Madellaine opened her eyes and blinked tiredly, awaking to the frigid cold of the room that she knew to be Quasi's sleeping nook in their tower.
Her body felt heavy again. She blinked again and struggled to sit up, trying to focus her gaze more than a few feet from herself as her sight slowly returned. How long had she been asleep? From what she could tell of the bedroom around her, the room was beginning to darken. She raised a pale hand and rubbed away the sleep that clung still to her eyes. Madellaine groaned, finally fully aware of the stiffness that had settled in her bones and her joints.
Yet, she did not wish to move. Stillness felt too welcoming. So, she settled back and allowed her head to burrow deeper into the pillow that lay beneath her head, turning just so that her right cheek nestled within the downy fluffiness. Her eyes drifted shut, welcoming the beginnings of sleep again. She did not realize how tired she was until she had fallen into the oblivion of darkness from pain. A sudden intake of breath, one that was not her own and sounded like a low groan, startled her awake, her pale gray orbs flashing wide. Immediately, she searched for the source of the sound, her eyes flitting across the dimly lit room, still unable to sit fully upright. "Madellaine?" he questioned; his eyes still half-lidded from sleep. Still not releasing her hand, he lifted his free hand and slowly let it ghost down the features of his face, the tips of his fingers hovering over his scar.
Suddenly, just as his hand reached the tip of the gash, his hand suddenly stilled, and his eyes widened a fraction in realization. "Madellaine!" He immediately dropped his hand from his face and shifted his stool closer to the head of the bed so he could vacate his seat and instead sit on the bed. "Do you want to sit up?" he asked gently, his voice soft. She nodded. "Here," he answered simply, fluffing the pillows and gingerly helping her to sit up. She did not protest as he joined her on the bed, holding her in his strong arms. If anything, she liked it this way much better. He lifted his free hand that was not currently wrapped around her waist and smoothed her bangs back away from her forehead, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. "You're awake," he said, sounding immensely relieved. He was gazing at her as if he had never seen anything quite like her before, like…like she was the most beautiful thing in all the world. "Thank God. I thought…that I'd lost you. You're alive," he cried.
Madellaine grinned widely and returned his kiss, unable to help but laugh when she pulled away, noticing his face that was much too pale for her liking. "I am."
It was all she could say, really. Quasi suddenly frowned, stilling his hand that had found purchase in the back of her hair, absentmindedly playing with a few of her strands, his expression falling from joyful to pensive, his eyebrows furrowing. "Love, please talk to me," she pleaded, still struggling with her arm. Whoever had tucked her in made sure that getting free was almost neigh impossible. She grunted in frustration with one of the sheets. She was well and truly trapped without help. "Please, Quasi, just tell me what's wrong! I—I can help you, but you must let me in. Talk to me, honey. What's wrong?"
A strong arm suddenly shot out and wrapped underneath her shoulders, lifting her up and pulling her right shoulder into the crook of another. The hand that clutched her own in an iron-like grip let go for only a moment, only to be replaced with the other, his left where she could still see the poor man was trembling. Hard.
Madellaine let out a tiny squeak as she found herself free of the covers from the waist up and clutched firmly in Quasi's hold, her head tucked just underneath his chin, his chin resting on top of her hair. She sat still for a moment, bewildered. Then, though not fully understanding why her intended was in such a state, she freed her hand from his and wrapped both arms around his neck, combing one of her hands through his coarse red hair on the back of his neck in a way that was sending a pleasant tremor down his spine, what little comfort she could provide to him in this moment, she would do whatever it took. She whispered soothing remarks in his ear and gently rubbed small circles on the small of his back, trying to relay as much comfort as she could, in the hopes of calming his distress and quelling his sadness.
It should have come to her as no surprise, really, Madellaine realized. They both had been through so much in the past few days.
It was a wonder, a true ordinary miracle that they had survived. Hot tears soaked through the shoulder of her ruined red gown she was wearing. Madellaine briefly wondered if she had any spare clothes, but for now decided to let it go. He needed the comfort. Quasi had gone to such lengths to care for her, to protect her, and it only seemed right that she tries to do the same for him. After all, she loved him and hurt to see him in such pain. So, she held him firmly to her and rubbed circles into the small of his back and his shoulder and stroked his hair, whispering that she was fine, and all was well, though she had trouble believing her own words.
