Elra’s wedding day came at lightening speed.  It has been very quiet few days between the sisters. Amalya rarely spoke and tried to avoid Elra at all costs.  It wasn’t very hard considering Elra was busy with the wedding preparations.  Her mind was too preoccupied to consider finding something to confront her sister about, and if it wasn’t she made sure she was out of her sight.  Amalya spent the time up until the wedding mostly to herself. She only helped Elra when she was instructed to and even then their conversations lacked any true substance. They were always amongst other people as well, never alone. Lancel’s mother was at the house almost every day. It was nice to have her around. It made their motherless home feel a little warmer. Arthur spent more and more time training in the stocks with the other recruits. Some days he would leave as Sol’s first light and would not return until Sol was asleep in the sky. He has been training extra hard since the incident with Gallin and his brothers. He was making a good impression. Amalya was happy for him, though she missed him terribly.

Sol greets her sisters happy day with a clear morning. Amalya wakes up with the light blaring in her face.  She squints her eyes and quickly throws the blanket over her head.  She wishes Sol would shine just a little less this morning. Just a few more moments safe and warm in bed was all she needed. Arthur walks into her room and kicks the side of her bed, “Get up now.” Amalya looks up from behind her protective blanket, “What’s the rush?”

“Elra’s getting married today or did you forget?”

“So what?” She drops her head on the pillow.

“It’s customary for the woman of the house to wait on the brides every waking need. Didn’t she speak to you about this?”

Amalya sits up in bed and scowls, “There are plenty of women here to dote on her. She certainly doesn’t care if I do anything for her. ”  This was something she was not looking forward to. This would be agonizing but luckily it would be the last day Elra would be living under the same roof.  It was the mother’s duty to attend the bride but since that was not a conceivable option. Amalya silently accepts her duties for the day. This was going to be a trial in every way. The situation musters some unexpectant sadness inside her. It was just another reminder of how their lives were anything but normal; no mother to share in this day or father to give her away to her soon to be husband. It wasn’t fair, for any of them but more so today for Elra. Amalya swings her feet over the side of the bed, “Give me a moment.”

Arthur shakes his head, “No moment, now.  I’ve got to go down and prepare for the ceremony.  Grandfather is already there.” He reaches down and pulls her up from the bed, “Best not keep her waiting. The last thing you want to do today is put her in a foul mood.”

Amalya slinks out of her room towards the kitchen.  It was stuffed to the brim with flowers and food for the wedding.  The room reeks of celebration and merriment, it’s practically overwhelming.   A handful of people is already slaving away at the arrangements, trying to have everything set for the event.  Amalya probably could have walked through that kitchen with her head cut off and no one would have batted an eye.  She grabs a biscuit and heads to her sister’s room, which lies on the opposite side of the house. Her bridesmaids laugh and fuss over their hair and dresses and whatever else ladies usually fuss over.  They look up as she enters the room.  Elra turns,“It’s about time you got up.” Amalya takes another bite of her biscuit.  The girls in the room only jeer at her.  Elra says something to them and they begin to leave the room.  As they pass Amalya by the doorway, she opens her mouth and gives them a bread filled smile.  When they exit, Elra stands up, “Misbehaving already are we?”

Amalya turns and swallows her food, “You know how I am.”

“Too well, unfortunately.”

They look at each other for a moment before Elra points to her closet.  Her silky pale wedding dress hangs on the door.  It was their mother’s wedding dress and although age has had its effect on it, it was still stunning.  Next to the dress, was a small blue dress decorated with tiny flowers. The dress has a long but elegant looking scarf that draped down the back,  “That blue dress is yours, Lancel’s mother made it especially for you.”

Amalya wipes her hands on her clothing before having a closer look at the dress.  It was too pretty for her. Amalya was so used to wearing heavy wool and fur, it was almost unbearable to imagine herself in anything so revealing. She didn’t deserve to wear it, especially for her sister’s wedding. She was speechless.  Elra sits back down in her chair, “Would you do my hair for me, if that’s not asking too much of you.

