Chapter 4: Carol of the bells

2 annuals later

D.G.'s bum was giving her a hard time and her sore muscles were teasing her in addition. Both she and Ahamo had pleadingly asked the Queen around a hundred times to take the car, which Ambrose had repaired six months ago, and to use the new motorized way to the capital of Munchkinland, but Lavender had refused since she still mistrusted anything with four wheels that wasn't pulled by horses.

Instead they were spending their third day on horseback and D.G. was starting to lose hope in reaching Old Creek in the promised five days. Her steed was a beautiful dapple gray stallion with trusting black eyes and a calm demeanor. She fell in love with the horse right after her first minutes on its back, but even Fillion's kind nature didn't change the fact that riding could get tiring and exhausting after three days.

Luckily for their riding company it was a sunny and warm day while a soft breeze provided the right amount of refreshment under the gazing rays of the sun. They had chosen to take the main road which connected Central and Munchkin's capital where they would rest before they would continue on to Old Creek. It was D.G.'s fourth long journey after her days on the road with the guys and she enjoyed every minute in which she could take a look at their country without having to go into hiding. The two and a half years after the witch's death had been peaceful and although they were accompanied by a whole group of guards, nothing had happened in the last years concerning the Queen and her family.

The four nations were blooming, the trade with the neighboring countries was stable and most crimes were taking place within the shadowy corners of the Realm of the Unwanted.

The people of Oz could breathe again and D.G.'s connection to her land flourished with every day in which she was faced with its beauty.

Her thoughts about Oz's changes was abruptly interrupted, though, when a shudder of pain went through her legs up to her bum. Fillion had tripped over a small rock which caused him to change from a soft walk to a bumpy trot, luckily he didn't stumble which was a sign that he hopefully didn't break his ankle but D.G.'s sore behind wasn't prepared for it.

"I think we should take a short rest mother, Fillion just tripped over a rock I need to check his ankle," D.G informed her mother who was riding on her chestnut mare only a few inches ahead of her. She came to a halt in an instant when she heard that her daughter's horse could be hurt and the whole company stopped when their Queen's horse stood still.

"I hope it is nothing serious, my dear. Let me help you, together we might be able to help him with our magic," her mother said while she got off her horse.

D.G. was still not used to using magic when there was a problem that needed to be solved. Back in Kansas they would have needed to bring the horse to a vet and if it was too bad it would mean the horse's death. Now she just had to send her magic into Fillion's ankle and see if everything was damaged. With another move of her hand she would be able to heal it and her horse could live. It was a strange feeling but every time she was able to help someone it filled her with joy and she was glad to live in a land with magic.

Fortunately nothing was wrong with Fillion's ankle and he once again had proven to be a lucky horse. No magic was needed but her mother decided to take a short break to go easy on the leg.

It looked as if they were somewhere in the middle of nowhere but her father was sure that they were close to a little village called Oaktown and that it's people were welcoming and kind. D.G. took this as a chance and offered to spend their break in this village since she was longing for a rest as much as her horse and she could see that both her father and her sister were thinking the same thing. Her mother wanted to reach Munchkinland's Central by sundown but it was hard to go against two pleading daughters and a husband.

Although they had made slow process since D.G. had insisted on walking, they reached the village in less than an hour just as her father had promised. First they were watched with suspicion, people had learnt and were much more careful these days, but when they recognized the Queen and her family, a group of villagers welcomed them with dignified bows and courtesy.

"What an honor it is to welcome the Queen of the O.Z. and her family in our little village. This must be our lucky day. Only hours ago your two sisters arrived with their families as well," a middle aged man greeted them with a smile on his face. D.G. assumed that he was the leader or major of this village and that he was running things around here.

"We don't want to wear out our welcome but it would be kind if we could stay here for a while before we make your way to the next town. I guess my sisters have planned the same?" the Queen asked, not being surprised that Amelia and Thea were also in the village. They may have taken different routes to Central but she had sensed their magic hours ago. It was a lucky coincidence that they could now make their way to Old Creek together but it didn't surprise her.

"Your majesties can stay as long as they please. How could we refuse our savior a cold drink and a shadowy place to rest?" the bulky man answered with a second bow.

"Because this land needed saving and I didn't do it to get something in return," D.G. told the man and received a surprised but grateful look in return.

"Your hospitality is too kind. We could need this drink and a break but after this we really have to leave again. Please show us where we can find my sisters and we will not leave without paying you off for your kindness," the Queen said humbly and now the face of the man started to light up.

"Whatever my Queen wishes," and with this he led them to a guest house.

O.O.o.O.O.O.O..O.o

Thea, Amelia and their families were sitting in front of the house underneath a roof that was casting enough shadow for all of them. Each of them had a drink standing in front of them and all in all they looked much more content than the arriving traveling company.

"Look who has found us! You look tired, my dear," Amelia welcomed her sister with a broad grin on her face.

"It wasn't very hard to find you with your magic shining as bright as a lighthouse but I would say that this encounter here was provided by nothing more than a mere coincidence," Lavender answered while she let herself sink onto a free spot of the bench that her sisters were sitting on.

"Seems that something is keeping us together now that we have been apart for such a long time," Thea countered and offered her sister a glass of cold fresh water.

"I would say so," Lavender returned and thankfully took the drink that was given to her.

"It was my idea to stop by. Fillion tripped over a rock and we were worried that he broke his ankle. Poor boy is okay but we are quite tired after three days on horseback," D.G told her aunts as she finally arrived at the guest house as well, followed by her father and sister.

