Chapter 18

 

Sabina felt Rohan’s aura leave Serenitas before she registered the other men depart, who were traveling into the city with him. She had not made comment to the others at the estate with her, but the moment Rohan’s aura and body left the villa, she had not felt at peace. She had also felt slightly worried and on edge, knowing that he was back in the place where she had been hunted just a week prior.

And though she shared no words with her brethren, her aura was clearly heralding her unease. Alex and Ahadi were both bent over, working with some of the men to assemble the tables at which they would all dine that night and the following day after the ceremony. As the last leg was attached to the table they were focusing on, both ladies straightened and noticed Sabina coming outside, her aura shifting around her in uneven intervals, rather than calming waves. Ahadi and Alex looked at one another, and then excused themselves to go to their sister.

As they approached Sabina, she turned to smile her greeting at the two.

“Hi there,” said Alex as she reached Sabina’s side and hugged her briefly. “Have you got a few minutes to come with us?”

“Of course,” Sabina answered quickly.

“Good, let’s go to the water for a bit,” suggested Ahadi, gesturing for Sabina to walk between her and Alex.

Sabina looked from one lady to the other, trying to guess their intent, but she dutifully strolled along with them through the villa until they arrived at the indoor pool. Ahadi and Alex took the lead, removing their shoes and rolling up their trousers to dangle their feet and lower legs in the warm, salt water. Sabina followed their example and was soon settled between the two. She looked from one to the other, and finally chuckled lightly to herself.

“Alright, why have you brought me here?” she inquired, smiling at her sisters.

“Who says we need a reason to spend time with you?” Alex teased.

“You don’t, of course. But I clearly sense something is afoot,” Sabina answered.

“There is nothing wrong, Sabina,” Ahadi said tenderly, gently smoothing a hand over Sabina’s long raven tresses. “However, Alexandria and I can sense that you are not at ease right now, and we want to make sure you are alright. Is all of this happening too fast for you, or is there something that is not being done that you need us to help you with?” she offered.

“No, no, nothing’s wrong about this wedding at all,” Sabina qualified quickly, taking one of Ahadi’s and Alex’s hands in each of hers. “I could not be more blessed with all that is being done to make our day a special and memorable one. Truly. I’m struggling with something else right now, and it has nothing to do with my union to Rohan.”

“Tell us, Sabina. Perhaps we can help,” Alex said quietly, letting her aura travel up Sabina’s arm to bring her comfort.

Sabina lightly squeezed Alex’s palm in return as she felt the power transfer.

“Perhaps you can,” she sighed. “This is new for me, and what I am presently feeling is something that I don’t think is currently under my control. And it troubles me that I am not completely in command of my own aura at the moment.”

“Go on,” Ahadi urged kindly, after several seconds of pause.

“The moment Rohan drove away with the others, I felt a tightening in my chest, and it was actually uncomfortable for me physically to have him leave me behind. Add to that, I cannot help but think that he and the other men are back in the city with their numbers greatly reduced. I want no harm to come to any of them,” Sabina said, looking from Alex to Ahadi.

“And when Rohan left the estate, it hurt to breathe for a moment, didn’t it?” Alex smiled knowingly.

“Yes,” she answered, angling her head at Alex.

“I know, I feel it every time Gaius and I have to separate for a while. But it will get a little easier the longer you are together. Your aura is bonding to his now, and truthfully, Sabina, it will only intensify over time. But you will also grow into a familiarity with the pull you’ll feel for him, and you will learn how to navigate your power’s desire to be in the presence of your soul mate,” Alex encouraged her.

“I can feel my aura reaching out to Rohan, and almost calling him back to me right now,” Sabina confessed.

“Yes,” Alex laughed lightly and nodded. “I’ve told Gaius many times that my soul cries out for him, and it actively does search for him when we’re not side by side. You’ve all seen our auras do that on full display.”

“Many times,” conceded Ahadi, and all three ladies chuckled together briefly.

