March 23, Spring, year 21

Ah, sunshine… Makes me want to be out doing stuff… I'm not officially off bedrest yet though… and I guess it makes sense since I can't hobble around very good without help yet.

But I'd really like to go down to the Spring. I just want to get out of the house for a little bit.

Claire looked up at the knock on her door, closing her journal and hiding it back in the nightstand drawer.

"I'm decent," she said dryly.

Skye carefully poked his head in, and gave her a slightly nervous smile.

"Claire can we… talk?"

"Well… sure," she blinked. "It's not like I can do much else…"

He smiled faintly, a little more relaxed, and stepped the rest of the way into the room.

"Would you like to go down to the Spring?" he asked. "I mean, if you don't that's okay too, but…"

Claire couldn't help herself, and snickered.

"I was just thinking I'd like to get out of bed," she replied. "So yes, let's go down to the Spring."

It occurred to her that the Spring would be more of a private place than her bedroom, which everyone had this tendency to barge into. She accepted Skye's arm, and with his support they wobbled to Harvest Goddess Pond.

The blonde couldn't help the slight sigh of relief as she stretched out her legs in front of her. The sunshine through the window was nice, but sunshine on her bare head was even better.

She could see Lauren's grave off to the side, under one of the large apple trees her parents had planted, and smile sadly.

"I uh… planted Moon roses on her grave yesterday," Skye said softly. "They won't likely bloom until midsummer but…"

"She would have loved them," Claire said quietly. "Roses might not have been her favorite flowers, but she liked them well enough, even as accessories for her gowns."

If she squinted, she could almost see a misty form hanging over the grave, smiling fondly at her. She sniffled a little, and rubbed at her eyes. Lauren had never wanted her to cry, she knew that much.

For long minutes, the rush and roar of the waterfall was the only real sound that filled the clearing, both Claire and Skye unwilling to disturb the aura the place was giving off. So warm and encouraging…

Skye finally nodded to himself, and turned to face the farmer.

"Claire… here."

And from his pocket, he pulled forth the Blue Feather that Claire had dropped so many nights ago.

The blonde blinked for several seconds, heart leaping up into her throat.

"You… you're…"

"I know what it means," he said gently. "And I'm giving it to you for that reason. Claire… I'm not good at expressing myself with words sometimes. You're the first woman who's made me all tangled up like this. And I… well, I like it. I want… Will you…"

"But what about that other girl?" Claire interrupted, not ready to hear him say it. "The one I saw…"

"Lady Hikari is not my wife," he said firmly. "That was a scheme of my mother's, to try and convince me to return to what she considered my rightful place. But I'm not on the Moon, therefore her orders have no affect on me whatsoever… and I've already got you. Why would I need someone else?"

The blush that crossed her cheeks made him smile.

"I'm sorry I couldn't explain this to you earlier… I didn't have the right words for it, and thinking you hated me, I… Well, I admit it," and he hung his head somewhat, "I was a coward. Your sister and Muffy finally convinced me that I had to say something…"

And that had been painful too, getting hit by someone who was not Claire.

"By the way, your sister has a mean arm."

Claire ducked her head, shoulders shaking with suppressed mirth.

"She has been farming longer than I have," was the dry retort.

Skye leaned forward, reached out to rest a palm against her cheek.

"I know I've made some mistakes… and you might not lo-care for me anymore but… Claire… will you marry me?"

And he held out the Blue Feather, trying not to let his hand shake. She looked from him, to the Feather, and back, hope swelling inside of her.

"You're stupid," she choked out, tears welling in her blue eyes. "Whatever made you think… that I would say no?!"

Skye's face lit up as Claire plucked the Blue Feather from his grip and laid it on the ground beside them. He barely waited for her to do that, before pulling her close for a kiss.

Tears of joy slipped down Claire's cheeks, and as the separated, she wiped at them, a little embarrassed. Skye just pulled her close for an enveloping hug, resting his chin on her head.

"I do have something else for you," he whispered.

"Wh-what?"

As if fashioning it from the air itself, he plucked a necklace from out of nowhere. A bright gold chain with a single diamond suspended on it that seemed to glow with the fires of the sun.

