Ancient Prophecy 2
Love Stays Near
"Marry me," Alden said firmly.
Astonished, Serenity looked back without anything to say.
"Marry me, Serenity," he repeated, still on his knees and holding her hand.
She swallowed, "you want us to be married just to make me happy? So I can leave 'at peace?'"
"No, no," he stood up placed his hands on her shoulders. "You actually believe that I'm doing this just because I feel obligated or I pity you?"
"I don't know what to believe," she whispered.
"Believe this then, if nothing else," he told her, "I love you, Serenity. That is why I want to marry you. Not because I feel sorry for you. I want the last few days we have together to be wonderful and if we get married then we both will be so happy. This is what you want, isn't it?"
"It might make it harder for me to leave," she admitted.
"Yes, I know," he said, cupping her face with his right hand. "But it doesn't have to. Because once we are married, we will have a special bond that only death can break, but it won't keep me from loving you. Death cannot stop true love. We will be one; so you can leave here without regretting anything." With his left hand, he took hers and placed it over his heart. "I will be a part of you and you will always be a part of me. Serenity, marry me. This is the best way for me to help you; the only way."
She bit her lip, knowing he was right. "But," she began, "we won't be able to spend our entire lives together. We'll still be separated."
"You can visit any time you want," he said. "Please, Serenity, be my wife."
There was no point in arguing. Of course it was a big step and though they wouldn't have a normal marriage like the other people on Earth, it was the best thing for both of them. It would be better than any other marriage for any couple. Serenity was willing to take that chance and spend whatever time she had left with Alden. Getting married was the answer. It would change everything.
"Marrying you, Alden, becoming your wife," she
said, new tears forming in her eyes, "would bring me so much joy. I want to spend whatever time I have left
with you. Yes, Alden, oh, yes, I will
marry you!"
Alden smiled and embraced her.
"Serenity," he whispered.
"Oh, we will have such a wonderful life together. I'm so happy!"
"Oh, I love you Alden!" Serenity cried. "I can't wait to start my life with you!"
They stared into each other's eyes for a while and kissed deeply. They parted breathlessly, looking into each other's eyes again.
"Let's go tell the others," Alden said, pulling on her hand.
Serenity grabbed her clothes that lay underneath a bush and followed Alden back to the monastery.
"Attention everyone, everyone," Alden said, "I have an announcement to make…"
Everyone looked up at the couple in surprise, wondering why Serenity's hair was wet and she was wearing Alden's kimono.
"What is it, Alden?" Master Bolo asked.
"Serenity and I are to be wed!" he exclaimed.
"When?" Akira asked, "We can have the wedding in three days--"
"Three days?" Serenity chuckled, "Oh, no, Akira. I'm not waiting that long! We're getting married tomorrow!"
"Tomorrow?" Akira gasped, confused.
"Tomorrow?" Master Bolo questioned, impressed.
"Tomorrow?" the other monks exclaimed, appalled.
Serenity and Alden looked at each other and he pulled her to him. They looked at the others. Alden didn't seem to have a problem with getting married so soon.
"Tomorrow!" they declared proudly.
"At noon!" Serenity added quickly. Alden grinned.
There was a disturbing silence and Akira laughed. "Well then, congratulations, old friend!"
*************************
Neither Alden nor Serenity slept much that night. They were too anxious to sleep. Serenity used Akira's and Alden's old room and Alden slept in the prayer room. Alden kept looking to the side and would imagine Serenity lying next to him. Only in a few more hours, she will be and will continue to do so every day until she went back to the moon. Alden made a mental vow to hold her tight each night while they slumbered or made love. He was also saddened that she would soon go back to her home and would not have that experience. He quickly pushed that sadness aside, to worry about it when it came to him. Soon he would be married to a princess of the moon and something like that doesn't happen to a man every day.
Serenity kept her arms around herself but she knew it wouldn't come anywhere near being held in Alden's arms the next night.
Even for Akira, he had a restless night. His best friend was getting married and he'd get the room all to his self! He knew he would miss Alden but he was just glad that some adventure happened in the dull monastery.