"And there is the rest of the family! It was a good idea to stop by you all look very worn out. Thank God that Fillion is okay. Come sit down and have a drink you three. Your guards should take a rest as well, Old Creek won't run away," Amelia said caringly.

They welcomingly took the drinks and the offered seats on another bench because everyone was grateful for the rest. When all of them were sitting and they had had enough time to breathe again, D.G. noticed how beautiful it was in this village and she had to think of Old Creek which was even more magical than this place.

She had only seen it once after Ambrose and Cain had moved to the town far away from Central City but she still remembered its sunny hills' and wide fields. It was a peaceful part of the land that lived from its agriculture and forestry. The suns shone longer and the air was richer of oxygen, the water seemed clearer and the people friendlier. It was a lovely village with kind people and it had reminded her very much of her home in Kansas and given her a feeling of freedom.

She had loved to spend the summer over there and she was very much looking forward to another holiday with her whole family at the house of her uncle and Mr. Cain.

Later that day when everyone was refreshed and ready to go, they gathered all their things and with a grown traveling company they said their goodbyes and thanks to the villagers and left off to Old Creek.

O.O.O.o.O.O.o.O.O.O.O.

The beaming sunrays and the soft wind were tickling his nose and he had to sneeze lightly from the tingly feeling. He loved feeling the mixture of cool wind and warm sunrays on his skin and he decided to enjoy this silent moment of pure feeling for a little while longer. His eyes were closed and his arms were resting to his sides and on the warm blanket underneath his body. However, when the sudden fresh smell of warm bread, cheese and salad touched his nose he knew that it was time to open his eyes and rise from his slumber. When he had lifted himself up and opened his eyes he could see that Cain had joined him on the meadow at the back of their house and that he had brought sandwiches and something to drink with him.

"You always seem to know when I'm hungry," Ambrose mumbled thankfully, resting his head on Cain's shoulder .

"I thought you might want a reward for your hard work," Cain replied touching Ambrose's warm locks and placing a kiss on his forehead.

"I wish I could say that we're finally finished but there is still a lot to do before the guests will arrive," the brunette sighed as he grabbed for a sandwich that was lying on a platter in front of him.

"Preparing a wedding has never been done in a day I suppose," Cain answered smiling at the exclamation of the word 'wedding'.

He had proposed to Ambrose around seven months ago after they had spent a lovely time with the Royal family at the Northern Palace. The proposal hadn't been too pompous. One night at dinner, one of their private dinners in Ambrose's room, Cain had kneeled down on one knee and asked his partner if he wanted to spend the rest of his life with him. Ambrose, being glad about the simplicity, yet touched by the deep romance of that scene had said 'yes' and they had sealed their promise with a long kiss and a sparkling night.

Ever since that day Ambrose planned their wedding with strong determination, although it wasn't supposed to be a big event but something simple and small for their families and friends, just like their proposal. However, Ambrose wanted it to be perfect and transform their garden into a magical setting for their wedding.

Anne, Cain's cousin Ty, and Liz were helping Ambrose as much as they could and it warmed Cain's heart to see what a great time his loved ones were having. Nevertheless he started to notice the exhaustion on Ambrose face when he collapsed into their bed every night and he secretly wished that his fiancé would take things slow and easy.

"The tree looks magnificent, the grass is mowed, the stone path has never been arranged so precisely, the pond is clear and free from algae, it's too soon to arrange the tent, the chairs or the tables, the guest house for your family is arranged and our guests will arrive in time. Honey, you really should take a rest and relax. Everything will work out fine," Cain encouraged him and gestured for Ambrose to lie down on his legs.

The inventor obeyed, yet he did it with a sigh.

"I can't help but feel that something is missing. Oh dear gods have we talked to the jeweler in Central to deliver the rings?" Ambrose exclaimed raising his head slowly but placing it back on Cain's legs when the Tin Man slowly pushed it down.

"Yes we have... weeks ago and they arrived yesterday. They fit perfectly and we locked them away together, remember?" Cain assured him.

Ambrose looked confused for a moment, his eyes moving fast in his head as his brain was trying to process Cain's words and searching for the memory. When he remembered he let out the breath he had been holding.

"I really have been working too hard lately, haven't I? I seriously believed that we forgot to order the rings but you're right they are upstairs," the brunette answered, his eyes searching Cain's gaze this time.

"You're not a Scarecrow anymore, you need a rest from time to time to relax and collect new energy, this wedding won't run away Ambrose. We did decide to marry here in Old Creek and with only the family so that we could take the time we need and I think that everything looks perfect already. You can take things slow now," Cain answered while his hands comfortingly touched Ambrose's head.

"Two years the curse is broken for two years now…everything went so fast that I can't even recall how it felt to have no human body," Ambrose absently replied with a hue of nostalgia in his voice, yet he wasn't sad about it – He didn't miss his life as a Scarecrow, not for a single minute did he want to be in that condition again but the memories of the Spring Ball where a kiss from Cain had broken the curse also woke memories of the two years between his magical transformation and this very day in the garden.

Only days after the ball, Cain and his son Jeb had left Central City to ride to their old home, the cabin close to the borders of Munchkinland and the Eastern Guild fighters, in order to restore it and make it a home again. After that Cain had planned to make his way to Old Creek where he had been hoping to find a house for him and Ambrose. The advisor then had planned to follow as soon as Cain had bought a home and come to terms with his past.

Jeb and Cain needed half an annual to fix the cabin and make it livable. Three more moon cycles and the older Cain had had found a small but cozy and charming house in the middle of Old Creek. It had a garden with a pond and many trees. It had needed skilled hands to be repaired here and there but to Cain it was perfect. His family who had made their way home a few weeks after Jeb and Cain's departure had helped him to clean it and to arrange everything before Ambrose's arrival.

