"Gods, I feel so exposed."

"What would make you feel like that?"

"I just...can't remember the last time I left the house without my robes. I carry so much in the pockets. Not having them is...really strange." Chrom laughed.

"I'm almost surprised you didn't wear them," he said.

"Well I thought I should try to look decent," I said. "It's an important day."

"Honestly, knowing her, you could probably have showed up in rags and she'd be happy." I shrugged.

"Probably, but I'd never do that. I just feel like I'm about twenty pounds lighter than usual." He laughed again.

"That's not the robes, that's the butterflies in your stomach. Believe me, I felt the same way on my big day." I sighed and conceded the point. I knew I shouldn't be nervous, but I was. I was about to go out in front of a crowd and announce that I would be spending the rest of my likely eternal life with the daughter of one of humanity's chief gods. Even if I knew that there was no reason to worry I was still nervous. I felt my hands twitching so I put them against my legs. It didn't help.

I needed to make sure I looked perfect. I adjusted my collar. I smoothed out a wrinkle in my shirt, then a crease in my ascot. One of my gloves was starting to bunch up at the wrist, so I pulled it back. I straightened my boots and checked to make sure my coattails were even and not folding over.

"How does the cape look?" I asked. "Is it too much? Do you think she'll like it?"

"Do you know her opinion on purple?"

"The purple was her idea."

"Then I'm sure she'll love it. I'm sure she'll love it no matter what you're wearing. I don't think it's your outfit she's focused on." There was a knock on the door of Chrom's office.

"Are you guys ready yet? The crowd's getting pretty big," came Lissa's voice from the other side of the door.

"Almost," I said, "you can come in if you want." The door opened. Lissa looked at me, gasped, put a hand over her mouth, and then hugged me.

"Oh goodness Robin you look so good she's going to love it so much I know you're a handsome guy and all but I've never seen you so dressed up you look so good it almost makes me jealous of her." That finally broke my tension and I started laughing.

"You could never have married me," I said, "I'd drive you too crazy."

"I know, stupid," she said, "I'm just complimenting you. Take it and be quiet." I laughed harder and I heard Chrom start laughing behind me.

"Oh fine," I said.

"I'm so happy for you," she said. "Really. I'm really, really happy for you. You did it. You saved the world. Everything's okay and now you get to marry Tiki and I haven't seen her yet but I bet she looks so beautiful and I know you'll probably start crying when you see her and I know you two are going to be so great together forever and have so many little dragon babies and I just hope you understand how happy I am right now."

"I do," I said. She let go of me and kissed me on the cheek.

"Come on," she said, "you should get out on stage soon." I looked at Chrom. He appeared to be fully dressed and ready to go. He even had Falchion with him, though there was no more reason for him to use it.

"I guess it's time," I said. He grinned at me and extended his hand. I shook it.

"It is. Since we won't get the chance to talk later, I'll say it now. Congratulations, Robin. I hope you have thousands of happy years together."

"Thank you. I'm going to make them as happy for her as I possibly can."

"And you know she'll do the same for you," said Lissa. "Or at least I hope you do. The only thing she's talked about for weeks is how excited she is. I bet she was having to restrain herself from flying around to burn off her excitement." She suddenly hugged me again. "Gods, Robin, I'm so excited this is the best day ever."

"Better than saving the world? And, you know, your own wedding?"

"Oh you know what I mean." I kissed her hair and gave her a squeeze.

"I do. Love you, Lissa," I said more gently.

"Love you too, Robin," she said. She let go of me and ran back out the door. Chrom stepped around me and walked out behind her. He motioned for me to follow. I took a deep breath. I could do it. I knew I could. I was excited. There was no reason to be nervous. Except the expected crowd. That was it. Hundreds or thousands of people all here to see us. That was it. No reason to be nervous.

"Robin, you have to follow me at some point," said Chrom. I realized I hadn't moved.

