Day 206 (184th)

Day 206 (184th): 2 days until wedding
I awoke before the rest and witnessed the glory of sunrise. True to Brimagor's word, I saw the small influences of the gods everywhere. The various churches and temples radiated a mix of clerical and divine magic. A few houses had pinpoints of divine magic. Even a few people walking around had some upon them. One or two of these people looked at me and winked, knowing I saw it and would not reveal it to the whole world. Set awoke and said he was really itchy. I rubbed off the loose scales and slathered the rough spots. In the process of this, he vanished, only saying "Rat!" as an explanation. My sisters were awake when he returned, slurping the tail quickly to avoid distressing them. They appreciated his courtesy. We joined everyone in the formal dining room. The men were at one end of the huge table while we seven, Mara, Darla, and Margret were at the other. The men were discussing tactics against whatever may appear while we talked about the wedding.
As we spoke, I felt something hit the edges of my senses. I erected the barrier Brimagor had instilled in me. I felt anger bash against it. Like looking through a window, I saw Garamesh beating against it.
"Sorry, Garamesh, you are not allowed in my anymore."
"Impossible! No one can resist me!"
"Brimagor can. By his power, you are barred from me."
"What! How dare he! You are not dragon! He has no authority over humans or Faerie."
"I am a dragon rider. I am bonded to a dragon. That makes him my patron."
Garamesh roared and pounded on my barrier with all his might. It didn't even wiggle. He gave up.
"Fine, you are barred from me. However, others are wide open."
He spun away with a wicked laugh.
"Kayla? Kayla, are you well?" Darla's voice returned me to the dining room.
It was silent as all eyes bore upon me.
I laughed,"I am fine. Garamesh tried Brimagor's barrier and found me forbidden to him. However, he plans something evil very soon, besides the attack at the wedding."
The men leaped from the table and began shouting orders. They had the entire palace swept through in under an hour. We had moved to the room where Mara's dress was kept. Darla and Margret loaned Mara some jewelry to accentuate her dress and herself. Kendar informed us the palace was secure. Set, who had been playing with bits of fabric, began sniffing at the air.
"What is it, my dear?"
"Up. I smell something in the sky."
I informed the others and we looked outside. A dark cloud rolled towards us, against the wind. Images flashed through my mind that nearly stopped my heart. My sisters felt the evil in it as well.
"Inside! Get every person, animal, anything living inside now!" I ordered, "Tell then to shutter the windows as well."
Kendar sent soldiers to get the citizens inside any building. I called to the dragons and riders to find shelter. By the time the cloud was overhead, most of Selvis Prime was secured behind closed doors and shuttered windows. Then, we heard the noise. The drone of thousands of insects made the air vibrate. They bashed themselves against the windows and doors. Set wanted to flame them, but I warned him against it. We heard cries of terror and pain from the city. The tents outside the walls were ignored. We were the targets. The men joined us where we were still gathered. They were at a loss.
"Armies of men we can fight. Armies of demons we can attempt to fight. How to we fight this?" Kendar asked.
We silently thought. I had an idea. My sisters agreed before I spoke it.
"The spell we used on the battlefield to get rid of the dog demons. It may work here, too."
Agreeing, we formed a circle, even those with no magic joined in, servants and soldiers as well. We called to dragons, riders, wizards, and clerics to do the same where they were. We began the chant, relaying it to the outside groups as we did. The magic formed quickly and permeated the walls. We were not sure it was working until we began to hear the noises of something hitting the ground. Slowly at first, then it started to sound like hail. As this sound increased, the air got more still. We continued until all sound outside of our chanting stopped. We cautiously opened the shutter and saw a mind-boggling sight. Nearly every flat surface inside the walls was covered in insects. Mattis produced a set of tongs and picked one off the sill. The size of a robin, it was the largest hornet I had ever seen. The stinger was larger than a sailor's needle and wickedly barbed. Citizens began emerging with brooms and shovels to clear a path out of their homes. Gavin, Kendar, and Falcon began organizing the destruction of the bodies. A few merchants, ever eager to make some coin, began harvesting the hornets' bodies for anything of use. Several healers collected their venom as did wizards and other groups who had use for such a thing.
Even with every dragon, the burning continued all day. Those in the tents came within the walls to give witness to what they saw. When they learned it was we who told the others how to defeat them, they looked at us strangely. Fear, confusion, and distrust warred within them. Later, official request would collect upon the council's table that we seven be "closely monitored to keep such power in check". Leave it to power-hungry rulers to believe we had such aspirations.
Today was consumed by both the disposal of the hornets and final touches for the wedding. We found a few victims of the hornets: a young girl, an old man, and several stray animals. It was hard, even for Sarah, Lisa, Anna, and Alice, to determine if they died from the injury of the stinger or the venom of the hornet. Gavin and Mara paid for the funerals of the two people. Their families were grateful and thanked them for that unexpected gift. We found out later that the girl and man were both deaf and had not heard the warning to take shelter.
At the stage, the flowers and vines were in full bloom and covered every inch of the arch and rails. The florists were overjoyed to be caring for such a bounty. Families walked among the reserved seating to find their spots so they wouldn't look foolish while searching when the seating was full. Some admired the flowers while others kept as far from them as possible. Other guests arrived who either lived much closer or flew in on dragon back or magicked in by other means. The population outside the city was nearly equal to that inside. Security tightened now that an actual attack had taken place and it was known that such was just on a whim. The magic being batted around was nearly making me nauseous to witness.
As we were walking back to the city, a single elderly woman ran into me and pushed something into my hand. She did not wait for me to examine it nor give me any hint to what it was. I opened my hand to see a piece of parchment folded very tightly and small. I unfolded it to reveal several languages covering the page. I could read the Faerie. Callie read the dwarf. Alice and Lisa read the elf. Sarah the aquatics' language. Anna the gnome and Gretta the leprechaun. There were some we could not read. The ones we could all said the same thing, "We stand with you." Anna told us this had been passed around to many races as a sort of contract with us. There was an empty spot near the bottom. A smaller note folded inside said the empty place was for humans. At least three human leaders needed to write the phrase to complete the seal upon this contract. We showed it to the others. Mamar, who had arrived after the hornet attack, grabbed ink and quill and quickly penned the phrase in the empty area. Droland took the quill from him and wrote the phrase behind Mamar's script. As the men debated on which human ruler to write the last, Mara picked up the quill and filled in the last of the empty space on the parchement. As the last stroke left the page, it began to glow. All eyes went to Mara. She shrugged.
"As Princess and future Queen of Selvis, I have the authority to make a contract with others."
"Apparently so," came from many.
The glowing page lifted off the table and hung in mid-air. The seven of us drew our swords and touched the document.
"We accept," we announced in unison.
The document flashed brightly. When the light faded, it settled back on the table with a strange thunk. Gavin picked it up. It was no longer parchment and ink.
"It has become ironwood. The words are etched into it as if carved and stained. Nothing can erase these words," Gavin said in a near whisper.
"Spoken truly, young lord," came a voice from the door.
The old lady who had given it to me tottered inside the room. Kendar made to step between her and us, but we assured him she was not a threat.
"A thousand dragons cannot burn it. No sword, axe, nor any blade can chop it. No magic outside the Immortal Realm can unbind it. But, one word, one act of you abandoning the Sisters or they abandoning you and it shatters like glass. A copy now resides in the home of everyone who wrote their pledges. Sisters, as you have no 'home' yet, your copies have not been made. When you settle to your homes, one will be waiting for you."
"Are you saying we will split up? But we are stronger together," Callie blurted.
"Unlike previous guardians, you have other commitments. Callie, your mountain home among the dwarfs awaits. Sarah, a life at sea stretches before you. Kayla has both dragon rider and faerie duties ahead of her. Alice has her father's place to take up. Lisa has soldier duties of a different sort awaiting her. Anna and Gretta have new trades and lives among their kin. So, even though you are stronger together, you will be strong apart."
"How do you know this? Who are you?" Droland nearly commanded.
A mischievous smile crept upon her weathered face. She winked at me, "Tell them, Kayla. You see my true nature."
I nodded, "She is an emissary, sent by at least one god or goddess. From the glow of magic around her, I would say she may be a minor goddess herself or, at least, someone who lives closely with them."
"Very good, Kayla. Alas, I cannot show my true form at it would be overwhelming to mortal eyes. I take my leave now, young ones. Just know that it is not only this kingdom nor this realm that has a stake in defeating these demons."
She glowed brightly then vanished. We all marvelled at this event. It was the topic at dinner, among others. Mara and Gavin were getting nervous as their big day approached. It was not until now that she realized none of us had any bouquets nor did the men have any flowers to pin upon them. We told her that could wait until tomorrow. We said our good-nights and retired to our rooms.