Alden and Serenity were awake before the sun. The maidens of the village decided to be Serenity's seamstresses and fix her hair. Serenity kept chattering how excited she was. The maidens told her that they heard of a legend about a princess on the moon but never expected it be true. They told her how excited they were about preparing the gown for the princess on the moon and how honored they were to be guests to the wedding.
"It's not every day we make a wedding gown for the princess of the moon!" chirped one seamstress.
"We're very obliged," said another, "your highness."
"I'll never forget you for doing this," Serenity said, "I just wish I could stay longer!"
"You're always welcome, Serenity," said a seamstress.
"It is good that you are marrying Alden now," teased a playful seamstress, "or all the maidens would try to marry him!"
"Delia!" scolded the first seamstress.
"Every eligible maiden in the village had their sights on Alden," explained the second seamstress, Elsie. "They were all very disappointed when they heard that he was marrying the princess of the moon of all people!"
"You are very lucky," Ruby said. "And we're happy for you."
"Thank you, thank you all very much," Serenity said, close to tears. "I'll miss you all when I go away."
"Oh, please, Serenity, today is supposed to be a happy day."
"Don't cry," said Delia. "We will remember you."
"Yes, even if you will be on the moon, it doesn't mean you really would be gone," said Elsie, "you'll be looking down on us from the moon and we'll be looking up to you from Earth."
"We're finished now," announced Ruby, "would you like to see?"
"My fingers hurt," complained Melina.
They led her to the mirror, "look, Serenity, you're a bride!"
*********************************
"We should've done something for you last night," Akira said as he helped Alden with his formal.
"What do you mean?" Alden asked.
"Well, yesterday was your last night as a free man," he said, "We should've had a celebration or something."
Alden chuckled, "Master Bolo would not approve of that."
"The others are jealous of you," Akira said, "you know that, don't you?"
"Yes," Alden sighed.
"Doesn't that bother you?"
"No," Alden said, "and it shouldn't. I was the one who found Serenity."
Akira laughed.
"What is so funny?" Alden demanded.
Akira waved it off, "Nothing. I was just remembering some things. So, are you ready?"
"Yes."
"Let's get ready then, old friend."
*********************
They had the wedding outside. Master Bolo stood underneath a white arch decorated with laurels. Akira and Alden stood next to him.
"Nervous?" Akira whispered to Alden.
"What makes you say that?" Alden whispered back.
Akira nodded to his foot that was tapping the ground at lightning speed.
Alden sighed and stopped tapping his foot.
The seamstresses started to walk down the aisle, dropping flowers and behind them was Serenity holding a bouquet of flowers. She wore a long-sleeved dress that hung down at her elbows and her silver white hair that were once in pigtails had three braids on both sides and connected to a ponytail on her hair. On the top of her head she had a wreath of white roses, leaves and lace. She stepped gracefully to the front and took Alden's hand.
They didn't seem to listen to what Bolo was saying throughout the ceremony. They kept looking into each other's eyes.
"Alden. Alden. Alden."
"Hmm?"
"Do you take her to be your wife in sickness and in health for rich or for poor--"
"Yes. I do."
"And Serenity, do you take--"
"Yes."
He smiled. "Rings, please?"
They exchanged rings.
"Now, Alden, kiss your bride."
Alden wrapped his arms around her and kissed her as she had her arms around his neck.
"I love you, Alden," she whispered. "Forever."
"And I you, always and forever."
The guests applauded and Alden mounted a white stallion. He pulled Serenity up in front of him, waved in the others and galloped away as Serenity tossed the bouquet behind her. The maidens fought to catch it.
"There is something I want to show you," he told Serenity.
They rode through the meadows until they reached a river. "I come here a lot," he said.
"I can see why," she said, "it's so beautiful."
He stopped the horse.
"Why've we stopped?" she inquired.
He didn't answer, instead, he tied the horse to a tree and helped her down.
"Alden?"
"Shh," he whispered and wrapped a cloth around her eyes. "It's a surprise."
Serenity grinned, "Alden!"
He picked her up and carried her on foot next to the water. "How far are you taking me?"
