Chapter Fourteen
The sun's crisp, golden rays had scarcely dipped below the fortress of the western mountains when the night's first breath of life quietly prompted Requiem's ceased heartbeat to dance once more. Energy crackled like electricity through his veins as his lungs expanded, welcoming yet another first breath. Post dusk's essence greeted the hunter with playful comradery as he burst forth from his earthen sanctuary. Moonlight bathed the primitive healing cavern, casting her gentle, glowing caress upon the flower petal cheek of the lifeless beauty by her lover's protective embrace. Deep, rich soil lay nestled in her tousled mane of ebony, raven, midnight and blue. Careful, cautious fingers searched the entirety of her bare skin for even the faintest traces of injury or scar tissue. Satisfied with the results of his meticulous workings, he gathered the remaining energy he had locked away deep, converting it to a white healing light to purge his flesh of what remnants of injury the soil had left behind. Determined, he rid himself of the small wounds so as to be at his best for what was to come.
"Awake little one." he smiled against her delicate skin. "Wake up my beautiful bride."
Sakura stirred languishly, leisurely stretching away slumber's receding hold as life steadily welcomed back its nightly daughter.
"Mmmmm sundown?" she murmured, slightly disoriented as she rubbed the sleep from her almond shaped eyes.
"It is my love and this night could not have come any sooner."
Nodding lazily and without much comprehension, Sakura drifted away on her own dream-filled tangent before reality was upon her like a bucket of cold water and she sat up straight and sudden with the realization.
"Sakura? Sakura sÃvamet, what's wrong?" her lifemate demanded with concern.
"I'm not supposed to be here! I was supposed to stay with Raven and Natalya and . . and . . . You're not supposed to see me 'til like midnight! Tony said it's bad luck!"
"Worse luck would be risking another attack on my lifemate. Have you no recollection at all?"
"Still . . . I don't want to remember it Requiem. I don't want to think about it at all. I need to be there. I need something else to do and think about. I have to get ready too. I don't even know what Savannah's done with my dress." Sakura sighed.
"Alright baby. I shall escort you to the prince's house now before I tend to my own affairs."
"You know, this would be so much easier if you would teach me how to fly on my own."
"Not on your life Sakura," he growled deeply, "not on your life or our child's. I will not risk it at any cost."
"Well I just thought . . ."
"Woman, you have to stop thinking. Every time an idea forms in that mind of yours . . . I can only imagine the heart attacks on my receiving end. You have no head for your own care at all do you?"
XxX
"Requiem! Will you stop it?" Dimitri snapped at the anxious groom.
"You'll pace yourself right into the bedrock if you do not stand still." Gregori mused.
"Well where are they?" Requiem demanded as he violently shook his hands to relieve his frayed nerves. "What if something has happened to our women?"
The Del La Cruz brothers had, at Vikirnoff's prompting, made an appearance. Although merely acquaintances, Requiem had become rather fond of the clan and from what chance meetings had allowed, a pleasant understanding developed between the men. Colby, Rafael's lifemate had also had a sizable amount of bonding time with Sakura through Natalya. Both brothers' were awaiting there pending wedding dates, which had started to become a popular trend amidst the Carpathian people.
Nudging his brother in the ribs, Riordan, one of the Del La Cruz hunters, whispered "if this is what a wedding is like are you certain you truly wish to are able to go through with your own?"
"Of course, I'm certain. We are talking about Colby vowing eternal obedience to me, that alone is worth all his pain." Raphael smirked, watching with amusement, the shaken Requiem pace restlessly.
"We are early yet. The women should arrive shortly." Mikhail assured the hunters.
"How are you so calm?" Requiem grumbled begrudgingly. He had never felt so insanely out of control and it angered him to no end that he, a trained, seasoned warrior, would shake like a frail, dead leaf caught in the autumn wind in anticipation of the arrival of a single woman. His woman. She was his confidence now but without her at his side, at that moment, he was lost.
"I'm the wedding officiate my friend," the prince reminded him, "I am supposed to be calm. I'm also not the one who is getting married. I will make sure everything runs smoothly."
Smoothly. There had barely been a day in Requiem's life that had run its natural course with smooth ease, less so with his mind so with his mind so occupied by Sakura.
The hunter sighed, letting his head fall back to watch the crystal glow of starlight twinkle in excitement high above him in heaven's arms. Cheerful, encouraging smiles greeted his upturned face in a chorus of pending rapture. The wind swayed about him, teasing his every sense sizzle to life as his wait was prolonged. The earth moved and coursed through his veins, guiding him with a calming strength he knew not to be in existence. He was not surrounded by his friends and fellow hunters, but by the very powers of the universe that had swept Sakura into his heart and arms. Finally, the tremors that had so embarrassingly racked his entire being, ceased as tranquility found the steady beating deep within his chest.
