Page 1 of Rings and Wings and Stardust Things

SAVANNAH

The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over my cluttered office. Papers were strewn everywhere, a half-empty coffee cup perched precariously on a stack of wedding magazines. I leaned back in my squeaky chair, massaging my temples, trying to block out the news droning in the background.

“…first glimpse of the Ciigarian ambassador’s daughter during her visit to Hollywood last night.”

I glanced at the screen, where shaky footage showed a slender figure draped in shimmering robes that morphed between deep purple and azure. Her face was hidden by an ornate veil, but the way she carried herself screamed alien royalty.

I rolled my eyes. Media frenzy over an alien sighting? Please. Aliens were as common as Starbucks these days, even if we still didn’t fully get them. They walked among us, but their ways? Total mystery.

A soft chime from my computer snapped me back to reality. New email. Probably another bride in full meltdown mode over colors or some other drama. I clicked it open, skimming through with practiced efficiency.

Then I stopped cold.

This wasn’t a consultation request. It was a summons, an imperious demand to handle a wedding for a wealthy family. The kicker? It was from a family of Draen, wanting me to come all the way to Teloril.

The language was so archaic and commanding, it left zero room for refusal.

But the wedding date… I blinked. In less than two weeks?

I stared at the screen, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Then, a wry smile tugged at my lips. How many times had I dreamed of this? A chance to break free from the mundane, to really test my skills?

My finger hovered over the reply button, doubts flooding my mind. Did I even want this anymore? Year after year, I poured my heart into creating dream weddings, only to watch so many end in ugly divorces. Couples who once gazed at each other with undying love now couldn’t stand the sight of one another.

Did love really last? Or was it just a fleeting high that inevitably crashed?

I exhaled slowly, squaring my shoulders. This was the challenge I needed, the cosmic curveball to shake me out of my rut. Teloril awaited, with its alien traditions and customs.

With a decisive click, I hit the acceptance button. No turning back now.

Game on.

RYON

The spaceport bustled with activity as I waited for the human's ship to arrive. A cacophony of voices echoed through the vast chamber, a mix of clicks, trills, and hums from the various species milling about. I shifted my weight from one taloned foot to the other, scanning the docking bays for any sign of the incoming vessel.

My feathers ruffled with anticipation. What would this human wedding planner be like? I'd seen images and vids of their kind before, but never met one in person. They looked so...soft. No feathers, no scales, no chitinous exoskeletons. Just smooth, pliable skin in shades of brown and pink.

I glanced down at the translator band on my wrist, ensuring it was functioning properly. The last thing I needed was a miscommunication due to faulty tech. Satisfied, I returned my gaze to the crowds, observing the array of beings around me.

A group of insectoid Kryxxans scuttled past, their multi-faceted eyes glinting in the artificial light. They communicated in a series of rapid clicks and chirps, their antennae twitching as they navigated the throng. A pair of reptilian Saurians followed close behind, their scaly hides shimmering with iridescent greens and blues.

I couldn't help but wonder how the human would react to such diverse life forms. Were they accustomed to interacting with non-humans? Or would the sight of so many alien races overwhelm them?

A chime sounded, announcing the arrival of another ship. I craned my neck, trying to catch a glimpse of the vessel as it docked. The airlock hissed open, and a stream of passengers began to disembark.

My heart raced as I scanned the faces, searching for the one that matched the image I'd been given. There! A flash of red hair caught my eye, and I zeroed in on the human female making her way through the crowd.

She moved with confident grace, her green eyes taking in the sights around her with keen interest. Her clothing was simple yet elegant - a tailored blazer in a deep burgundy, paired with well-fitted trousers. A far cry from the flowing robes and ornate headdresses favored by Draen nobility.

I straightened my posture and smoothed down my own attire. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward to intercept her path.

“Ms. Mendell?” I inquired, hoping my pronunciation was correct. “I'm Ryon Zorax. Welcome to Teloril. I’ll be your guide.” She’d have a translator patch, but I wanted to make a good impression.

Her eyes widened slightly as she took in my appearance, but to her credit, she recovered quickly. A warm smile spread across her face, and she extended a hand in greeting.

“Please, call me Savannah,” she said, her voice melodic and pleasant. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Ryon.”

I stared at her outstretched hand for a moment, unsure of the protocol. Tentatively, I reached out and grasped it with my own, marveling at the softness of her skin against my talons. She gave a gentle squeeze before releasing me.

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