"You'll see," he said.
She heard the sounds of the rapids and listened to Alden's footsteps. The water was getting louder. Then she suddenly felt wet.
"What on Earth?" she shouted.
He set her down on solid ground and removed the cloth. "Why did you get me so…wet?" she gasped as she looked around her. What got her wet was a waterfall they just passed through. There were candles all set up and there was a mattress covered in cherry blossoms.
"Alden," she said. "This, this is…did you do this?"
"Yes."
"It's beautiful," she commented and stepped through the waterfall again. She could see everything. She felt him wrap his arms around her waist as he began to kiss her neck. She let out a sigh of contentment.
"This will be my favorite place too," she said, turning around and taking off the wreath of roses from her head. They stood in the waterfall as they kissed each other soundly and undressed each other. She took his hand and placed it over her heart. "We'll become one and then we would never have to worry about being apart again. Make love to me, Alden. Be gentle, please."
He picked her up and carried her to the bed. He set her down on the soft, sweet smelling petals and kissed her. Serenity smiled as she placed the back of her hand on his cheek.
"Be gentle."
"I will," he said, sliding his finger over her forehead. "I'm always gentle."
"Alden," she whispered. She sat up and kissed him with her hands cupping her face. "I'm so happy. I've never been so happy before in my life!"
"Nor have I," he said, running his hand through her hair, "nor have I." He kissed her as he laid her down. He kissed every inch of her face; neck and shoulder, each fingertip and he kissed her on her arms. He looked at her longingly as he reached his arms around her tight.
They made love on the bed of cherry blossoms. Alden was gentler at that moment than he had ever been in his whole life. Serenity never felt so complete. The couple became one and their love, their bond, was too strong to be broken.
************************************
Serenity woke up in Alden's arms and nearly broke into tears. She remembered falling asleep in them. Every moment that took placed remained vividly in her mind. She stroked his face, sighed and nestled closer to him.
He awakened, blinking his eyes and turned to her.
"Good morning," he said.
She chuckled, "I believe it's still daytime. We were married at noon, remember?"
He smiled, "Oh, yes. I must have gotten sleepy the night before." He sat up and she rested her head in the crook of his neck. "I was awake all night because I was excited about today."
"Me too."
"Now that we already made love," he said, "what would you like to do? We can go for a horseback ride and go on a picnic. Have you eaten?"
She shook her head. "A horse back ride and picnic sounds lovely."
He breathed in her hair and skin. It was heavy with the scent of cherry blossoms. "I'll never forget the way you smelt when we made love, every sigh and sound has been etched in my brain and heart." He said, wrapping his arms around her. "I feel so complete now. I will still be able to smell the sweet scent of your hair when you are gone--how soft your skin felt--"
Serenity sniffed and a teardrop fell from her eye, down her cheek and onto Alden's shoulder. He felt the tear and stopped mid-sentence.
"Hmm?" he grasped hold of her face and leaned
back. "What's this? Tears?
Why are you crying, my love?"
His caring voice only made her shed a few more tears. "Oh, Alden, I'm just so happy," she whispered. "I'm overjoyed. But I'm also sad too, that I need to
leave. I'll just miss you so much, the
way you speak to me and hold me and kiss me.
I've been so happy here on Earth and I'm afraid when I go back to the
Moon I'll never be this happy again."
After being gentle in making sweet love to her, Alden chose to be firm. "Now, you listen to me, Serenity," he said, his voice solid as stone but his touch soft as silk. "You have nothing to be afraid of. I've already told you that. If you just remember how happy I made you just a few hours ago, then you'll still be happy. I don't forget you so don't you forget me."
"You know I won't."
"We'll still be a part of each other," he reminded, "I know that it would be hard to leave but remember that you'll always have the memories we shared together. We'll only really be apart if you forget. You're strong, Serenity and remember you can still come to visit us."
This made her cry a bit harder.
"Now what is wrong?"
Then she began to laugh, "Oh, Alden," she smiled, "you always know just what to say to make me feel better! I'll remember this when I'm away. When I get lonely, I'll just think of what you will say."
