Interlude 3
"Alright. Today's the day, Chrom. Are you nervous?" Robin said, massaging Chrom's shoulders as he stared into a mirror and adjusting his shirt collar. His wedding day had arrived and he was sweating profusely from the pressure. So many people would be attending. So many eyes glued to him and Sumia. He hoped he wouldn't do anything to embarrass himself or his wife-to-be. He kept taking deep breaths to keep his heart rate under control and to keep himself from toppling over.
The two men stood in Chrom's near-empty room as Robin helped prepare Chrom, being his best man. He helped him dress and made sure he had no blemishes on his person. Robin held the scabbard for Falchion with the blade inside of it as Chrom tied his belt on around him and attatched his weapon on his person.
Chrom jostled the belt around his waist for comfort. Even if it was his wedding day, he would always be prepared for whatever happens. On a day like this, anyone could invade and crash the wedding.
"You know, you really don't need to carry Falchion with you. There are guards posted around the entire palace. No one's getting in here alive... if they're not on the guest list at least."
"I can never be too too careful. I just want today to go on without incident..." Chrom said, buttoning up his jacket. Robin backed away as Chrom did one final self-check. No rips. Check. No smudges or dust. Double-Check. No creases. Check.
"Oh, please. Everything is going to be okay. If you keep worrying like this, your heart will give out before you even reach the altar." Robin chuckled.
"Oh Gods... Can that really happen? Great, now my heart is racing even more..." Chrom said, continuing his steady breathing.
"No, Chrom. It was a joke... Look, do I need to get Frederick in here to give you a pep talk? Because I can if I have to..."
Chrom's pupils shrunk upon hearing that. "N-No! I'll be... I'll be alright... I just need a minute more and I'll be ready..." he said.
"Speaking of Frederick, I can't believe you did not ask him to be your best man. He is the Shepherds' lieutenant and your caretaker after all." Robin stated, adjusting his own jacket. He wanted to wear his cloak over the outfit, but was given an earful by Maribelle when she told him how casual wear was inappropriate for such an occasion.
Chrom scoffed at the thought of Frederick being his best man. "Pah. I'd have to be a madman to have Frederick be my best man. He means well, I know, but sometimes Frederick can be a bit... stifling."
"Why would that be? He seems very capable, and, let's be honest, the man wore a suit practically all the time under his armor. He would be able to help you better than simply a meager shoulder massage." Robin explained. He fastened the last of his buttons on his black suit. It felt odd not wearing his cloak. He only took it off to bathe or to sleep. He felt practically naked when it wasn't draped around his shoulders.
"You know very well why that would be. Had he been here, he would probably request a healer if I mentioned my heart rate... Or call upon a maid to bring me dozens of towels for my damp forehead... Or he would offer to sharpen and polish Falchion if he saw me carrying it around." Chrom said, pointing out a finger for every quirk he listed.
"Alright, I get it. You wanted a best man and not a nanny." Robin laughed. "I'm honored all the same, Chrom. I never expected to be offered the opportunity. Thank you."
"You are very welcome." Chrom sighed as he losened up and stretched one last time. "Alright. I'm ready. Let's be off." Robin held the doors to Chrom's room and the two men walked to the alter.
The grand hall lived up to it's name when it came to the word "grand". The detail in decorative placement almost made it look like an actual chapel, minus the stained glass that was common in the many churches of Ylisse. The two rows of pews were filled completely, with guests ranging from the entirety of the Shepherds, nobles and various family members of those invited. The first few rows were taken up by the Shepherds and the groomsmen, who consisted of Frederick, Stahl, and Vaike stood to the right, where Chrom would be, while Sumia's left was taken by her chosen bridesmaids of Cordelia, Miriel, Maribelle and Olivia, whom she had become fast friends with after the war, partly due to their kindred spirit in their somewhat low self-esteem.
Chrom and Robin entered from the left wing of the palace, and everyone's head turned to see the young Prince and former-tactician stride into the room. Chrom swallowed in nervousness upon seeing the many, many guests attending. Though he had helped with the guest list, actually seeing this many people as opposed to names on paper was vastly different. Ignoring the weakness in his legs, Chrom walked boldly to the front of the altar and took his place in front of Libra, who was fully dressed in robes for the occasion.
Just on the other side of the door that lead into the grand hall stood Sumia, holding a bouquet of white flowers close to her chest. She had a mind to pluck one out of the bunch and do another one of her flower fortunes, but decided against it. The flowers weren't for her to shred anyways. She breathed in deep and closed her eyes as two maids on both sides of her gently opened the large doors, revealing her pressence to everyone in the grand hall.