"R-right." I took a step. With that out of the way further steps became much easier. I ended up right behind Chrom as we walked the corridors towards the front entrance of the palace. Given the identity of the bride there was a great interest in attending this wedding, so we'd been forced to hold it outside. I didn't mind. It was a beautiful day and there was nothing to worry about.

As we turned a corner I saw a brief flash of blue disappear down a side passage. Chrom didn't react to it so I didn't think he'd noticed. As we reached the side passage I stopped.

"Give me one second," I said. "Go on ahead."

"Not getting cold feet, are you?" he said. He sounded sincere, so I gave him a sincere answer.

"No. I just need a minute. Wait for me by the door." He nodded.

"Alright. I trust you. I'll be waiting." He kept going towards the front of the castle while I hurried down the side corridor. If it was who I thought it was, she'd be moving fairly quickly and I wanted to catch up before she got away.

The passage itself turned a few times and at one point I saw another glimpse of the back of the person I was chasing. I was correct about her identity. I even thought I knew the reason she was going this way. It led out the back of the castle.

I picked up my pace. I could hear her footsteps now. I would reach her before she got to the door. I turned the final corner and I saw her about ten feet from getting away before I caught her.

"Hey," I said. She froze and turned around.

"Ah...I was hoping you wouldn't see me leaving," said Lucina.

"I almost didn't," I said. "And your father didn't, so don't worry." She shook her head.

"I…I can't do it," she said. "I thought I could, but I just...I can't watch you get married. I'm not...ready." I shook my head and stepped closer to her.

"It's alright, I'm not going to make you. But I have to ask...are you coming back?" She took a step towards me and looked at the floor.

"...No. I don't know if I'm going to try to go back to my own time, but I...need to leave. I can't interfere with baby Lucina. And...I have a duty to the world." I sighed and took one more step. We were right in front of each other. I put a hand on her shoulder.

"Alright. I know I can't do anything to convince you otherwise. Just...let me tell you something before you go." She looked up at me expectantly. "I'm going to tell you something my mother told me that I hope you'll be able to tell to your own children one day."

"Hmm?"

"Wherever life takes you, know that you are loved. And I don't just mean your parents." I pulled her in. "I love you with all my heart, and I'm so proud of everything you've done for your father and for the world. If you ever decide you want to come back you're always welcome in my home. My door will always be open to you." She hugged me gently.

"Thank you, Robin. I...love you too."

"Oh, one last thing," I said. "Tiki and I are going to end up getting a second home near the Mila Tree so she can still go there to perform her duties for the faithful. I'll make sure we leave a spare key under a painted rock so that if you ever find yourself in Valm you'll have a place to stay. Treat it like your own home." Like I had done to her aunt I kissed the top of her head. "And take care of yourself."

"Thank you." I let go of her and she turned to the door. She took one last look at me and smiled a little sadly. "Goodbye, Robin." She left and the door shut behind her.

"Goodbye, Lucina." I turned and walked back up the passage towards the main hall. For a moment I was worried that my detour would cost me too much time, but then I remembered that the proceedings couldn't start without me either way. I was fine. I would be fine.

I reached the hall. Chrom wasn't there, which meant that he had made it all the way to the doors by now. In fact, there was no one to be seen near me. That made sense. The attendants were all probably too busy making food and everyone else would already be out in the audience. I kept going and reached the doors in another minute. Chrom was indeed standing there.

"What was that about?" he asked.

"I'll tell you some other time," I said. There was no need to spoil his mood right now.

"Alright then," he said. "Let me get the door." He grabbed the handle and pulled it open a crack. As he did I was able to get a glimpse of the waiting crowd.

"Gods, it's like half the continent's sitting out there," I said. Chrom laughed shortly.

"You are the one the who chose to marry a major religious figure," he said. I shook my head.

"No, I chose to marry a beautiful, kind, caring woman who makes me the happiest man alive. It's just an inconvenient coincidence that she's worshiped by most of humanity."

