Randor drummed his fingers impatiently, staring at the two cats in front of him. "What am I supposed to do with you?" he muttered irritably. Callie meowed pitifully, her ears down in apology. Randor sighed. "You might not be able to talk, but you certainly get your point across, don't you?"
Callie meowed again as Keldor strode into the room and stopped short, staring at the other cat in the room.
"Panthor?" he asked in disbelief.
The great purple cat turned and froze, his ears back and his teeth bared. His tail switched wildly from side to side as a low growl emerged from his throat.
'Why are you treating your human that way?' Callie asked curiously, stepping towards Panthor and letting out a light snarl.
'My human?' Panthor sniffed hard. His smell was familiar. But his voice and face were not. Panthor stopped growling, sniffing again as he took a hesitant step forward.
Keldor bent down. "Panthor, it's me. I'm different now, but it is me." He spoke in a deliberately hard tone at first, then allowed his voice to soften.
For a moment Keldor forgot everything else as he stared into his great friend's eyes. He felt a grin stretch across his face as he ran his hand slide down Panthor's side. He began to scratch some of Panthor's favorite spots, losing track of where he was. Until, that is, Randor cleared his throat.
"I take it from your reaction that you did not expect this?" asked Randor as he pointed toward the two cats.
"No, I had no idea. None at all." Keldor started to ask a question just Adam and Cringer walked through the door, interrupting him.
"You wanted to see us, Father?" Adam's tone was matter-of-fact and barely curious; after all, summons to the throne room were a daily occurrence for him.
"Yes Adam, as you can see," Randor said, gesturing at the trio just to the left of him, "we have a problem."
Adam tensed automatically when he saw the giant purple cat rubbing itself against Keldor's side. "Panthor?"
Cringer's reaction was another matter entirely. His entire body went stiff. His first thought was to run. His second was to protect Adam. His third thought wasn't so much a thought as it was fury as he saw Callie standing near him. His fur stood on end, he spread his feet apart, and he let out a roar of challenge worthy of Battle Cat.
'How dare you come here,' he snarled, ignoring the astonished looks from the humans in the room.
'Not afraid of giving away your little secret anymore, huh? Shrimp the scaredy kitty?' growled Panthor sarcastically.
'Watch it, grape-face. I can still tear you apart,' Cringer growled back. He took a threatening step towards Panthor, his head and ears lowered, his teeth bared. 'Besides, you're the one who disappeared for years. What's the matter, you get lost?'
"Like yourself, I found some female company." Panthor growled back. 'Wouldn't be here now, but for the fact that hunters killed her. And,' added Panthor, 'I'm here by the invitation of your mate. Perhaps she grows tired of you.'
Cringer didn't need any more justification. He hurled himself at Panthor, knocking the other cat to the ground.
Keldor's eyes grew wide as Cringer and Panthor attacked one another fiercely. "No, no no no no!" he shouted. "Stop you great purple flea trap. Stop right now, or I'll blast you into the east gardens myself!"
"Cringer!" Adam scolded, trying to maneuver around to get a hold of his cat. "Stop it! Cringer!" It was no use. The two cats were fully engaged, and there was no way to physically tear them apart without getting caught up in the fray.
"What's going on around here?" Orko asked, flying in at top speed. He stopped at the sight of the two cats entangled, claws extended and tufts of green and purple fur drifting wildly through the air. Callie let out a roar of frustration at the two of them, but they were too immersed in their battle to pay attention.
"Somebody do something!" Randor demanded.
"No problem, Your Majesty," Orko said, cracking his knuckles. "Awful fight not meant to start, douse anger's flame and let peace cool your heart."
For a moment a silver glow shone on the ceiling and an instant later the silver became billowy and grey. With a powerful boom, a great bolt of lightning lanced the floor in front of the brawling cats, sending both of them away from each other. They tensed again as if to pounce but a downpour flooded the throne room. All of the men yelled in surprise, dripping wet. Before them the three great cats stood still, also soaked to the bone.
"O-Orko," growled Cringer. "I'm going to g-get you for that."
"Heh heh..." laughed Orko. "I'll just go to the maid's closet and get a mop or two." Orko zipped out of the room at top speed and slammed the door shut behind him.
Keldor pushed his dripping hair back from his forehead. He lifted his staff and in a flash of light the throne room, Keldor, Adam, Randor and Callie were completely dry.
Panthor growled irately at Keldor.
