Thanks to the holographic nature of the Danger Room, it was a brisk spring day in September.

The sunlight gleamed in filtered streamers through the light green leaves. Everything smelled fresh because it was. Fresh leaves, fresh grass, fresh earth, fresh clovers with fresh little white clover buds. Fresh chairs, fresh cloth, fresh synthesized bird chirping without any of the mess that actual birds might drop on unsuspecting wedding goers.

None of it had existed before several mansion goers had offered their help in programming her wedding. How could it go wrong when it was all a combination of holograms and bent light?

It all looked very natural except for the fact that saplings were grown into a perfectly straight aisle. Thick white cloth was draped tastefully between the saplings. The clover buds were grown into a perfect channel that carpeted the area between the aisle of saplings and ended in a meadow.

The grass was perfectly mown and uniform in color and type. The whole arrangement was on a slight slope like graduated seating so everyone would have a decent view of the meadow at the end. The chairs were white stained wood and there were plenty for everyone.

A soft melody of classic strings wafted across the nature sounds.

It was ready for bride, groom and guests.

Sebastian walked into the danger room, but is was more like walking out of the mansion altogether and ending up in some fairytale land of eternal spring. It smelled real, it sounded real, it even looked real. He was almost tempted to try eating one of the clovers to see if it tasted real as well. The only indication that it wasn't real was the precise perfection of it all. Every blade of grass was exactly in place, every tree perfectly trimmed and growing in rows.

Sebastian hoped that he looked perfect enough to fit into his surroundings; he had on a white tuxedo with a light blue vest and bow tie that matched the color of his eyes. The place he had gotten it from had even tailored it for him, including modifications for his tail. He had brushed his hair into a ponytail, trimmed his nails, and shaved, yet he still felt out of place in the pristine surroundings.

Time played tricks with him today, as it had for their courthouse marriage. At first it seemed to drag, like when he waited for people to start arriving so he wasn't the only imperfect being in the perfect setting. Then it seemed to speed up so everything happened lightning fast. The priest arrived; it was the same one that had baptized Sebastian a few weeks back. He had been perfectly willing to visit a mutant school and perform a marriage ceremony there, so that was who they selected. Then the guests started to trickle in, then the trickle became a flood until the seats began to fill. Finally, music started to play as if the notes were materializing out of the very air and time slowed again to a normal pace.

Sebastian held his breath, waiting for his bride to appear.

Ghost went from tapping her foot to clinging tight and tighter on her father's arm. Jacob had graciously agreed to be their runner. Once the Danger Room was full enough the music would change. Once the music changed it would be time for the bride to walk down the aisle.

She'd had her hair done this morning, finger weave just like the Valentine's Day Ball where she and Sebastian had danced for the first time. Her dress, the other-Maya had helped her decide on.

It was textured, a modern white lace on top of a faintly beige white under dress. The silhouette was called "mermaid" because of the severe curves in at the waist, out for the hips, and in again at the legs before it flowed out for a train. The general shape was that of a mermaid's tail. It was no Raina, but the shape was beautiful and made a shapeless Ghost appear to have curves. She would appear to be at least the same height as Sebastian since she had elected to walk down the grassy knoll without shoes.

Her something old was Sebastian. (What was older, really?) Her something new was also, technically Sebastian since she was counting the patches of discolored skin on her hands. And the healing they granted was definitely only borrowed. They suspected it to be borrowed anyway. And her something blue? Well, she didn't have to prove to anyone beyond Sebastian what was blue.

"You ready?" His pulled smiled belied his slight case of nerves and played up his boyish charm. "Again?"

Ghost looked up to her dad. "Only if you are."

His nerves faded and his smile evened out to a more natural one. Allen Swift leaned down to kiss his daughter on her forehead. "I wasn't so sure at first, but I really am proud of you. You've done good here."

Jacob knocked at the door to the classroom they were hiding in. ."It's time, yo. Don't trip."

Ghost wrinkled her nose at him on the way out. She put her hand against the scanner and the Danger Room doors swished open just like they always did except this time on a very unique scene and a sea of friendly faces.

Her cheeks started growing pink and pinker as she ducked her shy smile away from both sides of the aisle. She cared deeply for most of the people she recognized and was glad they had decided to show.

What had looked like a short aisle this morning felt like it took a long time to walk down., but in the end they made it. Somewhere around the 1/2 mark Ghost's eyes had locked onto Sebastian like a tractor beam. At the end of the aisle the priest nodded to Mr. Swift and he squeezed Ghost's arm and puled back her veil before kissing her on the forehead one last time.