Day 205 (183rd)

Day 205 (183rd): 3 days until wedding
I called my book down and read Mattis' account of the incident with Garamesh. I felt bad that they had to hear such words from my mouth. Also, it pained me that my sisters had to spend even a few hours in fear or doubt about me. As I sat in the dark garden, I could feel everyone in the palace: Gavin, Mara, my sisters, the swords, Kendar, Mattis, all the servants, guests, dragons and riders in the out buildings, even the mice and other creatures either roaming or sleeping. The swords were quiet and preoccupied, turned inward to aid my sisters instead of searching for us. I could feel the poor sleep my sisters had endured and caressed each one with a loving touch. I knew when they would see me, they would see some changes. My eyes had become more purple, almost all of the brown gone, my hair was redder and curlier, and I had grown about an inch. However, I knew we would still be connected and never lose each other. I kept them from sensing me so my appearance would be a surprise.
I felt each person, dragon, and creature as they awoke. My caress had eased my sisters and the swords, but they were eager to see us. I chuckled as they dressed quickly and began frantically searching the palace. To end their distress, I called "I am in the garden." around the barrier I had between us. The swords arrived before my sisters. Vanity hummed and murmured to the other six. I did not listen in or even try, as that was private between them. As the other girls entered the garden, I dropped my barrier and love flooded between us. As I expected, they clamored about my hair, eyes, and height. If anyone else could see, our love and power lit up the morning almost as much as the sun. The others made their way to us, most likely following the noise we made. When Falcon, Leo, and the other dragons and riders appeared, I bade everyone to be silent. I stood before dragons and riders and showed them the harness bracelet Brimagor had made for me. Some fainted, both dragon and rider. Those still conscious bowed, Falcon and Leo included. When they rose, Falcon led them in a cheer, proclaiming me "Lawnoss", emissary to Brimagor. The others, besides my sisters, were shocked. It took most of the day to convince them I really met a god, a dragon god specifically, and that I, someday, would travel to the Immortal Realm just as they travel to Raval, Cassabla, Thantos, or anywhere else.
King Droland and family, plus soldiers and servants, arrived shortly before dinner. Gavin's nerves were eased when all of his family told him how proud they were of him. Vangar did this via a letter as he stayed behind to run things in Droland's absence. Mara had difficulty addressing them as equals instead of her lord and ladies. Darla, upon seeing me again, did not speak either verbally or mentally, but gave me a look that asked about my new appearance. I smiled slightly and barely nodded. Her eyes widened and she embraced me. The comment was made that Darla and I looked like either cousins or sisters. I informed them we were distant cousins. She being the descendant of the Faerie Queen's brother and a full-blood Faerie as well.
Dinner was a pleasant affair, even if I spent most of it defending my claims of both where I had been and how "long" I was there. Several clerics confirmed the divine creation of my harness bracelet. Even though I spoke plainly, some took my words as code for something else. By bed time, I was tired of repeating myself. We all slept easily that night.

Faerie Realm

Added to journal on a later date:
I awoke and thought I was dreaming. It felt like early spring not nearly fall. The bed I was in was massive. Set was in his usual spot with his head draped over one of my legs and his nose propped on the other. Vanity was within reached, unsheathed, upon the bed. It took me a moment to realize only Vanity and Set were in my head. I felt and could not find my sisters or the other swords. Panic hit me.
"Easy, Kayla, calm yourself," Vanity soothed.
"Don't be afraid. We're here so you can get better," Set said as he looked into my face.
"Better? Why do I need to get better? Please tell me what is going on?"
"Gladly, daughter," came a voice from the doorway. The Faerie Queen glided into the room and sat on the edge of the bed, "When you stretched out to find Gavin's family, Garamesh took the opportunity of your openness to invade your body and threaten your sisters and friends. Your mind shut down to avoid his evil. Vanity followed you into that place but Set could not find you or her. In his panic, he brought you here following my scent. I have alerted everyone of your safety and well-being. You are to stay here to regain your composure and strengthen your mental defenses."
"But the wedding is only a few days away. All seven of us have to be there to defeat him. I cannot stay."
"Daughter, you are in the Faerie Realm. Time is meaningless here. You can rejoin your sisters the morning after you left, no matter how 'long' you are here. Let your mind be at ease."
I had to go over what she had said. The demon had used me to threaten the others. I had gone... somewhere to avoid him. Vanity had followed but no one, not even Set could follow. By his senses, he had found the Faerie Realm and the Faerie Queen. I was in the Faerie Realm. I could be here for, what, years? Even still, I could return the day after I had left. I was finding it a little overwhelming. The Faerie Queen saw that and leaned closer. She touched a finger to my forehead.
"Sleep now, think later."
I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