"Don't expect any help from me. You do need to cool off," Keldor snapped, crossing his arms.
Callie stared down both male cats with her teeth bared. "How dare you! Both of you,' she growled. ''Cringer, you are better than to attack someone for a stupid low insult, and do you think for one moment I would choose anyone other than you? I invited Panthor here myself, and you attacked my guest. Don't ever do that again, or you will deal with me.'
Callie rounded on the snickering Panthor. 'I searched for days for you so you could be reunited with your human. When I told you your human was back, you were thrilled. I saw your excitement in your eyes. And your human needs you now. He is doing something very hard, and it weighs on him. It makes him very sad, and you could be there to help him. You would be a partner to him like you were in the past, but you may not even be allowed to stay here now because of what you did, and you definitely made things worse for Keldor.'
Panthor's ears flattened back and his head lowered just a bit.
'I know your humans used to be enemies, so you were enemies and I know you have some bad feelings between you, but they can't possibly be worse than the bad feelings between your humans, yet they fight together as a team. If you care anything for your humans at all, you will be civil to each other." Callie turned to exit the room but turned back to Panthor with a fierce snarl and bared teeth. 'And if you ever say anything like that to my mate again, I will claw your eyes out!'
'What a female," observed Panthor, awe in his growl as Callie strode out of the room. 'You are one lucky beast,'' he added to Cringer.
"I a-am," Cringer agreed.
"You are what?" asked Randor, running his fingers through his now-dried hair.
"I'm s-sorry I lost my temper," said Cringer meekly. "I guess a-attacking Panthor is a habit I need to let go of."
All three men looked on Cringer with wide eyes. Randor was the first to speak. "I suppose," he said a bit flustered, "given your history with him, it's understandable...though surprising."
"That's an understatement," muttered Keldor.
Adam choked back a chuckle.
"I'm fairly certain Panthor was not entirely guiltless," said Keldor. "I am happy to see you, you great purple lout," he added, sending magic out to dry the two cats. "But I wish I knew why you were here."
"C-Callie thought you needed him. She said you had a heavy heart and maybe h-having an old friend around would help you with your burdens," Cringer said grudgingly.
"So you came back to help me?" asked Keldor, clearly surprised, kneeling down to look his friend in his eye. "Thank you," he said so quietly that the others could not hear him.
"I'm not sure having him stay here is a very good idea, given the state of things," Randor began slowly.
"I understand," Keldor said, running his hand down Panthor's lush fur. "Panthor can return to the wild. He is more than capable of taking care of himself."
"I'm not sure that's the best idea either, Father. If villagers see Panthor passing by they could panic, and send out a mob to hunt Panthor down. An armed mob of frightened men is the last thing we need to see," Adam interjected. "I'm sure the entire palace staff is aware that Panthor is here now. You know how quickly word spreads. If he disappears then that could lead to rumors that Panthor is roaming free in Eternos. Either through rumors or sightings it could add to the panic. But if we could tell the populace that Panthor is in custody with Keldor, we show the situation is under control."
"Or add fuel to the rumors that Skeletor has taken control of the palace," added Randor, his voice filled with concern.
"Perhaps there's something that can be done," said Keldor. His caught his ally's eye. "Panthor, I would be honored if you would once again stay at my side. However, there are things you must know now. In the past I was a warrior in service to evil. I no longer serve evil and never will again. I still fight, but now it's for good. If you remain here you must follow my lead."
Panthor let loose a low growl.
"H-he said he would," translated Cringer.
"And," Keldor continued, "I have taken a wife-a mate. The one we once called Evil-Lyn, is now my wife, Lyn."
Panthor made a low noise in his throat. Cringer chuckled.
Adam looked down at his friend. "Care to translate for us, Cringe?" he asked, his eyes twinkling.
"O-oh, Panthor said, 'It's about time you did something other than look at that female. I was beginning to w-wonder if you know what to do to take a mate.'"
Randor and Adam burst out laughing and Keldor's jaw dropped. He was stunned silent for a moment, then shook his head incredulously.
"You were right," Adam gasped between laughs, holding his side. "It was a good thing that you didn't know what he was saying."
Keldor chuckled. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that you have an attitude the size of Snake Mountain. It is one of the things I always admired about you. Though many more comments like that and you could make a very fine rug."
Panthor waved his tail dismissively.
"Well, you insulting feline, apparently I know what to do as I have one child from Lyn and one on the way. I have two other children I've taken as my own as well. If you are around me, you must treat them with care," Keldor said firmly.
