The Wedding. A Short Fantasy Story. Free Read.

 

The Wedding

A short fantasy story

By Alison Lawrence

"What a splendid evening for a betrothal." Said Lyra to her sister, Ula, as she flitted about the room.

Ula smiled at her sister's enthusiasm. "You'd think it was your own wedding and not that of Prince Azariah and Princess Beulah."

"Their happiness is mine too." Lyra said simply. She slipped on her shoes and made some last adjustments to her flower garland. "How much perfume do you have, Ula? The air needs to be especially fragrant."

"Don't fret Lyra, all will be well." Ula flipped her long braid over her shoulder and stretched her wings. "Hurry, sister, we must leave. The others will be waiting in the clearing."

Leaving the grassy mound that was their home, the two sisters hurried to meet their friends. Their silvery wings fluttered gracefully in the summer air. Decibel swooped to their side. "Are you ready for this great day? I know I am." She held a lamp aloft. "Let us depart."

The procession of wedding attendants traveled quickly along the forest way. The fairy folk had long before mapped out all the pathways of the kingdom. This particular way would lead them straight to Stellanova: the palace of the fairy King. That night, the air was silky, and above the tree canopy, a myriad of stars celebrated. Nightbirds lined the path and sang melodies of love and eternity. The moon flowers glowed extra bright, and their scent was heady. At last, they reached the palace garden, where they would wait for the Prince and his lady.

"Let us rest awhile," said Decibel, "the Prince should arrive shortly." She smoothed her gown, and advised the other fairies to make sure that they were tidy too. The fairies laughed and chattered as they straightened their garlands and re-tied bows. When after some time, the Prince and his bride had still not arrived, they sat carefully on a branch, each one bearing a glass flask. They began to grow drowsy as the moments passed, and were lulled to sleep by the lullabies of the little garden creatures.

Lyra started when Ula poked her in the arm. "Sister, I brought the wrong flask, may I have some of your perfume?"

Lyra looked over at Ula's flask. Suddenly, she was wide awake, and the joy she'd felt previously disappeared. "But Ula, I warned you to bring enough. What I have won't be enough for both of us."

By this time, the other fairies were stirring and checking their flasks too. Several, like Ula, were running low on perfume.

"If only Prince Azariah would come," moaned Dezi, "my perfume will run out soon, and then what will I do?"

The fairies whose fragrant perfume was running low, let up a cry, and begged the others to give them some of theirs.

Decibel clapped her hands and spoke kindly. "My fair ones, it is not right to expect this. Instead, follow the way back home, and fetch more perfume for yourselves. The Prince tarries, so you may get back in time."

Lyra hugged Ula quickly, then watched as her sister and the other fairies raced back up the path behind them.

The remaining fairies released more of the precious fragrance into the night air. 

Lyra waited nervously, one eye on the forest, and one on the palace gate.

The stars seemed to shine more intensely, and silvery bells rang out in the sky above. All at once, the great doors swung open.

Decibel gathered her little troop of fairies, and they all stood to attention, flasks held aloft. Two golden horses headed a procession which moved steadily towards them. The Prince and his Princess could not have been more beautiful.

"Come," smiled the Prince, "Come to the wedding."

The fairies followed the golden party into the great hall, and the gates closed firmly behind them.

"What of Ula and the others?" Whispered Lyra to Decibel.

Decibel shook her head sadly. "They will not be allowed in now, Lyra, no matter how much they knock. They have dishonored the King by not being ready."

Lyra blinked back her tears. She couldn't cry on the Prince's wedding day. But oh, how her heart ached for Ula and the other fairies.

Then, she held her pretty flask, still higher, and smiled despite her sadness. She would enjoy this wonderful celebration and fill the air with the scent of summer blossoms for her King.

***

Dearest Reader,

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Are you born again?

If you have questions, start by reading the Gospel of John.

Love and prayers.

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