Change Of Life free porn video

This is a continuation of another story, "Change of Power", a sequel to Tigger's "Change of Direction". Change Of Life By JRD Joe, Bronwyn, Julie, and Joe's children were at the dinner table telling stories into the night. Julie could barely contain her joy. Less than a week ago, she had despaired of ever seeing her child again. Then, three days ago, her child came back to her on, of all days, what Julie thought would be the last day of her life. Then, after he saved her life (as well as ten of the other members of the Sisterhood), the Goddess discussed Julie's accepting her son for what he was (namely a man), and after Bronwyn had a talk with him, Joe agreed to introduce Julie to three granddaughters she didn't even know she had. Julie thought that would be it, but after being introduced to her granddaughters, Joe introduced her to the grandson he had originally declared off limits. Her grandson had decided to go the route of the Sisterhood, a route his father had turned down after she had wrongly inflicted it upon him. Now that she could admit that (at the time, she really thought it was for the best), their relationship was on the mend, and they were catching up on the sixteen years of family history she had missed. Right in the middle of a story, Norma, Joe's youngest, yawned widely, and she seemed to be fighting off the Sandman with every breath. Joe said, "Looks like it's time for someone to go beddy-bye." Julie asked, "Joe, do you mind if I take care of it? It's been so long since I tucked someone in." "Sure, mom. Oh, Inya, you should be off to bed, too. Torios will be by tomorrow for more of your lessons." Tasha groaned. "Great. Hey, grandma, want to introduce me, Norma, and Steven to the malls tomorrow?" Bronwyn asked, "Who is Torios and why does Tasha want to avoid him?" "Torios is the girls' maternal grandfather. Since their mother is deceased, someone else needed to instruct Inya in her Bastet abilities." "So why does Tasha want to avoid him?" "The Bastet are very big on family, and VERY protective of their human relatives, protective to the point of being over-protective, and the first time he came to visit, Tasha was walking along the fence we had, a seven foot tall fence with a heavy wooden beam securing the top that Tasha walked like a balance beam. She had been walking the fence for a couple years and had never received more than a skinned knee for it, but when Torios saw her doing it, he determined it was too risky. He shifted to panther form, leapt behind her, grabbed her by the back of the shirt, and carried her into the house like she was a little kitten. Needless to say she was less than amused. And ever since, whenever Torios instructs Inya, Tasha, rather than curb her athletic life, finds somewhere else to be." Tasha asked, "So what about it? Mall cruising tomorrow?" Joe said, "Only if your grandmother agrees and only if you go to bed right now without troubles." Julie smiled and said, "Sounds like fun." "So let's get the youngsters into bed." Steven carried Norma up to bed, while Julie led Tasha and Inya upstairs to Joe's old room, still decorated effeminately from his time as Joanie. Steven would be sleeping on the downstairs couch while Joe would be staying with Bronwyn in an apartment Bronwyn used while visiting town. After Julie, Bronwyn, and Steven got the girls tucked in, Bronwyn looked for Joe, only to notice him missing. "Steven, where's your father?" Steven shrugged. "Beats me." Julie asked, "Does your father still stargaze?" "Every chance he gets." "He's up on the roof. From eight years old on, he's gotten up there to stargaze." Bronwyn smiled and started to prepare the spell that would teleport her up there when Julie asked, "Bronwyn, let me go to him alone. I'd like to talk to him a bit." Bronwyn nodded. Julie cast the spell to take her up to the roof. She saw Joe sitting in the same place he always had when he came up here. Joe looked over his shoulder at her and said, "You know, when you used to just appear behind me, I was convinced you knew about some trapdoor in the roof that I didn't. It was following you around to find it that led me to discover the Sisterhood." "That was why I only teleported when I had to. But I have long since lost the ability to snake my way up here through the attic window. Do you... mind me being here?" Joe instantly said, "No, mom, not at all. Come on and sit." Julie sat beside her son. "Joe, I am sorry for the way I treated you. I realize I was wrong." Joe nodded. "You went a long way to proving that when you asked Steven to wait before you transformed him." Joe wrapped his arm around his mom. "I think I can honestly say 'I forgive you' now." Julie leaned against her son. After a little, she said, "Joe, I'm not sure I want the answer to this, but I have to ask." "Okay." "After your first wife, the girls' mother, died, did you really have so little trust or faith in me that you felt you couldn't come back to me; let me help you through your grief?" "No, that wasn't it. In fact I almost came back after her death." "But why didn't you?" Joe thought about it for a second before saying, "You remember I told you that the Bastet are very big on family? Well, practically from the day we were married, she was pressing me to introduce the two of you. She wanted to meet the woman who had given birth to me. But, at the time, I wanted none of that and refused outright. But a couple years after Norma was born I finally relented and said that after I got finished with the mission I had, we'd go meet you. "But Tarina was never a patient woman, so while I was away on my mission, she flew out here to introduce herself to you." "I don't recall-" "She never made it. Between the airport and here, she was attacked by some thugs. She made short work of them, but not without revealing her regenerative capabilities, so they called for more effective warriors to capture her. They caught her, took her to their base, and tortured her while keeping her alive in order to learn her secrets. I felt her pain, but by the time I found her, it was too late. "I almost came back to you after that, because I knew it was what she wanted, but too much of me just said, 'Why bother? Tarina's dead and this won't bring her back.' It just hurt so much to remember she died trying to reunite us." Julie wrapped her arms around Joe, giving silent apology for the pain she had inflicted on her son. Joe rested his head on hers and she felt a wet spot in her hair where his silent tears flowed. Julie felt the wet spot and her own tears began to flow. They had a short cry together before pulling themselves together. Joe then asked, "Mom, can I ask you a question?" "Of course." "Why did you transform me so early? The average age for transformation in the Sisterhood is 17-19. Why did you transform me at 16?" "It was because of your revelation. Originally I planned to transform you the day after your graduation, but after you came to me at 15 and shocked the hell out of me, telling me you knew about the Sisterhood and the transformation, and asked me not to transform you, I acquiesced because I thought I could convince you later. But then you started getting more and more manly, and I figured if I didn't transform you soon, your ego would keep you from ever accepting your femininity. That's why I did all that I did, because I was sure that I was just late. It's just I was so much happier as a woman, I didn't think anyone could be happier as a man." "I know. Shortly after I gained the skills to do so, I confronted the Goddess in her spiritual realm, trying to find out why she inflicted the birth rites on the Sisterhood. That was when I found out the real story behind the birth rites. The Goddess also explained that if you had not been a member of the Sisterhood, you probably