“And I’d do it all over again; this extraordinary journey we’ve lead apart and together, just so I could have you by my side at the end.”
This is why I’m not allowed to write this kind of stuff... it’s SO SAPPY AND ROMANTIC.... ALL THE SOFTNESS.... ALL OF IT....
With each attractive lady that strolled down the aisle, Amon only grew more restless. Each gown and woman looked exquisite of course; carefully trimmed and fitted to hug their bodies in the most flattering way. But none of the sleek golden garments and none of these faces were what he longed to see the most.
In the manners of tradition and respect, he offered a bend from the neck politely to each and every miss who stepped over the steeple. Some giggled softly; others simply nodded or returned the gesture in kind. Their dainty hands glittering with golden bangles to match their apparel; each bracelet adorning different gemstones in cuts the women favored that spoke most to their personalities. They ascended the stairs with the help of the young Master Korey; who would offer a gloved hand and an equally well-trained dip of his head.
A peek to the young future Lord’s father and mother; and his niece Amelie, revealed their internal impressions. Amelie, taking in the entirety of the church with wondrous awe to lay a beaming smile upon him as she caught Amon’s eye. His brother-in-law, looking to his son with swelled pride. Acting as the civil gentleman he was groomed to be; dressed in such a likeness to his own father.
And finally, Josephine. Her eyes left him only in brief moments to savor a moment’s view of the surroundings and each new figure who glided down the path. Now, resting on him as he caught her eye with a touch of understanding. Perhaps Essätha was not the first choice she’d have in mind for him as a partner, but she never spoke an ill word of her. He could tell it had been a surprise through shared letters how his feelings had grown for the stunning young woman to his sister while he was away. He could tell how confused and awestruck she’d felt when he’d returned home; finally willing to settle after so much time spent away becoming a better man, only to bring her home with him.
She had expected the proposal. The moment he had come to bring it up to her; wanting her acceptance, Josie had seen it coming all along. The twinkle in her gaze as she looked him over and nodded while holding his hands; offering him the blessing he would never be able to hear aloud from their parents.
Essätha made the world sweeter. Brighter. Every dawn be there storms or light, he always had the sun right beside him when he’d wake. She brought to him softness and a long-forgotten sense of pure elation. That joy was something he could not deny; her heart, touch, and love all things he couldn’t live without. It had been the easiest and most frightening decision of his life to take a knee and ask her to stay; to be his for the rest of their days, to take the name of Illiad.
She already had all of his heart and soul. What little she did not have; the things trivial and unimportant, he wanted to share that with her, too. No longer his house, but their house. No longer his land, but their land. No more questioning the lines of where he stood; where they stood, what she meant to him which was everything and more.
He would make sure she never again questioned where she belonged. No more nights wondering where she would rest her head. No more fear of the fall; unsure if there would be something to catch her because he would always be there, and he would always catch her. His angelic Essie would always find love and sanctuary with him. No matter how difficult the world may get; no matter what happened, she would always have his support and adoration now and forever.
There was no one more merited to happy, carefree, comfortable life than her. By the name of Pelor and his family line, he was going to give her anything and everything she desired and should be righted. For all the good and radiance she brought to the world; for all the magnificence and warmth she brought into his life. She’d spent too much time struggling and too much time alone, and he wasn’t going to let another second slip by without her being appreciated as the beautiful, gentle, kind, illustrious woman she was.
His eyes caught upon the last maid making her way down. The off-gray black of Solace’s sly stare wearing the most form-fitting of the gowns. She seemed to mock him with just a glance; her lips painted a darker red that curved up with squinted eyes. A teasing look; knowing well that with her entry, there was only a few other after her and then…
And then her.
Straining his neck to the side in a manner less dignified and appropriate for a nobleman, the Lord of the Emerald Expanse listened to the surge of music rise and rise and rise again. Playing much like his breath, which seemed to only heighten with every note that rang in the air.
Right on cue from the ushers, sets of children from Briarton came twirling down the lane. It brought some chocked, tear-eyed faces to fits of gentle laughter as youthful boys and girls came slowly down. Not every step coordinated or even; with the youngest clutching to others and each other or tripping over themselves on polished shoes. Little girls dropped and rained white rose petals down from their woven baskets and the majority of the young lads held the hands of some of the girls, looking shy and embarrassed to do so.
It made the corner of Amon’s mouth twitch. Refraining himself from a smile as he stood straighter; holding the posture of his shoulders squared with hands clenching and unclenching behind his back.
Each child curtsied or bowed; some clumsier than others, and walked around the front of the pews to the side where they went to be seated in arranged areas beside their parents near the front.
He was no longer paying attention to the kids. The shift in the music; the tug in his chest, it all brought him back to the doors as two gentleman clad in shining, strapping golden armor stepped out on either side of the door. Each man placing a hand over their breastplate with wonderfully detailed ceremonial designs, and bowed low from the waist as shadows moved alongside the fringes of the door.
Murmurs filled the entire chapel with awe and excitement. Every body turned; the shift of the wooden pews groaning softly in the air.
It was all so distant. Muffled.