“I promise, it gets easier. I guess, in a way, you will be training your power to accept that occasionally you will have to be apart from one another to engage in the work we’re charged to see through in the Lord’s name. Once your aura understands that there are innocents to protect and others in need of your gifts and abilities, the discord eases a bit so that you can accomplish those good works. And, it also comprehends that you will see one another at the end of that mission work and be able to hold each other again,” Alex advised her, leaning slightly into Sabina’s side.

“Yes, I understand. It’s just an unusual feeling to have my aura not firmly under my command. It has been for so very long, and now it has a mind of its own,” Sabina said in wonder at the change she felt in her soul.

“Ah, but it’s a beautiful change, Sabina. You are no longer one, but two becoming one, and that new relationship and love is having a profound effect on your power. I know it is not like this when an immortal marries or bonds with a human companion, because they have no angelic power residing in their body to help manifest what the heart and soul are saying. But for us, our aura clearly reflects what our soul feels. And if you feel a love as great as the one the two of you are steadily cultivating for yourselves, then your auras will convey the depth and enormity of that new love,” Alex said, nodding slowly to encourage her dear friend that her feelings were to be expected.

Sabina nodded as well, but then blushed slightly, catching Ahadi and Alex’s attention immediately.

“Go on, spill it,” Alex teased.

“Only to the two of you,” Sabina qualified before she said anymore.

“Your words will not travel beyond this conversation, sister. What has you blushing so?” Ahadi played a bit.

“There have been a few times this week when he held me, that our auras surged into one another, or completely enveloped us,” Sabina whispered quietly.

Alex laughed under her breath, but Sabina only lightly elbowed her.

“Now you spill it,” she countered, and Alex bellowed with laughter in response.

“Ah, Sabina, I cannot believe that we get the chance to have this discussion,” Alex grinned. “You gave me such candid and valuable advice before my wedding night, and now I can do the same for you. In this lifetime, I have only known this kind of love, and I’m not ready to go back in my memories and see myself in that way with Eben or even Gaius before. I am still holding to the person I am now for quite a while longer before I am prepared for that.”

“But what love I have known in my soul’s current lifetime, is between one immortal and another. There are no words for the feeling that you will have when his aura travels deeply into you, touching your very heart and soul, when you are physically loving one another. It’s more than we feel when we receive a massage from one another or a touch for strength and courage. It’s as if his soul is speaking directly to yours, and your power will absorb that, filling you in a way that you’ve never imagined possible.”

“It brings you comfort, joy, and takes you far beyond what you thought your body could express for him. And, Sabina, you will feel all the beauty and splendor of one another’s passion and release too, not just your own. Everything will be shared, and you will truly be one in every way: heart, mind, body, and soul. There are just no words to describe the love you will feel in every fiber of your being and in his,” Alex said in awe and wonder still of all that she was allowed to experience in the arms of her husband.

Both Sabina and Ahadi stared quietly at Alexandria for a moment, and then slowly looked at one another.

“Perhaps I should consider an immortal husband, too,” smirked Ahadi, and after another second of silence all three ladies began to laugh hysterically.

They tried to rein in their laughter, but every time one of them made eye contact with the other it would set them off into another volley that they could not control. Soon, all three were wiping the tears streaming from their eyes and leaning heavily into each other. Alex held her head back trying to breathe, but that action only made Sabina start again.

After many minutes, their laughter subsided and Sabina put an arm around her sisters’ shoulders, pulling them in closer. She gently caressed their arms and patted them. Alex nuzzled her head against Sabina’s, sending her aura to her friend to assure her all was well.

“Thank you both for this brief respite. I needed a good laugh, more than I realized,” Sabina confessed.

“That is what sisters are for,” smiled Ahadi, lightly kissing Sabina’s cheek.

“And on the topic of sisters, your family will be here shortly, Alexandria. Are you ready to see Emily?” Sabina asked, and Ahadi furrowed her brow for understanding. Sabina quickly related Emily and Wallace’s news, and Ahadi nodded her head slowly as she took the information in.

