Unedited.

The dress Sophie wore for the wedding was an ashen grey floor length dress, the neck scooped and squeezed in a way that made her flush.

The dress reminded Sophie, of the misty fog in the morning, the wisps of the grey light that often caused shivers to run, and hearts to pound. It was the color that would make your eyes play tricks on you. A dark evergreen colored sash was wrapped around Sophie's arms, and draped down her back.

Her alicorn pin, set with an explosive mechanism in it, pinned the sash to Sophie, just in case she dropped it she wouldn't need to bend over. Forrest brown boots looked elegant whenever they flashed into sight. Sophie had added her own touch to Calla's braid. Making it loose and adding a small twist, the braid slipped down her shoulder, tied with a clear tie. Sophie decided to take Vertina's advice, and added a touch of something that tasted like cinnamon to her lips. From what she understood it was the Elvin ChapStick.

Sophie had never noticed it but her lips were indeed chapped and cracked. It was a warm day the kind of summer day perfect for a wedding. Strands of hair fell around her face, framing it into a sharp angled face. After the detox finished yesterday Sophie woke up to find herself looking like a new elf. Her eyes were bright, her skin had a healthy glow, and her hair was glossy, everything about her was improved.

The sash looked sheer, but according to Edaline it was water resistant and could keep Sophie warm if she got chills. Sophie sprayed cinnamon perfume on, she had come to like the smell to much...

Checking her reflection once more she took a deep breath, picking up the invitation she had received yesterday she walked out of her room. Sandor stood at attention. "How do I look?" She asked as she closed her room door. "Very beautiful, Miss Foster." He replied. Sophie smiled as she stepped down the stairs. Grady and Edaline thought it'd be to hard for them to go to a wedding, having planned out Jolie's, but Sophie understood. She had promised to give the couple their congratulations. She took the boxed gift Edaline and Grady had prepared, it was long and rather light for it's awkward size. She took Sandor's arm and they leaped away.

An Elvin wedding was something out of a fairy tale. Colors danced around the outside reception. Long benches that looked like pews faced the massive arch where last minute adjustments were being made. Elves stood in groups, dressed in hundreds of colors, looking like regal people of royalty. Bouquets were placed at each end of the benches butterflies fluttered around in the bright air, like they were being paid to look beautiful and capture the attention of small elves that hurried through the crowds laughing and giggling as they chased each other.

Tables were set farther away from the main seats, gnomes were busy arranging plates, glasses and food on the tables, and being sure the flowers were perfectly centered. Sophie and Sandor looked around. Finally Sandor spotted the table to place the present. Sophie followed him closely to the table, before setting the box down carefully. She didn't know what it was, so she decided to be careful anyways. An enormous dance floor was set near the food, and a band of gnomes and dwarves were preparing musical instruments.

Sophie looked around as more and more elves showed up with bright flashing lights. Leaping to and fro. Sophie hung close beside Sandor, as they aimlessly walked through the crowds. Sophie was to fascinated by the birds calling clearly through the air, of buzzing voices drowning into hundreds of voices. Sophie spotted a flash of silver and black, and breathed a sigh of relief. "Tam!" She called. Tam looked over looking uncomfortable in a dark tunic with gold buttons decorating the front, with gold shoulders, he looked like a royal guard to some strange and mysterious kingdom. White pants and black boots he stood towering over Sophie. "Hey." She said. "When did you get here?" He asked. "Just a few minutes ago. Who all else is here?"

"I'm not sure, I just got here with Linh, she went to find Mae, apparently they are best friends now." Tan said, flipping his bangs. "Cool." Sophie said. "So um...what exactly are we supposed to do at weddings?" She whispered. Tam shrugged, "How should I know?" He asked. Sophie nodded, "Yeah me neither."

"You are supposed to socialize and meet new people, to enjoy your time and congratulate the couple." Sandor squeaked. Sophie and Tam both made a face. "I'm not good at starting conversations." Sophie said. "Neither am I." Tam agreed. Sandor rolled his eyes. "Unbelievable." But he said nothing more as his eyes scanned the crowds. Sophie looked up at Tam. "You look...good." She complemented. Tam looked at her a smug smile coming to his face. "I do don't I?" Sophie rolled her eyes. "Yeah you do."

"Well you look good yourself." He replied. Sophie blushed. "Thanks." What to say now? Tam however kept the conversation going. "It's been unusually quiet." Sophie saw his shadow casting over her. "To quiet." She replied telepathically. "The only way we can take it, is no news is good news." Tam said as he crossed his arms glaring at a group that had edged to close to them. "I still don't like it. Mr. Forkle usually contacts me by now." Sophie said, running her hands over the soft sash. "You think something is wrong?" Tam asked. "Something has to be. It's not like the Black Swan to leave things alone for to long."

