The morning came after a night of blissful dreams. Wesley stretched contently in the early morning light. With a sigh he swung his legs over the bed. On the chair of the desk sat a new set of clothes which he smiled at. The Sage were quite hospitable if nothing else.
He wiped his tired eyes with a yawn as he stood up and grabbed the outfit. It was a tight long sleeve white shirt under a sleeveless black tunic that wrapped his torso and part of his chest, reaching down to his knees. The same type of pants and boots as before accompanied.
As he pushed aside the curtain, something eerie painted the hallway. He exited his room with hesitation as he scanned the hall, not knowing what he was looking for.
He walked towards the throne room with caution as he had his hand hovering over where his phaser was hidden.
He approached the curtains where the same two guards still stood. They didn't move as he let himself in.
There were less servants than before and in the middle of the room the Empress and Emporer could be seen arguing in hushed tones with their daughter. He looked with creased eyebrows of concern and curiosity.
At the time he didn't notice the subtle protective hand Veredian unconciously hovered over her torso.
Footsteps behind him caused him to turn around seeing the chief officers. Their presence was comforting in the thick tense air. Picard put his hand on Wesley's shoulder about to give him a morning greeting before he saw the scene in front of them. Something told them it wasn't just a family squabble.
They were quickly noticed as the groups came towards each other.
"Is everything alright?", asked Picard carefully.
Obsidian and Porcelain looked at each other with unreadable glances.
"Y-yes captain thank you. Just a small disagreement with Veredian.", replied Empress Porcelain.
Everyone looked at her unsure of what they were expecting.
"I am to be a mother.", she said looking down with shame.
"Wesley!", said Deanna surprised as the rest of the officers.
Wesley was about to open his mouth not quite sure what he planned to say when Princess Veredian stopped him.
"It was not his fault Counselor.", she said looking at her parents.
"He was the only suitor she has ever seemed interested in and we need an heir. It has always been our way.", replied Emporer Obsidian.
"A fallen hair from your clothes we took last night was enough of your DNA. This is how it has always been done, in our culture it is the highest honour to be chosen.", said Porcelain with sincerity.
"I see.", said Wesley calmly.
"With all due respect we are not part of your culture! He is just a-", started Riker before Wesley cut him off with a polite hand up telling him to stop.
"I understand if you want no part of this.", Veredian said to Wesley with a glimmer of watery worry in her eyes.
All parties looked at Wesley who stood still with his hands behind his back. His face was hard to read as they all waited anxiously for a response.
Wesley took her hand to everyones surprise. "What is done is done, nothing can change that. If this is your people's tradition than I understand. I would never abandon you or our child. We will raise him or her together, I promise not to leave you.", he said with a reassuring smile as his hand gently lifted her chin. She smiled with relief as he landed a soft kiss on her forehead.
Picard, Riker, Deanna and even Data looked at Wesley with pure shock. Their mouths just about dropped to the floor as they watched the scrawny awkward genius boy they knew disappear. They fully expected to see him running halfway to the horizon by now.
"In my culture it's tradition to have a marriage before conceiving a child. Veredian...would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?", he asked looking into her eyes.
She took a moment to respond as she took a breath, feeling his safe skin against hers. "I dreamt of you last night. I don't want to stop.", she replied letting a tear escape.
"Oh a wedding how wonderful we shall have it here tonight! Oh I must get started there's so much work to do!", said Empress Porcelain as she walked off in an excited rant of plans.
If it weren't for the love they sensed between the two young people, the group of stunned officers would be hesitant to offer congratulations. But the instant connection they saw from the first time they met and the attraction between their souls now had to be the doing of the always meddling stars. Happiness and love filled the room to the brim and the officers couldn't help but grin ear to ear.
"Emporer Obsidian I would be curious to find out the scientific process of extracting the DNA to create a fetus. How does it work?", asked Data.
"We actually don't quite know. Long ago my great great grandfather discovered that he and his Empress couldn't have children conventionally. He searched the galaxy for a solution and evidently found the technology we have now. All we do is take the DNA and give it to the machine while the woman stands on a connected platform. She feels no pain and the child is always very healthy. It is quite a mystery to us.", replied the Emporer.
"Princess we must prepare.", said a nearby servant woman.
Veredian nodded as she left, hesitating to leave, unable to tame the smile on her face.
Wesley watched her walk away wondering to himself if that had really happened.
"Yes that really happened Wesley.", said Deanna with her hand on his shoulder. He wasn't sure if he'd accidentally said that out loud or if she read his mind. Right now she didn't need to be an empath to do that though.
"Come on prince charming, we've gotta get you ready for the ball!", joked Riker as he threw his arm around Wesley guiding him toward the exit.
A few hours later Wesley sat on his bed watching the curtain in front of him dance with the wind. He was all dressed up and ready as he waited for someone to come get him.
Everything had happened so fast. He waited for his heart to drop and a realization to sink in that his life was about to change forever and that this was a terrible mistake. He expected his legs to start running for the lonesome dunes, but they never did. Every thought that entered his mind about getting married, being a father and a husband, it felt right. Nothing had actually ever felt so right. Most of his life he'd felt quite alone. His father had been gone for so long and his mother worked so much. Even with friends and colleagues he felt like it was him against the world. With Veredian it was like he'd found the missing part of himself and he wanted to hold onto it as soon as possible.
