Ann is the first to break our surprised silence, “Well, that was kind of … sudden.”
When Ann’s voice begins inside my head, I know right away Cassandra is putting in her two cents. “Actually, I don’t think that was sudden at all. You have to understand Ellie’s modesty … for them to be together, she would insist on marriage. Just because we have left your world, doesn’t mean we let go of our beliefs from our prior life. While you two were otherwise occupied, they ask if I would preside over their joining ... and I said that I would be honored. Getting to know Ellie, and letting her into my life, was a risk that I haven’t taken in a very long time. I love her dearly, and identify closely with her affection for Christopher … I believe that for the sake of their happiness, we should do everything in our power to support them.”
Ann answers quickly, “Of course, you’re right … what can we do to help?” Watching Ann’s lips move as she answers her own voice’s declaration in my head, is surreal to say the least … but I agree with the two women's decision, so I turn to Cassandra and wait for instruction.
“You two will serve as witnesses. I don’t believe that an ancient service, which would last three days, is what they have in mind -- so I was planning to give a basic binding ritual. Specifics don’t really matter at this point, because we are setting precedent in performing the ceremony in the first place. I think as long as we give our love and acceptance … that should be enough.”
“What will happen afterwards? Will Ellie stay human? Is Ellie even human? I’m sorry, but how will this all work?” I don’t want to sound reluctant to join in on the celebration, but my curiosity is getting the best of me.
“I'd like to believe we are still human. I don’t know, Michael. As I said, we are setting precedent … nothing quite like this has ever been done before, to my knowledge. I do know that the energy to stay in your world all the time will put a great drain on Ellie … she will have to take respites in the veil regularly, to be able to remain with Christopher for any amount of time. Beyond that … I just don’t know. They will have to learn as they go along in their life together … and we will help whenever possible.” I can tell, Cassandra is also questioning what the future holds for our friends.
After a moment of quiet deliberation Cassandra speaks again, “The Symboulio will always be a threat; and Ellie has attracted attention from creatures inside the mist as well. They will be waiting, searching, because they are always watching. We will have to remain diligent in our vigilance. We can never let our guard down.”
Although, tonight has earned the right to be festive; we sit, no one speaking, a precarious tranquility in the air.
**~~**
*Christopher*
I wake to hunger pains; and can’t believe my senses when I feel Ellie pressed against me. Sitting up on my elbow, and resting my head in my hand, I look over the woman I love. We talked for what felt like hours, but the conversation seems blurry now. I can’t hear her thoughts, can’t see her memories … but then again, I have no impulse to press for information. All that matters is that she is back with me … soon to be my wife, to stay with me forever.
I pick up a strand of her hair, feel it between my fingers, and then brush my thumb across her sleeping face. We fell asleep in our clothes, on top of the covers, holding each other … finally finding the comfort both of us have been craving so much, for so long. Burying my nose into her neck, I remember thinking last night that she didn’t smell the same. I can still smell the electricity, and even taste the ozone on the back of my tongue … but something is different. When we first met, trapped in her scent, I could imagine flying through clouds, and letting the water molecules wash over every inch of my body; now, though, there is something metallic in her scent, as if she has lived underground.
As my breath tickles her neck, she fidgets slightly, and then shifts back into a comfortable sleeping position. I want to curl back up behind her … I never want to leave her side again, but my stomach protests with an aching rumble.
I have to take care of myself now that Ellie has returned, and I have to make up for starving my body of the essential nutrients it needed over the past two weeks. When I swing my feet over the edge of the bed and sit up, a dizzying headache starts behind my eyes and my hands begin to shake. Standing, I sway for a moment and have to acknowledge that if I don’t eat soon, I’ll pass out.
Stepping out of my bedroom, I find Michael and Ann curled up and spooning on some blankets in front of the fire. Artemis is pressing her back against Michael’s, and Lune has taken a comfortable position against Ann’s stomach. Smiling at my memory of finding Ann and Michael last night in each other’s arms … I can feel part of my heart healing, allowing me to truly rejoice in my friends’ happiness. Thank you, Ellie.
“Good morning, Christopher.” I can hear Cassandra’s voice coming from the chair closest to the stove.
“Good morning.” I cordially nod the greeting to her, and walk into the kitchen to fix breakfast.
Grabbing a banana and scrounging through the cupboard for a chocolate bar, I quickly feed the pain in my gut. In order to stay upright, I need to eat something to satisfy my sugar low, and then I will be able to make a big meal for everyone. The thought of actually cooking for Ellie excites me, and before I know it, I am darting around the kitchen creating a buffet.
By the time the coffee is ready and the cabin is full of the smell of bacon frying, I can see Michael stirring. He is torn between investigating the appetizing smell, and remaining draped over Ann … I totally identify. When he finally detangles himself from Ann and Artemis, and staggers over to the kitchen table; I have a mug of coffee waiting for him.
Rubbing his eyes, and moving slowly, he whispers grumpily, “It’s not right, having that much energy.”
“Good morning to you, too.”
“Please, tell him, I said good morning, as well.” Cassandra’s voice has moved to the chair opposite Michael’s. I can’t tell if she understands the sarcasm in our remarks, but I relay her message nonetheless.
After a curious expression passes over Michael’s face, he looks at a chair, and returns the greeting. His mind whispers about how ludicrous he feels talking to thin air; so I decide not to mention that he is speaking to the wrong chair, or that Cassandra is laughing at his uncertainty.
Trying to hide my own smirk from Michael, I nod to the chair where Cassandra is actually sitting, when she starts speaking to me. “You are quite efficient at cooking … almost makes me wish I still ate.”
“Thanks.”
I am not sure how to address her; and no matter how hard I try, I am having a difficult time becoming comfortable with her presence. I still can’t hear her thoughts or see her memories, and even though Ellie loves her … I feel vulnerable around her.