From there Ghost took Sebastian's hand an the ceremony was underway.

There were a lot of people there, but Sebastian only had eyes for one of them. If there had been a quiz on who had been attendance, he would have failed it.

Beautiful was an understatement. Ghost looked radiant at the very least. She had done her hair the same way she had on Valentine's Day and her dress looked perfect on her, very feminine and curvy. His favorite part of her look, though, was the expression on her face when she looked him in the eyes as she walked up the aisle, with her honey colored gaze locked onto Sebastian's face. He smiled softly, unable to look away even at Mr. Swift as he placed Ghost's hand in his own, though he did whisper, 'thank you', to his father-in-law before turning to face the priest.

Time again played tricks with his mind; it seemed to rush forward through the scripture readings and hymns. The audience stood and sat when appropriate, sang and prayed, and shed a few tears. It struck him that Catholic ceremonies were much longer than courthouse ones, and yet this one still seemed to fly by. Sebastian concentrated on trying to commit the whole scene to memory before it was over. The trees and grass might fade with time, but he was fairly certain he'd never forget Ghost's face on this day.

Seemingly within moments of the ceremony starting, it was time to exchange vows; for this occasion Sebastian had written his own. He took out the piece of paper he had in his breast pocket just in case, but he didn't need to look at it, and instead looked solemnly into Ghost's eyes as he spoke.

“I Sebastian Csendes, take you, Maya Swift Csendes, to be my wife so we may walk together through life. Through sunshine and in rain, down roads well paved with happiness and twisting pathways beset by troubles, I promise to remain by your side. To aid you on this journey, I give you my honesty, faithfulness, respect, trust, forgiveness, care, and the promise that I will love and honor you all the days of my life.”

As he finished he was smiling, but there were also happy tears glittering in the corners of his eyes.

She had agonized over the words for a long while. Their initial vows had been great, but it only served as a practice round. These vows were for real, held in witness by all the people present today.

Maya was feeling a little nervous even with her hand in Sebastian's. A little touched and teary when he read his vows. But most of all she felt happy. It was quite clear from her smile.

She'd worked on her vows and commit them to memory. She knew it would be useless to try to read them through the fog of everything that was happening. When it was time, she said her piece.

"I, Maya Swift Csendes, promise to take you, Sebastian Csendes, as my husband so that I may encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you when times are good and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I await the times when we will grow together. I want to know the man you will become and look forward to falling in love with you a little more every day. I will honor and cherish you for all the days of my life."

The priest had a few more prayers and a little more pomp and circumstance to run through before they were pronounced "man and wife" and it was time to kiss the bride. Being the eager bride, Ghost sort of bounced into Sebastian and wrapped her arms around him. The kiss was no less tender or beautiful for her enthusiasm.

When she took a step back, her hand slid down Sebastian's arm until they ended up hand in hand.

The priest introduced them as Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian Csendes and then it was time for a scene change for the after party.

What was it about weddings that could make women get so emotional? Lifting his finger to his eye Sam wondered that to himself as he was watching his closest friend in his life at the alter with some one who she apparently loved. One tear than the other trailed down his face as he watched the poetry in motion between the three on the alter. If he could paint he would have a master piece but alas he couldn’t however with all the cameras flashing about he was sure he would have no problem remembering one of the greatest days of his best friends life.

It was her day even if Sam wasn’t a hundred percent sure about the man she was exchanging vows with he held his tongue and trusted that Ghost knew what she was doing and trusted her judgment, Sebastian must be a good guy, other wise she wouldn’t be marrying him. His hand reaching down to Alex’s hand and holding it tight in his hand, his eyes shifting over to Ghost’s dad who was sitting to the other side of him. Only meeting the man a few times Sam wondered what it was like to watch your daughter get married.

The misty eyes and the sniffles coming from Mr. Swift were audible from the close distance Sam had to the man but said nothing only handed him a tissue from his front pocket from his tux. As the ceremony was wrapping up Sam glanced around to see a sea of friendly and not so friendly faces about the crowd that had gathered in the danger room. The room was defiantly built on a large scale so it had no problem seating this many people.

As the minister said his final words and Ghost and Sebastian had kissed Sam along with Mr. Swift and dozens of other people started to clap and stand up cheering for the happy couple, rose petals, both white and red fluttered down from the ceiling as everyone continued to clap. Smiling and feeding of the positive energy that filled the room Sam looked around and decided it was time for the change.