would've become a mundane transsexual. You were always a woman in soul. That's why grandma transformed you when you were only fifteen, because the Goddess told her to." Julie took her son's hand. "Do you really forgive me, Joe?" "Yes, mom, I do." From behind them, they heard Bronwyn clear her throat. "Excuse me, am I interrupting?" "No, I think we're finished." Joe looked to his mom and she nodded. Joe reached out his arm, and Bronwyn sat beside him, snuggling into him under his other arm. Bronwyn looked around, saying, "Nice view." Joe smiled. "Nicer than you think if you know where to look." Both Bronwyn and Julie looked at him suspiciously. Bronwyn asked, "What does that mean?" Joe's smile expanded to a grin. He pulled his arms from around the ladies and brought his hands together. He pulled them apart, conjuring a telescope between them. He handed it to Julie and pointed over the rooftops. "Look over there." "What am I looking for?" Joe guided the telescope, saying, "You'll see." After a bit, Julie gasped and said, "Is that who I think it is?" "Miss Davis, my third grade teacher, and the first crush I ever had." Bronwyn said, "Let me see," and took the telescope, looking where Julie had just pointed. She quickly zeroed in on where they were watching and saw, laying atop a bed, a nude woman. Bronwyn guessed that she was in her mid-40s, and she still had a fantastic body. While she was looking, Joe said, "Originally I didn't come up here to stargaze. I picked up stargazing by coming up here to girl watch. I found out where Miss Davis lived and came up here to watch her shower and go to bed every night." Julie said, "I wish you'd have told me. I'd have joined you." Bronwyn lowered the telescope. "Should I be jealous?" Joe kissed her. "Never. Even at her prettiest, she couldn't hold a candle to you." Joe and Bronwyn started kissing, and Julie got up, saying, "I guess I should go in now." Joe said, "Wait a minute, mom." He then held a brief conversation with Bronwyn mentally and said, "Mom, would you like to join us in a three-way? I know you never had sex with me as a male, but if you're interested..." "You're still interested in me? Even as old and dried up as I am?" Bronwyn said, "Julie, you're only a few years older than I. If you want, I'd love for you to join us." Julie thought about the times back when Joe was Joanie. He (even as a she) was always a fast learner, and, to this day, he was still one of the best lovers she had ever had. But she was also afraid. All their previous problems had been caused by her putting what she wanted above what was best for her son, and she didn't want to intrude on a private moment between him and his lover unless they really did want her. "Only if you really want me." Joe lifted his hand to his mother. "I want you, mom." Julie took his hand and, suddenly, the three of them were in Julie's bed, naked. Julie sat down beside her son and Bronwyn. Joe leaned over and kissed her. Julie almost cried. He was still as good a kisser as she remembered. Joe placed his hand on her stomach and gently rubbed. Julie felt the pleasure surge through her body. She felt Bronwyn's hand upon her and reached out. Although her eyes were closed, one of her hands deftly found Joe's abs and the other found Bronwyn's thigh. The three stroked each other for a while before Joe gently laid his mother onto her back. He gave her a gentle kiss on her lips before slowly kissing his way down her neck to her breasts. He laid a spiral of kisses on her breast, starting at the top of the base of her breast, and circling around till he got to her nipple, gently sucking it into his mouth. Bronwyn moved up and lay beside Julie. Joe moved over slightly to give Bronwyn more access to his mother. Bronwyn kissed Julie as she brought her hand to Julie's free breast. Joe lightly sucked his mother's breast till she was wriggling a bit. He then released her nipple before kissing his way down her body to her crotch. Bronwyn moved her mouth down and sucked Julie's other breast as she used her hand on the breast just vacated by Joe. Joe kissed Julie's thighs before moving in and kissing her labia. He carefully avoided her clit, teasing her with his lips and tongue until she was thrashing about in need. When he did finally kiss her clit, she came screaming with years of denied passion. He held her clit in his mouth until she relaxed and settled down from her orgasm. When they settled down, Joe said, "Now I am glad I sound proofed the room before we started." He looked at his mom's face as he crawled up and lay beside her. "Mom, why are you crying?" "I wasn't sure I'd ever experience an orgasm again." "Why not?" "When you walked out I swore an oath on the Goddess that I wouldn't ever allow myself to experience physical pleasure again until my daughter was returned to me. When I finally admitted you weren't going to be coming back to me as Joanie I thought my oath would prevent me from ever knowing physical love again." Bronwyn said, "Julie, for an oath on the Goddess to be binding, She must first accept it, you know that. The Goddess knew that Joe wasn't ever going to be Joanie again, and never would've accepted your oath." Julie turned to her son. "Joe, I am sorry for transforming you." "Don't be, mom. It wasn't transforming me that was the mistake. It was not letting me go back. Being Joanie was good for me, but she wasn't me." Bronwyn kissed Julie on the cheek and said, "Enough talk." She slithered her way down Julie's body. "Let's get back to the fun." They continued to have sex for a few more hours before contentedly falling asleep together. ***** Bronwyn sat across from Jacqui, who was nursing her baby. Bronwyn, now eight months pregnant (having gotten that way on that night with Julie and Joe), was organizing her notes on the changes to the Sisterhood that had occurred since the Brotherhood and Sisterhood had been reunited when the baby kicked inside her. Jacqui briefly looked up, but returned her attention to Cheryl once she was sure Bronwyn was okay. Then there was a ripple in space and Joe was there. "You okay, love?" Bronwyn looked at him curiously. "Of course. The baby just kicked. You know what that feels like. You didn't have to come." Joe sat beside her. "Yeah, but the council was dealing with some stupid, niggling details that were boring the crap out of me. Your little bit of pain gave me the excuse I needed to get out of there." He put his arm around her. "So what are you doing?" Bronwyn said, "Going over stupid, niggling details that will probably bore the crap out of you." She then gave him a grin that bordered on being a smirk. Joe just stared at her for a few seconds without changing his expression, before turning to Jacqui, and saying, "I walked right into that, didn't I?" Jacqui smiled and nodded slightly. Turning back to Bronwyn, he said, "As long as I'm with you, I think I can stand it." Just then, Laurie and Jeremy came back into the room, arguing loudly. Laurie said, "You are such a pain in the ass!" To which Jeremy blithely responded, "I put that under the category of pot calling the kettle black." Laurie started clearing the dishes from the table. "How can you be so damn stubborn?!" Jeremy tried to help her, but she snatched the dishes from his hand. "I'm not being stubborn. I'm right. If you let the dishes soak for fifteen to twenty minutes in hot, soapy water before you clean them, it cuts your scrubbing time in half." "Just like a man! Leave all the work till later. Put it off as long as you can." The two went back into the kitchen, arguing all the way. Bronwyn sighed. "Now it's about dishes. Those two have been arguing almost non-stop since the re-unification. It doesn't matter about what. They always find some reason to be at each other's throats." Joe stared after them into the kitchen. "Yeah. I wonder if they've got any clue why." Jacqui asked, "What's that mean?" Bronwyn said, "Do you know?" "I've got a pretty good idea. And so could Jacqui if she looked in the right way." "What do you mean?" "Combine your Prime, Life, Mind and Spirit senses and look at the two of them." Jacqui concentrated on her senses, summoning forth the magics she controlled, and waited for her mom and Jeremy to return to the room. When they did they were so wrapped up in their argument that they missed Jacqui clapping her hand over her mouth in order to keep either from seeing her sudden smile. But Bronwyn noticed it and, as soon as the two were out of the room, asked, "Okay, what am I missing?" Joe smiled and opened a telepathic link with the high priestess. He then shielded the link so it would be impossible to tap. Into Bronwyn's mind, he said, {Laurie and Jeremy are linked. Mind, body, soul, and even magical power are hopelessly intertwined. I suspect they're fighting so much because neither one wants to admit it.