By the time I pull the blueberry muffins out of the oven to cool, and start the omelets, the girls are waking up. After letting the dogs outside, Ann sits down between Cassandra and Michael. Lune is moving slowly, but at least he is getting around by himself. When Ellie emerges from the bedroom, she pulls another chair over to the table so that she can sit between Cassandra, and me. Then she helps me move all the food over to the table that Michael has already set. We talk, laugh and eat, until we all feel like going back to bed, and I soak up the feeling of actually having a family.
The dogs sit patiently between Ann and Michael waiting for scraps to be given. Artemis keeps staring at Ellie, but makes no move to try and address her. I dismiss the odd behavior as jealousy, and continue to enjoy the conversation.
Michael and Ann clean the table, while Ellie holds my hand and talks with Cassandra. Eventually Ann comes over to Ellie and asks her if she is ready to get dressed. Ellie looks confused for a minute, her eyes shifting from Cassandra to Ann, until Ann finally takes her hand and leads her to the loft. I can hear Ann explaining that she has a dress that will be perfect for Ellie to wear … even if it is going to be a little short.
Watching the girls walk up the stairs, I jump whe
n Michael puts his hand on my shoulder. “Guess we probably ought to get ready, too.”
I can feel how genuinely happy he is for me, but I can also hear how uncertain he is, concerning my future. Given his misgivings, what comes out of his mouth next, surprises me, “Ann and I ran to my place last night, while you were sleeping -- it occurred to me that you didn’t have rings for today. I mean, why would you?” He stutters a little, uncomfortable with expressing his consideration. “My mom gave me these when I was a teenager -- they were her and my dad’s promise rings. I know they aren’t extravagant, just simple Irish rings from Claddagh, but I think they might work for you. You wear the crown toward your knuckle, to show that your heart is held by someone. The image is supposed to show that your heart is taken.”
He drops the rings into my hand and I understand what he is talking about. They are basic in design and smooth from age; but still visible, carved into the gold, are two hands holding a heart that seems to be topped with a crown. I nod, not knowing what to say … but I can’t think of a better representation of the hold Ellie and I have over each other.
He goes on explaining that it’s a tradition for the rings to be given as a gift … that they should never be purchased by the wearer. I think he probably could have gone on for hours about the history of the rings, trying to downplay the gift … but he stops when I shake his hand and thank him.
We are much quicker at getting ready than the girls, so we use our extra time performing tasks for Cassandra. She chooses a spot west of the cabin, where the trees bow over a small trail that leads into the forest. Michael explains to me that Ann and Cassandra spent hours last night discussing how the Priestess of Delphi was going to perform a simple Hand Fasting ceremony that was usually reserved for Celtic pagans. The only thing that Cassandra insisted on was that Ellie needed to wear a veil until the binding was complete. Apparently, it was an important wedding detail from Cassandra's past.
As we set my kitchen table at the mouth of the trail, and place two candles on top of what is now an altar, he continues telling me about how interesting it is to learn about ancient Greek weddings, and how incredible it is to have ‘The Cassandra’ marrying Ellie and me. I have to laugh at his enthusiasm, which is thankfully a great change from his discomfort earlier when he gave me the rings.
After everything is ready outside, Cassandra, Michael, Lune, Artemis and I wait by the altar for Ellie and Ann to appear. When they turn the corner around the cabin and slowly start walking toward us, my heart begins to race, and then seems to drop into my feet. Ellie is beautiful in a plain, white dress and bare feet. She has a delicate lace veil covering her face that moves subtly when she breathes. I don’t think she could possibly be anymore awe-inspiring, even if she was wrapped from head to toe in silk.
When she finally glides up to me and grabs my hand, I start feeling dizzy again. I try to focus on what Cassandra is saying, but can’t calm down … even when I hear Ann proclaim, “Blessed be.”
Cassandra’s voice starts up again, but I am trapped in Ellie’s spell, focusing on the pulse I can feel in her wrist. I vaguely hear Cassandra ask if we want to be one with each other, and I follow Ellie’s lead by saying “I do”.
“…Then, as the Goddesses, the Gods, and the Old Ones Are witness to this rite I now proclaim you husband and wife.”
I blink, and I am finally whole, with a family. I glide through five heartbeats, and I am married to the love of my life … and as I lift the veil from Ellie’s face, to the cheers of my friends, I finally hear the truth. Spoken words that make the legion of voices in my head go silent; one single, all encompassing voice, which is coming from all around me, surrounding my wedding, “You are mine, Christopher … for now, for always.”
Bending forward to kiss my bride, I hear Michael's distinct voice vibrating softly in my mind, surprise resonating through his tone, "No! I must be imagining things again … or Ellie has very strangely, colored eyes. They are glowing red, as if they're smoldering with danger."
###
About the Author
A native Coloradan, Elyse brings a unique vision of the character found in the Rocky Mountains. Fluent in French, she spent time exploring Europe and its history in her late teens. Elyse has eclectic interests in studying the human mind, philosophy, and humanity and its varied cultures. Combining that with a lifelong admiration of nature, from astronomy to geology, she has experience with a broad spectrum of knowledge.
Elyse has a visceral writing style that is both melodious and uncluttered, coming from an enduring love of poetry. The unique cadence, when coupled with dark fiction, provides an intriguing and memorable read. Her inspiration and understanding of the darker side of literature, and life, is drawn from the intimate experiences she has had in coping with hospice work, and terminally ill patients. That knowledge brings humanism to her plots, and unexpected emotions to her character development.
Where can you find Elyse:
http://elysedraper.webs.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elyse-Draper/55823343806
https://twitter.com/AuthorElyseD
Elyse Draper, Consequences
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