I awoke an unknown amount of time later. Set was eating and thoroughly enjoying it. Vanity was still beside me. Without stopping, Set told me he had two meals while I had slept. I got out of the massive bed and tended him as I normally did. His spurt must have been near its end as all the exposed stretches of skin were covered in new scales of various sizes. Item for his care were on hand. I could now tell by sight which scales were ready to fall off and the patches that needed a coating of the cream.
"What do you make of this place, Set?"
"It is a good place. They can hear me speak, so I don't have to act up to get food or scratches. The small ones play with me and tickle me. But, I miss our friends. Are you better yet?"
"I don't know. I feel fine. The Faerie Queen told me I need to get stronger so this doesn't happen again. I don't know how that will happen if I sleep all the time."
"Kayla," Vanity chimed in, "as you slept, the Faeries have been strengthening your mind. Your conscious awake mind just hasn't received it yet. When we return, you will see the difference. As long as we are here, neither Garamesh nor any other demon can touch you in any way."
"Thank you, Vanity. It helps to have someone so wise always with me."
"I am blessed to be joined with you. Your openness and honesty with everyone is a treat and a joy. The fact you don't hide your uncertainty and ask for help when you need it makes our match all the better. I could not have prayed for a better guardian."
"I am better for knowing you, Vanity. I would not have dared half that we have done without you at my side. Now, with Set, I am doubly blessed. Set, your innocence has shown me things I would not have seen except through your eyes. Your honesty keeps me honest. I am glad to be your rider."
"I am happy, too. When you are asleep, Vanity keeps me company. Both of you are good and kind. Snoggles!"
He rushed at me and bowled me over and laid upon my chest, looking into my face with an expression so disarming I could only hug him and lay there, just holding him.
"Am I interrupting?" the Faerie Queen asked from the door.
"Snoggles!" Set roared again and raced at the Faerie Queen.
With a strength her slim frame should not possess, she caught Set as he jumped upon her and hugged him tightly. Her pink/purple glow brightened as did his orange and pink glow while they embraced. I was glad they loved each other.
"You have been couped up enough, Daughter. I have come to show you the Faerie Realm."
Set whined as she put him down. I stood up and moved towards the door before I realized I was still in my bed clothes.
She laughed, "Worry not about your attire. I will correct that."
She waved her hand and a simple gown like hers replaced my clothes in a wink. Set whimpered again.
"You may come with us, young emperor," she informed him.
He flapped and rose eye level with us. I could not help but smile at his antics. Vanity floated to me and I called her sheath and belt. She sheathed herself as I strapped the belt around me. The four of us headed out the door.
It was like walking through dreams. The castle was unlike any castle I had seen or heard described. Each room was a sight to behold. The hallway was almost a garden with walls and a ceiling. Flowers, plants, even trees grew everywhere. Animals also wandered freely. Both day and night animals sang, chirped, croaked, and hooted beside each other. They did not fear us. Set had a small aviary upon his back before we had gotten very far from our room. It wasn't until some claw caught a sore spot that he shooed them away and asked them not to come back. They returned to other perches. We arrived at a terrace. The Faerie Queen, who told me her name was Aloriana, swept her hand towards a distant mountain shrouded in fog.
"That, my daughter, is the entrance into the Immortal Realm. There, the gods and goddesses of all mortal faiths reside. Many have squandered their lives to reach it. Some have made it this far. Very few have entered and fewer still returned. You, as I and other Faerie have, will enter and leave many times. You will see how correct and incorrect mortals are about their patron deities. It will be useless to convince them of their errors as the beliefs are firmly ingrained into mortal hearts and minds. Wars have and will be fought over small disagreements over different gods and the same god. You will witness both atrocities and delights in the names of gods and goddesses based on false information or misunderstandings. That is why we travel to them and ask directly what their wishes may be. It was they who told me our relationship and informed me to build trust between us. If I was not informed about you, I would have selected a member of my court to take my place when my time is over.
"Do not fret, Daughter. You will learn that we Faerie never die. I will simply walk over that mountain and never return. I have thought about becoming a star or even a whole constellation. Or I may see what lies on the other side of that realm. But, that is still many cycles from now. I wanted to show you this, Kayla, because you have a visitor, someone who will keep Garamesh and any other demons out of your mind. Follow me."
I followed her, still looking at the mist shrouded mountain. It was not until we were out of sight of it that I began to wonder who had come to see me and how would my mind be protected and worry about my connections to my sisters, their swords, Vanity, and Set.
We walked out of the castle and into a wonderful garden. I guess being around dragons had became so ordinary that it did not surprise me to see one in Aloriana's garden, even though a very large dragon.
"Greetings, Faerie child. I am Brimagor. It is a pleasure to meet..."
"Shells and hatching! It's you!" Set exclaimed, "Falcon told me about you. Brimagor, god of dragons, loved and feared. He told me you were larger than a mountain."
"Falcon-with-flaming-eyes told you what he had been told by those who had been told by others. If I choose, I can be enormous. Today, however, I am of a size to speak easily with Kayla and not harm this garden. Now, be silent, so I may do what I came here to accomplish."
"Oh, right, sorry," Set sank to the ground, a little hurt.
"It is alright, Set. You didn't do anything wrong and you are not being punished. When we finish, we'll find a place for you to splash.
"As for you, sir, he is just a babe and has not learned about taking turns to speak. Besides, your appearance surprised him and he reacted without thinking it out. You have no cause to chastise him," I consoled Set and growled at Brimagor.
Set perked up a bit.
Brimagor laughed, "Reports of you are correct. You boldly stand before me and protect your friend, knowing not if it will incur my wrath, and seek to undo the damage you believe I caused. Then, you scold me for my infraction without fear of my power or place. She is definitely your daughter, Aloriana, no doubt."
"Would anything less be fitting to take my place?" Aloriana remarked playfully.
"No, nothing less would do. Now, may I get to the reason for my visit?" he said mischievously.
We all nodded. He settled into a comfortable position. Aloriana, Set, and I sat upon a small rise of the garden and also got comfortable.
"Garamesh invaded your body when you were most vulnerable. Your mind, and Vanity, hid. Vanity has told us that she did not know the place where you went. I am very certain that you hid in kirlan, the place between worlds where dragons go to transport from one place to another. Set knows it."
"Kay? You went there? Falcon said only dragons can go there," Set told us with his head cocked.
"I didn't know. As far I can remember, I just blacked out. I didn't know I went anywhere until I woke up and Mother said I went somewhere," I honestly informed them.
"It is understandable. Your conscious mind has no concept for kirlan, so it has not let you remember. That is part of why I am here. Open your mind to me, Kayla."
I took a few deep breaths then met his eyes. Their color shifted and I felt odd sensations running through me. I felt the dizzy heaviness from before I passed out. Then, a cold fire entered my body. Almost like a door slamming, warm darkness cut off that cold fire. The warmth stayed, but the darkness brightened to a waving array of colors. Between the colors, I saw places both familiar and strange to me. I saw old friends, family, and acquaintances.
I heard Vanity's voice say, "This is where we went."
I do not know how long I floated in this place.
Finally, I heard, "Return, Faerie child."
The colors and images collapsed slowly until Brimagor's eyes absorbed the mix and I was seated in front of him again, although I never physically moved.
"Interesting," he began as he relaxed and I sat back, "by some instinct when Garamesh began invading you, the dizzy heavy feeling, your mind went to one of the few places mortals can go that demons cannot follow. I will have to investigate you blood line to see if an answer lies there. Well, now that part is over, let me see about barring him from doing it again."
He walked over to me and gently caged me in his claws. I saw an unknown type of magic, not cleric yellow or arcane blue, form between his "fingers" and begin spinning around me, yet not a hair moved upon my head and it did not frighten me. Soon, it thickened and blotted out everything.
"Open your mind to me, Kayla," Brimagor's voice whispered in my head.
A wondrous rush accompanied my compliance. I felt like my head was being swept clean, every unwanted or unneeded bit of dust blown out and carried away in the spinning magic around me. I do not know how long he did this, but it came to an end. When the magic stopped and he let me out, I felt almost reborn. The Faerie Realm looked more beautiful, Aloriana much lovelier than before, and Set was beyond cute. Brimagor was magnificent.
"Your eyes are not deceived. Without all the mortal clutter, you see this realm and those in it as they truly are and have always been. When you return to the Mortal Realm, your gift of true sight will penetrate many veils you did not even know existed. The influences of gods will be plain to your sight. Also, no demon will invade you again as long as I exist. Until you become the Faerie Queen, you can answer any mortal that I am your patron god."
"Thank you, Brimagor. I feel like a lot of weight has been lifted from me. I have no doubt that I am still connected to my sisters, their swords, Sarroset, Aloriana, and others of my friends. I cannot repay this gift you have given me. It will be my honor to claim you as patron. Am I ready to return to them yet?"
"Stay but a little longer. A wave of exhaustion will soon claim you. Do not fear it. It is simply your mind accepting what you have seen and felt. While you sleep, Set and I have dragon business to discuss. When Aloriana and I are certain you are fully well and whole, you will return to your sisters and friends."
I started to ask what I could do to aid this process when things began to grow dark. I tried to speak, but my mouth would not work.
The last thing I heard was, "Sleep well, Faerie child."

