Chapter Forty Three-A New Year, A New Resolution
New Year's Day dinner was full of commotion. Even though we had the entire family together for Christmas dinner, our tradition was to have everyone together to start the New Year right. It was held in the party room at my parents place, and Dad had cooked a huge roast, all slathered with herbs and spices. I love meat, and Dad does the best roasts. He cooks a mean turkey too. He gets all his meat through Queens Park Meat Market up on Second Avenue by Queens Park in New West. Knows all the guys in there, and orders everything ahead of time so he can get the best cuts, birds, etc. Gotta say, the roast was marvellous. Everyone stuffed themselves on roast beef, roasted potatoes and vegetables, gravy and trifle for dessert. While everyone was lounging around on the couches and chairs in the sitting area to let dinner settle, Glorfindel stood up and cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.
"Pardon me, I'm terribly sorry, but if I could just have all of your attention for a moment please," he spoke over the voices chatting.
Everyone quieted down and looked up at him expectantly. Glorfindel suddenly looked a bit shy, but recovered himself quickly. "While I have only known you for a short while, I feel welcomed into the family and quite comfortable with all of you." Members of my family nodded and smiled around the room. "I believe we have some very good news for all of you, to help give a good start to the New Year," he pulled me to my feet, "I have asked and Karyn has accepted my proposal of marriage. We hope to marry sometime in the Spring," he finished over loud whoops and hearty congratulations.
My Mom looked so pleased; she could've burst with happiness. Seriously, my Mom probably considered her phone 'intervention' as the catalyst for our engagement. I just bet she told all of her friends she was responsible for my marital happiness. I didn't bother to clear the record, as trying to tell my mother anything was akin to bashing my head against a rather pebbly brick wall. All it does is leave nasty gashes on your forehead and give you a wee bit of a headache.
My eldest nephew was speaking animatedly to Glorfindel when my Dad interrupted him.
"Finn, it's good to have you joining the family. I had hoped we didn't scare you off at Christmas," Dad said clasping his hand on Glorfindel's arm.
"No sir. I know I'm very lucky to have found Karyn and I am truly blessed that she has such a wonderful family," Glorfindel said seriously. I rolled my eyes at his platitudes.
"You don't have to suck up Finn. My family already likes you," I remarked.
"Oooh, I don't know about that. An old man like me can use all the compliments he can get," my Dad joked.
Finn laughed, "Well then, I will have to remember to shower you with compliments."
My Dad and Glorfindel wandered away, chatting like the best of friends, leaving me open to attack. My twin brother sauntered up to me with a shit-eating grin on his face.
"Well, Karyn. It's about time," he waggled his finger at me, "I was starting to wonder if you were capable of getting married."
I frowned and smacked Chris' arm, "You're supposed to be supportive idiot. Why don't you try and rephrase that, hmm?"
Chris chortled, "Sorry, sorry," he patted my back, "Good for you Karyn. I hope you have a happy marriage. Was that better?" he pursed his lips in a pouty expression.
"Well, you could do it once more with feeling," I snarked and walked away to stand by Glorfindel. I heard Chris' big laugh breakout behind me.
The evening broke up around 9pm, as everyone needed to go back to work on Tuesday. I had no where to go, but I wasn't expected to return to work for a couple of weeks, as I had yet to get a return-to-work authorization from my doctor.
The weeks flew by and my return to work was quiet as I dug back into the routine of my job. My manager kept me off of high stress conflicts and just kept throwing me softballs, like union education sessions and ratification votes. I could only tolerate the kid-glove treatment for a couple of weeks before I begged her to stop coddling me and let me get my hands dirty with the real work. She consequently sent me to handle a union raid trying to subvert the members of one of our strongest union components in a government agency. We couldn't afford to lose them as they were part of the backbone that held up the rest of the apathetic members in other departments and agencies. Glorfindel in the meantime was trying to convince me to quit my job and go work at his company. I think he wanted to see me work more normal hours, as my job currently had me working from early morning to late in the evening, and it wasn't unusual to see me working on the weekends. I told him that I would think about it, but unless I could have something as challenging as my job as a Union Rep, I wouldn't move.
