Fluff alert. Sorry; can't help myself.

Seven down, two to go; it's gonna be over soon =( Still, that's two more chapters to enjoy! So I hope you like them~

And of course, thanks to my beta, Lioness's Heart.


White: Innocence; Purity; Marriage; Honor

The day was perfect, in Beka's eyes. The sky was powder blue, and the clouds were a cotton candy wonderland scattered artfully above them. The temperature was warm, but bearable- not too hot, not too cold. As Kora helped her into the rather fancy and expensive blue and white silk dress that was Lorine's pride and joy, Beka knew that the day couldn't have been better.

In fact, it made it that much better that Lorine was with her, as well as a very reluctant Diona. Now that Beka was getting married (not that they knew who it was or that it was purely symbolic; Beka made it very clear that she preferred her private life to be exactly that- private), she had finally deemed that Beka had some shred of civilization left within her, and that she wasn't such a hopeless cause after all. Still, that probably had something to do with the fact that rumors had cropped up saying Beka would give up Dog duty once she started a family, and although that was false, she made no move to stop them. She wanted her family's blessing, and that included Diona's as well.

"Well," her oldest younger sister finally said as she threaded white roses in Beka's hair, "I suppose that I never imagined you getting married, even if I don't know the cove crazy enough to get with you. I suppose, if you haven't killed him yet with that stick of yours, he must be something."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lorine demanded. "It's because of that stick that you lay safe in bed; and need I remind you that it was Beka who saved the life of your future mistress's son?" This caused Beka to start slightly- looking at Diona in the mirror, she asked, "You're going to be a maid for the Queen?"

Diona looked smug. "Yes. Lady Teodorie has been making references for a few years, and when I went for an audience with Her Majesty last week, I impressed her so much that she offered me the job on the spot."

"Congratulations," Beka smiled. "I know you worked hard, and I'm proud of you. And Lorine, I couldn't have had a more perfect dress even if a goddess had given it to me." Her siblings glowed with pride, though Diona didn't dare show it. After fixing the last rose in Beka's hair, she stepped back, nodding. "There; all done. Now do we get to meet this cove that has Beka in such a moony-eyed mood?"

Kora chuckled. She was playing that part of Lower City maid beautifully, Beka thought. "The young mistresses knows that it's a closed ceremony, though mayhap I can persuade the mistress to show him off after the ceremony. He's too good lookin' to be hidden away." She met Beka's eyes with a mischievous smile; Rosto would be pleased to meet Beka's sisters, even though he had to pretend to be a respectful courier who was out of Corus far more than he was actually in the city. It was the only cover they could think of to explain his absence; after all, the Rogue was just as busy as a Dog, and they couldn't be seen together in public, unless it was as Rogue and Dog. Beka hated lying to her own family, but it couldn't be helped. Diona was just starting to trust her- she didn't want to ruin that tenuous bond now.

"But we're family now!" Lorine protested. "We should be at the ceremony!" She actually just wanted to see the groom's face when he saw Beka's full outfit, but she kept that to herself; she actually found the whole romance exciting, and no doubt would hound Beka for details regarding the ordeal at a later date.

Diona sniffed delicately. "It is clear, Lorine, we are no longer welcome here. We may as well leave while we still have some dignity." She swept out of the room, a reluctant Lorine following after her.

"Remember to meet us at the Golden Rose at five!" Beka hollered after them. "Unless, of course, you don't want to meet my husband!"

"We'll be there!" Lorine promised, closing the door behind her. Beka instantly turned worried eyes to Kora. "What happens if they find out?" She whispered.

Kora smiled, taking Beka's hands in her own. "They may, one day. For now, all they need to know is that you love each other, and that you're happy. If they see that today, perhaps when you do tell them the truth, they won't be so judgmental. I know Rosto loves you, more than he has loved anyone in the past; just remember that when times are hard. Whether or not your siblings will understand is a problem for the future. Deal with it when the time comes."

Beka nodded, taking a deep breath. Below her, she knew Tunstall, Goodwin, Ersken, Aniki, Phelan, and Rosto were waiting for her…Rosto, who she would be bonded to. She smiled. "Let's go."

In the wide, open space of the courtyard, Rosto stared wordlessly at his hands.

Beside him, Phelan smirked. "Scared?" He asked, but Rosto didn't move. "Terrified," he admitted. Phelan patted him sympathetically on the back.

Goodwin, dressed in a red dress over a long sleeved white shirt, exchanged a glance with Tunstall. "I feel sorry for him," She said. Tunstall nodded. "Beka's going to be hard to handle," he replied, stretching. "Speaking of Beka, where is she?"