Panthor roared angrily at Keldor, causing everyone to jump.
"I'm sure he didn't mean it that way," said Cringer hurriedly. "H-humans don't understand cat ways sometimes. I'll explain it to him for y-you."
Cringer turned to Keldor. "We cats choose our friends carefully. When we choose a human, we become a part of that human's pride-their family. We expect to be included and respected in the group and we choose to protect and care for all members of our human's family. To harm anyone important to our human would be d-dishonorable."
Panthor growled lowly again.
Cringer grinned and continued. "And Panthor said that if he didn't attack that smelly group of morons you used to keep around you all the time out of respect for you, he is definitely not going to harm your mate or your cubs."
The three men burst out laughing again.
"I meant no disrespect Panthor," Keldor finally assured him when he could speak again. "Cringer was right. I didn't understand."
"Do you think you could convince Panthor to wear a tracking collar?" asked Randor.
Panthor growled angrily.
"Stop," ordered Keldor, his tone stern. He held up his hand. "This wristlet is like the collar Randor suggests. It does nothing more than let people know where you are. I wear one, and if you wish to stay with me you must be tracked at all times as well."
Panthor let out a low growl.
"H-he said he'd do it, but only if you put it on," Cringer said.
Keldor nodded.
"Panthor will have to be confined to the hall you are staying on for now," Randor said, pinching his nose.
"Are you willing to do that?" asked Keldor. "I will not force you to stay under these conditions."
Panthor walked up and rubbed his head into Keldor's side. "I'll take that as a yes," Keldor said. "Panthor, I wish you to treat every person in this palace with respect. If there is an enemy, I will point them out to you. Do you understand?"
Panthor very clearly nodded. One swift nod.
"Very well," said Randor with a sigh. "Escort him to your quarters and remain there with him until I contact you."
Keldor nodded, his face impassive, though he was irritated by the order. "Come on, you great purple punk. I've got to formally introduce you to my mate and cubs."
Adora sighed wearily. It was two days until the wedding, and all she had done for the last day and a half was welcome guest after guest as they arrived. Adam, Teela, and she took turns greeting them and getting them settled into a room, then checking on them about an hour after their arrival. Adam looked dead on his feet. She was about to suggest he go take a rest, when another voice spoke first.
"Princess Adora, Lady Shakra has arrived," the guard announced.
Marlena and Randor had only just arrived in the room to relieve Adam and Adora for a while, and they watched without surprise as Adora ran to Shakra and embraced her, a huge smile on her face and tears spilling over. The entire family had heard about how Shakra had cared for Adora as a child.
"Shakra, you made it!" Adora exclaimed, pulling back to look at her former caretaker. "Oh, I'm so glad."
"Oh, Adora, I wouldn't have missed this for the world," Shakra assured her, her wrinkled face beaming. She caught sight of Marlena and Randor slowly approaching, Adam a step behind them. "This must be your family."
"And yours," Marlena said warmly, reaching out with both hands to clasp Shakra's hands. "You took care of our daughter and taught her to love when we couldn't be there. I have wanted to meet you for a long time to thank you for that. You are as welcome here as any member of our family."
Shakra smiled at the heartfelt emotion in the queen's face. "I was glad to be of service, Your Majesty. Adora was a joy to raise as a child."
"This is my mother, Queen Marlena of course," Adora said. "And this is my father, King Randor, my brother, Prince Adam, and his wife, Princess Teela."
"It's wonderful to finally meet you," Randor said. "I wish we had more time to talk now, but…" he gestured towards the servants passing through, decorations in hand.
Shakra laughed lightly. "I understand, King Randor. I appreciate your hospitality."
"Perhaps after the wedding, we will have a chance to talk," Adam said, a twinkle in his eye. "I would love to know what sort of trouble my sister used to get into."
"Adora? Trouble?" Shakra asked, pretending shock. "You must have mistaken her for someone else. She was an angel."
Adam snorted, a lopsided grin on his face. "Right."
Adora giggled. "You'll get nothing from Shakra, Adam. She's loyal."
Teela raised an eyebrow. "I noticed you didn't say there's nothing to hear, Adora," she said mischievously. Skakra merely smiled.
Adora laughed and shook her head. "I'll see you to your room, Shakra," she offered. She and her former caretaker turned together and went down the hall, their heads bent close together as they caught up on happenings in their lives.