"That's a fair point, but we can't keep them waiting any longer." Without another word he pulled the door the rest of the way open and I had to squint against the sudden onrush of sunlight. Once my eyes had adjusted I looked out at the stage and the crowd in front of me.

My side was not particularly crowded. The Shepherds, as a show of solidarity, were all sitting there, but other than that the people who were there to see me were few in number. Still, I was glad to see them all. Captain Dan and his quartermaster Jake had come and were in the back. Dan was sitting next to a woman I didn't recognize but looked to be about his age. I assumed it was his wife. Jake was sitting next to a woman I assumed was his wife Anna who was sitting next to a woman I assumed was the Anna I knew. It was always impossible to tell.

A few rows in front of them was Holland and his wife who was gently rocking their baby daughter. Severa was with them. She was sitting next to Brady. I had no idea how they tolerated each other, but apparently they did well enough to spend time together.

Not far from them were three people I was glad to see, though I had never expected them to make the trip all the way from their small village in Valm. Somehow news had reached that far away and Muse had brought Prim and Tomas all the way to Ylisstol. Prim looked a lot bigger than she had the last time I'd seen her. She was holding hands with Tomas, who I could see from my spot on stage had the beginnings of a beard taking shape on his chin. He was a good kid. I knew he would treat her right and I hoped the two of them stayed together.

All the other children were on my side too. Noire had apparently gotten some fashion advice from someone, because she was wearing an emerald green dress that did wonders for her. She looked absolutely stunning. For a moment I was worried that she'd attract too much attention and have her other personality emerge, but I knew she'd be alright. Her parents were with her and she had told me privately that she only had eyes for Yarne. I wasn't sure if he knew yet, but I thought they'd be good for each other.

I caught Maribelle's eye and she smiled and waved at me. She was with Ricken near the front. She looked like she was glad to be sitting down. She was carrying baby Brady and was far enough along that I imagined she didn't have a lot of energy to spare. The woman next to her looked much the same. Cherche smiled that dazzling smile of hers when our eyes met. I had never seen her look happier, and I certainly understood why. She got to raise her son in a world that was safe, and she got to do it along side her husband. She wasn't with him today, but I was sure she didn't mind.

The others were there and many of them took it in turn to wave at me, including Sumia, Cordelia, and Nowi, but the one I was looking for the hardest was Aversa. I saw her near the back. She looked at me and smiled. I couldn't tell if it was an ironic smile or not, since it was her, but I decided to assume that she was happy. I waved to her and she waved back. She had done such a good job planning everything that I had decided not to wait until after the ceremony was over before declaring her debt paid. She was free to do what she wanted, and she had told me that her plan was to find a village in Valm to build a life and hopefully raise a family. I knew she'd find someone. She was, at heart, a decent person. I wished her all the best.

Despite the presence of all my friends, there were plenty of empty seats, whereas the only empty seats on Tiki's side were the seats reserved for the bride's parents. I had no idea if Naga was going to make an appearance, but we had left their seats open as a symbolic gesture. My side had the seat for the groom's mother left open at my insistence, but the seat for the groom's father was occupied by Lissa.

Tiki's side, in contrast to mine, was filled beyond capacity. There were people standing in the back of her side instead of just sitting on my side. There were hundreds of people. Maybe thousands. It was hard to tell. Chrom was right. That was what I had to expect when I chose to marry someone people worshiped.

"You...you know she's the Voice, right? People worship her. They don't ask her to have dinner."

"Are you gonna worship her?"

"Well, no, I hadn't planned on it."

"Exactly! So ask her to have dinner!"

And I had. And now here I was a year later at our wedding. And the crowd here to see her dwarfed the crowd here to see me. And yet I couldn't bring myself to care. There was only one person I was here to see and she would be here momentarily.