Like he had said back in the garden of the Central City palace, Ambrose had used the first six moon cycles after the ball and Cain's departure to organize everything and to make arrangements for his new job as 'far distant advisor' as he called it. He had come up with a device that was similar to the T.D.E.S.P. H.T.L but which didn't merely record an event or speaking person and saved it as a holographic message, more than that it enabled to connect two recording devices with each other that would film the speaker and transport their holograph to the other device. In this way the filmed speaker would be shown on the other device at exactly the same time of speaking. The same thing would happen vice versa with the other device so that it was possible to lead a fluent conversation. D.G. had told him that the people from the Otherside called this process telecommunication, yet they didn't have holograms which must be because they also didn't have a genius like Ambrose yet.

At first the council hadn't been pleased that the reinstalled advisor wanted to leave Central to live with the Captain of the Guard but both convincing words of the Queen and a promise of Ambrose, that he was able to work from everywhere, cooled their temper in the end.

For important councils that could take days, maybe even a week, he would make his way back to Central, but they would use the telecommunication device whenever his presence wasn't necessarily needed. Both he and his sister were faithful that it could work since it wasn't the first time that he lived outside Central. As Duke of Gillikin he had often enough lived in the North where he had taken care of his territories. Lavender had promised him to take care of those from this day on until they would find a proper solution for his duties there and maybe one of her daughters would become a duchess of Gillikin in the future.

Although there had been a lot to organize and take care of (the invention and installation of his device alone had needed three moon cycles) he had had a lot of time to think and now he remembered that he had been scared during those days alone.

He and Cain had been friends for a long time, they knew the other inside and out, like only a long time best friend could but during those first moon cycles Ambrose had been invaded by doubts, fearing that Cain had left too soon and that both of them had taken things too fast and that they would have needed more time before it was appropriate to move together.

Many nights in which he had been physically able to sleep again, he hadn't been able to find any rest because too many different things had been on his mind. The days passed in an instant though and when he was partly sure that he could head off into a new life in Old Creek. Cain had had suddenly stood in front of his door after they hadn't seen each other for almost half an annual.

Simple as that they had had looked into each other's eyes and it hadn't needed any words between the two because in those first couple of minutes without any verbal exchange they had felt the same deep love and passion which had been there before their separation and it helped Ambrose's doubts to vanish completely. This night he had realized that Cain was as devoted to him as he was devoted to the man and he had been (and still was) faithful that neither too much time together nor too much time apart would have any influence on their relationship and that it needed more than this to wash away the fresh feelings of love.

It had been their first night in a shared bed and the first time that they got intimate with each other. The sensation of this was an experience that was impossible to compare with their magical kiss or the first time that he had been able to feel again but it caused an explosion of different emotions in Ambrose's whole body, a beautiful feeling that he would never forget and that he would hold in his heart forever. The knowledge that more nights like this would follow and that his body enabled him to create such a connection with Cain still warmed his heart and gave him a tingly feeling when he thought of it.

Saying their goodbyes had been harder than expected. Although they had been prepared and beside the fact that Old Creek was only a crow's call away it had developed into an emotional departure with many tears. During his time at the Palace and as his old self again he had spent a lot of time with his sisters and especially with both princesses. Many long and serious conversations had been necessary to convince Az that he had never blamed HER for the deeds of the witch and that he had never given up hope to save his niece…not even in the darkest hours. The conversations had helped them both and their relationship had started to heal, slowly but successfully. He and D.G. had had a bond ever since she had found him hanging in the cage of the Eastern Guild, but the additional time. and especially some lessons about the history of Oz and some politic basics, hsd shown them that they shared more than just one interest. Leaving like this at times when everyone was growing together as a family again wasn't fair and hurtful but nobody could give them back the time they had lost and as much as Ambrose had wanted to stay with his family he had known that he wanted and needed Cain as well.

Their journey into a life together had been bumpy but Ambrose had insisted on taking one of the cars he had repaired during the time without Cain. And although he respected horses and didn't doubt that they were efficient, he wanted to make sure that he could rely on the much faster engine since there could always be a sudden incident at the Palace that needed his presence. With a car he could be back within two days. They had arrived around the late afternoon on a cloudy but not rainy day. The black sky had blocked any chance for the sun to break through so it had been impossible for it to illuminate the beautiful house behind the garden wall but it could have rained, stormed or snowed and Ambrose would have still fallen in love with it immediately. The house wasn't exaggeratedly big nor uncomfortably small. The walls and windowsills the same as the roof had looked solid, but they still had flair and didn't look ungraceful. Someone had worked at the garden and cleaned the path that was leading to the front door. Ambrose had seen that the same person had had planned to plant more flowers next to the stone walk and he made sure to tell Cain that he was willing to help with the garden work. Inside their house there were three rooms on the ground floor while there were five more on the first floor. The ground floor had only consisted of a large kitchen and a larger living room plus another smaller room which could work as storage while there had been two bedrooms, a bath and two empty rooms on the first floor. The interior had been simple but looked comfortable and had invited the advisor to turn it into a home for both of them.

When Ambrose had asked Cain about the two empty rooms which were almost as large as their future bedroom Cain had told him that one of them would become his office while the other one was reserved for Ambrose who could turn it into a laboratory or whatever his heart desired. The inventors eyes had had sparkled at that announcement and his brain had started working on plans immediately.

Weeks after their first arrival they had turned the house into a home and with the end of autumn they had welcomed their first guests. Jeb and his girlfriend Scarlet, whom the young man had met at the Resistance.