} {You're kidding.} Joe grinned. {Nope.} Bronwyn thought about it. Now that it was pointed out to her, the connection seemed obvious. When the two returned, Bronwyn decided to have a little fun. "Enough, you two, finish your love spat later." Both sputtered in protest, but Bronwyn said, "We have business to finish, Jeremy." Jeremy clammed up and said, "Of course." Jeremy sat down. Laurie sat down on the opposite side of the table, glaring at him. "Now, as I was saying, the final tallies are in, and we need to compare relative statistics and comparable power levels of both groups. After the Goddess and the Dark One revealed that the Brotherhood and the Sisterhood would be re-united, approximately three percent of the Sisterhood refused and stepped away from the order. They have since lost their connection to the Goddess and their magical power." Jeremy said, "About three percent of our order also decided they were unwilling to work with you and stepped away. They also lost their magic power." "We also lost the fifteen percent that the Goddess predicted we'd lose when the birth rites were lifted." "And two-thirds of those have decided to give membership in the Brotherhood a try. But countering that gain, about twenty percent of our order have decided to give the Sisterhood a try." Then Jeremy whispered something. "What was that?" "Uhm... Well, you're gonna find out anyways. Don't expect a lot of compliance from most of those." "Why not?" Joe said, "Because the Dark One ordered their transformations. Remember, the original reason for the transformation was for male aggression to enhance the martial capabilities of the Sisterhood and female compassion would moderate the Brotherhood's brutality." Jeremy continued, "So after the Dark One reunited us, he ordered a segment of our group to undergo the apprenticeship of the Sisterhood. About two-thirds of those you got from us are the most brutal, macho, asinine Brothers we've got." Sarcastically, Bronwyn said, "Great. What about the rest?" "Some are curious, a few felt that they should've undergone the process anyways since that was what the Goddess and the Dark One originally intended, a few wouldn't give reasons, and, by the Dark One's orders, I can't pry." "Okay, I've had fair warning. You should also be aware that we've received an increase from an unexpected source. Of those who were at one point women, but decided to change back, about half have come back to the Sisterhood and asked to be re-transformed into women. It seems they resented their transformations so much, they transformed back despite their being more female then male. When the birth rites were exposed and removed, they were able to admit it and return." Joe asked, "Why is that unexpected?" "Because it was felt that only those who were truly male would transform back." Joe shook his head. "Remember, Bron, the birth rites were still attempting to compel these persons to accept being women. On some level, they knew they were being manipulated, but not who or what was doing the manipulation, so they rebelled against what would be right for themselves." "Regardless of the reasons, getting rid of the birth rites put the repairs on a lot of relationships. Even a lot of men who aren't coming back have gotten back with their mothers and started getting to know each other again." Jeremy asked, "I thought those who transformed back couldn't receive their power if they became women again?" Bronwyn replied, "So did we. But from the first re-transformation, it was clear that the Goddess was blessing them again." They heard the door open, and Tasha, Inya, and Norma ran in. Joe asked them as they ran upstairs, "Where's your grandmother?" After Joe and Julie had repaired their relationship, the issue had been keeping in contact. Bronwyn had pretty much set up the center of the Sisterhood as San Bernardino, and although it would not have been impossible for her to change, it was far easier for both Joe and Julie (who wasn't about to risk losing her family again) to move than the other way around. Norma mentally yelled, {She's outside with Stephanie!} as she ran past the kitchen door. Joe excused himself, kissed Bronwyn, and went outside. Julie was still sitting on her bike. Stephanie, the once Steven, was beside her, offering her a water bottle. Joe noticed she was panting heavily and asked, "Are you okay, mom?" "Yes... Just... out of breath." Julie took the water bottle and had a long swallow. "After our picnic at the park, we were about to go home when Tasha suddenly yells, 'Race you home!' and takes off with Norma and Inya close behind. It was all I could do to keep them in sight." "I'll talk to them about that." "No, don't. I enjoy their energy. I just haven't had this much exercise since you were a child." Joe smiled. "So who won?" "Norma." Norma, despite being the youngest, had inherited her height from Joe, where the twins had inherited their height from their mother (who only stood slightly over 5 feet), and, after a growth spurt last summer, was already as tall as the twins, so in their little physical competitions, Norma could easily keep pace with either of the older girls. "So are you going to be okay?" "Yeah. I just needed to catch my breath." Joe touched her shoulder and flowed healing energy into her, allowing her to catch her breath. "That wasn't necessary." "No, but it was my pleasure. Besides, didn't you promise Inya an embroidery lesson?" "Good point." Inya, always the softest and most feminine of Joe's children, always felt slightly out of place in a family of warriors, and didn't understand where her differences came from until she had met her grandmother. From the first day, Inya and Julie had become fast friends, with Julie taking the time to instruct her granddaughter in things she was interested in that neither Joe nor Tarina knew about. Julie got off her bike and went inside. Joe turned to his eldest child. Since his transformation five months ago, Steven had really become a beautiful, young woman. His Germanic heritage had come to the fore, and now she was a rather well endowed, raven-haired teenager. Joe watched Stephanie take a long drink from the water bottle and felt a pang of jealousy. Although incestuous relationships in the Sisterhood were commonplace between mothers and daughters (or grandmothers and granddaughters), relationships between fathers and daughters were almost nonexistent. This was mostly because the presence of fathers was mostly nonexistent in the Sisterhood. But, regardless of the reasons, there were no rules for father-daughter love. Joe and Julie had discussed it, and both felt that Joe should refrain from a sexual relationship with his new daughter, at least until they were sure Stephanie could control her emotional state to keep from accidentally getting pregnant by her