I felt a sense of calm take place in the back of my chest, where the oceans waves had recently resumed in their play.
                          
        We turned right and followed the guards down the long, wide, marble hallway. I took the time and silence to admire the richly carved stone archways that reached up for the ceiling every ten or so steps. I gazed at the dip in the wall, with its cushioned bench and cross-wire windows half hidden by the red velvet sheets.
                          
        I purposely took my time as I came ever closer the the great dark oak doors, from which behind came all the chatter and buzzing of the townsfolk I would eventually present myself in front of.
                          
        "So you've been learning new things under your apprenticeship?" I asked Verity. "Of what nature?"
                          
        She smiled. "Oh naughty little me, I've been paying almost no attention to what he teaches me! I do try! But oh so many names and dates, and so little time!" She chuckled. "He says it's important to dedicate myself to learning those subjects that spark my own interest. So I've been in and out of the royal library reading books on all sorts of fascinating things!"
                          
        She seemed excited to tell me so I slowed my pace again until I was almost standing quite still as I walked forward. "Do tell!"
                          
        "Well for starters, herbs and their relation to our transformation and well being. Of course the correlation between the stars and the moon. Then there is mythical creatures, I like the ones with relations to werewolves. Like were-maids or jelly kiyles or vampires! Oh I do wish I knew if they existed or not! How I would love to find on!"
                          
        I laughed heartily. "You would like to find a vampire?"
                          
        She smiled. "Who knows, maybe they're a little misunderstood."
                          
        I smiled shaking my head. "Oh." I said as a thought came to mind. "So would you know anything about were-sprites?" 
                          
        "Yes!" She exclaimed. "They where the first I came across, so many theories are based on were-sprites! Fascinating creatures. Did you know they cannot give birth? And they are eternal! Or so some say. Many of these books are contradictory and some say they are so easily killed their thought alone is what holds them in place."
                          
        "I think I've met one..." I hummed. It was more directed at the breeze that ran through the wide corridor than Verity's wide eyes.
                          
        "How? Where? Would you show me?"
                          
        I gave her a glum look. "If his majesty allows. I do wish to return..."
                          
        I was about to ask another question when I walked straight into the stiff back of one of the guards.
                          
        "It is time for your friend to turn back your majesty." He said gruffly, in a voice that stated there would be no arguments upon the matter.
                          
        I nodded. And turned to Verity. She smiled and curtsied. "I'll be there with the others, making sure Luna is with you when your vows are made. She then turned with a flutter to her left and skipped down the spiraling stair case to the side, her light white dress flowing behind her and her hair dancing about her back gaily.
                          
        I turned back to the door as the guards positioned themselves at either side, so as to make themselves seemingly invisible when the doors opened and I was to step forward, into the situation they had described so many times over.
                          
        I took a deep breath and swallowed the feeling of intimidation, silently thanking Luna for Verity's sincere amity, calming me on cue for the day that would be the threshold of my life.
                          
        Then the door where soundly pulled open as I faced a field of silent stares and curious expressions.
                          
        Deep breaths, I reminded myself, as I wandered into the room.