Now as their work for the wedding was lying before him Ambrose not only had to think of the past but also of the future. Soon it would be official and he and Cain would lead a bounded life together. Much wouldn't change at all but nevertheless it meant a lot to him. He took in a long breath at this thought, his lungs being filled with flower-scented air. They would have a good and calm life, the years of terror were over and their souls could finally be at peace.

He would have time for his inventions, while Cain could spend his time with working as he liked and protect his family. During their stays at the palace Ambrose could do the same with his. They would get away from the business of a public life, they would enjoy every second of the serenity in Old Creek and they would grow old together.

"Ambrose?" his train of thought was suddenly interrupted by Cain, which caused the brunette to turn his head lightly.

"Looks like a wave of memories washed over me for a second. What were you saying?" Ambrose replied raising his hand to brush away a lock of hair from his forehead. Cain smiled down at him and they looked into each other's eyes as if they were reading their minds before Cain replied.

"I was saying that you also had help from a certain man to re-experience the joys of being a human and that I just want to enjoy this sunny day with my fiancé," Cain said with a smug look on his face making Ambrose smile. The advisor gave him another of those magnificent and attractive looks before he suddenly shifted as he seemed to have gotten an idea and the smile turned into a mischievous one .

"You're right there is no rush", the advisor countered now sitting on his knees in front of Cain.

"More than that, how could I say no to an offer from my very handsome soon to be husband?" he added now coming closer and grabbing Cain's shirt carefully. The Tin Man started grinning in response and enjoyed the feeling of Ambrose warm breath on his mentioning of his human condition must have encouraged Ambrose and Cain couldn't complain.

"There is nothing against some time just between the two of us." By now Ambrose was leaning in so closely that Cain could feel the movement of his lips next to his ear, the next second he could feel their softness as they caressed the tip of his left ear and he began to shiver lightly when Ambrose lips moved down to his cheek and then to his neck.

"I'm glad that you agree with me," Cain answered between pressed lips that locked the gasp that was trying to escape from the tension he was feeling due to Ambrose soft touches.

His shirt was opened up carefully by fast and skilled fingers and his body was gently pushed onto the blanket while Ambrose started to kiss his chest and make his way down to Cain's belly button. Cain closed his eyes and enjoyed the warmth outside and the hotness that was building up in his body which mixed up with the tingly feeling in his belly and the ticklish feeling on his skin where Ambrose had kissed him.

"How lucky we are that today is such a beautiful warm day outside," Ambrose purred as he was working at unbuttoning Cain's trousers.

The Tin Man couldn't let out a word so he just answered with a non vocal exclamation of approval while he raised his head in order to take a good look at the man who was trying to undress him and to get a grip of Ambrose shirt in the process.

When he opened his eyes and they were in focus again he allowed himself to soak in all of Ambrose indescribable beauty. Another smile crawled onto his face and he wanted to undress the man in front of him even sooner than before but when his look drifted off to the side, a spot somewhere behind Ambrose shoulder, he froze in his actions.

"Although the weather is very gracious today I'm afraid that our spontaneous plans have to wait, honey." His throat had gone dry in an instant and it was hard to speak when Ambrose was still touching him in sensitive places but he built up all his strength and suppressed his lust for a moment.

As Ambrose didn't listen nor stopped to unbutton him he grabbed for the hands of his fiancé, which caused the man to look into his eyes with both disappointment and dissatisfaction written on them. Cain knew how Ambrose was feeling for he himself had liked the idea of entwining their bodies on the warm meadow but as long as they didn't want to be watched they needed to stop now.

"We have guests, my love," Cain explained and Ambrose eyes went wide in understanding. Hastily he closed Cain's trouser and shirt, before he arranged his own clothes and with a jumpy move he raised from Cain's legs and turned around with a slightly colored face to see for himself who had interrupted their intimate moment.

In a shadowy spot next to the right side of their house stood a young woman with dark hair and shiny blue eyes. D.G.'s face had turned into an ashamed red color as well and she cleared her throat when Ambrose came walking to her. When he could see her from up close he noticed that she looked exhausted, nevertheless she greeted him with a strong hug.

"You're here….You're here rather early," his hands glided down her arms as he parted the embrace to talk about their trip and their sudden appearance.

"I noticed," D.G. answered boldly never intending to sound so flatly but the answer had left her mouth without control. Ambrose blushed at this and she apologized.

"Cain and I, we had decided to let go for a while," her uncle tried to save the moment and get out of the awkward situation but it seemed like he was making it worse, she could see on his face that he was desperately trying to get around the subject so she offered a new topic.

"Old Creek is looking really beautiful this year, for some reason it seems to blossom even more than the last time we came," she said instead of asking him why he and Cain weren't afraid of intruders during their intimate 'relaxation' at the garden and she could see that Ambrose was grateful for that and visibly relaxed.

"It is. I must say that I haven't only fallen in love with the man who originally came from this village but also with its people and beautiful landscape. It's so calm and peaceful yet there is so much work, laughter and action every single day. It's paradise," Ambrose replied with an expression of content on his face that she had never seen before. He really was happy and that caused her heart to swell in her chest.

The just stared at the garden for a while before this moment of peace was interrupted by a group of approaching family members. Soon Ambrose was busy with greeting all of his three sisters and their families but before they could attack him with questions they were also greeted by Cain who offered them to follow him to the guest houses where they could refresh and take a break from their journey first. Ambrose was glad that the bombarding would wait for a while and he thanked Cain with a heartfelt kiss when he returned.

"Looks like everything is going faster than I expected after all. They will take a rest and they will meet us at my mother's garden in two hours. It is big enough for all of us and I think they want to hear what you have planned for the next few days," Cain announced when his lips had parted from Ambrose's .

