Chapter 20

The morning sun had peeked its weary head above the mountainside, shining its warm sunlight onto all before it with a serene welcome to a new day. It wasn't long before the entire village was hard at work for the big day of princess poppy and branch. They all hurried to their stations excitedly, preparing the tables for the reception area in the square and triple checking every list. Biggie and smidge were hard at work setting up the decorations they had worked so hard on making for the wedding and reception, branch showed up in the square in the afternoon, offering assistance. White tablecloths on every table with a glass bowl in the center, filled with colored stones and a single candle lay in the center of the stones. Fresh mint leaves garnishing the table cloths. Torch pillars aligned with each walkway into the square with white ribbons and lily of the valley pods all connected through thin tapestry cloth thin enough to see the stars. DJ and guy diamond were setting up her sound station in the far end of the square where there was enough room to make a dance floor for the whole village. Doing sound and light checks to make sure all was perfect and secure. Guy diamond was testing the mics, getting carried away with singing a few songs as he was "Checking" for any imperfections, occasionally strumming the guitars and tapping the drums, cymbals and other instruments needed for the reception. Cooper had been busy with several other trolls in the kitchens. Preparing the menu he and branch had created together. Several platters of meats, cheeses and crackers were prepared, along with fruit bowls and sweets such as cupcakes, cookies and tarts. The finest and hardest thing on the list was a large wedding cake that sat in the center of a large counter top, still being  finished by cooper and a few trolls. A large, five tier cake with a white buttercream frosting, decorated with candied mint leaves and chilled, sugared strawberries with marshmallow gum paste flowers. Satin and chenille were adding the finishing touches to branch's tuxedo and poppy's dress. Along with the brides maid and groomsmen tuxedos for everyone in the wedding. After making the dresses and tuxes for themselves and the gentlemen, they mainly focused on poppy's dress. Both looking rather proud and satisfied with themselves for having created something they consider to be their "Finest work". They set the two trolls' attire in large, separate boxes for delivery. One twin taking one box, and vice versa, they set out looking for the couple.

Poppy stood in her windowsill overlooking the village, arms crossed over gently resting onto her knees. She watched every troll hustle and work their hardest to provide a once in a lifetime event for them. She was grateful to have such fine, hardworking people in her village, and silently thanked them all one by one in her mind. Time had gone by faster today than she would have intended. But time often passes by when one tends not to think of it. Continuously looking onward to the square, she felt herself become anxious, but with a tad amount of worry. Suddenly she hear the patter of footsteps and huffing coming her way. Followed by a brief shout. "Who in the hair had the idea to put so many stairs in here"! An old voiced huffed heavily. Followed by another higher pitched voice, "Um... YOU did sire...". They said nervously. "Ah, yes, very good then....". The previous voice replied. Poppy smiled softly, chuckling to herself. She turned her head to see her father hobbling towards her with his cane and hand on his back, obviously tired from the trip up the long stairway. He looked to her with a warm and happy face as he sat beside her on her sill, looking to their people working so hard for this glorious day. 

"My dearest poppy. Today is the big day! Are you excited"?! He asked energetically. She was happy to see him so..... well...peppy. "Of course. I can't wait to go down the isle with you dad. And to see everyone, dance and sing and be around the people love....". She trailed off as she looked out to the people, holding her stomach, holding a concerned look. Peppy was concerned just by her look alone. Was she afraid? Was she getting cold feet? Of was there something else wrong. "Honey, what's wrong? Are you afraid"? Peppy asked softly. Poppy shook her head, looking to him with a worried facial expression. "No, no, no dad, nothing like that, I....I just....dad....Do you think I will be a good queen? Do you think I'll be able to lead everyone? And keep them safe like you did all these years? Will I....be enough? For them"? She asked sincerely. Peppy chuckled to himself quietly. Understanding her concern to be able to protect and lead her people properly. "Poppy, I have no doubt in my mind that you will be able to rule over troll kingdom without much difficulty. Not only will I be here to advise you on certain matters, but you will also have branch to look to for support as well. He's a very resourceful young man and knows many dangers in the wild as well as how to repel them. His know how is not only useful, but practical as well. You love your people as well as their problems and you are always to lend a helping hand whenever needed. You will do just fine as queen my dear. Don't worry so much". King peppy finished with a soft and slanted smile. 

