Blessings Of A Curse - 2012 USA Edition - chunk 06 (standard:fantasy, 9940 words) [6/6] show all parts
Author: Wayne Edward Clarke	Added: Jun 11 2012	Views/Reads: 1920/1449	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
part 6

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Mark experimented with it a few moments, until he had selected a
technique and stabilized it.  “That's about as good as I'll be able to 
do without a lot of extra practice at it.” 

“It sounds very smooth.” Yazadril nodded.  “This is the important part. 
Maintain the strumming, while I hold your finger exactly the same 
distance from the magic flame as I held it from the mundane flame for 
the first heat tolerance test.  It will take a lot longer for you to 
feel the heat this time, so just keep concentrating on keeping the 
strumming constant.” 

They conducted the test, and the moments passed, until finally Mark gave
a yelp and jerked his hand away. 

“Two minutes and four seconds.” Yazadril stated thoughtfully.  “Here's
what we've learned, children.  Within the margins of error for this 
test, it is safe to say that while strumming the tines, Mark is 
affected by magic at about one twentieth the normal amount, all other 
things being equal.  That should hold for all types of magic.” 

“I have a spell of another type I would like to try.” Talia giggled. 

Mark gave her a bit of an apprehensive look. 

“Don't worry, it's harmless!” she re-assured him.  “And I think you'll
like it.  Kneel down please.” 

“Remember, you'll need to use twenty times the power you normally
would.” Yazadril cautioned.  “Be careful of the consequences of either 
overpowering or underpowering the spell.” 

“Yes Father.” Talia nodded. 

With a shrug, Mark knelt and strummed the tines. 

Talia put her hands on his shoulders, whistled a complex melody, and
gave a jerky nod.  “That's it.  You can stand up.” 

He did. And every hair on his body below his neck fell out. 

“It worked!” Talia laughed, clapping her hands.  “I can't believe it! 
You are even more handsome without all that coarse fur!” 

“Thanks!” Mark chuckled in amazement as he brushed off loose hairs that
still clung to him. 

“Can I do one more?” Talia eagerly asked. 

“What?” 

“Where you were covered by your hair and beard and clothes, you're quite
white, while your hands, shins, and around your eyes are quite tanned.  
I would like to make you evenly and lightly tanned all over.” 

“Oh, well that would be okay.” 

He knelt down and strummed, and in a moment it was done. 

“Perfect!  Now you could not possibly be more handsome!” she laughed as
she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. 

“And you found the twenty to one power requirement ratio to be
consistent?” Yazadril asked. 

“Yes Father, as near as I could tell.” 

“Well my boy, that is all I can do for you that way today.  There will
be five times as many guests as we expected at Talia's wedding, and 
since Alilia is inviting the most powerful eight thousand from her 
people's hundreds of thousands, the average Power of the guests will be 
much higher as well.  If they are all four times as powerful on the 
average as a typical elf of The High People, your vows should affect 
you equally as powerfully as most elves of The High People are affected 
by their vows.  What will actually happen is impossible to say.  It's 
your choice whether to wear this and strum it, or not, as you take your 
vows. 

“Now, behind that door is a privacy, and you should go there and shake
all that hair out of your new clothes and sandals! 

“While you do that, I will cast invisibility and inaudibility on this
tine band, keyed to Talia and I.  Only we two will be able to see it, 
or hear it's sound through the air, and of course while you are not 
wearing it and strumming it, you will see it and hear it as well, since 
those spells will not affect you.  But, I cannot key it to you unless 
you are wearing it and strumming it at the same time that I'm keying 
it, and that could be dangerous.  So, when you wear it and strum or 
pluck it and are thus affected by magic, if you look in a mirror you 
will not be able to see it.  Also, while wearing it and strumming it 
you will not be able to hear the sound of it through the air, but that 
is of no consequence, because most of the vibration, and the only part 
that matters, is the vibration you'll hear through the bones of your 
head. 

“The point is, you'll be able to use it without giving your secret away
or anyone realizing it, if you so choose.  Except that they will see 
your fingers move as you pluck, so try to keep that unobtrusive.  If 
you wear it too long it will make a slight red mark from the squeeze on 
your skin.  As for carrying it without using it, I suggest you put it 
on your upper arm, it should hold there firmly. 

“Thank you Yazadril!” Mark said as he took the band off.  He slipped the
velvet envelope over the tines, and handed it over. 

“You're welcome.” Yazadril absently acknowledged, already reviewing his
spells. 

Mark shared a smile with Talia and turned to go to the privacy. 

Half a minute later Yazadril finished, and handed the tine band to
Talia.  “And now I must go make ready before Nemia comes looking for 
me!  Talia, bring him upstairs when he has the hair off him.”  He 
tossed that last over his shoulder as he jogged out the door and up the 
stairs. 

Mark soon returned from the privacy, a bemused smile on his face. 
“There's a big mirror in there, though not full length.” he said as he 
went to one knee and gave her his hands, and she placed her tiny ones 
within them.  “Thank you very much.  I hate to sound egotistical, but I 
am honestly so surprised at how nice I look!” 

“You're welcome.  You do look wonderful.” she shyly smiled. 

“So do you.” 

“Thank you.  Could I have a kiss?  A very, very nice one?” 

His smile was just as shy.  “I'd like that.” 

She slowly leaned forward, and softly brought her lips to his as she
closed her eyes. 

A minute later she leaned back, and they were both a little short of
breath.  They relived the experience for a moment, then their eyes 
re-focused on each other.  They grinned like schoolchildren as she took 
the tine band from the back of her neck where she'd placed it, slid it 
onto his bicep, and they went up the stairs. 

When they reached the landing at the top, she stopped and turned to him
without opening the door.  “It seems incredible, considering everything 
that's happened, but I think I am starting to fall in love with you, 
Mark Longstrider.” She informed him with an excited smile.  He was 
still three steps below her, so she didn't have to look up at him quite 
so much. 

