FIC:If Destiny Wills 21

[Ralf Quimby <ralf.quimby@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

+++++++++++++ 
Title: If Destiny Wills (21/?) 
Author: Alex P.
Feedback: Please any comments or suggestions to: keeper444@xxxxxxxxx
Archive: Whatever or whoever Just tell me
Summary: Sequel to A Higher Power
Spoilers: Starts where Next Illogical Step leaves off. Still in college 
Still near future. 
Disclaimer: The characters of Buffy Willow Giles and any others from 
BTVS are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy etc. No
infringement of any kind intended and no money made. 
Warning: Contains scenes of a loving relationship between two consenting
women. If you have a problem with that (why are you here?) or it is
illegal where you live (I suggest you move to my end of the
gutter...quickly) then PLEASE DELETE THIS NOW !!!!!
Rating: R
Pairing: B/W

Notes: Alex wrote this and I Beta'd it. He can't get to the computer
right now so I am sending it. Ralf
<>thoughts<>

{{song: Iris by the GooGoo Dolls}}
+++++++++++++
Title: If Destiny Wills (21/23)
Author: Alex P.
+++++++++++++

The long shiny black limousine pulled smoothly into the parking lot
followed closely by two shorter chauffeured vehicles. All of them came to a
stop at the front of the big brick building that had been rented for the
reception. Xander, Cordelia, Giles, and Joyce Summers exited the second car
and went directly into the building followed by Ira and Sheila Rosenberg.
After several minutes a frustrated Sheila Rosenberg came storming out of
the building and began pounding on the door of the limo that still
contained the newly weds.

"Willow!" the angry woman shouted. "Will you and your little friend get out
here right now?" 

When she received no answer, Mrs. Rosenberg pounded so hard it hurt her
hand which made her even madder at the two young women in the car.

"Willow Rosenberg!" she yelled at the top of her lungs, her face beet red
with anger. "Get out here this instant. The guests will be arriving any
minute now and we need to set up the receiving line. This 'marriage' is bad
enough without the added embarrassment of being rude."

That worked better than she wanted. The door flew open and an extremely
enraged and dishevelled Willow Rosenberg-Summers jumped out of the limo and
into her mother's face.

"I've had just about enough of your attitude mother." Willow growled, her
entire body trembling with rage and hurt. "If you don't like the idea of my
wife and I letting the world know of our love, then there is no reason for
you to be here and Believe me, after the way you've acted the last few
weeks neither of us would miss you in the least. I will personally see to
it that you are escorted home and we'll make sure that daddy gets home
after the reception. So what is it mother, are you staying or leaving?"

"Honey, please don't do this." Buffy whispered in her wife's ear. She had
followed Willow out of the limo and had stood calmly behind her during the
red-head's outburst at her overbearing mother. "You know how your mother is
and it isn't fair to expect her to become a different person over night.
This is our day don't let her ruin it."

Hearing her lover's plea on behalf of her own aggravating mother touched
the witch on so many levels that it took all her will not to release the
flood of tears that threatened to flow in rivers from her eyes. It was hard
to believe that after everything her mother had done to them, her new bride
still came to her defence. Even if they both thought that. The guilt of
throwing her mother out of the reception would have wrecked the entire day
for Willow, and Buffy was really thinking of her lover when she spoke.
Sheila looked at the petite blonde slack jawed with surprise at her words.

"I'm sorry love." Willow said. embarrassed when she calmed enough to
realise they were standing outside and that people were beginning to
arrive. "If you plan on staying mother, you'd better come in with us. Just
remember one more comment about my wife or our relationship and you are out
of here, not to mention out of our lives. Do you understand me?"

"Yes I understand." Mrs. Rosenberg said in defeat, realizing that she'd
over stepped herself and how lucky she was that her daughter's friend had
spoken up for her. "I'm sorry dear, I shouldn't have said that."

Silently accepting her mother's apology, Willow turned and wrapped her arm
around Buffy's waist kissing her lightly.

"You are truly amazing, you know that?" the red head told her bride. "Every
time I think I know how you'll react to something, you turn around and do
something like this. I so love you."

"Of course you do." Buffy said, smiling with complete adoration at her
love. "Don't you remember? I'm irresistible."

Both of the newly weds broke into peals of laughter as they led the way to
the doors. 

************ 

The rest of the reception went fairly smoothly, thanks to Cordelia's taking
the time to research what was expected at both the usual reception and what
was done at a typical Jewish reception. In order to keep the peace with
Willow's family, she had been sure to have a band to handle the traditional
dances and activities so that the Rosenberg's relatives were satisfied.
Once that part of the party was over and most of the older crowd had left,
Cordelia had arranged for the DJ from the Bronze to take over the musical
entertainment. Having prepared for the change in atmosphere the girls had
Xander go out to their cars in the parking lot and bring in their bags that
had a change of clothes.