She needed to hold him and love and let him know that no matter what, she would not abandon him. He needed her, just as she needed him. They would get through this and be stronger for it. "Oh, my love," she whispered. Madellaine was unable to prevent her voice from cracking and she inwardly winced at the sound. "I'm right here. I am here. I'm not leaving you, beloved. I am safe. Sophia is safe, so is Darius, and you are safe, Quasi."
She felt his fingers grip almost painfully tight on her waist, clutching onto the back of her dress for support. Another sob found its way through him and he shook violently. She could not tell if it was fear or relief or sorrow, he was feeling. Perhaps a combination of all three, plus more. He had gone through so much the last few days. "I'm so sorry," he whispered hoarsely into the shell of her ear, still wrapped in her embrace, not willing or perhaps he was unable to let go of her, for fear she would vanish right before his eyes. His voice was trembling, and his body was still shaking. "All of this. I'm sorry!"
With her head still tucked firmly under his chin, Madellaine shook it disagreement. "Quasi, please don't. There is nothing to apologize for. None of this was your fault, not for an instant."
He must have disagreed with her because his next words sent chills of fear through her, rendering her blood to ice. "But it is!" he snapped, feeling the very anger seep into his tones. She pulled back slightly and craned her neck upwards to look her love in the eyes. "I—if you had not known me, none of this would have happened. You would not be hurt, because of me! You would be better off without me!" he shouted, fresh tears spilling down his face now as he spoke.
"Stop this!" she admonished; her voice came out far sharper than she intended. Madellaine pulled away and though she knew he needed to hold her; she was not going to let him talk to her like this. She looked up as his red, tear-stained face and the sight nearly had her reeling back in tears of her own. Yet she held them back. For his sake. "How dare you speak to me like that?" she yelled, brushing away her own tears with a sharp flick of her finger. Madellaine did not realize how shocked and hurt she was until she hurt the wounded tone in her normally quiet, shy voice. "If I had never known you, I would have never known just what kind of person you are. You are one of the most amazing, kind, gentle, handsomest men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, Quasi. Not knowing you, would have left the biggest hole in my life imaginable. Like a—a black void."
If her words had any effect on him, Quasi did not let it show. A fact that was beginning to frighten her. "I would rather you never have known me than to have you laying here injured and ill because of my existence," he spat bitterly. Now his tone was full of self-loathing.
It felt as if Madellaine's heart forgot how to beat and the icy feeling from before returned tenfold. She gazed at him, wide-eyed in shock and horror. "Excuse me? W—what are you saying? You don't mean that!"
"Your life," he said quietly, encircling both his arms around her in his protective embrace and reached up one of his hands to tuck a wisp of blonde hair behind her ear, smiling softly at her, though it did not reach his eyes. "Means more to me than my own miserable existence, Lena. Knowing me has only caused you great pain and hardship. I swore to myself that I would be cautious, that I would not be careless and allow Frollo to hurt you." He paused painfully, tears welling up in his blue eyes once more, and, at this moment, he lifted his head to meet her piercing gaze. "But I was not able to. I failed you. What kind of husband would I be to you if I cannot—"
"Okay, I'm going to stop you right there!" she shouted, willing for him to stay this madness, to stop talking crazy, but he cut her off.
"NO!" he shouted firmly, his eyes ablaze with anger. "It was because of me that you are hurt! Because I exist, you almost died! I don't deserve to have you in my life!"
The young woman gazed at him in bewildered shock for several moments. She looked as though he had slapped her, understanding just what his words meant but choosing rather not to believe them. Then, for perhaps the first time in her life, Madellaine felt genuine anger and fury towards him. She was angry with him.
"Don't you dare!" she growled, her blue eyes blazing. She clenched her fists so tightly, the skin of her knuckles turning bone white. "Don't you dare speak to me like that! After everything that has happened, how can you still think you are the cause of what happened here tonight? Jehan Frollo is dead, and I am alive. That is good enough for me."
"Lena," he tried to placate, reaching for one of her hands. Yet she pulled away from him, far too angry with him to be soothed.
"What was I supposed to have done? Allow him to kill you? Just stand by and watch?" she sobbed, shaking her head no. "I—I care about you too much to just stand by and watch someone hurt you. Why can you not understand that I did what I did because I love you?" she protested, burying her head in his chest and sobbing. "I married you because I love you. We're starting a family together, you and I, because we love each other. You can't deny that."