The plans for the wedding were going full speed ahead at the same time as my workload increased. I managed to find a dress that, while not like my Elvish wedding dress, was quite nice for human standards. It wasn't a Vera Wang or anything, but a nice Hanna Hartnell with a halter top and ribbons that circled the waist and ran back around the neckline and down the back to drape just off the back of the sheath. It was from last year's collection and was priced just right. Anne was thrilled for me and my friend April said she would help me cover my surgical scar with makeup so no one would be distracted by the long white line. My Dad had come through in a pinch and gotten us the a banquet hall at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club in the clubhouse near Jericho Beach off of Point Grey Road for June 9th. I didn't want a church wedding, as I wasn't a practicing Baptist and Glorfindel wasn't religious by Earthly standards. We decided to have the ceremony outside, overlooking English Bay, and then move inside for the reception. Dad had gotten hold of a tent in case of inclement weather, but I hoped we wouldn't have to use it.
Glorfindel remained implacable during all the pre-wedding fuss. He offered his opinion when asked and remained undaunted when it seemed I was being torn in too many directions at once. My mother didn't want any alcohol served at the reception, but we overrode her desires and decided on wine with dinner and champagne for the toast. Glorfindel eased my Mom's concerns about public drunkenness by assuring her that there would not be enough alcohol to cause poor behaviour, and should anyone get out of hand, he would personally see them ejected. He drew the line at a cummerbund and tux, and instead opted for a dark suit and matching tie. I preferred that, but I wanted him to think it was entirely up to him. You've got to give the groom something to do. God knows I was trying to retain my sanity while I negotiated terms with my mother, friends and other family members. I wanted a simple wedding, which was partially coming true. We had less than 70 guests; I had cut out a swack of relatives and family friends, which annoyed my mother. I had managed to retain a Justice of the Peace to officiate, as neither of us wanted a religious ceremony, but I was outmanoeuvred by my mother as she finagled a buffet dinner instead of the simple sit-down I had originally wanted. I decided it was a battle I could afford to lose if I wanted to keep the dancing.
Glorfindel had apparently arranged our honeymoon, as he was being secretive, but kept hinting on how I would need several bathing suits in the near future. We didn't really get a honeymoon the first time around, so I think his enthusiasm was justified.
My Mom liked him better than me, I think. At least she treated him better than me. I didn't care. As long she liked him, it meant I'd probably see less criticism than what I usually got. I think Glorfindel taking her, Dad and John to the hockey game, not once but twice, cemented her approval. The Canucks won both times and Mom said he should go to every game as he was proving to be a lucky charm. Glorfindel begged off, saying he was sure his kind of luck would wear out if used excessively. I think maybe my Mom harboured a secret crush on him, as she would light up every time she saw him. I was okay with that too. She was seventy-seven, what was she going to do?
June rolled around, and we prepared to get married. Glorfindel and I had gotten the marriage license a week before the wedding, and Tony took all our wedding photos in advance the weekend before the big day. I loved the locations he had chosen. We went to Whytecliffe and Lighthouse Parks, popped over to Capilano, and then drove out to UBC and took some shots in Pacific Spirit Regional Park. It was a long day, but I think we managed to get some really great shots. Tony was meticulous and very detailed in how he set up his shots. I was glad he was doing my wedding, as he had given up wedding photos more than five years previously.
The morning of June 9th had arrived, and I was sequestered away in a room at the Le Soleil. Anne, April, Cathie, Lisa and my eldest nieces had all arrived to get me ready to go to the Yacht club. I had an all day spa treatment at Absolute Spa at the Century, which included a body wrap, massage, facial, mani/pedi and aromatherapy hair and scalp treatment; all done the day before. The day of the wedding, the makeup and hair artists came to my hotel room to gussie me up as everyone else fussed over me. My Mom was at home getting ready, as I figured it would be best if she didn't get too stressed out prior to the ceremony. Dad was all jovial as he told me he would me us in front of the club before the ceremony. I think he was a little relieved that his last child was finally tying the knot and he didn't have to worry about me so much anymore.