Lord Amon lost his breath suddenly. The outline of her torso fitting snugly in the bodice, the shape of her waist and slender arm wrapped around the stocky elbow of the man at her side. As she stepped out from the door frame, the width of the bottom; outrageous and exaggerated, spilled out in every direction and trailed an elegant train on the back. A perfect dress; the purest fresh-snow white with the veil trying to hide from him what he knew to be the most gorgeous, the most stunning individual to ever grace the world.
He cleared his throat quietly. Erecting his stature to the fullest; drawing in every angle and detail he could see the closer she got. All the while working his throat as he swallowed, with the alarming dampness of tears invading the edges of his vision and swimming in his gaze before he could blink them back only for them to keep returning, leaving him to continue fighting the urge off.
There she was. His every untold dream. The keeper of his heart. Every whispered joy and love. All the patience and gentleness inside of him. Who he was, now, stemming off pieces of her where they joined and connected in the best ways. Carefully folded among trust and companionship; this radiant beauty of grace and compassion.
His darling Essätha.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It didn’t grow any quieter, even as the number of bridesmaids began to deplete. In fact, it only grew more rowdy as Essie glanced back to look upon the children beginning to file in the room.
Some were holding hands with each other. Some were being looked after by one of their parents; or by the ushers who tried to maintain the balance and reign control. A few of the youngest seemed confused. Two of the smallest tried huddling timidly among the rest, all gazing around with wide-eyed wonder at the extravagance of the church.
Seeing some of the kids look over to her, Essätha offered a charming smile. Her fingers curling at her side; wiggling them as she murmured a few words for a small display of harmless flickering lights to momentarily dance across the room. They weaved in little patterns; sparkling up and curling with whimsy to create a brief indication of a heart.
Most of the tykes giggled at the display.
Such dears. She was over the moon that Amon had agreed to allow a small group of flower girls and the young gentlemen escorts to join their ceremony. It felt right to involve the town she would be calling home from now on. Plus, it seemed to set aside what uncertainties there may have still been in some of the townsfolks, too. Just a few hushed whispers of distaste; likely from the most pessimistic or nobility judging type, had grown quieter these past days.
Everyone else seemed almost as bemusedly smitten with her as Amon was. Essie had tried to prepare herself mentally and emotionally for the worst of blows when she’d returned here. Linked in Amon’s arm as they’d stroll the streets or standing at his side like an equal, she’d been ready to bar up her wall and force a smile through venom if she had to. Stares she felt sure were going to burn her.
What a delightful surprise, the acceptance of these people. Folks she would be helping to serve; who had been open and curious of her from the start. A different face then they were used to, seen hugging to the side of a man who had been closed off for so many years now found smiling often and laughing just as much.
Sometimes it made her wonder, but she tried not to question. Maybe it was the way Amon seemed so changed in her presence. Maybe it was that she was relatable; not born of nobility, knowing well both the struggles and the ease of a simpleton’s life. Hell, for all she knew, they might see her in some distant way the same way they saw Amelie. Likable; always for the people, always openly coming out to speak with them, help them, hear their opinions and hold a conversation.
Whatever the scenario, it made living in Briarton that much more enjoyable. For the months spent prior to the engagement, learning more of the customs and culture of the area. Getting to know the people just as she got to know the layout all too well of the manor.
How unexpected and how perfect it had been, to see her Amon getting down on bended knee. Splotches of red on his upturned face, sheepish as he took hold of her hands. The shared laughter as Caesar came romping upon them; trying to lick Amon in the face as he came up to her and she’d ran her fingers over his whiskers and laughed, and laughed, and told him yes what had to be a hundred times between kissing his face and him kissing hers while nodding her head all the while.
Why she hadn’t seen it coming, Essätha hadn’t a clue. There hadn’t been any expectations, coming home with him. It felt… right, when he’d asked. Where else was she to go, when he already had her, heart and soul? Following him had been easy. So easy, in fact, she’d forgotten her fears entirely on the situation of them being temporary. It felt too natural; too simple and too warm. Safe and happy, in the genuine authenticity in which he cared for her.
Now what stood between her and her perfect slice of heaven now and the rest of her life was minutes and moments.
Essie smiled a quirky grin to Solace as she offered a thumbs up, and headed out into the corridor to the softened voices and quiet crying. A final sight of her dress glittering in the afternoon sun and she was out of sight from their angle; the sound of her heels against the floor echoing.
Gods, she felt faint. Only the hired help and temple pastors were left in the room now; aside from herself, sir Abernathy, and the group of babbling kids. Her body was swimming on cloud nine. It felt like such a wild and fantastic dream and each time she blinked, she saw that everything was still there. The same bright lights, the same paintings, the same individuals all smiling and looking around. Not an illusion, but reality.
“Alright children, stay together, as instructed,” a church minister informed them slowly. “Little ladies, drop the petals as you go. Delicately now; you want them to be spread all the way down to the end of the aisle, so don’t throw them all at once.”
As she bounced on her heels, Essie could feel the shifted weight at her side. Her eyes moved to catch sight of Abe’s as she placed her hand upon the hooked area of his elbow as he offered it. The glint of his eyes still glossy, but the color had returned to normal on his face once more. His used handkerchief gone, with the stylized one still perfect and crisply folded to sit tucked neatly against his breast pocket.
“You look magnificent,” Abernathy encouraged warmly, reaching across to pat her hand. “Everything will go fine.”