Everyone looked to the back and slowly stood up from their seats and gazed upon Sumia's beauty. The attention was making her blush madly and she felt her knees weakening, threatening to make her trip on her own dress and humiliate herself in front of everyone. Despite this, she walked calmly and slowly, gazing straight forward, focusing only on Chrom's face, who smiled warmly at his bride. Thankfully, she made it up to the altar without falling, and stood in front of Chrom, gripping the bouquet of flowers tightly, and smiling from eat to ear.
Once Sumia had taken her spot, everyone sat back down and Libra opened a bible that was provided to begin the ceremony, clearing his throat before he began.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of the Gods – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
Expectantly, Libra paused and scanned the room for anyone who would object. None said a word and stayed seated, allowing Libra to continue.
"Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.
Through marriage, Chrom and Sumia make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other's failures. Chrom and Sumia will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other.
We are here today – before the Gods – because marriage is one of Their most sacred wishes – to witness the joining in marriage of Chrom and Sumia. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now – through me – They joins you together in one of the holiest bonds.
Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?"
Regrettably, Sumia's parent's were not alive to see her marry; In their stead, her bride's maids spoke with a unanimous and simultaneous "We do."
" This is a beginning and a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one's own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally. Within the emotional safety of a loving relationship – the knowledge self-offered one another becomes the fertile soil for continued growth. With care and responsibility towards self and one another comes the potential for full and happy lives.
By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for Chrom and Sumia from all present here, we assure them that our hearts are in tune with theirs. These moments are so meaningful to all of us, for what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together – to strengthen each other in all labor – to minister to each other in all sorrow – to share with each other in all gladness.
This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love – for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you."
Upon hearing the last sentence in Libra's delivery, Maribelle's heart skipped a beat. She was briefly reminded of Nowi's burgeoning love for Robin conflicting with hers. What if Nowi won Robin's heart in the end? After all this time, he never said a word to her, so she held onto that silence as hope. But what if love did not favor her? What would she do if Robin were whisked away by Nowi and not her? Her mind began racing on what to do, but she tossed her ideas aside. This day wasn't about her, it was about Chrom and Sumia.
"Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between them. It is the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life. It is a moral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness – backed with the will to make it last."
Libra closed the book briefly, marking the page with an attached ribbon.
"The couple has written their own vows, which they wish to express now."
Libra stepped back and allowed Chrom to speak. He reached out and held Sumia's hand in his.
"Sumia, you are the woman who, despite my shortcomings, has accepted me for all that I am. You looked passed my royalty, and saw only a man. A man who you deemed worthy to call your own. No amount of royalty, or prestige can surpass such an honor. You have helped me to grow into a better man, and I can only hope, as we begin our lives together, that I can make you happy for the rest of your days."
Sumia held back a tear, as her eyes glassed over by the warmth and sincerity of Chrom's words. She gripped Chrom's hand with the one he had done with hers and looked into his eyes.
"Chrom, in the many years I've known you, I've always thought you were a great man, one who any woman would be lucky to have you. Me being that woman feels like a dream that I never wish to wake from. Although I used to fly on the back of a Pegasus, you make me feel like I'm still in the air, even when I'm on the ground. Your gentleness, charm, dedication, and love is all I wish to share with you, not your royalty, yet I shall do my best to not only be a great wife, but also a queen."
Libra smiled at the honest vows they exchanged and opened his book once again.
"I ask now, if anyone here has the rings that shall bind these two?" he asked.
Robin reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out two small gold bands and handed them to Libra. One was for Chrom to give to Sumia, with the engraving of flowers and a Pegasus wing adorning the center. The other was for Sumia to give to Chrom, with the Mark of Naga centered between an engraving of two dragons; very similar to the ring that was made to commemorate his birth.
Libra handed the couple their rings, and watched as they exchanged them.
"Do you Chrom take Sumia to be your wife – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?"
Chrom nodded and said, "I do."
"And do you Sumia take Chrom to be your husband – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?"
Sumia smiled at Chrom and said, "I do."
At this, Libra closed the book and spoke once more. "Then, by the power vested in my by the Royal House of Ylisse, I now pronounce you, Chrom and Sumia, man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
Chrom gently lifted Sumia's veil and the two shared their first kiss as a married couple as everyone in the grand hall stood up, cheering. Yells of praise and claps of congratulations flooded the room. Some people were even beginning to cry with tears of joy, the most prominent of which was Cordelia, who had to cover her face to keep herself from looking like a bawling child.
