Day 208 (186th) Wedding Day

Day 208 (186th): Wedding Day
Before dawn, Mara burst into our room, hysterical.
"I slept through my own wedding! How could you have let me do that? Everything is falling apart!" she screamed at all of us.
It took several minutes to calm her down enough to reassure her that she had not missed anything. As the sky lightened and puffy clouds floated on a slight breeze, we showed her that the tent city was still there, that people were arriving, not leaving, and today was her wedding day. She, finally, realized it was a dream that she had missed her own wedding, nothing more.
Although we heard the men scuffling about, we only caught glimpses of them leaving or passing by us.
When we entered the room housing Mara's dress, we found a pleasant surprise. A large bouquet of snow white roses was laid at the foot of the dress. Seven smaller bouquets of multi-colored flowers laid across the windowsill along with a basket full of red rose buds for the men. Mara handed the basket to a servant to give to the men.
As breakfast arrived, women from the city arrived to arrange Mara's hair and add color to her face. They offered to do our's as well, but we assured them we had that handled. By mid-day, Mara was a vision to behold. The jewels Darla and Margret had loaned her went well with the hair, dress, and the rest of it.
We heard the men's procession leaving as we made our way to the carriage. With her train greatly shortened, Mara did not take up the entire carriage. We helped her in as she seemed to have trouble walking. Sarah confirmed the health of her body, so we knew it was her emotions making her shake. The dust from the men's procession had died by the time our procession got underway. Female centaurs trotted in front of the carriage, throwing petals and leaves before it. Guards hung on the corners on the outside of the carriage while Mamar, Mattis, Lehand, and Sadal rode behind and beside to stay out of the wake of the wheels.
The seating was filled when we arrived. The carriage went inside an opening to allow us to step right upon the carpet laid down as an aisle. The four who rode behind us took positions on both sides of the door.
As we exited, gowns formed in the place of our regular clothes. Bouquet in hand, we marched one at a time to the stage, accompanied by a quartet of musicians playing beautifully. I was the last before Mara, by her request. She said my confidence gave her strength. Set at my side, a bag around his neck holding the rings, I made my way to the stage. Glancing at the seating, I was delighted that Aloriana was in her reserved seat. She gave me a small wave.
Once in position, the music swelled and Mara exited the carriage. Save for the music, all was silent. No whispers, gasps, or remarks intruded upon the music. Mara reached the stage and stood before Gavin, who was smiling brighter and bigger than I had ever seen him. Hand-in-hand, they took a couple of steps to a raised part of the stage where both the elf and centaur clerics stood. The elf, robe brushing the ground so he almost appeared to float, walked around the pair to address the assembly. His voice sounded well in the silence.
"On the first day of fall, we usually think of harvesting, not sowing. Today, however, we do both. We sow the seeds of a bright future while harvesting the joy of this union.
"Princess Mara of Selvis, whom we all thought lost to us many years ago, has returned to accept the role and reign as ruler of Selvis Kingdom, reclaimed from Baaloc rule.
"Prince Gavin of Raval, second son of King Droland and Queen Darla of Raval, took the role of her protector at Raval Palace and has offered to continue that role beside her as husband and King of Selvis. You, honored guests and citizens of Selvis and Selvis Prime, are gathered here to witness their union.
"From the oldest of times, males and females have bonded together for food, safety, love, sex, and to continue the species. Throughout the ages, ceremonies have been created to celebrate this bonding. Today, we ask all the powers to bear witness and bless this bonding to bring it, and all of Selvis, happiness and prosperity. May every god and goddess of the Immortal Realm see fit to bless this couple and this Kingdom. May every power upon this realm find no cause to turn upon this couple and bid them harm. Let no one and nothing cause these two to part in this life and may they find each other in the next. Praise Life!"
"PRAISE LIFE!" rang from the tiers of seats.
The elf cleric faced Gavin and Mara, bowed, and stepped off to stand with the musicians. The couple faced the centaur cleric who's human-like section was dressed similar to the elf, save his robe stopped just below where the horse-like body started. His hooves were highly polished and ribbons neatly contained his tail. He raised his muscled arms to bring attention back to the three of them.
"On this special day," he began, "we add a special event. While the first day of fall is a celebration in its own rite, such a union as this makes it even better.