"Because I cannot lose you again. You've given me no other choice," he replied softly, no longer looking at her. Instant guilt flooded her and Madellaine looked away and hung her head in shame for making such a fuss. Yet, at the same time, she knew it had to be this way.
"Quasi," she said slowly, raising her head, her expression much gentler and her tone no longer harsh. She leaned forward and carefully cradled his head in her hands, gently guiding him to look her in the eyes. "I am alive. I'm safe, for now," she added, scrunching her nose as a twinge of white hot pain shot up her injured side.
Then he lifted his brown eyes to her, and with the greatest of ease, took both her wrists in his hands and pried them away from his face. Turning the pale, tiny appendages in his hands, he said, "All my life, I have been told that the world would never see me for anything more than a monster. A creature of darkness, one content to spend his life in the shadows. How is it that you saw past that?"
Madellaine opened her mouth to explain, to give him the answers he sought, yet he shook his head, implying he was not yet finished.
"When I saw you laying there, so lifeless and cold," Quasi continued, his voice cracking and tears welling from the corners of his eyes again. He reached across the space that divided them and drew her close to him, closing off the gap and folded his arms around her. "It was the most frightening experience of my life. "I could not bear a world without you, Madellaine Renee Barreau, and never ask me to. Do not ask that of me, ever, for that is something I will not do."
His intended sighed softly and burrowed her face in his chest, holding onto him just as tightly. "You do not have to anymore, beloved. I am right here with you still. I will not abandon you. Ever. You, my love, are stuck with me until old age claims us after many years of wedded bliss, and even into the afterlife, what follows that, I will always be right by your side," she whispered, teasing him a little.
As soon as the last syllable escaped her lips, they found themselves locked in a kiss. The tender touch they shared made the room around them disappear. There was not anything else in the world except the burning flame of their love. Something about this feeling made them both feel like everything would be okay in the end. When they broke apart, they rested each other's foreheads against the other and just sat on the bed, just holding each other. For how long, who could say? They did not speak, just sat together with their arms wrapped around the other, relaying comfort and love in the only way they knew how.
October came to Paris with regal ease, the autumn content to arrive with slow grace at its petty pace. The leaves had begun to turn a myriad of colors, ranging from reds to oranges to brows. Though the first leaves tumbled to France's soil so rich with rain, most leaves remained green, fluttering in the strong autumnal winds. A single gold leaf pirouetted down an invisible spiral of breeze, spinning through the air as it let itself be carried. It shook slightly, as it could have been whisked away any moment by the grip of the wind, but it remained its course. It blew past Madellaine's face and landed lightly on the ground, the vibrant color standing out against the ambers and bronzes of its brethren beneath it. It's so delicate. Madellaine wanted to reach down and pick it up, hold it close to her heart, smooth out any creases, but something whispered to her, telling her it belonged there, this corpse of what was once summer. Let it rest here. She fidgeted lovingly with the gold engraved wedding band she was to place on Quasi's finger in a short while. At last, the day she'd dreamed of was finally here. The young woman glanced at her reflection in the mirror in the bell tower and she smiled. Alice and Jeanne outdid themselves by helping me today. I don't know what I'd have done without those two by my side, helping me every step of the way. The nuns had helped Madellaine slave over her wedding dress for what felt like two weeks, perfecting it until it could be perfected no more, and perfect for her. Her wedding gown was made of satin and chiffon, embellished with glass beads, pearls, and crystals. The beads were used along the edges of the neckline to highlight Madellaine's elegant neckline and enhance the v shape of the gown, which flattered her petite figure wonderfully.
The dress's bodice was finished with delicate hand beading of glass seed beads over the gathers, two brooches, and a drop belt that also was beaded with the crystals and pearls she'd managed to obtain from Clopin. Madellaine twirled once, admiring how the skirts of the gown flowed and breathed with her movements. Her wedding gown's elegant chiffon sleeves were fitted to the elbows and then fluted to the wrists and into a draping point. The dress had a lace-up back and a foot-long train. It's perfect for me, she thought, beaming. Simple and elegant, but still beautiful, she mused, looking radiant. Alice and Jeanne had fussed over her to no end, ensuring she was up at the crack of dawn before her future husband even roused from his sleep, insisting she bathe and the two cousins had dabbed lavender and jasmine onto her neck to soothe her nerves. Alice had fussed over her hair, trimming her blonde tresses so that not a wisp was out of place or uneven, and Jeanne had found for her a beautiful gold headpiece adorned with tiny ornate leaves. Where Jeanne had found it, she didn't know. I thought Darius was going to come running. Alice cussed up a storm earlier when she put it on me, she thought, bemused as she remembered the swear words filling the tower as the nun fussed with the headpiece, taking precautions to make sure it stayed intact with Madellaine's hair as short as it was. But it's beautiful.
