A/N: Well, here it is. The epilogue. Just want to take the time to thank the following people, my most dedicated reviewers. The people who did the most to take the time to review and give me your opinions. Thanks a bunch! You all rock!
EpilogueThe king's quarters, the palace, Caerish, Dargium"I really do wish you'd wear your chain mail," Rakae fretted, helping Artemis into shirt. The young king winced. His back was still sore from his fight with Seari.
"Nonsense Rakae," he scoffed. "I'm not wearing chain mail to my wedding. Besides, there's only going to be twenty wolves surrounding me, not to mention Wolf, the guards at the entrance to the palace, and the guards at the entrance to the throne room."
"There's still a chance that we haven't gotten rid of all of Seari's supporters," Rakae reminded him. "We need to take every precaution we can."
Artemis rolled his eyes. "Of course Rakae. I am told a few things, you know. But honestly, chain mail? At a wedding?
Rakae pursed his lips and didn't say anymore, but personally, he thought Artemis really should wear the chain mail.
From my position on the floor, I chuckled. Rakae had been appointed one of Artemis's chief advisors, and the two went back and forth with no end.
Artemis shot me a glare.
"Stand still," Rakae snapped. Artemis rolled his eyes. Rakae inspected Artemis, taking a step back. "Turn," he instructed.
Artemis did as he was told.
"You'll do," Rakae said grudgingly. He turned to me. "What about you? Shouldn't you be getting ready?"
I twisted to give my side a lick, and then turned back to Rakae. "Done."
Rakae scowled. "You two are insufferable."
"We try," Artemis said, grinning. I grinned too.
Rakae glared. "Well, get up. Time to go."
"It's time already?" Artemis suddenly sounded scared.
"Afraid of a little commitment, Master?" I asked.
Artemis glared at me. "I am not."
"Pre-wedding jitters," Rakae said. "I've seen it plenty of times. Never seen it in a king before, though…" He trailed off.
Artemis shot him a glare now.
"No time to waste though," Rakae said. "Can't be late. What would the people say about a king who isn't on time for his own wedding?"
"Oh, shut up," Artemis snapped. He turned to me. "Ready?"
I got up and walked over to stand next to him. "Ready as I'll ever be. What about you?"
He shot me a wry look.
I chuckled. "Guess I knew that. Well, let's go."
The throne room, the palace, Caerish, DargiumIf you've never heard six thousand cheering voices, all screaming at the same time, consider yourself lucky. I thought my eardrums would burst. The second Artemis and Holly's lips met, all six thousand four hundred sixty eight people burst into cheers. Every person in that room was a citizen of Caerish.
Seari was even there, though he was in chains and guarded by twelve wolves and six humans. I have a feeling that he didn't look upon his invitation as an opportunity so much as Artemis's way of saying, "Hah. I have more power than you. Fear me."
Which it was.
We hadn't planned on inviting Seari, but Artemis had suggested that we prove to him that we have the people's support. Which we did, judging by the cheers.
As soon as the wedding was over, we moved out of Caerish, Artemis, Holly, Black, and Rakae riding horses, while Zae and I prowled around their hooves, giving menacing barks to anyone who got too close.
The Plain of Caerish was already filling up with people. Several guards were escorting people to their seats, making sure no one got past without a thorough search for weaponry. All swords were confiscated. Even pocket knives were taken. It was all for Artemis's safety.
He had finally agreed to wear the chain mail, though I didn't doubt it took a few firm, and maybe yelling, words from Rakae to do it. Artemis didn't look half bad. He had changed out of his wedding clothes and into black pants, a black shirt, and black boots, all of which were hand-me-downs from Black. Guess what Black's favorite color was.
We finally reached the platform that Artemis and I would be standing on. Nearby, I could see the wolves gathering, Cam and the other section leaders with him. I met Cam's eyes, and he glared at me. I exchanged a glance with Zae, who rolled his eyes.
"Cam will be Cam," Zae muttered. I laughed.
Finally, Rakae managed to calm everyone down enough so that he could be heard.
"Please, everyone, settle down. The sooner this is over with, the sooner we can eat." This was met with laughter.
Rakae smiled and continued on. "Today, we have gathered to present Dargium's new king, King Artemis Fowl."
Loud cheers erupted from the crowd.
Rakae waited for the cheers to die down, and then said, "As it was done in the old ways, we now present the three treaties. We present the Sword of Dargium, the sword of King Samart Fowle, to the new king. We present the Necklace of Peace, the necklace that symbolizes the peace between men and wolves. And we present the wolf protector, the wolf that symbolizes how men will protect wolves, and how wolves will protect men."
Black stepped forward, and Artemis stood up, as we'd been working on for weeks. Black knelt down and held out the sword in both hands. With one hand, Artemis reached out and took the sword. He glanced over at Rakae, who nodded.
"By pointing the sword to the sky, we symbolize the connection between man, and the heavens." Artemis did as Rakae told, and raised the sword to point to the sky. Cheers came from the crowd.
A servant scurried forward carrying a black pillow. On it rested a black necklace, one that Artemis had refused to wear in the beginning.
"By wearing a circle of gold, we symbolize the friendship and the treaty of kindness between man, and the wolves," Rakae continued. Black held out the pillow, and Rakae stepped forward, picking up the necklace and clasping it around Artemis's neck.
Rakae and Black stepped back, and Rakae continued his dialogue. "Finally, by touching the forehead of the wolf protector, we symbolize the protection offered in the bonding of one race to another."
Artemis stepped forward, and I stood up. I calmly walked forward to stand in front of my master.
"Still scared of a little commitment?" I asked quietly. Master Artemis grinned.
"Not anymore," he murmured, and touched his palm to my forehead.
Rakae spoke again, stepping forward and holding the ceremonial crown. Artemis had been extremely relieved when he found out it was only for ceremonial purposes.
"I now present, King Artemis Fowl, king and ruler of Dargium."
A/N: The (sob) end (sob). Anyway, the end! Thanks to all of my reviewers and all the people who encouraged me to update! Thanks so much!
Off to take over the world,
Crazy Girl