Rifiuto: Non Miriena
A/N: The pastor's speech and everything up until and after Elphaba and Fiyero's vows are from KMG.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, in this place of natural beauty to be joyful, in celebration of the relationship of Elphaba and Fiyero. This is a special time of celebration that Elphaba and Fiyero will long remember, and because of this, they are thankful you are here to share their joy. From the dawn of human history, it has been customary for the community to place its seal of approval upon the union of two persons in marriage. If these solemn vows that they are about to make are kept faithfully, God will bless their marriage. It is one of life's richest surprises when the accidental meeting of two life paths lead them to proceed together along the common path as husband and wife. It is one of life's finest experiences when a casual relationship grows into a permanent bond of love. This meeting and this growth bring us together today." Elphaba glanced at Fiyero, and they shared a smile, gently squeezing hands.
"The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God. It is fitting to speak briefly about love. We live in a world of joy and fear and search for meaning and strength in the seeming disorder. We discover the truest guideline to our quest when we realize love in all its magnitudes. Love is the eternal force of life. Love is the force that allows us to face fear and uncertainty with courage. But, you must "be of love a little more careful than of anything." For the giving of yourself in love is difficult: you must learn to give of your love without total submission of yourself. Therefore, in your giving, give your joy, your sadness, your interest, your understanding, and your knowledge–all expressions that make up life. But in this giving, remember to preserve yourself–your integrity, your individuality. This is the challenge of love within marriage."
The pastor then turned to the couple.
"If there is anyone who objects to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace."
Elphaba looked around, fear flashing in her eyes.
Nothing.
She had nothing to be worried about, but still...
"Well, seeing as no one here objects, shall we continue?" Elphaba and Fiyero nodded.
"Fiyero, do you take this woman, Elphaba, to be your wife, according to God's holy decree; do you promise to be her loving and loyal husband, to cherish and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, to be faithful only to her as long as you both shall live?"
Fiyero nodded, smiling at his childhood sweetheart.
"I do."
Then the pastor turned to Elphaba.
"Elphaba, do you take this man, Fiyero, to be your husband, according to God's holy decree; do you promise to be his loving and loyal wife, to cherish and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, to be faithful only to him as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
He nodded.
"Now, at this time, Fiyero and Elphaba have prepared their own vows for the ceremony." He nodded to Fiyero to begin. Taking a deep breath, Fiyero turned to Elphaba, and squeezed her hand lightly, reassuringly.
"Elphaba, you've been my childhood sweetheart, my best friend for years. We grew up together, and when we lost each other, I thought I'd lost you forever. So when I discovered we were working together, I thought I was dreaming. It seemed too good to be true. And... so I tried to get your attention. I... left you little notes and... after the notes... I left... cups of coffee and bagels... roses and..."
As he talked, Elphaba's jaw dropped in surprise.
'You?' She mouthed. He nodded.
"And then the dress. The dress you wore on opening night... the dress you wore on the night we got engaged... I knew you then, and I know you now. You make me the happiest man in the world, and I want to make sure I make you the happiest woman. And I'm going to do everything I can, to make sure you're happy. I promise."
The pastor turned to her.
"Elphaba?"
The shock of Fiyero's admission still on her face, she leaned over, capturing his lips in a quick kiss.
"Why didn't you tell me?" She asked softly. He chuckled gently.
"I thought you'd figure it out."
"Oh Oz." Tears sliding down her cheeks, she started on her vows.
"Fiyero, I love you with my whole heart and soul, and while I love that you tell me everything, there are some things I wish you had told me sooner." She burst out laughing through her tears, and reached up to wipe them away. The audience joined in the laughter, before Elphaba continued. "If only I'd known, but... I spent so much time hiding from love, that I didn't realize my true love was in front of me... and leaving little gifts..."
She bit her lip, thinking, before speaking.
"What I'm trying to say, Yero my Hero, is that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to give you children and... as crazy as this sounds, I want more little notes and gifts and surprises, because they make my life memorable. And it's always been memorable with you. And I hope it always will be."
"Do we have the rings?"
There was silence, as Fiyero's best man pulled the rings from his pocket.
"The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows Fiyero and Elphaba have made to one another. Bless O God these rings, that Elphaba and Fiyero, who give them, and who wear them, may ever abide in thy peace. Living together in unity, love and happiness for the rest of their lives."
He handed Fiyero the ring.
"Elphaba, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, With this ring, I thee wed."
Gently, he slipped the small gold band on Elphaba's finger. She let out a tear filled gasp, giving him a watery smile, and then took the ring from the pastor, before turning to Fiyero.
"Fiyero, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, With this ring, I thee wed."
When they had exchanged rings, the pastor spoke.
"In as much as you have each pledged to the other your lifelong commitment, love and devotion, I now pronounce you husband and wife, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss-
Once he was told he could kiss her, Fiyero gathered her into his arms, and kissed her deeply.
"- the bride!"
Laughter and cheers erupted from the crowd as the two locked in a passionate embrace that deepened over time.