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I was stuck on the vows for a while, so I asked my trusted friend, Perfectflyer, for some help. She suggested that Chrom's vows should start with the phrase: "Ophelia, I profess my love to you in the way only a man knows how- through interpretative dance!"

Needless to say, I did not take her advice.

I hope you all enjoy this new chapter. :D

Chapter 11: Chrom

Later that evening, as Ophelia had planned, Luce called upon me. I opened the door after her respectful knock, to find Ophelia's handmaiden in high spirits, her arms laden with clothing.

"Good evening Exalt- she bowed slightly, despite her load- milady is waiting for you. I have brought your clothes for the evening. I'll wait out here and then escort you to the ceremony." Luce explained brightly, handing me the pile of clothes in her arms.

"Thank you," I took the clothes, feeling rather confused. Not wanting to make Luce wait, I hurried into the new clothes without much thought. I found myself wearing a slim suit, fitted with a twin-tailed tuxedo jacket and matching pants. I glanced down at myself; I had assumed this ceremony would be simple and low-key. Before I left, I stowed my exalt ring in my pocket. I reappeared at my door, where Luce was waiting patiently. She bowed, a slight smile on her face, and led me down the hall.

In the farthest recesses of Ylisstol, Luce showed me to the old chapel on site. It had stood abandoned long since my father's death. Occasionally, Emmeryn would use it, but it had presumably not been touched since her death. After Luce opened the door for me, she disappeared. I peeked into the room.

Candles lining the worn windowpanes underneath the dusty stained glass windows gently lit the room. The remaining rays from the setting sun cast a pastel rainbow through the stained glass. The center aisle was covered in pale white petals that led to the delicately decorated alter. Libra stood at the altar, patiently paging through his tome. Libra, in his reverent white robes, blended in with the white drapery that adorned the altar. Pale colored flowers in golden vases were laid out strategically. The warm lighting and light colors soothed the viewer; the atmosphere felt innocent and intimate.

Am I in the right place? I thought. I hesitated before entering. Ophelia had said this would be a small ceremony without decorations or festivities. Yet, the chapel was decorated to match, almost exactly, the decoration plan the Shepherds and I had constructed.

As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I noticed that the front aisles of the chapel were filled with a spattering of people. I strode up the aisle, my footsteps drawing the attention of a few of the attendees. All of the guests were familiar faces; the members of the Shepherds filled the first few pews.

Guests!?

I had not expected anyone to be in attendance. I started to wonder if Ophelia had lost her mind. This was everything she said she did not want. I wondered what convinced her to do this.

Lissa hopped up from her seat by Frederick and hurried to greet me. She threw her arms around my neck and pulled me into a tight and energetic hug. She squealed her congratulations.

"Calm down there, Lissa." I laughed, pulling out of her surprisingly strong grasp.

"Sorry Chrom," her cheeks flushed with joy and embarrassment. Flattening her dress, she added, "You better get up there!" Lissa pushed me forward as she returned to her seat. I climbed onto the altar, greeting Libra. Libra smiled and nodded. After I took my place, Libra lifted his arms for quiet. The voices hushed. The doors in the back of the room creaked open. I stood up straight, a rush of excitement coursed through my veins.

The doors opened fully and a figure appeared at the back. Ophelia's form was slowly illuminated. Her pale rose dress flowed out in a full trumpet skirt. Just above her hips, the dress thinned and tightened around her figure, following her curves with delicate accuracy. The shiny rose fabric flowed into a heart shaped neckline and transitioned into two straps of embroidered flowers that met at a deep point on her back above her waist. An uncontrollable smile spread over my face; a huge bloom of joy and anticipation blossomed in my chest.

Ophelia gazed uneasily in the room for a moment. I saw a look of confusion flash over her face as she glanced around the room, before she regained her composure. I saw her intake of breath before she took a few calculated steps forward. Everyone in the room rose to their feet in honor of her entrance. My heart pounded persistently in my ears; every muscle tensed with anticipation for the moment she would arrive by my side. I caught Ophelia's eyes through her auburn hair; my look soothed the anxiety that had obviously been plaguing her. Her pink lips spread into a smile big enough to match my own. With her eyes locked onto mine, she effortlessly bridged the distance between us. I held out my hand and helped her up the few steps onto the altar; excited energy crackled between our skin. The guests sat down in a single wave of motion and the room was once again silent.

