James escorted his bride down the stairs to the stateroom, but when they got there, the room was fairly empty. The presents were missing, clothes were gone, the room was different then when they had left it earlier. James put his hands on his hips, "Well, it looks like we've been plundered while in th' midst of our wedding, my love. Is nothing sacred?" He had a disgusted look on his face. "I wonder if they got my special present that I had saved for ye? I think we should go look." Wyh looked about their room, quite confused at the state of it. "Where should we start looking my dearest?"

He took her by the hand. "I think I first want to see if they robbed me of m' special present for you. I had it stored in a little room down the hallway. Come, my love. If it's still there, I want you to have it now." He led her out of their stateroom and to a door that they never used. It was a small room that was occasionally used for storage. He opened the door inward. "It's in here, my darlin'." He allowed Wyh to enter first, then closed the door behind them, leaving them in a room that was very dark. She walked with him, hand in hand, still very confused. As they entered the storeroom, and he closed the door, she kept close beside him. "I cannot see a thing James - where is it?"

"I think it's just ahead, just a little." He walked with her slowly...one step, two steps, he kept moving. They should have hit the wall by now, but they didn't. He just held her by the shoulders and they continued to move forward. The room became colder. They continued forward and the scent of the room was changing. It was cold and had a pine smell, and it was beginning to become a bit lighter. They walked further and in another half dozen steps they were no longer in a small room on the Sea Wolf, but they came out beneath the snow-covered balms of spruce, facing a well lit mountain lodge, made of granite stones and heavy timber. It was four stories tall, with a large wrap-around porch. The sign on the lodge read: "Eagle Mount Lodge and Resort". James put his arms around Wyheree and smiled, "Well, what do you know. Looks like that little room held more surprise than I expected." He winked at her and gave her a kiss.

"I had a little help from a very powerful mage who created a portal just for us. It will last three days." He suddenly picked her up into his arms so that her feet wouldn't hit the snow, then he walked her up to the front of the resort lodge. "I couldn't have my new bride spend her wedding night in our same ol' room, now could I?"

Her eyes went wide as she saw the snow, and the trees, and the lodge, and she giggled as he scooped her up in his arms, wrapping her arms around him, delight dancing in her silver eyes. "Where is this place - it is so perfect! I cannot believe we are here - and have three days to be alone!" She then kissed her husband full on the lips, thanking him without words.

He stopped walking and kissed her back, enjoying the moment together. When the kiss finally ended he responded, "It's up in the mountains to the north of Rhydin. It's a rather popular resort area for the rich and famous. We're rich and infamous so I think that counts too." He laughed and walked up the wide wooden steps to the porch, when he set her down on her feet. They were immediately greeted and welcomed, "Captain James Black! And this lovely lady must be Mrs. Black." The wedding gown would have immediately given that fact away. "We've been waiting for you. Come in out of the cold and get warmed up. You're welcomed to stay down in the lodge, or you can go right up to your wedding suite." James gave him a look and the Concierge realized that there was no choice but the room this night. "Ah, of course! Let me get you your key!" the Concierge said with a smile.

Wyh was not cold at all - she loved the snow, but she was very eager to get to their room, and smiled to the Concierge as he hastened to get the key to James, snuggling against her husband. "You are full of surprises my dearest husband!"

He grinned from ear to ear, "Well, what better place to bring my lovely Ice Queen than into the land of snow." He took the key from the concierge, having already done the preliminary sign in and payment, and led Wyh up the stairs. The bridal suite was on the third floor and down the hall where it was private and quiet. James opened the door and picked Wyh up and carried her across the threshold, shutting and locking the door behind them. The room had a fireplace and a magnificent picture window with a beautiful view of the mountains and valleys during the day, and of the stars at night. There was a very large bed, and a huge bathroom with a tub that could easily hold two people at once. The room was nicely carpeted and decorated in the style of the lodge - rustic but elegant. "What do you think, my darlin'? Is this okay?"

"It is absolutely perfect - you have thought of everything!" Wyh wrapped her arms about James, and pulled him to her. "We are well and truly wed, and I am happy beyond words. I love you so very much my dearest."