No one answered; Beka had arrived, and Rosto nearly fainted out of shock when he laid eyes on her.

She was beautiful. The blue in her dress brought out her eyes, and her smile lit up her whole face. He barely noticed her outfit, though Goodwin looked on in approval.

It was of the latest fashion, with a low-cut bodice with enough cleavage to be tempting, but not scandalous. The dress itself was of a light blue silk, embroidered in white thread to depict vines, flowers, and doves. The skirt was bunched up and tied with a bow, the skirt parting in the front to reveal a white fabric that glittered with diamonds scattered artfully across the fabric. It rustled delicately with every step, the diamonds glinting in the sun.

In her hands she held a beautiful bouquet of a wide variety of flowers- Gillyflowers, Roses, Lilies, and many others, each holding a different meaning to ensure long-lasting love and life, dedication, and luck- and their scent hung in the air long after she had moved on. One of Kora's necklaces were strung around her neck, and in her ears were diamond ear bobs that Rosto had given her last year on her birthday. But it was her eyes that drew Rosto- her beautiful, ice blue eyes that were bright with love and joy, that had locked onto his own dark pools the instant she had seen him.

Their gazes never left one another's throughout the entire hand-fasting ceremony, and as they said their vows, tears welled up in Beka's eyes. Under normal circumstances she would have been appalled at her behavior, but today was an exception. She was promising to spend her life with her true love. It didn't matter that they weren't legally husband and wife. She was going to be with him, and that was all that mattered.

Rosto's expression was one of awe and joy, mirroring Beka's own. Yet his eyes held a certain mischief, one that spelled trouble for later on. She hoped that it wouldn't involve her siblings- though she had a feeling it would have to deal with the bedroom. Rosto had made it clear last night that he couldn't wait until that particular part of the ceremony.

"I, Rebakah Cooper, solemnly swear that I will remain by the side of Rosto the Piper, King of the Rogue, so long as I both desire and commit to our relationship. If the time comes that I wish to leave, I promise to leave with and cherish the memories of the time we had together. If I remain, I swear that I will be as true a partner as possible and that I will continue to support and love him for the rest of my days. So mote it be," She vowed, her voice carrying easily over the air.

Rosto was next. "I, Rosto the Piper, solemnly swear that I will remain by the side of Rebakah Cooper, Guardswoman of the Lower City, so long as I both desire and commit to our relationship. If the time comes that I wish to leave, I will keep with me the memories, and continue our friendship. If I remain, I swear to love and cherish her, and offer my protection should she ever need it. I will be her pillar of strength, and comfort her when she is overwhelmed with her duty. So mote it be." His voice was filled with emotion. Everyone present couldn't deny their love for each other. Eyes shining, Beka smiled at him, thankful that he had been so sincere.

"With these vows you are bound. May you uphold them with all sincerity, and never forget those words," the priest intoned, holding Beka's and Rosto's intertwined hands between his. "May your life together be long, and your happiness never fade.

"From here on, you are bonded. So mote it be," He concluded.

He watched as Beka and Rosto embraced, surrounded by their friends. Amusement glittered in his eyes. While obtaining his priesthood, he had never imagined that he would be in this predicament. When Rosto had approached him a few days earlier, he had admitted to having doubts, but now that he saw them together, he knew that this day would be forever engrained in his mind as the most beautiful and sincere ceremony he would ever conduct.

Once the congratulations were over and the two had regained their wits, they went indoors to change into more practical outfits. Though still giddy from the bonding ceremony- there really was no other way to describe it; it wasn't a marriage, yet it was so much more than simple vows of devotion- she was still coherent enough to put on a fashionable cotton dress of blue with silver embroidery. It had been another gift of Lorine's (it was intended for the Midsummer festival, but Beka thought this was more appropriate). Her hair went into the bun she wore whenever it wasn't in a braid, and as she walked proudly out, she noticed Rosto was waiting for her.

No one would have guessed that he was the Rogue. Though he couldn't hide the scars on his face, he was dressed as fine as a minor Lord, not too wealthy, but within range of his fake identity. His hair, normally a little ruffled from his time outdoors, had not one hair out of place- he looked every inch the prize courier.

"You look nice," she said upon arrival. "How come you didn't get this fancy earlier?" He had worn a simple white cotton shirt and black breeches- the only jewelry was a bracelet of linked silver that had a charm with Beka's picture in it. She had given it to him only a month ago; now, he never went without it.

He smiled, offering his arm. "Well, now I have to impress your family, so I have to dress nice. And you always said that you prefer me in lesser clothing…"

"Ok, ok!" Beka cried, blushing. "I was just teasing."

"Well, so was I." He winked. He flicked his wrist, and a white rose appeared in his hand, its heart shot through with a pale gold. "Forgive me?"