“And I have fallen completely in love with you, Talia.” he returned with
the same smile as they joined hands. 

“Oh? So soon?  Are you sure?” she teased. 

“Oh yes.” 

“Should we cancel some of the plans to have so many reinforce your vows?
 It is an unknown, a danger, and since you love me already and we have 
Father's latest invention, we might not need so much.” 

“It's probably too late to cancel any plans.  Besides, I think it will
work, I think the danger is small, and as you said, eternity is a very 
long time.  I think we should take every little bit of help we can 
get.” 

“All right.” 

With a twinkle in her eye, she subtly leaned forward and raised her
chin. 

He understood the gesture immediately, and leaned forward to give her
another kiss. 

“Ah, we are all so lucky you came here yesterday Mark, in so many ways.”
she chuckled a few moments later.  “Especially me.” 

She caressed his face with one hand, then opened the door and led him
through. 

Nemia and Hilsith sat chatting on the couch, and rose at their arrival. 

“My!” Nemia exclaimed.  “He just keeps getting better and better,
doesn't he?” 

“He does!” Hilsith agreed.  “Your husband again shows new talent, an
ability with cosmetic magic!” 

“Yes, having obviously found a way to affect Mark's skin and hair!”
Nemia laughed. 

“You two are both very pretty as well!” Mark complimented. 

Hilsith and Nemia both wore evening gowns that were much as Mark
expected ladies of nobility to wear, their floor-length flared hoop 
skirts stuffed with petticoats, their short sleeves puffed, the 
necklines low and rounded.  Both dresses had many accents; tiny pearls 
and gems, and delicate ribbons and bows.  Nemia's was a very light 
pink, while Hilsith's was a bright white with a blue tinge that matched 
her hair and skin. 

“You are indeed very beautiful, both of you!” Yazadril smiled, emerging
from the hallway. 

“Oh my!” Nemia breathed as he came to her side. 

“Yazadril?  Is that you?!!” Mark asked in amazement, for the ancient elf
was barely recognizable. 

He wore a gleaming suit of golden armor, plate over mail, with white
ceramic accents, and a white cape trimmed in gold embroidery.  The hilt 
of a matching two-handed sword was seen over his left shoulder, the tip 
of the scabbard almost touching the ground by his right foot.  His 
gauntlets hung from his belt, and a small but very ornate crown graced 
his head, gleaming gold and silver and studded with jewels. 

But his transformation was far more complete than that.  He no longer
looked ancient, and instead appeared to Mark to be about forty-five 
years old.  His long beard was gone, and his clean-shaven face had only 
a few fine lines.  His hair was now a dark steely gray, and his aura of 
‘humble old elf' was completely gone.  His bearing was now straight and 
strong and full of the command of nobility.  For the first time, Mark 
realized that here was one of the most formidable warriors that had 
ever lived. 

“Oh, it's me, all right.” Yazadril chuckled.  “For the last millennia it
has suited my purpose to have a demeanor that encouraged my people to 
find me very approachable.  For the same reason I have often appeared 
to be less magically skilled than I am.  Now, I think events call for 
something else, and so I have reverted to my more military image.” 

“But you look so much younger!” Mark stammered. 

“Yes.  The appearance of age is a harmless affliction that comes upon us
very slowly, and it's few elves who are of such an age to be able to 
achieve that look.   But, we can choose to heal from it.  If I wished, 
I could appear as young as Nemia, but that would not help me to be 
taken seriously in councils of war.  And I must admit that the age I 
allowed to slowly come upon me must have affected more than my 
appearance, for now that it is gone, I feel more fit and vigorous than 
I have since...  Why, since I last looked like this!” 

“Oh my husband, I have loved you so much!” Nemia sobbed as she hugged
him, moved to tears by him.  “But I never knew I could desire you so 
much more!  If this wedding were not so important, I would drag you 
down the hall to our bedroom this very instant!” 

“Why...  I had not considered that!” Yazadril chuckled. 

“And you're glowing brighter than Nemia and Talia, and they're the
brightest I've seen except Alilia!” Mark revealed. 

“I expect I am.  This armor, the crown, and most especially the sword,
are all among the most revered treasures of my people, and they are 
items of serious power indeed!” 

“Oh Father, you look so fine and handsome!” Talia marveled. 

“Thank you.  And now our preparations are complete, I think.  Shall we
go?” 

“We shall!” Talia eagerly agreed.  “And I think that I should hide Mark
from sight as we travel, so we can make a more grand entrance when we 
step out into the chapel.”  She gestured at Mark's chair and whistled a 
melody. 

“Good thinking.” Yazadril nodded.  “A little showmanship can only aid
our cause.” 

“What did you do?” Mark asked his intended as he seated himself, and
Talia curled up in his lap. 

“I cast an Illusion.  To other eyes, this platform now has a wood frame
around the chair, sporting a roof and curtains all around, of brown 
cloth with gold thread embroidery.” 

“Oh.” 

They smoothly rose and floated over the balcony railing, Yazadril and
Nemia taking a position to the left as before, and Hilsith to the 
right. 

“You can fly if you want.  I trust it now, and I'm used to the height
after being on that balcony so much.” Mark murmured to Talia.  “I mean, 
you don't have to go along the ground like before.” 

“Excellent!” Talia laughed, and they sailed off into the wide spaces
between the great trees, gradually gaining altitude. When they cleared 
the tops of the trees, still rising, the ground below was beginning its 
incline to the pass into the next valley.  Soon they sailed far above 
the pass and into the valley beyond, though they were still far below 
the tops of the mountain peaks all around. 

“This is incredible!” Mark shouted over the howl of the wind, for though
they felt very little of it, Talia was deflecting a mighty blast of 
air.  “I don't even want to know how high up we are!  How fast are we 
going?” 

“Every minute, we travel about a league.” 

“A league a minute?  But that's...” he had to pause to calculate it. 
“That's one hundred and eighty miles per hour!” 

