I am running a little late today. No one mentioned the ceremony being moved up a whole 3 hours. As always it was my problem and one I would have to solve for myself.

Joan, the daughter of Brock the town leader, is getting married today. It has been nothing but all the bustle and rustle since the proposal. This ceremony would link our town with the neighboring village, to ensure future generations can share, trade, and build together. Blah, blah, blah. Anyways back to this morning. I'm running late. I have been tasked by Brock to capture some thistles for his daughter to decorate the hall in which the ceremony would take place. I was told they could be found flying around about a mile north of the edge of town. Brock said "They're angelic creatures, them thistles. Beautiful, captivating. You'll find them flying around the old oak tree next to the river where the road ends. Bring back at least ten, that should be enough to light up the room. Oh and Lilly, do not be late. Or there will be consequences."

So that's how my day started. I left town about fifteen minutes ago, so I should be approaching the old oak tree any minute now. Ah, there it is. It's massive, standing there alone by the river bed taller than any buildings I have ever seen. The bark more grey than Brock's beard, but better on the eyes. No sign of any flying creatures. He said down by the river, maybe they are closer to the water. I head down behind the tree, the soil soft and unforgiving. My feet slip and I fall flat on my bottom. You know, I couldn't think of a more fantastic start to this mundane Monday than to be covered in this yucky, mucky mud, I must be so lucky.

A quick dip in the river should to the trick. It's freezing, but at least the mud will wash away. A high pitch flickering sound of wings fluttering creeps into my ear. It seems to be coming from the inlet across the river. The river runs pretty slow this time of year so crossing it should be no trouble. Perhaps some thistles live here after all. Having never seen one before, I don't know much about what to expect. As I crept closer to the other side of the river, I noticed glowing lights amidst the tall grass. Sounds of squeaky laughter and fast buzzing began to surround me. I knelt down on the ground and crawled towards the source to inspect. And then I saw them, the thistles. They really were beautiful. Small as my hand, with pearlescent hair that seemed to glow and shine light around them. They used pieces of grass for clothing. They looked like the most fair of creatures I had ever laid eyes on. Peaceful, child like. Flying around, dancing with each other. It almost feels wrong to capture them, but I do plan on catching and releasing so perhaps they'll understand.

I reach down slowly to grab the burlap bag from my belt, ten should fit fine without squishing them. Okay, now let's see what happens. There's one kind of off on her own over here, just sitting on this blade of grass. Here goes nothing. My hand slowly sneaks in behind her. Oh no! She sees me! She flys up from the grass and yells "Hey, you're not supposed to be here! No giants allowed!"

"But I'm not a giant, I'm a human." I said. More of the thistles heard me and they gathered around their friend.

"You look like a giant to me! Now leave!" the thistle commanded.

"Wait..wait." I back up a little bit. "I need your help."

"We don't help giants silly, only thistles." another thistle joined in.

"Right, I understand. Can you make an exception for me this once?" I ask politely.

It took about ten minutes to convince them to join me at the ceremony. They didn't even have to go in the bag. On the contrary, they made great roadside companions. They are full of jokes and laughter to lift any spirits.

During the ceremony I told them to fly up and just do their thing above Joan and her would be husband. Brock was very pleased with me. "I must say Lilly, I'm very pleased with you. How own earth did you get them to be so amicable?" he asked me.

"They are very reasonable creatures. I drive a good bargain."

The ceremony was as sappy as you could hope for, and the reception was underway. The chef carried out the cake and set it on the table. The thistles came over to me and asked if they could have some. I didn't see the harm in giving them a slice to share. I went and grabbed them a slice and walked back to my table and they were gone. A loud scream erupted from Joan. I turned and the cake was flying everywhere! Into the faces of the guests, on Joan's dress, on the decorations. The thistles were laughing hysterically, high on sugar or something. Joan appeared to be very angry, she picked up a torch forth wall and began to swing its fire towards the thisltes. She struck one and they all stopped laughing. It was silent in the room for a moment. Then the thistles formed a line like an arrow, and launchers for Joan's face. It was horrific. A minute later they flew off towards the edge of town. I walked over to Joan. She sat their crying. Her face now had tiny bite marks scattered throughout like bug bites. Her face was turning purple. Her hair began to glow and turn from blonde to pearlescent. Just like the thistles.

"What have they done to you, my dear daughter?" Brock exclaimed. "You, Lilly, what kind of thistles did you bring to my daughters wedding? Lookout what they have done!" He screamed at me.

"You didn't tell me about their fangs."