I awoke back in the room I was in before. Vanity was beside me as usual, but Set was absent. Just before I thought I had dreamt the encounter with Brimagor, I saw how beautiful my room was and how golden the light was streaming through the window. Vanity radiated with power. She pulsed as she spoke.
"Brimagor left you a present. He says that no one will deny you were here or that you met him when they see it."
I looked at the nightstand. At first, all I saw was a glow of magic the same color as Brimagor's. I got a closer look and saw it was a harness bracelet. It was unlike any I had seen before. It was simple and elegant. The metal look silver, but a rainbow raced across it as the light shifted. The chains had such tiny links that they looked almost like cords. Instead of one chain connecting one ring to the bracelet, three rings were connected by six of the tiny linked chains. I put it on and it was not cold. I actually felt it adjust to fit my right hand perfectly. We were admiring it, Vanity and I, when Set popped in. Bit of leaves clung to his obviously wet body.
"Brimagor took me to splash. We flew around. I got into a few trees. No ouches, but the birds not too happy."
I chuckled and found a towel to dry him off and remove the leaves. I did not ask what they had discussed as that was between them. I showed him the bracelet, telling him that it was his too, as he would wear it like the other riding dragons do. He liked it, said it didn't look "girlie". As I dried him and tended to him, he told me about the fish, frogs, and other creatures he had seen and, more than once, literally bumped into. As these animals had no fear of dragons, they did not move as he ran, flew, or swam. He said Brimagor showed him how to control his fire breath and helped with his flying. He told me Brimagor was not the way Falcon had described him, which was of a mountain-sized dragon who killed at the slightest infraction. The three of us laughed at the thought of Brimagor being so mean.

We stayed in the Faerie Realm for another "day" or two. Since time was meaningless, I judged the days by how many times I went to sleep out of physically being tired, not magically induced. After the meeting with Brimagor, no one did that to me again.
Set's growth spurt appeared to have ended as there were no more patches of scaleless skin.
Finally, Aloriana and Brimagor announced I was recovered and ready to return to my sisters and friends. I asked if we could return just before dawn, while they were all asleep. They agreed that was a good idea. Aloriana took me to a long hallway in the castle. Doors lined the walls, so close that only a small closet should have been behind each of them.
"This is how we travel so quickly to other places in the Mortal Realm. Each door is marked. Here, this is Selvis Prime."
I saw the old mark had been removed and the Faerie words for Selvis replaced, from what was left, a very nasty word for Baaloc. Aloriana smiled sheepishly at the residual word.
"We didn't like the Baalocs either," she admitted.
The four of us laughed. Set informed me that the dragon word for Baaloc was the same as animal dung that really smells bad.
Aloriana instructed me to tell the door what time we wanted to arrive at that destination. I nodded and touched the door.
"One hour before sunrise, please, the day after I left," I requested of it.
Aloriana smiled that I asked instead of commanded.
The door vibrated slightly then opened. I saw the backside of the bushes she had walked from before. I urged Set before me and bid Aloriana good-bye. Once through, the door closed and any signs of it vanished.