Teela stretched slowly, basking in the early morning quiet. Adam had gotten up with Josiah well over an hour ago, and must have stayed up. She padded over to the window and took a deep breath of the fresh morning air. The sun was barely up, evidenced by the long shadows in the courtyard below. Hearing the low timbre of Adam's voice, Teela pulled on a light robe and walked softly to the doorway of their room. Adam wasn't in the sitting area, so she went over to check Josiah's room. Josiah was sitting up on the changing table, Adam bent towards him, talking.
"He-Man rushed back to the dimensional gateway, hoping against hope that he would be in time to save your mom," Adam was telling Josiah, his thumbs in Josiah's strong grip. "He jumped down off the sky sled right near Skeletor and Mommy. I'm not sure who was more surprised, but I think it might have been Skeletor. Before He-Man could do much, though, they realized that Skeletor had accidentally set off the mesatronic bomb!" Josiah squealed loudly as if he understood. Teela put a hand to her mouth to cover her chuckle, wanting to soak in the sight before her.
"Skeletor disappeared, and He-Man realized they only had one chance. He picked Mommy up and ran as fast as he could," Adam went on. "When the bomb went off, it threw them and rocks piled all over them. He-Man got up and was all right, but he couldn't find Mommy! When he did see her, he thought at first that she was dead." Adam's voice got choked, and Josiah stared at him with huge blue eyes. "I always knew I loved your Mommy, Josiah, but I never knew I loved her as more than a sister until that moment."
"So that was it," Teela said softly.
Adam threw a slightly embarrassed glance look over his shoulder. "Good morning." He picked up Josiah and turned, a loving light in his eyes and a smile on his lips.
Teela's eyes moistened as she noticed the ease with which Adam was now moving. It truly was a miracle. She walked over and stroked Josiah's head, which was turning as blond as Adam's. "I wondered about that," she said to Adam with a slightly mischievous smile. "It's nice to finally hear. But it does reveal a problem." She grinned at his concerned look. "We seem to have a bad habit of requiring life-or-death situations to figure out our feelings."
Adam chuckled. "Well, that's behind us now, Captain."
Teela looked up at Adam intently, tilting her head slightly. "Do you think he'll know the truth, about you being He-Man?"
Adam gave a shrug, his smile fading some. "I don't know, Teela. My life has been one surprise after another. I honestly don't know what to expect anymore."
"Oh, really?" Teela challenged, crossing her arms and giving him a mock-glare.
Adam grinned. "Except for us to be together as long as we both shall live," he amended lightly.
Teela half-laughed. "I love you!" She threw her arms around Adam and hugged him ferociously, surprising him.
Adam shifted Josiah so he didn't get squished, and the baby grabbed a hold of Teela's hair, shaking his arms up and down with a huge toothless grin on his face.
"Hey!" Teela protested, backing up a bit. She scrunched up her nose and put her face right next to Josiah's. "That hurts, you little He-Man."
Adam guffawed. "You might not want to say that too loudly in public," he teased her. "You'll start the rumors all over again!"
Teela chuckled ruefully. "Well, he is strong," she defended herself.
"That he is," Adam agreed, tossing Josiah up in the air. The baby giggled as his daddy caught him. "Just as he should be."
"I can't believe we're doing this," Keldor said, stroking Panthor. The cat rubbed his face into Keldor's side. "Stop my furry friend. Your purple fur will be all over my dress robes. The dress is formal, not fur-covered."
Pantor bumped his head into Keldor's side a bit roughly, then turned and sprawled out on the settee under the window-but not before he swatted Keldor's back with his tail.
The door to his room swung open and Lyn came in, a skipping Neara holding her hand. Keldor's breath stopped for a moment. Lyn was stunning in her floor-length pale green gown.
'You don't look so bad yourself,' Lyn sent with a smirk.
Neara rushed up to Keldor and he saw his little girl for the first time in her "flower girl" dress. She was in a pink dress of silk and frills that she spun around in before Keldor.
"See my dress, Da?" Neara gushed.
Keldor chuckled. "You are beautiful, twerp." He took her in his arm and offered Lyn his other arm.
"Not yet," said Lyn with a grimace. She opened the case she was carrying to reveal the ceremonial crown and tiara that Adora said were Eternian tradition, and that they must wear.
"This is a really bad idea," grumbled Keldor as he allowed Lyn to place the crown on his head. He watched her slip the tiara on her head and saw that she wanted these symbols of royalty as little as he did.