father. Stephanie noticed her father looking, and briefly struck a sensuous pose. Always honest, Joe said, "You're being a tease again." She just shrugged and smiled. "I try." Joe shook his head and laughed. "You're going to make one hell of a woman, Stef." She got a serious look on her face. "Which brings me to something I wanted to discuss." "Oh?" "Dad, originally I thought I'd become a girl until getting whatever I needed out of it then I'd go back. But recently I've been thinking more and more that maybe I might want to stay a woman, and I was wondering how you felt about that." "Stef, I want you happy. Just because I didn't want to stay a girl doesn't mean I'd want to deny you that if it's what's best for you." The two hugged. Joe asked, "Did you get what I asked?" Stephanie smiled and said, "Yeah, but I have a devil of a time explaining where I disappeared to when grandma asked." Stephanie passed a small box to Joe as a car pulled up. A couple of women stepped out and Joe waved to them. The younger one waved enthusiastically, and the other smiled and waved, but there was a certain non-committal attitude to her wave. The two women were Bronwyn's children by other men. Both knew Joe (no one in the Sisterhood didn't), but only Ariel, the younger of the two, had accepted his relationship with their mother. Shawna, Bronwyn's first born, still wasn't sure about the strong fighter who had reunited the Sisterhood with the Brotherhood. And she really wasn't sure about her mother dating this man, particularly when this man was only seven years older than she was. Not that she'd ever complain to her mother. Bronwyn was more than capable of handling herself, and Bronwyn did seem happier when she was with Joe. But that hadn't stopped her from taking Joe aside and telling him she didn't trust him, and that she'd be watching him. At the time, Joe had simply smiled and said, "Good, it'll keep me on my toes." Now, Shawna was more willing to admit that Joe was good for her mother, but was still holding back full approval for their relationship. The two women came up and Ariel asked, "So, what's up, Warrior Man?" using her little pet name for him. "It's a surprise." Joe brought them inside, where Bronwyn and Jacqui were sitting at the table. From the kitchen, sounds of Laurie and Jeremy arguing were easily heard. When she saw her children, Bronwyn asked, "Girls, what are you doing here?" Shawna replied, "Don't ask us. Joe asked us to come." Bronwyn gave her lover a curious look. He said, "I wanted them here because I thought they should be here for you to discuss the answer with them to a question I was going to ask." "Sisterhood stuff?" "Not exactly. Jacqui, could you go get your mother? Bronwyn, might want her here, too." Jacqui gave Joe a suspicious look, but got up and went to the kitchen. Bronwyn said, "Okay, what's going on?" "Patience, love." After a few seconds the arguing from the kitchen quieted down, and Jacqui returned with Laurie and Jeremy following behind. Laurie asked, "What's going on?" "Just need a few more people and the collection will be complete." Joe sent a quick mental message and a few seconds later, Julie, and Joe's three youngest came downstairs. Tasha, always the boldest, asked what almost everyone (even those already present) wanted to know, "What's going on, pops?" Norma giggled and thought, {I know. I saw it in Stef's head earlier.} "Hush," Joe said with a smile on his face. "Don't blow my surprise." Bronwyn started to stand, but Joe said, "Don't get up." He then went to one knee before her and took out the box Stephanie had brought him earlier. "Bron, including our time together as Nita and Jack, we have been together for a little less than a year, and you have brought a light and joy into my life I thought I'd never know again. And, although it's only as necessary as you want it to be, I would love to make it official. So, Bronwyn Llewellyn," Joe opened the box, revealing a diamond engagement ring, "will you marry me?" Julie gasped and Bronwyn stared in shock. She almost turned him down. She had received more than a few wedding proposals in her life, a few she might've even accepted, except most men objected to their male children becoming girls, and turning down proposals had almost become a habit. But then she remembered her current standing. Joe knew about the transformations, and had removed the birth rites that made it impossible for her to have female children. In fact, since the birth rites were still holding upon him, all their children would start female. She realized she had no reason to turn him down. She briefly turned to her children and saw their faces. Ariel was obviously pleased, and although Shawna wasn't thrilled, Bronwyn could tell she wanted her mother to be happy. She turned back to Joe and whispered, "Yes." Making sure he heard her right, Joe asked, "Yes?" Bronwyn nodded. Joe removed the ring from the box and placed it on her finger. The two embraced and kissed under a round of applause. ***** Joe walked into the council room, angry as hell. Bronwyn had just given birth a week ago, and, while by her bedside, he had received a message from the council telling him to come to an emergency council meeting. His Time senses had not warned him of any danger, so he knew this meeting wasn't necessary, at least from a safety of the world standpoint. He took his seat at the council table, where the other eight members were already waiting. "So what is this all about?" Lara, the Verbena Mistress, stood up. "Joe, we have heard of your upcoming nuptials to the high priestess of the Sisterhood." "And?" Lara choked back a sob. Before the council had betrayed him thirteen years ago, and abandoned him to die after a fight they had ordered, he and Lara had been lovers, and Lara had carried a torch for him ever since his return. It tore her up when he had been with his first wife, Tarina, and she knew it wasn't her. She had almost been happy when Tarina had died, and, after a suitable period of mourning, had tried to restore their previous relationship. But Joe had not forgiven her for her betrayal and refused to even consider a sexual relationship, barely tolerating her presence when he had to. He looked at her, knowing that this was tearing her apart. He felt a brief pang of regret, wondering if he should let his anger go and forgive her. Lara said, "We'd like you to consider holding your wedding ceremony here, in realm." Joe looked at them all suspiciously. "Why?" The Hermetic Master said, "Is it not enough that we do? As your fellow council members we expect to be invited to your wedding, and since five of us are unable to return to the consensual reality, we simply expect, nay demand this. You owe it to us." Joe stared at the Hermetic Master, stony faced. None of the other Masters said a thing until Joe said, "Owe you? Are you so tired of life that you would make these demands upon me?" The Hermetic Master seemed shocked, but before he could say anything, Joe said, "I will NOT be ordered around by those who betrayed me! With the exception of the Akashic Master before me and the Virtual Adept Master, you all stood in this room and voted to abandon me after I had nearly died fighting your battles for you!" The Dreamspeaker said, "And that is the real reason why we wish to host your wedding, Joe. We were wrong. We know that now. And despite your not caring whether or not we attend your ceremony, there are others in this realm that would also like to attend the ceremony who cannot survive in the consensual reality. By having the ceremony here, they can attend." Joe thought about it. "I still don't see it happening. Many of the Sisterhood will want to attend, and I won't have Bronwyn deny them because you won't let her have enough guests." The Hermetic Master said, "I suppose we could have a small