Chapter Six: “The Wedding”

---

The next two weeks were busy. Adora had wanted to move on ahead with the wedding. If there was something she had learned, it was that sometimes it was best not to wait on some things. This was one of those things. She and SeaHawk had talked about their plans a lot, debating a few matters. In the days of peace that Eternia and Etheria were experiencing, this would go down as the highlight.

A few days after Randor gave them his blessing, Adora and SeaHawk had a dinner with the rest of the royal family, plus Orko, Duncan, Teela, and Addison to announce their official plans.

“We’ve been talking a lot about the wedding and we’ve decided where we are going to have it,” Adora told them.

“I thought you would have it here,” Marlena wondered.

“We considered that, but . . .” SeaHawk began.

“But we’ve opted for Skydancer Mountain instead. On Etheria.”

“Really?” asked Randor.

“Yes. It’ll be an Eternian ceremony on Etheria. In the shadow of the Crystal Castle,” Adora told them.

“It’s sounds beautiful, Adora,” Teela offered.

“Thank you, Teela,” Adora responded. “Also, there’s something else. I’m not looking for this to be a large wedding. I’m know I’m royalty, but it’s never been a big part of my life. I’d like my friends and my family there, but besides that, I don’t want a lot of delegates and ambassadors that I don’t know there.”

Randor sighed thoughtfully and leaned back in his chair. “I think that will be all right. Although, could I talk you into having it broadcast?”

Adora thought it about it a few seconds, then turned to SeaHawk. The pirate-hero shrugged. “Sure,” he answered.

“All right.”

“Who do you want there, Adora?” asked Adam.

“The Great Rebellion and the Heroic Warriors. The family, of course. SeaHawk’s shipmates and crew members, plus his friends. A few friends of mine on Etheria.”

---

The days went by with increasing speed. Two weeks after Randor’s blessings were given, the plans were being finalized. Invitations were given and returned. A euphoric sense of anticipation had come over those so close to Adora.

Falcon woke up the same as he did every day – with a harsh, hacking cough. As he pulled himself out of bed, his joints ached. The dampness of his cave had been far from easy on the old pirate. But it was his fate to be here – as he had been for so many years.

As he came awake and looked for what book to read, he heard the approach of someone. Assassins, maybe? Looking to settle an old debt and somehow were able to track him down? If they managed that, then he deserved to die.

“Father.”

It was the voice of SeaHawk. His son. Falcon turned around and saw his boy standing there. By his side was a young woman, very beautiful with soft blue eyes and wonderful flowing blonde hair.

“SeaHawk! My boy, what are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to introduce you to your new daughter. My fiancée, Queen Adora of Eternos.”

“Adora? Yes, yes, I remember you mentioning her . . .”

“A pleasure and honor to meet you, sir.”

“The pleasure is all mine, my lady. When is the wedding?”

“Couple of days, father,” Hawk replied. “We . . . we want you to be there.”

Falcon sighed. “I would like to, but as you know, I am sick. The air here is the only thing keeping me alive.”

“I know, father, but Adora can help you. Heal you, at least temporarily.”

“How can you do that, my dear?”

Adora smiled and pulled out the Sword of Protection. “FOR THE HONOR OF GRAYSKULL . . .”

---

A few hours later, Adam and Adora were standing on one of the overhangs that looked across the courtyard. Down below, Addison was chasing after Cringer in a game of hide and go find.

“So what did you want to talk to me about, sis?”

“Eternos. I know there is an issue of command here, my brother. I wanted to let you know that I plan on formally giving you control over the kingdom.”

“But Adora, you’re just as entitled to it as I am.”

Adora nodded. “I know that, Adam, but I . . .” She paused and looked out upon the courtyard, then the city. “All my life I have had a burden on me. When I was a still a Horde pupil, I was the head of the class and often took charge of group activities. When I served Hordak, I climbed up to be a Force Captain. And then what happened? I left that and became not only the champion of Grayskull, but also the leader of the Great Rebellion and Princess to the most powerful kingdom on Eternia. Now, I am the Queen of that kingdom.” She looked to her brother. “I would like the chance to be my own person for a while, Adam. To be a wife and maybe someday soon, a mother.”

“You can do that and still be Queen here, you know?”

Adora smiled. “I know, but this fits you so much better than it does me. I’ll still stand beside you when you need me. We’ll probably even still live here until we’re able to get things completely stabilized. There are still things to deal with, of course. Hiss and Hordak, for one. The lost peoples of Eternia, for another. But, my dear brother, you are meant to be the King.”

Adam sighed and finally resigned with a nod. “All right, sis. I understand.”

“I’m glad you do.” Adora’s smile grew a little wider. “But you know, you probably could use a queen in your life? Teela’s a right fit for that, if you ask me.”

Adam rolled his eyes, but smiled all the same. “One thing at a time, sis.”