"True. Any idea what's going on?"

"No, it's not like they ever keep me in the loop." Sophie rolled her eyes in distaste. "But I've been thinking..."

"You never seem to stop." Tam commented dryly. Sophie chose to ignore it. "Maybe we can try to contact them." Tam's facial expression didn't change but Sophie could hear the skepticism in his voice as he spoke. "How do you plan to go about that?"

"I'm still figuring that out." Sophie said, as she spotted Keefe as he walked through the crowd. "Don't do anything rash." Tam said, as he glared at Keefe. "Look at you two unsociable recluses glaring at everyone." Keefe said brightly. "You look like you both want to be anywhere else besides here." He said. Sophie realized her mouth had turned down into a frown. Tam's glare was as hard as it always had been. "Is there anyone else here?" He asked, "I saw Dex talking to Biana earlier, Alfred, Dismin and Alden are here, I haven't seen lover boy, sorry Sophie." Keefe smirked. Sophie blinked. "Which one?" She blurted. Both Tam and Keefe looked at her, "How many lover boys do you have?" Keefe asked his eyebrow raising.

Sophie blushed. "Um- well how should I know..." She said. Keefe gave her a 'yeah right' look but he spoke. "So what are you unsocial butterflies talking about?" He asked. Tam's shadow touched the toe of Keefe's boot. Keefe frowned nodding, "We'll just have to find a way to catch them." He said. "No way. Really?" Tam spat sarcastically. Keefe paid him no mind, and turned to Sophie. "Can't you just transmit?" Sophie shook her head. "I've tried." Keefe frowned crossing his own arms. "Well we'll have to think of another plan." He said, before something caught his eye, he turned and grinned. "S'cuse me I found the perfect prank to play, have fun you two recluses." He said before hurrying off.

"You think I should keep an eye-"

"Go." Sophie nodded. Someone needed to make sure Keefe didn't get out of hand. Tam hurried off, leaving Sophie. "Sandor...." Sophie said staring around the crowd. Sandor gave a grunting squeak. "Shall we go socialize?" She asked.

Socializing wasn't extremely hard. Sophie managed to find a group, talking of something she knew about. Peace treaties, four people. Three men and one woman. A woman Sophie recognized. Melody!
Melody was calmly speaking to the men who had contemplating looks and they nodded.

"-I do believe the treaties some adjusting as such, being more generous to our friends and companions, our gnomish species, our goblin guards, and the dwarves and trolls. Ah Sophie." Melody said pulling Sophie over, once she saw her. "Gentlemen may I present Sophie Foster, a dear friend who plans to do something about the treaties. Sophie this is Mr. Williams, Mr. Boabani, and Mr. Shirson." The men bowed politely and Sophie managed a wobbly curtsy. "It's a pleasure to meet you." She said. "An honor to meet you, call met Mr. Boa." Said the dark skinned elf that reminded Sophie of sleek ebony. "He's Mae's father." Melody said. "Oh, my congratulations to your family. It must be a happy day for you." Sophie said. Mr. Boa smiled widely, Sophie could see where Mae got her smile.

"Thank you. It is indeed a joyous day." He said brightly. "You want to do something about the treaties?" Mr. Shirson asked, making Sophie look at him. He was sunburned, badly and his blue eyes were kind but promising revenge. "Yes sir." Sophie nodded. "Mr. Shirson is Alfred's Dad. Alfred and Mae locked him in the observatory for a while." Melody said lightly. "Yes and I got sunburnt, which they will pay for today." Mr. Shirson said clenching his fist with good humor. Mr. Boa rolled his eyes. "Nikolai has been the main focus of the wedding pranks." He said lightly. Mr. Williams finally spoke up, in a more serious tone, his eyes bearing into Sophie.

"Just how do you plan to change the treaties?" He asked. "I'd like to become a species' representative." Sophie said, staring back. He was challenging her, it was silent but she met it face forward. "There is no such thing." He said. "And there was no such thing as a teleporting elf, or inflicting positive emotions, yet here I am." Sophie smiled.

"So you think because you have new abilities you can suddenly add a position no one ever heard of?" Mr. Williams asked skeptically. "Of course not." Sophie said, making Mr. Williams' eyebrows shoot up. "I plan on petitioning the council to listen to the problems with the treaty, thus I will present them with the position and I can travel back and forth between Eternalia and other homes of the species, and I'll represent the species."

"Petition?" Williams asked skeptically. "Yes. I'll petition this council until they listen to me."