"More people means more hands that can help with the preparations. We will stick to your plan and take things easier now," Ambrose replied resting his head against Cain's, the expression on his face unreadable, making it impossible for Cain to say if Ambrose was happy about his families surprising arrival or if he was dreading the next couple of hours.

"You know two hours is a long time and I think we weren't quite finished with our 'conversation' from earlier. What do you think of going back to it while your family will refresh?" Cain therefore whispered, feeling that Ambrose body got tense in response.

The advisor raised his head and looked into Cain's icy blue eyes before he smirked.

"This time I'm for leading this conversation in our cozy bed, INSIDE our bedroom and away from sneaky princesses," the man replied receiving a crystal clear laugh in response.

"I think I can live with that," Cain countered pulling Ambrose into the direction of their front door and encouraging his fiancé to follow him inside.

O.O.o.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O..O.o

The last days before the wedding had magically passed in the blink of an eye. Now he was standing in front of a mirror wearing a cream colored shirt and loose pants of the same color while Lavender was attaching a red rose on his shirt. He and Cain had decided to wear loose and comfortable clothes and no suits since it was a simple and small wedding and both of them had learnt to dread the formal dress code.

They were in Lavender's bedroom in the guest house while Cain was preparing himself at their house. His other sisters were sitting on the double bed, both of them wearing light summer dresses. Thea had chosen a stylish hat in addition while Amelia had braided her now shoulder long brown hair.

Anxiety was written on Ambrose's face which didn't stay unnoticed by his twin sister.

"He loves you deeply and this ceremony will only strengthen this love. I know that you two don't need this wedding to be happy but you deserve to enjoy this special moment with Cain and among your family," Lavender encouraged him kindly while she straightened his shirt and brushed over the fabric for one last time. When she was finished she walked away so that Ambrose could observe himself.

"I agree with Lavender, nevertheless I can understand that you are nervous but look at you! He won't be able to take his eyes off of you," Thea added enthusiastically as Ambrose had turned around so that they all got a good look at him.

The ceremony will be over sooner than you think and you will only have eyes for each other after all like Thea was trying to indicate. You shouldn't be scared, Ozma is right you two deserve this day," Amelia joined her sisters.

More than the other two she could understand her brother's concern. She had married her Felix in the summer that had followed their reunion and it still felt fresh to her to be married for a second time. She had been as nervous as Ambrose was looking right now. The advisor looked at each of his sisters for a moment before he gave a sign that he wanted to hug all of them.

"This day is for all of us, to relax, to celebrate and most importantly to have fun," he whispered while they shared their embrace and when they parted he smiled.

"Thank you for your help. You're all right of course. Nevertheless, I can't deny that all of this is a bit overwhelming for me. This is my first and hopefully only wedding after all," he added.

"Oh honey there is no need to worry. Cain is a gentleman and we will all be there for you. I understand why the thought of your wedding is giving you a funny feeling and you have every right to be nervous and excited but relax. You will do perfectly fine." Lavender patted his arm and looked him deeply into his brown eyes.

She could see so much in them and it felt as if a whole world was opening up to her, just by exchanging a glance with him. Her heart rose from the happiness that washed over her from this moment. Back when he had still been cursed she didn't believe that she would ever be able to feel a moment like this again. To know that her brother was all right and about to marry the love of his life filled her with overwhelming joy.

"Do you want us to leave you alone for a moment?" she asked when she could see the anxiety in her brothers eyes and he nodded in response.

"We will be downstairs if you need anything. The ceremony starts in 20 minutes we will see you there," Amelia told him before she took him into her arms for a second time and placed a kiss on his cheek. Thea copied her and when Lavender had said her goodbyes as well the three sisters left the room to allow their brother some serenity before he would start his journey into a slightly altered, yet new life.

When they were gone he took a deep breath. He loved their caring and support, their wit and how they could spread a unique feeling of love and happiness wherever they were but they couldn't know how he was feeling. They all had married annuals ago, before the witch, and they all had children. They all were married to the opposite gender and they couldn't know that he was still asking himself how it was possible that Cain showered him with unconditional love and was now even willing to marry him. Doubts that he had forgotten about came back and he needed a moment to come to his senses again.

He knew that his fear was unnecessary, that his sisters were right and that he should concentrate on the joyful aspects of the event, but he couldn't. For a moment he needed to allow this fear to dominate because he was a man of logic and reason who couldn't help but think of any possibilities that life might have to offer.

It was his way of finding peace and of calming down. When he could face his greatest fears and overcome them, he knew that he was ready for every challenge or fight.

Deep breaths encouraged the circulation of his blood which supplied his brain with enough energy and in those moments of clarity he found the peace he was looking for.

Moments later when he was sure that he could face the crowd and take the next step, he heard a light knock on the door followed by the soft voice of a woman.

"Is the groom ready for an inspection of his future mother in law?" he heard the careful question coming from Liz Cain who was standing in front of the door.

Almost without making a sound he walked to the door to answer it, Ambrose was secretly hoping that he wouldn't shock Liz when he would suddenly open the door in silence. The elderly woman who was long since used to the man's almost ghost like behavior welcomed him with a warm smile when the wood wasn't parting them anymore. She was wearing a simply tailored dress and a hat like Thea but the spark in her eyes was outshining her outfit or her neatly styled hair underneath the hat and Ambrose couldn't help himself but feel another lump in his throat.

"Sure, for a dashing mother in law like you I'm always ready," he said while smiling back at her softly and permitting her to walk in by a gesture of his hand.