“I think so,” said Alex. “I’m in a better place than I was yesterday when I first heard the news, and I am ready to put my feelings far, far to the side so I can celebrate with them. I know you told me to share what’s on my heart and mind with my family, but perhaps later on down the road I can do that. For now, the safest plan for me is to put my emotions under lock and key and allow them the joy and delight they are experiencing.”

Sabina pursed her lips at Alex and shook her head, but Alex held a hand up to stop her censure.

“No, I understand everything you said to me at Aeoferth about this, Sabina, I do. And around the two of you, and the rest of our brethren, I will be a bit more unguarded and open about my feelings. I will. But right now, this is what I need. To be strong and there for them, not worrying about my own loss. I cannot focus on it, nor can I let it pull me under, for their news is a blessing. And at least I will get a year to know their child before I have to walk away,” Alex said quietly, biting her lower lip slightly.

“Well, if this is your plan, then know we will all be there behind you every step of the way through this,” vowed Ahadi. “Sometimes, Alex, I ponder all you’ve come through as you returned to us. And I wonder if it was worth all the sacrifices you have had to make, just so that you could be mortal for a time. Why you weren’t allowed to just come back as an immortal from the start. But when I doubt, I see the gifts the Lord has greatly blessed you, and thereby us, with because you survived the fire.”

“And we will survive this and all future challenges, together. Right?” Alex asked, nudging Sabina into agreeing with her.

“Alright, if you say this is the approach you want to use with them, then we will support you. But promise that you will continue to be open with us, Alex, and not keep it all bottled within,” Sabina qualified, not wanting Alex to grow quiet as she so often did when she internalized issues that troubled her.

“I promise, Sabina. Besides, you all know me too well, as you pointed out at Aeoferth, to let me be anything but honest with you. And I will never lie to any of you, in that you can place all your faith and trust,” Alex said solemnly.

“We know you’ll never lie to us, Alex. That is not in question. But we know all those years you spent avoiding deep, meaningful relationships, due to the uncertainty you lived under as a few abilities presented themselves in your youth, molded you into a person who internalized your feelings to a great extent. Drawing you out of that shell when challenging issues arise, is still something we all hope to accomplish with you and for you,” Sabina added sagely.

“Yes, ma’am,” Alex smiled, giggling a little.

“Behave,” Sabina scolded her half-heartedly, but in the next breath she sensed the return of her betrothed. “Ah, I do think I feel Rohan and the others returning.” A smile began to spread across her face, and Alex giggled a bit more.

Ahadi and Sabina looked at her, trying not to let their laughter return.

“One more day,” Alex teased.

And though Sabina fought it, she began to lose control again.

 

Rohan, Gaius, and the other men sent out the call to their brethren that they had returned with the flowers and food, asking for assistance in unloading it all. While they were opening the backs of the trucks, several SUVs pulled into the courtyard bearing guests and loved ones. Rohan turned to see friends he had not visited with since Alex and Gaius’ wedding, making their way to him first in order to offer their congratulations.

He stood stoically taking in their words, and found himself deeply humbled that so many had traveled to Rome after such short notice to celebrate with Sabina and him. As he talked with Hern and Lattimer, he sensed Sabina’s aura approaching and he felt his whole body relax as their auras connected across the courtyard. He paused in his conversation and turned to watch her make her way to his side.

Sabina greeted him with a kiss and a hug, and it was all he could do not to sweep her up into his arms and carry her upstairs for a nap, just so he could hold her. She sensed his desire, and mentally connected with Rohan to tell him that she had greatly missed him while he was away. Rohan draped an arm around her shoulders and firmly anchored Sabina to his side. He mentally responded that he was not leaving the property for the next few weeks, because the distance had been too great during the short outing.

She chuckled aloud before she could stop herself, and had to kiss his cheek again so she could send her love and contentment to him through that contact, as well as with her aura. Sabina leaned into his side, and then refocused on their loved ones before them. She chatted easily and gracefully with one and all, further relaxing Rohan as she kept the dialog smoothly flowing.

Rohan remembered himself then, and he invited everyone inside. All of the immortals had already stopped by the rental properties they were using to drop off their luggage and cases, and were prepared to stay at Serenitas until the evening’s revelries were over. Those serving as shuttle drivers took to the SUVs again and left, headed back to the airport in Rome.

