Now And Always~ part 2

ch 18~ pre-wedding renewal celebration

The night before, on the twenty-first, she made sure the ritual area was ready. She smiled as she walked through, seeing all the flower arrangements in perfect positioning. She stepped up to the simple and quiet corner of the garden, where the stone steps leading up to a balcony to look out over the vast garden stood before an arbor was now draped in soft white flowers, hanging down gracefully.

She noted the small wooden table set in the middle and walked closer, walking her fingertips slowly across the top upon reaching it. One small goblet was placed here in wait for the following day as she slide out from her pocket a small ceremonial dagger to be placed now beside it, wrapped lovingly in a white satin cloth to keep it safe. She had already brought it to a trusted friend to be blessed for their celebration of the following evening. So she had hoped all would fall into place more smoothly than in past of some things she had ever tried to hold.

At the top of the steps, she noted a small cauldron placed in wait of a blot ritual. Another table of stone this time sat ready with some carved figures to represent some of the gods they would ask for blessings for their continued union. Hers represented of those of Avalon and the moon, since she was so drawn to those most.
The cook already had a goat to offer to Thor, a sow to offer to Freyja, and a wild boar to offer to Freyr. She had set aside some of their blood to be used in the blot ritual while she cooked the meat all day for the feast later on.
Sky noted the tiny pile of stones beside the table and smiled. "Good, things seem to be falling into place very nicely..." she whispered to herself.
"Talking to yourself again, miss?" A voice startled her from behind as she turned quickly and blushed when she realized it was just the head cook.
"Come to spy on your queen, I see?" She smirked back at her as she walked over to greet her life long friend in a hug. "Thank you for all the help these days. I want it all to be better than before..." she began to trail off.
"Nothing but the best. Don't you fret a thing. We have it all under control." She talked with her hands like she always did and glanced behind her queen, "I see the dagger is placed now, too?" She noted softly, bending closer to whisper in her ear.
Sky smiled softly, nodding, "yes, my travel through the veil to visit my dear friend was uneventful. And we were able to quickly bless the blade as needed. So it should be ready to go. The ravens are in position to keep watch over the area as well. So no worries on the other two trying to crash."
The cook closed her eyes and gave a heavy relieved sigh, "that in itself is a blessing, dear child." She took her hands and kissed the tips of her fingers gently before looking around the gardens. "I know even the trees have ears around this island. But I pray it all is as beautiful as the two of you have imagined. You both deserve the world." She placed her palm gently along Sky's cheek and looked over her in motherly fondness. "What a beautiful woman you have become. And I am honored to call you my queen."
She pauses a moment and then comes back, shaking her head. "Where are my manners!" She quickly makes to grab her apron and wipe her hands like nothing happened as she continued about the task before, "the honey beer is set. And I had master Elijah's favorite wine brought over to be ready for your small ceremony as well. The meat will be ready come tomorrow..." she trails off now going over her lists for the festivities.
Sky gives a gentle smile and takes her hands, "easy does it, dear friend. All seems to be coming together nicely and soon it shall be here." She gives her a reassuring look and squeezes her hand. "Few more things I must do, so I shall be back before too long."
"Yes, yes. I still have much as well." The cook agrees and smiles before bowing and running off back to her list of things still to go over.
Sky turns back and looks over the area, satisfied with how it all looked. She strolls along slowly, becoming lost in her thoughts as she plays and bends down to smell the aromas of the flowers all around her now. More flowers than would usually be here this time of year.
She pauses at what would be the head table for the banquet afterwards. She positions things to her suiting as she walks around the long mahogany table. She pulls a ribbon and a few tiny flowers from an arrangement and ties it together along the stem of the goblet they would use to share in the honey beer. To give blessing to Thor and Odin, and a toast to Freyja as well. Her beloved drinking from it first after she pours it for them and passes him for the first draught. Then, she will drink from the goblet after him.

She heads over to sit on a bench nearby and looks over from afar. Smiling to herself, she sees just how beautiful all is and decides to just enjoy it for a little longer before she slips out of the gardens and back home to their cottage. She wants nothing more than to be in the arms of her beloved once again.