He was so in love and so happy. He didn't think he could ever be more in love or happier than he was at that moment. "Our wedding presents and clothing has been brought here ahead of us. In fact, I do believe that Jewell's present is here and I want to get more comfortable." A blush crept into Wyh's cheeks as she remembered her sister's presents, and she was anxious to see his gift. "I will need your help to get out of my gown. Jal had to help me into it, after all." She then turned about so he could reach the tiny hooks that held the gown in place.

He began to unhook the gown. "You are so beautiful and this gown is beyond words. It was really unfair of you to looks so good that you made me weak in the knees." He released each hook, all the way down her back.

She held the gown to her chest as James undid each little hook, looking over her shoulder at her gorgeous husband, smiling. "You looked so handsome yourself - I could not wait to be up there by your side. Everything was so perfect.? He leaned in and kissed her hair. "It couldn't have been better," he said softly. "And now we are finally married. I can't believe it has all happened."

Finally, all the little hooks are released, and the only thing holding up the silk is her hands. "I keep thinking this is all a dream, and I will wake up soon." She turned to kiss James, a teasing soft kiss. "Where is the little box from Jewell? I wished to change as well."

He went to where the presents were placed and picked out two boxes, both from Jewell, but one was for Wyheree and one was for him. He handed Wyh her box. "I already know what's in my box." He gave her a wink. "Do you want to dress in private and surprise me?" He definitely intended to surprise her with his present from Jewell.

She blushed at his wink, holding up her gown with one hand, and taking her little box in the other. "I think I wish to surprise you this evening. It will only take a moment now that you have undone all the hooks." She then slipped into the bathroom to change, grinning as she shut the door.

A Dance in the Snow

The morning after the wedding dawned cold, and it had snowed hard all throughout the night. Even deep in sleep, her body curled around James, Wyheree could feel the call of all that snow. It had been far too long since she had fully immersed herself in her element, and the lure of the falling flakes proved too great to resist, and she kissed her husband softly on his lips to wake him.

"Good morning, my dearest husband - it has snowed all through the night! Let us go out and see what wonders we may find!"

James moaned softly, obviously not ready to open his eyes to the day. They had spent a good part of the night wearing themselves out in magnificent lovemaking, and he seemed to remember the snow blowing hard past the suite's large picture window sometime around midnight. Snow was not his element, but a soft warm bed with his wife cuddled against him was.

"Good morning, my darlin' wife."

It felt so good to hear her say 'husband' and for him to call her his 'wife'.

"You actually want to leave this warm bed to go out into the snow . . .cold snow . . . very cold snow?"

This was a mountain lodge and he had no doubt that the temperature must be in the single digits without accounting for the wind. Nevertheless he could see the excitement in her eyes.

"Okay, let's see how long this pirate can stay out there without becoming a snowpirate with two kohl eyes and a frozen parrot on his shoulder."

Wyh laughed and kissed James full on the lips, then threw back the covers and got up from their bed. She turned to face him fully, her nude body almost translucent in the streaks of sunshine coming through their window.

The cold and the snow being so close was charging her magic, and she spun herself a glittering dress that looked like snowflakes dancing over her skin, and her laughter continued as she crafted an icy parrot for her husband, and offered it to him.

"We shall not stay out all day. I just wished for you to see me in my element, as I have seen you in yours. This little parrot will help shield you from the worst of the chill. And I promise the evening will make this time in the cold well worth for you."

With that promise of the evening in splendor, he bounded out of bed and washed up. He then put on the warmest clothes that he had. Sailors are accustomed to the cold, often having to steer their ships in the midst of ocean blizzards with nothing to block the icy wind. Still, it was not something he looked forward to - except this time.

The opportunity to be in the snow with the woman he loved filled him with the anticipation of a child again. He got dressed, pulled on his black knitted crew cap, and stood there smiling at Wyheree, holding the parrot. "Okay, I'm ready." He looked at her and marveled at her beauty. She truly took his breath away.