Slowly, the newest arrivals made their way inside, chatting amongst themselves and being welcomed by those already there. Sabina and Heath had planned for a massive gathering for lunch, dinner, and a wedding meal the following day, so the midday meal was almost ready as the party made their way inside. Rohan was startled by the work that had already taken place while he was in the city with Gaius and the others.

Sabina took his hand in hers, guiding Rohan outside so he could see what had been accomplished thus far. The tent and all the guests’ chairs were erected on the vast lawn that lay between the gardens and vineyard, and already spring was upon the land. Sabina had specifically asked her father to guard the vines, so that they still felt cocooned by winter and were not awakened prematurely. All other plants were in full bloom for the weekend, and the grass was green and fragrant.

The collapsible tables had been assembled into three long lines, each section ready to seat two hundred guests. As he surveyed the landscape, Rohan saw that the dancing platform was almost ready and the sound equipment as well. His eyebrows rose in surprise and he looked down to gaze at Sabina.

“It’s all coming together quite nicely, isn’t it, Rohan?” she asked him, smiling over the slightly dazed look on his face.

“It would seem so,” he replied softly. “What else is left to do?”

“The flowers will go into place after lunch, and all the smaller tables we will use for refreshments need to be placed in courtyards and throughout the villa. Heath and Tomoko have the food preparation firmly in hand, so there is no worry about those details. Really, they’ve asked us to just enjoy our family as they arrive and relax. Alex and Ahadi have all of the plans and sketches for the floral arrangements, and they have assured me I should not have to place one petal. But honestly, I love flowers so much I might want to help them just a little,” she confessed.

“And how long before we have lunch?” he asked, smiling over her last comment.

“We will eat in an hour’s time. We’re waiting for the next group from the airport, before we sit down to the cook-out Elrick is helping Heath organize. The men also set up grills while you were gone, so they’ll be helping to cook lunch and dinner outside today. Everyone seems so happy,” she remarked, looking over the rear of the estate as she spoke.

“Will you walk with me for a few minutes, Sabina?” Rohan said quietly, gently touching her cheek and chin.

“I would love to,” she whispered in return.

Rohan put his arm back around Sabina’s shoulders and slowly led her down the steps of the courtyard they were standing on, through the gardens now awake and giving off a heady scent, past the lawn, and into the vineyard. She leaned into his side while they strolled along, saying nothing, only soaking up the peace and harmony she felt next to him and through his aura.

When they were far enough away from the villa that Rohan hoped they would not be overheard, he paused and looked ahead, observing the staggering amount of land which was hidden away in Sabina’s little sanctuary she had carved out for herself and her brethren millennia ago. She looked up into Rohan’s eyes, waiting to see what he might want to say or share with her in the moment. But she found as she waited, the silence between them was already relaxed and comfortable; perhaps because they had indeed known one another for so very long.

Rohan drew in a deep breath of contentment, then looked down to find her watching him with a leisurely smile on her face. He turned to face her and wrapped his arms around Sabina, locking his hands behind her back. Slowly, he bent down and kissed her softly at first, then a bit more deeply as he took his time coaxing her into a more passionate response.

When at last he drew away, he kept his arms around her and then had to lean back in to kiss her forehead before he could make himself straighten to his full height.

“That was nice,” she smiled, gently stroking his chest.

“Sabina, that was more than nice,” he chuckled. “Do you know how happy I am?” Rohan asked softly, angling his head a bit as he let his eyes roam over her face.

“I do, Rohan, for I feel it in both your touch and your aura. And it’s calling to me, more and more,” Sabina confessed.

“Did your chest…,” he began to ask, and Sabina helped him finish his sentence, “tighten when we parted?” They both grinned helplessly at one another and laughed lightly together.

“Yes, and my aura continued to search for you while you were away. Ahadi and Alex noticed and took me aside to the indoor pool so we could talk about it. They were worried for me,” she said, letting her hands travel up his chest and to his shoulders.