It was time to set up the reception, one that he personally had set up. Clicking his watch and talking into it the danger room’s scenery changed to that of the location for the ceremony. Birds started to flutter over head as the cool breeze forced some trees off in the distance to bend and dance as their leaves waved at everyone. Looking up overhead Sam saw the blue sky as the sun smiled brightly at everyone below as it peaked out from behind a white cloud.

Freshly clipped grass surrounded the dance floor as tables and side less tents covered ground as a small army of people in white entered through the doors of the room, they rolled in tray after tray of food and drink as the band started to play some music. Off in the distance where the trees were Sam could spot a few families of deer frolicking in the grassy meadow,

Looking to both Ghost and Sebastian hoping to get their general like or dislike written on their face, sure in his opinion it was a bit low key, but he doubted Ghost would have wanted a reception in space or under the sea.

Elli smiled as the wedding went underway, unconsciously smoothing out nonexistant wrinkles in her lovely dress. It was the only dress she owned, and she had actually gotten it for a dance that several of the other students in the academy had organized. She loved how the two made their own vows, and she was among the many to stand and clap after the ceremony. Weddings were always such sweet, happy occasions, and Elli felt blessed to be a part of this monumental one.

Last week, Elli had received an invitation along with a note from the Comissioner. The note had asked her to attend the wedding as a part of the police delegation, as she was one of the top in her class and had dealt with a mutant problem before, even working alongside one of Maya's team members. Though, as she was still a student, Elli was not permitted an official uniform, she hoped that the dress was nice and formal enough for the situation.

Elli's eyes, however, did not look as good as the rest of her. She had slept particularly badly the last week, and though she had gone to bed early the previous night, she woke several times throughout the night. Her usual nightmares had seemed to intensify, and she found herself bolting upright in bed, sweating bullets, to the ghost sounds of gunshots and sirens. Yes, she had worked with one of Maya's team members, but it had not been a happy experience.

In fact, just seeing the man, standing there, clapping, a tear rolling down his cheek brought back the memory of the mutant's face when she shot him, and Elli felt a small bead of sweat burst from her forehead. No, she thought, I can't think about it, or else I'll screw up. I can't think about the sound, or the blood or.... NO! Stop it, Elli, you're stronger than that. And so, shaking a little, Elli made her way along with the rest of the police delegation to the area where the man was standing.

"Hello, Mr. Johnson," The man at the head of the group said, "A lovely day, is it not? Forgive me, these are Officer Gutierrez, Officer White, and Ms. Fletcher. I believe you have met before, yes?"

Elli held out her hand for a shake, hoping that the man would not notice that it was shaking ever so slightly. Not thinking about where she had last seen the man, she said "Hello, again."

Kitra was smiling as the very beautiful bride and handsome groom kissed. She had dressed in a light green skirt that fell to her ankles and a cream three quarter sleeve shirt. Kitra's hair was braided to the middle of her back and hung loose the rest of the way down. She had gotten up as the scenery started changing around everyone and she let out a low whistle. 'Wow', was her only thought. Kitra was here as she did hang around the mansion and also as on duty to keep an eye out for trouble, for her boss, who she hadn't spotted quite yet. Kitra dusted her behind slightly and sauntered over to the area where the tables with a lovely bunch of food sat. Yes, she may be here to keep an eye on things but that didn't mean she couldn't have a bit of fun and food.

OOC: if anyone wants to randomly recognize Kitra go for it

C.J. felt a bit silly. He had never been one for marriage or other such occasions, way too many people and not enough space. However it seemed whoever had designed this one was a smart cookie. No stuffy church, just simulated fresh air. He felt a little exposed at first, his acquired suit had even been ironed, which didn't happen often with any of his clothes.

’Wow… That was really beautiful…

When the scene changed he stood and stretched, trying not to make it obvious, after all, that could come across a bit rude. He peered around the new location and was surprised to spot a few deer across the way somewhat. That was, before an army of white obscured them from view. White meant food. He liked food. However he also liked to have a decent idea of his surroundings, it made him feel more relaxed. He was torn, his stomach or his head?

'Oh whatever, nothing's going to happen here, surrounded by so many people.'

He moved off toward the yummy looking edibles. No event on Earth ever seemed to have food to match a wedding, and there was so much selection before him it was hard to make a choice. He decided on something that appeared to have puff pastry over it and put it in his mouth delicately.