Wyh smiled as she watch James bundle up, and she brushed her lips against his as he held that little parrot. She was all ready for the snow - the dress almost seeming to swirl about her like the flakes outside, and she caught his hand and lightly pulled him to the door - eager like a small child who has waited all year for that first snowfall.

She reached the door, and opened it - and the minute she was outside, the snow responded to her presence, recognizing her - and the glittering flakes began to follow her as she ran laughing. "Come my husband - come and catch me!"

James could climb a mast faster than he could run in the snow which had now accumulated to a depth that came above his knees. He was amazed at how easily Wyh ran through the snow and how it responded to her. Not one to give up easily, he ran for her. "I'll catch ye, my wife. You shall nae be able to slip away from thy husband so easily!" He laughed and ran after her.

Her laughter was rich and full as she slipped through the snow, the flakes following her every movement. She seemed to run along the top of the deepest drifts, as if the snowfall was holding her up. Making sure James did not have too much trouble in the deep snow (she would clear paths for him to make his time chasing her a little easier), she finally stopped in a forest clearing with a small pond which had frozen over.

She walked out a little ways onto the ice, her silver eyes sparkling with light, her pale hair loose and flowing all about her shoulders and back, and the dancing snowflakes all about her made it hard to see what was snow, and what was dress. She stood on the ice, her face turned skyward, and she smiled as the soft flakes landed on her cheeks and hair without melting. Wyheree was truly the Ice Queen at this moment.

James was breathing heavy, trying to catch his breath as he reached the edge of the pond. There he just stood and looked at his wife. It was like he was seeing her for the first time all over again. Then he realized that he really was seeing 'her' for the first time - the real Wyheree, the Ice Queen, the woman who so fascinated him and whom he loved so much.

She had him in awe many times since they had met, but nothing approached this. He bent down on one knee and rested his arms across the other knee and just admired her as if she were an angel of heaven come to the earth to bestow some divine blessing upon mortal man. His dark eyes were filled with awe and love. She was far too good for the likes of him. How could he be so blessed? He had no answer for that, and all he could to was to receive this blessing with joy and thankfulness.

Wyh opened her eyes, and the sight of James there, kneeling at the edge of the pond, brought silvery tears to her eyes. He never once flinched from what she was. He accepted her - all of her, and the look on his handsome face spoke volumes to her heart. She loved him with all of her being, and she held out her arms to him, and the dancing flakes whirled towards her husband, spinning about him, settling in his black hair like bright diamonds.

James stood up and carefully walked onto the ice. He was truly like a duck out of water as he balanced himself with his arms out to the sides, grinning as he approached her. Finally he was with her and he put his arms around his Ice Queen and whispered, "I love ye so much, Mrs. Wyheree Black."

She grinned as she saw James come towards her, and the minute he put his arms around her, the falling snow danced around them both, wrapping around them like a lacy blanket, veiling them from the world as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and brushed her lips against his. "And I love you, James. I could ask for no greater gift than being your wife."

He held his wife in his arms and kissed her hard, and noticed that he did not feel nearly so cold as he rightfully should. In fact, he was quite comfortable. He didn't know if it was because of the parrot or because he was in Wyheree's presence, but he was sure there was no little magic involved.

If one could have sat upon the shore and taken a picture, the resulting image would have looked as if it were taken from a romantic story of old, when elementals and humans first discovered each other and met in magical trysts deep in the enchanted forests. What was happening in the midst of the frozen pond was no less magical, and certainly no less romantic.

Wyh kissed her husband with all the heat and passion she felt for him, and the snowfall about them responded with the flakes glittering and dancing in the sunlight.

This was truly magic, for even as she knew James, the sound of his voice, the feel of his body, the warmth of his touch; so too did her element, and the snow and ice began to respond to James as they did to Wyheree, sweeping and swirling about them both as they entwined in each others arms.

James no longer felt uncomfortable upon the ice.

He looked down into Wyheree's eyes and he took her right hand in his left, and they began to dance.