“I confess, I felt you coming home before all the others with you today and it brought me such peace,” Sabina whispered, cupping his face and bringing his lips back down to hers.

Rohan smiled as he gave in to her silent request for more contact, gently brushing his lips against hers. He continued to play with her, teasing and lightly skimming across the skin on her face, until Sabina impatiently worked her fingers into his hair and redirected his mouth back towards her. She felt him chuckle against her as he fully settled his lips on hers, devouring her as she sought to do the same to him.

It was Sabina who pulled away first, burying her head against his chest and wrapping her arms as far around him as she could. She tried to still her longing for him, but her aura was holding to him just as her own hands were, making the effort a challenging one. She realized then that Rohan’s arms were around her too, and he was gently caressing her back and shoulders as he sought to calm himself as well.

“And to think this is only the beginning for us,” Sabina said, still amazed at the new door opening for them both.

She heard Rohan hum, but he offered no comment. Sabina nuzzled her head against his heart, listening for the steady cadence and heard it still beating a little faster than normal after their embrace. They stayed anchored to one another for many minutes, just enjoying the solitude and comfort felt only in the other’s arms.

“Rohan, Archimedes asked me a question while you were away that I was unsure how to answer,” Sabina said softly, as she broke through the quiet to talk with him again.

“And what did he ask you?” Rohan said, leaning back a little to look into her eyes.

“He wanted to know if we desire to share any personal vows tomorrow, or use only the traditional words. I know you are not normally comfortable sharing your thoughts in front of the others, so if this is not something you wish to do, we can forgo any additional words,” she explained, smiling up at him.

Rohan pondered her statement and Archimedes’ question for a moment before he spoke again. He gazed into Sabina’s eyes and found no pressure or expectation there, only kindness and love offered, regardless of what he decided. And he so appreciated the ready acceptance she offered him, with no demands, limitations, or hesitation. She loved him, just as he was, Rohan told himself.

“Sabina, if ever there was a time I could speak what was on my heart and mind, it would be the day we pledged ourselves to one another. I can’t promise that I will have the perfect words, but I will offer you my words. And you will have my words as I promise before God and man to always be true to you, and to always love you before myself,” he said sincerely.

He looked on as her eyes clouded, as they so often did.

“You are the most tenderhearted of souls, liebling,” he smiled, cupping her face and smoothing the first few tears away as they fell.

Sabina laughed softly through her emotion, and nodded her head that she knew the steady stream was inevitable when her heart was greatly moved. And his words had most assuredly moved her.

“Rohan, you know I will cry tomorrow, too. But they will only be happy tears,” she smiled.

“I know,” he smirked a bit. “I’ve already planned to have two handkerchiefs on hand.”

“I love you, Rohan,” she said sincerely, stroking his chest with her hands again.

“And I love you,” he grinned, watching as she shed a few more tears in his hold.

Rohan leaned down to lightly kiss Sabina for one more moment before he hugged her and then gathered her hand in his. He could hear three helicopters landing on the east lawn and knew they needed to greet the others as they arrived to share in the celebration. Sabina held to his hand with both of hers and fell into step beside him.

As they made the trek around the villa to the large expanse of lawn used as a landing zone, Rohan and Sabina observed their loved ones steadily working, but laughing and joking with one another throughout the tasks each was completing. Everyone seemed at ease and not one among them appeared overburdened or under stress. The work was flowing as it always did for the Nephilim, calmly and steadily as they labored towards a common goal.

With the latest arrivals, the number at Serenitas was nearing four hundred. Close to two hundred more immortals were due in by nightfall, all flocking towards Italy for the remarkable impending marriage. When news had gone out, most thought the invitation a joke of some kind at first, never believing Rohan would marry.

But when they saw that the emails and texts were coming from Gaius, the Nephilim around the world paused in their surprise to give the announcement a second glance. And when Alexandria connected to their minds to confirm that what they had all heard or read was most certainly true, all but the few stationed in the most critical areas took to the sky, seas, or rails to make their way to Sabina’s estate.

