I gazed at my reflection in the vanity as Helena feverishly dabbed at my cheeks and lips with a light rouge to freshen my face after a night of tossing and turning. My skin has always had a light olive tone, but today I seemed pale.

The excitement and nervousness were becoming all too overwhelming. After Jasper returned, the servant girls had all but gone into a fit, preparing for this day.

Most of this time was spent preparing the great hall for the celebration that was to take place after the ceremony.

Thankfully, from what I've been told, the ceremony should be simple and intimate. I don't think I could handle anything more. Only Jasper's closest friends are to attend the ceremony, but I can't say the same for the celebration afterward.

I feared my urge to feel Jasper's touch would show itself in my mannerisms today. What if I walked too fast to him during the ceremony or blurted out our vows?

Jasper and I hadn't seen much of each other since he had been back. We've both been biding our time as patiently as we could.

I was nervous about tonight. My body ached for more of Jasper. I wanted to feel his hands on me. I wanted to feel his tusks graze my skin as he explored me with his lips and tongue. Could it get better than that?

Just the thought of his scent made my heartbeat over the edge of a cliff. I'm sure Helena and the two servant girls, who were fluffing out my gown, noticed.

Once Helena was pleased with her work, she patted my hand."Alright, dear. It's time to get you dressed."

One of the lady's maids held open my gown so I could step into it. The other stood aside to fluff out my veil. The gown was made of many layers of this thin-flowing material. The bodice was fitted to the small of my waist, and the skirt flared out around me. It was so long that it trailed behind me.

The neckline sat low and off my shoulder, exposing my collarbones and back. The gown had long puff sleeves made of one layer of the same translucent fabric. The sleeves were fitted at my wrists with small round buttons.

Helena meticulously fastened the buttons that secured the back of the gown. She gave my hair a final comb-through. Thankfully I convinced her to leave the style simple, but it didn't stop her from washing it and braiding it the evening before to add waves to it.

Once she finished, my amber locks fell around me in a curtain. She fiddles with it another moment to brush it over my shoulder. Helena then retrieved the veil from the second servant girl. She fluffed it out a bit to untwist it due to its length before adjusting it on my head.

They secured it over my head like a hood and fluffed it out. Finally, they allowed it to settle to the floor, revealing all its intricate detail. The length of the veil surpassed my gown by at least a foot.

Helana turned me toward the mirror. I stared at my reflection and began to feel faint. I was about to go against everything that I was taught to believe.

I was choosing to marry an Orc, yet everything felt right with the world. My nervousness subsided a bit thinking of Jasper, but it still ate at me some.

"Oh my, I almost forgot! Here you are, dear. For the ceremony." Helena said as she handed me a glass jar.

Upon examining it closer, it appeared to be filled with dirt. I was taken aback, not understanding what it was meant for.

I'm sure the confusion was written all over my face because Helena and the ladies' maids seemed tickled.

"What is it meant for," I said, holding back a giggle caused by their infectious laughter.

"It's an orcish tradition to plant an oak tree to symbolize unity. They collect soil from their land and the bride's homeland to be poured around the sapling." Helena explained.

"We waited to tell you because we weren't sure if Jasper would be able to gather soil from Blackwater land," one of the lady's maids added.

"It's a way to symbolize all that you are, to combine oneself with another. The tree represents a growing relationship and your family to come. The soil represents you, the good and bad...by combining the soil, you accept one another and build a foundation for your marriage." Helena beamed.

I was taken aback for a moment to gather their words. I started to tear up, thinking about how my people have wronged the orc in such terrible ways, yet Jasper loves me, and I love him.

"Oh, what's wrong, dear?" Helena said worriedly.

I wiped my face and smiled. "I just never imagined a jar of dirt could be so charming," I laughed softly.

~Jaspers POV

"Oooooooh Jaaaaspeeeer! Jasper! Fill me with your fat horse coo.." Sten moaned before being knocked to his ass.

"Knock it off, ya jackass."

"What. I'm only trying to celebrate." Sten replied, trying to get his bearings.

I did my best to pay no mind and turned my attention back to the mirror. Sten pulled himself off the floor and procured another mug of ale.

Helena all but threatened my life to be washed up. She went as far as to give me a basket containing all sorts of mixtures. I picked one up and examined it with a cocked eyebrow.

"I'm at a loss for why one would need all this..."

Just then, Helena marched herself into my chambers. She stopped and crossed her arms, tapping her foot.

"Why are you just standing there, Jasper. Oh, my lords, and look at you. Wash your face and comb out your hair! Goodness' sake."

Before I could get another word, she was upon me with all her potions and tools. Combing, plucking, scrubbing.

"Woman, I do not need all this. A simple bath is fine, I boomed."

"It is your wedding day. I will not have the chief walking around looking ragged."

There was no point in arguing with her. Once her mind was made, I'd have to near kill her for her to not get her way. I was at her mercy.

It didn't feel real. I sat and let Helena tug away at my hair with a brush. I was finally getting married, within the hour,

in fact. I didn't think the day would come. I can't deny it. I'm not one for all this fuss, but I never felt happier.