The Honeymoon
The two newlyweds were in a horse drawn carriage with the words 'Just Married' in big, white letters on a banner, fluttering in the wake of the carriage. Both were smiling broadly and holding hands, as they travelled through the busy streets of London towards an airship bound for America. Deryn, who for once had allowed herself to be 'stuffed into dresses' as she put it, looked quite pretty. Gone was her usual look, trousers and all, replaced by a lovely white dress. Deryn had also grown her hair longer, it now reached almost to her shoulders, in the three month period before now. All this combined with the smile she gave him, made her look like a proper lass, Alek thought. He said, with a cheeky grin "Deryn, you look like one of those village lassies you're always talking about not being like."
In reply, he received a light punch on the shoulder. "Daft I am, Daft. Why I stuffed myself into skirts for you is beyond me."
Bovril, chose this moment to input "Funny, you in a dress" it said and began to chuckle to itself.
"Because...you love me, and want to see me happy?" Alek suggested coyly. "Aye" said Deryn, not bothering to argue.
They continued along in this fashion until they came to the airport. The airport was a tall, thin tower that branched out in all directions at its top, like the spokes of a bicycle. Alek disembarked from the carriage first, and offered his hand to his wife, knowing full well that she probably wouldn't accept his help. She was Deryn after all.
Much to his delight, she did accept and placed her hand in his. Alek held her hand for a moment. He was still unused to seeing the ring on her finger. It was one of the few pieces of jewellery she wore. Alek snapped out of his daze and helped her down. He grabbed their luggage off the back of the carriage, of which there was not much to speak of: two suitcases – one for each of them.
"Like a miniature Leviathan" breathed Alek, who was awed by the sight.
"But less eye caching" said Deryn, not fazed at all.
The airship loomed high above them; a shorter, squatter version of the Leviathan, though not in every detail, because it was a civilian airship. Alek placed the luggage in the elevator, while Deryn pushed one of the two buttons. It barely registered with him to grab on to something, before the car rocketed upwards. When they reached the top, Deryn produced the boarding passes, that the London Zoological Society – courtesy of Dr. Barlow – had graciously paid for. She presented the passes as they boarded. They had no trouble finding their cabin, with the instructions provided by the crew.
Well, to call it a cabin would be an understatement, thought Alek. It was a honeymoon suite, with a large queen size bed, that was easily big enough for the two of them, in the centre of one wall. A wardrobe was opposite the bed. In one corner next to the window, there was a kitchenette. Finally, there was a small toilet adjoining the main room.
The loudspeaker near the door crackled into life "All passengers, please stow your luggage and prepare for departure."