 

Sabina once again led the conversations with the newest arrivals, but the longer Rohan remained at her side, the calmer he became, and soon he was adding in a few words of his own to the dialog. She gently caressed his back while she stood at his side, listening and chatting with their brethren. Rohan saw more SUVs coming up the long drive, and he turned to count eleven slowing to park in the courtyard.

He smiled despite himself, amazed that so many were actually coming to be with them. Sabina bade those who had just landed in the aircraft to make themselves at home, and she and Rohan then made their way to the front of the villa to welcome the next set of family and friends.

Alex, Gaius, and Archimedes were coming out of the front door to meet the Groabans, Jack, Lauren, Elizabeth, and Nathan who were among the latest arrivals. Sabina watched as Emily quickly walked away from Wallace to hug Alex and then Gaius, glowing as she talked animatedly with them. Alex smiled in return, hugging her sister-in-law tightly, though her aura was sending wave after wave of tumultuous emotion from her body.

Sabina looked up into Rohan’s eyes, and she saw them tighten a bit in silent understanding as he took in the scene before them. He glanced down at Sabina, and pulled her a little closer to his side as they stepped onto the stone pavers. Jack turned and smiled, opening his arms to Sabina.

“Sabina, look at you,” Jack said in wonder, gathering her up for a gentle hug. “You’re positively beaming, sweetie.”

She laughed softly as she hugged Jack in return. “I am very, very happy now, Jack, as it would seem you are,” she said, stepping back a bit and extending a hand to Lauren.

“Sabina, when we received Gaius’ email, I’ll admit we were speechless at first. But we quickly recovered and, honestly, we couldn’t be more excited for you both. This is the best news. Really, it is,” gushed Lauren, squeezing Sabina’s fingers.

“Rohan, did all the weddings in the past year finally motivate ya?” Jack asked, having a little fun teasing his friend.

“Something like that,” he admitted, giving nothing else away.

“Well, we’re sincerely happy for you both. All joking aside, this is such a blessing,” Jack smiled, slapping Rohan’s shoulder.

“Thank you, Jack,” Rohan said, inclining his head a bit.

Sabina released Lauren and moved over to Alex’s side. Emily was still talking with her and Gaius, and Sabina could see that Alex was taking it all in. Gaius had draped an arm around Alex’s shoulders and was channeling his aura directly into her, keeping her emotions as steady as they could, working together.

“Emily, how are you, dear?” Sabina greeted her, pulling her into a light hug.

“I’m wonderful, Sabina, just wonderful. I take it Alex has shared our news with you?” Emily asked, smiling broadly.

“She has only told Rohan and me, but you can certainly announce your blessing at our dinner tonight if you would like. How far along are you?”

“We think somewhere between eight and ten weeks, but I have an appointment with my doctor scheduled after we return to London and I’ll know more then. You wouldn’t mind if we shared the news during your wedding celebration?” Emily said, not wanting to take anything away from her friend’s moment.

“Of course, not. Good news such as you have to share is always welcome,” Sabina smiled. “Now then, I want you to follow Archimedes on a brief tour if you would like, then I want you to have a seat in the kitchen or den and rest a bit. Will you?”

“Rest sounds good,” Emily admitted. “Alex, do you want to walk with us?”

“If it’s alright, I really need to keep Alex with me for a little while to go over the placement of the floral arrangements. All of that will be set up as soon as we finish our midday meal,” Sabina gently suggested.

“Sure, I know there’s still so much to be accomplished today,” Emily conceded. She patted Sabina’s arm then turned towards Archimedes as he stepped forward to follow through with Sabina’s suggestion.

Wallace had listened attentively to their brief conversation, and his eyes traveled from Alex to Sabina as he observed the two. He made no comment, only took Emily’s hand in his and walked by her side into the villa. Helen went along too, wanting to see the structure and explore it a bit.

Alex nodded her head at Sabina, and then moved forward to welcome the rest of her family. Conner helped Gaius take the two tuxedos from the SUV, which Lady Juliana had retrieved from the shop in Oxford and brought along for Rohan and Gaius to wear. Alex chatted with Jack and Lauren for a moment, before she spoke with Elizabeth and Nathan.