"Mara, blood princess of Selvis, whom all believed perished with her family, discovered in the household of one of the Seven Sisters of the Swords, returned to us by the same upon the routing of the Baaloc leaders.
"Gavin, son of Droland and Darla, blood prince of Raval, who felt destined for the typical life of a second born prince, never to step out of his father's or brother's shadows.
"In Raval Palace, they formed the bond of friendship. Gavin took the role of protector over the lonely princess as she tried to learn that role. Mara, in return, became Gavin's muse, pulling him out of the shadows to shine on his own. That friendship grew, as a seed in fertile soil, in the shelter of Raval Palace.
"Upon arriving here, they have each shown wisdom beyond their years and hearts of purest gold. Selvis, even in this short time of its rebirth, has prospered and healed many old wounds. While we have a long, hard road ahead, Gavin and Mara have chosen to walk it together."
Turning his gaze upon the couple before him, he ignored the crowd and addressed them alone, even though his strong voice still carried.
"Mara, do you willingly, freely, without doubt or regret, come before this assembly to take Gavin as your husband and King?"
"I do," Mara replied in a voice thick with emotion, but loud enough to be heard.
"Gavin, do you willingly, freely, without doubt or regret, come before this assembly to take Mara as your wife and Queen?"
Gavin nodded as he tried to speak. Finally, he found his voice, "I do."
"Proclaiming their intent, Mara and Gavin have written their own vows to seal this union."
Handing her bouquet to me, Mara took Gavin's hands in her's. She looked into his eyes and only the two of them existed in that moment.
"Gavin, when I was told that I would become the Queen of Selvis, I felt overwhelmed. Being brought to Raval Palace, even with Tess by my side, I felt utterly alone. You were not kind to me upon my arrival, but you were not mean either. Through the Sisters, we learned to trust each other. After they left for Baaloc Prime, we became closer. My heart jumped every time I saw you. When you proposed, my world exploded and rebuilt itself around you. I cannot see myself continuing without you by my side. The road will be rough, but you make it possible to endure any hardships.
"Gavin of Raval, I, Mara of Selvis, take you to be my lawfully wedded husband. Through pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow, easy times and hard times, bonding myself to you alone, until death takes my hand from yours."
"Mara, when you arrived, I saw only a servant. In my narrow view of things, royals behaved a certain way from birth. Even a princess without a kingdom would act a particular way. Your kindness, your gentle spirit, and your humility raked against what I expected from a princess. The Sisters, the dragons, plus others, opened my eyes and showed me the foolishness of my narrow view. Witnessing the Baaloc's miss out on so much because of their narrow viewpoint has further enlightened me. I was afraid to propose, believing my state as a second son made me unworthy of a crown princess. Yet, my love and our friends encouraged me to ask. When you accepted, my world exploded as well. As it reassembled, you became its core. I could no more live without you than without my heart.
"Mara of Selvis, I, Gavin of Raval, take you to be my lawfully wedded wife. Through good times and bad times, in wealth and poverty, during light times and dark times, binding myself to you alone until death separates us in this life."
The centaur placed his large hands around the couple's clasped hands, nearly obscuring them.
"Many traditions use the circle as the symbol of eternity. With no beginning nor end, it is fitting. In many ceremonies, a ring is the physical embodiment of that never-ending circle. This one is no exception. The rings, please."
Sarroset proudly walked up to the centaur and stood on his back feet to allow him to take the pouch. As the centaur's hand took the bag, the ground shook. The crowd became frightened and threatened to bolt. Our soldiers/ushers, respectfully and calmly, kept the assembly in their seats.
Upon the carpeted aisle, a group of people materialized. To my shock, a couple of them looked like my parents. Down the line I saw Callie's parents, Anna's mother, Lisa's commander father, Gretta's father, a woman in a nun's habit, and another Lord Carmon.
"Kayla? What's going on? Why are you up there in such fancy clothes? Who said you could be in a royal wedding? Get down before you make a fool of yourself," said the couple who looked like my parents.
"Callie! Get over here at once! We will not have one of our daughters putting on airs. Get over here now!" shouted the ones who looked like Callie's parents.
Anna's "mother" just cried, moaning, "Why? Why?" over and over.
Lisa's "father" stood statue still, giving her a hard look.
Gretta's "father" was sobbing, begging for her to come back home.