Lyn hooked her arm through his and together they walked to the wedding, each of them wearing an expression more fit for an execution.
Glimmer and Ram-Man paced slowly towards each other to the music of a woodland song. Birds scattered about the Royal Gardens chirped in harmony, a specially prepared gift from the creatures of Etheria to She-Ra, their champion.
Glimmer's light blue gown shimmered in the late afternoon sun. She gracefully accepted Ram-Man's arm. As the two walked down the short aisle, past the close family, friends, and Masters gathered, several of the Masters exchanged shocked looks. Ram-Man's armor was gone, a sight rarely seen. His head seemed a bit squarish, like his helmet, his closely cropped black hair only adding to the effect. In royal purple robes, he was barely recognizable.
"This is it, it's finally here," Adora whispered to herself as she watched Glimmer and Ram-Man reach the end of the aisle and place a string of blue gems representing trust onto a small table. Frosta and Sven were next, their steps as measured as their predecessors. "I can't believe it."
Adam smiled at her indulgently, taking in her high color and sparkling eyes. "You look beautiful, Sis."
Adora squeezed his hand tightly. "Thank you for escorting me." She was glad Randor had understood. On Etheria, it wasn't the father who "gave" the bride to a husband, but the brother, because parents were expected to continue to guide the young couple, while brothers were no longer protectors of their sisters.
"My pleasure," Adam said, inwardly grateful that he had recovered enough to do this for her.
"A crown," Pierce muttered. "What were you thinking, Randor?"
"Hush," Mira hissed softly. "Keldor has not been sentenced yet, so he has not been stripped of his title. And Adora wanted him here. Don't you dare ruin this day for her."
Pierce crossed his arms belligerently, but said nothing more. He instead turned his attention to Lohni and Fisto, who had just put down the pure white crystals representing faith and were stepping aside.
"What's with these stupid gems, anyway?" he asked Mira under his breath.
"You'll see," she answered softly, a small smile on her lips.
"Is it time yet?" Neara asked Marlena excitedly.
Marlena smiled indulgently. "Almost, my girl. Almost."
Castaspella and Mekaneck proceeded down the aisle and placed the red jewels of love on the table. The four pairs of friends then took their seats as Marlena urged Micah and Neara forward.
"But where are the rings?" Micah worried.
"You'll have them at the right time," Marlena assured him. "Just wait by the table, remember?"
Micah nodded solemnly, then followed a skipping Neara down the aisle, steadily walking with his empty pillow in hand. Several guests chuckled quietly at Neara's overly enthusiastic tossing of the flower petals. The fact that Micah followed behind, resolutely remaining calm, only fueled the quiet laughter.
Neara finished her job and skipped happily to Keldor and Lyn, the basket still swinging from her hand. Micah took his position next to Hawk to wait until he was needed.
Randor and Marlena walked smoothly down the aisle after the children. Upon reaching a nervous-looking Hawk near the table, Marlena gently kissed his cheek. Hawk bowed to Randor, then Marlena, who both inclined their heads in unison and smiled their acceptance to him. Randor went behind the table, from where he would conduct the ceremony, while Marlena took her position among the rest of the crowd.
"Ready, Sis?" Adam asked, a twinkle in his eye as he offered his arm.
Adora swallowed a bit nervously, but her hand and voice were steady. "Let's go." She placed her hand in the crook of Adam's arm, careful not to catch the intricate beading on her long glove on his jacket. Her hair was piled on top of her head and held there by a crystal tiara. Dangling pearls adorned her ears and her bare neck. The strapless gown fit her body tightly, then burst into clouds of soft silk around her waist.
Adora held her breath until she caught Hawk's eye. He looked distinctly uncomfortable in his black royal robe laced with gold trim, yet the love in his eyes told her he would rather be nowhere else. Her gaze locked on Hawk's, Adora barely registered when Adam gently placed her hand into Hawk's less than a moment later, though his teasing voice did penetrate her mind.
"Make sure you take care of her, Sea Hawk, or He-Man might come back to haunt you."
It was the first joke Adam had made of He-Man's loss, and Hawk and Adora both glanced at him, startled and happy to see at least a resemblance of peace in his eyes again. "I will," Hawk promised quietly. Adam nodded with a smile, and stepped back to stand beside Marlena.
Neara tugged on the trailing sleeve on Keldor's garment. Keldor looked down at his little girl holding her arms wide for him to hold her.