"This isn't easy for me either, Serenity," he said.
She nodded. "But we're strong."
"I will always love you," he promised and kissed the crescent shape on her forehead. "Now, shall we go for a ride?"
**************
Days passed. Alden and Serenity became solid. They spent all the time they could with each other, going for rides around the wilderness and villages, making sweet love almost every night, swimming in the river, praying at shrines and learning combat skills together, dancing, star gazing--they did everything together. The best day that had together was the day before Serenity had to leave.
The day for Serenity's departure came too soon, for both of them.
"The moon will be full tonight," she said as they had their afternoon walk.
"When will you have to leave?" he asked.
"Right after sunset," she replied.
"Then we should have a party for you," he suggested. "So that we will know that you will be missed. I'm sure it would mean a lot to the others."
"To me too," she said, "let's do it."
The once jealous clan members accepted Alden's marriage to Serenity and made sure she knew it. They promised her that they would make sure Alden would be safe when the demon emperor came to attack, though none of them knew when that would be. Akira was afraid he would get emotional and kept it under control. It was very hard for him. He took her having to leave even worse than Alden did. Master Bolo told Serenity that she would be greatly missed and she was more than welcome to come whenever she felt a need to.
"The sun is setting," Serenity said blankly, looking out the window. She turned to her husband and tightened her hand around his. "I'm afraid it is time."
He nodded but said nothing. Master Bolo and the rest of the Ancient clan followed the couple outside and watched the sunset in silence.
"I will miss you, all of you," Serenity said, "thank you for letting me stay." She hugged and kissed each man on the cheek. When she got to Akira, she smiled and said, "please, keep Alden company for me."
Akira nodded promisingly as she kissed his cheek. "Take care, princess of the moon."
"You too, Akira," she said.
"Serenity, remember, remember everything that I said," Alden reminded her as he took her in his arms. "We are still one. Nothing can break our bond. Even if you were leaving to go to another world, we will still be man and wife, never, never forget that."
"I won't," she said, trying not to cry. It did not work and she found herself sobbing as she tightned her arms around his neck. "I'll never let go of our love, Alden! I'll never, ever forget you! You shall be in my heart always. I will be watching you, my love."
"I'll be looking for you in the sky then," he said and kissed her deeply. "Now go."
"I can't."
"You must. Go now, befor it is too late."
"I love you, Alden," she said, stepping back.
"I love you too."
Serenity held her hands a few inches apart and a brilliant white crystal appeared between them. She was ingulfed in a silver light and her hair and dress were waving around. As Serenity lifted her hands up over her head, the gem still between them, she glanced over at Alden and mouthed 'goodbye' to him. A beam of light shot from the crystal, parted the clouds away from the moon. The beam almost touched the moon and Alden realized just how painful it was to watch her leave him. It was worse than he ever imagined.
'I can't let her leave,' he thought, 'not without knowing what it's like living on the moon.'
Akira looked over at him as if he knew what he was thinking. 'Alden,' he thought, trying to send the message to his friend, 'don't you want to know what her life was like before you let her go?'
"Serenity, wait!" he shouted, making her stop. The beam came back down and she stared at him.
"Alden?"
"Serenity, Serenity," he said, walking to her. "How, how long can someone from Earth live on the moon?"
She smiled. "You want to come with me?"
"Yes," he said. "I want to know what it's like up there."
"You can stay with me for 3 full moons," she reported, "the same amount of time I spent here."
"Wonderful," he breathed, "let's go."
She took hold of his hand, told him to hold on to it very tight and she held her other hand that had the crystal over her head. The beam shot up again, touched the moon and a bubble formed over the couple that carried them to the moon. They looked down at their friends and waved at them as they got farther, and farther away.
*********
When they reached the moon, the bubble burst and they looked around.
"A castle on the moon?" Alden mumbled with a confused but surprised face.
"Yes, that's my home, Alden," she said. "Welcome to the Moon Kingdom, Alden. Your home too. Your home from home."
Alden laughed, "I'm so glad I decided to come with you."
"Me too," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck, "me too."
Next Chapter: Departure and Battle
