Author's Note: I had originally had a different Awakening oneshot planned, but I couldn't resist doing this story either! Frederick is my favorite character in the game and I married my Avatar to him! Though I had actually decided that before I liked him so much. lol But I love Freddy, he's totally awesome and funny! I hope you enjoy. ^^
Wedding Day! A Tactician and Her Knight
Part 1: The Ceremony
Frederick took a deep breath as he stood at the altar inside the royal church of Ylisstol, the capital of the holy halidom of Ylisse. It was his wedding day, and his bride would soon emerge from the doors at the other end of the long aisle before him. He was finely dressed in a light blue formal outfit with gold embroidery and a white rose pin attached to the left side of his chest. He had never felt so anxious, nervous, and excited all at the same time in his life. Frederick had recently been named knight captain of Ylisse following the war with neighboring Plegia as well and had made a name for himself as a strong and capable commander under Prince Chrom. His wedding was a big event and known about throughout the nation, especially since his bride and the love of his life was Kelli, the greatest tactician Ylisse had ever known. Her origins were still a mystery, but she had proven herself every bit a fine member of Chrom's army and a trustworthy ally.
Due to the fact that two well-known Ylisse figures were being wed that day, the church was packed with friends, family, and guests for the occasion. Frederick could see many of the allies Chrom had recruited during the battles in the seats, and his parents were there as well. At first he was leery about them being there, as parents were sometimes known to mistakenly embarrass their children during such events. Thankfully, neither of Frederick's had done this…so far. Chrom himself stood nearby in a formal tunic and some of his armor and served as Frederick's best man, as he was the knight's closest friend. Chrom's younger sister, Lissa, stood opposite as the maid of honor, wearing a formal purple and pink dress with matching bows in her ever unruly blonde pigtails. The priest was standing patiently behind the altar, fully prepared for when Kelli made her entrance.
As he waited, Frederick's mind wandered to when the group first met Kelli and how he had won her heart. Chrom and Lissa had found her unconscious in a field, and she was amnesiac. Some of her memories had slowly returned, but these were precious few. She could never remember where she was from or how she ended up in that field, or even how she knew Chrom's name without him telling her. Frederick had not wanted to trust her at first and believed that she could be a Plegian spy. He had always been known as Frederick the Wary, after all, and always made sure Chrom was careful in such situations. However, Chrom decided to let Kelli tag along anyway, and she soon proved to be a valuable ally with her tactical knowledge and skill with a sword and magic. Chrom then decided that she must not be an enemy, though Frederick remained unsure. Even so, he had agreed to let her train with him one day.
That one training session was what had started it all for them. Frederick could remember clearly how Kelli had thanked him for it and wanted to return the favor for helping her. Frederick wasn't used to such a thing, but agreed to find something nonetheless. Eventually, he decided to ask her to train him as well, in a manner. Only, it wasn't for combat, it was for eating. Frederick secretly had never been able to choke down much game meat, especially bear meat, and he knew one day such a meal might be the only food available to him. He thought it best to get over the issue before such a problem arose. Kelli took him up on his request and from then on, they spent hours together for many days. Sure, Kelli had tricked Frederick a couple times with bear meat by not telling him what it was until after he ate it and he might have exaggerated his disgust a little once in a while, but the two enjoyed their time.
Frederick never forgot her bright smile or her cheerful voice as she happily fed him all kinds of meats to help his body get more used to them. She was even beautiful too, he thought. They had taken it slow with the meat, and gradually, Kelli's aid was working. She had soon given him the nickname "Freddy Bear" as well, though at the time, he was rather embarrassed by it. Of course now, Frederick didn't mind it at all, as long as Kelli didn't use it too publically. Some folks would surely joke about it if she did and never let him hear the end of it. But as he spent more time with her working on all that meat, Frederick couldn't help but grow more and more fond of her and her company, and he never wanted to leave her side. So he eventually promised himself that if he could keep bear meat down, he would confess his undeniable feelings and propose. Frederick then went out and bought the most beautiful engagement ring he could find and afford. And the next time the two met, Frederick nibbled on the bear meat and kept it down, just as he had predicted and hoped he would. He loved Kelli, and he wanted to know if she felt the same way, even though he had been a little cold to her at first.