Once they were dressed in more casual clothing and the Rosenbergs had gone
on home the two lovers felt free to relax and enjoy themselves. Surrounded
by their friends they knew they had no reason to worry about offending
anyone, and were free to express their intense feelings for each other.
They danced, drank, laughed, and had fun with their guests, not to mention
many PDAs. Finally they reached the point where they were getting tired and
Buffy began talking about retiring to the posh hotel that their friends had
all chipped in and got them for their wedding night. 

"I know you're tired honey." Willow whispered in the Slayer's ear. "But if
you'll just give me one more dance we'll ditch this place and head for the
sheets, okay?"

"Anything for you sweetie." Buffy answered, while nibbling at her lover's
ear, causing the witch to groan. "But don't take too long. I need to have
you now. And if you don't want to live one of Xander's fantasies, you'll be
getting me out of here soon."

"No probs, babe." Willow said, gulping hard. "Just a little patience. I
promise it'll be worth it. I hope."

Willow went over and said something to the DJ who smiled and nodded to her,
then reached out and shook the girl's hand. Willow turned and strolled back
to her curious lover, smiling brightly.

"What are you up to?" the blonde asked suspiciously, as she melted into her
beloved's arms.

"It's just...well..I kinda...this is..." Willow tried to explain, tongue
tied with emotion. "Ever since this song came out it's made me think of you
and how I felt about you. I'd be willing to bet I wore out 10 or 20 of
these CDs just listening to it over and over. And I figured I'd share it
with you and hope it meant as much to you as it does to me."

"I'm sure it will, my love." Buffy answered, her voice thick with the deep
feelings she felt at her lover's admission.

Willow gathered Buffy into her arms tightly, as the DJ began the CD and
the music came flooding from the sound system. The Slayer felt as much as
heard her partner singing softly into her ear. 

******

{{"And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you feel me somehow 
Your the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't wanna go home right now"}} 

*******

Buffy was oblivious to every thing around her. Her entire being was focused
on the beautiful alto voice of her universe singing in her ear and the
words being written on her soul.

*****

{{"And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breath is your life
And sooner or later it's over
I just don't wanna miss you tonight"}} 

*****

Willow could feel her heart pouring out of her and into the woman she loved
with each word. She was trying to convey all the soul searing emotions that
her heart felt for this tiny woman that she was holding in her arms. Hoping
all the while that her reason for being was experiencing the same thing. 

*****

{{"And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am"}} 

*****

Both young were entranced with each other and didn't even notice when
everyone else cleared the dance floor to watch the tender moment occurring
between the newlyweds.

*****

{{"And you can't fight the tears that ain't comin 
Or the moment of truth in your lies 
When everything feels like the movies 
And you bleed just to know you're alive"}} 

*****

Willow was overcome by her emotions and her throat was too tight to finish
to sing the final chorus. All she could do was hold her Buffy tightly in
her arms and let her feelings flow in mute rivers into the ocean of her
lover's soul. 

Knowing the deep need to express herself that her new bride was trying to
deal with, Buffy remained silent and held on to the trembling red-head
letting the waves of emotion wash over her.

When the music stopped they continued to hold on to each other in the
middle of the dance floor. In order to minimise an awkward moment, Cordelia
signalled the DJ to play something else and, pulling Xander onto the dance
floor, began to dance. Thus drawing attention away from the two entranced
lovers, who were totally absorbed in each other, oblivious to those around
them. Finally remembering that they weren't alone the newlyweds went to the
bar to have one last drink before sneaking out. 

Raising their glasses to Cordelia in thanks for all her hard work, they
finished the drinks in one gulp. They were setting down their drinks in
preparation to leave when one of their friends came up to them and handed
Buffy a note. 

"I don't know what it is." the young man explained. "This guy I've never
seen before, that was dressed like Rambo or something, gave it to me and
asked me to bring it to you. To be honest he was kinda scary so I did what
he said, I hope that's okay."

"No problem Jerry." Willow told the obviously still frightened young man
while her partner read the note. "It's probably a good idea that you did.
Cause if it's from who I think it is, you're right, he is scary."

Mumbling his thanks the young man rejoined the rest of the party and went
back to enjoying the festivities. Willow turned and looked at her lover as
the blonde read the note.

"What is it, Buffy?" Willow asked, worried that their one night honeymoon
was about to be called off. "Is everything alright?"