Finally everyone was ready, I was in the dress and makeup concealed my cancer scar. Our processional made its way out of the hotel as other guests looked on and surreptitiously commented on our departure. The limo service was provided as a courtesy by the hotel, but we almost didn't fit. It was a stretch, but with us all wearing heels and yards of material, it took a bit of fiddling before we got relatively comfortable. All of us chatted amiably all the way out to the club, and it wasn't until we drove into the parking lot that butterflies made their presence known to me. I got out last and my Dad took my hand to help me out and lend support.
"You'll do just fine, don't worry," he whispered in my ear as we walked up the stairs to the entrance.
We walked into the club and down the stairs to go out to the patio overlooking the Bay. Music started to play and my bridesmaids walked down the aisle between the chairs. I saw Glorfindel standing up by the water's edge and I started to get emotional. It wasn't like the Lórien ceremony, but it was special because my family was there to witness it. The music switched to a baroque piece and Dad nudged me into motion. We walked slowly down the aisle as I smiled at the happy faces of my friends and family. When we arrived up by Glorfindel, my Dad put my hands into my husband's and stood back. The Justice asked who gives this woman, and my Dad proudly answered, "Her mother and I do." I looked up into Glorfindel's eyes and I saw tears poised to fall. I smiled, knowing that everything was now going to be just fine, and the ceremony continued.
It was short and sweet, just the way I like my ceremonies, and we proceeded into the clubhouse to go immediately to our reception. We had to wait for everyone else to be seated before the club maitre'd introduced us as 'Mr. and Mrs. Finneas Mills'. Everyone applauded our entrance and we took our spots at the head table. I leaned into Glorfindel and whispered that Eru was a smart guy as I didn't have to change the monogrammed towels. I had gone from Karyn Matthews to Karyn Mills, no need to drag the linens to the Sears to get another initial put on. Handy that.
The reception lasted until midnight when the club had to close down. We ate, danced and partied right up to the last moment. We had a good time right up until we ran out to our limo to go back to the hotel. Chris and John had put their heads together and had everyone pelt us with rose petals as they yelled 'run faster!' Big goofs. Our ride back to the hotel was ripe with anticipation. Not because it was our wedding night, we'd already had a couple of those. No, Glorfindel had promised to tell me where we were going the next morning. I was dying, but kept my mouth shut right up until we crawled into bed for the night.
"Okay, I can't stand it anymore," I huffed as Glorfindel curled up against me.
"Did the day not go as well as you had hoped?" he asked innocently.
"No," I poked his ribs, "You promised to tell me where we were going for our honeymoon. So where are we going?"
"I said I would tell you in the morning," he closed his eyes, smiling slightly.
That crunched it, "It is morning, if you haven't noticed. So tell me!"
Glorfindel snorted, "It is not morning for me, as I have not yet gotten any sleep. I will tell you when I am well rested." He turned over onto his other side as I flopped onto my back and stared at the ceiling.
"I could read you, y'know," I remarked a tad tartly.
"But you won't because you love me and you want it to be a surprise as well," he sleepily stated.
I had nowhere to go with that logic, so I turned over and curled up next to him, trying to go to sleep and failing.
The next morning saw me exhausted and him looking terribly serene. I should've read him. Perhaps I would've gotten some much needed zzz's. We ate breakfast, got ready and then went out to the limo with our luggage. Glorfindel had not mentioned anything about our destination, instead choosing to remark of the guests who had come to our wedding. He found my uncles amusing and could not believe how bad a dancer Chris was. I informed him that the European contingent didn't believe it either, until they saw him dance at Erich and Judith's wedding a few years back. They thought he was just providing the entertainment.
We arrived at the airport and he led me to the JAL check-in desk. I peeked over the counter as the clerk took our info. She typed in some info and took our passports to cross check with the tickets.
"Aisle or window seats Mr. Mills?" she asked.
Finn looked at me, "Window, if you have it."
She typed a bit more and then tagged our checked luggage. Handing us our boarding passes she said, "Have a wonderful time in Bali, Mr. and Mrs. Mills."
"Bali!" I exclaimed as we walked away to go through security on the way to our departure gate. "We're going to Bali?"