“Yes.” 

Mark looked around in wonder, for at their height the speed was not as
apparent.  Furthermore, the three flyers around him were standing at 
their ease, and since they chose to block the wind completely, they 
sailed along without a hair out of place.  He shook his head in 
amazement. 

“Why did Dilimon fly the way he did, instead of standing up like that?” 

“He flies three times as fast as this.  At that speed he must minimize
the wind he must deflect, or the noise would be deafening and the cold 
would be dangerous.  He is very skilled at it.” 

“Oh.” 

Now they were over the next valley, which was also perfectly round and
hemispherical except for the flat of the valley floor, though it was 
somewhat smaller than First Valley.  And where the trees around 
Yazadril's home seemed to be of every variety that Mark had ever seen, 
those in the second valley were all of types that shed their leaves in 
the fall, with none of the evergreen varieties. 

“That oak is the oldest tree in The Nine Valleys.” Talia told him.  The
one she pointed at stood by itself in the exact center of the valley.  
Mighty it was, the highest in the valley, eighteen hundred feet tall 
and fully as wide, with only grass beneath it, surrounded by a clearing 
five times as wide as it was.  “It was planted soon after my people 
settled here, when there was nothing else but blasted rock.  Most of 
the first trees died early, till there was a sufficiently nutritious 
soil base, but that one has survived, and thrived.  It has a very long 
name in my language, but we simply call it The First Tree.” 

They curved gradually to the right, aiming for the pass to the third
valley beyond.  This pass was long, and had a road that climbed as it 
wound between five mountains, each higher than the one before. Talia 
flew them up and up, over the second and third peak, between the last 
two. 

“This is Laylas Valley.  It is the largest of the nine.  The chapel is
at the center.” Talia explained as they flew over the last high notch 
of the pass. 

“Wow!!” Mark exclaimed as the valley came into view.  It was five times
as wide as First Valley, and five times as deep as well, fully 
twenty-five thousand feet from the valley floor to the jagged rim.  It 
was more of a bowl than the other two, since the flat at the center was 
a smaller proportion of it, and the rim much more consistent in height. 
 And in contrast to the previous valley, every one of the great trees 
here was of a single variety of redwood fir.  They were more closely 
spaced as well, and in many places the tips of their branches 
intermingled.  They smoothly rose in height toward the center, forming 
a round peak. 

Now they flew down into the valley.  Soon Mark noticed swarms of elves
flying about the center, and as they drew closer, he saw that there 
were throngs of them on the ground.  “Sweet mother of all!  I never 
knew ten thousand could look like so many!” 

Yazadril frowned.  “That's because there are far more than ten thousand
here already!  And more arriving every moment!” 

They flew above the trees to the center of the valley, where a perfect
ring of twelve redwoods, each exactly the same height and shape, 
towered over all.  A somewhat shorter ring of twenty-four surrounded 
them, with another ring of thirty-six around and below that.  Around 
the three rings the symmetry was lost, for though the trees around them 
continued to smoothly decrease in height, they were positioned more 
randomly. 

Talia came to a stop in mid-air above the center of the innermost ring,
then descended into the round space between them.  Now they were 
veritably surrounded by flyers, though all maintained a discreet 
distance.  Some who recognized Yazadril, Nemia or Hilsith called 
greetings, which were fondly returned. 

As they neared the ground they approached the east side of the clearing,
then slowly settled toward a huge deck twenty feet up the trunk of the 
easternmost tree of the inner ring.  Talia kept the chair hovering a 
foot above the deck as the others alighted, and Nemia opened the large, 
windowed, double doors with a gesture.  Talia floated the chair in 
after them, and Nemia used another gesture to close the doors and draw 
the gauzy curtains. 

Within they found a large, round, elegant room, with a high ceiling
graced by a magnificent and delicate crystal chandelier.  Like the 
rooms in Yazadril's home, it was a natural seeming hollow, and it's 
floors, as well as the walls that curved up to form the ceiling, were 
surfaced by the highly-polished living wood of the great tree.  On one 
side was a row of elf-sized dressing tables with padded stools 
interspersed with wall mirrors, so the bridal party could do 
last-minute touch-ups to their appearances, and on the opposite wall 
was an open cabinet with an assortment of fine spirits and beverages, 
surrounded by groupings of small armchairs and side tables. 

On that side, Alilia conferred with several other elves, all attired in
magnificent array.  She wasn't damping her glow to Mark's sight, and a 
few of those with her were almost as bright, but he had come upon it 
gradually this time, and his eyes seemed to be more able to adjust to 
it now.  He found that by narrowing his eyes a bit, he could look upon 
the group without too much discomfort. 

At the rear of the room, near a door that led deeper into the tree,
stood Theramin, Dilimon, and two female elves Mark hadn't yet met. 

Theramin looked agitated almost unto apoplexy.  “Finally you are here,
Yazadril!” he exclaimed as he hurried over.  “I've been casting 
Speaking at you for forty minutes or more!” 

“I was working on something delicate, so I blocked communication.”
Yazadril told him, vexed.  “I'm sorry I didn't restore it afterward, 
but why didn't you simply use an Official Priority Speaking?” 

“Because officially speaking, there was nothing unusual happening until
just now!” Theramin said as he threw his hands in the air in 
frustration.  “Those within the inner ring are the only ones who are 
officially within the chapel, and they are all invited guests; all of 
The High People, and those Alilia invited from her people on Talia's 
behalf.  Everyone outside the inner ring are from her people as well, 
and they are, so they say, ‘just visiting', as is their right under the 
terms of the alliance!  It looks like the entire nation of The People 
of Life will soon be ‘just visiting' around the chapel!  Of course, it 
doesn't really matter that they are outside the chapel, because unless 
you expressly forbid it, everyone outside will be taking a Reading from 
someone inside! 

