There was was once a lord who lived with his three daughters
Anna, Xena lam and his youngest Xerena Rebecca or XR for short. The lord Sir Nicholas Finnegan Nebula, curious of just how fond his daughters loves him as he sees they are getting older and it has been so long since his wife passed on. He had two of his daughters sit down as their sister XR was playing the piano. As soon as she finished, their father stood up.
"My eldest daughter Julia, tell me please, how much do you love me?"
Julia grins and bows to her father, "Why I love thee and much as I love my life."
Nebula approved the answer, looked to his second eldest daughter.
"Please tell me how much you love me?"
Xena or XL stood up and bowed to her father, "I love thee, father, better than all the world combined!" She spoke excitedly.
Nebula smiles, please with her answer as well. He then turned to his youngest who was like her mother, quick witted and a jack of all trades, had hoped her answer would suffice.
"Father," she spoke with a smile, "I love thee as fresh meat love salt."
The room was quiet as only the giggle from her eldest sister Julia but her sister XL was worried as their father was shaken with rage.
"You don't love me at all!" Nebula glares as he grips her wrist. "In my house you stay no more!"
XR cried as she was pushed out of her home. She walked down the step shakingly. As she was far enough, she ran as fast as she could from her home. The memories of her father and the moment of hate seething in his eyes made her fear him. She walked a bit feeling tired and scared. She came across a fen and smelling the moisture and the clouds encircling to form rain, she chose to make herself a cloak and a hood from the rushes she gathered. She made it big enough to cover her head to foot along with her fine clothes.
Seeing that there is no nearby inns or homes she decided to just walk her way through the storm.
Just when she made her way through the storm she finally sees a manor.
But it terrified her.
'More like a haunted manor just like the one I read from Mary Shelley Frankenstein.' the area was beautiful in an eery way and yet somehow it fit.
She makes her way to the steps and up to the door and knocked.
The door opens and a man no more than 19 opens the door to find no one.
"Strange I could have sworn I heard a light knock on the doors. Well it did distract me from my work if not for a bit." he closes the door, unknown that XR was hiding against the wall.
The very thought of ruining her father's reputation was not what she wanted or the fact a manor in the middle of a forest was suspicious. 'What if he was a vampire or a deranged killer!' XR then realized that was a ridiculous notion. 'He sounded nice and even if he was, I believe father would not care.' she decided to go to in the back and saw a door. She knocks on it to see a woman probably the midwife and tendant to the Lord's manor.
"Do you need a maid?" XR asked nervously.
The woman stern look was nerve wrecking. "No the lord does not need anymore-"
"Please I have nowhere to go. I ask for no wages and earn my food and stay through any work." XR spoke as she shook from the coldness.
The midwife looked over to see no one as well the storm was getting worse.
"If you like to wash the pots and pans and any other cleaning duties than alright. Please come in."
XR smile behind her hood and entered.
"Here allow me to help you take-"
"Please no ma'am." XR shook the fear and shame coursing through her very veins. "I-it's best I keep this on, it's all that I have."
The woman was suspicious but seeing the girl shaken she had a theory she must have ran away from home or was thrown out. Either way she did not act to question, it was not her right.
"Ahlright." she spoke as she looked for some maid clothes to wear. "Here you go little lass; ah got some clothes for you to wear. Ya can keep the rushes on but please if ya do go out in the hall, keep it off. The lord is a fine young lad and despite the gossip and insults, he is still to be respected."
XR was confused.
"Yer not from around here are ya?"
XR shook her head.
"The young lord is a riddle yet kind. He as many gossip, is said to be a vampire because some never seen him come out during the day but the lord does not because he does his work. He is owner of a vineyard and other trades along a musician. Some folks who pass his manor hears his eery organ."
XR perked at the word organ.
"He plays music?" She asked.
The woman nodded. "He plays it so well but because of it, many others spread horrid rumors."
"Must be hard for his wife."
"Bah! He share his name with no one. He has yet to find someone like him. His brother is different." She snorted. "Was to be betrothed to a Romanian woman but that woman was older and rather a demoness. She tried to bed him but the lord is not a fool especially knowing what she trades. He told her he does not do that business nor touch a woman who leaves too much ties with other men."