"Jimbaran Bay and Sayan to be precise," he casually remarked.
"Oh Finn!" I leapt onto him and hugged him hard as passers-by watched, "I've always wanted to go to that part of the world!"
After I kissed him in thanks, we made our way to the departure gate. Here I had been thinking he was taking me somewhere traditional like Hawaii or Mexico. He had me completely snookered, and had completely surprised me by planning our honeymoon in Bali. We passed through security without any issues and arrived at the departure gate to wait to board. The plane to take us on our trip sat waiting at the gate while they readied it for takeoff. I watched through the window as the ramp attendants loaded the plane with baggage and the carts for food service. The ground around the plane was abuzz with activity. Even though I had seen all of this type of action before, I was still drawn into it, and watched with a mild interest. Glorfindel ran his fingers through my hair as he looked out the windows with me. We waited until our time to board came and then we walked onto the plane; with me so excited and full of anticipation, I was gripping Glorfindel's hand with all my might. Glorfindel just smiled and let me continue with my death grip as he led me to our seats in business class.
As we sat down he quietly said to me, "We will have to change planes in Tokyo, but I think maybe you should try to rest for a while. I don't believe you got much rest last night, hmm?"
I bit back a grin, "Tokyo? Cool. I don't know if I'll be able to sleep now that I know where we're going."
"We're you this excitable as a child?" he asked.
I poked his side, "Maybe, but can you blame me? I've married my soulmate, I'm going on a fabulous honeymoon and my entire family likes you. I feel like I've hit the jackpot."
Glorfindel squeezed my hand, "I love you too."
I snuggled up to him as best as I could, even though there was an armrest blocking full contact. I loosened my seatbelt a bit so I could lean against him more comfortably.
Takeoff was smooth and soon we were in the air flying out over Vancouver, the Straight of Georgia and Vancouver Island. Soon I was lulled into a light rest by the thrumming sound of the engines. I was only woken when the flight attendant came by with meal service. After I ate, I fell back to sleep and woke up about an hour out of Tokyo. When the plane landed, we disembarked and had just over an hour before we had to transfer to the plane that would take us to Denpasar, Bali. We wandered the airport for a short bit, before we made our way to our new departure gate and onto the plane. Our flight from Tokyo to Denpasar was another seven hours and a bit, so both of us pulled out books from our carry-ons and read for a while. I made both of us get up every now and then to walk around the cabin, to relieve the pressure put on our lower backs and legs from sitting too long. For his first flight, Glorfindel was doing really well. Then he blew the 'first flight' belief by saying he had taken many flights in the course of business, when I mentioned how well he was doing.
Once we landed in Denpasar, Glorfindel led me to a shuttle for the Four Seasons. We got in and our luggage was loaded into the back. As soon as we were ready, the Indonesian driver started the vehicle and we drove to our hotel. The hotel itself was spectacular. Low Balinese buildings surrounded by gardens rich with tropical foliage. We checked in and were led to a low thatched roof villa facing the water. The villa was spacious, and had a huge king-sized four poster bed, covered with soft white cloth, and a fabulous view. The bathroom held a massive soaker tub and just outside the door was an outdoor shower. Down a stone path was a small pool, which I was informed was a plunge pool. The entire villa was enclosed by stone walls and lush gardens. As our arrival was quite late, we landed at 10:30pm and got to our hotel by almost 11pm, everything was quiet as the other guests had retired for the evening. Glorfindel tipped the porter and gently took me to a low couch and sat me down.
"What do you think?" he asked.
I looked around, "It's amazing. How did you find this place?"
"A client of mine had recommended it back in January. I booked it as soon as we had a date for the wedding. We're here for seven days and then we move onto Sayan, up in the mountains. We're there for seven days before we fly home. They call it the Ocean and River package. I liked how it looked, so I booked it." he stroked my arm as he spoke.
"Ahhh," I said. It sounded like heaven.
A knock at the door roused us from our travel weariness, and Glorfindel went to answer it. Two lovely Balinese women came in carrying a basket of flower petals and jars of oils.
"We have come to prepare your floral bath," one of the women said in heavily accented English.