Poppy felt better with the pep talk. He was right, there was no reason to feel worried or nervous. She had the support of the people she loved and from her friends. With them beside her, she knew she could accomplish anything. She smiled to herself realizing she had been silly. Moments later, she heard another set of footsteps, only, they seemed to overlap each other. Soon afterwards, the twins appeared with very large boxes in their hands, wrapped in tight white bows. "Poppy"! They both hollered happily. "We've been looking everywhere for you! We finished your dress and branch's tuxedo". Said satin. "We were going to bring them to you guys. Here! Take it. It should fit you perfect. Everything should be ready for you soon. Oh I'm so excited! How about you, pop? Are you excited"? Chenille asked anxiously. Poppy smiled wide at the twins, she couldn't wait to see the dress they had created for her. "Oh yes, I'm very excited, but also a tad bit nervous....I want to look really pretty for him today...". She said softly. The twins snickered to each other. "Oh pop, you're already lovely, but, if it'll help easy your mind....". Said satin. "We can do a little make up and jewelry to add a little extra glimmer to your look". Chenille said with a wink. Poppy smiled widely. If anyone could make her beautiful on her wedding day, it would be the twins. "Go on ahead pop, Enjoy some girl time with your friends. Everything will be finished soon and you need to get ready anyway, I'll meet you down there soon. We all need to rehearse the walk down the isle anyway". King peppy said with a smile. Nodding to her father, she smiled and agreed. "Alright! Now, we need to deliver this tux to branch, but you head to the tent we prepared for you to change in. It's not too far from the entrance of the palace, just off of the corner. We'll meet you there ok"? The twins said together at the ending. Nodding happily, poppy scurried off down the stairs and out of the palace. Peppy and the twins followed.

Meanwhile, branch was in the square, helping biggie and smidge set up the reception area. Soon after, cooper and many of the village trolls arrived, carrying the platters and bowls of food down the the food table. Branch looked over to cooper, struggling to carry the full cake on his back. Running over to help him, branch caught the cake on its side before it tilted enough to fall over completely. Cooper smiled in appreciation. Branch assisted the giraffe like troll with lifting the large cake onto the refreshments table, it was heavy enough for cooper, but not as much as a challenge for branch. "Thanks man! That thing was heeaaaaa-vy. Phew"! He said with a huffed voice. Biggie and smidge joined them. "Well branch, what do you think"? Asked biggie curiously, with a hint of worry. Hoping the blue troll would like the decorations and floral arch entryway  they had been working so hard on making. "It looks amazing! Big, smidge, great work"! Branch said with enthusiasm. The large and petite trolls wore wide smiles of pride and satisfaction, glad that the groom-to-be was happy with their work. "And cooper, that cake looks amazing! You guys did very well on the cake and the food. I'm sure everyone will be happy with all the great work you've done. Especially our princess". Branch said proudly. All the trolls looked happy and content that they were being praised for their hard work. DJ and guy diamond casually walked over to branch and the rest of the trolls, finished with preparations most likely. "Hey guys, everyone finished up"? Asked DJ. After several agreeing voices, biggie popped up with a question to branch. "Hey, um.....branch....I have a um...quick question."? Biggie asked nervously. Branch turned to his friend, worried something was wrong. "Sure big, what's up"? He asked kindly. "W-well....me and the boys were w-wondering....who are you going to pick to be your best man". Biggie said shyly. The other male trolls were silent, eager to hear his answer, wondering it any of them would be the best man. "Well, I certainly have several fine gentlemen to choose from, that's for sure". Branch said as he crossed his arms. All the male trolls perked up happily. "Every last one of you guys have done very good jobs, and you've all done a very fine jobs with protecting poppy and keeping her pain to a minimum when she was fighting off the venom of the snake. So, I've decided to have every one of you in the wedding with me. Big, would you mind being my best man"? Branch asked him. The trolls were ecstatic to be in the wedding with branch. 