---

The days came faster then. Before anyone knew, the blessed event had come. Gathered upon the summit of Skydancer Mountain were the guests to the wedding. From the Heroic Warriors had come Man-E-Faces, Mekaneck, Ram-Man, Fisto, Moss Man, Roboto, Sy-Klone, Rio Blast, Extendar, Snout Spout, Clamp Champ, Rotar, Orko, Lubic, Woodsman, Pelicor, Stratos, Buzz-Off, and Lizard-Man. Also there was Addison, Talon, and Lady Delora – as well as few others, mainly just officials from Royal Palace.

This group made up the far left wedge of the audience. The middle wedge was comprised of the Great Rebellion, being Queen Angella, King Micah, Frosta, Castaspella, Mermista, Flutterina, Netossa, Bow, Sorrowful, Spinnerella, Bow, Peek-A-Blue, Madame Razz and Broom, Kowl, Shakra, Fritz, Wizard, and Former General Sunder. Besides a few family members and other friends of Adora/She-Ras, there was also King Ahgo and the Twiggets.

The far right wedge was comprised of various friends and shipmates of SeaHawk, some of which Adora had actually met, some of which were new to her.

Sitting in the front row of all these wedges were Falcon, King Miro, King Randor, Queen Johanna, Princess Edwina, Prince Jeremy, King Stephen and Prince Dell.

Down a few feet, at the Crystal Falls, Adora finished getting ready. It was a beautiful day – the sky was wide and richly blue. The view from Skydancer was amazing.

Adora looked at herself in a mirror Teela provided. She looked good. Her dress was purposely informal, but still made her look more beautiful than she ever had before. I can’t believe this is finally happening, Adora thought to herself suddenly. I can’t believe the day has come that I can marry the man I love atop of Skydancer Mountain.

“Are you nervous?” asked Marlena, helping Adora with her hair. It was up in a series of braids.

“No, I’m not,” Adora answered cheerfully, though she knew that part of her was lying.

“I didn’t think so,” Marlena responded and she looked Teela. “Teela, you look wonderful.”

Teela smiled and bowed just a little. “Thank you, your majesty. You look quite nice yourself.”

Glimmer and Loni soon joined them. Marlena smiled. “I remember my wedding day,” she mused. “It was . . .” She couldn’t finish. She simply hugged Adora. “I’m so proud of you, Adora.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

Marlena squeezed her daughter just a bit more, then nodded to the others and made her way up the trail to the audience.

Adora turned to Spirit.

“Care to take me for a ride up there, Spirit?” asked Adora as bells began to ring.

“Of course, Adora. It would be my pleasure.”

He rode her all the way up the trail. Once at the summit, Adora dismounted her old steed and put the train on her dress, followed by the crown.

“How do I look, girls?”

“Fantastic,” Loni said.

“Let us go, then. I’m getting married.”

Bells rang again, being rung by Kowl and Orko.

Teela walked out first, spreading out red rose pedals as she did.

Adora came next, smiling and half-crying. She looked to everyone who watched, love in her eyes, in her heart, in her soul.

Loni was next, carrying Adora’s ten-foot train.

Glimmer was last, holding the red commitment ribbon flat on her palms.

At the same time, Adam led the way on the other side. He dropped yellow rose pedals on the ground as he did so.

Next came Admiral SeaHawk in his formal Brightmoon Kingdom Naval uniform. A cape had been added to it, which was carried by First Mate Swen. Behind them was none other than Davy Jones, the mouse, who carried the blue commitment ribbon in his arms.

They all came to the front of the group, right below the Crystal Castle. It was there that Man-At-Arms stood, holding the Honor Sword and his cane. Because Adora had handed over the power over Eternos to Adam, the Royal Scepter was not needed here.

Next to Man-At-Arms were a pair of bowls atop of pedestals – one filled with half-ice, half-water; the other filled with twigs.

Adora and SeaHawk locked eyes and smiled wide.

Man-At-Arms stepped forward. "Behold now, the wedding of these two lovers. Let us now see the officiator who shall bring these two together in love forever."

An elderly man named Louis came out from behind Man-At-Arms. “Good afternoon, loved ones and honored guests,” said Louis. “In the name of Eternos, I have come to marry these two people. On this day, the two of you who are witnesses to love and who deem themselves bond by love in their hearts, spirits, minds, and bodies wish to be joined forever in the sacred vows and bonds of marriage. Is this so, man?”

“It is so, yes.”

“And is this so, woman?”

“Yes, it is so.”

“Admiral SeaHawk, son of Falcon and Alexis; of the planet Etheria; Admiral of the Brightmoon Kingdom Navy; SeaHawk, do you take this woman to your wife in the sacred vows and bonds of marriage?”

“Aye, yes, I do.”

“Do you love her?”

“I do.”

“Then you shall be bond to her.”

Davy Jones stepped forward and gave SeaHawk the commitment ribbon. SeaHawk then held it out towards Louis.

“Queen Adora, daughter of King Randor and Queen Marlena; leader of the Great Rebellion; wielder of the Sword of Protection; heir to the throne of Eternos; do you take this man to be your husband in the sacred vows and bonds of marriage?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Do you love him?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Then you shall be bond to him.”

Glimmer stepped forward gave Adora the ribbon. Just like SeaHawk, she held it out to Louis.

“You have committed yourselves to each other. The commitment ribbons, please,” Louis said with a clap his hands.