I walked forward to the stage overlooking the crowd. Chrom took his spot opposite Say'ri. I raised a hand in greeting as the crowd cheered for either me or Chrom, I wasn't sure. Probably Chrom. He was the Exalt, after all. I glanced to my right. Next to me stood a man who had long hair on one side of his head and much shorter hair on the other. The side with the shorter hair was scarred and he wore an eye patch over the spot where his left eye had been. He grinned at me, although it still looked a little odd. His face would likely never fully heal. I had asked Cherche about it when I heard the news. She said she thought he was even cuter than before. Once I was in place Libra stepped up in front of me and held up his hands for silence.

Music began to play, although I didn't look to see where the musicians were sitting. I only recognized the piece because it was the same piece that had been played when Sumia walked down the aisle at Chrom's wedding. Everyone in the crowd rose and looked towards the castle's outer gates. A pair of knights pushed them open and I saw my twenty-two-year-old daughter start prancing down the aisle tossing out flowers. Morgan had insisted on being the flower girl and she looked so happy to be doing it. I wanted to burst out laughing at the sight. Many people did. Morgan was in a purple dress that matched the purple of my cape and ascot and I thought she looked beautiful. Of course, I was a little biased.

Once Morgan had plopped down in her seat in the front row there was a moment's pause. I could feel the energy in the crowd as the anticipation of the bride's arrival built. My heart started to race. An elaborate cart stopped just outside the castle gates. The cart's driver, Frederick, stepped around to the door, opened it, and offered his hand to the woman inside. She stepped out. He stepped aside to let her pass and bowed deeply. I gasped reflexively and put a hand over my mouth. I felt my eyes start to get wet.

Tiki began her slow walk up the aisle. My mind nearly went blank at the sight of her. She was indescribably beautiful. Her hair was down and covered by a transparent veil. Her dress was sleevless and was pure white with a gold trim to match the gold trim of my outfit. She had a violet in her hair and a bouquet of yellow roses in her hands. Around her waist was a green sash that matched her hair perfectly. She was blushing furiously as she walked up the aisle and I could see from where I was standing that her eyes were squarely focused on me. That was fine with me. I was just as focused on her. She smiled at me and I felt my heart speed up to about ten thousand beats a second.

She really was the goddess of beauty.

She reached the bottom of the stairs and Morgan rushed over to take the bouquet from her hands. She sat back down and Tiki walked up the stairs and stopped opposite me. I offered my hands and she took them and looked up at me. The smile on her face threatened to blind me it was so dazzling. Vaguely, as if from a great distance, I heard Libra begin to speak.

"Good people of Ylisse, Valm, Chon'sin, Plegia, Rosanne, and all other nations, it is my great honor to welcome you to this most joyous occasion. We celebrate today the union of the High Deliverer of Ylisse and the Voice of Naga herself." I thought 'High Deliverer' was a little overwrought myself, but I wasn't going to object. "Not only are this man and this woman heroes of our land, I also have the honor of calling them my good friends. Thus I feel as though I can say with certainty that they will have many happy years together."

He continued like that for a few minutes. I didn't pay much attention because I was too lost in the eyes of the woman in front of me. I saw that she was starting to tear up and I could feel that I was too. She looked so happy it made my heart ache. I wanted to grab her and kiss her right away, but I knew that that would come later.

"Robin, if you would repeat after me," said Libra. I nodded. "I, Robin,"

"I, Robin," I said. My throat was tight but I forced myself to speak as loudly as I could.

"do solemnly pledge,"

"do solemnly pledge,"

"to love you, Tiki,"

"to love you, Tiki." Talking was becoming more difficult. I could do it. I could make it the whole way.

"forsaking any other,"

"forsaking any other,"

"for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health,"

"for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health,"

"so long as we are given the gift of life."

"so long as we are given the gift of life," I finished. I couldn't have spoken another word if I'd wanted to.