Amalya pulls her hair behind her shoulders and walks over to her sister.  Elra hands her a brush. She takes it reluctantly, “Why do you want me to do your hair? Wouldn’t one of your friends be better at it than I?”

“It doesn’t matter if they’re better, I asked you not them.”

“ I don’t think I’ll do a good job.”

“I think you’re good at it.”

“I’m surprised you think I’m good at anything.”

Elra remains silent and still.  Amalya takes a deep breath and begins brushing her sister’s long plain brown hair.  Every so often she glances at her reflection in the mirror. Elra’s face looks stern, not at all relaxed.  She tried brushing her hair as gently as possible. She tosses her sister’s hair it in her hands, trying to think of a way to make it look worthy of a new bride.  Elra flinches “Don’t pull so hard!”

“Sorry.”

“You’re so clumsy.”

Amalya drops what she is doing and stares at her reflection.  Of all the days to churn the fire, this was not one of them. This was supposed to be a special day for her and Amalya were doing her best not to ruin it for her.  Elra reaches back and grabs her hand, “I’m sorry,” Her apology was surprising.  Amalya continues to weave and work, watching Elra’s face melt into an almost sympathetic gaze.  She looks down at her hands, “I do not like being cruel to you.”

“Then why are you?” Elra’s eyes travel back up to their reflections in the mirror, “If you must know…I’m a bit jealous of you.” Amalya’s eyes widen with unimaginable shock.  That was probably the last thing she would ever expect to hear out of Elra’s mouth.  “That’s impossible.” As much as she was trying to convince herself otherwise, there was nothing but honesty in Elra’s voice. “Jealous of me,” she replies, “What could you possibly be jealous of?”

Elra’s gaze falls forward.  Her face becomes solemn and empty as if she were about to burst into tears.  Amalya has never seen her like this before. Amalya continues to address Elra’s hair, waiting for her to clarify. Elra takes in a deep breath, “Everyone always makes a fuss over you.  You were always the favorite.  Father loved you most.” She stops for a moment and lifts her hand to her face.  Amalya could not tell if she was crying, but she remained silent,  “You and Arthur are inseparable, you always were.  I’m so envious of your closeness.  I have never felt that except with mother….. You have her name for Marin’s sake. You didn’t even know her and you get to have her name?”

She closes her eyes, thinking back on the day she accused her of their mother’s fate “So what you said was true? I am the reason we do not have a mother?”

“I…I don’t know. That’s what I tell myself I suppose.”

Elra smiles, “ We aren’t very close for only selfish reasons. I am sorry.”

Silence falls between them once again. The mood begins to turn into something more. She felt a closeness between them though weak at best. They were always at odds, she had forgotten how much it hurt to be rejected by her.  It happened so often, it became a normal part of her life. She wouldn’t mind if that part changed after today. Perhaps that is what Elra was trying to do. A new chapter of her life unfolded, so why not try to make things better for all? She finishes up Elra’s hair, placing flowers and pins where she saw fit to do so.  Elra looks in the mirror, watching every movement she made, “You look like her.”

Amalya looks up, “Like who?”

“Like mother.” Elra’s eyes gaze at herself in her reflection, “You have her face though cursed with fathers red hair.” They smile together at that though Elra’s face soon falls back into sadness, “I wish I looked like her, she was truly  beautiful.” Amalya did not know what to say. The only other person besides their grandfather, who had any vivid memories of their mother, was Elra, “I used to love it when she braided my hair. It made me feel special.”  Amalya could sense her loss; a longing to connect with their mother once again. She never thought that just by looking at her, Elra would feel like she had lost something all over again.  Elra gives her an innocent smile, “Mother changed after Arthur was born, she wasn’t really a mother at all. I never noticed at the time but I think that is what made her attention even more special.”

“Changed how?”

“She was sad. That is all I can really say. Sad and...alone even though she was surrounded by those who cared most for her. We lived with friends in the city for a time, away from Father.”