The Warmth of the Ice Queen

Wyh cradled James in her arms, her voice calm and soothing as she checked him for any broken bones. "You stepped through a drift and slid down the mountain. I cannot sense any external injuries - but we need to get you back to the lodge where it is warm." Her mind was racing. She thought briefly of simply phasing them back, but dismissed that idea quickly - she was not familiar enough with the layout of the lodge, and she did not wish to end up appearing in a solid mass, for that would prove fatal. Finally, she took her husband's hand in hers, and with her free hand, called the snow to build a sled of sorts under James. This way, she could move quickly through the falling snow, and he would be able to stay with her.

James felt a little beat up, but he knew that nothing was broken or sprained in the fall. Being cradled in Wyheree's arms made the fall worth every cold and bruised limb, not to mention is bruised ego. He felt the snow solidify beneath him as Wyh built it into a sled. "It looks like I'm once again being saved by the woman I love. We better not let this get out or soon the men will make you captain and have me scrubbing pans!" He chuckled and gave her a wink. In spite of the joke, he realized that he could easily have died and he'd have no easy time getting back to the lodge if left to his own devices. He could fight, swim, and climb rigging with the best of them, but navigating a mountain deep in snow was definitely not his forte.

She leaned in to give him a kiss. "Hold on to me, my dearest, and do not let go. We will get you warm as fast as I can run."

"I'd be more than happy to hold onto ye anytime at all, m'love." He put his cold hands out and took hold of her shoulders. "Don't worry about me lettin' go. It's nae gonna happen, love."

She grinned at his jest, and she let go a breath she did not know she was holding, for if James could make such a joke - he must not be severely injured. She was concerned when she felt just how cold his hands were, and after a quick kiss, Wyh turned and ran lightly up the mountain, the snow sled following her every movement, James holding on to her shoulders so he would not be left behind. The pitfalls and hazards most people faced climbing up a snow-covered slope did not hinder Wyh at all - in fact, the very snow and ice helped her up the 100 feet she had to climb to reach where they had stopped. When she made it to the top, with James still holding on to her, Wyh tore into a dead run through the woods, following what remained of their trail. She moved as fast as the cold wind that was blowing, wanting to reach the lodge as quickly as possible, for James needed to be indoors by the fire in their room with a mug of hot rum.

The pirate was totally amazed at what his Ice Queen wife could do in her element. She cut through the blowing snow like his ship through water, and even going up hill did not hinder her. She actually made what would otherwise had been an hour's ordeal into an adventure within a beautiful, snowy landscape. He realized he was cold - very cold. He was shivering and his hands were numb. He leaned closer to her and said, "I'm sorry that I ruined our day in the snow, my love. But as soon as I get warm an' dry we can do it again. I promise ye.?

Wyh did not stop running until the lodge was in sight, pulling James on top of the snow sled all the way up to the steps leading up to the door. She opened the door, and led James into the warmth. Her silver eyes were shimmering like the snow outside, and her cheeks were all rosy. She led James up to their room, and once the door was shut, she moved to get his clothes off, for they had gotten a little wet from the sled, and she took a blanket from the bed, and led him over to the hearth, his well being more important than her discomfort around blazing fires. leaning in to brush his lips with hers. "We had a perfect day in the snow, with an added adventure. I would to dance with you on the ice again."

James was shivering beneath the blanket, and thinking that he'd never be warm again. "Aye, love, it was indeed a perfect day in the snow. It would have been even more perfect if I didn't get over enthusiastic about tha' pine cone. We can have more perfect days; in fact, we're going t' have a lifetime of perfect days." He smiled remembering their dance on the ice. "Let's dance on the ice again this eve, lass. I want to dance with thee in th' moonlight, assuming I be stopped shivering by that time." He laughed and leaned into her. "I'll be find as soon as I get th' chill off me. I've 'ad worse after being on deck all night in a blizzard." He looked at his wife, so very much in love with her. "Ye be a beautiful woman, Wyh, but when ye are in th' snow, ye are an angel t' me, beautiful beyond description or comparison."

Wyh poured a mug of rum for James, and set it as close to the fire as she dared so it could warm. She had to smile at the thought of her Pirate King in a blizzard, and she leaned her head against his shoulder. "If you are not chilled, we can dance on the ice this evening. That was truly magical - ever since we met, every moment with you has been so." She blushed all rosy, and kissed her husband again, softly and sweetly. "You have seen me as I truly am - something no one else has ever witnessed. You are my heart, my soul - and I wish for every day to be like this one."