"What makes you think they will listen to you?" Mr. Williams asked darkly. Sophie wasn't liking this man, but she painted on a smile. "I've met with the council on more than one occasion." Sophie said. Mr. Williams scoffed, "Yes I know. Your tribunal and punishment." He said darkly. "Not just that Mr. Williams. Sophie brought Exillium back to it's former glory, she's helped save the gnomes, and she has helped us all in more ways then you know." Sophie smiled as she turned to find Oralie. Everyone's bowed to her, and her companions. Terik, and Bronte. "Good morning, Oralie, Terik, Sir Bronte." Sophie said lifting herself from a curtsy.

"Nice to see you, Miss Foster." Terik said. Bronte nodded to her. "You were talking of the treaties?" Oralie asked the group of five that had suddenly grown to eight. "Yes we were." Mr. Williams said. "I was telling them of my plans to petition the council to see if they could open a representative position for me, so I could represent the species." Sophie said. "You do realize the treaties include the ogres, right?" Mr. Williams pointed out! Sophie swallowed and smiled tightly. "I realized, in fact they are some of the main reasons I'd like this representative job to open. Did you know the ogres work constantly, until they drop in exhaustion? Slaves are treated worse then worse, they are only given enough time to rest and start working again. Did you know that Mr. Williams?" Sophie asked.

Mr. Williams squirmed, for a bit before speaking. "What can we do about that? They have a ruler who allows that, we can not interfere no matter how wrong the ruling is." Mr. Williams said. Sophie looked at the councilors, as they looked between each other. "Open an ogre council, so one does not have all the power, so they aren't dictated and enslaved unfairly. I'd like for more than just one ogre in charge, make group decisions for their people, which will also affect themselves in return which makes them make smarter decisions." Sophie said. Everyone around her both became incredibly thoughtful, as they seemed to go through all theories.

"What's to stop them from ruling together with an even harder hand?" Mr. Williams asked. "Ogres are naturally greedy and want power, if one tries to out rule the others it'll cause a war among themselves, and while a war is going on between them they can't rule properly until the citizens rise up to get them in line." Sophie said. "What of the goblins?" Mr. Williams asked nodding to Sandor. "What are you going to do for them?"

"When." Sophie said being sure to give the council a look, letting them know she wasn't going to give up. "I get the position, I would go to their leader or collective whoever is in charge, and I'll have them hear what the goblins want most, whichever decision gets the most votes, I'll present it to the council and see if anything can be done about it."

"Gnomes?"

"The very same thing, along with more respect."

"Trolls?"

"I'll do my best to see what the trolls and dwarves would wish to change in the treaties." Sophie replied. Mr. Williams folded his arms. "Just why would you want to do this? The treaties have been fine without you and your representing position."

"Has it really?" Sophie asked. Not waiting for Mr. Williams to reply she continued. "Can you name at least three gnomes who work in your household? What of any goblins who guard it? Elves have been receiving more benefits from the treaty then any other specie that has agreed to it. That's highly unfair of us, to do that to our friends, and loyal families."

"Just what are you saying Miss Foster?" Mr. Williams asked his lips thinning. Sophie stuck her chin out. "I'm. Saying." She said punctually. "We should be more considerate, of those around us." She said. "That also includes the elves who do not have an ability." She said. Mr. Williams' jaw set. "Those talentless elves are where they need to be, and the treaties are fine. Always have been always will be." He said. Sophie heard footsteps approaching and she looked around. "Let's not argue about this business." She felt Fitz come up beside her. "It's a weddings after all. Time to enjoy yourself. Good day Mr. Williams. My congratulations Mr. Boa, Mr. Shirson." She said giving a curtsy that was surprisingly smooth. She smiled at Oralie, Terik and Bronte. "I hope you'll consider my suggestions." Looking at Melody, Melody nodded, telling her she did the right thing.

"Lovely seeing you again Miss Melody." Sophie said dropping another curtsy just for her friend she turned to Fitz who held out his arm. She took it and walked away, her head held high. She had other battles to fight. "What was that about?" Fitz asked. "Nothing important." She said waving her hand. She refused to look up at Fitz as her face burned with something between humiliation and giddiness. She was being escorted by Fitz! Her arm was in his. "I've been looking all over for you." Fitz transmitted as they passed a laughing group. "Where you?" Sophie asked as her heart pounded.