Gently, he smoothed back the stray hairs captured by the wind, into a neat ponytail that flowed majestically down his muscled back. Breathing deeply, he slowly lowered his attentions to the crisp, blood red, wedding tunic he so proudly donned with its billowing sleeves and neck so cleverly cut so as to expose just enough of his chest. With deft hands, he carefully adjusted the jet black sash about his waist, smoothing it over his beautifully tailored trousers which tucked perfectly into new boots he had had fashioned especially for the occasion that folded smartly below his knees. Black as night from the waist down, the glint of silver at his hip shone more brilliantly, showcasing the gleaming handle of his trusted sword. Despite being unaccustomed to wearing such finery, the entire outfit felt surprisingly comfortable and familiar which aided in easing anxiety's tension.
His attention shifted to the moonlit forest clearing at his back as the soft winds running soothingly through his hair died down as if the night had been holding its breath and had suddenly gasped in awe. There, standing on the edge of the clearing, shining brilliantly as the sun would have through it gilded gates; stood Sakura. Gone was his vision to all else who were gradually trickling into their prearranged positions in to circle only his bride could his eyes behold. His chest swelled with pride as his heart beat wildly against its solid confinements and his eyes warmed with joyful tears.
Shards of crystal moonlight like a shattered chandelier settled softly into the flow of the bride's gently wind-blown hair. Only upon second glance did he notice how sections of it had been sectioned off and delicately braided and woven around an intricate circlet of gold and silver, another of Byron's creations. As of late, Byron had finally took it upon himself to be true to his gift as a gem caller and had in that calling found it within himself to accept forgiveness. Antoinetta had seen to that and with the head of a true businesswoman, had persuaded him into the jewelry crafting trade.
The satiny fabric of Sakura's gown glowed by her natural spotlight and flowed like water with the gentle breeze. The blood red of Requiem's tunic matched her elegant outfit to perfection. Its shapeless bodice tightly clung to her delicate form accentuating her slight build and delectable curves. Leaves of gold and silver had been embroidered as exquisite adornment, daintily decorating the bodice, and a think band from where the cloth began and ended. The skirt flowed full and long, hemmed with identical bands of embroidery, following the ground length front and length of the train behind. With her shoulders bare, bands of gold that clung to her forearms allowed for semi transparent sleeves of blood red gauze to fall about the bride, partially attaching to the back of her dress so that some material flowed behind her, covering her dress with the illusion of wings while the rest danced and tumbled at will. At her throat, Byron had fashioned a choker, mimicking the design of her engagement ring, to sit at the hollow in the flesh. The garnet bead shone brilliantly amidst an intricate weave of precious metal.
Requiem's breath was caught in his throat as his lifemate glided towards him, a vision of elegance and grace but more importantly, the embodiment of his every wish come true. Her attendants and all else faded to a blurry mist that moved towards him at a painfully slow pace. More than a few of the guest remained adamantly opposed to the union but their discontented murmurs failed to reach the ears of the groom as a thousand sounds of joy rang loud and clear for only him. Skyler and Colby scattered crimson rose petals before the bride and her maids: Natalya and Savannah.
Mikhail and Byron, as Requiem's men, watched their enchanted friend, almost at the ready to prevent him from running to her directly. Requiem longed to feel her in his arms, to hold her to complete the perfection of the moment rather than stand on ceremony. A flat bolder at the base of a great tree in the clearing's centre served as an alter, where, the awaiting rings and handfasting ribbons were displayed ad illuminated in the moonlight.
The prince smiled warmly as the bridal procession glided into position and the guests followed suit.
"We come together here in this place between earth and Heaven, to join these two in holy union, a bond of eternity, the bond of lifemates as husband and wife." Mikhail began solemnly. "You who have come before us today: Do ye walk the paths of moon and sun?"
Requiem took Sakura's small hand in his as his unshaken voice spoke clear and strong for all those present to hear. "I walk the paths of the moon, around the turn of each thirteen months as she waxes and wanes and becomes new again, and her path leads me again and again to my beloved, my lifemate, my Sakura. I walk the darkness as a hunter by night but forever shall my allegiance be to Sakura."
A wave of unspoken approval rippled through the onlookers as the prince nodded encouragingly to the bride. She took a deep breath, biting her lower lip before allowing her response to be heard. "I have walked the paths of the sun, around the wheel of the year as he rises and fades is reborn and his path would have led me again and again to my beloved had I not chosen to follow him into the night to be the light to his darkness, the darkness of my lifemate, my Requiem."
"All life is a circle, and it revolves between the circle of the stars above and the circle of these trees below. You are at an important part in the circles of your lives; from here on you will spiral together below those same stars and around those same trees." Mikhail's smiling eyes met those of the couple before him. "These trees are the life force of these mountains, will you take that strength into you?"
"We will be strong in our faith, our wills and our love." Requiem squeezed Sakura's hand, smiling down at her as he watched her eyes dance and sparkle with the joy they both shared. Within her, Sakura could feel her daughter's happiness adding to hers and Requiem's.
"As a people of these trees and these mountains will you the family and friends of this couple take the strength of their love into you to love and support them along their journey?" the prince directed the question at the circle.
"Their people will share their strength." Despite any concerns anyone had regarding Requiem and Sakura, nothing was voiced during the ceremony out of respect.