A long drink of the rum and sitting by the fire was beginning to make James feel normal again. He leaned back against his wife and closed his eyes. "I love ye as others see ye, and I love ye as ye really are. It matters not how ye appear an' what ye might do, my love for ye is as constant as th' stars and nothing is e'ver gonna change that, Wyh. I'm so happy being here, wi' ye." He ran his hand down her leg and relaxed in her embrace. "I don't think life can be getting any better than this, love."

Wyh wrapped both her arms around her husband's shoulders, and snuggled with him. She could feel he was no longer shivering, and was finally warming up. She nuzzled her cheek against his shoulder. "I was so afraid you would turn from me every time I used my magic, for I know it is not something you are accustomed to. You make me happy beyond words, and I cannot imagine any place in any realm better than this, my dearest husband."

He downed the last of the rum in the mug and set the mug down on the floor. He turn turned around and opened the blanket and wrapped Wyh up in it, pulling her against his naked body. His hand brushed through her hair and his dark eyes took in her beauty. "I still can't believe we are married." He smiled, "Are ye able to sit in a hot tub under the stars at night? If so, I think we can do that here at this resort."

Her skin was cool against his as he pulled her under the blanket with him, slowly warming as he ran his fingers through her hair, the look in his eyes making her feel as if she would melt. She could lose herself in his dark eyes - they had captured her from the moment they met. "I cannot believe it either - it still seems like a dream. I cannot guarantee the water will stay hot for long, but a hot tub under the stars sounds delightful after our adventure in the snow - and I did promise a warm evening, did I not?" She laughed and kissed her husband again, soft brushes of lips against his.

He suddenly stood up and pulled her up with him. "Well, I don't want to waste a moment of our honeymoon. I'm getting dressed and we're going look around this lodge and see what makes it so popular. And we should get something to eat too. I've discovered that being cold and really work up one's appetite." He tossed the blanket to the bed. "Give me just a minute to get dressed and we'll go have some fun." She laughed as he pulled her up - he was obviously feeling better. "I find I am hungry as well - I do hope the food here measures up to Frypan and Rosie!" Mist swirled about her, and when it cleared, she was wearing the lacy dress she had spun for James after their first night together - the effect like icy snowflakes scattered all over her body, with a full skirt seemingly made from silver. "I promised I would wear this dress for a special night."

James looked at her and smiled. "Now this is just not fair, lass. First you get dressed so quickly, an' then you look so good that all I want to do is undress you. It's just not fair." He winked and then got dressed in black pants and shirt. He pulled on a dry pair of boots and pulled a heavy, off-white Irish sweater over his head, the scent of the land still on it. "I think I'm ready dear heart. Do I look presentable?" He turned around with his arms spread out at waist level. "I don't think I can ever look good enough to be seen next t' thee, my love." He winked and chuckled and took her into his arms. "I hear they have some interesting shops around the lodge."

Her eyes never left James as he dressed, their silver depths filled with admiration and love for her Pirate King. "You look more than presentable my dearest!" She wrapped her arms about his shoulders and just gazed into those dark eyes. "Perhaps we may find some gifts for our friends! Speaking of which - you never did tell me what my gift was!"

He led her out of their room, locking it behind them. "I will have to show you your gift when we get back to the city. It's just a little something, and no hints!" He gave her a pirate smile and took her hand. It was now early afternoon when they descended the steps of the lodge. Before them was a small mountain "village" of shops and restaurants. Some shops had sports equipment, others had clothes, others were for gifts, and some had artwork. There were formal restaurants and sandwich shops and shops for just coffee and tea. James stretched and smelled the cool air with the fragrance of pine permeating it. "Ahhh...tis so beautiful here." He held out his arm and they started to walk.

Manly Stores and the Le Petite Paris


He had to think about this. Usually he didn't shop; he just took what he wanted. "Well, love; I did see a store down the street that had knives in the window, pipes and manly things like that. Maybe we could take a quick look in there. What do you think?"