group-" "No. I will not deny Bronwyn even one person. You want this here, then I hand you a guest list and you accept it without exception. That's the deal, and it's not subject to negotiation." They glanced around at each other, then Lara said, "Alright, we accept your terms." "Then I'll propose it to Bronwyn. She gets final approval." The meeting broke up, and everyone left the room. As Joe walked towards the exit portal, he heard Lara say, "Joe?" He turned to her. "Yes?" "You must've seen the records of that vote by now. You must know I didn't vote for it." "But you didn't vote against it either. You abstained, and ultimately that wound up being the same thing." Tears came to her eyes. "Please, Joe. I realize what I did was wrong, can't you ever forgive me?" Joe remained silent until she dropped her head and turned away. He called out, "Lara." "Yes?" He paused for a bit. "Too much has passed between us for us to go back to what once was, but... yes, I forgive you." Lara smiled and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Thank you." Joe walked to the exit portal, feeling a little bit lighter for having resolved his problems with Lara. As soon as he was back in the consensual reality, he teleported home. Bronwyn, Laurie, Jacqui, and a small collection of Sisters were in the kitchen. From the way they were laughing and chatting, Joe guessed they were making wedding plans. He stepped in and greeted everyone, sitting beside Bronwyn. "Hun," she said, "much as I love you being around, all we're doing now is dealing with all those tiny details that I know you hate, so I won't be offended if you decide to go spend time with your mom or the kids." "Actually, there's something I wanted to ask you about in regards to the wedding." "Oh?" "Have you chosen a place for the wedding yet?" "Not yet. We're still pricing halls." "Then I should inform you that the other members of the Realm council I serve on have extended a request for me to hold the marriage in realm." "And how do you feel about that?" "There are some people in the realm who I'd like to be there who can't come here, but I want it to be your decision." "I don't know. Jacqui, you're the one who's seen the most of this realm. I admit I'm curious, but do you think it's a place to hold a wedding?" Jacqui said, "It's a fantastic place. I think it'd be great! And you may even be able to get the Goddess herself to attend." Bronwyn turned to Joe. "Do you think that'd be possible? Would the Goddess really attend the wedding?" Almost noncommittally, Joe said, "We can always extend an invitation. She'll come if she wants." Bronwyn looked at Joe. After a few seconds, she asked, "Could you ladies leave me alone with my husband to be? I'd like to talk with him." After the girls agreed and left, Bronwyn turned to Joe and asked, "Okay, what's wrong?" "Wrong?" "Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. Every time the Goddess comes up, you quickly change the subject. Now I ask about inviting her, and you give me a look that makes me feel like I've invited a child molester." Joe almost said something, but bit it back. "That! That reaction is what I'm talking about." Joe said nothing for a few seconds. "Bronwyn, things have... passed between the Goddess and I. Things that I am hard-pressed to forgive." "The birth rites? But you know that wasn't her." "No, not the birth rites. It's... deeper than that." "What? What is it?" Joe remained silent. "Please, Joe, don't you know how much it tears me apart to know of the problems between you. Even if I can't solve them, at least let me know what they are." Joe stayed tight-lipped for a few seconds more before saying, "Ask the Goddess." Bronwyn was about to protest, but Joe said, "Bronwyn, please. There's no way I could explain what went on between us without making it seem like I'm asking you to choose. And that's the last thing I want. I know the Goddess is important to you and I wouldn't want to change you for anything. Please don't ask me to explain." Bronwyn just nodded and held her lover. After a bit, she pulled to arm's reach from him and asked, "Wait for me?" "To the end of time." She kissed him and went to her private meditation chamber. She carefully prepared the crystals, herbs, and candles that would focus her will and allow her to touch the Goddess on a more personal level. It was a ritual that was given only to the high priestess of the order, and only the acting high priestess could use it. She knelt down and began the song that would complete the ritual and allow her to touch the Goddess. She felt the world fall away and her soul set free. She traveled to the hall of the Goddess, feeling her perceptions adjust to Her spiritual realm. She walked into the antechamber and knelt in the center of the room. She had read some of the journals of the previous high priestesses and knew that each had seen this room slightly differently. To her, the room was soft and comforting, while, at the same time, representing a strength that she rarely saw anywhere in the mortal world. She felt the presence of the Goddess envelop her. "My child, what brings you to me?" "I have a question. About Joe, the Akashic Master." "About why he despises me so?" "Yes. Please, Great Lady, what passed between you? What happened?" There was a shimmering in the air and the Goddess manifested in Bronwyn's presence. The high priestess was shocked. Only in the most serious matters would the Goddess manifest to any high priestess. Usually She only gave comfort and advice through Her spiritual presence. Bronwyn had no idea this was that serious. What had passed between the two she loved the most? What reason did Joe have to hate Her? The Goddess, knowing her thoughts, said, "I see in your thoughts that you believe that the Akashic Master has simply misinterpreted some action of mine. That, unfortunately, is not the case. I wronged him, Bronwyn. I must admit that." "You? Wronged him? How is that possible?" "I am not infallible, my child. I am the living embodiment of womanhood, which is not only all that is good, but also all that is bad. I have the experience of billions of women to draw upon, both living and dead, which gives me less chance of making mistakes than others, but I can still make mistakes." "Please, Lady, what happened?" "He was only nineteen years old when he came to me the first time. He forced his way into this realm, demanding to know the reasons for why I had inflicted the birth rites on the Sisterhood. That was when I explained to him the real origin of the birth rites. "After I convinced him of the facts, I tried to convince him to reunite with his mother. I tried to convince him to allow me to forge a connection between him and his mother. But he refused, saying he wasn't ready. He tried to leave, but I felt he couldn't leave. If he left I would have no ability to do anything unless he returned to me. So I attempted to force a connection. I felt that if the Akashic Master knew the pain his mother was suffering from his departure, he might try to heal that. "But I misjudged Julie's reaction. At the time, she was not ready to accept the existence of her son, much less his presence in her mind. As soon as the link was forged, Julie used her power to close it off. I couldn't reopen it without hurting her, so I was forced to let it go. Instead of healing the breech between them, I only made it worse." "But you were only trying to help." "Bronwyn, that's not an excuse. After I let him go, he turned on me. He assaulted me mentally, inflicting on me the pain I had inflicted on him. He gave me the same feelings I had given him. The same helplessness, the same sense of violation." "He attacked you?" "I deserved it." When Bronwyn tried to protest, the Goddess said, "Bronwyn, the impressions he gave me were almost exactly the same as those of a