Liz walked slower these days, mostly relying on a stick which helped her to deal with a damaged back and a stiff knee, but she was still the proud and destined woman which he had first met all these years ago. A woman who had been his teacher, his advisor and often enough a good friend.

With a wheezing sound she placed herself on a wooden chair that was standing in the corner of the room, which she saw as more reliable than the soft bed since she doubted that she would ever manage to get up again. With a pat on her right leg she gestured Ambrose to walk closer and so he grabbed a chair and placed himself next to the elderly woman.

"You definitely look nervous, Thea indicated something like that when I made my way upstairs but I simply couldn't believe that Ambrose Gale would be nervous," she said with such conviction in her voice that it was hard for Ambrose to stifle a laugh.

"Is that so?" he snickered and watched how she snickered too.

"You refused to help the witch and you faced her even though you knew that there was no hope left, honey. Didn't think that the wedding with my son would scare you that much," she now said a bit more serious but he knew that it wasn't an accusation.

"Facing the witch was something that needed to be done, it was necessary. This here is completely different. It's a matter of the heart and I'm afraid that I can't rely on my heart anymore after I have spent so much time fighting for my brain," he answered with a sigh and stared into the emptiness of the room. Only the soft touch of Liz's hand stopped him from drifting off into a world of doubts again.

"We all know that you are a smart man, Ambrose, but you never made a decision in which your heart wasn't involved. Maybe you never noticed it yourself but you always knew how to use both your heart and brain. I can see the love between you and my son and it is a strong one," she said to him while her hand never left his arm.

"I loved Adora. She was a kind, logical and charming woman. She made Cain happy and she was a good wife to him. She gave me a grandson and she fought for her beliefs like we all did and like Cain I will always mourn her death. I'm not telling you this to make you feel bad but because I want you to know that you might not be Adora but that this isn't necessary and that it's nothing that Cain would want, nor anyone else of this family. You're a smart guy and a loyal, kind and unique heart is beating in your chest. You are devoted, willing to work and willing to honor my son for as long as there is breath in your lungs and I've never been so proud of you as I am today. Adora will always have a place in my heart but you know that you already inhabited one a long time ago so now it is only a matter of making it official ...that you get a part of this family. It is the right decision. I can feel it," she added and touched her chest where her heart was when she finished the last sentence.

Ambrose could only stare at the face that showed so much kindness, understanding and love towards him. His mouth felt dry and he feared that he wouldn't be able to swallow or speak. With those words Liz had told him that he was welcome, she had proved that his fear was unnecessary and foolish and she gave him something that he had missed half of his life : The feeling of having a mother.

With tears in his eyes that simply were too hard to hold back, he flung his arms around Liz's precious shoulders and cried in silence while the woman patted his back.

"Thank you," he whispered close to her ear and although he couldn't see it, Liz was crying as well and an expression of peace formed on her face when he thanked her.

After a moment he let go of his future mother in-law and wiped away the tears that were covering his cheeks.

"There, there you don't want to look puffy on your wedding, do you?" Liz answered, helping Ambrose to clean his face from the remains of his emotional outbreak.

Her answer made him laugh again and relief spread in his chest.

"I'll leave the 'looking puffy' part to you when you won't be able to hide those tears any longer," Ambrose now teased her, indicating that he knew that she had been crying as well.

"Oh you rascal. It's time that you get downstairs and marry my son!" Liz countered with a laugh and when Ambrose helped her with standing up and then lent her one arm she willingly took it.

Together they made their way downstairs where they would collect Ambrose's family and then walk to the garden of his house where a wedding and an excited groom would wait for them.

O.O.O.o. .O.O.O.O

He felt sick. It was his wedding, and not his first one to begin with, but Cain couldn't deny that he felt sick. He thought that it was his responsibility to keep a clear mind and to stay relaxed and to be a support for a possibly nervous Ambrose. But was it fair to assume that his fiancé was feeling this way and was it fair towards himself to decide to stay strong? Fear wasn't a weakness, it made people stronger by fighting it. It taught them to stay rational by overcoming the fear's irrationality and it encouraged them to have faith in themselves. Oh no, even he was allowed to be nervous and afraid from time to time, however he had hoped that it wouldn't happen on such a happy day in his life.

On his last wedding he had been visited by his older brother Robin who had taken away this fear and a letter from Ambrose had distracted his mind. Robin, who had killed himself after the days of the witch, was gone. Ambrose was more than a best friend by now and his future husband, so asking him was out of the question as well. He and his sister had a strong relationship but she was busy with keeping her children in check so the only option offering to him where D.G. and Azkadellia .

It wasn't that he thought of the princesses as unreliable advisors or that he didn't appreciate their offer to keep him some company until he was finished with dressing up, however he had hoped to talk to someone with a little bit more experience when it came to marriage, weddings and leading a relationship that lasted longer than a few months.

In the end when he had to decide between staying alone in his room and having the princesses to talk to he had chosen the latter after all, for he was hoping to find some relaxation through their presence or at least a distraction through their unstoppable talking.

He was attaching a rose to his loose black shirt when all three of them had to laugh about a story which D.G. was telling them. She and a suitor had gotten into a fight over a dance. While the princess had tried to explain that foxtrot wasn't part of her dancing repertoire the young man had insisted on teaching her in the middle of the crowded dance floor. When D.G. had stepped on his feet for the fifth time he had left her in rage and after that none of them had heard from him for weeks.

"A month later he reappeared with broken pride and a sunken heart, exclaiming that he would marry the daughter of Lady Ashford, he said that I was a lovely being but that he couldn't take up with my miserable dancing skills. I informed him that I would survive without him and his foxtrot and I believe that it made his pride crumble even more," D.G. snickered as she remembered the blank look on his face. Azadellia broke into another laughing fit, while Cain shook his head being unable to hide a smile.