"I'm going to receive quite the speech from your mother.", said a smirking voice from the entrance of the room.
Wesley turned to see Picard as he waved him in with a grin.
"I don't think she'll mind. If she knows I'm happy, that's all she's ever wanted. And besides in her last message from Milkein, she sounded really happy. The refugees she's helping will need her for awhile to analyze the virus that's still spreading.", replied Wesley.
"If anyone can neutralize the disease it's her. I just wish she was here to see this. Wesley she would be so proud. I'm so proud.", said Picard.
Wesley looked at his captain with a look of surprise and something else indiscernible. "But I thought you wanted me to go to the academy, join starfleet command like you, like my father.".
Picard shook his head hiding a feeling of shame beneath his chest.
"No. I should never have put so much pressure on you. I encouraged you to pursue starfleet only because you've always reminded me of a young me. I saw myself in you...and I saw a son. In many ways you filled a void for me having never had children. If you were my son Wesley I don't think I could bear letting you go. I think many of the chief officers would agree. Though something in my heart says this is where you belong. The minute we beamed onto the planet there was a fresh light in your eyes. And you and the princess have such a supernatural bond, it's quite captivating actually.", replied Picard. "Don't worry about me, your mother or any of the officers, we'll be okay as long as we know you are.".
Wesley released a breath as he sighed with a very soft grin. "I'm going to miss her. The enterprise I mean, she's been my home for so long.", said Wesley.
Picard nodded.
"And she always will be.", said the captain with a softened smile.
"Knock knock!", said Deanna as Wesley and Picard turned to see three silhouettes outside the curtain.
"Come in.", said Wesley.
"What is the meaning of that phrase counselor?", asked Data bewildered as they all entered.
"It's what you get when you have drapes instead of doors.", replied Riker with a smirk.
Wesley got up from the bed while Deanna made her way over to him as she made an adjustment to his shirt attempting perfection.
She stopped as she looked at him slightly overwhelmed. "I'm surprised. I'm reading your head and your heart Wesley...and I don't sense any nervousness or uncertainty. Your emotions are gentle yet sure of themselves. I knew this wasn't a spontaneous decision brought on by first love excitement, but I've never sensed such ease in you. I must say I am relieved to find one sad thought though. We are going to miss you too Wesley.", said Deanna unsuccessfully holding back tears that quietly welled in her sparkling irises.
Wesley comfortingly pulled her into a soft hug that she gladly returned. A tear glistened in his own eye that wasn't missed by the group.
Riker was next surprising Wesley with the warmth in his embrace. Data offered a handshake but he ignored it. He gave him a hug as well that Data seemed to almost lovingly return.
"Griege said it's time. It's about to start.", said Riker.
Wesley raised the hood from his back placing it on his head as it hung over his forehead barely leaving enough light to enter his eyes. He took a peice of cloth connected to the left inside of the hood draping it over, covering his face from the bridge of his nose to below his chin. The whole outfit was according to The Sage wedding tradition of course. It was a dark forest green from head to toe. A thin robe like cloak hung down to his ankles, keeping close to his slender form. His boots were engraved with oval leaves layered in a pattern. A form fitting long sleeve shirt blended in underneath the robe reaching his wrists ending in the shape of a leaf, the pointed tip touching his middle finger knuckle.
Wesley walked down the hall with the others right next to him. The room they were headed towards eminated graceful beauty. Crystal green ivy wrapped around the pillars in each corner and the red setting suns mixed their light with the tranquil room that was a living dream.
Wesley found his place next to the priest figure, in this case an elder of the court who had very kind eyes and warm soft smile. His comforting presence set Wesleys beating nervous heart at ease. It wasn't anxiousness or fear that shook his nerves, but the suspense of her company.
The same strings from last night permeated the room, love caressing each note. Wesley took a deep breath through his nose as he closed his eyes for only a moment, listening to the music.
Emporer Obsidian and Empress Porcelain walked slowly across the floor, eventually sitting at the head of the room behind the priest.
Heads turned as the music changed ever so slightly to a somehow even more entranceing melody. Suddenly there was Veredian gliding tenderly over the marble floor, never to understand the effect she'd had on the room.
The second she was in his view uncontrollable silent tears sat on the rim of his hazel eyes.
All eyes were mesmerized by her as she floated in slowed down time. Her dress was pure white made of perfect satin. The neck line drooped with a ruffle below her clavical, her sleeves mimicked the design sitting parallel to it over her shoulders. Her veil was made of white and green beaded leaves creating a train surpassing the length of her dress twice over. It started on her forehead also wrapping around covering her nose to her neck. Silver ivy jewelry clamped gently around her upper right arm about three inches in width.
With only their eyes visible the two were finally face to face. It had been too long since they touched they almost couldn't keep still.
"The great philosopher Pine Despia once said the unity between two souls is the force that makes the suns rise and the rivers flow. To be bonded in commitment means to become one. By uncovering each others faces you are agreeing to share one life, one destiny.", said the elder.
