Prompter: annexmachina

Prompt: Haven't seen any CyberMedic in while, so ... maybe a wedding day fic?

Originally posted: 28 October 2015

Notes: 1318 words; involved me pounding out a definitive ceremony process for the 'verse (though results may vary regionally, as I see fit 8D); I used more formal language when referring to Daniel and Martha here since it is their wedding day; remember pls that Daniel clearly has a type (kind, intelligent, sarcastic, in-charge, and 5'2"); hurray Daniel gets a happy fucking ending because happy endings in Who tend to be tough to come by (and jury is still out on whether Martha was sort of shoved off on Mickey or if it's legit (sorry Mickey))

The entire barony of Coal-on-the-Hill was buzzing with excitement; after two generations of stewards managing their affairs, not only did they have a liege lord again, but there was to be a wedding for him as well. Banners and streamers of deep-moss green and black decorated Hill House and the nearby town, ensuring the enthusiasm of all but one.

"I don't like it," the Baron frowned. He adjusted the golden clasps on his cape, black like his jacket and trousers, while his shirt and cape lining were the same dark green. The war-finery hanging from his belt was new; the sword and knife untouched by blood and the pistol never fired. "Why can't I just use the traditional colors of Gloucester? The people have accepted everything else about me."

"…because this is a chance to show that you've truly accepted them, just as they have with you," the Marquis glowered. He was becoming impatient as the two of them were shunted off to a tent to await the start of the ceremony, the older man there to perform the Baron's deceased father's duty. "I know it's ugly, but they're the traditional colors of the area: green for the hills and…"

"…and black for the mined coal, I know. Just, it's going to be depressing seeing Martha in a black dress on her wedding day. It's like a bleeding wake."

"It's tradition, Daniel, and a tradition that doesn't hurt to continue."

"Clara wore blood-orange at your wedding," the Baron noted.

"Yes, and the ceremony was in the capital; when my children marry, they will need to keep a very intense blue in mind, not to mention I give my daughters to the platform and not my son," the Marquis argued in exasperation. "Inheriting power means you don't get a very wide choice in many things, your wedding preparations included. I would think you would be used to that by now."

"Milords? Are you both ready?" a servant asked, poking his head inside the tent flap.

"I am if your master is," the Marquis said.

"Yes," the Baron affirmed. The two men followed the servant out the tent and over towards the wedding platform. They were made to stand side-by-side in an alcove of screens, shut off to the world in all directions but forward. Most of the town, as well as the Hill House servants, were sitting in attendance, along with his new in-laws and the few members of the nobility who bothered with attending. The Baron squinted as he tried to identify them: there was the Marchioness Kasterborous and Gallifrey, holding her year-old son in her arms, next to the Earl and Earlessa of Braxos. The baron of the neighboring Shoreditch was there was well, looking worse for wear; he was likely there merely because the former Barons Coal-on-the-Hill were his cousins and didn't want to seem disrespectful…

"Daniel, stand straight—you're leaning," the Marquis hissed. Sure enough, he was leaning forward as he was attempting to scanned the crowd. He straightened and soon Astra came bouncing around the corner of the platform and up to the men, a basket of red and yellow flower petals in her hand and grinning excitedly.

"Papa! Sir Daniel! It's almost time to start!" she squealed.

"That it is; I wonder what the reward should be for you and your sisters for letting me borrow almost your whole family," the Baron chuckled.

"No homework!" she cheered. Her tutor held a finger to his lips as the music started and their cue approached.

"Alright starlet, just like we practiced yesterday," the Marquis murmured. Astra began walking, trying to keep her back straight and gait even so that she didn't spill the petals. Her father and tutor hooked arms and followed her around the platform to the side steps, ascending to the top directly across from the bride and her mother.

The moment the Baron saw his wife, there was little else that was capable of catching his attention. Her dress was emerald green, though covered in an intricate design of black lace, and the bouquet in her hands held blossoms of Gallifreyan orchids. He barely registered that the Marquis took his hand to pass to the bride, nor that the two that offered the wedding participants went down the front of the platform together. All he knew was that the future Baroness Coal-on-the-Hill was before him and she was lovely.

"Be careful, or I might need to preform emergency medical care to make sure I'm not a widow on my wedding day," she smirked, looking up into his face. How high were her heels? High enough to make the top of her head brush past his chin, that was for certain.

"I'll be fine; it's our lord neighbor you have to worry about, since it looks like he got to the whisky before breakfast," he said quietly. He dropped his voice even lower, making sure she was the only one who heard. "Are you sure this is what you want? We can still run off here and find the next nearest town with a free platform."

"No—we are here, so you're stuck," she replied. The two giggled quietly as the magistrate went through his opening monologue, droning on while those in the audience waited out his drab speech.

"Now it is time for the vows," the magistrate announced. He nodded towards the Baron, who went down on his knees, still holding his bride's hands in his.

"I, Rupert Daniel Pink, Baron of Coal-on-the-Hill, pledge myself to thee, Physician Martha Samantha Jones," he said, loud and clear for all to hear. "To have and hold; to strengthen our bonds and those of the kingdom; to protect and serve until one of us breathes their last." When he was finished, he kissed her knuckles reverently. Astra appeared at his side to lend her shoulder as a brace to help him up, having long known that he wasn't the best at getting up from both knees at once.

Then it was the bride's turn to kneel in imitation of the groom. "I, Martha Samantha Jones, Physician of the Kasterborsian Border Forces, pledge myself to thee, Rupert Daniel Pink; to aid the kingdom, Coal-on-the-Hill, and Kasterborous with our counsel; to give to another what we want in return; to nurture, foster, and ensure our issue; to continue on, even when we are no more than names on the breath of elders." She pressed her lips to the metal caps set into his hands and stood.

The magistrate said some words, unheard by the couple, and Lena stepped forward from his side. She held up a small box containing two golden bands, just as simple as their owners wanted them to reflect their humble roots. The Baron took the smaller one and slipped it on his bride's finger, and she did the same for him and the larger band. More unheard words passed by them and towards their audience before the ones they wanted to hear rang out.

"You are now husband and wife; kiss and show the world your love."

The Baron leaned down and kissed his new Baroness, placing a hand to the small of her back as he did so. They both chuckled as their flower bearers and ring-keeper gagged in disgust, loud enough to be heard over the applauding attendants.

"Sir Daniel! Hurry up!" Lena urged. Her tutor used his free hand to pat her on the head and got in another few seconds of kissing before breaking it, breathless.

The ring-keeper rolled her eyes and began to lead the procession down the front of the platform. After her came her sisters, spreading the petals of red, yellow, and blue as they went, and then the newlyweds, arm-in-arm and beaming happily.

"Ready for an endless line of villagers wanting to wish us wealth and luck?" the Baron laughed.

"Of course," the Baroness replied.