They kept laughing about it for a while until Azadellia suddenly interrupted this merry moment when she noticed that Cain had stopped laughing all of a sudden. The man had been silent all day long and she had noticed it before at breakfast. Something was on his mind and he probably was too dignified to share his worries but from her own experiences she knew that it was wrong to hold them back.

"It is okay to be nervous you know?" she told Cain who was still observing himself in the mirror. When he heard that Az was addressing him he turned around though.

"Hmm? I'm not nervous. Why should I be? Today is my wedding day. What makes you think so?" he answered, fixing his blue eyes completely on the eldest princess who answered his gaze with concern.

"Your hands are trembling and you've gotten more and more silent since the ceremony is getting closer," Azkadellia assured him.

He frowned at that, just realizing that his inner struggle had shown on the surface. He thought that he was able to control his body and remain neutral on the outside but when the princesses were able to tell that he was scared it probably was time to share his concerns.

"There is nothing to be ashamed of Mr. Cain, we all have to struggle with our nerves from time to time. What's important is that you don't keep it to yourself, especially when you noticed it yourself. We're here to give you some company, including 'pre-wedding doubts'," she added to her previous assurance and both princesses could observe how Cain was visibly relaxing.

"Maybe you are right and I'm worried after all," he agreed carefully, causing the younger of the two to get closer so that he was able to lower his voice and talk in a volume that was comfortable for him.

"Years ago I made a promise that I would cherish and love Adora until death do us part. I promised to care for her and to build a house for her. To protect her and to share the rest of my life with her. Death did part us in the end and I wasn't prepared for that. I should have protected her but I was locked away in a Tin Suit so she died from the hands of a monster. I also gave a promise to Ambrose, years back when we were kids and later young adults. I had promised him that I would protect him and his family and that no one would ever be harmed but when things got rough I ran. When the witch got stronger I ran to save my own family. Ambrose was left behind to face a destiny which would make him a broken man. Now I will make the same promises again, the same vows will leave my lips and I'm scared that I won't be able to keep them. I'm scared that I will lose him ...again. And that there won't be any chance to save him," he whispered suddenly feeling a relief that was hard to describe.

Azkadellia and D.G. didn't answer right away, either because they were choosing their words with precaution or because the same fears and regrets were crushing down on them just from the cruel force of Cain's words.

In the end it was the elder princess who found her voice.

"Two years passed since the end of the witch and I'm still damaged goods. We all are but for me it feels as if her presence never really left my body. It is hard ...to get rid of the demons from the past and it's an everyday struggle. In the first days and weeks after the eclipse I felt hollow. Like the witch had left nothing but a hole and that all her power had sucked away my soul. I felt trapped in my own body once again. Depression and frustration washed over and those negative thoughts felt much more pleasing and fulfilling in those times than any hope. I didn't believe that I would recover and so I allowed my body and soul to decay. If it hadn't been for my sister and mother I wouldn't have made it through those dark times. Their support helped me to see the light and to fight this darkness and with new strength I fought my sorrows, doubts and worries. I'm still fighting every day but whenever I see my family and the blooming country I'm reminded what it's worth fighting for. You will marry this wonderful man, who even without his memories gave you this feeling of hope. You both suffered through so much and you fought in a lots of hopeless battles but you emerged from it with strength and new hope. I don't think that you will be parted ever again because there is nothing that you two won't be able to overcome. Diseases and age might conquer you one day but you shouldn't forget that there are so many light and lovely years ahead of you. This marriage shouldn't remind you of the mistakes you did in the past but reward you for what you have sacrificed." Not for a second did she falter in keeping eye contact with Cain, not only exposing her greatest fears to the man for the first time but also being able to really look him in the eye.

D.G. looked at her in surprise at this announcement while Cain only stared at her. Maybe the first hadn't expected that her sister would reveal tidbits of their private conversation to everyone else than their mother but the reason for Cain's staring remained a mystery to her until the man suddenly came closer and hugged her.

"I can hope that you will find someone like Ambrose, someone who will take away your fear and someone who will spend many years of light with you as well for I couldn't wish any less for a strong woman like you. Thank you," he whispered into her ear, causing the elder princess to take in a deep breath. When they parted she answered him with a nod and a smile.

"I suppose it's time for a wedding then," Cain announced still being deeply touched by the words of Azkadellia and not so much scared anymore.

The princess was right and it was about time that he started to embrace the bright future which was waiting for him and to ban the shadows of the past. Things had changed and as time had passed they had changed as well. Each of them had faced different evils but in the end they had fought them together and developed by overcoming them . An unknown future lay ahead of them and frightened him but when he had learnt one thing from what the princess had been trying to tell him it was that he had needed a lifetime to accept that it was okay to be scared.

O.O.O.O.O.o.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O

Warm sun rays were dancing between the branches of the big oak tree at the end of their garden, while a soft breeze was playing with everyone's hair and hats. The leaves and grass were glistening in the light and the sound of harp music touched his ears when he stepped further.

Two rows of chairs were resting in front of the tree, just leaving enough space for a short improvised aisle which led to a little white table forming an altar. The chairs were filled with family members from both Ambrose's and his side, as well as some assorted friends from the Palace and Old Creek. There was no strict order and everyone was sitting where they wanted. Behind the 'altar' he could spot Raw who had agreed to wed them and in front of the table there was his future husband waiting for him in all his glory.