“Word has spread like wildfire!  About the deaths of Dalia and Bezedil,
about Mark, about Alilia's curse, and about this wedding and how many 
have been invited!  Rumors are spreading like a plague, and many of the 
young hot-heads are talking all sorts of foolishness! 

“And this is spreading around the world!  Those are the Princes and
Princesses over there with Alilia, and they tell me that millions of 
elves from all over the world have asked for permission to come here!  
Just for a visit, of course!  Alilia had to invoke the charters of war 
to insure that none spoke of any of this to any but elves!  She had to 
actually declare a state of war in order to ensure compliance from the 
plains elves, just a moment ago!” 

“Let them come.” Mark said as he stood and Talia banished her illusion. 
His powerful, rumbling voice drew every eye in the room. 

He looked to Talia.  She smiled and nodded, and offered him her hand. 
He returned her smile as he gently took it, then met the eyes of those 
around him one by one  “They must each swear to keep the peace, and to 
not crowd into the chapel or do anything else that would disrupt the 
ceremony, or the celebration.  But on those conditions, we extend an 
invitation to any elf who wishes to come to our wedding.” 

“Done!” one of the elves with Alilia shouted, loudly and triumphantly. 
“Let all see the truth, whatever happens!” 

As he spoke a flash had lit in the room, so bright that Mark blinked
hard and rubbed his watering eyes. 

“I hope you're satisfied.” Alilia declared in frustration.  “For better
or worse, there will soon be over two million elves in attendance!” 

Mark nodded as his eyes cleared, and he gave her a smile. 

Despite her ire, she was magnificent, her beauty easily outshining any
he had seen except Talia and Nemia.  And despite everything else, he 
could not help but be struck by it.  She wore a white silk blouse with 
ruffled lace on the front, form-fitting black velvet pants tucked into 
high, black leather boots, and a black velvet cape secured with a gold 
chain over it all.  Atop her gleaming white hair was a shimmering tiara 
of some white metal, centered with an oval sapphire as big as a 
chicken's egg, and she held a black staff of power topped by a diamond 
as big as her fist. 

“Wow Alilia, you're really beautiful!  I mean, that's a nice outfit!” he
blurted, then blushed at his own youthful impetuousness. 

Alilia's eyebrows rose in surprise, and then she could not help but
chuckle at him.  A quiet laugh went around the room as the tension was 
suddenly released, and everyone relaxed a bit.  “Ah Mark, you are such 
a good boy.” She told him with a smile of her own.  “And I will have 
you know that this is the raiment of a Battle Wizard of The People of 
Life.  But thank you. 

“We speak Trade Common around Mark, as he does not speak Elvish.” Alilia
said to the royalty around her.  “You all know Yazadril of course, and 
you met Nemia at their wedding.  This is Hilsith, Master Healer of The 
Warm People.  This is Talia, daughter of Yazadril and Nemia.” 

Yazadril had given a shallow, dignified bow at his introduction, and the
ladies gave a curtsy. 

“And this of course, is Markhan Reginus Longstrider the Fifth, Forest
Ranger of Shinosa Valley in Finitra, of whom we've been speaking.” 

As he'd done before, Mark made his courtly bow and politely declared; “I
am entirely at your service.”, before smoothly standing again. 

“Mark, this outspoken fellow is Prince Jaromer of The Elven Peoples of
The Empire of Thon, Viscount of that realm and Imperial Wizard to His 
Excellency Osbald the Eighth.  He's feeling a little defensive right 
now, because he's just learned, under a provision of military secrecy, 
that Yazadril and I were cursed from the vicinity of his homeland.” 

Jaromer stepped forward and shook Mark's hand as a man would.  He was
tall for an elf at five and a half feet, with dark brown hair and eyes, 
and wore very ornate red robes of state.  “Hello, young fellow!” was 
his jovial greeting.  “My people have benefited greatly from our 
association with the humans of our country, and we're of the opinion 
that the other elven nations could do the same.  Segregation leads to 
conflict, we think, so I'm quite glad to see you come to dwell here!  
Hopefully this will lead to more pleasant relations between our more 
rural and conservative cousins and the human nations they share borders 
with.” 

“Nothing would please me more, Prince Jaromer.” Mark returned.  “And I'm
glad to meet you!” 

“I hate to risk breaching any royal protocols, but we must prepare for
the ceremony.” Nemia politely interrupted. 

“She's right.” Alilia nodded.  “Mark, you will meet the rest of these
august personages after the ceremony, but for now, I will show them to 
their places, and check on the progress of the preparations and the 
feast. 

“And by the way, Yazadril, it's been a long time since I've seen you
looking as you should.” 

Mark gave the group a smile and a polite bow.  “Thank you all for
coming.” he told them as Alilia led them out the door and down a set of 
stairs. 

“Actually,” Dilimon remarked as the door closed behind them, “Over
three-quarters of an hour remains before the ceremony begins.  I assume 
you will be using our people's ceremony, which is not lengthy or 
complex, so you should have plenty of time to coach Mark in what will 
be required of him.” 

“We will use our people's ceremony, though we will be conducting it in
Mark's language.” Nemia told him, then laughed.  “I simply couldn't 
abide having to listen to a political debate right now!” 

“Thank you, Mother.” Talia smiled.  “I'm nervous enough without being
surrounded by royalty!” 

“Me too!” Mark laughed.  “So, how exactly does the service go?” 

“At the appointed moment, the chandelier there will chime, and out by
the podium, the Orchestra of The High People will begin to play the 
music that Talia and Nemia have chosen.” Yazadril said, falling 
habitually into his teaching manner.  “We will then proceed down the 
stairs to the room below at ground level, and while we are doing that, 
the bridesmaids and groomsmen will take their places on the third tier 
of the podium at the center of the chapel.  As Theramin will be 
conducting the ceremony, he will be the first to emerge from the room 
downstairs, walk down the aisle, and take his place atop the topmost 
tier of the podium.  Then you, with Dilimon as your best man, the two 
of you constituting the immediate party of the groom, will walk down 
the aisle and take your places to Theramin's right on the second tier 
of the podium.  Then Talia, with Nemia and I as her parents and Alilia 
as her maid of honor, and thus constituting the immediate party of the 
bride, will walk the aisle and take our places to Theramin's left on 
the second tier. 