She stops as if her words were caught in her throat.  She takes a breath before she is able to continue, “I don’t even remember what happened, or how it happened.  We were going home. Mother was carrying you, close to bursting. Arthur and I stayed in the city until after you were born, but she wasn’t there when we came back, there was only you. That terrible dragon took her away but father saved you. I did not understand why he was so protective of you when every time he looked at you there was nothing but hopelessness in his eyes, and sadness.”

Amalya absorbed her sisters every word.  It was sad to hear how much Elra needed their father and he would do nothing to give her the attention she so desperately longed for, “Maybe he was regretting saving me and not mother.”

Elra shakes her head slowly, careful not to ruin the work Amalya was constructing on her head, “You reminded him of Mother.  That’s why he never left your side.  You were Mother in his eyes, all which was left of her. There was no other person he cared for more than you.  I hate him for it.”

“What he did was cruel, you did not deserve it. You are his daughter as much as I am. He should not have forgotten that.” Amalya put the finishing touches on her hair and takes a step back.  Elra had been the victim of a fatherless childhood whose only wish was to be shown the love a child deserved.  Elra looks at herself in the mirror.  Her face lights up as she turns her head from side to side, admiring her flowery crown, “It’s beautiful.”

 “I’m sorry.” It was difficult to take in all the truths she heard in this moment.  Nothing could have prepared her for accepting how much pain that was caused through the faults of their father. Elra turns her head and grabs Amalya’s hand.  She rubs it gently, reassuring her sister that she was not in the wrong,  “You have nothing to apologize for.”

She stands up, still clutching on to her sister’s hand.  They stand face to face, seeing one another clearly for the first time.  Elra clutches Amalya’s hand tightly not wanting to let go, “Promise me nothing will happen today.  Promise me that this is my day, and mine alone?”

“I promise.”

She smiles and the two sisters embrace for perhaps the first time.  Amalya’s heart swells with unnatural love for her sister. This moment she would keep close to her for a long as possible. Elra takes a breath, and strokes Amalya’s hair playfully; “Let’s get you in your dress then.” They smile at one another and the two sisters enjoy the chance to finally bond.

——————————————————————————-

Arthur taps his foot nervously. He looks past the stone arches that led to where he would be giving away his sister. He was dressed in the finest armor a recruit could wear. He was thankful that Ser Gaston still held him in high esteem. The incident a few short days ago with his sister hardly left a dent in his status. He was already geared up to become his personal squire.  This was something that would catapult him into a very prestigious future. He could one day become Guard Captain himself or better yet, make his way to the Kings Guard. That was only wishful thinking and wishful at best. If their father truly did abandon the Dragon Guard, that dream may not even have a chance to flicker.
Everyone was seated; the ceremony was about to begin. He could see Amalya sitting in the front row.  Their grandfather was dressed in his finest standing at the front with Lancel already at his side, twiddling his thumbs. Grandfather could not have looked more proud. He would be conducting the ceremony. Arthur has not seen him this enthusiastic about anything in some time.  Though he was hard on them, especially Amalya, their grandfather loved his family. Arthur hopes he is able to make him proud. He filled the shoes their father had left behind. Arthur only hoped one day he could do the same to repay him for all he has done for them.

The guests begin to settle down. Arthur steps back and takes his position towards the back of the recession.
“Ready brother,” Elra says as she secretly slips under his arm. He turns to look at her for the first time. Her gown was simple yet it fit her perfectly. She was stunning. He could not help but smile at her. He had never seen her glow with such happiness. Something has changed and for the better. She seemed lighter with a huge grin on her face.
“You look beautiful.”

“You’re just saying that.”

“So? What if I am?” She gives him a sarcastic look. Arthur places his hand on hers, “Do you feel beautiful?”

She nods her head with an adorable shyness. Surely this day has brought out a side of her that he had missed for some time. It was like he was 3 years old again, following her around like a lost puppy. They would sword fight with sticks and tickle the pigs with chicken feathers to hear them squeal. It was that same feeling of lightheartedness and joy that she carried with her today.