"Tiki, would you repeat after me?" said Libra. He sounded giddy. We were his friends, after all, and she was the daughter of a goddess he worshiped. I could only imagine how much of an honor he considered it to be officiating her wedding. Tiki nodded. Libra repeated the same vow he had spoken for me and I heard Tiki repeat each line. It was possible there were words that would make me happier, but if there were I couldn't think of them.

"...so long as we are given the gift of life."

"Who has the ring?" asked Libra.

"I have it," said Chrom. He handed it to me.

"Repeat after me," Libra said. "With this ring,"

"With this ring,"

"I thee wed."

"I thee wed." I put the ring on Tiki's finger and she turned a brighter shade of red than I'd ever seen before. Libra repeated the process and Say'ri handed Tiki her ring. She repeated the same words and I held out my hand. She took it ever so gently and slipped the ring onto my finger.

"And so I ask you this once more," said Libra, "Robin, do you take this woman to be your wife? To honor and cherish, to have and hold, forsaking all others, until death should you part?" Two words. All I needed to say was two words.

"I do."

"And Tiki, I ask you once more. Do you take this man to be your husband? To honor and cherish, to have and hold, forsaking all others, until death should you part?" Immediately I learned what words could make me even happier than before. She smiled that gentle, crooked smile of hers.

"I do."

"Then by the power given me by Lady Naga and all the gods above, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride." I pulled Tiki into a tender embrace and brought my lips down to hers. She moaned happily and slipped her arms around my waist. Time seemed to freeze as we stayed in that position. I heard sounds from far away, but they didn't matter. Nothing mattered except the woman in my arms. We did it. We saved the world, and now we were together forever. Nothing would ever be able to bring me down again, because I knew that no matter what Tiki would be with me. We would face the future together. We would stop Grima when he returned. We would be together no matter what.

We separated and I took her hands again. I heard now that the sound was that of the crowd cheering and clapping. I wanted to look out at all my friends, but I couldn't. It would mean looking away from her, and I couldn't do that.

"And so what the gods have joined, no man may tear asunder." Libra raised his voice so he could be heard above the crowd. "It brings me great pleasure to introduce to you all Lord Robin and Lady Tiki!" The crowd cheered so loudly I thought they would knock down the walls. Music began to play again, although it was difficult to hear it. I knew that it was our time to walk down the aisle, but I didn't want to look away. I dropped one hand to my side and turned my body out towards the crowd. Tiki followed my lead, but it was clear she also didn't want to avert her eyes. The crowd quieted slightly and I heard the music more clearly. I knew we had to go so that they could proceed to the waiting banquet.

With great reluctance I turned towards the crowd. I saw all my friends clapping for me. Lissa was crying her eyes out. Cherche and Maribelle were hugging each other and tearing up. Even Aversa looked happy, although it was possible she was just getting caught up in the moment.

I started down the steps. Tiki was still holding my hand, so I didn't need to offer it to her to help her walk. As we reached the bottom of the stairs Morgan bounced up to us and offered Tiki the bouquet. She took it with a grin and kissed Morgan's forehead. Morgan giggled and sat back down. We walked down the aisle as the crowd cheered and gathered behind us. There was a banquet waiting, but what they didn't know is that we weren't going to attend.

Once we reached the castle gates we stopped. Tiki, although it was much earlier than expected, tossed the bouquet over her head. We turned around in time for me to see Aversa catch it. She looked stunned. I grinned at her and she pouted. Then her resolve broke and she started laughing.

"Everyone!" I said. The crowd quieted enough to listen to me speak. "Thank you all so much for coming today! It means the world to me that you were all here to witness this!" I glanced at Tiki and she smiled up at me. "Unfortunately we won't be joining you for the feast! I pray you all enjoy yourselves, but we have somewhere else we need to be!" There were sounds of confusion as I let go of Tiki's hand. I took a step away and the confusion became shock as she shifted into a dragon in front of the entire audience. I hopped up onto her back and spoke one last time. "Farewell! See you all in a month!" Tiki flapped her wings and the nearest people stumbled back slightly as we gained height off the ground. The crowd's confusion seemed to amuse Chrom greatly since he already knew this was coming.