“Theramin will then begin speaking the ceremony.” 

“Right.  And I will say...  Please correct me if you think my
translation could be better.” Theramin said as he stroked his chin.  
“Welcome, gracious people, to an event of great joy and importance.  We 
gather here in this revered place to join two lives into one, and to 
join two hearts into one, with bonds and oaths of love and honor, 
proudly sworn in assembly to be witnessed by all. 

“Who speaks for the bride? 

“And Yazadril will step up to the top tier and say...” 

“I will say that I speak for the bride, and introduce myself as her
father.” Yazadril said.  “And from there we must be brave, for much 
that follows may be difficult.  All know of the deaths yesterday, and 
of the curse.  When I speak, I will have to squelch the rumors, and 
explain enough to make them see the necessity and the rightness of this 
marriage. 

“I still wish as few as possible to know that you passed the barriers. 
But, they will need to know the reason why you were here in the first 
place.  I will tell them that as you approached the border, I detected 
that you were unaffected by most spells, and that you agreed to stay 
here so that I could study your unique properties.  Skirting the truth 
to be sure, yet true enough to avoid compromising my honor, I think, 
because even before you passed the border I could tell that the 
Illusions and Force barriers of the Wards were not affecting you.  I 
will explain your feelings about sexual intimacy outside marriage, so 
that they can understand why you would ask a girl you do not love to 
marry you, and that the curse has driven you to it.” 

“I do love Talia.” Mark quietly interjected.  “It's come upon me
quickly, but she is beautiful and adorable.  Though I must admit, after 
losing my family and after six months of solitude, my heart is as ready 
to find new love as it's possible to be.  And while I first asked her 
to marry me so that what we must do for the curse would at least not be 
a dishonor, it's more important now that the vows help to insure our 
happiness in the future, no matter how long that will be. 

“How long is it, Yazadril?  How long will it be, until the end of days?”


“Ah, that's difficult to say.” Yazadril said as he considered it.  His
hand automatically rose to stroke a beard that was no longer there, 
giving him a momentary start, then he put his mind back to the problem. 
“Hmm.  You know that a thousand thousands is called a million?” 

“Yes.” 

“And that a thousand times that, a thousand millions, is called a
billion?” 

“A thousand millions?  No, I've never even considered such a big number,
so I didn't know that.  But now I do.  A billion.” 

“Yes.  This world has had simple life for at least six billion years,
and complex life such as exists now for about two billion.  It will be 
habitable for at least another four billion years, and perhaps for as 
long as seven billion.  After that, the sun will start to grow.  Life 
will adapt to it for a while, for it will be a slow process, but 
eventually all life will be exterminated.  If the curse can somehow 
keep you living after that, you will have some eight to ten billion 
years in total before the sun grows enough to envelope and consume the 
world.  And that will be the end of days.” 

“Huh.” Mark grunted after a moment.  “Knowing the answer does me no
good, because it's inconceivable.  Four to ten billion years!  I simply 
can't grasp how long a time that is!” 

“No one can, Mark.  No one.” Yazadril told him gently.  “But back to the
subject at hand.  I will speak for the bride, and then I will step back 
down to the second tier, and Theramin will ask; ‘Who speaks for the 
groom?'  At that point, since you have no close family here, you can 
have Dilimon speak for you, or if you so choose, you may speak for 
yourself.” 

“Ah, no offense Dilimon, but I think I'll speak for myself.” 

“Likely a wise choice, Mark.” Dilimon grinned.  “If you manage to make
as good an impression on the rest of your guests as you made on the 
assembled rulers of the elven nations, you'll be well thought of 
indeed!” 

“Yes?  You think I did okay with them?” 

“You were wonderful!” Nemia assured him with a smile. 

“You were.” Yazadril agreed.  “So, after you speak for the groom, so to
speak, ahem, then you will step back down to the second tier, and 
Theramin will say...” 

“Then let the bride and groom step forth, that they may be joined in
matrimony.” Theramin continued.  “The two of you will then step up onto 
the top tier and join hands.” 

“I don't want to seem like I'm looming over you too much.” Mark mused. 
“Do you think it would be better if I went to one knee at that point?” 

“I think it would be a seemly gesture.  I'll make sure there's a small
cushion to rest your knee upon, for the podium is hard stone.” Theramin 
smiled.  “Then I'll say; Do you, Talia, take this male; Mark, to be 
your husband?  And she'll say; I do.  And I'll say; Do you solemnly 
swear to love him before all others, and to strive to bear his 
children, and to care for him as best you are able, and to seek always 
to bring him happiness, for as long as you both shall live?  And she'll 
say; I do so swear. 

“Then I'll give her a moment or two to regain her composure, if
necessary, for it's a powerful feeling when the oath takes affect, and 
it can take your breath away.  With so many in attendance, you should 
be ready to steady her, in case she needs it.  Then I'll say; Place the 
ring, which symbolizes love without end, upon his finger.  Alilia will 
hand her your wedding ring, and she will place it on the third finger 
of your left hand. 

“Then I will ask the same things of you, in exactly the same way, except
that you will swear to strive to give her your children, rather than 
bearing hers, of course.  And you will answer in the same way as well.” 


“I do.  I do so swear.” Mark repeated, feeling more nervous by the
moment. 

“When you say; I do so swear, Yazadril and I and half the groomsmen will
stand ready.” Dilimon chuckled.  “For if you falter badly, it will take 
all of us to catch you!” 

“After Dilimon hands you her ring and you put it on her left ring
finger,” Theramin continued, “I'll say; And so let it be.  Let all who 
are present bear witness, for I now pronounce you to be husband and 
wife.  At that point it's customary for the groom to kiss the bride, 
while the bridesmaids and groomsmen toss flowers upon you and the 
guests all cheer and call good wishes.” 