Day 204 (182nd)

Day 204 (182nd): 4 days until wedding
This day was filled with dragon business. Gretta found only one item among the merchants that was truly from a dragon. The rest were reptile or other animal: alligator, crocodile, snake, frogs, etc. Some were just leather dyed strange colors and made stiff. The merchant guild leaders were upset that this was going on. One asked for their guild license. Not a single one was a guild member. He gave them two options: tell the truth or be barred from Selvis for life. Not only did they change, they whole assembly of merchants began replacing their signs with the truth. Also, people realized they could now afford the item they wanted even if it was brass instead of gold or simple cowhide dyed a brilliant color. Merchant guilds began signing them up left and right, accepting one copper for one year's dues as reward for their voluntary honesty. We left them to their business.
It was afternoon by that time. We got lunch and headed to the wedding site. The flowers were filling in nicely. By the wedding, there would be no wood visible between the leaves and flowers. The florists had taken well to their assignments and were aiding in wrapping the stems and vines around the arch and rails. They were also keeping animals and insects from this late summer bounty. Set was assisting in his own way by eating mice and squirrels and rabbits he caught on his hunting trips.
His growth spurt was now noticeable to others as well. I could still carry him, but he only asked when he was very sleepy.
While we were looking at the area, six riders and dragons arrived. There was just enough room around the stage for them to land and not disturb anything. They said they were planning a surprise for the royal couple and had come over to see if it was possible. They positioned themselves three to a side. Two arched over the stage while the other four lay down, crossing at the neck to lay head to wing. On cue, they all rose in unison and shot thin streaks of fire, crossing in an X pattern overhead. It was spectacular! They said the flames would be much larger at the wedding, but the thin ones produced a sample to make sure no one would be accidentally hurt.
When we returned to the palace, we asked the rider cleric, Duncan, to inform the centaur cleric of the dragons' activity so he would not feel attacked. Duncan laughed and said he would.
At dinner, we kept quiet about the riders' surprise but did inform them of the status of the flowers and the success with the merchants. Mara was very happy and Gavin seemed satisfied, but he also seemed nervous.
Alone, I asked, "Gavin, what is it? You are not your usually confident self. Is something wrong?"
"My father, mother, and sister are arriving tomorrow. I am afraid they will be disappointed in what we've done here. I just want them to be proud of me."
I felt as far as I had ever reached. Droland, Darla, and Margret were already on the road. I felt their emotions and smiled.
"Gavin, I feel them. They are overjoyed at this wedding. Droland knows the challenges you are facing and is proud that you have not called for help on the ordinary things and is impressed with your judgement for asking for aid against the demon. Be at peace, you have nothing to fear from them."
Gavin smiled broadly and whispered to Mara. She looked at me as tears of joy trickled down her face. I informed my sisters of what had happened. Some of them wept as well.
I don't know if it was because I had opened myself up so much or extended so far, but I felt a curious sensation. I felt dizzy and heavy at the same time. Set's roar alerted the others to notice something wrong. My sisters got me to stand and move away from the table. The last thing I remembered was a red veil falling across my vision.

Normally, I would not write in the book of someone else, but the sisters are occupied at this moment. I am Mattis, whom Kayla has written about. This even requires documenting and I have accepted that task.
When Set roared and brought our attention to Kayla, I felt a cold no winter chill could carry. The other sisters, wisely, took her away from the table. About a dozen paces from it, she turned on her heel and faced us, eyes burning red. Her hair moved in an unearthly wind.
"Hear me, human scum! You may have defeated my agents and servants, but I am far more formidable than they. Your Faerie seer opened the path for me to address you directly. Nothing and no one short of a god can defeat me. Selvis will fall again to me and became the Abyss on earth. My masters will make you all slaves, serving our every whim. No place above or below ground will be unaffected. Your little wedding will be the introduction of a new age. The Age of Demons! Know you power are useless and your plans worthless. YOU WILL FAIL!"
As the last words echoed in the dining room, Kayla slumped and was caught by her sisters with Set right beside her as they helped her to the floor.
"Physically, she is fine," Sarah told us, "but her mind is not here. Vanity, can you help?... Vanity? Set, can you sense either of them?"
Set's whine spoke volumes. He was alone for the first time since he hatched. He nuzzled Kayla's still form and whimpered. Suddenly, they both physically vanished. We all ran to the sisters' room, but they were not there. We wondered where Set would take Kayla in an emergency. As we pondered, a letter appeared out of nowhere. Kendar snagged it before it hit the floor. He read it silently and sat heavily upon the nearest bed. Gavin grabbed it from him and read it out loud:

Dear friends,
Kayla and Set are safe. Set brought her to me in his panic. She is being tended by the best healers in the realm. I will let you know her condition soon."
Signed,
The Faerie Queen.

Bless his scaly hide. Sarroset knew the Faerie Queen would be the one person to aid Kayla in a time like this. We were a bit relieved. However, I could see and sense the loss the other six were experiencing. If I have read Kayla's numbers correctly, this is the first time they have spent a night apart in the six months since the seven of them came together. I told them to sleep and know she was well tended. They nodded and we left them to go to our own chambers. Except for the demon part, I envied Kayla. In the Faerie Realm, I can only hope to see it one day.

Day 203 (181st)