The nun was singling out every rule Sarah had broken and the punishment she would endure for them.
The second Lord Carmon was demanding Alice to return to Thantos at once and forget this "sword nonsense".
After a couple of minutes, I had my fill, "Enough!" I bellowed. I walked to the edge of the stage, "Your tricks are hollow, Garamesh. We see through it like glass."
"Kayla," my "mother" began, "what are you talking about? Who's Garamesh? You've let your obsession with those swords addle your mind. Come home so we can treat you."
"Do not play with us," I responded, "We know you are fakes because Garamesh messed up. Lord Carmon, Alice's real father, is there in the stands, where he has been for quite a while."
The real Lord Carmon stood and shouted, "Be gone foul construct! You are revealed!"
The second Lord Carmon shuddered and vanished.
"Maalicus, Abigail, and their crew murdered all of the elder nuns of Sarah's convent. This woman is many months dead," I told everyone.
The nun shuddered and vanished like the other. Those remaining did not react to the disappearance of the pair.
"Gretta's father is an abusive tyrant. He would not shed one tear for her nor beg anything of her. Be gone!"
The image of Gretta's father disappeared in similar fashion.
Anna stepped forward, "My mother has been in great pain and did not moan, cry, or give any outward reflection of her distress. Away, false vision! You are undone!"
This image shuddered away. Anna took her place as Lisa stepped forward.
"Do you know what my orders were when I was sent off to be with these girls and find my sword?"
Her "father" struggled to come up with the appropriate wording. When "he" failed, he vanished. Lisa returned and Callie stood beside me. The four remaining images looked at us in a disapproving manner. My "mother" and Callie's "father" were the ones who spoke.
"Should have kept you two apart as children."
"Kayla's foolishness has always gotten you in trouble, Callie. Leave her here and return home with us."
"Callie is an anchor. She's been dragging you down for years, Kayla. Toss her aside and be done with her."
Wrath and Vanity floated out of their sheaths and crossed between us as them.
"Their weakness is plain," Callie stated flatly.
"It shall undo them," I calmly responded.
Before they could question our meaning, I and Callie placed our hands at the swords' juncture. As one, we ordered, "REVEAL!"
My "father" and Callie's "mother" thrashed and vanished. The two remaining were no longer human in appearance. The male looked like Tharinzar, only with more barbs. The female was barely clad with bat-like wings jutting out of her back. Her eyes were reptilian and cold while her hair was flaming orange. The assembly gasped nearly as a single person. The pair looked at themselves and each other.
"Fine, you have revealed our true appearance. We were merely a diversion. Garamesh and many others march upon this kingdom. As long as they are not bonded, you are defenseless," the female hissed.
"Then, we proceed. I sense your masters and know they still have a way to travel. They will be bonded well before their arrival."
"Lying whore! They are but moments away. Beside, we will keep you occupied until they get here."
"No, you won't, " came from all directions.
With a slight nod from us, every wizard and cleric began the hybrid demon spell. The pair shrieked as the mass of magic assaulted them. I glanced and saw Aloriana join in the casting. The pair shrank like ice in an oven until they popped like a bubble. Callie, the swords, and I returned to our positions.
"Finish, good cleric, so we may hold off their masters," I instructed.
Nodding, the centaur cleric removed the rings from the pouch. He gave Mara Gavin's ring and Gavin Mara's ring.
"Normally, you would each say this alone, but as time in not with us, both of you repeat after me. I, Mara/Gavin, place this ring upon you as a symbol of our union. Let any who see this know we are bound to each other. By all the gods and goddesses in the Immortal Realm, we are one."
Gavin and Mara repeated in unison. On the last word, they slipped the rings upon each other's hand. I could feel the magic around them gather tightly, getting ready to be released.
"With the placement of the rings and exchange of vows, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss now to seal this union."