"Please, allow us to see that your first night in Bali is wonderful and relaxing," the other said in a soft voice.
The women walked into the bathroom and soon I heard water running and the wonderful smells of exotic oils being poured. The water stopped and one of the ladies stepped out into the sitting area.
"Please, your bath is ready. Come," she motioned for us to follow her.
We followed her into the bathroom and found a lovely steaming bath overflowing with petals and smelling absolutely wonderful. The doors to the patio were opened and the warm evening breeze wafted in.
"Enjoy. We will be back in the morning to clear away anything left," the other lady said. They both left the room and I heard the soft click on the door as they left the villa. We got undressed and climbed into the bath. I lay back against Glorfindel and let the heat of the water soothe my aches away. Flower petals floated on the surface of the water and the rich smells of lavender, bergamot and ylang-ylang oils filled the air. Glorfindel let his fingers stroke my skin and I rubbed his legs with my hands. We were too tired for sex, but we enjoyed just soaking in the warm tub, feeling each other's skin next to ours. When the water had cooled to the point of being almost uncomfortable, we pulled ourselves out of the tub, dried off and clambered into bed, falling asleep almost immediately.
The next morning saw us waking to a soft knock at the door, and the ladies from the previous evening bringing in a tray of breakfast, consisting of fruits, toast, green tea and passion fruit juice. I had pulled on a robe from the bathroom and Glorfindel had donned a pair of shorts so we would be decent for the women's entrance. We sat down at the table they had set for us and began to eat while they went into the bathroom to clean up from the evening before. After breakfast, the women kindly took away the trays they had come in with, and left our villa. Glorfindel and I flopped back on the bed and stared at the ceiling.
"Are you afraid of dying?" I asked out of the blue.
Glorfindel turned towards me and propped himself up with his arm. "Why do you ask?"
"Ummm, well, because you used to be an Elf and now you're human. Mortal. Y'know? You've only died once before and it wasn't exactly under pleasant circumstances, so I was wondering if you were afraid to die again," I explained.
Glorfindel looked pensive for a moment, "No. I am not afraid to die again. I remember what it was like and I know I have nothing to fear from it."
"But now you're going to die because of me," I said as I stared at the wood on the ceiling.
"I chose to be with you willingly. We are tied by more than just love Karyn, and I happily chose to be with you until the end of time. I do not regret my decision, nor do I resent the choice I had to make when I married you. If we had stayed in Arda, I would've followed you into the afterlife when you passed. I will follow you into death and the afterlife now. I gladly take the consequences that come with being mortal because it means I will be with you forever and always," he reached out and moved a strand of hair that had blown across my face.
I sighed, "I just…I just don't want to feel like I caused you to do something you didn't want to do, that's all."
"You haven't," he reassured me, "I made this decision because I have waited for you for millennia, and I would follow you into eternity."
I turned to face him, "I feel the exact same way."
Our serious talk finished, we got up and got dressed to continue our day.
Our honeymoon in Bali was a wonderful time for both of us. We saw Hindu temples, visited museums and took biking and hiking tours. We even visited the Monkey Forest near Sangeh. I am now the proud owner of a photo of me with a monkey perched on my head and another grabbing my arm. Our move from Jimbaran Bay to Sayan was easy, as the hotel gave us a ride up the mountain and transferred our luggage, ensuring it was unpacked and ready for us when we had arrived in Sayan. The views from our villa in Sayan were gorgeous as well. We were perched above the Ayung River that flowed through the Ayung Valley. The villa we stayed in was at the top of the terraced building and the plunge pool was placed right near the border, giving the impression you were floating right on the edge of a cliff. The Sayan location was even quieter than Jimbaran Bay, and by the last day on the island, I realized I had never been quite that relaxed in my life. Both Glorfindel and I were saddened by our need to depart and since we had made friends with most of the staff in both locations, we made our way around the premises of each hotel to say goodbye to everyone.
We arrived home to good weather and settled back into our lives, but our time in Bali would be remembered for as long as we both lived. It was such a special time. We actually managed to make it back for our tenth wedding anniversary, and it was just as good then as it was when we first went.