Day 203 (181st): 5 days until wedding
We had no guests for breakfast. Set was learning his wings and returned with a pigeon and some "ouches". A plate was made for him and I tended him as he ate. New scales were forming where his skin was showing his growth spurt. The new ones were less gray and more green than the old ones. They still looked like weathered stone with moss on them, but the change was noticeable.
The centaur cleric arrived after breakfast to go over specific wording. Kendar took several soldiers and the rider cleric to assign positions around the stage and seating. Many would be masquerading as ushers so as to not frighten our guests.
We did receive a few complaints from some of the guests about the "horrible" conditions of their guest quarters. The ones in the castle complained about drafts, not enough blankets, and other pittance. These were easily fixed. The ones in tents, however, had bigger complaints.
Two kingdoms, not actually at war but very hostile to each other, demanded the other be barred from this event and declared an enemy of Selvis. First, we had to find them on a map as none of us had ever heard of either kingdom. We found they were both island kingdoms just south of where the river running through Selvis met the ocean. Second, we told both of them that no official alliances other than the Stone race below Selvis Prime and the races of Brimgrove had been made. That soothed a few ruffles. Third, we assured them, and showed them, that their tents and seats were far enough away from each other as to avoid each other nearly completely. That helped even more. We worked with both to keep the conflicts to a minimum.
Two young lords had to be detained for harassing a young centaur maiden. They each weighed more than she yet, since she was "just a horse", they kept demanding she carry them. This caused their parents to seek "official action" against the soldiers who caught them and the centaur maiden for "scandalously provoking human males to mischief". Neither action took place and the boys and parents paid fines for their activities and were moved from assigned seats to the general seating of the citizens of Selvis. When the parents asked why we were siding with a "stupid beast who's only purpose is for labor and uncivilized carnality", we informed them that she was a citizen of Selvis and Selvis Prime and entitled to all rights as such. They never even thought to see her as a sentient being. All they saw was a horse and a whore.
We found ourselves dealing with a lot of different attitudes towards other races, genders, kingdoms, and professions. Coming from a small village, I never realized there could be such outright hatred between people solely based upon where they lived or what they did to earn a living. People actually fought over who's tent was closest to the seating, as if that made them special. We didn't have the heart to tell them it was by random lots that they were set where they were. Some of the squabbles were funny, like measuring the lot of land to see if, by some luck, one had an extra inch more than the other.
We got pulled into one argument when they saw us walking with Set. Screams erupted and four groups came running at us. It took a moment to hear each clearly enough to understand that four opinions were being hurled at us. One thought he was some weird dog and wanted to discuss breeding rights. One thought he was a servant demon and tried to expel him from us. Two knew he was a dragon. The first wanted to skin him for "dragon kid-skin" items. The second just wanted to kill him before he got "dangerous". The first two left when talk turned to killing and skinning dragons. The last two we talked with for some time. They were both from lands where wild dragons roamed in "large numbers" and many goods were made from dragon hide, scales, teeth, and claws. While talking, we called Leo to come speak with them. It surprised them that dragons were intelligent sentient beings not just vicious monsters who eat their cattle. They learned that they were causing the attacks by killing dragons. Plus, they learned some of the "dragon hide" they had was actually from swamp dwelling lizards and large snakes, so the "hoard of dragons" was greatly exaggerated.
When that was cleared up, Leo escorted us back to the palace as it was getting dark and difficult to see, even with the magic lights. Leo told us as we walked that wild dragons did not congregate like riding dragons and enough dragon hide and materials to supply any industry would make dragons extinct in a matter of a few years.
"Even the rider's queen only clutches once every ten years. Wild females only clutch every twelve to fifteen years. The rider queen has large clutches from twenty to sixty odd eggs. Up to a third of those may never hatch for one reason or another. Wild females only have six to ten eggs. All of those rarely hatch. So, to keep a dragon hide industry running, every egg laid would have to hatch, every dragon would have to reach full growth in less than a decade, and every female would have to lay over one hundred eggs, which, again, all of them would have to hatch. As you can see, a dragon hide industry is impossible to maintain."
We agreed. Gretta suggested she and Greed examine the dragon stuff the next day to find what was actually dragon and what was from some other source. All of us, Leo included, decided that would be a good idea. We spoke of this to the others. Gavin gave us the names of merchant guild leaders to take with us for this inspection. He also sent messages to the merchant council about this matter. Mara said she would push to outlaw trafficking dragon goods without permission or official license or something. Leo and the riders told us dragons shed and lose scales, claws, and teeth all the time. Also, shells were cast off after hatching. These, too, could be sold without a loss of any kind. We left this for the morning as it was very late.

Days 193-202 (171st-180th)

Days 193-201 (171st-179th): 15-7 days until wedding
I was glad the men were focused on the battle part of this event as we had our hands full with the wedding part. The seating was finished, checked, and approved. The magic lights like Raval had illuminated it at night as well as most of the city. Merchants were arriving nearly daily and the tent city we had designated space for slowly grew every day. A few guests had arrived early, one or two confused about the date as fall was already chilling their lands. Others claimed they had to arrive early to "approve" the conditions, accommodations, food, etc. One lady recognized Mara from Lord Carmon's household and flew into a fit. She and her entourage would have left if Gavin hadn't assured her of Mara's heritage and bloodline. Still, she had one of her accompanying wizards confirm her blood tie to the land and throne. These early arrivals became a welcoming committee of sorts for the rest of our guests. We gladly let them have that job.
The finished dress was gorgeous. Simple enough to be elegant with the barest of accents and accessories. The shoes arrived and were perfect. The only payment he asked was to display them in his shop after the wedding as an example of his best work. Mara gladly allowed it and said he would be given the title of "royal cobbler" upon receipt of the shoes. That pleased him as well.
While the florists were apologizing for the lack of flowers, a pixie arrived stating in a note that the fey would be supplying all the flora for the event. Mara thanked the winged girl and slid a string of glass beads around her small body. The back of the note stated that they were to be used afterwards to beautify the city. Mara charged the florists with that duty to which they gladly accepted.
Five chefs and three bakers brought us samples of their skilled creations. Mara chose the menu and gave them some coins to buy what they needed. It relieved them that they were not forced to bear the expense of this themselves.
It suddenly dawned on Mara that she had no attendants and neither did Gavin. We assured her she had nothing to worry about. If she really wanted attendants, we would be happy to fill that spot. She was delighted. Gavin said the soldiers would look like attendants for him plus Kendar would be close by to look like a best man.
We were a week from the wedding, all the big things were finished. A stage ready to receive the Fey's flowers sat in the center of the seating, surrounded on all sides by an open area that allowed all of the spectators to get a good view of the ceremony.
The tent city was up and running nicely.
Mara had been introduced to the leaders as they had time. Some received her warmly while others were either indifferent or down-right cold. We spent a lot of time educating them about the circumstances of her flight and why she had not been "properly educated in matters of state and royalty". We also had to defend our honor from those who claimed we were frauds and the legendary swords as a child's story. Even the dragon riders were harassed by some as "lazy lizard lovers with no useful purpose or service". All of these insults, we found out, came from three lords whom Maalicus had put in power after they killed their predecessors. Their power, with the Baaloc's defeat, had been tested. They hoped to "expose" all of us as frauds to "reclaim" Baaloc Prime for "proper leadership", meaning them or their lackeys. These were closely watched to make sure they caused no mischief.
Rider finders found a total of twenty new riders in the city of Selvis Prime, including the two from the palace itself. Falcon returned to Demagram to begin a true training class. He was so pleased to have found so many. Finders were asked by some of our guests to examine some of their servants, followers, and attendants. Three more were found among them. One unexpected find was a king's second daughter. When it was discovered that she was a rider, it created a talking opportunity between king and riders. He had thought ill of the riders but was not openly hostile. This gave them common ground and, before too long, they were discussing a riders' outpost.
Almost every meal was shared with another ruler, leader, or head of a church or guild. We reassigned one of the servants to keep track so we wouldn't offend anyone by forgetting when we had which meal with them. She had excellent writing skills and a very good memory.
By the last week before the wedding, everything was nearly running itself.