Gavin and Mara smiled and drew closer. With unexpected enthusiasm, Gavin lifted Mara off the stage and kissed her fiercely. Mara wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss in kind. The magic around them exploded in a wave that raced out of our area and soared over the land. Feeling for Garamesh, I smiled as the magic assaulted him and made his group retreat to the border of Selvis. I returned my attention to the newlyweds. Gavin finally released Mara to a thundering of cheers. The six dragons landed around the stage and created their arches of fire. The couple and assembly were awestruck. The Royal Pair walked under the arches of flames to the carriage. The dragons stopped. Mara and Gavin kissed again, long and passionately. Gasps from the highest tiers alerted us as we looked skyward. Tiny snowflakes began dusting the area. Not ash from the dragons' fire, but real snow. A look towards the palace showed that it, too, was being slowly covered in the fine frozen powder. Some children were frightened as they had never seen or felt snow before. The ground, still warm from the sun, remained snow free as it melted on contact. Dawn, from somewhere, swooped around the seating, singing strongly and beautifully, leaving a golden glittery trail as she went. She circled over the couple, showering them thoroughly, before she settled upon the carriage.
"Daughter, who's bird is that?" Aloriana asked mentally.
"Dawn and Alice are paired, Mother. Why do you ask?"
"So, Dawn, the bird, chose Alice. When did this happen?"
"When we were on the Selvis side of Brimgrove forest. Alice felt her following her. When we gave them room, Dawn came down from the trees and settled on Alice. They have been together for almost two months."
"I take it you do not know what she is."
"Other than a King's bird, no."
"She is definitely a King's bird, but she is also part phoenix. I'd say about two generations back, one of her ancestors was a phoenix."
"So, what is the golden stuff?"
"A diminished form of phoenix fire, I gather. I will have to look at it closer to know for certain."
I nodded and we set that aside. Gavin and Mara entered the carriage, trailing snow and glitter. Male and female centaurs escorted the carriage back to the palace with trumpets and drums. As they were leaving, our centaur cleric told everyone in the reserved seating to make their way to the palace for the reception. Citizens in the general seating were informed where to get their piece of cake. We seven accompanied our friends back to the palace. I went with Kendar as he wished to speak with me.
"I felt something when they kissed, like a weight lifted. Explain, please."
"From the beginning blessing, every word built up magic. When he called for all the gods and goddesses and every power of this realm, he awakened the ancient blood tie the rulers of Selvis have to the kingdom. Calling Mara and Gavin blood prince and princess confirmed their identities and furthered the magic. Binding themselves also bound them to the land. Their kiss was the seal. The magic that had built was released at that point and put every inch of land deemed Selvis Kingdom under divine protection and the protection of lesser powers within this, the Mortal Realm. The demons, now, cannot enter Selvis Kingdom above or below ground. The treaty with the Stone Race extended Selvis' protection to them as it also did to the races of Brimgrove."
"I have been to royal weddings before. Never have I witnessed such as this," Kendar said defensively.
"First of all, your perception has changed to allow you to feel it. Second, their kingdoms, probably, were not as tainted and, therefore, needed less or no protection upon them. Third, I am guessing only one god, goddess, or power was called, which makes the magic weaker. Fourth, it was, most likely, a human cleric officiating which, again, only pulls certain powers. Does this make sense?"
"Actually, yes, now that I think upon them. Those ceremonies seemed to drain, instead of infuse, those watching of energy. I know I was exhausted by the end."
By this time, we had reached the city. The magic of the wedding plus the cleansing snow had lifted some of the residual energy of the Baaloc rule. The gentle snow did not make the day colder nor did it hamper any carriages, wagons, or horse hooves. We followed the flow of people into the palace.
A servant informed me that Mara wanted to see us as soon as possible. I found Mara, Callie, and Alice in Mara's bedroom. They had helped Mara out of her wedding dress and into a gown for the reception. Mara's emotions were spinning like crazy.
"Kayla, thank all powers, it is you," Callie started verbally for Mara's benefit, "She's been like this since she arrived. We nearly had to wrestle her out of the wedding dress and into this one. Her thoughts are so jumbled, neither of us can make any sense of it. What she does say doesn't make sense either."
Mentally, my sisters and their swords relayed the tussle and Mara's strange mutterings. During this time, Mara was wringing her hands and pacing while having a conversation with herself. I went to her and she walked right into me without pause. I caught her and made her look me in the eye. Those eyes were not Mara's eyes.
"Sisters, gather in Mara's room now! A sneak attack has taken place. Mattis and Mamar, you are needed as well. Aloriana, we could use your aid, too," I sent to them with utmost urgency.