Of course it would be fine! She’d been practicing to walk in these blasted heels for months; she’d been practicing her vows for what felt like years, and she was going to be spending the rest of today and ever day calling Lord Amon her husband. She could walk right out there and fall flat on her face, rip her dress and watch storms blow in outside to block the spring solstice sun, and it would still all be fine. Everything today would be perfect, because by the end of it all, she would have her Lord Amon. Dashing and considerate as he always was; a true and valiant man filled with integrity.
A small wave to the kids as they passed with varying degrees of excitement and nervousness, and they too disappeared past her line of sight into the other room. Ranges of ‘aww’s followed from the guests and then giggles; the most noise they’d managed so far as she could hear.
Essätha didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath until the usher stepped back, and made for a grand sweeping gesture towards her.
“M’lady,” they stated gently, bowing as two soldiers hurried past him with their spears held high. A resounding clanking of shifting metal and a deafening silence that came with it.
With a gentle dip of her head, she straightened her pose and followed the tempo of the carrying music as it rose. Slow, careful steps; pausing just outside of the dazzling brightness of the chapel then to follow Abe’s lead as he took the next step into the room.
Her eyes were quick to take in the dazzling interior. The attention to detail was simply overwhelming. Low hanging candlelight with flickering fire; the time of day just right so that the shimmering sun hit the panes of mosaic glass perfectly to light up the steeple and walkway. An enriching smell filled the room under the perfume of flowers in full bloom. It was eloquent and utterly gorgeous; down to the bows strung and curled so perfectly, the decorated pillars, the gold trim, the vines covered in floral arrangements and wreaths hanging on every wall measured precisely apart.
Every pair of eyes in the room moved upon her. Turning fully in their seats to look upon her. Though she knew she looked lovely, it was overbearingly embarrassing. Her chin held high; grateful for the cover of the veil as she gracefully inclined her head to the guards and to the pews filled with people.
Then to where her gaze longed to rest: searching over the wedding party. Split on one side with figures draped in gold and on the other, sharply trimmed suits with the sermon in the middle of it all.
There he was. Adjacent on the right side of the preacher. From the end of the aisle, she could make out the smile on his face and the dancing light in his eyes. His body tilted towards her as he spotted her; his throat flexing as he swallowed. The most heartachingly beautiful man she’d ever seen. Her every gentle strengths found in his resolve. Her bravery found in his. The quiet voice of hope he gave her; the breath of air like a new life drawn in just looking upon him. So strapping and so warm; his honesty making a more honest woman out of her.
All the joy bubbled up in her chest, and she went to lunge forward. Gods, he was right there. Her heart leapt for him; feet lighter than air oh gods she couldn’t wait any longer! A ridiculous, wide-splitting grin spreading over her face-
The arm linked with hers tightened against Abernathy’s side. Though she wasn’t looking to him, his expression was one of light amusement as he held her close so she could not break away yet. A quiet, almost inaudible ‘ahem’ in the back of his throat as the previous gasps of admiration that filled the room seeing her suddenly ended with instead, quiet chuckles and snickering.
Her attempt to rush forward hadn’t gone unnoticed.
Glowing scarlet beneath the shroud that hid her face, Essätha forced her impatient steps to follow the guidance of Abe’s. Always hurrying her next stride through his as the grand cascade of music notes began to grow higher and higher. The gushing of the crowd having grown louder and louder; in quiet tones trying to hide their own many shades of delight. A thousand murmured compliments; a thousand more murmured words of encouragement and barely-retained gleeful statements on how thrilled they were for Amon; how thrilled they were for her.
As she neared the stairs, Amon took them one at a time to meet her at the bottom. The darkness of his eyes never leaving hers. She could make out the tremble of his jaw briefly as he came close through the mist that blurred in and out of her vision before his expression tightened. The glassy shine of liquid in his eyes disappeared, as he tilted his head to Abernathy who returned the gesture in kind.
A hand extended towards her. With it, the orc-elf stepped back to release her arm. He paced quickly off to her left to take his seat in the front pew, right beside Haymitch.
Amon cut himself at the waist in a low, elegant bow. The longer strands of hair dangling in front of his eyes as he peered up at her, a smile growing on his face.
It took effort to hold back the desire to push the stands away. Instead, she placed her palm into his callused one; a hand to her ruffled skirt bottom to hold it out as she curtsied low. Bending from her knees lower and lower, to the point she nearly knelt before him. Truthfully, she was ready to collapse then and there and melt from his touch.
Her beloved Lord Amon.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
She was… unparalleled.
No one came close to the ravishing divinity that was her. Even with that obnoxious concealment over her face, the color of her eyes was the earth that grounded him. The dress was cut and tailored with such classic feminine touches; and yet it still had sneaking additions that showed her taste. Before she’d turned, the glimpse of the back of the thin veil laid over an open dip that had just the right amount of sensuous appeal without revealing too much bare skin.
Crystals and shimmering stones sewed throughout the floral patterns. Upon the seams and edges, he could make out the symbolic simplification of his family crest matched with miniaturized serpents. A thoughtful personal touch. He wondered how much time she’d put into helping design the dress with the seamstresses; one of the few things he’d had absolutely no hand in throughout the process. And he was glad he didn’t; the surprise of being made so breathless as he devoured every inch of her within her gown was the richest pleasure his eyes had the grace of grazing over.