Her pale skin was flawless, her pink lips covered with a gentle salve, enhancing their fullness. The dress was perfect, the white slippers Alice had found for her still hurt, given that the scars on her feet were still healing, but…Hopefully, I won't have to wear them for long, she thought, stifling a groan as she slipped into them.
"Milady," came Ser Marcus Damas's voice, interrupting her thoughts. "My apologies. I did not mean to interrupt. I just thought you'd like to know, those of us back at the estate have not been able to locate Lord Geoffroi's missing will, dear.
"I never wanted any of Geoffroi's money…Tristan took the will," she confessed. "I don't know what he did to it, probably destroyed it, but—"
"The man is dead, both him and Jehan, milady, nothing more than a shadow in the shape of a man. Good riddance to him," spoke up Ser Marcus's gruff voice from the tower's doorway, looking battered and beaten, but his spirit somehow seemed alive, as if this was what he was made for. "As far as we're concerned, you are the rightful heir to Lord Geoffroi's estate, milady," he said solemnly, stepping forward. "I could serve you, Madellaine, if you would have me. You have courage, milady. Not battle courage, but a woman's kind of courage. I think that when the time comes, you'll know. I will shield your back and give my life for yours if it comes to that," he said, kneeling at Madellaine's feet.
"When the time comes, I will not hold you back, Ser Marcus," she replied. "I vow here and now that you and your family shall always have a place at my home and at my table, and that I shall ask no service of you that might bring your dishonor. I swear it by the old gods and the new," she said solemnly, helping Ser Marcus rise to his feet and glancing around at the city of Paris from the balcony. "I cannot stay in that place, Marcus. Too many painful memories." She caught a flash of movement.
Madellaine fell silent for a moment and her gaze landed on Roul. "Roul, come here," she commanded, feeling the voice of Lady Elaine slip into her tone for a moment, the tone of someone else, someone in charge. "Step forward, please," she ordered, watching as the sentry did so without hesitation. "I would not see Lord Geoffroi's house crumble to ruin, our family name forgotten. Given that I have no wish to remain in his estate, therefore, I have decided, that I would have you and Ingrid rule in my place." She smiled at the stupefied looks on both their faces.
Roul and Ingrid were looking stunned. "I…I don't…" he mumbled.
"If, judging by the gold ring on Ingrid's finger is any indication, I would see you two married before the year is out," she teased, breaking into a wide grin. "Ser Marcus will be at your side to protect you both, and something tells me he will be all too pleased in order to do so," she added, chuckling at Marcus's agreement. "You will marry the lady Ingrid, and any children that the two of you should have will get what remains of Geoffroi's estate," she commanded, relishing in the looks of delight that was slowly growing in Ingrid and Roul's eyes.
"But milady," protested Roul, but fell silent at the stern look she gave. "We—we cannot accept this, it is too much, Madellaine!"
"Take it, I have no want for it," she encouraged, going over to the sentry and enveloping him in a tight hug. "You've always been my favorite, Roul. One of my best friends besides Sophia and Ingrid. I swear, Quasi and I will visit you both every week," she teased, craning up her neck to look her sentry in the eyes. "I would have you live a good life here. Please take it. Say yes." Roul sighed, recognizing defeat and knew better than to argue.
He grinned and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Yes," he said quietly, reaching for Ingrid's hand. "We swear it, on our lives, milady. We'll see Lord Geoffroi's estate thrive."