Keldor fought hard but his eyes grew bright. He hugged Neara close to himself. "Will I get to see your wedding, Neara? Or will I still be in prison?"
Lyn sensed Keldor's pain and leaned in to wrap an arm around him after she shifted Keelyanne to her hip.
"I mean. Look at them Mira. One happy little family. He wears a crown and costly robes like he deserves it. And they act as though they are just here to celebrate. To think Adora allowed his children to be in the wedding. It's like pledging allegiance with Skeletor," hissed Pierce.
Mira turned to him, her expression fierce. "Be quiet," she hissed. "They saved Adam's life, and his son's life. They will be sentenced for their crimes next week. Let them enjoy what little peace they can have right now, and let Adora have a nice wedding. If I hear one more word out of you, Jeremy and I will be packing our bags for an extended stay here at the palace!"
Pierce's mouth dropped open for a few seconds, then he turned forward, crossing his arms and slumping in his seat with a scowl on his face.
Randor had already completed his introductory speech, and motioned to Hawk to speak.
Hawk held Adora's hands tightly and gazed into her blue eyes, focusing completely on her and trying his best to ignore Sven's sniffles.
"Adora," he said, his voice husky, "you are a princess in the truest sense of the word. You put everyone else before yourself. You are noble, honorable, true. You inspire me to be more than I ever thought possible. I love you with all my heart, and I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life caring for you and doing my best to make you happy, no matter what challenges life may bring us."
Adora's eyes welled with tears, and she smiled with quivering lips. "Hawk, I never once imagined marrying when I was younger. I dreamt of glories of victories won. I never learned to want anything for myself. I never knew what it meant to have someone that would move the mountains, and travel across worlds just because this person," Adora's voice faltered, "loved me. More than power, more than influence, and even more than his greatest love."
"It's because of this that you are," Adora said, laying a hand upon Hawk's cheek, "more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. You gave me the most glorious victory when you listened to me and joined the rebellion. You helped me provide true freedom and justice to Etheria and have pledged your life to ensure that justice and freedom reign here on Eternia. And you've shown me love." Adora's voice became tremulous. "You've sacrificed everything to join me. You've given up your planet and your friends, and, Hawk, you gave up the sea..." Adora trailed off as she strove to compose herself. "For me," she added, her voice growing stronger. "And it is for that reason I give you all that I am-I am forever yours my love. You've bested all of the pirates from the ages of Eternias past. You've stolen the heart of a princess. And proven to all that you are, in your heart of hearts, a true prince."
Adora and Hawk held each other's hands tightly, both with love and tears in their eyes.
"In the tradition of an Etherian ceremony, will those standing up for Adora and Hawk please join them?" Randor requested. He stepped back, and the four couples came to stand around them in a loose circle, Castaspella and Fisto facing them on the other side of the small table where the gems lay.
Castaspella raised her hands, and the gems on the table rose into the air. They spun faster and faster in a blur as she recited the spell.
"These precious things we do impart,
Rare symbols of your true love's heart.
May you employ your love more day by day
and with trust and friendship hope will light your way.
When as one you combine these gems of your spirit, heart, and mind,
a treasure you'll find beyond this small prize,
but of these virtues may this thing of beauty remind."
The gems became a liquid sort of light that swirled around Adora and Hawk, starting around each one's torso and moving towards their clasped hands. The light shot from around their hands and went to the pillow Micah held. It settled there, becoming smaller and smaller, until two perfect rings, gold with a rainbow shimmer, appeared on the pillow. Micah looked up with a proud grin and held them high.
Castaspella lowered her hands, a huge smile on her face. "May your marriage be full of the love and blessings you bring to others," she said in a full, joyous voice.
With that, the four couples returned to their places and Randor stepped back up. He nodded for Hawk to take the ring. Hawk reached to the pillow Micah held beside him, and took Adora's ring. "With this ring, I bind my heart to yours forever."
Adora lifted her hand to Hawk's outstretched one and blinked back tears as her beloved slipped the ring on her finger. Adora reached out to the pillow Micah now solemnly presented to her and took Hawk's ring in her hand. She clasped his hand gently in one as she slid the ring on his finger with the other hand. "With this ring, I bind my heart to yours forever."
Randor took Adora's hand and placed it in Hawk's. He placed his hands around Hawk's and Adora's and said, pride shining in his eyes, "I pronounce you man and wife, princess and prince." He fixed Hawk with a mock-hard stare. "Make sure you take care of her."