XR nodded in understanding. 'I can agree with him. No one should marry someone just because they have to be.'
She was led to a room that was average and simple.
"Usually many others prefer to leave for the sake of fear so many rooms are empty and rare to stay. The Lord offers home to others."
XR for some reason believed this man must be a kind and sincere man.
"Yull start in the morning cleanin' the pots and pans. Goodnight." The woman closes the door.
As soon as she could hear the faint sounds of footsteps, XR cried herself to sleep.
As the time pass, XR kept to her word and kept to herself as she cleaned and help made the food. She would not put the cloak away when tending to the chores, the fear of shame claiming her easily.
The other workers thought dare not to ask who she was or where she came from so they called her Cap O' Rushes. She did not care for the simple fact that she was glad the Lord of the manor did not ask about her.
'I fear he would kick me out at any moment.' When she had free time, she would take off the cloak and walk down the eery ponds and lake behind and across from the manor. Most would keep away but she was just to withdrawn to the beauty. XR admired the dreary beauty as if it was from a book she used to read from her father's library. She frowns thinking of her home, her sisters and her father. Wondering if they were well or if she was in their thoughts.
She shook it away as she walked down by the edge of the lake admiring the beautiful fish and other creatures that dwell there. She was surprised as of late the lord of the manor played his estranged organ in a more happier tune. Late at night, she would hear the sound of the viola play with although a beautiful melody, it was sad and longing. She hopes that the lord was alright as she gaze in the lake, unaware of catching the Lord's attention from afar.
The Lord, Nos F. Zurg was as of now watching in awe of the girl with hair that remind him of the Lilies he would keep and give to his mother before she passed away. He has since he first saw her, watched her walk around the lake, such purity she held and curious to what is around. He at first thought she was a figment of his imagination, his dreams playing with his mind. He would believe that but the more he saw her the more he felt his heart racing. He would watch every movement she did as if she could at any moment if he dares to blink, she would disappear. He could think of the many possible theories of who she was. In his thoughts, she was maybe a fae that lost her way from home. He would write small stories and tried his attempt to draw her but her simple dress wear and her back to him was hard. Alas, he would watch her and yearn to meet her and dare he wish selfishly, to keep her in his arms and not let her go. It did cross his mind that he could approach the young mystery maiden but he feared she would disappear before his very sight just like a sprite in the Greek myth.
'I wish I was not claimed by the shackles of my own fear.' He feared she was already married to a man or perhaps engaged. He thought the girl was here for her own sanctuary from her marriage or keeping what little freedom she has.
Nonetheless, he would rather watch her than lose the chance and the dream become what it is or a nightmare. Because of the mysterious maiden, he finds himself inspired of writing new songs because of her. As he was watching, he was unaware of someone approaching him from behind. Nos quick minded turned and punched the intruder in the face only to see it was his father falling on his back in pain.
"I am very sorry father." Nos spoke.
"It's alright, you hit like your mother, she was quite a fighter." He spoke painfully.
Nos wanting to look at the mysterious maiden, could not let his father stay on the floor. "Why are you here father? Please tell me it is not to change my thoughts. I will not marry that awful woman."
"No no I could not do that to you, I was hoping that you would like to throw a small ball here? His father smiles only to see his son was looking for something or someone. He peers over his son's shoulder carefully to find no one or anything.
Nos frowns seeing the girl that haunts his mind was gone but perked at the thought of a ball.
"A ball father…"
"A ball will be held here!" the women who she now knew was name Agatha smiled.
"The Lord wishes to have all the workers to come and enjoy the event.
XR perked at the thought. 'A ball?' She smile at the thought of the enjoyment of going to a ball would be nice to go.
"Cap O' Rushes will you be joining the night?"
XR shook her head. "I've done so much work, I'm tired out. I will be headin' to bed." She bowed a bit and left, hiding the excitement in her eyes.
At night.
Nos was looking around dreading the night already as many women were trying to dance with him. He would pass them no mind wondering where she could be, hoping his mysterious maiden was not an illusion.