"See to it," she said solemnly, waving a shy goodbye as they made to head for downstairs towards the nave. Madellaine stepped out onto the tower balcony to bask in the glow of the late autumn afternoon, not afraid of being seen. Somewhere below, Quasi was sitting with either Darius or Archdeacon Luc, already ready. She grinned to herself as she turned over Quasi's ring in her palm, fingering it lovingly. "You can come out now," she called, stifling a smile as a low scraping sound reached her ears. "I know you all have been watching me, watching over Quasi. I know you're there!" she whispered, not caring if anyone heard. "I won't hurt you, I promise," she laughed. "I've known about your abilities for quite some time now. Since the day I came up here to apologize, I've known about you all. Quasi would get nervous and change the subject when I'd bring it up, so I knew he was lying. Come out, please."
Stunned, the three gargoyle guardians emerged from their places in the shadows. "You've known about us?" asked a large, hulking gargoyle with brilliant red eyes. When he spoke, his voice was a deep baritone and kind, educated, even, she would go that far.
"Yes," she laughed, chuckling at their bewildered expressions. "I've known for quite a while now."
"But…how?" asked the other, a shorter, fatter demon.
Madellaine turned and winked at them. "I just did. You don't have to worry about Quasi. I'll take good care of him."
It was the female gargoyle she was drawn to, a huge stone cat roughly the size of an adult panther. Her eyes were a brilliant yellow, like glowing topaz in the night. The cat sized her up, her expression softening. "I knew there was a reason we liked you, child," she purred, coming up to Madellaine and nudging Madellaine's hand, her way of affectionately asking she scratch her ears. Madellaine obliged, a soft smile on her lips.
"I knew I wasn't crazy!" she laughed, shaking her head slightly at the absurdity that she was talking with live gargoyles, silent protectors of the great cathedral. "But why did he lie to me and not tell me the truth?"
"Quasi didn't tell you about us to protect you," spoke up the fat gargoyle, the one with the unhinged, wild eyes.
"We couldn't be prouder of our son, you know," the cat spoke up, at last, her tone serious as she hopped up onto the railing and paced it, her claw marks leaving indentations where she walked. "We thought he might…"
"Not ever have someone to share his life with?" Madellaine finished knowingly, sadly. "I know," she sighed.
"You're perfect for him, you know," spoke up the shorter, fatter one, a mischievous glint in its green eyes.
Madellaine beamed. "Yes, I am," she agreed, a note of pride in her voice that she didn't try to hide. Why should I? I'm perfect for him.
"Our son will give you a great life here in the cathedral," spoke up the female cat, her tone proud and the look in her eyes regal. "We're grateful he has you." Madellaine smiled and opened her mouth to speak further but was interrupted by the carrying voices of Alice and Jeanne. She suppressed the urge to playfully roll her eyes as the gargoyles quickly slunk back into the shadows, where they belonged and where they were comfortable. She chuckled, biting her knuckles as she fought back her laughter as the two cousins argued up the tower steps. Madellaine focused her attention on the city of Paris; the autumn leaves of the trees in mid-October beautiful. The blonde took a moment to reflect on her relationship with her soon-to-be-husband in an hour.
When he looks at me, it's as if every ounce of breath is taken from my lungs, floating into the air like midnight smoke. Every time he kisses me, it feels like the world up here stops, leaving just the two of us to wander it together. Every time he holds my face between his hands, it feels like he's slowly untying my knots. Holding me for all eternity in the arms I've grown accustomed to. This is what falling in love is like, a story I never want to end. For so long had I longed for it, and now I can't bear to lose it, to lose this thing I have with Quasi that makes me feel so complete.
She smiled shyly at Alice and Jeanne as they stepped out on the balcony, looking years younger than the blonde had ever seen them, radiant as ever and squealing in delight as they exclaimed over her wedding gown. Madellaine turned her attention back watching the colorful myriad of fall trees, her elbows on the railing and her head resting in her hands. I'm in love with him. He never leaves my mind; he's always there, mentally if not physically. It's just incomprehensible. He's my one stable force in a world full of chaos and cruelty. I thought I'd lost him so many times. First to Jehan, then he was almost killed, and now, he's mine. This feeling of love, it's so strange. It stretches throughout my entire body. It's overwhelming at times, yet it makes me feel complete. It's just absolute, with no bound nor length nor depth. It just…is. Being in love with Quasi, it feels as though someone has given peace, at last. It's strange, frightening, even, that I can go from being a complete stranger to Notre Dame's bell ringer, to then being completely enamored with him, and now I'm wondering how it was that I was ever able to live without him, because I sure as hell can't imagine being without him now. I know we're still young, he and I, and most would consider me naïve and foolish, but it's true when I say that I love him more than myself. Quasi, I love you. Madellaine jolted out of her thoughts, a dreamy look on her face as she only half listened to Jeanne as she dragged her in front of a mirror.