"I guess it's okay." the Slayer mumbled as she finished the missive and
handed it to the witch. "Check it out for yourself and see what you make of
it."

Willow took the note from her partner and the first thing she noticed was
the heavy bond paper that it was written on. Next she saw that it was
written with a neat flowing hand that while written with an ancient form of
lettering but the note was easy to read and was obviously written by a well
educated and in an aristocratic style by someone with lots of practice at
writing reports and messages. 

The most surprising and somewhat frightening thing was who it was from and
what they wanted. She read it over several times to be sure that she hadn't
misunderstood it's meaning. 

To The Slayer and The Sorceress 

Ladies, I would greatly appreciate it if you would both meet myself and my 
personal guard in the parking lot. We mean you no harm and wish to relay 
information that I am sure you will find both necessary and at least
partially welcome. Please come as it would be inconvenient for all
concerned if I was compelled to enter the building to deliver my message. 

With Respect 
Kresis 
Count of the First Circle
and 
Head of the House of Red Swords 

Willow looked at her wife and waited for her to indicate what course of
action they would take.

"Well it looks like he's given us no choice." The Slayer said, shrugging
her shoulders. "I thought about having you stay here, but he asked for both
of us and besides that you wouldn't stay anyway."

"You're darn skippy on that." Willow announced fiercely . "That's the deal
now. Where you go, I go, no discussion no, compromises. You got that
almighty Slayer?"

"Yes my loving wife and Sorceress." Buffy said, beaming at the red head's
resolve and devotion. "All or nothing from now on."

"You got it." the witch agreed, and linked arms with her lover. "Let's go
sweetie. We got a Count to see."

The two women walked out of the building and stepped into the well lit
parking lot. They strolled casually over to Willow's car and leaned on it
to await their visitor. They didn't have to wait long. Two dark figures
separated from the shadows surrounding the parking area and slowly
approached them keeping their hands in sight to make the point that they
were unarmed and came in peace. Willow took the time to study the two
entities the were coming toward them.

One was the soldier she'd seen after the fight with Hela, she could tell by
the way he moved and the black patch over his right eye. The other was the
tall regal 'man' that had confronted the demoness and although he had
failed to destroy or capture her, he had caused her to run away. He was
walking with a slight limp and Willow saw that he was missing his right
arm. When they were within a couple of feet Buffy stopped them.

"I think that's close enough gentlemen." the Slayer said holding out a hand
"I believe you said you had some news for us. So what is it? We have
friends to get back to."

"Ah right to the point Slayer, I can respect that." the one armed 'man'
remarked with a slightly quirky smile. "Especially on ones wedding night." 

He gripped the Slayer's forearm in the traditional warrior's greeting,
followed by the second figure. The Count then turned and lifting Willow's
offered hand let his lips brush across the back of her hand. Willow blushed
at this courtesy and a low defensive growl came from her lover. In respect
for the Slayer's feelings the Count released the hand and stepped back. His
companion simply bowed respectfully to the witch then rejoined his
commander. 

"First I suppose I should introduce my companion and myself." Kresis said,
looking at the two warriors that had fought him and Hela to a stand still,
his respect for them rising as he realized how young they were. "As I said
in my note, I am Count Kresis and this is my aide, general, and friend
Caladin, and first I would like to convey or congratulations and best
wishes on this momentous occasion." 

"Thank you." Willow answered quickly, before her lover could come up with
an insult for these unexpected allies. "But I'm sure you didn't go through
all the trouble to get us out here just to wish us well." 

"Quite so, Sorceress." the Count answered. "I can see you are perceptive as
well as powerful and beautiful. No we didn't come here to wish you well, I
am here to give you some good news and a warning. First of all we have
searched thoroughly and all indications are that our mutual opponent has
left not only this town but this country all together. We will continue to
hunt the bitch until we have delivered her to justice in our home realm.
However I must warn you that Hela is a spiteful and vindictive being and as
long as she is free to roam your realm neither of you is completely secure.
She hates to lose and she despises loose ends, and the two of you are both.
Do not doubt for a second that she will be trying to come up with a way to
get back at you both in the most painful way she can conceive." 

"We thank you for the warning Count." Buffy said thoughtfully. "Believe me,
we will take it to heart. I also wish you luck in your hunt, for obvious
reasons and to thank you, Caladin and your warriors, for your best wishes
and concern for our well being. I only hope that we are not forced to face
each other as enemies at some future time."

"I wish the same Chosen One." came Caladin's gruff voice in reply. "But if
that should come to pass, you will be an enemy I will face with honor and
respect. Be Well." 

The two figures bowed and turned, quickly disappearing into the night,
leaving the two young women looking at each in wonder at the old battle
scared veteran's parting words.