He didn’t take his eyes from Essätha’s but for just a moment as she stood before him. Long enough to respectfully recognize Abernathy’s presence, and meet the elder man’s gaze as he paid a respectful gesture. His eyes all too swift and eager to go upon hers once again as he shuffled back on his boots just enough not to invade her space with his presence as he curved from the hip.
Truthfully, he should have lowered his eyes as well but found that he could not. His palm extended, awaiting the wondrous union of her hand touching his as she made a formal gesture of obeisance. He wanted to scoff the traditional gesture then and there. With her sumptuousness, she should be submitting to no one.
The delicate feel of her palm ran over his, enough to make his spine tingle as he wrapped his fingers over hers. Sleek scales stood out in darkened hues against her skin where the tips of his fingers touched. Despite the unplanned gesture not scripted, he couldn’t wait a moment longer not to honor his stunning bride as he brought her hand to his lips.
Her face was glowing the most radiant rosy hue. A shyness in the length of her dark lashes crested low so they almost touched the rounded edges of her cheeks made from the width of her beaming smile.
Pelor, his heart throbbed just looking at her. All her resplendence so breathtaking to look upon. And she had wandered through, by some miracle, to enter his life. The strangest accidental destiny forged.
Every subdue whisper was drowned out by the longing echoes of his heart. Straightening stance, Amon waited until his darling Essätha was standing before him once again before he turned to the side; with her mirroring the action. Holding her hand carefully in his own, he guided her up the half-a-dozen or so stairs up to stand before the minister, before turning to her once again.
His hands shook. Little tremors as he released her, reaching up to the lace embroidered edge of the veil. He had to swallow the lump in his throat threatening to choke him into tears as his jaw worked. Grinding his teeth together for extra security as he took the thin fabric in weathered hands to roll it part of the way up.
A whiff of the fragrance she wore drifted from her skin. Lilacs with violets, mixed with a note of vanilla and faint hints of rich honey-like earthy amber. A wonder remembrance of a spring garden in bloom. The further up he pulled the sheer curtain, the more inviting the aroma and glorious color of her skin. Finely dusted cosmetics she really had no need to wear on such flawless warm brown skin. That stunning arc in her smile on stained lips. The apples of her cheeks, the allure of her eyes as she blinked through a wave of emotion as he draped the veil back over the wrapped darkness of her hair.
Amon’s mouth parted slightly. Closed; trying to control the bombardment of crashing waves. Such raw, pure, ethereal elegance. His hands pulling back as he breathed in shakily; hearing none of the guests and their mixture of sobs and exhaled voices of amazement.
Essie needed none of these luxury items to still be the most grand woman in the room. The glow of the moon seeming to shine from her throat upon the silver elven jewelry, joining the daytime sun that poured upon her like the graced hand of God. Dangling strands of thin silver looping back around her ears; hanging from a woven circlet trimmed with mixtures of rose gold and a single, light emerald gemstone laid upon the center.
Procession be damned, he wanted to fold neatly against her then and now. Collapse into the endearing ways she touched him; hold her close and drop to his knees before her and worship her. Mold his lips to hers and kiss her in all the sentimental and soft ways he longed to as he breathed her in; felt her under his skin and nuzzled in the shelter of his heart. A place where she would always be secure and eternally loved.
The officiant cleared his throat in preparation to speak. As he did so, Amon took hold of her hands in his; gripping them gently between their chests as he smiled broadly down into her cheerful face.
‘You look mesmerizing,’ he mouthed wordlessly to her.
Her breath gave a small hitch as she blushed deeper; lowering her chin in a modest gesture. It only made him want to reach out and hold her face more. Tenderly, as he would shower her captivating feaures with kisses and press upon those full lips and hold her steadily there, into his chest. Feel her melt into him; allowing her strength to dissolve into trusting him to keep her steady.
“Welcome,” the preacher began in a carrying voice. “Welcome, family, friends, loved ones, and honored guests. We come together today on the spring solstice beneath the light of Pelor to celebrate the love between Amon Thomas Illiad; Lord of the Emerald Expanse, and miss Essätha Medüza.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Gods, he looked handsome.
The moment he furled up the remainder of the shroud, she got the most spectacular view of his face. No longer hidden behind the fabric; the shine of his eyes glittering with tears upon her. The sharp bridge of his nose, the cut of his beard smoothed out perfectly, the crop of his hair set wonderfully with the nagging exception of longer wisps near his temple and sitting upon his forehead. They’d been nipped on the ends at least so not to fall over his eyes but that didn’t stop her desire to press them aside.
His uniform looked quite dapper. A pleasant swirl of gold popping out against black with the white collar of his undershirt stiffly against his neck. The unexpected surprise of the hankie settled into his pocket; a dark shimmering green like the namesake emerald of his land with golden intertwined initials.
He always looked so dignified and prominent; the heritage of aristocratic status and a chiseled look of valor. A noble, heroic face.
His grinning expression only grew as his lips moved in a pattern of sweet words.
Heavens above.