"O-of course I will! Thank you branch! So this means ALL of us get to be in the wedding? Even smidge, DJ and the rest of the girls? You weren't joking yesterday"? Biggie asked energetically. Branch nodded. "Nope, every one of you will be our groomsmen (looking to the males) and our bridesmaids (looking to the girls). But, we have to wait for poppy to get here, the last thing we have to do is to rehearse the walk down the isle. Ah! Speak of the devil"! Branch said with a chuckle as he sees poppy headed their way with a wide smile, followed by the twins and peppy trailing far behind them. As poppy and the twins came of to the crowd of trolls, they all greeted her with warm, happy smiles and hello's. "Hey guys, wow everything looks so amazing! You've all done such an awesome job! My goodness the decor, lighting for the dance floor and the food, and oh my goodness the cake! FANTASTIC job coop"! She said with a giddiness in her voice. The giraffe like troll proudly smiled, puffing himself up. Everyone around him giggled. "Ok guys, did branch tell you yet"? She asked. All the trolls quickly told her the nice speech that branch gave them about how proud of them he was. It made poppy feel good to hear this. They deserved the praises they were getting, they all worked hard and deserved the recognition. "Ok guys, lets start the final rehearsal, we don't have much time left. Dad, what is the first thing we do again"? She asked genuinely.  "Well. First thing's first. Branch had to stand at the end of the isle with the priest, but since we're not IN the isle right now, lets pretend that table over there is the priest. Branch, you head on over". The king said calmly. Branch immediately hurried to the table at the end of the walkway where they were all standing. "Alright then poppy, whom do you want paired with whom"? Peppy asked his daughter.

 She already had the setting in mind. "Well, since biggie is branch's best man, would it be ok for you and smidge to walk down first"? She asked the two trolls. Both were happy to begin. Biggie put Mr. Dinkles on his shoulder and leaned down to take smidge's hand. She was very small, but it didn't bother biggie at all. Instead, smidge hopped onto biggie's arm and simply let him carry her, so he wouldn't have to crouch down for so long most likely. The packed laughed at this gesture, finding it both funny and thoughtful. "Ok, biggie, you stand by branch behind him a bit, smidge, just opposite him". Hollered peppy, so they could hear him. "Alright then, DJ, Guy diamond, you guys next"? Poppy asked the two trolls. DJ's face suddenly got blushed with a deep orange, red color. Guy diamond eagerly took her arm and walked down the walkway, holding her arm almost tightly. The other pack members laughed at the look on DJ's face and cooed suggestively. They soon came up to the end, guy diamond turning to stand by branch, and DJ to stand by smidge. "Ok then, Cooper, you get to walk down with the twins, stand in the middle of them and walk down". Poppy asked the troll friends.Cooper happily strutted over to the twins. "Oh my, ain't I the lucky guy"! Cooper said to the girls, who chuckled to themselves, the rest of the packed laughed loudly. With satin and chenille on either side of cooper, he walked in between then with a smug grin on his face. The girls soon turned to join smidge and DJ, as cooper joined the rest of the gents. Finally, it was poppy's turn. "Ok dad, ready"? She asked her father softly. He gave her a thin smile. "Of course poppy, let's go". Holding out his arm, waiting for her to take it. She meekly took her fathers' arm, and slowly made their way towards branch. Even though she wasn't wearing a dress, branch couldn't move his eyes from poppy. The sheer anxious feeling of getting to hold her smooth and warm hands in his own while looking into those beautiful magenta orbs of hers as they share each others life filled him with happiness. He could hardly contain it inside, letting out a happy and content sigh as he watches her come closer towards him.