Day 202 (180th): 6 days until wedding
Our chronicler, Mina, awoke us with wonderful news. During the night, plants and flowers began growing on the stage where the place had been made to receive them. I sent Set hunting while we investigated. Flowers that should not have grown in this area or at this time of year were slowly engulfing the arch under which Mara and Gavin would stand, the rails flanking the arch, and the rails on the lowest section of seating separating seats from stage. Mara was beside herself with joy.
Some of our guests were impressed while others spoke of unholy alliances and evil influences. A few asked to be reassigned seating as to avoid being too close to "such unnatural things". Their requests were easily granted.
Our planner asked why one seat, close to the stage, had not been assigned yet left open. I told him we were not sure if a special guest would be attending but wanted a place for her just in case. He understood and wrote "SAG" on his chart for that seat and left.
We returned to the palace to find Set and two other dragons sharing a large carcase. I did not recognize the animal but one of the riders said it was a "moose". Set nearly had his head buried in the beast. I left him to his meal as we were having breakfast with a gathering of clerics. He joined us after washing up.
They were all eager to find out who would be officiating and what kind of ceremony it would be. Mara and Gavin stared at each other. Neither had given any thought to that aspect of the ceremony. This opened an all out shouting match over which of the assembled clerics would perform the "best" ceremony for the couple. Before too long, Mara was crying, Gavin was red with anger, and several clerics were close to blows. Kendar was trying to intervene, but soon he was overwhelmed. I took Anna's hand, as she was closest to me. She took Lisa's, and down the line until all seven of us were physically linked.
"ALL SILENT!" we ordered in unison.
Even though they were still fighting, the room was dead silent. Set tried roaring, but no sound came out.
"Wow! Can I do that?"
"With practice, dear one, with practice."
"I'm glad you made it quiet. That shouting was hurting me."
"How long do we keep them silent?" Gretta asked the rest of us.
"Until they agree to be civil," a couple of us responded.
We all agreed to that. We watched as they slowly realized no sound was coming out of their mouths. They snapped fingers and clapped hands to assure themselves they had not gone deaf. Mara clung to Gavin as he tried, in a silent way, to reassure her.
"Gavin, hear us," we mentally began, " We had to silence you as well as them to get everyone's attention. When they have stopped fighting, we will restore speech."
"Wise move, sisters, taking their primary weapon away. Others would have harmed them. You continue to prove your character."
He conveyed to Mara that we had silenced all to stop the arguing. She smiled and settled into her chair. Gavin also got comfortable and watched. We alerted Kendar and he returned to his seat. Finally all of the clerics calmed down and looked at our group.
"Now that you are settled," Sarah addressed them, "Mara and Gavin will listen, one at a time, to you present your reasons why you and your faith should conduct the ceremony in your style. Only the one presenting will be able to speak. Any interruptions from any other will result in that person being frozen, unable to see, hear, or move. Gavin, Mara, and Kendar, you are free to speak. Choose who goes first."
"Set, you are free as well."
The trio huddled together and began selecting. The clerics began orderly, but a few had to be frozen when something was said with which they adamantly disagreed. After each presented his case, he was rendered silent again. I saw Gavin and Mara writing names, crossing out, and marking them as this process continued.
After the dishes were cleared and the last had spoken, they were thanked, freed of our magic, and dismissed. Kendar thanked us for making an unpleasant chore almost bearable. Gavin summoned the religious council for other faiths not spoken with here to present their side, including other races. They dispatched quickly and, before long, Mara and Gavin were holding their first court to interview clerics. We were off to the side in case they got unruly.
Human clerics sneered at or ignored centaur, elf, dwarf, gnome, and other race clerics. They were all clearly informed of the consequences of rude behavior.
By lunch, the pair had clearly defined the style of ceremony they wanted. Those who could or would not do that style were dismissed before they got to speak. It became obvious that many of the human faiths were too rigid in their dogma to bend and perform any style other than their strict ceremonies.
By evening, the couple had it whittled down to a centaur, an elf, and our dragon rider cleric. They were asked to assemble at the stage. Seeing the setting, our rider cleric said he doubted, even with magical enhancement, that his voice could carry to the back and highest tiers. In appreciation for his honesty and time, Gavin asked him to stand with him and Kendar as an attendant of sorts. He gladly accepted. The elf went through a portion with some of us in the highest tiers. His voice carried well, but some of the words were hard to understand. The centaur's voice carried full and strong, every word clear to not only the farthest parts of the seating, but others outside said they could hear and understand him as well. Mara and Gavin, being closest to him, said he was not shouting or uncomfortably loud. The elf was awarded with giving the opening blessing when everyone would be silent enough to hear him clearly. He thanked the pair and commented on the judgement and fairness of them and their future rule.
Since we were all there anyway, we went through a practice run of the ceremony. As we were, a gaggle of human clerics arrived to protest two human rulers being wed by a "beast of the filth". Gavin reminded them that his mother, Queen Darla of Raval, was a full-blood Faerie who had become mortal for the love of his father. This stopped a few, but others argued that Selvis was a human bloodline pure and free of non-human influence.
"On the contrary," Alice informed them, " King Maldaran was half-elf and his wife was one-eighth mermaid."
"WHAT?!" came the response from many.
One pulled out a book and flipped through the yellowed pages. He reached about a quarter way through it and began reading:
"'King Maldaran, third child and first son of King Marcucian, bore to same by the second wife Queen Lunara of the Brimgrove elves, ascended to the Selvis throne upon his father's official abdication due to his poor health. Maldaran took as wife the Lady Shandon of Sea Watch, who was mixed of human and merfolk descent, upon the third moon of his reign.'"
Many had to examine the old book to prove to themselves he had read true. Realizing their error, the human clerics left silently. As it was getting dark, we made our way back to the palace for dinner with seven guild heads and discussed the future prosperity of Selvis Kingdom and Selvis Prime.