“Do you have a ring?” Mark asked. 

“Yes, and Alilia already has the other.” Dilimon answered as he reached
into his pocket and drew it forth.  All gathered close to see it. 

It was a fairly wide gold band sized for Talia's finger, encircled by a
narrower complete ring of faceted diamond that flashed in the 
chandelier's light.  Talia sighed at the beauty of it. 

“Yours is exactly the same, except of course that yours is sized to your
finger.”  Dilimon revealed.  “Perhaps the only two complete-ring shaped 
diamonds in existence.  Certainly the only ones I've ever heard of.  
Alilia provided them, and they are magically enhanced in the same ways 
as Talia's engagement ring.” 

“How did she know my size?” Mark asked.  “Even I don't know it, for I've
never had a ring.” 

“The measurements that Yazadril took of you, and passed to Alilia when
she made your conveyance, were complete.  They included the size of 
your fingers.” Dilimon explained, then pocketed the ring again as 
Theramin concluded his itinerary. 

“At any rate, after you've kissed the bride, I'll conclude the ceremony
by saying; Now let us rejoice with feast and celebration!  Then we'll 
descend the podium to the tables that have been reserved for us.  Most 
will serve themselves, as we agreed on a buffet style feast, but some 
of Talia's friends have agreed to serve the head table.  Anyone else 
important enough to have staff will probably be served by them.  You'll 
choose from the many dishes available from a menu that Alilia's cooks 
have provided.  After most have finished eating, there will be dancing 
and mingling for hours, and the bride and groom are expected to lead 
the first dance.  When you two feel that it's a good time for the 
presentation of wedding gifts, let me know, and return to your table.  
I'll call for the presentation. 

“After that, when you're ready to leave, let us know.  We'll go back to
First Valley, to the land set aside for Talia's home a few hundred 
yards from Yazadril and Nemia's.  There we will make you a home as our 
wedding present, and provide it with any furniture and accessories that 
you need right away, but were not given as wedding gifts.  And after 
that, we will leave you to enjoy your wedding night. 

“Now, do you have all that?  Do you have any questions?” 

“I've got it.  How much time do we have left?” 

“Thirty-six minutes.” “Oh.  If we may, I'd like to spend that with
Talia.  We still know little about each other.” 

“One moment first.” said Dilimon.  “Do you still wish us to find the
most powerful eleven males and females of all those attending to be 
bridesmaids and groomsmen?  It will be a bit more challenging with so 
many more here, but we can do it.” 

“Actually, only ten for bridesmaids.” Talia decided.  “That is, Hilsith,
if you would consent to being my second bridesmaid?” 

“I would be honored.” the Healer smiled. 

“All right.  Ten females, eleven males.” Dilimon nodded.  The girl
beside him lightly elbowed his side with a smile.  “What?  Oh.  Sorry 
dear. 

“Mark, I would like you to meet my fiancé Yalla, Second Force Wizard of
the Sentry Corps of The High People.” 

“Pleased to meet you.” Mark smiled with a bit of a bow. 

“Though we haven't met, I've seen you, for I helped scout you, before
Yazadril spoke to you the first time.  You...  You are ever so much 
more handsome, now.” Yalla smiled nervously. 

“Thank you.  And while we are about introductions, who is this lovely
lady with you, Theramin?” 

“Ah, I have been as pre-occupied and remiss as Dilimon.” Theramin
chuckled.  “For this is the love of my life, my beautiful wife, Yzell.” 


“Pleased to meet you.” Mark smiled and bowed. 

“And I you, young man.” Yzell said with a big smile as she stepped
forward and squeezed the edge of his hand for a moment.  “We haven't 
had excitement like this in The Nine Valleys for over a thousand years! 
Actually, we've never had excitement like this!” 

“Ah, well we never had excitement like this back home, either!” Mark
laughed.  “And how are your children, Lady Yzell?” 

“Quite well, and growing like sunflowers, thank you for asking!  And I'm
pleasantly surprised that Theramin mentioned them, he almost never does 
once they're out of his sight!” 

Theramin blushed a glowing pink and ducked his head a bit, and Mark
laughed. 

“Actually, there was a manner about my mother and the other mothers of
Shinosa Valley that the lasses didn't have, a mother's way, a kind of 
no-nonsense friendliness that I recognized in you immediately, and so I 
knew you had children.” 

“I love them dearly!” Theramin protested defensively.  “But we have had
four children in only twenty-five years!  That is as rare as a marriage 
among your people producing twenty children!” 

“Yes, I can see that!” Mark laughed.  “A man could get mighty tired of
hearing; ‘Wow!  You have twenty children!” 

“Exactly!  Once they know, they can't seem to talk about anything else!”
Theramin agreed, pleased to have elicited some empathy. 

“Perhaps you sensed my motherhood because it is my profession, as well
as my domestic situation.” Yzell smiled.  “I study every aspect of it; 
fertility, conception, pregnancy, birth, and rearing.  My own fecundity 
is no accident, but a hard won achievement, and I think it speaks well 
of my expertise.  I believe that every thinking people should be able 
to control their fecundity, either to reduce it, as some human women 
are starting to do, or to increase it, as our people sometimes need to 
do to recover from devastating war or disaster. 

“Interbreeding between elves and humans tends to be even less fertile,
far less, than between two elves.  You may wish to see me in this 
regard in the days ahead.  If you choose to have children, and you have 
the courage to try new techniques, you have a chance to become parents 
while making a huge contribution to our knowledge of interbreeding 
between the races, and the workings of conception in general.” 

“We'll have to, perhaps tomorrow.” Mark answered thoughtfully.  “As
we'll swear in our wedding vows to try to have children.” 

“Yes, but you will not swear to strive to have them immediately.” Yzell
chuckled.  “It's recognized that it takes a few years for a marriage to 
be ready for young ones.” 