Willow looked over at her wife and didn't need to know her thoughts to know
what was going through her mind. 

"Well that was semi-good news." Willow said lightly, trying to relieve some
of the tension their visitors had caused. "At least we can get through the
rest of the joining without having to worry about that not so nice female
trying to take you away from me." 

She gave the Slayer one of her best don't-worry-about-me smiles and took
the lovely blonde into a tight embrace. Willow could feel the tense muscles
relax as Buffy melted into the warm loving pressure of the witch's embrace.
It wasn't long before all thoughts of Kresis, Hela, or any future problems
with either of them were driven from the Slayer's mind by her lover's
persistent attentions. 

"What do you say we go inside, say our goodbyes and get this honeymoon
thing on the road?" Willow whispered into Buffy's ear. The warm air of the
red head's breath washed over Buffy's ear causing the Slayer to shiver with
excitement. 

"Oh yeah." the blonde said, her voice horse with anticipation. "That's the
best idea I've heard since we got here."

Holding hands the two newlyweds ran into the building and bid their
remaining friends a fond farewell and told everyone to stay as long as they
liked. They were soon in Willow's car and headed toward the most exclusive
hotel in Sunnydale. Willow parked her car in the covered lot and, after
checking in at the front desk, the two excited young women went to their
room on the top most floor. 

When they entered the room they were both stunned by the opulence of the
room (suite really) that their friends had gotten them. The entire suite
was the very definition of understated elegance. While under normal
circumstances, they would have spent hours exploring every inch of the
rooms thoroughly. But on this night, after a cursory examination, they were
only interested in each other. 

They fell into each other's arms and began kissing each other passionately,
tongues swirling around each other, trying to inspect every centimeter of
the other's oral cavity, while anxious hands tore off clothing desperate to
feel and taste bare skin. Both were breathing heavily, interspersed with
pleading whimpers for more intimate contact. Finally, after their clothing
was scattered all over the area and their knees were ready to buckle with
unrequited lust, Buffy scooped her red-haired bride into her arms and
without breaking the kiss, carried her willing captive into the adjoining
bedroom and gently laid her on the soft comfortable oversized mattress.
Buffy looked deeply into the eyes of her existence and saw only
overwhelming love and all consuming passion there. Then with a growl of
pure lust the Slayer took the body that held the other half of her soul and
the two lovers spent the rest of the night satisfying the call of their
needs and most primal urges, their names being called out to the gods until
they both collapsed in total and sated exhaustion still holding each other
as they drifted off into a contented dreamless sleep. 

The next morning, just as the sun made it's daily appearance on the Eastern
horizon and shafts of red, orange, and golden light lanced through the
cloudless sky driving away the last vestiges of night, the two still very
tired women were wakened by a persistent knocking at the heavy oak door of
their suite. A grumpy half asleep red head untangled herself from her
blonde lover and, pulling on a robe, she went to answer the door.

As Willow suspected, when she opened the door she was greeted by two gray
robed Druids. Their hoods were up and it was impossible to see their faces.
They were accompanied by four women that Willow recognised as members of
the coven that was assisting with their formal joining ceremony. The six
came in and one of the priests faced Willow ad placed his hands gently on
her shoulders. 

"It is time for you to prepare, Sorceress." the man informed her in a deep
resonate voice that reminded the witch of their friend Lugh. "You and your
beloved, the sister of your soul, must now accompany us to the place set
aside for the preliminaries required by tradition for the completion of
your becoming as one." 

"I understand." Willow answered solemnly. "I will awaken my other half and
we will follow your instructions." 

With a nod from the priest, Willow and the four attendants went into the
bedroom and, with a fair amount of trouble, finally managed to wake a
reluctant Buffy. With the assistance of their attendants, both were dressed
only in two intricately embroidered black and silver velvet robes. Once
they were ready the group joined the two priests that were patiently
waiting for them in the other room. Each priest approached one of the two
women and simultaneously explained the procedures to be followed for the
day. 

"From now until tonight's ceremony, the two of you will be separated." the
priests droned. "We will be with you through out the day to assist you in
the various necessary rituals that must be performed. This is the way it
has been done for countless generations and has been handed down by our
forebears. Now if you will accompany us after bidding your beloved a
temporary farewell, the rituals shall begin." 

With a quick kiss and whispered words of encouragement, the two young
lovers left each with one priest and two of the females. Neither knowing
for sure what they would face that day and each knowing that no matter what
was asked of them they would do it because that was what was necessary for
them to be together completely and forever. 

If nothing else Willow was sure this would be an adventure. 

+++++++++++
End 21
TBC
+++++++++++