Wesley delicately unwrapped the veil letting it fall over her shoulder. She did the same to his wrap with feverish tension, also removing his hood as it now sat on his back.
Two servants handed the Emporer and Empress each a large vase filled with clear water. One was flawlessly white with engraved vines finding no pattern. The other was a dark green close to black, it's whole body was three clay leaves molding the vases shape.
"This is patience, respect, and longevity.", said Obsidian holding up his vase.
"This is health, honor, and love.", said Porcelain holding up hers.
They stepped forward towards Wesley and Veredian. In unison the vases were poured over the couple with slow elegance.
They both closed their eyes until the water stopped falling. Wesley ran his fingers through his dripping hair and out of his eyes, barely keeping it together as he looked at her. The water droplets slipped off them as they sparkled against the crimson sunlight.
"Now you are ready for a shared life, you will never be alone again and everything you will do is for the other. With the blessing of Emporer Obsidian and the sanction of Empress Porcelain, in the name of The Sage and its people, you are now one soul, one heart, one mind, and one body.", finished the elder.
Finally they surrendered to the magnetism as they pulled each other in with gentle passion, meeting at their lips with powerful beauty. Simultaneously all the curtains that acted as walls were dramatically ripped away from the ceiling by servants while the music roared with compelling enchantment.
The people cheered and clapped as the couple seered with joy. He picked her up spinning her around as their smiles were as big as they could be. Food and spirits were brought in with the large table and festive arrangements. There was dancing and eating and endless congratulations for the glowing couple.
Wesley sat with Veredian on his knee and her arm around his shoulders. He whispered something in her ear among the wonderful chaos as they laughed and she whispered something back. Meanwhile the sun was far below the horizon and celebratory eyes grew tired.
The hallway was empty as the two of them walked towards the finest room in the embassy. It was dark but not the frightening kind. The night air was soft and warm blowing past the curtains, and the moons gave safety in their tender romantic rays.
They talked and laughed as they strolled along, drunk in the magic of the whole day.
As they approached the entrance curtain, Wesley carefully picked her up with one arm under her knees and the other under her arms. They both smiled while looking at each other getting lost in the moment.
He walked them in setting her down on the edge of the bed. A few minutes passed by as Veredian started to take off the complicated outfit. Wesley assisted with his careful touch. Each button and tie was undone with tender caution. His fingers lingered over her delicate skin, her eyes closing relishing his touch. She then slipped on a plum colored nightgown that shaped her form with lovely luxury. He changed into thin olive green pajama pants flowing comfortably against his skin.
She climbed into bed watching him walk towards her from the dresser across the room. "Can we see the moons?", she asked quietly.
He smiled and nodded sweetly as he slowly drew back the curtain.
He climbed into bed behind her, wrapping his arms around hers. She nuzzled into his warmth, feeling she's been waiting for this moment and his touch for eternity.
He studied the curves of her face in the moonlight finding them without imperfection. "You're a work of art.", he whispered barely realizing his thoughts left his lips.
She looked at him almost blushing at the beautiful statement. She then turned over to meet his gaze. "The first time I saw you, I saw safeness in your eyes. With you...it's like perfect serenity.", she whispered back.
He looked back at her wondering how all the luck in the universe was given to him so suddenly.
"Is this a dream?", he pondered to her, almost genuinely wondering if he was experiencing reality.
"If it is, I don't ever want to wake up.", she responded.
They sort of softly chuckled together at the possibility.
His fingers played with hers over the sheets while they watched the moons grow blurry and dim. Together they drifted off into a perfect sleep.
Heat interrupted a heavenly dream with pain accompanying. Very suddenly Wesley sat up in a coughing fit as he looked around wide eyed.
The curtains and pillars were engulfed with red boiling flames. They were quickly spreading and drawing in closest to Veredians side.
He looked down at Veredian trying to shake her awake as he called her name. She stayed still as his chest sunk even deeper with fear and panic.
He quickly picked her up in his arms as he looked for a path to safety. The smoke was thick as it stung his eyes and blurred his vision. The room was an orange red haze as the fire roared and hissed. The bed behind him cracked and melted into the flames as Wesley stumbled for the exit.
The wild curtains shriveled up throwing embers and ashes into the wind landing in the sand around the melting platform. It was getting harder to find a path and his legs were getting heavier as smoke wrapped tightly around his constricted lungs and heat waves scorched his skin.
Somehow he made it to the hallway where he could vaguely hear footsteps and voices growing nearer. Unable to stand any longer Wesley dropped to his knees. He sensed incredible pain from where he wasn't sure but it blinded him even further. Veredians head hung towards the floor as he breathed heavily panicking at her still form. A blood curdling scream escaped his rough throat as he held her tightly in his arms. Whether it was a cry for help or expression of disbelieving grief, the scream echoed through the halls like a tear dripping nightmare. His fingers gripped her with incredible fear as his tears stained her cheeks.
Suddenly he felt her leave his grasp, he let go reluctantly though his failing strength couldn't keep her with him. His already clouded vision was quickly turning black. He reached out for her while she was taken from him but it was too late as his world crashed and his eyes closed.
