The Tale about the Dragons and Goats

III

Dinda had an awful task to accomplish. She had to represent Merdo at the wedding because they had been invited by Larania's father. However, Merdo excused himself under the pretext that he had important duties out of town. "Why do you lie? You will go fishing tomorrow. I heard it yesterday. Fishing is not important! I don't want to go there alone!" Dinda protested angrily. Merdo leaned towards her.  "Dinda, listen. I would go, but I cannot. I wouldn't lie, if she's just going to celebrate her anniversary or whatever. But it's her Wedding Day. And if I come... She will see me and then be reminded of Elmoreno." - "You can bleach your hair or shave yourself or..." - "Or ask a witch to change my face for half a day!" Merdo completed cynically. Dinda pouted. Elmoreno was able to change his appearance from time to time to such an extent that one time she really did not recognize him. Why not Merdo?

It was a lovely day and the wedding was in a garden. As Larania's father was a florist, there were amazing flower arrangements as decoration and everywhere was the smell of flowers. Larania was the most beautiful bride that Dinda could ever remember. She was in a modest white gown, but her hair was filled with colourful blossoms.  The lucky groom was not ugly, Dinda had to admit it, but Elmoreno was a thousand times more handsome. Apart from her opinion that nobody could beat her brother, indeed. 
The procession started and Dinda felt so bad. She had promised not to cause a stir. Bravely she kept the tears back. Dinda was wondering whether Larania would uninvite her, if she knew that it was a Mährowinga to blame that Elmoreno wasn't here. Dinda tried to put off all burden by accusing Merdo.  Why had he suggested them to go for a picnic near the border to the Dragons?  There were so many other places, where she would not have ended at the Dragons, if she had got lost. And now this same stupid brother was fishing and let her alone attending a wedding ceremonial that was so distressing. When the most important moment approached - the act when the groom and bride had to accept each other - the tears were running down her cheeks. But at least she restrained herself from doing disturbing sobbing noises. Poor Elmoreno! But the most awful moment for Dinda was just to come.  She had to congratulate the newly - wed couple after the ceremony, under the eyes of all the other guests.  Dinda extended her hand to her and barely dared to look at her. "I am sorry." Dinda startled, because of the slip of the tongue, "I mean...I meant, I wish you happiness. And a....bright future." - "Thank you, Your Highness.", Larania replied softly. "Thank you for giving us the honour." Dinda looked up to her.  Larania smiled gracefully but Dinda could read from her eyes that it was her worst day in life.

That night she dreamt she was at a wedding again. She saw Larania as the bride. She looked bright and happy. And there was Elmoreno! He was the groom! Dinda ran to them full of joy. Both were stunningly beautiful. She had known it, they were perfect for each other.  Dinda was dancing and laughing, because she was so happy. Her adventure with the Dragons had not affected their marriage plans. Even Merdo was attending, because there was no reason to go fishing. She hugged Larania. The music was only disturbed by a distant sound from a rooster. The crowing came nearer and louder.

"Any good news from my daughter in De Got?" Raha asked sardonically Elmoreno, when she happened to meet him in the garden, which in Dragonixue usually had a dark mysterious charme, gloomy and sad. She had managed to avoid Elmoreno for quite a long time after she had given him the letters. "There was something missing. Where is it?" Raha was asked by him very directly. She just shrugged her shoulders. "Something was missing?" Raha pretended to know nothing and wanted to continue to walk but suddenly Elmoreno was very close behind her. She startled. "Keep distance," she hissed at him. - "Give me the missing note and I give you what you want." Raha looked at him stunned. But only for a moment because she felt embarrassed. The moment she feared had arrived.  Elmoreno had noticed for quite a long time that the Queen mostly had steered clear of him and that she avoided exchanging looks with him. He realized that he had more influence and power than he had imagined. His ice blue eyes were cold.
Cold from the past year being surrounded by Dragon traits, and cold because of the things he had lost.