After the main ceremony, everyone retired to the dance hall, which had many tables spread about with ample room in the center for the dancing later to come. Towards the back of the hall, overlooking the antire room was a long table that seated the newlyweds and their mgroomsmen and bridesmaids. The entire party, as well as the guests were seated and served and pleasant conversation went about among everyone. A dedicated area of the dance hall, considered a V.I.P. area, was set aside for the Shepherds, who still mingled with the other guests.
Robin sat nervously, fidgeting in his chair and biting his thumb. Being the best man of the groom meant that he had to deliver a speech in honor of the newlyweds, but he had been so busy helping out with things such as coordinating the guest list or helping Sumia to dance, he had completely forgotten to write one. He had read on the custom that the speech was usually short, and had light humor, so nothing he had to stand for more than 3 minutes, but he still mentally kicked himself for not being prepared.
Shortly after the room was filled and everyone took their seats, it was time for the words of honor of the best man, woman and the bride and groom. Luckily, Cordelia had volunteered to have the first word, something Robin would happily let her do while he thought about what to say.
Cordelia stood up and smiled, upon seeing the crowd. "Hello, everyone. Well, contrary to my perfectionist nature, I'm actually not very good at delivering speeches, but I'll do my best. Really, there is not much I can say that already hasn't been said or thought by many of us, I'm sure. Sumia is a very fortunate woman to marry someone like Chrom. Someone so strong, and dashing... and brave... and committed." she swooned, prompting Frederick to cough audibly into his hand which got her mind back together. "-ahem- That is, I'm very happy for her. Sumia and I have been friends since childhood and she's like a little sister to me, so seeing her finally marrying someone who will appreciate her is truly heartwarming. I wish only the best for you two and hope that some day, Frederick, bless his heart, will be able to put up with my perfectionism, and hopefully bless me with a ring as well." she said, blushing bright red before sitting down to a gentle applause.
Robin took a deep breath and cleared his thoughts. There was nothing he could do to make anything up for a speech so he decided to just go for broke on the matter. H adjusted the collar on his dress shirt, and stood up, to an unexpectedly abundant applause from the audience. True, he was a cherished name among the Shepherds, but he never expected such generosity.
"Amazing. I haven't said a word yet and already I have people clapping." he said, chuckling. "Thank you all for the gesture, but today is about Chrom and Sumia, not me. In light of that, I would give a speech... I would give a speech, if I had prepared one. Sadly this isn't the case. However, I decided that instead of reading off paper or reciting something I memorized, It would be best for us all if I just said what comes naturally. I'd like to begin with my highest congrats to these two. After all we have been through in the past couple months, I have never seen a pair so deserving of happiness than them. I actually remember the many days in camp these two spent. Nearly inseparable they were. Chrom would share some funny stories about how Sumia would constantly bake him pies whenever she had the chance." Somehow that earned a small chuckle from some of the audience, even from the couple themselves. "It really is something when you get to be a witness of two people's love for each other bloom, even on a battlefield. In truth it's one of the many things that pushed me to end the war we went through."
Many a guest, and practically every Shepherd nodded in agreement. Vaike even agreed, lifting up his glass, and exclaiming "I'll drink to that!" which earned another laugh from the audience, but a bit of a sour look from Panne.
"Heh, not yet Vaike, I'm almost done. Now, I know I said this isn't about me, but there is one last thing I would like to say as my closing statements. I'd like to extend a personal thanks to Chrom. For many things, really; For appointing me as the tactician of his army, for taking me in when I was lost and confused in the world and for just being a great friend overall. I don't know what my life was before my amnesia, but with friends like Chrom, and the Shepherds I doubt I'll miss it very much. So, again Chrom, thank you so much for finding me in that open field. Oh, and thank you too Sumia, for that book you recommended me. It's great!" he said, which prompted a look of 'You're welcome' from her. "May you two live a successful and happy life as the new King and Queen of Ylisse, and may I NEVER have to plan through another war again!" he concluded, by raising his glass of wine. "To Chrom and Sumia!" he declared, receiving a collected "To Chrom and Sumia!" from the crowd.
Yet another applause greeted Robin's ears as he sat down and received many looks of gratitude and smiles from his friends.