’Careful, careful, don’t mess up the clothes.’

He bit down and almost sighed. It was very tasty and pleasantly warm. He waited a second to swallow and turned to see if he recognised anyone. No one immediately jumped out at him, so he would wait, Though he did see a lot of new faces. Perhaps he would mingle, perhaps not. He would wait and see, although he did set off in the direction of Ghost at the slowest pace he could muster without looking dumb, He had a feeling congratulations were in order.

Isabel had been torn over attending Sebastian's wedding after discovering the invitation. She'd almost thought it finding her had been a mistake until she'd received confirmation on the event. It wasn't the wedding itself or the groom that had caused her to hesitate, but was instead the location where the ceremony would take place. She'd never been to the Mansion for any reason other than under hostile orders. She didn't exactly have a good record of playing nicely with the X-Nerds that lived there, either. She wasn't entirely sure she could behave herself, which would undoubtedly be expected of her.

However, in the end she'd decided that the friendship and feelings of her healing companion were more important than her own dislike for the Mansion and its inhabitants. The ceremony was obviously important to him, and to whoever Maya might be, so she could do her very best to respect it and be a good little girl while in attendance. She just had to avoid spilling someone's blood, and she would be fine.

Invitation in hand just in case anyone would question her presence at a place where her past playmates lived, she arrived at the Mansion on the date that had been written down, just shortly before the ceremony was scheduled to begin. Upon finding no issues with entering the Mansion or the Danger Room, she left her invitation to lay at the corner of a random table she passed before heading toward the crowd of seats.

With an attempt to draw as little attention to herself as she could manage, she found herself a vacant seat toward the back of the arranged rows, and somewhat off to the side. The less attention she attracted from anyone in the X-party, the less likely she'd be to end up in some sort of trouble. She'd even gone as far as to buy a new dress and shoes to make herself as presentable as she could. She wanted to look nice for her companion's wedding, even if the style was a little unusual to her.

She did have to admit that they'd done a very nice job with their 'Danger Room' in order to set up for the wedding. It all looked very nice. The Bride and Groom looked equally lovely as they made their appearances and the ceremony got underway. Obediently she went through the motions, though not knowing much of anything about religious weddings, she remained largely silent even as others sang or prayed before the vows were exchanged.

They were very pretty sounding vows, and both bride and groom seemed to be speaking sincerely. Isabel really didn't have much of an opinion for or against marriage. She could respect those that opted for it, though. And she was happy for the pair. They seemed more than happy to be joined in such a way, and as such she was also pleased. Maybe trouble could be avoided after all, if everyone remained in such good moods.

As she scene shifted in preparation for the after party, Isabel gave up her seat and silently watched as the other guests began to mill around. She couldn't have felt more out of place. Quietly she tucked herself off to the side, debating whether or not she should even stick around for much longer. Perhaps she'd offer and brief congratulations to the newlyweds and be on her way with some kind of excuse.

The wedding was one of the most beautiful she had seen, Alexandra decided while she watched Ghost and Sebastian exchange their vows. Surely, she hadn’t been to many weddings but she doubted that any would surpass this one any time soon. A smile appeared on her lips as blue eyes trailed from Ghost to Sebastian then back several times. She wasn’t very familiar with any of the two. Ghost, she had met only a few times, the meeting at the infirmary and at the Full Circle being those which she remembered at the moment. Sebastian on the other hand, was familiar only by name as she had heard Garrett mentioning him a few times as his co-worker at the Iris Clinic. Both were beautiful as they promised themselves to love each other for eternity.

You’re getting soft, Alexandra Kettler. The molecule manipulator silenced herself mentally. Perhaps weddings and promises of eternal love weren’t her thing but she was happy for them. In a world where bloodshed and violence were ruling, it was to be admired that the two had found the power to love.

Sam’s hand reached for hers, holding it tightly in his own. Alexandra turned her head to the side slightly to see Sam. He was crying. Funny, she never imagined Sam crying but this was his best friend’s wedding, after all. Her hand tightened around his for a moment in a reassuring squeeze before her eyes trailed back at Sebastian and Ghost.

Once the ceremony ended, Alexandra decided only to smile instead of clapping. Standing up, she straightened the back side of her dress for a moment before raising the texture off the ground so she wouldn’t step on it and trip once she moved. Oh well, she hadn’t mastered the art of walking in the shoes she was wearing yet. A hand reached up to push some rebel hair back to its place. Secretly, she was proud that she had managed to do her own hair and make up when time wasn’t enough to go to a salon.