Day 192 (170th)

Day 192 (170th): 16 days until wedding
In the predawn morning, loud bangs and flashes of light awoke the entire city. There seemed to be no single source of either light or noise. For well over an hour this continued. As the sky lightened, the show stopped. Dragons were able to see people running away from smoldering circles of grass. The people fanned out, no two going the same direction. Giving up on the people, the spots were investigated. Anna was asked to read the area for what they were doing. Alice went along to see if there was anything of the people she could sense. A red dragon had caught one of the things before it exploded. At the palace while the other two were gone, we examined it. Falcon said he had seen the people across the ocean make things like this for celebrations. We decided to wait on Anna and Alice before making any conclusions as to the purpose of that display.
We felt them before they returned. Their mirth was a relief. In the courtyard, they gave their report.
"Maalicus, and Cornwall after him, had been stockpiling these explosives from across the ocean. Some of the people have been continuing this process only out of habit and fear. However, they misunderstood that these were for displays and grand celebrations, not combat. They thought they were attacking Selvis Prime and would burn it down as we slept. We found the instructions for lighting them and their effects. Words like 'explosive impact' and 'concussion' must have led them to believe they were weapons. We do not know if they will try again."
Soldiers were ordered to patrol around the city to make it look like we took this as a serious threat. We hoped to make them bold enough to try again, catching them either setting up or during a display.
Rider finders, encouraged by the two just at the palace, began checking the city in earnest. By the end of one day, they had found five and had families inviting them from all parts of the city.
Before mid-day, an odd caravan arrived and came straight to the palace. A group of women, dressed very fancy, spilled out and announced their services as "the best seamstresses in five kingdoms". They said they were here to make Mara's dress. We informed them that she already had a dress and we were finishing the alterations of it for her. All of them clicked their tongues and asked to see it. They nearly fainted when they saw it and what we had done to it. They began talking about replacing all the stuff we had removed plus adding more. Mara was near tears. Lisa was fuming.
I had enough, "Ladies, it is the princess' wishes to have the dress simple without a lot of extravagant additions. We removed what she did not desire and are still making it to fit her tastes."
The women listened then huddled together, whispering. My sisters, save for Lisa who had taken a defensive stance by the dress, surrounded Mara to console her.
The women parted and one addressed me, "It is our understanding that Princess Mara has spent much of her life as a servant, yes?"
I confirmed it was so.
"Also, we are of the understanding that she was in a Lord's employ, not a king or prince. Is this correct?"
Again, I confirmed it.
The ladies looked at each other and nodded.
The speaker turned to me again, "From that, we conclude that she has never seen a real princess' formal gown or wedding dress. Also, no one has taught her that true princesses must flaunt at every opportunity. At her own wedding, more is definitely better."
I heard Mara start sobbing. Lisa was nearly ready to kill these women. My other sisters were also growing annoyed.
"Ladies, your point it quite clear. Let our point be just as clear. Princess Mara does not wish to flaunt anything. She wants a simple, elegant wedding in a simple, elegant dress before the people of her kingdom to the man she loves. All of this extra material is being given to those in need to make clothes for them. Also, after the wedding, the dress will be completely disassembled for more clothes for those whom the previous rulers neglected and mistreated. Do I make myself clear?"
Looks of horror bore upon me. The speaker struggled to find the words.
"Clarify these points. First, she actually loves her betrothed? Second, the whole city is invited? Third, the material you cut off is being given away? Fourth, the whole dress will be cut up and given away after the wedding?"
"First, yes, she and Prince Gavin of Raval love each other. Second, third, and fourth, yes, yes, and yes. Clear enough now?"
They huddled together again. I bade my sisters, especially Lisa, to let me deal with these women and to get Mara settled. Alice believed she should stay and I agreed. The rest ushered Mara out and closed the door. The women looked at the pair of us, "Are you two really the most qualified to speak with us? We are all of very old families of the purest lineage. Plus, our craft was taught to us by Crystal of Moorage, the premiere master seamstress of the lands."
"Tell me," Alice began, "who taught Crystal of Moorage?"
The speaker began a litany of names. She ended with "an ancient seamstress of great skill known only as Evanne. Does that tell you anything?"
Alice smiled, "Evanne is now known as Envy. Her whole essence, mind and spirit, are eternally fused into this sword I carry. It is she who has been showing us how to remake the princess' dress."
They began to laugh. Alice and I took each other's hand. Envy floated between us. Slowly, Envy's former body formed around the sword. One at a time, they stopped laughing and nudged their neighbor. She was solid before the last one was quiet. The two of us make her voice audible.
"Foolish peahens! How dare you usurp a princess' will! Even if the end result is, to your eyes, ghastly, as long as the client is happy. You claim such high standards yet know nothing of simple courtesy! Go back to this Crystal person and tell her how badly you failed. Tell her you tried to stitch silk with twine."
Faces blanched. Apparently that was a dire insult or something. The speaker tried to utter something, but Envy stopped her.
"I will hear no more from you! Take you tin, brass, and glass and find someone as foolish as you to peddle your dull needles upon. We cast you off!"
Not another word came from them as they left. In silence, they returned to their caravan and hastily exited the city. Evana dissolved and Envy returned to her sheath. Lisa charged in and looked around.
"They are gone, sister. Envy, in her past, started the guild to which these women belong. She told them in their own terms that they were neither needed nor wanted," Alice informed her.
"Good thing. If they were still here, I may have had to hurt a few of them," Lisa stated as she eased the tension in her body.
"Sisters, tell Mara all is well. She can return and we can continue," I mentally informed the others.
"We will return in a moment. We are explaining to Gavin and Kendar why Mara was crying. A guild liaison is being found to prevent future conflicts."
"Good, return when you can," I smiled and returned my attention to the dress.
We summoned a servant and asked her to take the excess material to our cleric friend so he could see to its proper dispersal. She and two others were leaving with it when Mara and my sisters returned. Mara looked confused.
"So it is neither in the way nor a temptation for others to use on you dress," I explained.
Mara sighed deeply and relaxed. We all renewed our attack upon the dress with such earnest that we had to be interrupted for dinner. We drowned out the men as we talked about what else we could do to it and Mara spoke easily about what she wanted and didn't want.
Conversation stopped when Set appeared with a large rabbit dangling from his mouth. He dropped it with a wet thud.
"This is food, right? It didn't make the noises Ocean said pets make. Did I do bad?"
"You did fine, Set," I said aloud, "It is a rabbit. In the wild, it is food. In cages, they are either pets or food. We were just startled by its size. Big ones are crafty and hard to catch.
"Oh! Then I did good!"
"Yes, you did good, my young emperor. Now, eat before its blood stains the floor," I chided.
With a slight "eep" noise, he dove into his catch.
The men, now that we were silent, spoke of preparations for our uninvited wedding guest or guests. Almost every king, queen, or leader invited was bringing a small army with them. Many religious orders were sending any and all aid they could. So-called "demon slayers" had volunteered their services for the event.
By the end of dinner, we were all swimming with a sea of information. Retiring each to our rooms, we said our good-nights. Set's stomach was pushed out as the rabbit, hair, bones, and all, sloshed around inside him. I cleaned the dead scales off, rubbed his wings, and smoothed a cream the riders had given me over some places where his growth had stretched the skin. Satisfied, he took his place on the foot of my bed.