"I think you deserve to visit such a shoppe after all the time we spent in the flowers and soaps! Let us go and plunder more my husband!" She leaned her head against his shoulder as they walked down the lane towards the shoppe. Finely crafted daggers and hand-carved pipes were displayed in the window, and she kissed his cheek as they went inside. She kept a careful eye on him to be sure he was not getting fatigued after their morning in the snow.

Captain Black was now having fun. He asked to look at several knives and several pipes. "You know, love. I've never smoked a pipe. I'm not sure I want to start. But I do like some of these knives."

He asked to see a double-sided knife, one that could easily be hid in a boot. He felt the balance. "I like this one. Could come in handy if I can keep Mr. Blade's hands off of it."

She looked over at the knife James had chosen, and gave him a smile. "That one seems to suit you well. I have learned you can never have too many blades aboard ship! Let us get that for you."

Wyh used her coin for the knife, and the shopkeeper wrapped it up and added it to their bag. The afternoon was slowly moving into evening, and Wyh realized she was hungry. "Did you wish to shop more, or should we stop for dinner? I find shopping always makes me hungry."

James had his arms wrapped around Wyh's waist as she paid for the knife, looking over her shoulder. He gave her a kiss when she turned around. "Now you're talkin', honey. I'm famished! Let's stop an? get some dinner...someplace nice and romantic."

"I seem to remember a small place near that first shoppe - it looked perfect for a cozy romantic dinner. Shall we head back that way? I am so hungry I might just have to nibble on you!" She giggled then and nibbled on her dearest husband's neck.

He laughed, "Oh, so you just want dessert first!" He hugged her tightly and then turned and started off to the restaurant. They came to the "La Petite Paris" restaurant, a small restaurant with a French flair and a spectacular view of the mountains and valley. "This looks perfect, love."

She smiled as she saw the view - all snow-covered trees. "It does indeed. And it seems they have a table right by that window. Let us be sure to get it. It will make this day even more perfect."

James spoke to the matr? de and they were led to the table by the window. James pulled out her chair and helped her sit. He sat next to her and ordered the wine, a nice Chardonnay to go with the meal. "So, Wyh, what kind of food do you like the best? And don't say Frypan's!" He laughed. "I want to know all about you, my wife."

Wyh smiled as James settled her in her seat, and ordered their wine. "Truth be told, I never thought much about food before we met. I do enjoy salmon very much now, as well as that little cut of beef Rosie made for our wedding. You have shown me so much that I was missing, and I love you." She leaned in to brush a kiss against his lips.

He leaned into the kiss, then picked up a menu. "The salmon would be good, but the pepper steak sounds like just want I need right now. The French really know their spices. And the French onion soup! I haven't had that in so long. I love that soup." His hand reached under the table and he held her knee.

"If you love the soup - then I wish to try it, and I do think the salmon looks perfect." She reached over to play with the beaded braids that hung in front of his ears - she loved how they felt in her fingers. A little blush of palest pink crept up her cheeks as she felt his hand on her knee.

Their wine arrived along with some warm bread and butter. The server poured the wine, James tasted it and approved. Their wine was poured and James lifted his glass to Wyh. "To us, my love. To every one of our days together, they will all be as happy as I am this day with you. I love you with all my heart." He touched his glass to Wyh's and sipped the Chardonnay.

Wyh smiled softly as she listened to James' toast, and sipped the wine - it was different that the delicate Elvin Wine she was used to, and she enjoyed the Chardonnay very much. "You are my heart, James, and if today is how you wish all our days to be - then we will be the happiest couple in all the known realms. Everything we do together is a grand adventure - even sliding down mountain slopes."

Captain James Black blushed at that remark. "I was pretty much a klutz, wasn't I? I think I'd like to forget that part of our honeymoon." He laughed and sipped the wine, then the server came and he ordered the salmon for Wyh and the pepper steak for himself. It was now growing dark and the lights outside made it all looks so beautiful. There was Christmas music playing somewhere, helping to make the entire scene so peaceful. It was going to be a perfectly romantic dinner.