzing for the moment." Walter looked down at his still-clawed hands.
"And with that!" Blinky announced from his spot farther away from the couple. "I hereby, as leader of Trollmarket, recognize these two as mates!"
The audience exploded in applause and cheers again.
"Here, Mr. Strickler." Claire offered Walter a towel.
"Thank you." He started drying himself off.
"So, should we head to the plaza?" Jim asked, handing Emil back to Claire. "They've prepared a feast there. It's customary for trolls to feast after a pair are declared mates, and, well… trolls don't like to be denied feasts. Also… I prepared some food for you, mom," he said. "And you too, Walter," he turned to his step-father. "I wasn't sure how long it would take you to turn into a human."
"I appreciate the thought," he replied. "It seems it will be some time before any effects are visible."
"I guess there should be more than enough troll food, so we're good." Jim gave Walter and his mother a lop-sided grin.
Claire's face fell. "I didn't manage to finish my present," she said. "Sorry. It has to wait a few days."
Barbara smiled at the girl. "I'm sure what you have in mind is going to be wonderful." She held out her arms. "Here. Let me take Emil."
"That's alright," Claire smiled at the baby. "He's so cute, and this is your day. I'll take him so you can go eat Jim's delicious food."
"Okay then," Barbara said, taking Walter's arm. "Come on. We don't want to be late to our own feast."
A civilized affair, troll feasts were not. Table manners were unheard of. The result was a host of trolls seated at long tables, scarfing down whatever was within reach.
Barbara didn't seem to mind at all as she happily ate the Wellington Jim prepared for her, Claire and Walter, whose plate went untouched. In fact, he didn't eat anything at all. Instead, he'd persuaded Claire to give up Emil, and he sat next to Barbara, holding his son.
Barbara chatted with the guests for a while, then turned her attention to Blinky. "That was a wonderful speech."
"You think so?" Blinky asked. "Well, I did my best to bring out the positive."
Walter raised an eyebrow at the six-eyed troll. "Who helped you write it?" he asked. "Was it Claire?"
"What?! Why, I never!" Blinky exclaimed. "I didn't require any help! I am a master of speeches!" He folded his four arms, indignant.
"Really?" Walter asked, doubtful.
"It's true." Claire chuckled. "I wanted to help him, but he insisted he didn't need it. He refused to even let me see what he wrote." She sighed. "That did turn out way better than I thought it would, thank God."
"What?" Blinky gaped. "Has no one any confidence in my abilities?"
Jim chuckled. "It's okay, Blinky. You just… Sometimes you go a bit overboard."
"I do not!" Blinky protested, only to make Jim laugh harder.
"In either case, I am impressed," Walter admitted. "Never would I have guessed you had it in you, Blinkous."
"Why is it I feel offended?" Blinky asked suspiciously.
Walter smirked, but as he started to say something in reply, black spots dotted his vision. He shook his head to clear them away.
"Walt?" Barbara asked. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, just a slight dizzy spell," Walter assured holding his forehead. A wave of drowsiness hit him, and he shook his head again, trying to shake it off. It didn't help.
"Hey, look at me," Barbara instructed. Walter did as she said only to see her eyes widen as he looked at her.
"What?" Walter asked. "What is it?"
"You... Your eyes," Barbara gasped. "They aren't glowing anymore, and they're… green."
"Oh," Walter replied, keeping his tone neutral.
Emil made gurgling sounds at him, but he barely registered them, so distracting was the encroaching need for sleep.
"Maybe you should go rest," Barbara said.
"Yes. Yes, I think you might be right." Walter held out his son. "Would someone take Emil?"
"I've got him!" Claire exclaimed, eagerly taking the baby.
Walter nodded his gratitude and stood to leave only to stumble upon his first step.
"Walt!" Barbara rushed to support him.
"Sorry." Walter gasped for air.
"Okay. That's it! You're going to bed right now," Barbara insisted.
Walter didn't dare object.
"Would you look after Emil?" Barbara asked Jim and Claire. "I'm going to make sure Walt's alright."
"Sure, Mom." Jim nodded.
Barbara pulled Walter's arm up over her shoulder, guiding him out of the plaza and over to the small, makeshift house they were using during their stay.
Many eyes followed them – Nomura, Jim, Claire, Blinky… They already knew this was the last they would see of Walter in this form. The silent farewell was bittersweet.
As Barbara reached their little borrowed house she managed to get Walter inside. She dragged him onto the bed. He groaned, too tired to move.
"You doing okay there, sweetie?" Barbara asked.
Walter nodded, eyes closed.
Barbara grabbed a blanket and laid it over him. She leaned down and kissed him on the cheek. "I love you, Walt. Rest well."
Walter gave her the barest nod and managed to mutter, "Love you too… Barbara…" before he fell asleep.
Barbara looked down at the green face she'd come to know so well this past year. She noted his pointed ears and the elegant markings that ran across his body. She touched him, feeling the harsh stone beneath her fingertips and following the slightly grooved mark that ran down his arm.
With a sigh, she pulled the blanket up over Walter's shoulders. She kissed him one more time before heading back to the plaza, allowing her husband the privacy he needed for what was to come.
This chapter has been editted by: dtill359