She moved back to Sabina’s side and remained there as Sabina talked with the Groabans for a few minutes. Sabina noticed that Lady Juliana was staring intently at her daughter also, but Alex was purposefully looking at her friend as she spoke, giving Sabina her undivided attention. Finally, Rohan invited everyone inside, and they began to make their way into the villa.

Elrick and Iain both came to welcome Alex’s family, Jack, Lauren, Elizabeth, and Nathan. Gaius whispered something to Alex before he turned to take the tuxedos upstairs, and she nodded. She quietly moved to Jameason’s side and he put an arm around her, smiling down into her eyes. She smiled back, leaning against his heart for a moment.

Iain invited everyone to come out back for lunch, as it was all being set out for those currently at the villa. Those immortals who had arrived at the same time as the human guests also followed along, and soon the back gardens and lawn were filled with friends and loved ones talking and laughing. Rohan drew in a deep breath when he saw the gathering before them, knowing more were still on their way.

Archimedes returned with Wallace, Emily, and Helen, guiding them over to the table where the rest of their family had taken seats. He asked Sabina and Rohan if they were ready to have a blessing and begin the meal. She thanked Archimedes, and asked if he would please say the words. He smiled, rocking back and forth on his feet, and then held his hands up to get the assembly’s attention.

When the conversations quieted, Archimedes nodded and looked at his brethren, radiating pure love and happiness.

“My dear family and friends, it is a true pleasure and rare gift to welcome you all here this day. We have celebrated the union of two of our own just a little over a year ago, and now we are poised to witness yet another such extraordinary ceremony. To agree to share all of one’s days with another soul, is a monumental decision that is not entered into lightly. And to do so, when you know your days have no end and will number higher than you can fathom, is a remarkable and inspirational choice. We are most blessed to see two whom we love so much, on the brink of an eternal love that will only grow and blossom through the centuries ahead.”

“For all your days and nights, we pray only the best for you both. To Sabina and Rohan, our dear friends and the family of our hearts, may the Lord always guide, bless, and keep you,” Archimedes said tenderly.

“Hear, hear!” said Elrick loudly.

He was quickly met by similar cheers confirming the Nephilim’s heartfelt wishes for the two, and Rohan stood with his arm around Sabina as emotion clouded her eyes again. His aura wrapped around her as well while his heart sought to comfort her, and she chuckled when his power made contact with hers. She looked up just in time to see him wink at her, then lean over to kiss the top of her head.

Elrick and Titus asked the bride and groom to form the line first, and soon the informal buffet, offering all that had been grilled and prepared, was begun. Sabina chatted with many as she added items to her plate, and Rohan smiled as he listened to her talk. She was never at a loss for words, he marveled, yet she never went overboard and offered too much. She balanced each conversation with grace and ease, and empathized with those she spoke with so that they felt buoyed by her attentiveness.

Rohan led her to seats at the first long expanse of tables, directly at its center. Gaius and Alex soon took the seats to his left, and he looked past Gaius to see how she was faring. Her aura was still giving away more than her face and words were, but Alex was smiling as she listened to what Helen and Lauren were saying. Rohan glanced at Gaius, only to see his slight nod.

John offered a final blessing for the meal, and they all began to partake of the steaks, fish, barbeque, and even hamburgers that had been prepared for those that ate meat. Vegan, Kosher, and Halal fare was provided as well, and everyone was soon lost to the conversations and food which was flowing effortlessly through the large-scale gathering.

Sabina took it all in. She watched her brethren in quiet humility, feeling their love and respect flowing freely through their auras. There was a profound sense of hopefulness and anticipation surging through the space, and it only caused her already elated emotions to grow in response. She noticed Rohan pausing in his conversation with Titus, who sat directly across from them, and she turned to make eye contact with him as he glanced down at her.

Rohan smiled and winked at her, and her smile spread in return. They leaned into one another at the same moment, and he whispered his love into her mind. Sabina echoed the pledge and told him they were so very blessed. He nodded and mentally told her they were indeed.