"Nos my friend why are you not having a good time?!"
Nos glared his friend Warp.
"None of your business."
Warp frowned and grins to see a beautiful redhead.
"Hello lovely lady. Are you truly here alone?" Warp asked.
The red haired lady glared at him and lifts her left hand with a ring, "Warp we are married. Must you do this with me at every event."
She glares and flustered as he kisses her wrist.
"I will even keep doing this even when we're old Mira." Warp smiles as his wife smiles and kisses her husband's cheek. "Dance with me?"
Warp smiles and leads her to the middle of the room.
Nos frowns seeing his friend was fortunate to find his love and even fathered a child. Just as he was going to leave he stops to see the girl of his dreams standing against the wall. He adjusts his suit and takes a deep breath and made his way to her.
XR although excited to finally be at a ball was nervous and scared. She then noticed all eyes were on her and before she could leave she felt a soft tap on her shoulder. She turns to see it was a gentleman that reminded her of the creature of the night. She was very entranced by the tall man adorning dark color tone suit with a reddish burgundy hair slick back. What made her heart soar was his reddish brown eyes that were hypnotic. The young man bowed to her and she bowed as well feeling flustered and nearly forgetting her manners.
"May I have this dance?" He asked her, hoping she agrees.
XR was nervous but she remembers she was not held back and she can choose to say yes or no. She nods and reaches out to him.
Nos although calm, was excited and carefully held her hands, seeing they were small yet soft and slightly callous but to him her hands were like glass. He lifts her hand up to kiss her knuckles and he could feel her shake. He leads her to the dance floor and carefully danced with her.
Both the lord and she were dancing happily as if there was no one there. XR notice the music was going fast and she felt nervous.
Her dance partner leans forward and whispers in her ear. "Just keep your eyes on me and I will not let you fall."
They danced and smiled never has she been able to dance without tripping or falling.
"Are you controlling me with your eyes? Keeping me safe from falling?" XR asked.
"I was wondering the same questions." Nos replied and saw she was blushing and pouted. "Quite a slick tongue to have, you must be a demon. There cannot be anyone to say those words without being nervous." She spoke.
"I will take that as a compliment." Nos grins hearing her voice was soft as velvet. He brushed her hair away feeling how soft and nice it shined. "Are you a lost fae? No one cannot be as beautiful as you."
XR shook her head. "But if I was a fae and your were a demon, then we must be from hell as such creatures descend from there. That is the truth."
Nos twirled her and held her close enjoying her witty comeback.
"Truth is nothing but pain to the reality we see. Absolute truth is no different than death."
"That doesn't mean it is something we cannot simply leave or walk away from it because it is a part of us. The truth is still a truth but it cannot ever be absolute."
Nos grins, "You do not mind if the truth is ugly?"
"I rather have the ugly side of truth so I can admire the true beauty and simplicity of it. Death is no different." XR spoke.
Nos felt his heartbeat in his ears, curious if she can hear it. They talked as they dance, not once stopping but enjoying each others company.
She sees the time and knew it was time to leave.
As the music finally ended, she bowed. "Thank you but I must take my leave." And XR was ready to leave but felt him held her hand carefully in a grip.
"Tell me at least a name you go by?"
XR was about to answer but saw another man coming.
"Brother how are you?!"
Nos distracted, saw his brother coming and turned to see her gone. He rushes out to the entrance in hopes to see her and catch her but she was already gone. Nos although was sad realize he had a ribbon in his hand. He smiles to see there was an initial of XR.
His father rushes out.
"Father may we host another ball? As soon as possible?!" Nos grins happily, scaring his father.
XR went through the hall and into her room. She takes her cloak and put it on and pretended to sleep.
/
"You should have seen her there Cap! She was quite pretty and the young Lord would not dare leave his sight from her. It was a shame she left in a haste." The cook spoke.
"Must have been a sight to see." XR spoke.
"In a few days from now there will be another ball! Will you be coming this time?"
XR shook her head and made her way, wondering herself if she should. 'Maybe I should go, I might see the gentleman again. For now I can just walk by the pond and clear my thoughts.'