Essätha’s face grew hotter as she bashfully squirmed in place. All but too aware of the rough hands gingerly blanketing over her own. Such thoughtful, nurturing hands. Never taking; never demanding. Always offering; reaching for her, steadying her, embracing her with prudent care. Offered only with patience and understanding. Sometimes sailing over her body, to hold her in the most private and intimate of settings with affectionate tenderness.
She adored every ridge and scar on those hands. With just as much enthusiasm and elation as she loved his face. Carved in ways that was like being cut from marble; sharp and defined like an artist’s work. And like any good artist, they did not simply stop with making a beautiful face but a powerful body of steel. Where soft lines met hard; a blend of gentleness and strength.
Whatever it was the officiant was saying, it was far gone to her. All she knew; all she craved, all she cared about in this moment was the face in front of her. Tilted in her direction. Watching the way the lines of happiness moved over his face. Inhaling the scent of sandalwood and pine rising up from him. What little restraint he’d put in to hold himself back was beginning to unravel so that he looked at her; really looked at her, with ranges and spectrum's of devoted admiration. The glistening of unshed tears; the quiet breaths of air coming out in occasional huffs to keep check on his emotions, the pools of his eyes bringing her into the depths of a neverending span of space where it was just the two of them, lost with just each other and perfectly happy.
It all hit her at once. The weight of the moment. The significance. The resonating happiness buzzing inside of her; spilling out from the corners of her eyes as her lip wobbled before she could catch it between her teeth and smile.
She had found the one thing she had always wanted, and it laid beside and inside of this spectacular man: her happiness.
And his own. Too much time spent in his life loathing himself. And she realized that no matter how perfect her own existence was in that moment; no matter how lovely it was to smile and feel joy, his own would be her new dream. Her every goal. Every day would be spent cherishing him; her Lord Amon, and rousing the flames of his soul. Aiding him in his growth; watching him become more and more of who he should be allowed to be, as the great man he was.
Her happiness was important, but she felt it the most; in it’s untarnished form, when pieces of it reflected and derived off his. The joy he deserved. The seeds of life he should be living, however he decided. She wanted that for him; that and so much more. It didn’t matter his wrongs; he’d fought well and hard all his life against himself and it was long past due he was given his warranted life of content and bliss.
She hadn’t realized how far the reading had gotten along. The practice sessions; privately and together, with the sermon had always felt so clunky and took forever. But then again, she hadn’t been so invested; so totally shamelessly lost in the bottomless gaze holding her as before and reeling in the strings of emotion like she was now.
“You are not just adding to the your life, but each other’s,” the sermon stated. “The act of marriage is a voluntary act; one of commitment and trust.”
“Before vows can be exchanged, I ask that you both confirm the intent of your union.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The first tear slipped over the contour of her cheek and down her face. It was soon followed closely by the second, rolling over her face as it escaped her other eye to trickle down to her chin.
Quietly, he cleared his throat. His hands swallowing hers; squeezing them lightly in his grasp. Taking all of his reserve will to keep his own tears back.
They were not tears of sorrow, but he still longed to wipe them free from her pleasant appearance. They tried to obscure the toffee color of her eyes and left blotched tracks over her makeup. He was far more concerned with her gaze however; glassy with further unshed tears.
“… I ask that you both confirm the intent of your union…”
Had they already made it through the opening words and blessing? He couldn’t even recall the reading of the passage from one of their shared favorite novels. My, he must truly be distracted.
“Do you, Amon, take Essätha as your wife? Do you vow to take care of her, in sickness and in health; to share your life and your dreams, to build her a home that is a place of happiness? Will you love her, comfort her, honor her, and; forsaking all others, remain faithful to her as you both shall live?”
Nodding solemnly, his voice escaped him in a rasp as he uttered: “I will.”
A faint sniffle from the illustrious beauty before him. This time, he let go of her hand to reach up; thumbing the escaped tear from the corner of her eye as she beamed from ear to ear. All the light in the room seemed to focus, if not exude, purely from her as their searching gazes flicked over each other.
From the crowd, a series of ‘awws’ and broken sobs pushed into linens.
“Do you, Essätha, take Amon as your husband? Do you vow to take care of him, in sickness and in health; to share your life and your dreams, to build him a home that is a place of happiness? Will you love him, comfort him, honor him, and; forsaking all others, remain faithful to him as you both shall live?”
Amon reached back down to take hold of both of her hands. A gentle, hopeful squeeze of pressure surrounding them as he held his breath.
“I will,” she choked.
Oh, his sweet love. He wanted nothing else; needed nothing else but her. Now and forever; that fetching smile and glowing eyes like a binding spell. He couldn’t remove himself from looking at her if the world was collapsing around them in that moment. She alone was the gravity anchoring him; the force breathing air into his lungs, the celestial sun upon him beating in his heart like molten lava.
A twinkle glistened in the minister’s eyes. He reached out; the dark skin-tone laying over their intertwined hands for a second as he looked out into the crowd.
“I ask that those present please be silent, as the pair will now exchange vows to seal their love for each other. Lord Amon, you will go first.”
The pair of hands retracted, leaving just Amon’s to smother upon Essätha’s. The drum of his heart racing as he swallowed against the threatening thickness in his throat. What small murmurs grown quiet with silent, mute weeping from a few people dabbing furiously at their faces.
