Starbird (UNDER MAJOR EDITING)

Chapter 24

Later that day is the wedding party, a grand affair, with feasts and dancing. Dancing is what I am waiting for. The feast passes quickly, with toasts to a peaceful, kind rule, and many children. I stand when the dancing starts, signaling to the musicians. They begin a slow, calming tune, a waltz. I take Jorgen's hands. We have the first dance all to ourselves, so when the music begins, I rise up onto my toes in my dancing shoes. I lift my left leg up slowly, then bring it around as I dip my body forward, Jorgen supporting me. As I stand, Jorgen whips me around, my leg tucked to my knee. I stop, my arms out to my side. I sway to one side, then the other, and turn, my arms reaching to the sky. Jorgen lifts me, my leg pointed out behind me. I arch my back, and he sets me down. I spin away from him slowly, lifting my feet in tiny movements. I raise my arms, flapping them slowly. Jorgen holds my waist and spins me a little faster, then faster and faster. I stop, my arms raised. I arch over my back leg, bringing my wrists together. I smile at Jorgen, upside down now. He grips my waist, and lifts me as I spread my legs out, one directly in front and one directly in back. People gasp, and then I dip my body down when he lowers me down. I roll up, my arms fluttering behind me. I finish, taking his arm and curtsying to the audience. Couples pair off onto the dance floor, and I sit at the table with Jorgen, resting my head on his arm. He plays with my hair, and I bat him away, rearranging my braided circlet. He frowns, but then I whisper,

"You can play with my hair later." He grins then, like Veriahn would. At that instant, she runs up and jumps into my lap. "Hey, Veri!" I say, hugging her. "I wondered where you had gotten off to."

"I went everywhere, and Pine guided me!" I smile, knowing the girl has a much better place than she did. Jorgen ruffles Veri's hair, and I smile. She shies away, laughing lightly. She runs off, and I see Pinette standing at the doorway, waiting for Veriahn. Just then, a young man with light blonde hair and green eyes walks up to her and speaks to her. She looks over at me, and I nod. She takes his hand and goes onto the dance floor. A waltz begins playing again, and I watch as she closes her eyes and loses herself in the movements of the dance. The man smiles at Pinette's expression. My life is complete. I think as I lean into Jorgen. I close my eyes as I stand, spreading my arms wide. People may think I'm crazy, but I don't care. I feel light flying from my body, lifting the cursed darkness from the kingdom. I feel myself floating, and then I turn to see Jorgen next to me. I look down, and see the dancers and audience staring up at us. He offers his hand, and I take it. I do a little hop, then leap into the air, arching my back and flinging my arms back as my legs extend. I spin on my toes, my arms meeting at the wrists. I bring them down slowly, letting Jorgen hold them and bring them together in front of me. I step, letting Jorgen hold me, and I feel him get ready to lift me. I jump, and he holds me above his head, one leg bent to my knee, the other extended behind me. I smile, arching my back, as I feel us begin to descend, Jorgen's arms wrapped around me.

                                                                        The end

Or maybe not... I'm thinking about a sequel to this, maybe Pinette or Veriahn. Luv ya and sorry for abandoning this story for so long! -T