Chapter 12: White Symbolizes Purity
The day was dark. Once again, the skies of Asgard seemed to weep with the people. Celestrial stood in front of her vanity. Tears streaking her face, she reached up to touch her mother's necklace. It still hurt to wear it, but she could manage for the day. Her fingers trailed her long hair that had ribbons and flowers placed throughout the curls. She looked at herself, and held back her emotions. Her white gown was simple, yet elegant. Ruffled lace reached the base of her neck, and flowers had been stitched into the sleeves and bodice. A bouquet of Asgardian golds, with the stems wrapped with white ribbons was held in her tight grip. She looked once more before slowly leaving her room. Today would change her whole life.
She stood outside the golden doors of the throne room, listening to the murmuring inside. "Are you ready, my lady," asked the guard who had his hand on the door, ready to let her in. "Would you be?" She stared blankly at the door, wishing she did not have to do this. "I am sorry. If I could be of any service, do not hesitate." Letting a single tear slide down her cheek, she solemnly said, "Thank you." She nodded, letting him know she was ready. He nodded back, trying to smile. Not getting a response, he knocked twice on the door, and pushed it open. When the door closed behind her, she looked up. It seemed all of Asgard was present, even though she knew they wouldn't fit in here. As she walked down the crowds, she looked up and saw Loki, her king.
She could hear people whispering to each other, "She looks so beautiful," "What a sad face," " I believe nobody could share her pain." Standing as straight as possible, she kept a blank expression. Finally standing in front of her king, she curtsied. He looked down at her, and stepped up to hug her, but she brushed him off. "Please, sit my love." Obeying her king, she sat in the chair designated for her. The grand room had been decorated nicely. White flowers were all over the place, and the drapes had been changed to crisp white ones. She saw many familiar faces. The lady Frigga sat beside her son. Behind Cellie, Sif and the warriors three held sad faces. The dark headed maiden tried to smile, but she ended up shedding a tear. She knew how hard this had to be for the young woman.
The king finally spoke, "Thank you all for coming out today. It has been a while since we have all been together, as Asgard." He looked over the crowd, but his eyes kept going back to the woman he loved. No eye contact could be made, for she kept her head down. "This," he continued, "is a rather sad day for our lady Celestrial. She should rejoice however. There is a reason why we use the color white on such an occasion. It symbolizes the purity of the soul. The same purity of the souls," he looked directly at her in a loving way, "that we have tragically lost. They have finished their trials in this realm, and have gone to Valhalla. There, they will live eternally, and in peace." He could tell she was choking back tears as she looked at the all the flowers people brought, and the candles that had been lit.
"For those of you who are unaware," he looked over the crowd, "this young woman's family was killed in a fire yesterday morning. It seems as if a candle had not been properly extinguished. The fire could not be put out in time, and no remains could be found. We come together in memoriam of the following people; The brave warrior, Preston and his wife Lady Isaura; The noble Jacob, his wife Lady Anja, and their two daughters; Freyja and Svanhild. Sadly, our beloved Celestrial has no other living relatives. May our thoughts be with her through this difficult time. Their memorial plaques have been placed outside with the others that have finished their trials. May Odin bless every one of us, and once again, thank you for coming."
After all the people left, and the servants started to clean, Cellie walked outside to get some air. She knew it was probably a bad idea, but she wanted to see where they placed their memory markers. Finally finding it, she fell to her knees. Crying, she separated the flowers of her bouquet. Before placing a single flower upon each plaque, she gave it a small kiss, wishing she could kiss their face one last time. Knowing her day was done, she curled up on the ground, and gently tugged at the grass. She asked, "Why," to the wind, but she received no answer. The moment came where she could no longer hold back her tears. She cried loud, and uncontrollably. Her whole body shook, and everybody passing by let her be.
She awoke to Loki gently stroking her arm. "Hey," he gently said, "let's get you inside. It is too cold for you to sleep out here tonight." Agreeing with him, she took his outstretched hand, and stood up. She almost immediately fell back down to the ground, but he caught her. "Here, wrap your arm around my neck." Doing what she was told, he bent down to gently pick her up. He took her inside and made his way to her bedchambers. By the time he opened her door, she had fallen asleep. He placed her gently on the bed, removed her shoes, and pulled the blankets up to cover her.
Kissing her forehead, he whispered, "I'm doing this for us love. They were in the way. Now you, me, and the baby can be together. Happy. Just don't make me upset again. I hate to think about what I would do to you, especially now with your condition." He was being honest. He was truly afraid of what would happen if she made him angry again. Would he try to harm the baby? Would he try to poison her again? No. He shook these thoughts as he watched her chest slowly rise and fall. Even in this great time of sadness, she looked so peaceful while sleeping. He thought about it for a moment, and decided to crouch down in front of her belly. He placed a timid hand on her slightly swollen abdomen, and felt the firmness. A small and surprised chuckle left his lips. Never before had he felt something so precious. He could feel something moving against his hand, and quickly drew it back. It was time for him to retire for the night anyway.
Author's Note: Sorry this one was short. I will try to make the next one a bit longer. I wrote this one at work. Be patient for the next chapter. Review/Fave/Follow. Thanks! Lovies!