And as fate would have it, she loved him just as much, if not more. She had even said she'd been in love with him since their first bear meat dinner. Frederick never imagined that any woman would fall for him this quickly, but Kelli said he had a charm like no other, and was much more of a big teddy bear than he seemed at first. It was where she got "Freddy Bear." She also thought he was very handsome. Of course, this made Frederick blush hard, and deciding to marry a girl after he didn't vomit a mouthful of bear wasn't the most romantic thing ever, but he was happy. Kelli had grown to love him despite any moments where he might have offended her and she had said yes to his proposal. She even showed Chrom her ring and he and Lissa were very happy for the couple. Chrom had promised to let them be wed as soon as the war was over if possible and offered any help he could give. Chrom ended up getting married himself first, but Frederick and Kelli understood this. He was the prince and his older sister, Emmeryn, who had previously ruled Ylisse, had sacrificed herself to save the country. And he certainly wasn't going to inherit the throne by himself so suddenly. But not very long after, Frederick and Kelli were given their chance. And even during the war still, Frederick bought her a beautiful pendant simply out of kindness and love. Kelli loved it and wore it every day she could. The only time she didn't was during a battle so she wouldn't lose it. Of course, even if it did somehow get lost, Frederick would've helped in any way to find it, especially if it was stolen. He would catch the thief himself and run him or her in with his silver lance if he had to. But thankfully, it hadn't yet gone missing.
Suddenly, the sound of the large doors opening and soft wedding music playing snapped Frederick out of his trance. He shook his head and quickly returned his attention to the ceremony, which was about to begin. Ricken, a young boy who considered Chrom to be a brother figure had also walked in from a side door to join them by the altar. He was dressed in formal robes and carrying a white pillow containing the gold wedding rings. He had been annoyed at having been named the ring bearer since it was usually a kid's job, but he also knew there was no one else they knew that was suitable for the role, so he accepted it. Frederick soon noticed his rose pin was slightly crooked and straightened it out before sighing once more. He tried hard not to tremble, though he still feared embarrassing either himself, Kelli, or others in the building. Chrom soon noticed his anxiety and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. His smile made Frederick feel better and he watched as more guests entered the opened church doors.
Nowi, a child-like manakete girl that could transform into a dragon, was first, as she took the role of the flower girl. Being the only "little girl" in the group, she was perfect for it. Stahl and Cordelia were the first bridesmaid and groomsman to enter, followed by Vaike and Sully and then Kellam and Miriel. For once, Kellam was actually noticed, and this seemed to intimidate him, as he was not used to it. He was secretly proud of being able to hide the way he could. Stahl and Cordelia seemed to be fond of one another and spent a lot of time playing harps. Vaike didn't like the idea of dressing up, nor did Sully, but the two were still friends and wouldn't turn down an invitation to a wedding like this one. Last to enter were Gaius and Maribelle. Gaius was more excited about what desserts would be available at the reception feast than the ceremony, but that was expected because he had a huge sweet tooth. Maribelle enjoyed preparing for the occasion and wore the fanciest purple gown she could find.
Sumia had really wanted to be a bridesmaid as well, but unfortunately, there wasn't another potential groomsman that could go with her. Virion had to return home to Valm and Gregor needed to find more work. He probably didn't have anything to wear to a wedding anyway. Donnel was too young and already seemed to have a close relationship with Lissa. And they could forget about Lon'qu and his being extremely timid around women. He had decided to go to the wedding since he had become friends with the Shepherds, the group of warriors which Chrom led and was composed of many of the guests, but he sat as far from any women as he could. Frederick and Kelli both apologized and felt bad that Sumia had to be left out, but she understood and was still happy for the couple.