There would never be enough days, enough time, enough eternity to express how much she meant to him. But he would try to express it the best he could; letting everyone know just how precious, just how meaningful and important she was to him as well she knew.
“My darling Essätha,” he cooed; his words barely carrying as he reached up to swipe away another tear from the corner of her eye. They only grew stronger thereafter; an affirmation of his loyalty for all the hear.
“I have been given the greatest privilege and honor to stand beside you. Not just today, but every day since we have met. I have witnessed your courage and your tenacity. I have seen your beauty inside and out, as it lives and breathes inside of everything you do and are. I have watched you rise to every occasion; and seen firsthand the strengths you possess in your kindness as well as your spirit.”
“I would never have believed that someone could accept me the way you do,” he gruffly continued. “You take me as I am, completely. Without question or hesitation. You are not just my love, but my friend and ally. You are genuine in who you are. Honest, kind, compassionate, and daring. You are a fierce, patient, bold, generous woman with the most humble heart. I’ve never been so enamored before you. I’m grateful to have been there to hold your hand through the storms that have passed us by, as I was given the chance to stand by your side.”
“I promise to be there for you and support you, come what may. To laugh with you in the good times; and to fight alongside you in the bad as I comfort your sorrows. I promise to respect our differences; and to always give you an open ear. I will honor and cherish you; as my partner and as the unique one-of-a-kind woman that you are. I promise you will always have my trust and faith. Every hope and every dream you have, I will encourage and fight for as they will be my own.”
He had to take a moment to catch his shaken breath. His fingers stroking along the side of her face, careful to try not smearing the delicate makeup as he brushed away stray tears lingering along the edges of her shimmering, adoring gaze.
“I give to you that which is mine, freely. My home, my wealth, my name, my all. My hand which shall always reach for yours; my heart that belongs only to you, my soul which will forever be fast to your side. I choose you; and I will choose you over and over again, every day, from now until my last breath.”
“On this day, I take you, Essätha Medüza as my wife,” he affirmed with unyielding strength. “I take you as you are; loving who you are and loving who you will become. I long for no other. I will cherish you, love you, and care for you always. Your needs shall always come first. When you need it, I will be your sword and shield. You will never have to face your adversaries alone, for I will be there.”
“I pledge to you; only you, Essätha. I will fill your cup. I will seek your joy, by whatever means necessary. I will love you, unconditionally, through this life into what lays beyond it. I join my life through yours; an equal in all things, to my trusted lover and companion.”
Amon breathed out unsteadily. Little quakes moving over his hands.
The softness of her fingers, delicately rubbing beneath his eyes for a moment as she smiled into his gaze fondly. The collection of tears having sprung to the surface and slipped over the edge as he finished.
It wasn’t even the tip of the iceberg. Barely holding a candle in the darkness to his devotion; how marveled he was by all of her. The best, most incredible, most unbelievable person to have walked in to his life and; miraculously, the one to stay.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
She’d shivered and trembled through the entire heartfelt speech. Certain through his light touches, that he could feel the tremendous echo of her heart. It called to him; reached for him, begged for nothing else but him.
Such tender, earnest words. He spoke them with certainty. Assured of himself through it all; only when the last of them hung in the air did the tears that had been welling up the entire time manage to break through his barriers. Falling over his cheek, making her impulsively move in to skirt the stray tears away from his lovely face.
Quiet weeping was being poorly stifled in the church now. Some people masking over there faces to the best of their ability as makeup ran and grown men looked down upon their shoes to keep hidden their own strands of emotion.
“Miss Essätha,” the minister spoke gently. “You are free to speak what your heart wills, now.”
Speak? She hoped she could find her voice. Much of the day had been a mute daze; trying to keep her exterior from shattering into a blubbering mess.
“M’lord Amon,” she whispered, running her fingers over his scruff and down to take hold of his hands. Though her voice started small, it rose in a similar manner to Amon’s as she spoke.
“You are a thoughtful, resilient, clever, sweet man who I am fortunate to know, and who the Emerald Expanse is lucky to have. I’m sure your parents have been proud to witness you grow; here and on the other side. You are the kind of man people can depend on. You’re the man I depend on; knowing that you are brave as your are intelligent and considerate.”
“I have loved you deeply for so long. Understanding that you have made mistakes, but that you are willing to correct them. Seeing you for what you were; not as stern as you had tried to make the world believe but someone humane and gentle. Willingly giving yourself up for the good of others. Protecting people; serving them to the best of your ability, working yourself tirelessly to be the best that you could for those around you. You have always placed yourself not even second, but last to all those around you.”
“I will never put you last, my beloved,” she assured him in a wavering voice of emotion. “You are my role model; the giving, polite, forgiving caring person I look to when I need guidance. I will try in every way, to be worthy of you and your love. I know I can count on you, as I pray you can count on me to be there through out darkest times just as we have stuck it out through the brightest.”
Between her digits, she could feel the pressure of Amon’s wriggling to interconnect. Weaving against hers; holding to her hands with unrivaled care. A firm but loving squeeze of gentleness as their eyes remained, staring deeply into each other’s with naked affection and brimmed liquid.