She barely recognized the beauty in the mirror. Jeanne had outdone herself. "You look like a queen," Jeanne replied.
"Our boy won't be able to take his eyes or his hands off you," chimed in Alice, her blue eyes misting slightly. The tart-tongued nun couldn't resist adding in a quip of her own. "Don't expect to be walking for at least a few days after tonight, after our boy's done with you," she laughed.
Madellaine scrunched her nose and stuck out her tongue, but she was smiling. "Thank you," Madellaine whispered nervously. She restlessly paced the bell tower's balcony, careful not to drop Quasi's ring. She fingered it lovingly with gentle fingers. "Were it not for you two, I don't know where I'd be."
"Think nothing of it, child," Alice spoke up softly. "Too long has our boy been alone. He's like a son to us. We've waited over twenty years for him to find his peace, his own sense of normalcy. Jeanne and I were starting to wonder if the boy would ever find a young woman to spend the rest of his life with. The two of us both know there's no one better suited for him than you, girl. He loves you with all his heart; we can see it when he looks at you. It's in his eyes. Too long has he lived in the darkness, hoping to live in the light, but now that he has you, he can. We cannot thank you enough for what you've done for him, the happiness you've brought into his life. God knows he deserves it. So do you, and—oh, it looks like your handsome escort is here," she teased, winking at Darius as their priest walked out onto the balcony, his black monk's habit crisp and neat. His dark hair, freshly shorn was slightly tousled and his face still drained of color, but he was looking well. He walked with a slight limp, a result of the brawl at the Palace of Justice and would always have the limp and the scar around his shoulder, but he was alive. "Well, Darius, you're looking well. I take it Sophia's been taking…care of you, no doubt," she laughed.
Darius smiled playfully, nodding. "She's the best," he complimented warmly, the note of affection in his tone unmistakable. Jeanne playfully swatted Darius on the shoulder, cackling slightly as he winced at the pain, but he rolled eyes and scoffed at the nuns. Alice winked at him and sighed. "Come on, Jeanne, we'd better get down there. Our boy will have our heads if we're late to see him before the ceremony starts soon, and we don't want to be on the receiving end of his temper, do we? That's a hard no from me. Besides, we don't want to miss our shot to see how handsome the boy looks tonight. I want to see what he chose to wear for this, I've got to know," she teased.
Darius had eyes only for Madellaine. He turned and grinned at Alice. "I think you'll be pleased by what he picked," he teased.
"You don't suppose Quasi found your wine stash, do you?" Jeanne asked, suddenly looking shocked.
"The boy better not have," she growled darkly. "We taught him better than that. He knows full well not to drink tonight, he'll want to remember his wedding night."
"Oh, hell, if he and Sophia found it, we can kiss our stash goodbye, Al. It's no secret the midwife can drink us under the table. If she found it, it's already gone. We'll have to get more."
Madellaine burst into delighted laughter. She reached up on her toes to kiss Alice and Jeanne on the cheek. "Go on," she urged quietly. "Go see Quasi like I know you both want to. Get down there before he comes up here looking for you. I will be fine," she reassured. "Darius is here with me, after all," she complimented, winking at their priest.
Alice snorted and rolled her eyes as she looked at Darius. The priest blanched at the gesture as she met his eyes. Tell her how you feel when we leave. Before it's too late. If you don't, you'll regret not doing it for the rest of your life, Darius. You know I'm right. Jeanne tugged on Alice's sleeve, dragging her away down the north bell tower steps as they left to go find the bell ringer, their wicked laughter filling the loft's space.
Madellaine continued fidgeting with Quasi's wedding band. Darius sensed her nervousness, for his smile was warm. "Come here, my love, and let me look at you," he said delightedly, his soothing quiet German accent a melody to her ears. "You look beautiful. You're gorgeous. I cannot put your beauty into words. My brother is an incredibly lucky man," he said wistfully, although there was heartbreak in his brilliant blue eyes. Madellaine nodded, walking carefully to not trip over her dress's hem. The dress was perfect for her. She could tell by the way Darius was eyeing her that he cared greatly for her, and if she wasn't mistaken, and she usually wasn't, just the briefest flickers of jealousy passed through his orbs. But just as quickly as it had come, it was gone.