“This is your day,” he tells her, “I am honored you asked me to do this.”

“You are my brother, the only other man beside Grandfather that I respect and love above all.”

She looks at him with a glowing face, “I have never said this before and it is because of my stubbornness, but I am very proud of you Arthur. You honor me.”

He smiles at her. Her words resonate with him. They were never as close as they were when they were younger but circumstances sent them down two separate paths. It did not matter where they would end up or how far each would carry them. They were family and that connection would always be there.

The garden is crowded with wedding guests, as the ceremony gets ready to begin.  Amalya sits in the front row in her new blue but still concealing dress.  She watches as hands wave to motion the guests to take their seats.  Amalya couldn’t believe how many people were there.  Most of them were Lancel’s family, only a small handful was recognizable. Grandfather smiles at her with excitement. She was so happy he was able to do this, surely he could not have looked more proud. Lancel looks stunning in his families armor, passed down from generation to generation. He was quite handsome but she was sure to avoid looking at him. She had not seen him since that night he grabbed her and had no intention of stirring the pot back up again. Hopefully, he had forgotten all about what had happened and would leave her alone. He was a pretty boy really and Amalya was glad that he chose Elra to be his wife.  He gave her a lot of attention, calling her his most beautiful treasure.  Being from an old respectable house, Lancel’s choices were of a much higher pedigree.  Elra was lucky to find him; her life was sure to be well off. She deserves to be happy as every person does. 

Flutes begin to play and the air becomes full of the sweet melodies of celebration.  Heads turned towards the back of the garden as they wait for the soon to be wed couple to emerge.  Lancel steps forward and stares down the aisle in wait. Elra’s entourage of ladies dressed in pink throw flowers onto the ground. Lancel’s mother and father approach the front and take their places by their son’s side.  A moment later, the music begins to slow down.  Everyone stands up for the arrival of the bride.  Amalya rises to her feet.  She glances over at Lancel’s mother, already in tears, and his father stands with almost an elegant grace. After a moment, Elra appears arm in arm with Arthur. Arthur surely looks like a true soldier in his shining armor but she could honestly say he could not hold the attention long next to their sister.

Amalya has never seen Elra look so beautiful.  Her dress dances around her body as she floats gracefully forward. She was glowing with such happiness, it radiated to every person whose eyes fell upon her.  As she is about to take her place, Elra turns towards Amalya and extends her hand to her. Though she did not want any unwanted attention from a large number of strangers sitting behind her, Amalya respectfully accepts.  The onlookers watch as Amalya takes a place next to her brother.  Elra must be delusional. She was so happy it was affecting her judgment or she genuinely wanted her sister by her side. Amalya’s stomach begins to flutter with nerves. She takes a deep breath to try and keep her breakfast from resurfacing. She was honored to be able to share this moment with them, despite the rough waters they have been through.

Elra stands with Lancel and turns towards him. Lancel falls to one knee, “Arthur, son of Lieutenant Wesley of the Dragon Guard, Squire to the Guard Commander of the City of Rau, may you grant me permission to take your sister’s hand.  As my wife, I shall protect her as the realm protects its people, never to allow harm to lay its mark upon her. I will love her as I have loved no other and I will honor her and care for her or may my life be forfeit and Marin grant me no mercy. ” Arthur takes his hand and places it on Lancel’s head, “You have my permission and my blessing.” He then offers Lancel Elra’s hand which he gently takes as he rises to his feet to begin the ceremony. 

The guests take their seats as the ceremony continues.  Arthur and Amalya stand at their sister’s side, as the words, candles and everything else that goes along with a wedding unfolds before their eyes.  After a time the final words are spoken, the ceremonial candles are blown out and the watchful crowd stands up in a barrage of jovial celebration as the now married couple begin their new lives together.

Next Chapter: Chapter 6: The Final Step