Poppy noticed the loving smile that branch wore as she walked closer to him, she could feel heat swell around her face. She was soon to be married to the one man who made her happier than anything. King peppy stood before branch, looking to him softly. "Now then, branch, the priest will say 'Who gives this woman to marry this man'. That's when I say 'I do, king peppy of troll village'. Then, I go to sit down in the front row, leaving her with you. ok"? The king asked strongly, making sure that both the young trolls understood. Both nodding and agreeing with the king. "Alright, now pretend I am the priest for a moment, I will stand before you both(as he makes his way to stand before the couple in front of the table) and ask you the traditional questions and introductions. Such as 'Friends of the bride and groom, welcome!' and so on and so forth. He will then begin to talk about the sacred act of marriage and will then ask if you have vows you would like to state. (Branch then smiled to himself, he had already prepared vows. As has poppy) And by the looks of your faces, you're going to do your own vows I take it"? He asked. The couple only turned to smile at him, he knew the answer to that. "Ha ha ha, alright, after you both have given your vows, the priest will ask if there is anyone will speak against the wedding. If there isn't, he will ask for you some questions. Like 'Do you take this woman to be your wife' and vice versa. After you both say 'I do', it will be time to exchange the rings, and declare your marriage complete. He will then  say you can kiss the bride branch, after the kiss, he will address you as married, and you can then leave down the isle, the groomsmen and brides maid will follow in their pairs from last to first. For example, if cooper and the twins are the last to come in, they will be the first to leave after you two and same with the rest of you. You see"? King peppy asked carefully. Asking one last time if anyone had any questions, the pack and the couple all understood fully what they needed to do. No sooner than they all agreed, an older troll came to king peppy. "king peppy, everything is finished, it will be time soon". He said to the king. Peppy nodded, the troll then headed towards the palace, where many of the village trolls were beginning to join together at. "Alright everyone, we need to get dressed and get ready, let's go"! King peppy shouted happily as he raised his wooden cane to the air. The pack then cheered happily, it was almost time! Branch and poppy almost hesitated parting their hands, but they didn't want to be late for their own wedding. Sluggishly, they parted hands and headed towards their tents to prepare for the wedding. Looking long and hard at each other before they couldn't anymore. Wearing longing smiles and energetic heartbeats. 

The tent where the men were in was opposite where the girls' tent was, only a decent distance between the two. Biggies' tuxedo was a nice sleek black vest with a single black bow tie and slacks. Guy diamonds' tux we a nice black vest with a white undershirt and black bow tie. Coopers' was a simple white neck collar accompanied with a black bow tie as well. How could you make a four legged troll a suit? Still, all the gentlemen looked nice, but branch was rather surprised how well he looked cleaned up. His hair was talk and slick, well done up, wearing his obsidian black tuxedo with a split tailcoat and silver leaf shaped cuff links holding the edges of his sleeves together. The boys of the pack looked at their friend in awe. "Wow branch, you clean up real good"! Said cooper. The others quickly agreed. "Th-thank you guys...". Branch stammered. Cooper was confused. It was his wedding day, what what wrong? The pack felt a twinge of worry for their friend. "Branch, what is it? Is anything wrong"? Guy diamond asked. Branch was silent for a moment. Finally, he answered. "Yes, I just....I'm.....I'm getting married. Oh my goodness. I'm getting married"! He excitedly began to stammer with a wide smile on his face. The men of the pack were relieved. They all reassured him that all was going to go smoothly, so there was no need to get frantic. Branch opened his arms wide, asking for a group hug with his friends. At first they were surprised that branch, of all people, was instigating a group hug. But soon after, guy diamond was the first to run in for the group hug, all others followed suit. All gathering together in a group hug. After a moment or two, branch spoke up. "Thank you guys. For all your help and support, and for accepting me. I couldn't be more grateful to finally have friends like you....". The pack pulled apart to look at branch. "Don't you worry man, we got your back". Said cooper. The others all nodded their heads in agreement. Branch smiled, knowing he had friends, and soon a family of his own, he couldn't think of a happier life. Peppy soon walked into the tent, looking for branch. "Branch my boy, it's time. Go on ahead. We will start getting ready for the march". Branch nodded, letting out a long and heavy breath as he exited the tent, stopping midway to see the pack. "I'll see you guys soon"! He said with an eager but also nervous laugh in his voice. Branch hurried over to the steps of the palace, but stopped when he say the girls' tent.