"Very nice job, Robin." Chrom said, patting his shoulder.
"Thanks, it was a lot less painful than I envisioned." he snarked.
As the evening went on, people began pairing up to dance with each other with the newlyweds taking center stage, with Cordelia and Stahl providing the harp among other instruments that comprised the music. Robin was content with watching everyone else dance, crossing his toes in his shoes that Sumia remembered their lessons. To her credit, she was doing very well. So much that he took note of Chrom's surprised face as they danced smoothly in sync with each other.
In the V.I.P. area, Maribelle sat next to Nowi, observing the dance floor, wondering where Robin was. Although, with Nowi being next to her, she doubted Robin would be anywhere. She did eventually spot him standing next to the buffet table having a piece of the wedding cake, before Gaius hogging most of it for himself.
"Nowi, dear, I've got an idea; why don't you go over and have a dance with Robin?" she said, motioning her delicate, gloved hand to him. "Doesn't he look awfully lonely without a dance partner?"
Nowi eyed Robin from across the room who didn't seem to mind at all that he wasn't part of the rondo with everyone else. "I don't know, he looks pretty content to me. Why don't you go, Maribelle? Besides, you're better at dancing than I am. I practically have two left feet when it comes to that stuff."
"Oh nonsense! Come, let's go and see him!" Maribelle insisted, grabbing Nowi's arm and dragging her across the room. Despite her protests, Nowi tried not to struggle too much and make a scene with so many people around. The two women sauntered up to Robin, who lightly waved at them upon their approach.
"Good evening, ladies. You both look very nice tonight." Robin said.
"Thank you." both ladies said simultaneously. Maribelle stood behind stood behind Nowi and gently nudged her to Robin. "So, Robin, darling, Nowi was just telling me how much she wanted to share a dance with you! And, I was just telling her how great of a dancer you were with my guidance, so why don't you two enjoy yourselves?" she smirked with a slightly mischievous grin.
Robin swallowed his last morsel of cake rather roughly when the subject of him and Nowi dancing together sprang up. This was the perfect time for him to tell her how he felt about her! Robin tried to hide an eager smile, albeit poorly, as he extended his right hand to Nowi. "I'd be honored to dance with you tonight, Nowi."
The Manakete's face lit up with a shade pf deep pink and a gentle smile as she place her right hand in his. "Alright, I'm not very skilled at it, but I think I'll be okay for a quick dance." The two walked onto the dance floor, hand-in-hand and joined the party. Maribelle looked on with pride at finally getting Nowi to be with Robin for a little while. For now, she was without a partner herself... until she spotted Gaius stuffing his face.
"You there! Gaius!" she called, which prompted the sweet-toothed thief to look up from his plate with his cheeks filled. "You shall have the honor of being my dance partner tonight!" she demanded. Gaius swallowed his large amount of cake and turned away in defiance.
"Yeah, sorry Twinkles, I'm just fine here by this tasty ca-"
"It wasn't a request." Maribelle said sternly, cutting him off by dragging him onto the dance floor by his collar.
The night was coming to and end and a few guests had already left. Some still stayed and slow-danced with their partners. Not the least of which was Robin and Nowi, who looked right at home with each other. Nowi rested her head on his shoulder, breathing in his fragrance. The same one that she identified him with weeks ago and the one that adorned his familiar black coat. She could feel Robin's heart beating against her chest, almost as if he were nervous about something.
"Hey, Robin, you okay?" she finally asked.
Robin was still battling on whether or not to tell Nowi about his feelings for her. It seemed like the perfect moment; romantic dancing, the closeness between them, and the beautiful night this all took place in. The entire time the two slow danced, Robin's gaze had been towards the ceiling, always thinking of when to tell her.
"Robin?" Nowi asked again, taking her head from it's resting place. Robin finally snapped back to reality and focused his gaze onto Nowi's amethyst eyes.
"Sorry. I've been thinking about something really important." he said.
"I can tell. Your heart's been beating against my chest for the past few minutes. I've been wondering whether you'd speak up or pass out." she joked.
Robin blushed in embarrassment. It was just like Panne once said to him; that a heart always betrays it's owner. He tried to seem calm and collected, but he burned to tell Nowi how he felt. He took a deep breath for what he was about to say.
"Okay. Nowi, the truth is I have something very important... to tell you." he said.
"Me...?"
"Yes. I've been discovering things about myself lately and, some parts of me are unsure, but I have kept something bottled up for a little while and I just have to say it." he said, squeezing his eyes shut at what he was about to say.