Mikhail continued. ""The ivy and vine twines up the tree like a lover's embrace; it does not feed from it, as its roots are in the ground, but relies on it for support. Will you support each other?"
"We will hold each other up in time of trial." the couple replied.
"Your people will share your strength and be your support as you have vowed to be for each other." Reaching behind him to the alter Mikhail and gingerly cupped a delicate plant in his hands before turning to face the people once more. "The mistletoe, sacred, plant, cannot survive on its own but is fed and succored by the tree. It is like your love, which cannot exist without your love and care. Will you care for your lifemate with affection, trust and hope?"
"We will nourish each other's souls."
"As a part of the Carpathian race we are sustained by blood. Blood is the essence of life, the life that you will now share. By blood you will be joined to share one body, one mind, one soul. Will you be joined in this unbreakable bond to share one life, one love?"
Sakura glanced at Requiem nervously as he pulled her into the safety of his body for reassurance. He smiled down at her before turning to face his people. His fingernail extended enabling him to tear a sizable gnash in his wrist. Blood sprinted eagerly to the torn flesh and he held the offering to Sakura's lips. "Blood of my blood, I bind you to be as I pledge my heart and my soul to your safe keeping." His voice was barely audible to the onlookers as his words were obviously intended for only one. His eyes closed as his head tilted back from the ecstasy of her tongue accepting his offering and healing his flesh as surely as her presence healed his soul.
"Blood of my blood, I bind you to be as I pledge my heart and my soul to your safe keeping. Sakura stated proudly as she too offered her blood.
"You are bound, hearts pumping the red salt ocean of your bodies together. You are sealed together in love. You will defy and embrace life and death together. You will taste joy on each other's lips and eat ecstasy from each other's bodies. Pledged by blood do so now in words." Mikhail indicated for the groom to step forward to state his vows.
"Sakura," Requiem began a little breathlessly from emotional build up and nerves, "I was never a poet of beautiful words or anything of the likes. I was born a warrior for my peoples and as such the binding words that tie me to my lifemate have been imprinted upon my heart since I came into existence. I have nothing else to offer you but these words that come from the very depths of my soul. Te avio palafertiilam.
Entolam kuulua, avio kuuluak, kacad, kojed. Elidamet andam. Sivamet kuuluak kaik etta a olenszal elidet ainaak pide minam. Te avio palafertiilam. Ainaak sivamet jutta oleny. Ainaak terad vigyazak."
He could see the tears welling up in his bride's clear eyes as the sincerity of his words took root in her soul. He meant every word with all that he was.
Sakura smile brightly up at the man she so deeply adored. "Requiem, I give unto your hands all I am and all that I have. I shall never need anything more than that which your heart and soul provide me. Through any hardship the years may bring I will be at your side to be the one you always turn to. To love and care for you in all that I do. Come what may, you need never yearn for I shall be everything you shall ever need." She paused slightly, smiling shyly through he dark lashes. "I love you baby. My lord, I am thine."
Requiem blinked back tears as he kissed her hand and knelt before her, placing his weathered sword at her feet. "My Beloved, My Lady of Angels, my sword and my sword arm are at your service to fight for your honour."
Without hesitation, Sakura bid her warrior to rise to his feet once more, returning his sword with her hands on his. "My Beloved, My Lord, I accept your protection and your honour and may your fight be for us and our life together."
Several of the men nodded in approval that Sakura had accepted Requiem's protection and had not, as they have feared, declared to fight at his side. Despite her display of obvious courage, it was the prevailing belief that the women should be protected and kept away from harm. Much controversy already surrounded the two before the alter and there was no need to stir up more unease.
"Do you think this was the right thing for them? That she is old enough?" Savannah wondered aloud to her mother.
"There are certain elements of the modern world and the duty to our people we have to come to accept. This is one of them. What is done cannot be undone and they are so happy together." Raven mused, well aware that several other, elder Carpathian females were listening attentively to her reply.
Gathering a pile of ribbons Mikhail drew the couple's attention to him. "I bid you look into each other's eyes," he said. "You are bound together by these six cords. To share each other's pain. To seek the brightness in life and positive in each other. To share each burden. To share dreams, hopes and realities. To take the heat of anger and use it to temper the strength of this union. To never give cause to break this honour." Tying the ribbons together he continued, "and so the binding is made. The knots of binding are not formed by these ribbons but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the cords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking this union."
Holding the mistletoe above the couple, the prince nodded to the groom. Requiem swept Sakura into his arms, his lips meeting hers with passion, urgency and pure joy. He cradled her face to his as their tears of elation mingled and blessed each other's cheeks. The crowd applauded while Sakura's bride's maids threw rose petals upon the newly wed couple.
But all was not well on that joyous night. Before Mikhail could officially introduce the couple, the heavens darkened and were overthrown by dark foreboding clouds. The gentle breeze was transformed into harsh gale winds as a dark force descended upon the clearing and screaming, Sakura, Savannah and Raven dropped to their knees.