Everyone I called raced into the room. Quickly assessing the problem, they confirmed something had snuck into Mara's mind either during the ride back or inside the castle itself. We mutually decided on trying the soul poison spell. As we begun, Mara began hissing like an angry cat. We continued. With us encircling her, she had nowhere to run. Finally, Mara fainted and crumbled to the floor. Where she had stood was a ghostly form of Abigail.
"You may have killed my body, but I secured my spirit within these walls. There was just enough of an opening to let me slide into Mara's mind. Garamesh promised me immortality if I could drive Mara insane and break the infant bond before it grew too strong. Now, bitches, I will return to my new body."
"NEVER!" we all replied in unison.
Sloth gave us another spell and we pointed the swords at her as we chanted. Abigail's ghostly form writhed and thrashed under our assault. With a loud moan, she fell apart like fog in the wind. Gavin arrived as we helped Mara to her feet, Sarah secretly healing any wounds from the encounter.
"What is this? That noise?" Gavin questioned as he took Mara to a chair.
We explained and Gavin went white. His emotions warred within him as he struggled to understand. We assured him that Mara was herself and the same he had just married. Her eyes and glow confirmed it was she. Gavin and Mara embraced and both wept. We let her know that it was not weakness on her part that allowed Abigail's invasion.
"Your bond is still young, like a baby, fragile and wobbly. She found the smallest of 'holes', for want of a better word, and slid inside. Plus, she was a strong witch, well learned in the dark skills. It was not your weakness, but her strength, that allowed this."
Gavin understood, "A master bested a novice, I see," He faced Mara, who still seemed to struggle, "Our love is but a sapling. Her power was a hawk, too strong for the sapling to support. Luckily, it has only bent, not broken."
At last, Mara understood and clung to Gavin. We left to give them time to reinforce their bond. Aloriana said we handled that well.
We returned to our guests. Our clothes had changed from the gowns of the wedding to simple but elegant dresses for the reception. The guests parted before us. Some parted out of awe, others in fear. We saw a few make warding signs to protect themselves.
The trumpet alerted us that Gavin and Mara had arrived. We watched them make their way to the seats of honor at the tables set up in one of the recently renovated halls. This was the cue for everyone else to take their places. We seven, Mamar, Mattis, and Kendar flanked the couple on both sides. I felt all of the stares we were receiving, both good and bad. Another trumpet blow announced the food being brought into the hall. A small army of servers flooded through the doors, laded with trays. Swiftly and precisely, they set the meals we had sampled the other day.
With attention away from us, I was free to feel out our guests and friends. Those that knew us were impressed with how we handled the prelude to an attack that never happened. Those that didn't know us had their doubts as to our intentions. The snow, in many people's opinions, was a good sign. People dove into their food and thoroughly enjoyed it. Talk became light and good-hearted. Many pushed the wedding incident out of their minds. None, save for the few whom I had called, knew anything about Abigail's attack. Kendar got my attention.
"Are we able to stand down now?" he sent as best he could.
"Not yet. While the large demons are now barred, they can still send any agents and servants to do their work for them. Let us stay alert for a while longer."
He nodded and continued to eat. Set was under the table at my feet, eating away on bones the chefs had laid aside just for him.
We were about an hour or two into the reception when Leo called to us seven and anyone else receptive enough to hear him.
"I hate to interrupt, but your presences are needed outside."
We seven, Aloriana, Mamar, Mattis, Kendar, plus many wizards and clerics took our leave and went outside. Kendar instructed the guards to remain alert and protect the room.
Outside, our hearts sank. The white snow was now falling in red. Looking skyward, we saw faces rolling in the clouds.
"You may have sealed the land, but the sky is still open," a voice similar to Garamesh's, but deeper, rumbled through our minds.
Citizens were panicked as the red snow became more obvious. They ran to their homes and bolted doors and shuttered windows. Soon, the streets of Selvis Prime were empty.
We looked to each other to come up with a plan to expell the demons from the clouds. Clerics threw the names of their gods at us as the "only" power capable of doing the job. Wizards, likewise, pounded us with spells that could "effectively" turn aside the demons. Aloriana said nothing. After a few minutes of this noise, we seven separated from the mass of arguing people. Aloriana followed.
"This is bigger than one power or spell. Even Sloth is at a loss," Anna verbally reported.