woman who had been raped." Bronwyn was shocked. "Yes, Bronwyn, in my arrogance to make what I thought was right a reality, I raped his mind! And, as much as he hates me for it, I will hate myself that much and more." "But how do I resolve this fight between you?" "My child, it is good that you want to try, but this is something I have to make up to the Akashic Master myself. But I can tell you that your being there for him is a big help." "It is?" "Yes. Let me show you something." The Goddess waved her hand and the hall changed. It took on a cold, impersonal nature that had a terrifying presence to it. In the center of the room was a raised dais with a cold, sterile throne atop it. "What is this?" Bronwyn asked. "This is how the Akashic Master saw this realm when he first arrived. Rather intimidating isn't it?" "This is how he sees you?" Bronwyn felt despair. Despite the Goddess's confession, she still loved Her. How could she hope to have a long term relationship after seeing this peek into his soul? "Oh, child, no. This is how he saw me when he thought the birth rites were my doing. It was based on faulty assumptions." She waved her hand again and the room took on a softer aspect, but at the same time, parts seemed to fade in and out of existence. "This is how he saw me after we had a chance to talk. He wasn't quite sure what to think of me. I'll skip what he thought of me after I erred." She waved her hand again, and the room took on a savage, primal, and, yes, even beautiful aspect. "This is how he saw me after meeting Tarina." She waved her hand again, and the room returned to its cold vision. "And this is what it returned to after she died." The Lady waved her hand and the room changed again. It was still cold, but it had a beautiful, loving imagery that had not been present in any version except the one where he was married to Tarina. "And this is what he saw the last time he came to me to ask for the removal of the birth rites. This is what you gave to him, Bronwyn. You gave him love, not only for me, but for his own feminine side. Even Tarina could not give him that." "I gave him this? But... how does he feel now?" "I don't know. I can only show what he sees when he enters the room. But I do know that his closeness to me has increased since he and you moved in together. And really grew when Alia, your child, was born." "Thank you, Goddess, for giving me a peek into Joe's soul." "Now you need to return to him. He fears that you have judged him harshly." "Thank you, Lady." As Bronwyn left the room, a hooded figure stepped from nowhere. "Will she be good to him?" "She will be good to and for him," the Goddess replied, to which the hooded figure just nodded. Bronwyn quickly left the psychic realm and returned to her body. She ran downstairs to Joe. When she entered the room, she felt the fear flowing from her lover. He turned to her, tears in his eyes. "Well? Do you hate me?" "No." She came over and sat on his lap, straddling his legs. "In fact, I love you more than ever." The two kissed. Joe started to rub Bronwyn lovingly when Alia started to cry. The two stopped. Pressing their foreheads together, they smiled. Joe said, "That kid has got to work on her sense of timing." Joe teleported them up to the nursery. Bronwyn picked Alia up. "Is she okay?" he asked. "Sure. Just hungry." "Well that's not something I can help with." Bronwyn smiled as she undid her blouse. "Bet you could if you wanted to." "If I had to, I suppose I could." Lani, from her crib, said, "Pa-pa, I hungry." Joe said, "Saved by the tummy. I'll take her downstairs and feed her." Bronwyn smiled as Joe took Lani from her crib. Bronwyn blew him a kiss as he took Lani downstairs. Joe never shirked in his fatherly duties, and Bronwyn loved him for it. Domestic bliss was beautiful. ***** She felt like her guts were being wrenched into knots. Then, as soon as it was started it was over. "You can open your eyes now," Joe told her. Bronwyn opened one eye and then the other. "That was horrible." Joe smiled and tried to keep from laughing. "I did warn you and ask you to let me block your senses." Bronwyn quickly checked the pouch she had Alia in. Their youngest child was snoozing contentedly, apparently unaffected by the gut wrenching affects of the cross-dimensional travel. Joe brought Lani around from her place on his back. Lani, too, had been unaffected, and, in fact, was giggling happily. "For some reason, children are unaffected by transition effects." Bronwyn finally got a look around. She was in a nondescript room. There was a desk with a computer on one side, and an arch filled with an oscillating light show within it. Behind the desk, a man sat waiting. "Not exactly what I expected," she said. "What did you expect?" "I'm not sure, but something a little less... normal." Joe laughed. "I know what you mean. Not what you'd expect in a man-made universe built by the magic of some of the most powerful wizards in creation, is it?" Bronwyn shook her head. The archway shimmered and Jacqui and Laurie stepped through into the room. Laurie staggered a bit, saying, "That was rougher than I remember it." Jacqui explained, "The Akashic Master was shielding you last time, and did a better job than I." "Which brings up a point," Joe said, "remember that here my identity is a secret, so refer to me by title only." The doorway shimmered again and Tasha, Inya, Norma, and Julie stepped through. Julie staggered and almost fell into Joe's arms. "THAT is not an experience I relish repeating." "I told you that you should wait for me to come back for you." "The girls seemed so anxious, and I didn't want to disappoint." "Mom, you indulge the girls far too much." "So I'm a grandmother, so sue me." Joe gave a short laugh. "I'm going to head back and get Shawna and Ariel." He handed Lani to Julie. "Jacqui, why don't you show everybody the garden?" Joe stepped back through the gate. Once he was gone, Julie looked around for the girls only to find them missing. "Where are the girls?" Jacqui explained, "The girls spent part of their childhood here. They've probably run off to visit with friends. They'll be fine, Julie." "Uhm, okay." Jacqui escorted the women through the halls and outside. She brought them to the lush park referred to amongst the magi of the realm as "The Garden". After walking around in the garden for a while, Julie took a leaf of a plant in hand and asked, "Is this what I think it is?" Bronwyn looked at the leaf and said, "I think so." Jacqui asked, "What is it?" She and Laurie walked over and looked at the leaf. "Looks just like any other leaf." Bronwyn asked, "Are you kidding? Don't you know what this is?" Both Jacqui and Laurie shook their heads. "Let me guess, neither of you ever went through a phase where you were utterly fascinated with dinosaurs and things prehistoric?" "No." "Ladies, these plants are extinct on Earth. Flora like this hasn't even been seen for millions of years." From behind them, they heard a voice saying, "Some of the plants in the Garden haven't been seen for billions of years." The ladies turned and saw the Verbena Mistress walk up. "Ladies." Lara stepped up and said, "De-evolution of plant and animal life is a basic rote, a manipulation of the Magic, of the Verbena. Jacqui has the ability to do the same thing if she were so inclined." Bronwyn looked around, noticing that many of the plants were prehistoric and could only be seen in history books. "Amazing. Do you have... real dinosaurs, too?" Lara smiled. "In the menagerie. Unfortunately it's off limits to all but Masters. In order to maintain as natural an ecosystem as possible, the dinosaurs are allowed to run free. It's not a safe place to visit. But there are places where you could be allowed to view the dinosaurs, as well as almost any other era in our planet's existence." "Wow." Joe, with Shawna and Ariel, stepped up. "Glad you like it." Bronwyn slipped her arm around his waist and kissed him. "This is... Words cannot describe it. Do you think we could see the dinosaurs soon?" "Sure, we can go to the observation platform on the way to meet an old friend." "Great." Julie asked, "Joe, can I come along? I'd love to meet any friend of yours." "Sure. I was planning on inviting you along anyways, mom." Lara asked, "Going to introduce them to Jarred?" Joe nodded. "I'd love to see that, but I've got an appointment in a little while. See you later, Akashic." After Lara left, Bronwyn asked, "What did she mean by that? 