SeaHawk and Adora gave them to Louis, who in turn, tied to them together.

“SeaHawk, do you vow your love to Adora?”

“I vow my love to you,” he told the beautiful queen.

One end of the tied together ribbon was given to SeaHawk.

“Adora, do you vow your love to SeaHawk?”

“I vow my love to you,” she promised

She grabbed hold of the other end of the ribbon.

“You have vowed your loves to the other. Let your hearts be joined together as one.”

They tied the ribbon together, interlocked fingers with their left hands, and then presented the completed knotted ribbon to Louis. He took it from them, lit aflame and dropped into the pedestal of twigs. The twigs lit up quickly, revealing a pair of wings below. Louis then took the rings with a pair of tongs and put them into the water. There, they cooled off.

“Let your love for each burn as this fire has. Let your love for each other be as this water is - always there, no matter what form it may take,” he told them as he did this.

He reached his hand into the water and retrieved the two, now cold rings. He placed them on their left hands. Louis then took the two ringed hands and brought them together in his own. The fingers intertwined.

“You are now husband and wife! Let no one tear apart what the Great Creator has brought together in destiny and love! Kiss now, and seal your vow forever more!”

SeaHawk and Adora kissed, deeply and passionately. The crowd clapped and shouted.

Louis took his place a few steps back, allowing Man-At-Arms to step in. Adam joined him as the pedestals were moved.

“Admiral SeaHawk, in your sacred and bond of marriage to Queen Adora, you are to become the King of Eternos. As this title implies, you have a sacred responsibility to the people and lands of Eternos. Your command of Eternos is second to King Adam, any mate he may take, Queen Adora, and any other living members of the royal family. Do you accept this responsibility?”

“Aye, yes, I do,” SeaHawk answered.

“The Royal Family of King Adam, King Miro, Queen Adora, Queen Marlena, King Randor, Queen Johanna, and King Stephan see you fit to rule alongside them. Do you accept their confirmation?”

“That I do.”

“Then let it be done. King Adam?”

Adam stepped over, the Honor Sword in his hand. SeaHawk went down on one knee.

“Admiral SeaHawk, we invest in you the power and responsibilities of and to the lands and realms of Eternos? Will you take it?” asked Adam and Adora as one.

“I do. I swear upon my life that it shall be done.”

Adam marked both shoulders with the Honor Sword, then placed upon his head a nicely decorated bronze crown.

“Rise then, King SeaHawk!” King Adam shouted.

“ALL HAIL KING SEAHAWK AND QUEEN ADORA!” announced Man-At-Arms.

The reception that followed was held within the walls of the Crystal Castle. Most of the chambers were closed off, as it was held in the main chamber of the fortress. Toasts were given, dances had, drinks thrown back, and food eaten.

“I can’t believe she’s married,” Adam said to Teela as they stood in line of a buffet.

“Well, she wouldn’t be single forever. You gotta lock down at some point,” Teela responded.

Adam smiled. “You trying to tell me something?”

“Me? Oh no, Adam. Certainly not.”

Across the room, Sweet-Bee, Spinnerella, Netossa, Mermista and Frosta were all sitting together at one of the large tables . . . when a group of Heroic Warriors came along. Roboto, Ram-Man, Sy-Klone, Meckaneck, and Man-E-Faces, to be precise.

“Hello ladies,” Sy-Klone greeted.

“How are you all doing? Aren’t weddings grand?” asked Man-E-Faces.

“Would anyone want to dance? I am programmed with various ways,” Roboto said.

“You all look purty,” Ram-Man complimented.

“Don’t worry about this slops, gals, I’m hear to serve you,” Mekaneck attempted.

“Oh please,” Sweet-Bee retorted.

“Weddings don’t make us that easy to pick-up,” Mermista answered.

“You gotta work harder if you want something,” Netossa added.

“Like something better than an extending neck,” Frosta followed up.

“Like maybe decent conversation,” Spinnerella concluded.

“Sure thing, Spinny,” Sy-Klone said to her. “How about the two of us go shoot the breeze?”

“Oh, funny!” she mocked.

In another part of the chamber, Duncan found the happy couple as they chatted it up with Queen Angella, King Micah, King Randor, and Queen Marlena.

“Excuse me, your highnesses, but I need to borrow these two for a moment.”

“What is it, Duncan?” asked Adora as he led them into one of the locked chambers.

“You’ll see,” he told them.

“I guess so,” SeaHawk replied.

The door swung open and the three of them walked in. There, standing by the window in the twilight, was the Sorceress.

“Greetings,” she said, “I am only here for a moment, but I wanted to give my good wishes.”

“Thank you, Sorceress,” Adora said, bowing a little.

“You two obviously have great love in your hearts for each other. I can sense it. I am very, very happy for you.”

With that, the evening started to wind down. A small ship sat waiting in the air just outside the Crystal Castle for them. Good byes were said, farewells given, and many many thank yous. The pair then entered the ship and with a long look back, sailed off into the sunset.

TO BE CONTINUED IN “ACROSS ALL WORLDS – BOOK THREE: TRI-SOLAR SYSTEM!”

W