"Truly, I know of no single god or goddess who's power encompasses all of this," Sarah stated as she indicated snow and sky.
"We need all the powers," I blurted.
Aloriana's eyes widened, "Do you know what you are saying?" she asked me.
At first, I didn't, but then a cool sensation swept through me that brought knowledge. I quickly relayed this knowledge to my sisters. The others were still arguing. The seven of us linked hands, minds, and, possibly, souls.
"ATTEND US, MORTALS!" a single voice resonated out of all of us as one.
They stopped their bickering and looked at us, aghast.
"NO SINGLE POWER CAN BRING DOWN THIS HOARD. ALL MUST ATTEND. ALL MUST WORK TOGETHER. STAND WITH THESE SISTERS AND INVOKE ALL OF YOUR GODS."
Silent and dumbstruck, they began forming up on both sides of us. From out in the city and behind the palace, other clerics and magic makers assembled with us. Falcon, Leo, and other dragons took positions in the growing throng.
"CALL YOUR GODS," our singular voice commanded.
The mingled prayers and invocations sounded like chaos at first. Then, a strange rhythm began and even though they were saying different words in different languages, the rhythm kept it unified. I could see the magic mixing and mingling. Arcane blue, cleric yellow, Faerie rose, dragon shimmer, plus the colors added by centaur, elf, dwarf, and all the races that joined in. A dome of magic began forming, spreading up and out, keeping the red snow from reaching the ground inside the protected area. Citizens and guests peeked out of windows and doors to witness this event.
From the north, a rainbow-colored cloud rolled and raced towards the demon inhabited clouds. As it approached, it grew larger and the colors grew brighter and more vibrant. The faces turned from us and watched the advancing cloud. Faces began forming in this one as well, but they were far from demonic. Handsome males and stunning females floated in and out of sight. The rainbow cloud stopped just short of touching the demon one.
"SURRENDER OR BE DESTROYED, LEGION. RETURN TO YOUR FIERY REALM AND NEVER CORRUPT THE SURFACE AGAIN," bellowed a chorus from the rainbow cloud.
"Even united, you are no match for us. From this kingdom, we will spread throughout the Mortal Realm and be free of the prison you built for us. Mortals will be our slaves and food. Even together, you are weak," a dark chorus responded from the demon cloud.
We, on the ground, continued our prayers, spells, and invocations under the shouting going on above us. Others joined our work: pixies, animals, spirits of unknown sources. Our dome grew, encompassing the city, the tent city outside the walls, and a large area beyond.
As the two clouds exchanged threats, the ground rumbled. From the south, a spout of flame shot out of the ground. When it reached one thousand feet, it molded into a two-legged roughly human male shape. From the west, a geyser erupted, shooting water high into the air. It, too, molded into a one thousand foot, roughly human shape, female this time. From the east, a cyclone formed, gathering larger and tighter. It became male. Then, a great mound formed in the north. At the one thousand foot mark, it became roughly female. These four advanced upon the city, melding through our dome yet leaving it intact. At the walls of the city, they stopped. As one, they lifted their arms to the demon cloud. Like a baker, they began compressing the cloud like bread dough. The demons inside roared and struggled.
The rainbow cloud formed into a nearly flat stage will all the gods and goddesses standing upon it in their various forms and dress, or undress. I could sense some surprise from around me as some were not dressed or looked like they were "suppose" to look. The cloud broke up and each deity floated to encircle the demons being crushed by the embodied elements.
From above them, a shimmering mass descended. As this mass hovered over the demons, a great voice, neither male nor female spoke.
"Offspring, why have you broken your pact? Eons ago, you swore to remain in you place of fire and smoke untill a new land in the Mortal Realm was made for you. This kingdom and this land are not it. To the south, far from all mortal lands, your place is set to be born. Either return to your place until it is ready, or I remove your immortality and allow all these forces to destroy you."
"First One! We made no pact! The other offspring imprisoned us and swore us to false vows. Punish them, not us!" the demons cried.
"Other offspring, defend yourselves. Did you force these offspring to these vows?"
"FIRST ONE, WE EXPLAINED YOUR PLAN. THEY AGREED AND WENT WILLINGLY," they calmly replied.
"Liars! They said to either submit or die. We had not choice," the demons whined like children.
"Where is the one named Andarosh, the first born among you, my true child?" the First One asked, truly concerned.