Nowi looked up at his strained expression. Her pointed ears perked up as if to take in what he was going to say. Maybe he would say that he loved her as much as she grew to love him? She could only hope...
"Nowi... what i want to say is that I-"
Just before he finished Chrom walked up to the couple. "Robin, sorry to interrupt you but I have something important to tell you and the other Shepherds. Do you have a moment?" he asked.
Robin looked to Chrom then Nowi, then back to Chrom. He was confused on what to do and the moment was practically shattered into more pieces than an overused Glass Axe.
"Wow, I guess a lot of people have something important to say, huh?" Nowi said, letting go of Robin. "Don't worry, you can tell me later. If Chrom has something to say, it's probably in our best interest to listen." she said.
Robin's heart was practically screaming at the incredibly poor timing. "Yeah... Sure..." he responded, his face almost drooping. The two followed Chrom out of the dance hall back into the grand hall where the rest of the Shepherds were. Everyone stood at attention while Chrom and Sumia stood in front of them.
"Everyone, thank you for making it to our wedding. It means so much that every single one of you could be here. I've called you all here for one quick announcement."
"Is there anymore cake?" Gaius asked before a loud slap was heard. "Ow! What's the deal, Twinkles!?"
Chrom scratched his forehead after the display. "Right... As I was saying; I have an important announcement. Shortly after our ordeal with Plegia this past month, Sumia and I have given it some serious consideration, and we have decided that, while every one of you were important in bringing victory to Ylisse, one man was at the helm of our ship."
Everyone instictively looked at Robin, who stood surprised. He looked to his left and right, wondering why Chrom made such a point of acknowledging him.
"Robin, you have done everything asked of you, but never asked for anything. And so, tomorrow evening, a very special ceremony will be held in your honor. I will not tell you now what the significance of it is, but I hope that you all will be back here to witness it. I promise you, this is no small thing that I've prepared. With that, I bid you all good night and farewell and hope to see you all soon."
With the announcement over and done with, everyone decided to call it a night and said their good byes to one another. Robin sought out Nowi, to try and salvage what courage he had left to tell her what he wanted to say before. The moment wouldn't be the same as before, but he just had to say it now or he may never be able to.
"Nowi, there you are. So, that thing I wanted to tell you." He stated.
"Don't worry about it, you can tell me tomorrow. I'm pretty beat now." she said.
"T-Tomorrow? Well... see, it's really important and I thought I should tell you now..."
"I'm sorry, but you can tell me after that big ceremony tomorrow, okay? I promise, you'll have my full, undivided attention!"
Robin sighed in defeat. It was no point in telling her if he would just force it like this. "Alright. You win, but remember, undivided attention. I'll hold you to it." he said.
"Don't worry, I never break a promise!" she said. "Well, good night then... and thanks for the dance." Nowi, out of instinct leaned forward and gave Robin a gentle kiss on his cheek, an action that caught them both off guard. Both of them stared wide-eyed at each other. Robin with a hand on the spot where she kissed him, and Nowi with her hands over her mouth, both not believing what had just happened.
"I-I'm sorry, I've gotta go!" she said running off to join Maribelle.
Robin stood in place, with his hand still fixed on where Nowi's lips touched him. He still couldn't believe it. What's more, neither of them were embarrassed by this. When they first embraced each other, neither of them could stop blushing, and now here they were, dancing with each other as if it was nothing and now not batting an eye when Nowi had placed her first kiss upon him. Deep down, Robin knew. He knew Nowi shared the same feelings he had for her, and he couldn't help but smile at this fact. He had no more doubts anymore, it was absolute; he was in love with Nowi. Not as a friend, but as a woman. It didn't matter if she was centuries older than he was, or that she was a different species entirely, Nowi was the one who he felt safe around, one who made him happy. One who he wanted to see next to him every morning and hold next to him every night. Just as Chrom told him days before, he answered 'yes' to every one of those questions without hesitation. All that was left was to finally confess it.
That night, Robin walked back to the inn he stayed at and thought only about Nowi on his way there. He stared up to the stars and walked with an excitable gait that almost made it look like he was dancing.
A/N: Oh snap. Can't believe this took over a week to do... Actually it took about two days. I just lost motivation because this was a ChromxSumia-centric chapter and no lovey-dovey RobinxNowi stuff. Rest assured though that I should be updating the story a bit faster now that this big chapter is out of the way.