"I was." Fitz nodded as he smiled to a group of elves she didn't know. Sandor trailed close behind her and Fitz. Sophie tilted her head so she could look up at Fitz. He smiled his dazzling smile down at her. He looked...well he looked stunning. With a tunic much like Tam's his was of silver and dark fabric mixing between navy blue and very dark purple, with dark black boots that weren't nearly as shiny as Tam's he looked like a prince that had a royal guard. His dark hair was neatly fixed, his eyes captured Sophie into them. "You look lovely." He transmitted his smile never leaving. Sophie's face burned as she tore her eyes away, she gave a small laugh. "You look...pretty good yourself. Gives Vacker a whole new meaning of royalty." She teased. Fitz laughed as they continued walking. "Yes I suppose. But you haven't seen Biana, or my Dad and Mom yet." He said.

Once Sophie seen the other Vackers she knew why everyone seemed to consider them royalty. Biana looked like a princess, with a red dress, with a small train trailing behind her on the grass. Her hair was twisted up into perfection, her smile was just as movie worthy as Fitz's. She had a tall glass in her hand, perfect manicured nails tapped the glass every other moment, making the crystal ring out, to get lost in the loud noises of the crowd. She was talking to Linh, who looked perfect in a pink dress, that curved around her, her bodice decorated with beaded roses. Alden and Della stood together looking like they were a King and Queen speaking to their loyal subjects.

Alden wore a misty kind of lavender tunic with dark pants. A white scarf or tie of sorts, tied around his neck, his cape was a happily toned brown, he held his sites hand giving her loving glances when she wasn't looking. Della was the embodiment of a goddess elf. A lavender dress made her eyes dance bright, but when she caught her husband staring at her they'd light up. Every movement she made was graceful and even more capturing was when she'd vanish in and out of sight.

Everyone admired them, and those that spoke to them were clearly praising them. Fitz lead Sophie to his parents. Alden and Della smiled at Sophie, "You look enthralling Sophie." Della said as they approached. "Thanks you, you look, fantastic." She said blushing. Her complement seemed lame compare to Della's but Della smiled. "Thank you, I was having trouble deciding between lavender and pink."

"How have you been?" Alden asked Sophie. "Better, the detox it made me realize I was in fact feeling tired." Sophie said. "Yes you do look healthier, might I add you look quiet mysteriously gorgeous." Alden smiled giving his son a side ways glance "Don't you think Fitz?" He asked. Sophie didn't dare to look up at Fitz, as Fitz answered. "She is breathtakingly, captivating." Fitz replied. Sophie's face burned as she shuffled her feet. "Yes," Alden agreed. "Quite so. How are you liking the Elvin wedding Sophie?" He asked. Sophie looked around, "It's...different from what I was expecting." She said carefully. "Where is Mae by the way?" Della's eyes went wide with a large smile. "Don't you know the groom isn't allowed to see her until the ceremony?"

"So elves believe that too?" Sophie asked. "So that means Alfred is..."

"Probably setting up one last prank." Alden said. "So what's human weddings like?" Della asked. Fitz cleared his throat. "I wouldn't ask." He told his mother. Sophie wanted to tease him but the corner of her eye caught sight of Dex. He and Biana were talking...or where. Dex had pressed a kiss to her cheek, closer to her liked this time. Biana was blushing madly red, but smiling. Sophie smiled and looked back to the conversation that was going on between Della and Fitz.

"They've got these things called Bride's maids and groomsmen, and it all seems confusing." Fitz said. "It really isn't." She argued looking up at Fitz who raised an eyebrow at her, a smile tuning his lips up. "The groom kisses the bride, the what's their faces announce them husband and wife and they party with their families after." Sophie said, "Not every wedding carries on traditions, sometimes they'll just go to a court house sign a wedding licence." Sophie shrugged. "Hm, doesn't seem to different from elves." Della said.

"Actually it's a lot less elegant." Sophie said. Fitz spoke, "I'll say." Sophie shot him a light glare. "My parents had a wedding that even came close to this elegant. I seen pictures of my Mom's wedding dress and.." Sophie trailed off remember looking through albums, seeing Dad and Mom, smiling at the camera, as it looked like they stood in a castle of sorts. Mom's wedding dress had been beautiful, pure snowy white, with lace quarter length sleeves, a long trains and sheer veil. Her hair curled around her face, she looked like a princess, holding a bouquet of white roses, sprigs of lilies, and shoots of green ferns curling open.

Sophie shook the memory away, "Her wedding dress was the most beautiful dress I ever laid eyes on, and always will be." Sophie declared. Sophie looked back at Alden and Della. "She and my Dad had a fairy tale wedding." She smiled, remembering all the pictures. "It must of been beautiful." Della said softly. Sophie nodded as she felt her eyes mist, "I bet it was." She blinked back the memories, "I heard you two had a gorgeous wedding yourself."