As the scenery changed, blue eyes trailed around the room for a few moments then moved to Sam. “Stop worrying. It’s beautiful.” Alexandra told him as her hand brushed his back lightly.

Streak had received a big surprise. Maya was getting married. He felt really out of the loop since he didn’t even know that she was seeing anyone, let alone getting married to someone. Then again she was always busy with her bookstore so he didn’t get to see her much. Luckily he’d received an invitation to the wedding that was going to be held there at the mansion. For once he didn’t have to worry about setting things up because that was being taken care of by other people that lived there. The day finally came when it was time for him to partake in the joyous occasion that was Ghost’s wedding. Many of the guests were mansion residents and there were actually quite a few that weren’t from the mansion. Streak didn’t recognize any of them but as long as they were here for the wedding he was fine with it.

Dressed in one of his better suits Streak watched the wedding take place. It really was a beautiful occasion and Ghost was dressed stunningly. Unfortunately he didn’t know anything about this guy she was marrying much past his name. Sebastian. What an old sounding name. There were certain names that people didn’t seem to use very much any more and that was one that he hadn’t heard of being used for quite some time. Matthias was another one. How old his name was, was really irrelevant to the fact that if Ghost loved this guy enough to marry him then he had to have some good qualities. Didn’t he?

The wedding was probably one of the most touching things he’d seen because he knew the bride was one of the nicest people on the face of the earth. His silver eyes glistened and Streak blinked once to get the tears out of his eyes. It worked and when he looked again they were kissing and people were standing and cheering for the couple. Streak joined in the cheering and applauding. He even stood up and cheered for them. The moment was pure jubilation and everyone was having a great time. Shawn took a look to his side at Sam and there, next to him was Alexandra. You better watch her when Ghost throws the bouquet. Or you’ll be next buddy. Streak thought. Those two had become quite the inseparable couple as well and he was glad the Sam had found someone that could keep him under control. The scenery then changed and Streak looked at the new place they were in. It was another beautiful place to be for a wedding reception and looked around. Tables and chair were plentiful and so were the trees that swayed under the bright blue sky. A nice breeze blew and he moved from where he was standing to another spot under one of the tents for a second to see who he could mingle with.

It was all so beautiful. So beautiful. With the fresh little meadow and the manicured trees, the slightly-sloping ground, the chipper chirping of birds. The sunlight was streaming, and everything was sublime. Shin half-expected Bambi to walk down the center of the aisle.

When he'd first heard about Ghost and Sebastian, he'd been uncertain, conflicted, and slightly shocked. Who would have guessed his haphazard joke of a guess was right when he spoke it to Koga so recently? Who'd have fathomed Ghost and the white-haired goat of a man would get married so soon the relationship, yet so late into September? He was happy for them, really. Time and time again, he'd met the antediluvian... thought he'd met him, greeted a unicorn, talked with a doctor beyond those golden arches...

Shin's mind had flashed back to that day he first met Sebastian when they'd told him. The memory of the gunfire, the roar of the crowd, and the knight with a silver tail came fresh as the scenery on this wedding's day. Sebastian had saved Ghost. He was the one who'd seen to her wounds then. He was the one who'd pried her from his arm which she'd clung to like it were the string of her life. Shin had had a momentary worry when he'd remembered those golden doors and what they signified. He'd been clued in to that long ago. That worry quickly went away when he remembered all the good things Sebastian had done. Then he was happy. Sebastian was a good man. Ghost needed a good man. That was enough.

Tuxedo Shin staved off another torrent of tears with a white handkerchief as they gave their lines. Everything really was so beautiful. Oh god, there were the waterworks again. He blew his nose. The blond next to Shin gave his shoulder a nudge. Shin smiled weakly at Aurum, and mouthed the words 'sorry'. God, why was it always weddings that got him so emotional!? Now everyone was clapping. Shin slipped the hanky away to clap with them.

He rose from his chair as the others milled towards the food and the after party. Shin wondered if the cake tasted beautiful too?

A glance at the spread told him 'tasty', rather than 'beautiful' food had been provided. Shin slid past a mutant with dark pink hair to grab a puff pastry, then turned to smile at him. He'd never met the man before.

"Lovely wedding," Shin stated, slipping the pastry into his mouth. A few chews and a swallow. "Are you a friend of a bride or the groom?"