Nos was at the moment gazing to see if she would be by the lake now and saw that she was there sitting by the lake in thought. He was thinking now what to do. 'She is right there! She is no illusion!' He looked to see her and frowned. '... and yet I am nervous to go over there.' He sighed and looks up but blushes to see her undressing before him and decided to look away.
'It is rude to stare at a young lady.' He turns back to see she was floating in her undergarments in the lake. He felt his heart racing as he watches her both thinking of one another.
/
Night of the ball
XR saw behind the pillar was the said gentleman waiting and looking around. She was surprised it was masquerade themed. She waited by the side to see he adorned a red and black bat shape mask as she made by hand, a simple white mask with swirls of gold and purple on the edges of her mask. She decided to swallow her fear and make her way to him.
Nos feeling dread decided to leave but saw the maiden before him. It was now he who was entranced by those beautiful dark topaz eyes when shined by the light. He could not help but blush at the memory of her swimming in the lake. She was the first to bow and he did as well. He held her hand that was already out and lead her to dance.
"I keep seeing you in my dreams." He was the first to speak.
XR was surprised. "I?"
He nodded as the music was now slow and yet the mood reflected the orange and red scene.
"You haunt my thoughts and not a moment passes me when you appear."
XR blushes, thankful the lighting hid her blushed face so well.
"I keep thinking about you too." She spoke in a whisper as she squeaked when she followed the tempo to his own. The dance was more for lovers than it was for strangers.
"May we stop please?" She spoke nervously.
Nos stopped and felt guilt in his heart.
"My apology for scaring you. That is not my intention." He spoke as he kisses her hand. "If I am causing such acts you are uncomfortable, then I am unworthy of -"
"Please don't say that." She spoke in a whispered remembering her father's rage. "You are far more worthy than I-!" She felt his lips on her forehead to stop her. "You are very sweet and beautiful my dear. My heart races when I see you," he whispers to her. "Nothing is worth more than seeing you smile." XR blushes. "Why are you saying those things to me? You barely seen me just only twice."
Now wanted to answer but saw his father coming closer but turned to see she was gone and so was his glove.
XR made it to her room her heart pounding as a drum but clenched the glove. She places the cloak on and sleeps with tears in her eyes.
Nos rushes to the entrance hoping his plan to catch her from running away failed to see not a trace of her or anything. He clenched his chest sadness but hope in his heart.
/
"Oh cap you should have seen the mysterious girl."
XR was quiet as she helped peeled the potatoes carefully. "I wish I was there to see." She spoke.
"Oh but how the Lord was sad to see her leave so soon." The cook spoke "Ne'er seen him with such sorrow. I wish the lass would accept his heart."
XR looked up and unexpected cut her hand. The cook stopped as she helped her and saw it was although small was bleeding so much.
"Best you go see Agatha at once."
XR rushes out to as she held her hand. She rushes across the hall unaware she clashed with someone.
"Please forgive me miss."
XR froze as she kept her head down and shook. She knew that voice anywhere and saw those familiar hands.
Hoarding her voice, she spoke. "Forgive me m'lord." She was about to move away when he held her cut hand.
"You are bleeding." The lord spoke. "Please follow me so that I may help treat it." XR heart beat increased as she followed him. She was now in a bathroom and the way it was, it was his personal one.
"You must be Cap O' Rushes I have been hearing about." Nos cleans her hand but something about her hands were familiar.
"Thank you m'lord. " XR was scared as he then wrapped her hand carefully something still itching the back of his head but leave it be. "I heard you have been living here for some time, do you enjoy it here?" He asked and saw her nod.
"I know there are rumors of me being a vampire but please do not believe it. The reason I do not change this place because it holds so much memories, and I apologize if this manor seems depressing-."
"M'lord you have been kind to me. I am eternally grateful to what you have done for me."
Nos smiled. "Hearing you say that makes me happy. It is hard to meet people who do not understand your views. I am quite a box of riddles."
"I believe a box of riddles is more fun than a simple or extravagant box." She spoke and just enough saw his smile. "Thank you. If I may ask, why wear such rushes?"
