Chapter 28
Saturday came all too quickly, and it was time to travel to Ossiriand. Tara and Clem were expected at the house any time, and Kara was busy bustling about, making sure she had everything. Her sister was watching the house again, taking care of the pets. Giles had been informed that they wouldn't be in Sunnydale for a while. Kara and Spike had decided that it was best to keep their plans under wraps until they were already completed since the others would insist on being there, too. Tara was only staying the one night, but it happened to coincide with a weekend science trip Willow was on, so her absence wouldn't be questioned.
"Luv, the chaperones are here," Spike called from downstairs.
"Okay!" she yelled back. Kara took a last look through her bag, then zipped it up, and hurried down. "Hey, you guys. Thanks for doing this on short notice. Is the alarm set?" she asked Spike.
"Punched in the code once they came through the door."
"Great. If you three are ready, then we can go down to the basement and use the portal!"
"Pet, you're starting to squeak again," Spike teased, picking up his duffle and starting for the basement.
"Shush, you. Clem, have you done any dimensional travel before? I know Tara hasn't."
"Nope, this'll be a first, Kara. I only hope I don't see lunch again."
"Nah, mate, it's not that bad. Just a little disorientin' for a sec."
"Oh, good," Tara added.
Kara opened the door to the closet and waved her hand in front of the space, whispering an incantation. A swirl of purple appeared that widened into a gateway. The room on the other side could be seen in the center. Kara stuck her hand through the vortex.
"After you guys," she said.
Spike walked through first, taking Kara's bag as he passed. Tara went through next. She was a little dizzy on the other side, so Spike steadied her as he guided her out of the way. Clem looked nervously at the portal, then at Kara.
"Go on, Clem. I promise you'll be fine."
"Right." He drew himself up, and rushed through to the other side. "Whoa."
Kara passed through, sealing the portal behind her. "Welcome to my home away from home. This way." The four didn't get far before they were greeted by several of the palace occupants.
"Empress! So good to see you. Who are your friends?"
"This is Clem," she gestured to the wrinkly demon, who waved at the people. "And this is Tara. You all remember Spike." Murmurs of assent drifted through the crowd. "Can someone take our bags to our rooms while I show my guests around?"
Two servants stepped forward immediately and took their belongings towards the family wing of the palace. The group spent several minutes shaking hands and being welcomed by the locals before they were allowed to continue through the palace. Kara changed into traditional clothing before the meal, as her people were accustomed to seeing her. They were seated together at the center of the banquet table, Spike on her left and Tara on her right. Clem sat on the other side of Spike. Kara had just started a conversation with the Elder about the arrangements when Spike tapped her on the shoulder.
"Translation, luv?"
"Oops! Sorry!" She spoke a few words over the native Earthlings, and the words around them became clear.
The Elder confirmed that everything had been arranged as Kara had requested, and he had even been able to find the ancient ceremonial dagger deep within the vault under the palace. This pleased Kara immensely. The dagger had been used in every Ossirian marriage since their society had begun. About the time that most had finished eating, the Elder stood to make an announcement.
"It is sundown, and according to tradition, the couple must now depart to their chambers. They will remain unseen until tomorrow evening, when the ceremony will begin."
The four left the banquet hall, accompanied by servants, and made their way upstairs. Kara and Spike paused at the top to say goodnight. They would be going to rooms at opposite ends of the hall.
"Love you," he said, right before kissing her.
Kara moaned, forgetting that they had an audience. They were getting heavily into the kiss, when Kara felt a tap on her shoulder.
"What?" she growled, not pulling away, yet.
"I figured I should stop you before you two went at it right here in the hall," Tara replied.
Kara sighed, annoyed, and stepped away from her fiancé. She looked back at her best friend. "You're enjoying this way too much," she replied, scowling.
"Yep! Move it, missy. You're supposed to be in your room by now." She gently tugged on Kara's arm to pull her in the direction they needed to go. "Say goodnight, Spike."
"You're evil, Glinda."
Tara giggled, and winked, moving her friend reluctantly down the hall. Clem stepped up to do the same thing with Spike.
"Hey, buddy…our room is that way. I brought snacks, and everything. Even cards. The time'll go by really fast."
"Right."
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"Wow, this room is so pretty!" Tara exclaimed, upon entering Kara's suite.
A young woman entered the room from a hidden door in the wall, making Tara jump in surprise.
"Sarina! How are you?" Kara greeted her servant, giving the girl a hug.
"Very good, Empress. I'm here to make sure you and your…chaperone?…have a pleasant evening. We took the liberty of drawing baths for you both, and two of the healers from the village have come up to give you both massages. Is there anything you would like to eat or drink?"