Silence from the demons. The shimmer asked again and received no answer.
I could sense Anna and Alice receiving histories from the demons. We below had finished and were watching the arial event in awed quiet. Apparently the shimmer, the First One, also sensed something from us.
"Seven Sisters, I call upon you as outside forces. Tell me what you know," we were almost commanded.
Anna took a step forward, "Andarosh committed suicide. He walked into the flowing fire and surrendered him immortality."
Alice stepped beside her, "These demons, this offspring, decided since only he and the first demons took the vow, it died with them. They have convinced themselves your other offspring forced them to that realm since none of them made any vows."
The First One was still for a moment as was everyone else.
"Demon offspring, vow to me now. Vow to return to your realm until the new land is ready and meddle no more in mortal affairs and I promise your continued existance."
"Who will serve us in this new land? You and your other offspring have mortals who serve you. Are we to be denied our servers?" they continued to whine.
"Mortals serve us by their will. They may serve you if they wish. They will have to travel on their own to your new land to serve you," the First One chastised.
"Unacceptable! We have sufferred for eons. We demand compensation."
"They lie," I blurted out, "They have all they or any being could want. They have not sufferred."
"Shut up, whore! You have caused enough trouble. This is a matter for gods, not clods like you."
The shimmer vibrated violently. Everything and everyone stopped. A whimper escaped from the demon cloud.
"You call a virgin a whore? You say their work to purify and cleanse the land is trouble? Then, call them clods? I have had enough of your lies and tactics. Open your minds to me now!" the First One bellowed.
A roar shook the buildings as the First One pried open the minds of a legion of demons. My sisters and the rest of our assembly were the only things that kept me from being lost in the massive amount of images being drawn from them. My sisters were also struggling as they were barraged by it all.
"Stay together, sisters," I called to them, "it is nearly done."
A few moments later, the demons' minds slammed shut and the First One vibrated furiously.
"Death is too good for what you have done. Elements, release them."
The four embodied elements released the demon cloud and stood as silent sentinels. The gods still encircled the demons.
"Demon offspring, by your own memories, I have seen your lies and plots. Your immortality is denied. Your powers are revoked. Your fate is now in mortal hands. I remove you from divine providence," the First One said angrily.
Roars echoed as the cloud full of demons slowly fell to the ground inside the city. Our protective dome was cancelled as the cloud touched it. When it touched solid ground, the cloud dispated in an instant and demons fell out as if a wagon had spilled its contents.
Without command, soldiers and citizens surrounded the now-mortal demons with every weapon available. The demons, still an impressive seven feet tall and covered in barbs, lashed at their would-be captors and raced out when an opening was made. Kendar told them not to pursue the demons as they would be found later.
The snow was falling white again as the gods reassembled and stood on a single cloud again. The First One pulsed before speaking.
"Well done, mortals. Your combined voice provided the key to bring down this legion. Selvis can now become the land as it was foreseen. Sisters of the Swords, this task is ended. While you may be called together again in your lifetimes, the crisis which summoned you is over. I do ask one thing of you. I have a new land being born with no one to populate it. What should be done with it?"
We all thought on it. Every race we knew had a home and realm that they loved and where they thrived. Many others offerred their opinion. Finally, we agreed.
"First One, as it is a new land, we suggest to populate it with a new race. Since it is far from any mortal land, they will have time to grow and prosper before any mortal finds them. If need be, place barriers to prevent its premature discovery," I said.
The shimmer pulsed and the deities nodded and smiled.
"Wisely said, Sisters. I shall use the time it is forming to choose this new race. Thank you, all of you. We leave you to finish you celebration."
The shimmering cloud floated up and out of sight. The rainbow cloud engulfed the deities and they returned the way from which they had come. The embodied elements returned to their points of arrival and exited as they had entered.
For a few moments, we all stood as silent as the snow falling upon us. Gavin nudged Falcon. Breaking out of his reflection, Falcon rumbled to get everyone's attention.
"Good people, we still have a wedding reception going on and the food is getting cold."
Laughter broke out and we began filing back into the palace. The citizens returned to their activities as did the soldiers.
The reception continued well into the night with many guests falling asleep at their tables. We returned to our rooms when we found ourselves getting sleepy. We truly did not know what tomorrow would bring.