Cafas turned from his path toward the happy couple to view the person who had spoken. Well, at least it bought him some time to think about what to say to the newly weds. He contemplated how much 'friend' could really apply but he figured for thee sake of conversation it did. "The bride, Ghost, Maya as she is apparently called. Yourself?"

Cafas took in what he could about the shorter man. He seemed fairly strong, just something about the build, well, that didn't surprise him, most mutants he came across were well built. The guy, at first glance, seemed likeable enough, so C.J. decided to give him a chance.

'Always nice to meet new people.'

For once C.J. was not wearing his glasses, out of respect, so he was having a hard time seeing in the bright light, he was far to aclimatised to the darkness that his glasses brought, the direct simulated sunlight was dazzling. It was sort of funny to him, the fact that by taking away darkness it was harder to see. He hoped it didn't hurt his eyes too badly.

'Mingling time has started for sure now.'

C.J. caught a glance of himself in the reflection of a platter and found his eye colour to be appropriate to the estimation he would have made, a pleasant yellow, just above cream, into the happy zone but not too far, yup, he was happy all right, how well his eyes knew him! "So, how about these pastry's huh? Delicious."

(( OOC: Continued from Signs ))

Verdigris approached the mansion, clutching the brown invitation in one hand like a press pass, a few marbles clutched tightly in her other palm, ready to release at a moments notice. One of the good things about her power. Long range.

Ignoring a film crew frantically trying to set up cameras and tripods she slipped into the grounds as quickly and quietly as she could. A brief explanation to the intercom box that she was here for the wedding and she was granted access, the large gates swinging open. It wasn’t ominous, per se, more of a warning of the rules here. Rules, rules and more rules. Everywhere she went there were rules. These ones, however, were designed to keep people like her safe.

Relaxing her grip on the marbles slightly she admired the sweep of the grass. The gardens that were visible looked well maintained and manicured. She brushed her hands against her thighs nervously. She was wearing the best clothes she had, but even now she was having second thoughts about attending a wedding in jeans.

After a few deep inhales and exhales. After all, it was only a wedding for people she had never met before, in a place she had never been before, in a room who’s very name screamed at her to flee. Nothing to worry about right?

Only the knowledge that the film crew were probably even now training their lenses on her made her keep walking. She had an invitation, there was no reason why she shouldn’t have come. She recalled her first day of school and a pearl of wisdom that came from her mother. ‘If they don’t like you for who you are, then they aren’t supposed to be your friends.’

A moment to get directions and a few more to arrive at the final destination and her nerves had settled to a heavy feeling somewhere beneath the now silent protests of her empty stomach. This was it. The danger room. Clutching tightly on the marbles she entered, stopping a single step into the room.

This was a room like nothing she had ever seen before. It was hardly a room, more like a spacious hunk of paradise had been shipped in for the occasion. The impact of just how expensive that had to have been was not lost on her and she took a quiet seat towards the back. The very back. She shoved her bag under her seat so the backs of her legs were invisible from behind to those entering after her. No one needed to know that the black top she was wearing was not just the top of a floor-length affair like some of the others she spotted throughout the area.

The ceremony was, in a word, ceremonial. It was emotional and loving and everything a wedding was supposed to be, and she found herself caring less and less about her jeans. The groom had white hair, a horn and a tail. Obviously a mutant. The bride looked a little pale, but otherwise Verdigris could see nothing out of the ordinary.

The tangible proof that mutants were as much human as anyone else made her eyes cloud over. Just a little. It might have been dust, yes, dust. Not the confirmation that she was not a monster, not the thought that there was hope for a life with others again. Dust. Yes dust.

As the priest concluded and the bride and groom kissed, amongst the cheers and applause the scenery began to change around them. Her hand tightened around the marbles where it had relaxed almost to the point of dropping them during the ceremony. She waited until the room had stopped changing, swirling and reforming, to move. Her backpack was carefully stashed in what she assumed was a corner, near a tree that had one branch almost perpendicular to the trunk. She would remember it, it wasn’t hard to see.

White covered tents and the promising aroma of food drew her closer to the bustling group. She could see the bride and groom being congratulated to one side, but was unsure how to approach them. ‘Hey, a wedding invitation just appeared in my hand while I was sleeping, so I came.’ Just didn’t seem the right thing to introduce yourself with. Deciding against specific attempts to be social she picked up what appeared to be some kind of delicate quiche and nibbled on it gently. It was not a meal, but it was by far the most delicious thing she had tasted in a long, long time.