"Thank you, Darius," she beamed. Madellaine leaned over the balcony railing, relishing the beauty of Paris in the fall. If she looked closely, she could see Sophia dressed in a beautiful purple gown playing with Djali and giving the cranky old goat affection. Sophia, sensing someone was watching, craned her neck up and spotted Darius and Madellaine and waved. "You care for her, don't you?" she asked warmly, resting her head in her hands as she leaned her elbows on the railing for support. "It's in your eyes. You love her."
"I do," Darius admitted, looking pained. "More than anything, but I…I have something I need to say, Lena. Let me speak, please."
"I'm here," she reassured him softly, instinctively reaching for his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.
He smiled warmly and pulled her in for a tight hug, bringing his lips to her cheek for a gentle kiss. "My brother is incredibly fortunate and lucky to have you, Madellaine. I wish that I could have told you sooner…" but he trailed off.
"Thank you, Darius, for this," Madellaine replied, her gray eyes twinkling as she held his face in her hands, caressing his cheeks. "I can't do this without you by my side. You've been there for you me from the very beginning, ever since I arrived here a few months ago, it was you."
Darius was looking pained, an expression that did not become him at all. "There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of you," he confessed, reaching up to scratch at an itch behind his ear as he collapsed into a nearby chair. "Come, sit. You and I should talk. There's something I have to say, and it needs to be said. I've thought for a long time on how to tell you, but…"
"I know what you're going to say," she whispered softly.
"You look like you're about to pass out, love," Darius said hurriedly, a worried expression on his face. "We still have a while yet before the ceremony starts. I know it's an intimate ceremony, but still, is it the waiting that's doing this to you? Lena, you look like you're going to be sick!" She nodded mutely. "I imagine the waiting gets to you after a while. After all," he added, glancing around at the magnificent loft, "You've been up here all day. That would get to anyone after a time, I would think. Here, sit."
Madellaine smiled wryly as he gently guided her to the chair next to him. "Thank you, Darius," she muttered gratefully, reaching across for his hand to give it a gentle squeeze. "I'm grateful that you're here with me, my friend."The priest noticed her nervous habit of fingering the gold ring as she twirled it in her hand between her fingers, careful not to drop it.
"This ring was mine, you know. Both, actually. A long time ago. Has he said anything?"
Oh, my God. Madellaine froze. I—I had no idea!
"What?" she asked, stunned, her eyes growing wide.
Darius had never once mentioned his past to her, and Quasi had never said anything about where he'd gotten their rings. She'd just assumed he'd bought them in the marketplace. It was in this moment that Madellaine realized she'd misinterpreted Darius's actions, his words, his expressions for so many weeks…as if he'd been speaking a language she couldn't understand. The moment her words left her was the moment her heart broke into a million pieces and shattered. Yet, it was a good breaking, the type that led to healing and new ways onward. Sometimes, the loss of words says everything. Madellaine hesitated. "You've never talked about it, Darius. Are you sure you want to tell me? If you don't want to talk about it, I—I understand, I won't pressure you to talk about it."
"No, no, that's quite all right, love. It's my choice to tell you. You deserve to hear the truth from me, rather than a garbled version from…others," he growled darkly, and she knew he was thinking of Alice and Jeanne. "I—I love you," he confessed, looking pained. "I know it's wrong to walk this path, but…"
"Alice and Jeanne never said a word, I swear. And…" Madellaine hesitated, not wanting to tread into sensitive territory. I've seen the way you look at me. I know in your own way that you love me, but we both know it was never meant to be. I—I cannot do that to you, or to Quasi. I'm—I'm sorry," she apologized, looking pained. "And besides," she added, glancing down to where Sophia lingered, chatting up a storm with Alice and Jeanne on the steps. "There's someone you love even more than me," she whispered, her voice cracking. She fought it back and smiled warmly, hoping it was enough to cheer him up.
Darius let out a kind laugh. "Sophia. No, you're not wrong that I care deeply for Soph, and there is a huge part of my soul that loves her, but if I remain as a priest, I cannot act on my urges. Besides, I don't want to ruin what Sophia and I have by getting romantically involved, I value our friendship too much. Of course, those two never said anything. I warned them not to, it's not their business to tell, it's always been mine. It always has been, I'm afraid." The cousins knew it was never their place to talk to Madellaine of Darius's past. He would always have to be the one to divulge his past. It was his story, after all.