For a moment Cain had to catch his breath since Ambrose looked marvelous in his crème colored shirt and trouser. Once more Cain was glad that they had decided to go against the tradition and wear something loose and casual. His heart started to beat faster when he passed the rows of chairs but he tried to stay focused on his fiancé to calm down his nerves. Although he had only eyes for Ambrose in this moment, he noticed his sister's smile, his mother's struggle with her emotions and the nod of approval from his cousins.

None of them had insisted on being led to the altar so Cain reached it without the company of anyone. All that counted was that Ambrose took his hand when he had reached the end of the aisle and that everyone was giving them their blessing.

Like so many years back when he had married Adora, Cain felt as if he was in trance when Raw started with the ceremony. He was no priest and a man of few words but they couldn't have asked for a better man or a closer friend. Not a word was said about the past or the war, not a single line was wasted for things that couldn't be changed. Instead the viewer concentrated on describing his two friends and their unique love for each other. Cain's eyes never left Ambrose and it warmed his heart to see the man smiling and shining brighter than the sun when he looked back at him. When Raw finished his beautiful speech he offered them to exchange their vows, a part that didn't only seem to be most important to Cain.

"I guess I don't need to say that I will promise to love and cherish you for the rest of my life. I'll promise to accompany you through light days and lead you through the dark. I will love you in good days and bad. I will love you when I might forget you again, I will be at your side in sickness and health and I will dry your tears whenever you are sad. I will give you comfort and I will try to support you in every decision. I want to show you how much you mean to me and I want to become a part of your family although I've always considered myself a part of your life even before this marriage. I want to give you hope when everything seems hopeless and I want to take away this burden that you have been carrying far too long now. I will try to keep all of these promises and give back the love that you had to sacrifice so many times," Ambrose said with fire in his eyes as well as warmth and determination glowing in his voice.

Cain was touched by everything Ambrose had said and even more by what he hadn't said but what was shown through the man's expressions and the light glow which was illuminating from him. In a few simple words he had proven that it wasn't necessary to say much in such a situation and that both of them had made the right choice.

"I'm damaged goods and like a wise princess told me earlier we are all damaged goods. Years ago I have promised to love and protect someone who was very close and important to me. I couldn't keep my promise and this will haunt me forever but I have changed a lot over the years and despite all doubts I fell in love anew. This new love gave me the strength I need to give new promises. We both overcame great fears and times of misery so I doubt that you will need my protection but I will do everything I can to provide you a beautiful and peaceful life. You left your home and family behind and made mine your own one. You taught me what it means to stay true to oneself and with your friendship I never felt alone. You also taught me what it means to be afraid because it became my greatest fear to lose you but at the same time you taught we what is worth fighting for and that there is no reason to be afraid at all. I will promise to spend the rest of my life with returning everything that you have done for me even in times when you knew that I didn't return your love," Cain said with pure honesty lying in his voice, his hands shaking from the sheer force of emotions.

He could see that Ambrose was fighting tears once he had finished his vows but the smile on his face assured him that it were tears of joy. When Raw declared them husband and husband and allowed them to kiss Cain felt like the world would stop spinning and when Ambrose's mouth entwined with his lips he finally realized that he had found peace.

It was a long, affectionate and tender kiss and as magical as their very first one. Cain didn't care that everyone was watching them and Ambrose felt the same. None of them noticed that everyone had risen from their chairs and that their family members were now engulfing them with applause and cheers. As if they had planned it that way a couple of butterflies emerged from a nearby rose bush and it seemed as if the sun rays were shining brighter around them. The soft sound of harp music and violins was accompanying their kiss and the air smelled of flowers and sunlight.

O.o.O.O.o.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.

Laughter filled the night and lamps created a soft glow around the garden. People were still celebrating the wedding and music could be heard in every corner. Some adults were dancing while the children were chasing each other and others were leading carefree conversations. Food and drinks were resting in one corner of the tent but most of it had been eaten a long time ago.

Neither Cain nor Ambrose could remember how many people had asked them for a dance when they had decided to catch a breath and walk through the garden. It was a warm night and the night sky was clear and filled with thousands of stars. They didn't need the light from the tent nor the music when they started dancing their first dance as a married couple underneath the stars.

It was their own music that encouraged their steps and the brightness of the moon that enlightened their faces. One hand was resting on the others back while the other two were joined in a soft grasp. Neither of them spoke instead they enjoyed the stillness of the night and the music in their heads.

Cain's blue eyes reflected the moonlight, while Cain thought that the light of the stars were shining in those of Ambrose. Their movement was slow but it felt as if their bodies were meant for this dance and for each other. They didn't need more than a look and they knew which step the other would take and it was needless to waste their breath for words.

Seeking comfort Ambrose suddenly laid his head on Cain's shoulder and so they kept swaying in this position.

All they needed in this moment was the feeling of warmth and of comfort, the light of the stars and the moon and the sound of each other's heartbeat.

It was the perfect closure for a perfect day and most importantly it was wholeheartedly

Them

A.N: All right this took longer than I expected and I'm very sorry for this. Only one more chapter left and everything will be over..after the last one I might only add some 'deleted scenes' chapters or something additional whenever something comes to mind. The last chapter will take a while and I do apologize for this as well. Please be patient with me. I hope this chapter wasn't too fluffy , full of knickknacks or unpleasant in any way ;) I hope you had fun reading it and if you have anything you want to say please leave a comment. Thanks for reading ;)

Oh and I noticed that I made a mistake concerning the distance between Old Creek and Central City and I will change this mistake in Chapter 1 as soon as possible.

Also thank you Anon for leaving a comment that really made my day! I'm glad that you like it and that it could make you laugh and cry ;)