Suspiciously Silent

Days passed, then weeks -and then nearly three months crawled by as the Lycan Kingdom rebuilt itself from the inside out. Families were moved, deals made, jobs given out, and the palace filled with good souls who had great intentions. 

Metas had ensured to have a round table for all the heads of each clan - big and small alike, all with equal say that were held weekly (and with lots of wine and snacks to everyone's delight). Thanks to that, they had worked together to connect the tunnel colony to the mountain via underground hallway that was well lit, well constructed, and had beauty thought throughout the design of the structure itself, as well as the lovely carvings, paintings, and gem-murals that lined the walls with pride. Each clan represented, and each age and coat seen throughout the many artistic scenes.

Even the light works that went down the tunnel were carved to be intricate wolves in many different poses holding torches filled with glittering gemstones of all sorts of colors that made the "pathway" (so aptly named) look like a celebratory hall more than one that was merely for travel.

Once the colony had settled back down, and those who wished to live in the newly constructed tunnels left to forge a new life, Metas was nearly ready to present his wife and Luna to the Kingdom as their second in command.

The only thing missing - was that ring ceremony Lara had mentioned so long ago when the revolution was small and barely a dream, and tonight was the night that they had finally held their breaths for.

The Werewolves not all being from a single race of human had a collection of traditions they had been handed down from 'the time before'. Myranda had no clue about any of them - but luckily for her, Lara had dreamed of the perfect wedding her entire life - and her taste in fashion was amazing.

"Okay, so this is mine - and trust me, the upper class will expect you to have the same colors, tradition and whatnot," Lara started in excitement as she showed off the white gown with gold accents and bright rubies adorned on special points of the embroidered golden pattern that was weaved through the white silk.

"Oh...I am not sure I have anything like that," Myranda started out of habit.

"What are you talking about? You're the Luna - well you're about to be officially the Luna soon. You have the entire treasury at your disposal. I'm sure we could find you something perfect and not as expensive, if you want....but if you ask me, you deserve it. We all kind of saved the entire world from a human weapon. Soooooo, I think a dress is a fair swap."

Myranda still looked uncomfortable, but nodded.

"I'll be here every step of the way, and Jess is coming over this evening to bring some patterns for you. Listen, you have two best friends who happen to be in-the-know about weddings, so you have 0 stress to worry about. We'll take care of you." The white-haired beauty sang out in happiness.

Lara sat down next to Myranda and flipped through a few more pages in the giant scrapbook that looked very worn, and very loved.

"--and these are what the humans used to call Mhendi.....We're going to use it to paint pretty patters on our necks and faces, typically a sigil from our families - which means you get to use a royal one. They all have different meanings, and I'm happy to help you pick something nice out."

The newly minted 'royal' looked very overwhelmed as the paged continued to turn, but it all made sense after Lara explained it for the 5th or 6th time.

Those moon rings all looked the same, but the moonstones were clear until once dipped in the sacred moon pool, would color themselves to the 'souls' of the pair. Females wore white, red, and gold for first marriages. Loved ones of each mates' pack presented them with both gemstones and rocks to signify the good and bad times of life, and would 'carve' them until they were the shape of beads.

Then, they would string said rocks and gems in a large 'lasso' and put it around the couple's shoulders to signify the weight of their troubles, but also the strength of their love to combat them.

Finally, all of the newly-wed brides were meant to be carried on a special palanquin either handed down from elders, or made by loved ones and clan leaders (Myranda remembered that one at Syranna's wedding).

It was all so much, that she often felt a little ill - but in good time, it was all together and waiting on the big day to arrive.

Excited, and unable to sleep - the three female friends sat together in the Bride's wedding chamber (usually reserved for just the Queen, but Myranda insisted on sharing her day, and the royal suite with Lara and Jess), painting themselves up, and chatting away about all the things they were looking forward to as married wolves.

Maids came in and out of the chamber here and there to bring in spa items, scented oils, and each bride's dresses, accessories, and other adornments. It was absolutely joyous until Jess and Lara's mothers both showed up (a tradition no one bothered to mention to her), which left Myranda alone as they took their respective daughters to do something.

At first Myranda was sad, and a little jealous -- but then she realized that even if her mother wasn't alive, she wouldn't have wanted her here anyway.

"Are you ready for your oil treatment, highness?" The maiden from the bathroom asked with a soft smile of pity, which made Myranda cringe inwardly.

"Oh - yes, thank you," the royal female said kindly and followed the young servant into the sweet-scented bathroom completely unaware of anything sinister that may have been brewing about.

Just as the thought of happiness and security began to embrace the Luna's soul - it was shattered as the brisk flashes of black and white took over her vision, and the pain of something heavy and hard smashed into the back of her head.