"Always," Beka said, accepting it.

They entered the Golden Rose, and after a word from Goodwin, they were whisked away to a private booth in the back of the inn, seated on a small balcony overlooking a rich and beautiful garden. Will, Nilo, Lorine, and Diona were already waiting for her- to Beka's consternation, Lady Teodorie and Lord Gershom were also present. She knew that her Lord would recognize Rosto in a heartbeat. It didn't surprise her when he looked at them, and raised an eyebrow in her direction.

She gave a half-smile. He nodded, knowing she would explain it later.

Lady Teodorie appraised Rosto, her eyes holding grudging approval. "You make good money for a courier." She finally said, hiding her suspicion. Rosto pretended to look flattered. "I saved up for years to buy this outfit, milady," He said. "I knew there would be a time when I would want it." He beamed at Beka. "Looks like I was right."

They sat down at the head of the table, and instantly Lorine captured Rosto's attention. Beka began to talk in a low tone with Gershom. Even during a celebration they couldn't resist talking about Dog business. Teodorie frowned, but allowed them a few moments before claiming her husband back. Beka quickly adjusted and leaned over to strike up a conversation with her brothers.

Dinner was spectacular, filled with delicacies Rosto could only dream about. Beka, who hadn't had such a rich meal since she had left the Provost's house, enjoyed it immensely- though she would never admit it, she had missed the expensive yet delicious meals that were provided every now and then. Rosto even began to feed her, much to Lorine's amusement.

"How did you two meet again?" Lorine begged. She had been wringing Beka and Rosto dry over their relationship, and it was the fourth time she had asked. Rosto was about to respond, when Diona cut in, sounding bored.

"Please, Lorine, I've heard that too many times. Why don't you ask something worthwhile? Like where they are going to live now or how many children they want?" If she was expecting to embarrass her sister, she was disappointed. Beka simply blinked.

"At least two children," she replied. "And I'm still going to stay at the Dove."

Diona made a face. "Why stay with thieves and bandits? No lady should be there, married or no."

Rosto's eyes flashed, but Beka hurried to explain before he could comment. "I have an agreement with the Rogue," She said. "I protect him, and he shelters me. I haven't had any trouble before, and I don't expect it now." She gave his hand a warning squeeze under the table. "Nilo, what was that horse you were talking about earlier? The mare?"

With the conversation moved to safer ground, the rest of the evening passed pleasantly enough. They said their final goodbyes in front of the Golden Rose, Lorine, Will, and Nilo worshipping the ground Rosto stood on, and Diona standing away with a polite but obvious disinterest. "You still need to visit us!" Lorine exclaimed. "You always say you're lonely, and I don't want you to get so caught up in your marriage that you forget about us!"

"I'll never forget about you," Beka promised. "And I'm glad I could see you today."

Lorine kissed her on the cheek. "Good night, Beka," She whispered. She scurried off to stand beside Lady Teodorie, and was replaced by Diona. "I can't say you're lucky, but I'm glad you found someone to love," She announced. "I'm impressed that you actually put up with her, Roska."

Rosto (Whose alias was Roska; hopefully, no one would see the similarities between the face and name) smirked at her. "I'm surprised she puts up with me," he replied.

Diona raised her eyebrows, but ignored his comment. "Good night," She finally said, and they parted ways, Will and Nilo waving over their shoulders all the way down the street.

When Beka and Rosto entered their room at the Dove, she let out a large sigh and collapsed on the bed. "Thank goodness that's over. I was worried that they would figure it out." Beka sighed, kicking off her shoes. Rosto sat down by her. "But I know you- you wouldn't have dreamed of leaving your family out of this," he said. "I think they realized you're hiding sommat, but they respect you enough to let it slide." He bent down to kiss her, long and sweet. "But now, all we have to worry about is us."

She smiled up at him, mischief in her eyes. "Oh, good, because I was thinking you were going to spring some of your relatives on me as a surprise."

He chuckled, pulling her closer and trapping her against his chest. "No, they are much too far away. You're my family now, Beka- you, and the Court, and the Lower City. People may hate me for various reasons, but I know that you will always be there for me."

"You better believe it," She said, wrapping her arms around him, the white rose still clutched in her hand. "You can't get rid of me that easily."

"Nor do I want to," he replied, and their lips joined once more.


. . . And thus followed unspeakable acts for the rating of this story.

Really, it's their sorta-wedding night. What do you expect?

And no, I'm not writing their sorta-wedding night out in a separate story. I do fluff, not lemons. Sorry...

Anyway, review! I get warm fuzzies every time I hear from you guys, and that makes it all worthwhile.