XR wanted to be quiet but somehow she was talking. "I am hiding from someone rather I am hiding to protect their reputation."
"Are they ashamed of you?" Nos was puzzled bit for a moment he thought he heard her voice was a bit softer. "I have heard you are quite nice and seem to be one who is ever so responsible."
"I said such things to hurt my father." She answers. "I said to him 'I love thee as meat love salt.' he was very displeased so he made me leave. I can say such horrid things."
"There was nothing wrong to what you spoke."
XR looks up a bit.
"My mother told my father 'I love thee as tea loves honey.' The tea she drank was always bitter without honey and my father knew what she meant. Love is what gives us the sweet and delicious taste in life as it can be savoury. Please do not blame for what little he understands." Nos then finished wrapping her arm.
XR smiles and felt tears coming down.
"Thank you." She got up and rushes out.
Nos felt a small pang in his chest when she left. 'No one should be harmed for that but it felt even more when she left….' He shook it away as he sat up "I must be feeling unwell and lack of rest." He made his way to his room still feeling that pang.
/
"This time please join the ball? It will be the last time I fear." Emily the young little girl spoke.
XR shook her head but as soon as she left she was conflicted now. 'what should I do? Go? No?' She could not take it but remembering his smile. She took a deep breath and made her way to her room.
Nos was waiting patiently as he was fearing the worst.
'I scared her and now she may not come back.'
"Hello dear Lord."
Nos groan inwardly as he saw the Romanian woman Draca walk to him wearing a nearly erotic dress. He gave a small bow and decided to leave only to see his mysterious maiden nervous. Nos made his way as Draca scoffed and stomped her way to another pretty boy not too far.
XR kept her sleeve up to keep her small wound hidden.
"Hello dear heart."
XR turned to see the Lord smiling. She bowed when he bowed to her as well giving him the same smile.
He held his hand out to her as did she. He kisses her hand but instead of leading her to dance, he lead her outside to the garden. XR was feeling nervous. She has seen the garden many times but dared not enter in. Nos as he carefully let her sit on the stoned bench, she felt her heartbeat increasing.
"I am sorry for my previous actions."
XR looks up to him as Nos held a Lily from the side and gives her the lily.
"Please m'lord you have done nothing wrong-"
"I have seen you come and go by the lake." Nos spoke.
XR was now frozen in her seat.
"I have watched you and knowing it was wrong, I could not stop but gaze at you. I never see how you come or leave but when I see you here, I feel excited to see you happy." Nos held her right hand and places it by his heart. XR blushes feeling his heartbeat.
"I understand that you may not love me back or may be in love by somebody else." Nos sat by her but kept his distance for her. "But I cannot stop this heart for it yearns for you. I love you." Nos spoke.
XR was happy and felt the same but alas the memory of her father remained and she cried.
Nos cupped her face gently. "I am selfish and careless." Nos spoke.
"I do love you M'lord."
Nos looked to her but saw she was in pain.
"Which is why it pains me that I cannot be with you."
Nos felt her hand against his cheek as he leans against it.
"Please tell me why?" Nos asked.
"Because I would be nothing more than a burden to you. I fear that you will despise me and -" She stopped. "I rather be just a dream for you than a nightmare." She spoke.
Nos knew she was afraid and decided to do one last attempt. He holds her left hand and places his ring in her own and smiles to see it fit her.
"A perfect fit. Please accept my heart as you keep this ring with you so when you are ready I will wait for your return but please I fear I will die without you." he kisses her head as he stands up but before he could leave, she held his hand.
"May you please share a dance with me?" she saw Nos smiled and held her close. XR lays against him to feel his heartbeat and she cries, Nos holding his tears to be strong for her but felt his heart breaking.
/
The next few days.
XR was feeling regret. She found the man she loves and cannot be with him because she feared her father or worse Nos will believe she is worthless. She sees the cook enter with a glum look.
"Poor lord has been in pain."
XR shocked looked to her. "What happened?"
"He misses her and now he is feeling ill without her. He has never been this sad since his mother passed but this is worse. I fear he may die of a broken heart. I hope she does comeback."
