"Oh, Edea," a tear came to Agnès's eye. "I'm so happy. I can't believe this day has finally come,"
"Only close to three years in the making," her best friend, on the floor straightening out the train of Agnès's dress, replied. "But, hey, better late than never, right?"
"Of course…" Agnès put a hand to her chest. "But it almost was never."
"I know," Edea stood and put a hand on her friend's shoulder. "But Tiz is fine, and you two are about to have your happily ever after!"
"Right," the blushing bride's smile returned. "Oh, I'm so excited, yet nervous at the same time,"
"Don't worry," Edea stifled a giggle. "You'll both do great. And I'll be right at your side. But, here, try this,"
"My bouquet?" Agnès raised an eyebrow, taking the arrangement from her maid of honor's hand.
"Yew says the flowers he added help with nerves," she explained.
"Magnolias- of course!"
"Speaking of," Edea began to walk towards the flap of the bridal tent. "I'd better check on the rest of the wedding party, and make sure Tiz stays out of here."
"Why?"
"Don't you know it's bad luck for the marriage if the groom sees the bride in her dress before the wedding?"
Agnès rolled her eyes. "I never took you for the superstitious type."
"Usually, I'm not," Edea agreed. "But, better safe than sorry, you know?" With that, she exited and took in the scene. Originally, Yew had suggested that the ceremony be held in the Sanctum in Gathelatio, but Agnès insisted on something simpler, so it was decided that the venue would be a field outside Norende. Edea had to admit that it fit the bride and groom's tastes: simple, yet beautiful. Among those milling about, bridesmaid Magnolia was flirting with groomsman Yew, and Sylvie, vestaling and flower girl, was shyly peeking at the activity from behind Florem's matriarch. Everything seemed in order, yet-
"Edea," a young boy approached her. "I keep telling you, I'm too old to be the ring bearer!"
"Come on, Egil," Edea encouraged. "It's for Tiz and Agnès,"
"I know," the junior captain sighed. "Can I at least loosen my collar? It's itching like crazy!"
"Well, I-" she was about to answer, when she was interrupted.
"Edea," Magnolia got her attention. "How's our bride coming along?"
"She's almost ready," Edea answered. "She just needs a minute."
"Same for Tiz," Yew chimed in. "He's liable to break skin the way he's wringing his wrists!"
"He's got nerves, too, huh? Oh, boy…"
"Everyone gets pre-wedding jitters," Magnolia assured. "But, once Agnès walks out, and the bride and groom's eyes meet, it's as smooth as gravy- or, so I hear."
"You're starting to talk like Yew," Edea giggled.
"Vraiment?" the moon native blinked. "Well, we have been spending a lot of time together…"
"I'd better see how everyone else is," Edea grinned. "See you two in a bit!" Now, if only the best man were able to make it… Suddenly, she saw a man about her age, long platinum blonde hair tied in the back with a blue bow. He made it! Quietly, she approached him.
"Are you here for the bride or groom?" she asked casually.
"Both," he turned and met the inquirer with a grin. "And yourself?"
"The same," Edea returned the smile, hugging him. "Oh, Ringabel, I'm so glad you could come."
"What man would deny his best friend's wish to be the best man at his wedding?" the Planeswarden asked. "I wouldn't miss this for the world."
"Glad to hear it," she took her father's gold watch out of the secret pocket of her dress. "It's time! Places, everyone! I'll get Agnès."
As Tiz took his place at the altar next to the matriarch, who would perform the ceremony, he watched anxiously as everyone took their places: Ringabel with Edea, Yew and Magnolia, Sylvie and Egil behind them. Somewhere beyond was Agnès, his bride, and he was desperately trying to catch even the slightest glimpse of her. At that moment, the string ensemble began the wedding march. It gave some ease to his nerves when his best man and groomsman took their places beside him. Soon, Egil had come down, and Sylvie began to walk, followed by Agnès.
She was a vision as ever he had seen her. Her hair was in a delicate bun, a braid crowning her veil. Her dress was inspired by her former vestal garb, evoking memories of the Sacred Flower Festival.
She's beautiful, he thought, inside and out. Absolutely perfect. I don't deserve her… yet she chose me. The two's eyes met, and they shared a slight, contented smile. Soon, she was before him and the matriarch.
"Dearly beloved," she began. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Tiz Arrior and Agnès, formerly of the name Oblige. These two share a love that transcends boundaries, and dedicate themselves to each other before us, understanding the responsibilities and obligations of marriage.
"If there is anyone who would object to this union, let him speak now, or forever hold his peace," no one spoke. "Very well. I understand the bride and groom have written some words to share with each other. Tiz, would you begin?"
"Agnès," Tiz took a deep breath. "Since we met, you have been my light, my ray of hope. I've found joy in every moment I am with you. In my darkest hour, I know I can depend on you. No matter the obstacle, I will always return to your side and repay the kindness and devoting love you've shown me."
"My dearest Tiz," Agnès followed. "Miracle upon miracle has brought us together, but it is our love that keeps us together. You give me strength to carry on, even when the weight on my shoulders is too much to bear. While you are with me, I never have to be afraid of failure, but need only the courage to try. Life can throw anything our way, and I will face it with you."
"The rings please," the matriarch requested. After receiving them, she handed one to each Tiz and Agnès. "Repeat after me, 'I, Tiz Arrior,'"
"I, Tiz Arrior,"
"'With this ring, as a sign of my love and devotion'"
"With this ring, as a sign of my love and devotion," Tiz placed the delicate band.
"'Do take thee, Agnès, as my wedded wife,'"
"Do take thee. Agnès, as my wedded wife,"
"'For rich or for poor, in sickness and in health,'"
"For rich or for poor, in sickness and in health,"
"'Forsaking all others, 'til death do us part'"
"'Forsaking all others, 'til death do us part,"
Agnès did the same, and the matriarch continued. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
Gently, Tiz lifted Agnès's veil, placing it behind her head, and drew her closer to him, pressing his lips on hers.
"May the crystals light your path and give you a bright future."
All in attendance stood, clapping as the couple walked to the reception tent to the exit march.
One first dance later, husband and wife joined the rest of the wedding party at their table for dinner.
"Felicitations, mes amis," Magnolia greeted.
"I couldn't be happier for you both," Ringabel chorused.
"Same here," Edea sniffed, wiping a tear from her eye. "Oh, gosh. I promised myself I wouldn't cry, but, I'm just so happy! There was a time I thought this day would never come, yet, here we are!"
"And how," Agnès wistfully gazed into Tiz's eyes, smiling as she kissed him.
"Ah, l'amour!" Magnolia sighed, resting her chin on her hands.
"All this emotion has racked up my appetite," Edea tried to deny her lingering tears. "Is food coming soon?"
The others laughed at the typical Edea behavior, and, sure enough, dinner came. After the meal and some more dances, Agnès gathered the ladies around to throw her bouquet, the recipient of which was none other than a red-faced Magnolia. The happy couple then left for their house under a shower of rice.
Once they had arrived, Agnès found herself swept off her feet to be carried across the threshold, laughing the entire way.
"I still can't believe it," Tiz brushed some hair out of his wife's face. "We're married. You're my wife."
"We're married," Agnès chorused, pecking Tiz on the cheek. "We're together, like we always planned."
"To think this might not have happened," Tiz tentatively place a hand on his heart. "I love you. I never want to lose you again."
"I love you, too," the two again kissed, as if any kiss they shared might be their last. "You'll never lose me. We share a heart. Nothing can change that."
"Nothing."