Seeing their "patient's" smile, their REAL smile, brought even more warmth to the gentle healer's entire being. "I can't wait to get to know you and call you, my sister." they whispered to Avalon, making the girl smile even more dazzlingly.

Tears, no longer sorrowful, filled the clear viridian eyes of the peasant princess. "Me too." she replied, her voice a soft whisper. "I can't wait to call you, big sister."

Princess Ajua, Avalon's gentle healer smiled and kissed her once more, then delicately returned her sister-in-law's veil and stepped back to look over at her oblivious twin. His look of confusion made her smile with amusement, before returning to her place at the side of the emperor and empress.

The smile that had found its way to Avalon's face continued to grow ever brighter, even after her veil had returned to concealing her visage. It was Artemis' misfortune that he had not seen it. Fortunately, the change in her demeanor did not go unnoticed by her parents and other family members that had been watching. A collective sigh of relief was shared throughout the group, as the ceremony continued.