Finally, after Gaius and Maribelle took their places near the altar, it was time for the bride to enter. Frederick's heart raced as he nearly froze where he stood with excitement, his hands squeezing one another behind his back so hard that it almost hurt. And at last, moments later, Kelli emerged from outside. Frederick's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when he gazed upon her. She was garbed in a lovely white wedding gown with gold embroidery similar to what Frederick's outfit had and carried a bouquet of white roses. Her teal hair was pulled back into a bun instead of her usual ponytail, though the two braids she had with it were still there, also pulled back. A long veil with daisies attached to the clip hung from her hair bun. Around her neck was the very same pendant that Frederick had gotten for her. She smiled warmly and lovingly at Frederick as she walked down the aisle towards him. Wow… She…She looks so beautiful… Frederick opined in his mind, unable to take his eyes off of his bride.
A minute later, Kelli was standing next to him at the altar, happiness and love gleaming in her lovely light brown eyes. Frederick's eyes were still wide, however, and he had not realized that the priest was trying to get his attention by clearing his throat.
"Psst! Frederick, dear, pay attention," Kelli spoke up quietly with a giggle, snapping her husband-to-be out of his second trance of the day. "Oh, and your rose pin is crooked. Hee hee."
"Huh? Oh, gods, not again!" Frederick replied in a frustrated whisper and straightened the rose pin once more. "And I must apologize. I was mesmerized by your beauty."
Kelli giggled again, though whether it was in happiness or at his small mishap, Frederick wasn't sure.
"You are too sweet," she replied with another loving smile. Frederick merely returned the gesture.
With that, the priest began the short speech in which he spoke of everyone having gathered to see the couple unite and related topics. He also added that they would begin their life together and hope that it would be a long one. It only lasted a few minutes, and as soon as he was finished, the priest turned his attention to Frederick, for now it was time to say the vows.
"Do you, Sir Frederick, take this woman to be your lawfully, wedded wife?" he continued.
"I very much do," Frederick replied with an excited smile, his earlier nervousness gone.
"And do you, Lady Kelli, take this man to be your lawfully, wedded husband?" the priest inquired after.
"I definitely do!" Kelli confirmed proudly and lovingly.
Ricken was then cued to present the rings. He walked forward and held out the pillow before the bride and groom. Frederick took the smaller ring while Kelli took the larger one, so they could place them upon each other's fingers. Frederick then took Kelli's left hand, and slipped the ring onto her ring finger. She did the same to him with the other and they held each other's hands, their smiles not fading. The priest then smiled himself so he could say the final, most important words of the ceremony.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride."
It ended up being more the other way around as Kelli allowed her smile to grow larger and practically threw herself into Frederick's broad arms. She pressed her lips against his instantly and wrapped her arms around his neck. Frederick had been slightly startled, but returned the gesture as he let his arms curl around his new wife's waist. People in the seats and around the bride and groom began clapping and whistling in celebration. Lissa nearly jumped up and down as the two parted, but remained in one another's arms. The couple took a moment to smile and acknowledge their guests and then gaze into one another's eyes again.
"I love you, Freddy Bear," Kelli said, though Chrom and Lissa likely could overhear it since they were standing so close nearby. Frederick hardly cared though. He was too happy.
"I love you, too, Kelli. More than you'll ever know," he replied, his smile widening as well.
"Oh, Frederick…"
Kelli had nearly wanted to cry tears of joy. Before she could however, Frederick suddenly scooped her up into his arms.
"Oh! Frederick! Hee hee."
"Well, a knight is supposed to sweep his fair lady off her feet, is he not?" Frederick replied happily.
"Heh, he is indeed."
"And now I think we have a reception to go to. Shall we?"
Kelli nodded and wrapped her arms around Frederick's neck again as he took her back down the aisle and towards the doors of the church. Others joined them and everyone began piling outside. Chrom soon approached the couple and patted Frederick on the back.
"Don't worry, you did just fine," he complimented. "Even if I did think you were about to fall over a few times. Haha."
"Ah, thank you, milord. I think," Frederick replied with a lopsided grin.