XR felt tears coming down. "Please may I make the soup? I wish to help him."
The cook although had years and the experience, nodded. "To let him know all his workers care for his health will make him feel happy if even a bit."
XR began to cut and make a soup for the Lord and was conflicted now.
'Tell him the truth or keep it to myself?' She felt her heart yearn for him and the pain he feels she knew she must. She held the ring in her hand and without hesitation, dropped it in the bowl along with the soup.
The cook took the soup, XR waited nervously for him.
Nos was worse for wear as he felt his heart yearning for her.
'I should not have let her go.' Everywhere he went he asked if they ever met a maiden with blonde hair and topaz eyes and the initials XR. No one knew of such name and the days he waited and look there was nothing and he felt his heart torn. If only he could see her. He hears the door open and sees it is the cook entering into to give his meal.
He sits up and held the ribbon in his pocket.
"M'lord you must eat to gain your strength. A healthy man is what you need to be."
Now carefully holds the bowl and began to to eat it. Just as he was wishing to see her. He bit on something hard and metallic. He pulls it out and was shocked to see it was a ring.
His ring
"Madam please tell me who made the soup? Please this is important you tell me who."
The cook was surprised to see life in his once dull eyes.
"Cap O' Rushes."
Nos was quiet but then remembers and it hit him. When he saw her wounded hand, heard her voice, her answers were one in the same.
It was her the whole time.
"Please tell her to come here but do not give her any notice or reason, I found her."
The cook nodded as she has noticed the young lord was rushing out to the washroom to change in a haste.
XR was now fearing the worst.
'what if he ate it and not took notice?! Or the cook sees it and took it out!' As she was about to leave, the cook enters. "The lord wishes to see you."
XR was nervous and worried.
The cook took a small glance at her and saw a small strand of blonde hair and realized who she was.
'This whole time, the girl he's been looking for never left him.'
"But I have many chores to do! I -I eep!" XR was lifted over the cook's shoulder.
"Sorry lass but this is important. Ah don't Know yer reasons why ye ere but I know yer reasons why you stay and hide. Please don't let fear take yer life or his."
XR froze and look to the cook but was blushing deeply. "I will go then."
"Good but to make sertain, ahm takin yew there."
XR was blushing as the cook made her way to the room.
"Warp we shouldn't enter without notice. Nos needs time for himself." Mira his wife scolded him.
"Please love I know what I'm doing and he is my friend. He needs to move on-" they both froze to see the cook carrying they assume was rushes across the hall.
"You know I think you're right love." Mira spoke as they carefully followed the cook.
Nos was pacing nervously as he waited. He looked to the clock and saw it was only been 5 minutes. He holds the ring in his hand and soon hears a knock.
"Come in." His heart racing but his voice was calm.
He sees the her enter and waited by the door. She bowed to him, the same way she does before and he knew it was her.
Keeping his stoic stand but hard to keep when he sees her. He walks up to her and shows her the ring. "May I ask where did you get this?"
XR takes a deep breath but before she could answer him there was a crash.
"LOOK I NEED TO SPEAK-CRASH!" XR looks to the door and heard the Lord groan.
Nos knew it was his friend and cousin were concerned but sighs. "He will be alright, he is use to this. Let us talk more somewhere else." Nos held his hand to her and she grabs it. He leads her to his window door that leads out outside. As they walk XR was nervous until they were by the edge of the lake. He helps her sit as he then sits next to her.
It was quiet but soon XR was the first to speak. "The ring was given to me. From the man that loves me as I love him." She answers him.
Nos smiles decided to pull out the ribbon.
"May I ask is this yours?" He shows her the ribbon. She smiles happily and sees it is her ribbon her mother gave her. She did not even notice it was gone. She pulled out a glove she kept and hands it to him. He holds it, feeling the warmth still there.
"What is your name little fae?" Nos asked and XR was nervous. Nos cups her hood, "May I?" He asked and saw her nod. Nos uncovers her and sees his maiden.
"I am Xerena Rebecca or my mother called me XR." She then felt sad. "I am sorry for hiding from you." She spoke but felt his arms wraps around her. "I forgive you." He kisses her head lovingly. XR then sees him trying to stand only to kneel. "I have asked you this before but I need to hear your answer." Nos held the ring out. "XR my love, will you be my wife?" Nos asked.
