Chapter 26

Things had been going relatively swimmingly over the past few months. Right after Cailin had left things had been a little rocky, but they got better. Slowly. Raleigh and Varien had both been rather affected by her abrupt disappearance, but I understood. She needed to work things out for herself, and this really wasn't the best environment for that—especially after all that she had been through with my brother. One night, almost a month after she had left he had come to me and told me the whole story, about how they used to meet in the tower. I almost felt as if I was violating their privacy, since he was telling me of his own free will though I supposed that was slightly foolish of me.

Varien hadn't truly been himself since, not that he has been himself in a long time I suppose. But in the last few months he had been busying himself with a project he would not let me in on. Braith seemed to have some idea what was going on but he was just as secretive about it. I guess it just made me more focused on my own endeavours.

Raleigh and I were going to be married.

It had been decided long ago that in order to improve relations that it was a good plan. Our people would then see that there was a united front between the two kingdoms. Besides it wasn't as if I objected to the match. In fact I was quite pleased. I loved Raleigh, I had for some time, and now I could admit it whole heartedly and openly. Just as he could.

We had been working on the arrangements for a while now and our wedding day was finally here.

Varien had been away the last few days, he had told me he had been working on a gift for Raleigh and I so I kind of had to forgive him when he showed up only hours before, covered in mud. My mother was helping me get ready at the time while Paulette took care of Cara.

It was to be a traditional ceremony however because of the absence of any of Raleigh's relatives things were going to be a little difficult in that respect. Hence Kell, whom was the closest thing he had to family in Trevallyn, would take up the familial obligations.

The ceremony was to take place in the same hall where Varien was to be married to Shae—whom had been tried for treason. She and her brother had been found guilty and the impending marriage was stricken from public memory. Surely our marriage would go more smoothly. While I was waiting outside I could see Raleigh standing at the front of the room, there was so much love in his eyes. I knew that he would have been thrilled to have his sister there but we had not been able to locate her, so regretfully that wasn't possible. In all honesty I would have asked her to come down the aisle with me. I could have really used her help with all of this.

The music was beautiful. The room was beautiful. Everything was beautiful.

Because of father's passing Braith walked me down the aisle, Varien was already at the front with Raleigh. Once Braith had taken his seat the priest welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending the joyous occasion. "For today we join together these two individuals. Raleigh Lonargain, King of Wyldt, and Leryn Illysium, Princess and General-"

"Former General." I corrected, glancing at Raleigh—we both smiled. We would be leaving in the next few days and I had passed on my duties to Braith.

"Former General of Trevallyn." The priest smiled at me then continued, "We will now have Edom, brother of the bride, read a poem." It was wonderful. I was very proud of Edom as he had edited an existing poem to fit more accurately. We weren't entirely conventional by any degree. We drank from a crystal goblet as he finished, and then said our vows.

"Raleigh, its hard to think just how special you are to me. There has hardly been a day where I have been parted from you since we have met, and each day I have come to love you more. I am happy that I will get to spend the rest of my life with you, because there is nowhere else I would rather be than by your side."

"Leryn, you have always had faith in me, even when I had little of my own. You were one of the only things that gave me hope. I want you to be able to still have faith in me. I love you. I always will. I will always be here for you, just like you have been here for me. I promise."

I couldn't help but smile, and neither could he. We were both just so happy.

The priest continued then, "Who gives this woman to be wed?"

My mother and Varien both spoke, giving their names and association with me as their right to give me away.

"And who gives this man to be wed?"

I expected to hear Kell respond but another voice spoke up, "I, Cailin Illysium, Queen of Trevallyn, give my brother to be wed."

I instantly turned around, to see Cailin, a little better for wear and dawning the most extravagant thing I had ever seen her wear. Raleigh must have been just as happy because he raced over to her and gave her a large hug. I would have done the same however it was immensely difficult to move in my dress—especially since I was kneeling.

"Where have you been?" he demanded of his sister, however she seemed to have a different idea.

"I think you have other things to be worrying about at this moment." she pointed at me, but I couldn't help but laugh.

"I would be right there with him if I could, but unfortunately I can't really get up on my own right now."

Cailin nodded as Raleigh gave her another hug and ran back up to the alter, "Sorry."

Shaking my head I forgave him.

"Then by the power invested in me I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride." Raleigh hugged me tightly as we experienced our first kiss as husband and wife. It was just as tender as our first one had been, and so full of joy and love. "May I present to you, Raleigh and Leryn Lonargain, King and Queen of Wyldt."

That night there was a large feast at which point Raleigh and I had the opportunity to finally catch up with Cailin. She had been living in a rural town just outside the old capital of Wyldt. Apparently they people were doing well, which Raleigh was glad to hear as he had only been back sporadically over the past year. She caught him up on all manners of the goings on and we chatted happily about the happiness she had found there. She was going to miss it now that she was to remain in Trevallyn. It was a little odd to think that she and Varien were already married however it was not as if it was hard for me to believe.

Dinner had just finished when Varien clinked his glass and got to his feet, clearly desiring to make an announcement. "I would like to thank each of you for the support you are offering my sister and my brother-in-law. I would like to offer you something that I have been working very hard on over the past months and thank those of you whom have helped me keep it a secret. As we all know the castle of Wyldt was destroyed last year by Tsadran Golgern's forces, it is because of this act that our two families were brought together. However over the past few months a number of us have endeavoured to rebuild the castle. It is my gift to you, in hopes that you will forgive the trespasses that were done in the name of Trevallyn."

"There is nothing to forgive. Thank you." Raleigh said with a smile. At that moment I couldn't have been happier as the nobles and the rest of my family departed, leaving Raleigh and I alone.

There was only one thing that I could think to say to him, only one thing that could convey how happy I was, "We're going home." And we were, for where ever he was would be home for me, just as where I was would be home for him. I had never been to Wyldt, not really, I had barely even crossed the border when Varien and I used to play those childish games. My role was different now as well, and it was time to take up my position as such.

It was on to my next great adventure, with Raleigh by my side in Wyldt, and Cailin by Varien's in Trevallyn. Let's just say relations certainly were looking up.

Well, it appears the Silence has come to an end. We hope you have enjoyed and appreciate all of the support we have been offered through out the year. Please review!

- Dali and Carys