Power of Lions

The Wedding

"You look beautiful, Assaggi!" Mesi gushed. She finishes up brushing Assaggi's long hair and smiles proudly. "Go look in the mirror!" Mesi ordered happily.

Nodding excitedly, Assaggi stands up from sitting and walks to a large mirror.

Her reflection was unrecognizable. Long waves of her hair ran down her back down to her waist. The dress she wore ran down to her knees. She was amazed by the colors of her dress that reminded her of a rainbow. The patterns moved in soft strokes with symbols in the center of them that looked like an eagle's eye.

A smile grew on her face as she looked at her dress, and it grew wider when she saw her face. Mesi had applied what she called 'make-up' on Assaggi's face. Orange paint was dabbed around her eyes. Black ink was painted over her eyelashes in the mark of a wing. Something glossy and sticky was on her lips that made her lips seem redder than they were before.

"I look like a colorful bird!" Assaggi said vehemently. She spins around on her heel to watch herself spin around in the mirror. The smell of lavender spread around her from the scent of her skin. "I love the fur. What kind of animal is it made of?" Assaggi asked brightly. She turns to look over at Mesi to see her hugging Nyah close to her chest. An amused look appeared on the young teenager's face. "It's not fur. It's a dress. Made of different kinds of material that aren't made of animals."

"Right." Assaggi said bashfully. She felt her cheeks warm up but ignored it. Looking at her reflection again; her eyes were glowing the same gold as her lion eyes. "Is there anything to expect in this wedding other than what I was already told?" Assaggi asked; she takes Nyah from her soon-to-be sister and holds Nyah in her arms. Soft purrs came in coos as Assaggi lulls Nyah to sleep. Her sharp index nail ran over a birthmark in the shape of an arrow. The touch made Nyah gurgle in her sleepy state.

"The priest will give out a speech. You and Nile will give one another your vows. As long as no one interrupts, you will be wedded." Mesi explained. She picks up a small wooden box and hands it to Assaggi. "Here's Nile's ring. Make sure to give it to him when it's time in the ceremony." Mesi reminds her.

Assaggi nods and takes the box. "I don't understand why we humans make such a big deal of engagement. Animals just mate when they decide they are perfect for one another. No ceremony needed." she said.

"You still have a lot to learn." Mesi comments with a light laugh.

The door to the hut opens, and Assaggi does a double-take when she sees a familiar face.

"Holly?" Assaggi said surprised.

A bright smile was on Holly's face when she saw Assaggi. She was dressed in a long, white, sleeveless dress that ran down to her ankles. The scars she received from Sefu have scabbed over and were now developing scars. Despite the damage on her skin, there was still beauty in Holly.

"Oh Assaggi, you look so beautiful!" Holly gushes. Without another word, Holly walks over to Assaggi and pulls her into a bone-crushing hug. Nyah let out a soft groan that sounded like a squirrel letting out air from being squeezed in between.

"What are you doing here?" Assaggi asked dumbly. Brushing herself out of her aunt's arms, she cradles the wide awake Nyah. "I thought you returned to New Port?" Assaggi thought aloud in confusion.

Laughing softly, Holly says,"It's called New York. And I received an invite to your wedding!" She lets out an excited squeal that reminded Assaggi of a meerkat. "Who sent the invite?" Assaggi asked.

"I did, of course." spoke Madge as she entered the hut. Dressed in a deep blue dress made of soft wool and her hair tied up in a tight bun, Madge looked absolutely stunning. "I knew your only relative will want to see you walk down the aisle." Madge said.