“I give you all of me, and promise to walk with you, hand in hand, through it all. Acknowledging your faults and strengths, as you do mine. Should you need a shoulder, I will be there. If you need your space, I will give it. I will be your confidant; your support. I promise to uphold you and honor you; to stand beside you and guide you through as you do with me.”
“You make me a better person, and I am thankful for that. All that I have to offer, I will share with you. I want nothing more than to wake with the breath of each day, staring into your eyes. And should we end up with nothing but each other, I will be happy and content because I have been granted the greatest treasure of all. The promise of your heart, which I will love and protect, in this life into the next.”
“I love you, m’lord Amon. Come the sweltering sun, the endless droughts, the surging seas or raging fires; the changing seasons and blistering winters, I will love you; all of you, forever and always. I wish to build a home with you; a family extended through yours and mine and our friends. I wish only to love you and be loved by you; and for your happiness which fulfills mine.”
As she finished; her voice rising in a lilt, the sermon himself made to clear his throat. In a moment of privacy, he briefly glanced away as Amon wiped at her teary-face. Such light brushes of callused fingertips to her face as she reached up to cradle his cheeks in turn; working away the mirrored tears streaking over his cheeks.
Even red-eyed and red-faced with emotion, her Amon was a sight to behold. And his touch, giving her goosebumps all over with such delicacy. Always so careful of her. Always so gentle with her heart, which he had mended in the same ways she had mended his: sewn and stitched with liquid gold poured into the cracks and crevices to create and entirely new and reforged heart. Stronger than it had been in years; finding all these new reasons and ways to pulse so eagerly for another.
Finally finding a reason to breathe and exist beyond a simple desire to survive. Now, longing to see the dawn as she’d place her head on the pillow beside his at night. For no amount of dreaming of him; as splendid as those dreams could be, matched waking up in sturdy arms and the lingering, sluggish lips that kissed her every morning with reverence.
The hoarseness of the pastor’s voice sliced through; only slightly fragmented with emotion as he declared: “Please present the rings.”
From the corner of her blurred vision, she saw a shadow approach up the middle of the stairs. A glimpse to the figure, and Essie offered a sheepish smile to Master Korey as he extended a pillow out to them both.
Careful of her unsteady hands, she released her hold on Amon’s face as he did hers to take the single, simple wedding band as her beloved took her own as well as the engagement ring back sitting over it.
“Thank you, Korey,” the Illiad Lord murmured in fluctuating tones.
“Uncle,” the young man respectfully acknowledged; followed closely by, “My lady.”
“Thank you,” Essie squeaked; her pitch high and fractured.
As Korey retreated, the preacher opened his arms wide as he spoke loud and clear: “With these rings, we mark the beginning of your new journey shared together. As you wear them, may they be a constant reminder to you of one another, and the deep bond of faith, trust, and love they represent. These rings represent the promise of your commitment. The ring; an unbroken and never-ending circle, symbolizes your dedication, loyalty, and promises spoken today both aloud and in your hearts.”
“Lord Amon, as you place the rings upon Essätha’s finger, repeat after me.”
Her breath escaped her in an uneasy gasp as her beloved Lord took hold of her left hand. Bringing it close so briefly; letting her fingers touch upon his chest over his heart.
“With this ring, I take you my heart at the rising of the moon and stars, and dawn of the sun.”
As he echoed the words, Amon began to slowly slid the wedding band down the third finger of her hand.
“To honor and to love, through all that may come.”
It pressed snuggly at the end of her finger. In the shaft of sunlight, the carefully forged silver glistening.
“From this day forward, I promise you will not walk alone.”
The engagement ring; far more lavish with it’s many diamonds and delicate craftsmanship, was added where it belonged. No longer leaving a ghostly impression there any longer, but returned now with the band, close at heart.
“May my heart be your shelter, and my arms your home.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
He couldn’t stop himself from crying any further. The endearing nature of her words undid him.
What had he done to be deserving of her praise? What had he done to earn the admiration and esteem this stunning, beautiful, gentle woman held to him?
Amon swallowed hard as she touched him. Tenderly; circling the pad of her thumbs beneath the hollow space beneath his eyes. And he held no care for how reserved he should appear; how dignified as a nobleman he should be standing as he reached for her. Cupped the sculpted perfection of her face and held her there, stroking her tears away as she did to him. Gentle, gentle, not wanting his rigid fingers to hurt her or dab away too much of her makeup.
It was the incline of Essie’s head that alerted him to the approaching boy. He turned, seeing the set of rings splayed out against the fluffed silken pillow and instinctively reached for the two that would set permanently upon his love’s finger from now on.
“Thank you, Korey.”
His words were muted. Disoriented through his raging surge of emotions.
“Uncle,” the Montebank master mused with a look of warm humor to him, before following it with a respectful incline to his wife as he tacked on a: “My lady.”
“Thank you.”
Ah. An enchantress’ voice. So becoming; filled with all the right notes and tones of sugar and spice to make him shiver.
He followed the instructions; as practiced, while the pastor spoke the blessing he echoed. Feeling the weight of the words inside of himself. Each chord it struck inside of him; repetitive in it’s truth as he gave to her his hand and his soul by placing both rings upon her one at a time. The wedding band, placed closest to her beautiful heart.
Her eyes shone as he held her hand. Wanting nothing more than to lay it over his heart, letting her feel the way she made him feel in the way it beat so erratically for her.