Meanwhile, in the girls' tent, the ladies wore their bridesmaid dresses and wore their hair up in nice designs. DJ wore a pink shimmer chiffon A-frame dress that was cut at the knees but had decent trains on the back to have an asymmetrical "shark bite" look. Her dress matched the twins' dresses, but smidge was so small and close the the ground that her dress looked simply like a small skirt with cut off shoulders. But regardless, she looked cute. DJ had her hair up and put off to the side, while smidge curled her hair while in a ponytail. Since the twins were conjoined by their hair, they couldn't do much with it, so instead they added pink and white flowers into their hair, posing in the mirrors like they were top models. Poppy was looking particularly beautiful. She wore a beautiful white beaded A-frame dress that was slit on the side for her leg to show through, with cut off shoulders and a white and powder pink flower on her hip, twirling inward giving it a 'wound up' look on its side. She wore her hair down to the side with curls on the ends, draping down her shoulder. On her ears were silver ear wraps that wrapped around to top of the ears, shaped to look like vines reaching out. She had on mascara and eyeliner, giving her eyes an extra 'pop'. She hardly needed any blush or shadow. The amount she was blushing already was giving enough color. Poppy looked at herself in the mirror as she put on her back pin veil, facing behind her so she could actually see where she was going. Her friends all cooed in awe, looking at how lovely she looked. "Oh poppy, you look absolutely beautiful....". DJ said in a hushed voice. "Yeah poppy, you look amazing"! Shrieked smidge. The twins agreed, admiring how poppy looked in the dress they made. "Thank you girls...so do all of you....I can't believe it's really happening....I'm....I'm getting married"! Poppy said with a happy yet tearful look. "Oh be careful poppy, you don't wanna ruin your makeup. Don't you worry honey, you'll do just fine". Chenille cooed to her friend. Poppy smiled, zipping around to face her friends, hugging them all in a tight group hug. All humming a cheerful and happy tune as they hug. "I love you guys...". Poppy sighed. All of her friends hug her back. "We love you too poppy". Satin said softly. Soon afterwards, king peppy came into the tent, looking for his daughter. Almost instantly, the girls from the pack pulled away from poppy, revealing her to her father. He stood and stared, taking in the view f his little girl, all grown up and about to get married. Standing in awe for several moments, he heard poppy speak. "Dad? What is it"? She asked him. He quickly composed himself. "O-oh, I'm sorry. Yes, uh, it's time poppy. The boys are getting ready". He replied. She nods her head, smiling softly. "Go on ahead girls, I'll be right there, I need to get my bouquet". The girls smile and eagerly make their way to the beginning of the stairs. King peppy stood and looked at his daughter. more than proud and happy to see his baby becoming a bride. 

"You look absolutely beautiful poppy". The king muttered to her. She looks to her father, smiling shyly. "Thank you daddy. I can't believe I'm getting married...". She said softly. "And to the best man you deserve, too". Peppy replied. She smiled. Moments later, there was a sound of footsteps outside the tent, but no one entered. "Poppy, are you in"? It was branch's voice on the other side of the cloth. Peppy exited the tent, looking to branch. "Better hurry, we're about to start soon". He urged the young troll as he walks by. Branch crept closer to the cloth of the tent, hoping to hear poppy's voice. "Are you ready pop? It's our big day". He said calmly. On the other side of the cloth, she could see his silhouette against the tent wall. She knew it was bad luck for the groom  to see the bride in her dress before the wedding took place. Suddenly, she saw his hand come through the opening of the tent, holding it there waiting for her. She walked over to his hand, being sure that she remained behind the cloth. Reaching out, she took his hand, holding it gently but tightly, rubbing her thumb against his skin. He felt instant comfort from her touch. "Yes, I'm ready. I can't believe I'm about to be your wife.....You know, I was thinking....". She said as she trailed off. "Uh-oh"! Branch snickered sarcastically. Earning a little smack on his hand. Making him zip his hand back with an 'ow', laughing to himself in the process. "What were you thinking poppy"? He asked her. Without missing a beat she spoke. "That you'll be stuck loving me the rest of your life". She said in an almost sarcastic tone. He smiled to himself. "And I would still happily be doing so, even when you're a brat, ha ha ha"! He replied to her with a light tone of laughter in his voice. Biggie called to branch. "BRAAAANCCH! It's time"! He hollered. 

Looking to the tent, he was tempted to see her, but didn't succumb. "Ok pop, showtime". He says as he slowly moves away from the tent and up to the palace steps. Once branch was inside and in position, the group signaled for poppy to come out. She stepped out of her tent, holding a bouquet of lovely blue and pink flowers wrapped in a white cloth. The gentlemen from the pack all 'awed' in a heavy breath. They had never seen poppy like this, and it was a refreshing sight for them. "You're soooOooOoooOooo bea-utiful popp-y"! Exclaimed guy diamond in his auto-tune voice. The rest of the gang easily agreed. "Thank you everyone, you all look so handsome and lovely as well. Lets all have fun today huh? Ok, showtime"! She encouraged the pack.

 All nodding together, they all align with their walking partner, and await the sound of the 'wedding march' music to begin the wedding. With a lump in her throat, poppy felt her nerves on fire with anticipation, and happiness. Anxious for the greatest day in her life to begin.

End Of Chapter 20