Dauntice's bride

Days had gone by since the wedding, each of the gods and goddess's had built a throne in the main room, predictably Onicent insisted he be in the middle, his throne was extravagant and shiny, next to it were Airabella's throne and Dautice's throne, both were smaller yet still elegant. Only Serse had a throne that was unremarkable, and Alora's was cold and empty. The searches had continued for Alora, Serse had sent out word through the villages, but she had gone without a trace it seemed. Onicent and Airabella remained tense, the couple quarreled frequently, in result both Dauntice and Serse departed for a time.

Serse had headed back out to seek her sister, and Dauntice went towards home. It was then that he felt a familiar tug and realized he'd forgotten a promise. The young woman who had brought all the humans to his brothers wedding had gone unrewarded, but he was certain she was using his first gift and therefore found her easy to trace.

When he found her she was sitting by the water not far from the palace. When she saw him her face remained stony. Dauntice felt something shift in his heart, and then recalled Serse's words to him when they had been resting underwater.

The woman spoke slowly. "Had you forgotten about me?"

Dauntice shook his head, slightly at a lose for words.

"I have waited here around the palace for you." She looked sad, and he could feel resentment bubbling off of her.

"I apologize," he said, and though it was improper he bowed his head slightly to her. The gesture seemed to startle her slightly, but she sunk back to stony. "Come with me," Dauntice said, "to the court in the palace, my brother shall find a fitting reward."

Dauntice would have rewarded her his self, but feared for Onicent's recent anger, it was better if he was aware.

Dauntice lead her to the palace and through the hall in the throne room. Both Airabella and Onicent had been resting on their thrones. When they looked up several emotions crossed their faces, suspicion, Airabella looked slightly offended, and for a reason Dauntice couldn't see Onicent looked slightly amused. Dauntice's human companion knelt to the floor in front of them. This seemed to soften Airabella a bit.

"Brother, why have you brought this human before us." Onicent asked casually but their was an edge underneath of accusing.

"She was of great help to me and to you in planning the wedding. She is responsible for a number of our guests, for she spread our news far and wide."

Onicent considered this passively, he began to speak quietly to Airabella, Dauntice could tell she didn't like whatever he was saying. Dauntice glanced at his human, she had yet to get up, carefully he took her shoulder and pushed her lightly, she rose to her feet again but didn't say anything to him.

Onicent addressed her at last, "what is your name human?"

"Farren," she said with strength in her voice.

"We thank you Farren for your help, we have decided on a reward. You shall be my wife's hand maiden."

Airabella made a face, and that was when Dauntice felt a surge of longing. He didn't want to watch Farren become a servant.

"Brother," he said, "I wish to take her back with me."

That was when Onicent got a glint in his eye, like he understood something. He laughed slightly, "I knew you would go this way Dauntice, and yet I am happy for you. Take this human and make her your queen. I grant her immortality so she may live by your side."

Airabella looked startled, but composed herself, "as goddess of marriage." Dauntice reeled slightly, but he had noticed Airabella become a vibrant red. She continued, "I give you my blessing Dauntice, may you treat her well."

Farren looked quite shocked, and Dauntice felt shocked. But he pushed through that and took Farren's hand. "I promise to love you Farren. To always protect you. No one shall ever treat you wrongly again and you will have a home with me beneath the sea."

She smiled, and he watched as her skin became a light blue. Both went forth to the sea together, only to find it had blossomed with marvelous colors. He picked a sprig of coral and tucked it into the hair of his love, as they descended into the depths.