“Lady Essätha,” the elder man spoke calmly now, “as you place the rings upon Amon’s finger, repeat after me.”
Her hand cupped his. Rubbing her thumb along the back of his hand; drawing little shapes of code. It stole away his breath for a moment; lost in the gentle gaze of butterscotch brown.
“With this ring, I take you my heart at the rising of the moon and stars, and dawn of the sun.”
Her dainty little fingers wiggled against his digits. Drawing some space between his wedding digit and his pinky and middle finger.
“To honor and to love, through all that may come.”
The cool metal touched his skin. The engraved words of the Yuan-ti tongue hidden on the inside of the band searing into his skin.
Keeper of my heart.
“From this day forward, I promise you will not walk alone.”
Essätha pushed the ring past the bends of his finger gently.
“May my heart be your shelter, and my arms your home.”
On the last of the words she repeated, her voice broke softly in a few ways. The ring to his knuckle, spun gently once by her digits until she simply held to his fingers. Anchoring to him in a way that said she was ready. That there was no more running; no unexpected hurdles, no flight. No panic. No fleeing.
She would stay. She would stay, and be his.
And they would have their home; build into the comfort of each other and an embrace so glorious and pure it left him speechless every time. Each chance he had to hold her was euphoria.
And never would he let go. She would never feel under appreciated; unwanted, unwelcome. Never again. Not for a second, not for a moment, he simply would not allow it. He would be the best, the most devoted, the most loving husband he could be. He would do it all for her. Anything for her. Everything.
And they would have it all, together.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Lord Amon and Lady Essätha, you have come together before your family, friends, and loved ones as two people, now united as one couple under one name. You affirm yourselves together as husband and wife, and pledged your lives together by the symbolism giving and receiving of the rings.”
Too overjoyed not to bask in the glory of the moment, Essätha wiggled her fingers against Amon’s as she drew in a sharp breath. Taking the time to admire the set of rings upon her; buffed and polished to catch in the light. A prism of colors, barely there but pretty all the same, bouncing off of the diamonds to dance in the rays of sun coming perfectly down on them.
“By the virtue and blessing of Pelor; bringer of light, I now pronounce you Lord and Lady Illiad; masters and protectors of the Emerald Expanse. You may now share your first kiss as husband and wife.”
Oh. Oh, she’d been so caught up with the impact of the vows, she hadn’t realized the ceremony was already coming to an end. Her eyes, crawling up over the suit, moved to catch Lord Amon’s and take in the sharp angles of his face and overjoyed smile as he exhaled in an excited rush.
She was expecting a peck. Merely a polite gesture before those present. Something to satisfy without being too much, as he was the prim and proper sort to leave only chaste kisses in public here and there.
One arm came to her waist, and the other to her cheek. Sliding behind the veil, to the back of her head and carding through sections of hair he made loose from the bun, Amon dipped her back to display her slender throat. A shocked, frankly unexpected gasp breaking free from her as he grinned; wild and warm and filled with delight.
His beard was soft. Gently rubbing to her chin and cheeks as he tilted his head and stole to her lips with his own. Incredibly soft, but hiding nothing. Not from her, not from those watching as he robbed her of air and held her. The world pivoted from it’s axis; the wolf whistles and cheers and choked, excited happy sobbing was gone.
It was just them. His mouth over hers. The doting fondness in which he so tenderly kissed her. The path he carved for her; true and straight through to him, with him, wherever it lead.
When he pulled away by fractions of an inch, warm breath bathing over her mouth, staring into her eyes and the sudden cries of the crowd ringing in her ears, she allowed herself a breath of her own. Filled with his air; his cologne. Found in the shine flashing over his eyes as he grinned down at her. That same smile growing as she reached up, running her fingers over the whiskers against his temples as she held his face.
“My wife,” he declared; a single word of complete and unhindered elation.
“My husband,” she answered in kind; her voice a purr fueled with delight.
She was more prepared this time as he came to her. Throwing her arms around his neck; clutching him closer as the fog appeared over the world again and it was just the pair of them. Colors of his soul blending into hers; shades she had never seen in the world all from him.
Nearly everyone was at their feet. A round of applause thunderous; filling the church as the dappled lighting encircled them.
And they kissed, and they kissed, and they kissed and life was perfect, as perfect as it had been and could be, being right there with him with her. As it should be.
A year and a half ago, I posted a similar picture. Because for the first time, I was leaving the United States without my family. Today I post one again, and although it isnt the first time, it still stings just as bad. My family means everything to me and I so wish I could take them on all my adventures. Life just isn't the same when you don't have your sisters to hang out with or when you don't feel your dog's eyes on you whenever you eat. I am going to miss it all dearly. That being said, I have a wild year ahead of me. In two weeks exactly, I will be jetting off to Seoul, South Korea for my exchange. I can't wait to see what will all happen, and of course I will keep y'all updated. Farewell Arizona, until I come home again. Until I Write Again, Raquel xxx (who's a little teary eyed tbh)
Guys. After Taylor’s award, I thought it would be a smart idea to take it all the way back to the beginning and listen to Tim McGraw. I was very, very wrong. I’m an even bigger wreck! My bby/mom just grew up so fast!