'I'd love to see that.'" "Jarred is a little unusual. Come on." He turned to Shawna, Ariel, Laurie and Jacqui. "You want to come along?" Jacqui said, "I've got some other things I want to show mom." "Shawna, Ariel?" Shawna declined, but Ariel quickly accepted. "Okay. Catch the rest of you on the flip side." Joe escorted the three women to a spot in the park. "Now what?" Bronwyn asked. "I've never had cause to ask this, but are any of you afraid of heights?" The ladies shook their heads in the negative. "Good. Secure the babies." He waited until Bronwyn and Julie had placed the babies into pouches on their backs to carry them, then held out his hands to them. "Now link hands and enjoy the ride." Julie and Bronwyn each took a hand and Ariel took her mom's hand and suddenly they lifted off the ground. Once they got over the initial shock, the experience of flying was exhilarating. They quickly left the ground far behind and flew to a miles wide, floating, rock cylinder. He flew them above it to another platform about 30 yards across. Spaced at equal points around the platform were items that looked for all the world like simple telescopes. Joe landed them on the platform. "Use the telescopes to look into the bowl. You'll find a small lever on the side. Move it up or down to move the sight closer or farther to what's in the bowl." Each woman looked through a telescope into the "Dinosaur Menagerie", the contained ecosystem that held the dinosaurs of the Jurassic period. Each woman quickly moved around, looking through multiple telescopes. After a while, Bronwyn came over to Joe and wrapped her arms around him. "You make me feel like a little girl." Joe kissed her, then said to everyone, "Not to be a party pooper, but my friend is waiting. You can always come back later." There was a little bit of disappointment, but the women returned to Joe. They linked hands and returned to the ground below, flying to a mountain range in the distance. Joe landed on a ledge next to a cave. "Okay, before we go in, I want you to know that no matter what it looks like, I'm in no danger in here. There is no need to defend me. Okay?" All of the women gave him a strange look but gave their agreement. When they went inside, Joe moved the ladies to one side of the cave, then put his fingers into his mouth and gave a loud three-toned whistle. Almost immediately the ground started shaking like they were caught in an earthquake. Then, before any of the women could react, a giant oriental dragon charged into the opening, head butted Joe and threw him into the air. Despite his previous warning, all the women marshaled their magic energy, preparing to defend Joe against the dragon. But before they could launch their attack, they felt their power squelched in the building. Joe flew into the air, came down, and landed astride the dragon's nose. Bronwyn wondered what to do when the dragon growled, "My friend, it has been far too long since your last visit!" Joe laughed. "Sorry, but I've been a little busy." "I have heard. On top of your normal duties, you manage to repair the breech between the Brotherhood and Sisterhood. I am impressed." "Thank you. Speaking of which, there are some ladies I'd like you to meet." The dragon lowered his head and Joe slid to the ground. Joe waved the ladies over. Bronwyn was the first to approach. "Jarred, this is Bronwyn Llewellyn, soon to be Bronwyn Llewellyn-Braumann." "A mate? Congratulations." Jarred nuzzled Bronwyn a bit, taking a deep breath. Bronwyn blushed crimson when he said, "I can definitely smell your scent upon her." Joe grinned. "And that's our child on her back." "Congratulations." Joe then waved the other two over. He put his hands on Ariel's shoulders. "This is Bronwyn's daughter, Ariel." "An older sister for the girls? So have you found them to be as much of a handful as I do?" From behind the dragon, they heard, "Oh, we're not that bad." The women looked around Jarred's body and saw Tasha, Inya, and Norma come from the rear of the cave. Jarred snorted. "You're not the babysitter who had to chase three rambunctious girls around this cave." Julie giggled, thinking of Jarred having to chase the girls like she had over the past year. "And who is our last pretty woman?" Joe walked over and put his hands on Julie's shoulders. "Jarred, this is my mother, Julie." "The estranged mother? Good to see you have reconciled. And I am glad to meet the woman who brought this man to the world." Julie curtsied. "Good to meet you, too." Joe said, "And the child on her back is another daughter of Bronwyn's. And soon to be mine officially." "Your life seems much better than the last time we talked." "It is." "Come. All of you. We can talk more comfortably in the spring in back." Jarred turned and went back to the back of the cave. As the twins and Norma followed him, Julie asked, "How did the girls get here?" "Space gate. Instant teleportation between the base and here for those who have Jarred's permission." "Why didn't we use it?" "Because you wanted to see the dinos. The best place to do that is from the lookout, and there's no space gate to there. We don't want someone who can't fly going up there and falling off." Ariel came over. "Shawna is going to be pissed she missed this." Joe asked, "Why's that?" Bronwyn explained, "Shawna has always had a thing for dragons. Stories, knickknacks, art. She collects anything to do with dragons. Now she's missing out on a chance to meet a live dragon." "She can meet him at the wedding. I plan on asking him to be my best man." "This'll be a wedding for the history books." "Too bad it'll be so fantastic that no one who doesn't attend will ever believe you." Bronwyn had to laughingly agree. They all went in back to a chamber larger than a football stadium, spectator seating included. Off to one side was a huge lake, and from the feeling of the breeze coming from it, they could tell that the lake was heated. Joe transformed all their clothes to bathing suits, and they spent some time splashing around and getting to know one another. At one point Bronwyn and Julie were alone with Jarred as everyone else was swimming in the lake. Bronwyn asked, "Jarred, did you ever meet Tarina?" Julie, always desirous of learning more of the lost years of her son's life, perked up and listened in. "Joe's first wife? No. He and the masters here were not on good terms during the years when they were married, and he was either unwilling or unable to come here to visit. It's too bad, from what I hear, she was a woman I'd have liked." "What've you heard?" "That she was a warrior spirit, very straightforward and direct." "Jarred?" Julie asked "Yes?" "Could you give me some advice about Joe?" "If I can." "Do you know... what I did to Joe?" "You transformed him to Joanie, but tried to keep him from changing back." Julie looked down, ashamed at the reminder of what she had done. "Yes, well, that's the problem. I... I really did think I was doing the right thing at the time." "And now?" "I realize I was pushing my beliefs on my son. But that leads to my current problem. Now I'm so afraid that what I'm doing is just pushing my own beliefs on him again that I feel like I'm walking on