We took off and flew away as the sounds of the audience grew quieter and more distant. Tiki sped south from the city and I felt the rush of the late spring air against my face. It was refreshing the entire time. About an hour later we arrived at our destination. The Dragon's Gate was open and waiting for us, so Tiki landed right in front of it. I jumped down and she shifted back. She hugged me and rested against my chest.

"Oh, beloved..." I hugged her and rested my chin on top of her head.

"We finally made it," I said.

"Oh, beloved..."

"I know."

"Forever."

"Forever." We held that position for several minutes. Or maybe it was several hours. I wasn't sure. It didn't matter. She was in my arms. My wife was in my arms.

My wife.

Forever.

"Shall we go?" she said. She let go of me and held my hand.

"Let's," I said. We walked through the Gate and were greeted by a rush of hot air and sun as we arrived in the Hotrealm. Anna was there waiting for us. I had learned from her sister that the other me had never even seen her. He must have only come to retrieve the stones and leave again. I supposed that some part of him remembered how special this place was to him.

"Welcome back!" she said. "And congratulations! My sister sent me the nicest letter about you two! Follow me, your cabin is all ready and waiting." I glanced at Tiki who nodded. We followed Anna along the beach, which was quiet and pristine. We were the only ones here. We were the only ones who would be here for the next month. It was the family gift from Anna and her sisters.

The cabin was around the same size as my house. Anna led us inside and showed us around. There was a stocked pantry, fresh clothes, and everything we would need for our entire stay. She spent about five minutes explaining to us all of the various activities we had available to us and everywhere we were allowed to go.

"And I'll be in my room at the main house if you ever need me," she said, "but for now I'll leave you two alone. Congratulations once again!"

"Thank you, Anna," I said, "for everything."

"You're welcome! And thanks for saving the world!" She left. Once her footsteps had faded I turned to my...my wife. Gods, it felt unreal to think of her that way.

"A whole month to ourselves," I said.

"A whole month." She hugged me. "Robin...I cannot even begin to express how happy I am." I kissed her forehead.

"Really? Because...I think I can," I said into her ear. Once I had I gave it a kiss. She shuddered.

"Ah..." I kissed it again and got the same result.

"We're alone," I said in the same low voice. "It's just you and me."

"It is," she said. Her voice was low and breathy. I looked up and saw that we were maybe ten feet from the bed.

"What's say we...make the most of our time?" She looked up at me and kissed me. I responded in kind as I felt my inhibitions start to melt away. There was no need for them anymore. We had this place all to ourselves. We started to move back towards the bed as we kept going. Tiki broke off from me just long enough to pull down her dress. It took her a few moments, but I got a full view of the proceedings as I let my cape fall to the floor and started undoing the buttons on my shirt. Once her dress was off she started helping me as I nibbled on her ear.

"Robin..." she breathed. It was finally time. We were finally ready. It had taken until our wedding day, but it was finally time. I started to undo my belt buckle.

"Tiki, I...I want you." I managed between heavy breaths. She started kissing my neck as I felt her fingernails dig into my back. I moved forward a little and she fell backward onto the bed. She held her arms out and I saw a seductive smile on her face. She spoke in a voice dripping with desire.

"Then take me. Now, and forevermore, I am yours."


A/N: And that brings us to the end of the story proper.

Wow, what a ride it's been. 11 months, 260,000ish words, 55 chapters and a whole lot of man-hours of writing. I hope you guys have enjoyed reading as much as I've enjoyed writing.

And, since we're here, I get to mention a couple of things. First of all, how about that new cover art? I'm a big fan myself, because ScruffyTurtles is an amazing artist who you should all support.

Second, I need to give a special shout out to XavierOfLegend. My man went and made up a TVTropes page for this story. If you're into that sort of thing, go help him fill it out!

T-minus 3 epilogue chapters until the end now.