Della and Alden both glanced at each other lovingly. "I wouldn't change my decision for the world." Alden said, making Della's cheeks turn pink as she laughed, pushing herself closer to her husband she said. "Me neither."

~
Sophie found herself seated beside Fitz near the front as the wedding took place. The three councilors stood in front of Mae and Alfred, as the bride and groom kneeled before them, holding hands. Mae's skin looked like it was glowing in the sun, her face was shrouded behind the green veil. Her dress was grassy green, the long train, trailing behind her, fading into white. Alfred was dressed in a light green tunic with white pants, and green boots. A green scarf, and he couldn't stop smiling from the moment he saw Mae, walking with her father. At least not everything was different.

The crowd had gone in an uproar with laughter as Alfred and Mae presented Mr. Boa with what looked to be a bramble jersey. "They met in the bramble games." Fitz leaned over and whispered to Sophie. Fitz had also explained that usually one councilor or three would go to witness the wedding, unless it was a family close to the council, all twelve would come. Beside Sophie, Dex translated, "That means anyone related to the Vackers or the other families of high rank, get the special treatment." He whispered. After the council gave their blessings Mae and Alfred stood and faced each other. Alfred spoke what Fitz said was the Elvin oath.

"You cannot possess me for I belong to myself but while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give. You cannot command me for I am a free person, but I shall serve you in those ways you require and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand.

I pledge to you, that yours will be the name I cry aloud in the night, and the eyes into which I smile in the morning. I pledge to you the first bite from my meal, and the first drink from my cup. I pledge to you my living and dying, equally in your care, and tell no strangers our grievances, this is my wedding oath to you. This is a marriage of equals."

Mae repeated the words, Alfred lifted the veil and everyone seemed to hold their breath as he took Mae's face in his hands, they both closed the distance between them, everyone stood up and cheered, whistling and calling congratulations. When the couple pulled away their eyes were bright, they smiled at each other, Alfred suddenly seemed to get an idea, he swooped Mae off her feet, twirling her around whooping, which made everyone cheer even more. As Mae blushed, she pressed a kiss to Alfred's mouth then they separated.

Sophie managed to congratulate the happy couple, just before she went to sit beside Della and Alden as Fitz hurried off somewhere. The couple sat at the table where gifts were piled, Della and Alden had grabbed seats in sight of it. The couple was given plates of food, and everyone ate first, before everyone leaned forward as the couple opened gifts.

Halfway through, Fitz came back to the table looking flustered. Sophie shot him a questioning look and he shook his head. Sophie was to entranced by the gifts to ask. When the couple came to the box, Sophie had brought Sophie held her breath. When the two opened it, Mae let out an audible gasp, covering her mouth in surprise and Alfred's jaw went slack. Grady and Edaline wouldn't have ever give something bad...hopefully. The couple glanced at each other, "What is it?" Someone that sounded suspiciously like Keefe called. Together the couple carefully lifted the gift and stood. The crowd gasped, Sophie didn't really see anything special about it.

It looked like wood entertained together, and bent in an arch ever so slightly. Some kind of green jewels were set in the wood, but it didn't look to special, like elf special. "Who is it from?" Came another voice. Mae looked at Alfred, who bent and looked in the box, on the cover. "It doesn't have a name." He said. Mae's eyes scanned the crowd before they landed on Sophie. Sophie gave a shy smile, Mae touched Alfred's shoulder and he looked up, and followed Mae's gaze, as did everyone else. Sophie blushed, but held Mae and Alfred's gaze. "Thank you." Mae's voice sounded choked, Sophie didn't see Mae as a crying type, but even Alfred looked like he was close to tears, a hush had fallen over the crowd and Sophie nodded, "Congratulations." she squeaked.She'd have to work on that if she wanted to be a representative.

The other gifts were almost ignored by the other guests, but Alfred and Mae thanked everyone before calling for music. As they danced, Sophie leaned over to Della, Fitz and Alden. "What did I give them?" That coaxed a smile out of Fitz. "It's a blessing arch. They hang it over their bed, on a mantle or more commonly over the door, it's branches are made of the unity tree, the oak, and some others, which represent eternal love, strength and blessings, the last part is what's really hard to come by, is the health stones, it gives good luck and health." He said. "Oh." Sophie said. She faced forward and watched the dance.

After the first few dances, Alden and Della joined, leaving Sophie and Fitz at the table. "Sophie, I have something I need to tell you, I don't want to lie." Sophie's heart flipped. This was it, Fitz had finally got tired of waiting. "Sophie, Ambra tried kissing me." He transmitted.

(Ah Ambra, you've made a grave mistake.)