“Ah.” Mark nodded. 

“We'll give you some privacy now.  You've about half an hour remaining.”
Nemia assured them. 

Dilimon and Yalla left by the doors to the deck, already mumbling as
they magically communicated with the other Sentries who would assist 
them in their scan for the powerful. 

The rest moved over toward the liquor cabinet, and Nemia called; “Would
you like something to drink?” 

“Just water.  Better yet, some of Hilsith's herbal tea, if we can get
it.” Mark answered, and Talia called; “Me too please.” 

“I'll brew some.” Hilsith nodded. 

Talia led Mark by the hand to a spot near the doors to the balcony.  For
a moment, they simply smiled at each other, and they could hear Nemia 
say; “I didn't know Dilimon and Yalla were engaged!” 

And Theramin answered; “He bent his knee to her only an hour or so ago,
and she was delighted to say yes.  I think he was affected by the 
ambiance of the chapel, but I think Yalla has been waiting for him to 
ask for a long time.” 

Then, over the murmur of many voices heard through the doors from
outside, a girl elf's voice was heard crying out in anguish, followed 
by two angry males, then they faded into the background noise. Though 
Mark didn't understand their Elvish, Talia did, and what she heard made 
her shiver, and her skin went a shade paler. 

“What is it?” Mark asked in concern. 

Talia swallowed hard.  “I know them.  They are friends of mine, and of
Dalia's.  The first said; “I tell you, Dalia couldn't have killed 
herself!  She was the happiest person I've ever met!'  And the second 
said; ‘I tell you, the human must have killed her, and somehow made 
Alilia cast the curse, so that he could have Talia!  Nothing else makes 
sense!'  And the third said; ‘Be quiet you fool, they are right up 
there!” 

Mark could find no answer to that. 

“So much of our happiness in the days ahead depends on what you and
father say to all our guests.” Talia quietly mused.  “You must find a 
way to win them over, and to convince them of the truth.  We cannot be 
happy together if there are so many who are against it.” 

“I'll try, Talia.  I'll do my very best, and so will your father.” 

“I know.” 

They were silent for a moment, then Talia asked; “Could you pick me up? 
It's so nice when you hold me like that.” 

“It's as nice to hold you.” he told her sincerely as he gently lifted
her, and held her close so she could hug him around his neck.  
“You're...  You're wonderful Talia.  You're wonderful and magical and 
beautiful and adorable.” 

“So are you, Mark.  You're all of those.” 

They shared another warm moment. 

“I'm a wizard, by inclination and talent and profession.” Talia then
softly told him.  “And I'd be a fool to choose otherwise, and pass up 
the opportunity for my parents' training.  I spend much of my days in 
the libraries and workshops of The Hall Of New Magic, learning.  I 
haven't chosen a specialty yet, but then I'm not expected to for a few 
centuries at least.  Even Mother hasn't chosen her specialty yet.  
Dalia and I...  We were lucky to inherit Mother's strength in the 
power, even more than we did Father's intellect, because Mother is 
first in raw power among The High People.  Dalia and I...  Well, I'm 
right behind Mother, and I'll probably equal her when my power has 
finished maturing in a decade or so. 

“It's very hard to talk about Dalia, but I must, if you are to know me,
for she was half my soul.  She was my boldness, and I was her 
thoughtfulness, we always said.  We did everything together, and we 
were never apart except when she was with a boy, and she and I were 
equals as wizards as well.  She made sure I was included in everything, 
for when I was too shy to ask, or to even bring myself to the attention 
of others, Dalia would drag me along, and I was always glad she did.  
We loved to go flying and swimming and to do other sports, to paint and 
sculpt, to sing and dance, to simply sit and enjoy the sun or the moon 
or the breeze, to laugh together about silly things, to visit friends. 

“I need you for many things, my handsome great human, and I hope you
don't mind that one of them is to fill the hole in my heart and the 
empty place by my side left by her absence, for before, Dalia was 
always there for me.” 

“I'll do my best for you, Talia.” Mark murmured soothingly. 

Just then Hilsith came over with a smile and two cups of tea.  She
handed them up to Mark and Talia and withdrew without a word. 

“I also need you to help fill the absence of my family, for we were
close, and got along well, and I loved them dearly.” Mark thoughtfully 
revealed.  “My mother's name was Helem.  She was a trapper's daughter, 
she was from the valley, and it's from her I get my black hair, though 
I get my blue eyes from my father.  Mother had brown eyes, and the most 
beautiful smile.  She'd gone down to Finitra proper for a year when she 
was seventeen to attend school and find a husband, for there was no one 
for her in the valley. 

“She came back with my father, who'd been a Ranger, a Scout, and an
officer in the King's Military.  He had dark brown hair and just a bit 
of a limp, from an injury he'd gotten in the king's service.  He'd used 
it as an excuse to retire early so he could come to the valley with my 
mother, for he was only twenty-six at the time.  He retired from the 
army that is, he remained a Ranger.  I was closer to him than anyone, 
and I took after him a lot.  The last few years I spent most of my days 
with him, learning my trade; learning to hunt and trap, and when not to 
hunt or trap, and why, clearing fire-breaks in the forest, felling the 
occasional tree and hauling it behind our mule to the mill, and much 
else as well.  And I learned the ways of a warrior, in case there were 
poachers, or in case the king called forth the muster to defend the 
realm.  So I learned the bow, as a hunter and as an archer as well, and 
the sword and the spear and shield, and how to fight unarmed or with 
anything that was handy.  In the late afternoon we had book lessons. 