"We just had a full meal, Sarina, but you could bring up some juice, or something?" Kara replied, as Tara nodded along.
"I'll be back shortly." She nodded to Kara, then to Tara, and hurried off in the way she came.
"I got a really good vibe from the people here, Kara. I didn't see one dark aura at the dinner table. They really care about each other," Tara said, with a touch of awe.
"I know. I felt it from the first time I was in the village. Let me show you the rest of my suite." Kara led her friend through the bedroom and out to the balcony first, pointing out the deep purple sky. Then she showed Tara the massive closet, including her wedding dress, and ended the tour at the bathroom.
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Kara yawned again, in spite of herself. She and Tara were sitting out on the balcony, enjoying the night air. They had been scrubbed, bathed, massaged, and pampered until their bodies felt like jelly.
"You know, one annoying thing about this pregnancy is the sudden wave of sleepiness that comes at night. I'll be fine, chatting or watching a movie, then the next thing I'm aware of is waking up in bed when I was last in the living room."
"How is Spike adjusting, now that he's had a few days?"
"His head has been on my belly every morning when I've woken up since. He falls asleep listening to their heartbeats. I don't know if it's quite real for him, yet, but he seems happy about it. I've been thinking about what they'll get from both of us, you know? 7 months feels like forever right now."
"It'll fly by. Soon, you'll be wanting more time to prepare because they'll be due any day." Tara smiled affectionately. "You just yawned again. If you want to go to bed, it's fine with me. We have a busy day tomorrow, and you're going to be up late in the evening."
"Yeah, I guess I should. Are you coming in soon?"
"In a bit. It's nice out here."
"Okay. Goodnight, Tara."
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Bright sunlight roused Kara from a sound sleep. She stretched, and noticed that Tara was no longer beside her. Her watch showed it was 10 AM.
"Tara?"
"In here! Hey, sleepyhead, ready for your wedding day?"
"Mmm, I love the sound of that! Is breakfast here? I'm starving."
"I had a feeling you might be, so I ordered for us while you were still asleep. They just delivered it a few minutes ago," Tara replied.
"Ah, good! You're already up. There is much to do, Empress. You need to go down to the garden to look over things, then we have to put up your hair so Atana can paint your back. I've heard the symbols are quite beautiful. Do you like your dress? My mother made it. She is quite skilled with needle and thread. Her stitches are finer than all others. Would you like me to check on your mate later? You must be very anxious to see him."
"Thank you, Sarina. We'll go over everything once Tara and I finish breakfast. Would you care for a roll? We have plenty."
"Well…just one. I do love the ones filled with cormberries."
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Later in the afternoon, a servant knocked on Spike's door as he entered.
"Master Spike, I brought your blood. We have to start preparing you for the ceremony. It will take some time to paint the traditional prayer on you, and let it dry."
"Ugh…what time is it?" the vampire grumbled from behind the curtain. He slowly rose off the bed.
"4 o'clock, sir. Should I wake your companion, as well?"
"Nah, not yet. There's nothing for him to do yet but sit and watch. Is it possible to get a shower around here?"
"Check the bathing room, sir. I'm sure you will find everything you need. I'll leave your blood on the table."
"Thanks, mate. I'll be ready in twenty."
"Yes, sir. I will alert the artist."
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The ceremony was taking place once the full moon had risen.
Kara had tried to sit still while the girls had worked on her hair, twisting and curling it, then pinning it up off her neck. She had then had to lay down on her stomach for several minutes as her spine was painted with the inscription. The ink dried silver on her fair skin, stretching from the base of her neck to between her hipbones. Her dress had a deep narrow v in back that exposed every symbol. She slipped on the brilliant white silk, then took a seat at her dressing table to put the finishing touches on her make-up and add her jewelry. Tara was placing star orchids in Kara's hair. They would glow in the moonlight.
"Something old and blue," Kara said, indicating the antique necklace she had found earlier in the week. It had three sapphires in successive drops, accented by diamonds and scrollwork, delicate and refined. "Something new…where did that bracelet go?"
"Here, Kara. It was on top of your case," Tara said.
"Thanks."
"Now, I just need something borrowed…"
"Oh…take these. They were my mother's," Tara said, handing her a pair of small pearl studs.
"I couldn't…What if they get lost?"
"It's fine, Kara. I insist. Hurry up, we don't have much time."
"Right." Kara put the earrings in and stood, twirling around. "How do I look?"
"Beautiful. He'll be drooling."
"Empress, they are ready for you downstairs," Sarina announced, coming in. "You look magnificent! This is indeed a blessed night. Come! You must be there first to greet your mate." She ushered Kara out the door, Tara following behind.
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"Spike, stop scratching at the ink! You're going to mess up all that work the nice lady did," Clem scolded, slapping the vampire's hand away.