"I know this isn't how it's done here on the Earth, but on the Moon, an engaged pair wears the symbol of each other's Kingdom to show where their loyalty will lie once the marriage ceremony is had. And since technically neither you nor I have kingdoms, I decided on the next best thing."

And he smiled at her awe.

"Besides, you're more the sunlight and gold kind than moonshine and silver."

"But… what should I give you?"

He chuckled, and pointed at the diamond pendant he was already wearing.

"You gave it to me for Christmas," he replied mischievously. "Though I know it's not what you meant it for."

"It's not a proper earth color either," she teased. "If anything it ought to be an emerald or a peridot."

Skye laughed, and held her closer, reveling in the sensation that was Claire.

"Maybe, but I think it's better this way. We match."

Now it was Claire's turn to laugh, and she lightly punched his shoulder.

"Oh you…"

"Don't make me tickle you," he teased.

"Now how would that be fair," she replied, mock-offended. "I can't run away!"

There was silence for a minute at sea-green eyes met and held blue. Then both of them started to laugh.

"You know, a week isn't a very long time to get plans together… for the wedding, I mean."

"Oh please," Claire snorted. "I've done this how many times exactly?"

"Too many?"

She just flung a nut at his head, which he dodged with ease.

"Besides, I'll have people helping me. Pony, Muffy… probably Lumina and Celia too! It won't be hard. And I'll… Well, I'll call Carol. Lauren's daughter. She has enough experience to help with the wedding clothes."

"What about if we ask the Goddess for help?"

A snort of laughter, and another flung nut.

"The Goddess probably has better things to do than make me a wedding dress," was the cheeky retort. "And besides, it wouldn't feel right asking her to do something like that. She's a Goddess for goodness sake."

"Which is why she's probably the best qualified for the job," he nodded. "Her magic can make things go much faster. And much more perfect than an ordinary seamstress."

A long pause, in which the palm of Claire's hand met her forehead with a loud smack. It was followed by low laughter.

"I'm not asking."

"I'll ask for you!"

"Do you want to get smacked?"

"…not really, no. I've still got bruises from your sister."

"Oh you…"

Laughter again, cheerful and bright.

"Fine, ask if you want… but not when I'm around please. I don't want her thinking I put you up to it."

"For you, anything."

"We should probably get going… the sun is setting, and everyone will be wondering if we fell into the lake or something."

"True enough. And I should let you get started on those phone calls… ow!"

Claire giggled. This time the nut had connected. Skye rubbed his head slightly, then reached down to help her up. There was a week. It was more than enough time…

Skye returned to the Goddess pond after Claire was asleep, and tossed a small orb into the water.

"My, how pretty," the Goddess commented, emerging from her pool. "I'm assuming this is for your lady mother?"

"Indeed," and Skye nodded. "Her… invitation, if you will. I'm pretty certain she'll refuse it, but it's only polite."

The Goddess's hands glowed a bright blue, and the orb vanished.

"I… don't suppose you were listening this afternoon?"

"How could I not when it dealt with my favorite little farmer?" the Goddess's laugh was warm. "I've already put several Sprites to the task. The dress should be ready in a couple of days. Your suit… well, your mother will probably send that."

"Knowing her," the silver-haired man nodded dryly. "Along with that robe and sash, even though my father still remains hale on his throne."

"Well, I'll be sure to remove the extra pieces," and the Goddess winked. "Enjoy the wedding plans!"

Skye bowed as she vanished, then looked over to Lauren's grave. The woman's spirit was sitting over it, smiling fondly.

"I'm sorry we're not using one of-"

"Oh hush," Lauren's voice sounded like it was coming through a long tunnel. "Claire happy is all that I need to see. I'm satisfied now, so I'll be moving on. I'll have the best seat in the house for watching the wedding, make no mistake about that. Oh, and have Claire tell Carol that everything's okay."

"Everything?"

"She'll understand. See you later Pom!"

Laughing, Lauren's spirit was enveloped in a pale amber light, and vanished. Skye blinked, and scratched his head, then started back home.