eggshells. I'm afraid to even ask him to include me in on any portion of his life for fear of imposing. I love my son, but I'm so afraid of hurting him again." "And you're wondering what I could suggest?" "Yes." Jarred thought about it. "The only thing I could suggest is to discuss it with him. As long as I have known him, Joe has always been a straightforward man. I believe he would rather you disagree with him and be open about it then hide what you feel about a situation." "I don't know." From the direction of the lake, Joe said, "He's right, mom." Joe stepped up and took his mother's hands. "I don't want you to be afraid of me, mom. I guess, in a way, it's good you're worried about this, because it shows you're serious about reconciliation. But you're also my mom and my children's grandmother. You have a right to voice any opinions and make any comments you want to, just remember that the only people I will tolerate telling me no once I've made a decision about me or my children's lives is the children themselves or Bronwyn." "So what if I were to tell you that I think Tasha would look great in dresses, and that she should wear them more often?" "I'd say you were right. She does look great in dresses. She just hates wearing them. On top of which, she usually destroys them with her rather physical lifestyle. But she has agreed to wear a dress for the wedding." "Thank you, Joe." "So are you going to try to get her into dresses more often?" "No, I like her like she is. I just wanted to know how you'd react. And if I ever push too hard, just tell me and I'll back off." "And if you think I'm doing something wrong, please tell me. I love you, mom." Julie hugged her son. "I love you, too, Joe." ***** Bronwyn was in her white dress, waiting for the ceremony to start. She felt a little guilty wearing white (she had lost her virginity almost three decades ago) but everyone told her she looked great. Shawna, her maid of honor, was helping her get ready. At a lull in the conversation, Shawna asked, "Mom, are you sure you want to do this?" "Of course I want to do this. I love Joe." "But is that going to be enough?" "Okay, Shawna, what's wrong? I know you and Joe have never gotten along, but I thought you were happy for me for having found him." "I am. And I know he's a great man, and will be great for you. It's just..." "What?" "You remember Chris?" "The cop you dated?" Shawna nodded. "What about him?" "Mom, I loved him. Brian is his." "So are you jealous because you had to break up with him so he wouldn't find out about the Sisterhood?" Shawna was silent for a bit before saying, "Mom, I didn't break up with him because of the Sisterhood. In fact, I almost told him about us." "So why?" "After we moved in together... things started going downhill. Every time he was late coming home, every time he was called in for an emergency, I began to worry about him. I worried that he wasn't going to come back. And if the phone ever rang at those times, I was afraid it was going to be another officer saying, 'Miss Llewellyn, I'm sorry to say that Chris has been shot.' It just got to be too much." "And you're worried that I'll be going through the same thing with Joe?" Shawna nodded. "Mom, I've been talking to some of the Brotherhood. They have been fighting the monsters that prey upon humanity during the schism. And Joe is fighting the worst amongst these." "I know." "But I'm not sure you do." "Shawna, you weren't there when he fought the doctor who was corrupting the Brotherhood. I saw what he fights up close and personal. And Joe confessed that he was only high side of average. And, yes, every time he goes out to fight these monsters I wonder if he'll never be back. And, yes, it tears me up inside. But it tears me up more to think of life without him." "But-" "Shawna. I understand how you feel and that you only want to protect me. But after I knew who he was the Goddess reminded me of the time when he was Joanie. "I only met him a couple times before he was transformed, but even then there was something about him. I just... felt a sympathetic vibe with him. And after he was transformed, I couldn't have been happier. I couldn't wait to make Joanie an official member of the Sisterhood. When Julie told me that Joanie was pregnant... I almost cried. After he gave birth, I started making plans for the official induction, but then Julie told me he had decided to transform back and leave her. I cried that day, Shawna. "I told myself it was because we had lost so powerful a Sister, but now I realize it was because I had lost her. I won't lose him if I can prevent it. And if some day I do lose him to the monsters he fights, at least I'll have had all the time I can possibly squeeze out of the universe with him." Shawna just stared at her mother for a bit before embracing her. "And I hope you have as long as you want together." After they finished, Bronwyn said, "So I assume you haven't met Joe's best man yet?" "No, but why assume that?" Bronwyn grinned. "Oh, no reason." They heard the wedding music start and Bronwyn said, "Damn! We lost track of time! Quick, get my veil!" Shawna grabbed the veil and quickly pinned it to her mother's head. She lifted the hem of her dress and ran outside. She expected some man to be waiting for her, but saw no one. She looked around, then heard from above her, "Up here." She looked over at what she thought was some kind of golden tree, and followed it up to a giant oriental dragon's head. "Holy..." The dragon smiled, an intimidating sight. "My name is Jarred. I am Joe's best man and your escort." The tree (really a giant claw) moved closer to her. "I think it would be best if you just rode my claw. Step up." Shawna moved closer and stepped up onto Jarred's claw. She felt magic wrap around her, holding her in place as Jarred took to the air. They flew over the crowd and landed near the podium. She stepped off and took her place near the other bridesmaids. She quickly looked around. Laurie, acting as the official representative for the Goddess, was officiating. Joe looked fantastic in a tuxedo, and it seemed like the entire base had turned out for the ceremony. Bronwyn stepped out, and walked regally down the aisle. She took her place by Joe and Laurie started the ceremony. "Dearly beloved..." ***** Bronwyn and Joe were preparing to go out that evening for dinner and a show with Jacqui, Laurie, and Jeremy. It was their first anniversary, and Jacqui and Laurie had volunteered to treat the couple to a night on the town. At the last minute, Jacqui had invited Jeremy along. When Laurie had asked why (she and Jeremy were still sniping at one another constantly), she had said that she didn't want Joe to feel alone since Marcus was out of town on a mission for the people who had trained them. Laurie had grimaced a bit, but not protested. Joe walked into the room where Bronwyn was putting on the last touches of her make-up. He said, "You look ravishing, lover." Bronwyn smiled at him. "You keep telling me that. Better be careful or you'll give your wife a swelled head." Joe gave her a strange look. "What are you thinking about?" Joe gave her a huge grin. "Just wondering what you'd look like with a head twice as large as it is. A swelled head, literally." "Don't you dare!" She threw the wadded up Kleenex she had used to blot her lipstick at him. It only went a couple feet, and was absolutely silly, even as a fake-petulant move. Joe laughed and stepped closer to her. "Never. You're perfect as is." He took her hands and pulled her to her feet. She wrapped her arms around him and they kissed. In the middle of the kiss, Joe stiffened. They separated a bit and Joe stared into space with that look Bronwyn had identified as him talking to someone in the other realm. She grew angry and slightly depressed. "Can't they leave us alone on ou