"Can't help it, it itches," he replied, pacing around the room. They were waiting to be told they could head out to the garden, and Spike was fidgeting in impatience.
"Sit down and have a drink, maybe? All this pacing won't make them come any faster."
"Yeah, yeah…try not being impatient when you're waiting for your mate."
Knock, knock "Come in!" Spike bellowed."Good evening, Master Spike. The Empress just left her room. We will send for you shortly," Sarina informed them.
"Thanks, pet. How did she seem?"
"Anxious to get started, like you are, sir. One of the servants will come for you as soon as everything in the garden is prepared. Is there anything we can get you in the meantime?"
"Don't think so."
She nodded, and smiled at them, looking curiously at Clem. Sarina had never seen one of his species before. She left to hurry down to the garden.
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"Kara, you look beautiful. Are you ready to join with your mate?" the Elder said in greeting.
"Very much so, Placido. It's been a long time coming, hmm?"
"I guess it has. Is everything in the tent satisfactory to you? I have the dagger here, and the rings. If you are ready to begin, we can send for your mate."
"It's perfect, thank you. I'm ready, if you are." Tara was sent to retrieve Spike as Kara took a second look around, trying to keep busy.
A tent had been erected far back within the garden, on a field of grass, made from a thick, dark fabric – like the night sky. The front section was open, and torches circled a small table, where the Elder would conduct the ceremony from. The larger portion of the tent was hidden behind a curtain, and illuminated with lanterns. There was a bed here, and a table in the corner. Nothing else was required.
"Your groom is in sight, Empress," the Elder announced. Kara walked past the curtain and into the open. The full moon was visible, illuminating the wedding party. Clem and Spike were following Tara through the garden, Clem chatting away as he usually did, though at a respectful volume.
From her vantage point, Kara could also spot a few servants from the palace hiding behind bushes or trees, trying to gain a peek without being a disruption. She smiled, knowing some would be too curious to follow her request to stay away. It didn't matter now. Her mate was almost here, and he looked so beautiful in the moonlight. His pale skin looked like alabaster carved by a master, his chest bare per tradition. The symbols on his back would have been done in black ink. She would see them later. Spike wore a pair of black pants, and was barefoot. So was she. Ossirians believed in being in touch with nature during sacred events, and footwear would only prevent that connection.
Kara waited under the roof of the tent, the Elder out in front. She smiled at Spike as he stopped a few feet away, but did not speak. It was not yet her time.
"William of Earth, Kalari Elbereth of the Third House, daughter of Gilraen and Sanara, pledges her life and love to you. Do you accept?" said the Elder.
"I do."
"Then enter, and we will proceed. The Dagger of Sulimo has been used in every joining beyond remembrance, and so will bless this union tonight." He handed the dagger to Spike. "Kara, do you offer your blood, your very heart to William?"
"I do," she replied. Kara held out her left wrist to Spike, who took the dagger and gently cut a fine line along the inside of her wrist. He raised her wrist to his lips and licked the blood that started to well up from the cut.
"E'arani'e," he whispered. The wound flashed in light, and then the word was on Kara's skin. It was the feminine form of "my beloved."
"Now, it is your turn, Kara," said the Elder.
She did the same to Spike, only the word she whispered was "Anwa'mani'e", the male form. The word was now tattooed on Spike's left wrist.
The Elder held out two rings to the couple. "Place these rings on your beloved's hand. These rings belonged to the last ruling couple of Ossiriand. May your reign last at least as long as theirs."
The engraved rings were placed on their left ring fingers. Spike was amazed as the ring changed itself to fit perfectly to his finger. It almost felt flexible as he wiggled his fingers. Kara giggled quietly at his actions, already knowing that the metal was enchanted to fit the wearer.
"Kara, William – you are now joined before all Ossiriand. Now, it is time for you to join with each other. My work here is done."
Kara hugged her old friend and mentor. "Thank you," she whispered, before releasing him. The Elder clasped Spike's hand, nodding in deference to the new royal. He smiled, then turned to the onlookers.
"Come, all you eavesdroppers. Back to the palace. Let's give them a little privacy, hmm?" he called out into the garden.
Tara stepped forward to give her friend a quick hug of congratulations. Kara slipped the earrings into her hand before stepping back again. "Just to be safe," she said.
"Have fun," Tara said to Spike, giving him a hug, too. He looked like he could blush.
"Thanks, Glinda."
"Congratulations, guys. We'll get outta your hair," Clem said with a wave. Soon, the couple was left completely alone under the moon and stars.
Spike slipped his arms around his new wife. "So, Mrs. Browning…what do you want to do next?"
"I'll show you," she replied, and took his hand to lead him into the bedchamber.