XR smiles but was nervous only to feel her cheeks were cupped. "I do not care what your father had spoke. I love thee as tea loves honey. You are the sweetest in my life." Nos spoke and he was tackled by her and felt her kisses. "I love you!" She spoke continuously kissing him with such happiness and passion. Mira and Warp raced find Nos only to see him tackled by the young lady they seen dancing with him.
"Should we…?" Mira was conflicted seeing her cousin happy.
"Nah he seems alright."
/
Nos was writing away the list of names to come as his fiance was helping him with the invitation. His father was happy to cover for his work especially finding out his son found himself a pretty lady.
"Finally I can die peacefully knowing my two sons found ladies for themselves." Nos father said joyfully as he was writing away.
"I was fearing he will never find a lady and grow old alone. And you here in his life is even better."
XR smiles happily but frowns when she came across her father's name.
Nos seeing her look sad places the papers down and lead her to his music room. For the past week to month, Nos had gotten better. Not a day or night goes without being with her and they shared more about themselves to each other and shared small treasured kisses. He has introduced her to his. Family and already they loved her. he showed her his room of instruments including his organ and piano whom he enjoys playing with her. He leads her to sit on his seat and sits on his stool.
"Is it too soon to see them? We can not send them an invitation." he asked holding her hands.
"I do wish to see them, they are still my family and I love them. I just getting nervous if father will not talk to me." XR spoke as she felt her hands were kissed by Nos.
"I will not deny you my love but I am just worried for you. I will stand by your side. I will warn you if he dares to speak ill of you and threatens you I will protect you."
XR smiles and leans up to kiss him as he kisses her back. "It is a shame you cannot show him what it means to have one without the other."
XR perked at this and looked rather shy.
"Nos I know it is wrong but I want to change something for the wedding."
Nos was confused until she leans forward and whispers into his ears.
Nos smiles and kisses her cheek. "As you wish."
/
day of the wedding
XR waited in Nos's room as she wears her wedding dress and veil. She was nervous and waits as she sees Nos by the altar and everyone there.
She hears a small knock.
"Come in." She answer to see Mira smiling.
"It's time."
XR blushes and nodded.
As she walks down the aisle, she smiles to see Nos reaches for her and she grasp it. As they stand, Nos holds her hand in comfort and reassures her and she smiles.
"Now I pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride."
Nos kisses her and hears the cheers of everyone. Nos covers her back with the veil as they walked together hand in hand.
The wedding dinner
Nos and XR sat together as the food was placed for them and everyone. As everyone takes a bite, each guest was surprised.
Warp and Mira were enjoying their salads along their daughter Vera.
"What is the meaning of this." Zurg stated.
"T'was requested by your son 'n daughter in law." The cook stated. "Ah warned them it will taste awful but they insisted."
All guest were quiet until they heard someone crying.
All heads turned to the Nebulas specifically the senior Nebula who was crying.
"Sir may I ask why are you crying?"
Nebula cleans his eyes.
"My youngest daughter once told me 'I love thee as meat loves salt. I didn't believe she loved me but as I tasted your meal, I realize what she meant. Without the salt, the meat is tasteless. My daughter truly loves me and I sent her away! I have no idea where she is! For all I know, she could be lifeless in a ditch!"
Nos looks to his wife and saw she nodded as both stood up and walked to the man.
"Sir may I introduce to you my wife Xerena Rebecca Zurg."
Nebula looked up to see the eldest son lift his wife's veil up to show her.
XR waited to see what her father would do and saw her father leaned forward and hugs her.
"I missed you so much." Nebula spoke.
"I miss you father." She cried.
Later.
As everyone danced happily, Nos and XR danced away happily.
"So my love does this consider to be a happily ever after?" Nos asked.
"More like a happy beginning." She spoke as he twirl her.
"I couldn't agree more." He smiles and kisses her.
Both not accepting an ending but as the story comes to an end, they truly did
Lived,
happily ever after.