Disclaimer: I don't own any of this stuff.
Penelo took a deep breath and readied herself for the task ahead. She stood up and straightened out her long white skirt.
"Are you ready?" asked Filo
"Yes, I just can't believe the day is really here!"
"You can still back out you know," teased Fran as she passed Penelo her bouquet.
Penelo chuckled slightly and lowered her veil.
"Oh Penelo, you look so beautiful!" exclaimed Migelo as he took her arm. "I'm so proud of you!"
She smiled and allowed him to lead her out of the small room the 4 of them had been standing in.
Filo and Fran followed the young bride down the aisle as violins played softly.
The congregation all stood up and turned to look at Penelo. Queen Ashe and Captain Basch were sitting up at the front, they both smiled proudly at the beautiful bride.
Her Groom stood at the alter next to Balthier who had been chosen to be best man.
Migelo gave her away and went to join the others in the pews, thick tears streaming down his face.
Penelo handed her bouquet back to her maid of honour and placed her hands in Vaan's.
Old Dalan had offered to conduct the service, he begun as the music died down.
"We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Penelo and Vaan."
Penelo looked up from under her veil into Vaan's smiling face.
"Vaan, do you take Penelo to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold in sickness in health until death do you part."
"Yes!" He replied excitedly, he was rewarded by a sharp kick in the back of the ankle.
"Ow, what was that for!"
"You are supposed to say "I do" it's traditional." Balthier whispered.
"Oh right, I mean I do."
Penelo shook her head and gave a sigh.
"Have you got the rings?" asked old Dalan.
Balthier nodded and patted his pocket. He suddenly went very pale and searched his pant pockets as well. The pirate swallowed hard.
Fortunately everyone's attention was momentarily displaced by the fact that Migelo was still heavily sobbing and was now being comforted by the queen.
"Catch!" Fran whispered as she tossed the small ring box at her partner. "Fool! you left them on the table this morning."
Balthier caught it and placed a hand on his chest in relief, he mouthed a "Thank you. What would I do with out you?"
He passed the rings over and the ceremony continued without a hitch.
"I'm sure they are going to be perfectly happy, but don't you think they are a little young to be married?" Larsa questioned as he sipped Basch's Champaign.
"Penelo is the same age as I was when I married; In fact she's a little older." Pointed out Ashe.
Balthier shrugged.
"It isn't like your getting any younger; perhaps you should think about settling down and get married." Added Basch.
"I'm 24, you are almost 40, I'm just saying."
Basch did not look too impressed at being reminded of this fact.
"I think that Vaan and Penelo are made for each other, they will have a very happy life together." Said Ashe as she watched them dance.
"Hmph!" huffed Lord Larsa as he sneakily took another mouthful of Basch's Champaign.
"Little bit jealous are we?" Asked Balthier.
"No I was just thinking…umm…oh look over there isn't that Tomaj dancing with Fran."
Balthier abandoned his teasing of the young emperor and turned in his chair.
Sure enough the beautiful Veira was being paraded around and having her feet trodden on by an apologetic Tomaj.
"Excuse me; this leading man has his lady to rescue." He got up and strode across the dance floor.
Ashe turned to Basch and smiled, "He really should learn to share."
"Pardon me, do you mind if I cut in. It is tradition for the best man to dance with the maid of honour." Balthier said as he tapped Tomaj on the shoulder.
Tomaj was always slightly intimidated by Balthier so he nodded and passed Fran over.
"Having a good time?"
"Now I am. I thank you for rescuing my poor feet." She joked.
"My pleasure."
"I was wondering what does it mean to be married to a hume? In Eruyt it is considered a highly unnecessary and overly romantic gesture, not that I agree."
"It's a ceremony that means you are bound to someone else forever, except it doesn't always work that way."
"Why?"
"Well Ashe's husband was killed and sometimes people find that they don't love each other anymore, like my Mother and Father."
"It seems that it can be quite heart wrenching." Fran mused.
"Yes, but you also get to show the world how much you love someone. Vaan and Penelo for instance, could you imagine anyone more suited for either of them?"
"No, I believe that they love each other very deeply."
"So you understand, it's more about who you marry. It is not a decision to be taken lightly, but sometimes you have to take risks in order to be happy."
Fran nodded, she looked thoughtful. "When you marry will I be you're best man?"
Balthier stopped dancing for a second and gave her a serious look. "Absolutely not."
Fran frowned, "Am I not a good enough friend?"
Balthier laughed slightly and continued dancing, "No you are my best friend but that's not the reason at all. It is just that there is only one circumstance in which I would marry."
"And what would that be?"
"If you would be my bride."
Fran rested her chin on his shoulder, "I am glad of that and yet I do not think it is our time yet."
"I can wait." He held her tightly. "Just don't go running off with Tomaj now."
Fran laughed at the preposterous idea "And you must promise not to become king."
Balthier gave a slight sneer, "Fran please, as if I would even consider it. I couldn't think of anything worst! Even before we are married you must know that I am yours completely."
"Very well, the day I know that for sure I shall in turn become yours completely and we will marry, agreed?"
"Agreed. But you should start choosing a dress now because there is no other in my heart." Balthier kissed her hand to seal the deal.
Fran did not look completely convinced; he smiled with the anticipation for the day when she would.
"Come, Penelo and Vaan are going to cut their cake and I have heard rumours it is chocolate." Fran turned from him and he watched as she strode across the dance floor, he ran after her but bumped into her back as she had abruptly stopped.
"How careless, Penelo just threw this in the air." Fran said with disbelieve as she turned and presented the bouquet she had just caught.
Everyone who had been watching Penelo throw her boquet cheered and whistled. Balthier smiled smugly as he explained what that tradition was about.
"Looks like you are going to be the next bride Fran!" said an excited Filo as she jumped up and down.
Fran gave Balthier a glance and a sly smile over her shoulder, "Perhaps."
Please R and R XXXXX