"We call upon the benevolent Naga to oversee this sacrosanct union between our Exalt and his betrothed." Libra said; he voice was soft and put the listener at ease, "It is my duty as the humble follower of Naga to ask those present, if there were any reason this union could be found unholy in our great heavenly guardian's eyes. I ask you to come forward now, if you possess a reason." Libra looked up from his tome, and warily eyed the small crowd of people. After a moment of breathless silence, Libra nodded and continued reading from his holy tomb. Ophelia bit her lip and caught my eye; she let out a stifled giggle. She had obviously been worried about the question and the weight lifted off her and disappeared into her giggles. Libra glanced at her.

"Sorry Libra, this really isn't funny," She tried to stop snickering, "I just expected a horde of people to come flooding through the doors with pitchforks and torches ready to fight this marriage." Libra gave her a perplexed look and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"We can't always be unlucky, can we?" I took her hand in mine. Ophelia shook her head and she smiled broadly.

No, I think this our lucky break.

I nodded to Libra. With a gentle smile to each of us, he continued the ceremony.

"At this time, you will now present each other with rings. These rings are a worldly representation of the connection you have forged; let it be a reminder of your promise to each other." As Libra spoke, Ophelia placed a golden band on my finger; she gave me a quirky smile. I slid my exalt ring onto its rightful place on Ophelia's left hand, beside her engagement ring. I gave Ophelia's hand a squeeze before letting go. The ring reminded me of the beginning of our relationship, of our hardships, but also our power to overcome them. Her green eyes rested on the ring for a moment; her mind working under her auburn hair. When she finally looked back at me, her eyes were full of gratitude. Libra addressed both of us:

"Have you prepared vows for the ceremony?"

"Huh?" We let out a simultaneous interjection of astonishment. Libra chuckled and the other guests added in their own chortles.

"I take that as a no." Libra cooed.

"I don't have any vows written, but I would like to say a few words, nevertheless." Ophelia interjected quickly.

"The floor is yours." Libra spread out his arms before him. Ophelia turned to me and earnestly pulled my hands into hers. She took a deep breath and met my eyes with her customary determination.

"I can't think of many guys who like to pick up strange, amnesiac girls in fields, but you certainly are one of those kinds of people." Ophelia said. I could not help laughing; she gave me a jokingly stern look. Trying not to laugh herself, Ophelia continued, "But that unerring concern for every person, it's what sets you apart from anyone I've ever met. You are unbelievably kind and loyal; I'm not sure how I ended up being the girl you want to be eternally loyal to. Yet, nothing has brought my more joy than knowing I've been given the honor of being yours. And I plan to provide, with equal fervor, the support, love, and protection that you give me. I know I'm not perfect; in fact, I'm rather far from it. I'm selfish and stubborn… But thankfully, I now have you; where I fail, you come through. You're the best of me."

When she smiled her green eyes lit up and I could not help to be dazzled for a moment.

Libra turned to me; it was my turn. I cleared my throat and took a deep breath. I had never been very eloquent, especially around Ophelia. I glanced down at her hands and focused on the sheen of the exalt ring now on her finger. Stroking her finger, I found what to say.

"When I was young, my parents gave me this ring. They told me that, one day, I should give this to the woman I plan to spend the rest of my life with. When I was a child, this sounded simple. My parents never warned me that life was not as straightforward as I expected it to be," I looked up at Ophelia; her cheeks flushed and her concentration was only on me, "Even after I met you, it's wasn't always clear that we'd end up together. To me, it's a miracle that you are standing here today. So many things have tried to keep us apart, but somehow, you always end up coming back to me. It may be selfish, but I am never letting you go again."

Ophelia's eyes glimmered a little, with the hint of tears, but she smiled nonetheless.

With that, we turned to Libra. He addressed us:

"You have created the earthly bounds through the exchange of rings representing your fidelity to each other. You have created the emotional bounds through your loving words. Now, Naga gives her approval, forging a spiritual bond between you. To seal this sacred pact, Chrom, if you would, kiss the bride." Libra closed his tome and gestured towards her.

Feeling a rush, I tenderly pulled Ophelia to me and sealed our marriage. I felt Ophelia smile, she threw her arms around my neck and pulled my tightly against her. A few hoots rose from the crowd and the room erupted with applause.

Holding Ophelia's hand, we stepped off the altar as a married couple.

Thanks for reading!

I do not own Fire Emblem.