“Not that there was no time for leisure, there was, and we had a
wonderful life.  I had a little brother, Steb, who was thirteen, and a 
little sister, Shelvy, who was ten.  We and the others of the valley 
had plenty of time to go swimming and sliding and what have you, to 
build tree forts or snow forts, to go hiking and climbing and 
picnicking.  In the evenings we'd play cards or dice or puzzle games, 
or read, sometimes to each other, or tell stories, or make music and 
sing.  Every two weeks, everyone got together for a dance in the 
Tinlo's barn.  All the musical instruments in the valley were like 
community property; we all borrowed them around and learned them all.  
My father and I were making me a harp, with extra space between the 
strings for my thick fingers.” 

He fell silent, and finished the rest of his tea. 

Hilsith had noticed him tipping the tiny cup back, and she came over
with the pot to refill it and Talia's, smiled, and again left without a 
word. 

“Did you have a sweet-heart?” Talia asked in a teasing voice. 

“Kind of.  Marja Dobbim was the only girl about the right age for me in
the valley, and she realized it before me.  When she was six, she told 
me I would marry her some day.  I was nine at the time, and I told her 
she was crazy, and it was kind of a friendly joke between us for a long 
time.  Then a year and a half ago, when she was twelve, she started 
dropping by for visits a lot more often.  At first she said it was so 
she could visit my sister, but she somehow ended up spending most of 
the time with me, and after a while I noticed that my family always 
seemed to leave us alone together when Marja was over.  We never even 
thought of kissing or anything, or even holding hands, but I had to 
admit that she was fun to spend time with, and I liked the special 
attention she gave me.  I eventually came to realize what everyone else 
already seemed to know; that it really was almost certain that she 
would be my wife.  She was thirteen, and just getting to the point 
where she was alluring, when...  When...  Sweet mother of all, Talia, 
she died right in my arms!” Mark broke down, sobbing and gasping.  “She 
screamed and screamed, and everyone was screaming, and there was 
nothing I could do, and then she died, so horribly... so horribly.” 

“Shhh.” Talia gently soothed as she caressed his cheek.  “I'm so sorry
Mark.  I know it's hard.  Thank you so much for telling me that.  And I 
know I can't replace your whole family, but my family is here for you, 
and with the new friends you've made, and a new life here with me, we 
will find happiness again.  I know we will.” 

“I know Talia.  I'm so glad and thankful to have you.” 

He took two steps over to the nearest dressing table and sat on the top
of it, and they simply sat and cuddled, until Nemia came over. 

“Things will be beginning soon.  And we all must have our minds and
thoughts in place for it.” she brightly advised. 

“You're right.  Thank you Mother.” Talia nodded, and smiled at Mark. 
“We are soon to be married!  Just the thought of it sets my heart 
aflutter!” 

“I know.” He nodded, and gave her a bit of a smile as he wiped his eyes.
 “We should spend the remaining time mentally rehearsing what we will 
do, and say, and when.  I'd hate to do it wrong, that's for sure!” 

“Good thinking.” Talia smiled. 

They spent five minutes doing that, then Dilimon and Alilia returned. 

“It's incredible out there!” Alilia told them all.  “It's like a
pilgrimage!  Almost every elf alive is here, over three and a half 
millions of them!  They fill the whole floor of the valley!” 

“We've got everyone settled into a place, and made sure everyone has
Tongues for Trade Common, and that everyone will receive a Reading from 
someone near the podium.” Dilimon related.  “And the bridesmaids and 
groomsmen have been chosen, and are in place. None refused the honor, 
and a more powerful group has never been assembled!  Some of the 
Princes and Princesses made the grade, and some did not, so in order to 
avoid any ruffled feathers, we gave them all an equal place of honor.  
When the ceremony starts, they will array themselves around the fourth 
tier of the podium, one step below the bridesmaids and groomsmen.  They 
seemed to think that was just fine.” 

“Yes.  And the feast for the first ten thousand is coming along nicely,
and will be ready when the ceremony finishes.” Alilia added.  “The rest 
have agreed to stay out of the chapel proper.  Most of them have 
brought their own provisions, and the shortsighted who did not can do 
without!  And Theramin, I was told that all other preparations are 
complete.” 

“Good.  We've got about two minutes.” Theramin nodded. 

“Then I have time for one more cup of tea.” Mark smiled as he held his
cup out for Hilsith to refill.  “They're really not very big.” he 
added, a bit sheepishly. 

“Don't be bashful about your appetites, dear boy.” Yazadril chuckled. 
“For I'm sure they're quite natural.” 

“Yes, well...” Mark began, then took a drink of tea while he ordered his
thoughts.  “Thank you.  Thank you all, so much, for everything.” 

“On that note, I must hurry to join the other bridesmaids.” Hilsith
smiled.  She set the teapot down on the nearest end table, and ran 
lightly out the door. 

“You're most welcome, Mark.” Nemia smiled.  “We have much to thank you
for, as well.  You were thrust into difficult and strange events, and 
have met the challenge with decency, kindness, and honor.” 

“You're very welcome.” he nodded.  “Alilia, I don't want there to be
anything but friendship between us.  I don't think I've told you this 
already, but I want you to know that I do forgive you for the curse.  
I've no hard feelings toward you, and I don't feel that you owe me 
anything.  Because of what you did, Talia is going to be my bride, and 
that balances everything.” 

“Thank you.” Alilia nodded, and swallowed hard.  “But you're wrong about
my owing you.  You'll see that, later.” 

“Well if I do, I suppose I could have you come over and wash my dishes. 
I've always hated doing that.” Mark told her with a grin. 

“What?  You want me to wash your dishes?  By hand, like a human drudge?”
 Despite her best intentions, Alilia was almost sputtering with 
indignation. 

“Of course, it's a moot point, since you don't owe me a thing!” he
laughed.  “And it's just as well, don't you agree?” 

She paused in surprise, then could not help but laugh with him, and
shake her head at his blatant attempt to maneuver her.  “No.  Nicely 
attempted, but no.  If you ask me to wash dishes, I will do so, and no 
doubt you would find a way to make me laugh about it.” 

“You know, Alilia, I do believe that having him around will be good for
your disposition!” Yazadril chuckled. 


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