"Oh, I think you both were great!" Lissa chimed in. "It doesn't matter if you almost hit the floor, people get nervous sometimes! I probably would've been afraid of embarrassing myself too!"
"That is certainly true. I would've preferred to calm down though."
"But I wasn't embarrassed, nor was anyone else, so there's no need to worry, Frederick," Kelli assured and hugged her new husband.
"Well, I'm definitely glad of that," Frederick said.
With that, they continued outside of the church, the sun shining down upon the churchyard and the wedding décor that lined the front of the church itself. White bows had been attached to the banners hanging on the wall as well as two trees on either side of the building. A romantic wedding banner hung above the doors, the words "Wedding of Sir Frederick and Lady Kelli!" written across it. It was also decorated with images of wedding bells. Real bells atop the church soon rung as well and the people lined the pathway so the bride and groom had room to travel down it.
"Oh, Frederick, I'm so happy! I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful man in my life!" Kelli spoke up.
"Ah, shucks," Frederick replied, his cheeks going pink. "I feel the very same about you, you know. We might've had to wait some time, but now that peace has been returned to Ylisse, we can finally begin our life together."
"Aw, I'm so very glad! You're my Freddy Bear and you always will be, right?"
"Heh, that's right."
Kelli then wore the almost teary eyed look again.
"Oh Frederick, I love you!" she cried and smooched Frederick's cheek.
"Hehe, I love you too," he replied.
Frederick then noticed Chrom shooting him a thumbs-up, and other people begin to toss white confetti into the air for him and Kelli.
"Heh, way to go, Fred!" Chrom cheered. "You really know how to show a girl you love her!"
"Well, so it seems!" Frederick agreed happily.
Lissa was soon nearly bursting with happiness of her own.
"Wow, Chrom, they are so cute, aren't they? I just know they'll be real happy!" she opined. "Those two have been in love for practically ages!"
"Yeah, no doubt. It's hard to believe that Frederick didn't even trust Kelli when we first met her. And the next thing we know, he proposes to her!" Chrom agreed and then turned his attention to the newlyweds. "You two have our best wishes!"
"Yeah, woo hoo! Best of luck!" Lissa added.
"Heh, I thank you both deeply!" Frederick replied.
"Yes, much thanks!" Kelli seconded. She then noticed many of the ladies grouped together on one side of the church path, and she knew what that meant. She raised her bouquet and tossed it high into the air in their direction. It was tradition for the bride to do so after the wedding ceremony, and Kelli was all too happy to oblige to it as well. The bouquet soon descended towards the women, and many tried to get close enough to reach it. Within seconds, it landed in Cordelia's hands, and she stared at it utter shock.
"I…I got it?" she uttered.
"Cordelia, you did it! You're so lucky!" Sumia chimed. "Don't you know what this means?"
"Huh? Ah, right," Cordelia replied, almost not paying attention. "Thank you, Sumia! I really don't know what to say about this."
"Hey, uh, can someone fill me in here? I never knew much about this stuff," Sully stepped in.
"Oh, sure, Sully! The bride tosses the bouquet after the ceremony because whichever girl catches it is said to get married next!" Sumia gladly explained.
"Oh, that is lucky! Awesome job there, Cordelia!"
"Thanks, Sully," Cordelia replied with a smile. She then caught a glimpse of Kelli winking at her as she and Frederick continued further down the path. Cordelia could only pause after this and begin to wonder. It was as if Kelli had wanted her to be the one to catch the bouquet. And in truth, Kelli felt Cordelia deserved to be wed as soon as possible. The Pegasus Knight couldn't help but look at Stahl, who was waving to the newlyweds, and wonder yet some more.
"Heh, I see what you did there," Frederick sensed.
"Hee hee, I figured you would," Kelli replied. "Stahl and Cordelia seem really interested in one another. I think they'd be happy, don't you?"
"Oh, I'm sure they would."
With that, everyone continued to the palace ballroom, where Chrom allowed the reception to take place. Afterwards, of course, the newly wedded couple would be off to their honeymoon.