"What happened to you, Darius?" she asked quietly.
He sighed and took a deep breath, not wanting to talk about it, but he owed his brother's soon-to-be-wife this kindness after all she'd done for him, and to him. You taught me how to love again, he thought, shocked. "I had a wife once. I grew up in Germany, Sophia and I…we were friends in our younger days, and I might even have married her first, if I hadn't…if I hadn't met Hanna. If I ever leave the priesthood, Sophia would be the one I'd want to marry, but I… that's not the point. Hanna and Charlotte."
Madellaine leaned forward in her chair, attentive and sharp to his life story. What happened to you, Darius?
"Hanna was…a lot like you, Lena. You look like her, in so many ways; it's almost frightening for me. I know in some ways, my love for you, it—"
"I remind you of her," she finished, her voice wavering. "I knew there was something, the way you'd look at me when you'd think I wasn't looking. Sophia would get this look in her eyes, too."
He nodded, a muscle in his jaw twitching. "Yes."
"Why didn't you say something, Darius?" she prodded.
Darius looked surprised. "You never asked," he asked, perplexed at the blonde's look of surprise. He laughed quietly. "I would have told you had you asked, my dear."
"But I…never mind," she mumbled, ashamed. Never had Madellaine noticed how time was so much like water. That it can pass slowly, a drop at a time, even freezes, or rushes by in the blink of an eye before you even knew what was happening. At this moment, time seemed to slow immensely as Darius struggled to find his words. The colors were brighter, the air colder. All the while her insides felt as if there were nothing there at all.
"You and Hanna have the same face, the same eyes." Darius paused and swallowed hard. "She was fair, kind, and gentle. Too sweet for her own good. She liked to see the world with her other senses, not just her eyes. Hanna loved the trees, the forest, and the flowers. She never met an animal she didn't like. She loved being outside. Hanna's curiosity was infectious. I—I was captivated by her. I was lucky in that she returned my affections. Our families would not allow us to be together. I came from a prominent family. My father, Hans, was a moneylender and a good one at that. She was the daughter of a poor miller in a nearby village. I went there one day to collect on a debt, and Hanna, God bless her, during all the fighting, she offered me a single drink of water and wasn't moved by her father's threats and obscenities. She offered herself as payment of the debt in full. I didn't know what to think of her at first, but she went with me. We married and we stayed that way for two years. Two wonderful, beautiful years I couldn't get enough of." Madellaine couldn't help but notice Darius's eyes brimming with sadness. She reached out a trembling hand and held his hand, squeezing it tight. He returned the gesture desperately, needing comfort. She could tell it had been ages since he'd brought it up.
"My parents insisted I marry a noblewoman," he continued. "They found out what I had done and said I was not to see the miller's daughter ever again. I didn't listen. I took Hanna and we ran. We knew it was wrong, that our families would be unforgiving, but we didn't listen. We couldn't help it. We were in love."
"What happened?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Seeing the heartbreak in his eyes was almost too much for her to bear. Madellaine was barely holding back her own tears as it was.
"They caught us," he replied bitterly. "She'd had a baby."
Icy dread crept over her and loomed there. Oh, God. No… "What?" she cried, shocked. "You never said."
Darius swallowed the lump that was forming in his throat. "They took me outside in the middle of the night. Her father and mine had found me in the marketplace and followed me home without me realizing it. My father locked Hanna and Sophia inside our house and took Charlotte and me outside. My father killed our baby girl and buried the body, forcing me to watch as he did it. He—he bashed her head in against a tree. Hanna committed suicide when it—after it happened, that very night. She hung herself. I—I didn't know what to do. I couldn't save her in time to stop her from doing it. Sophia couldn't stop her, either. It was too late for Hanna. I—know Sophia still blames herself for what happened, if she could have gotten there, she could have stopped her, but it was too late. Hanna killed herself." Madellaine's face paled and her brain stuttered for a moment as her eyes took in more light than expected, every part of her went on pause as her thoughts struggled to catch up to what she'd been told. Her voice cracked as she spoke. No words would ever be enough to ease his pain. Nothing she could say to him would ever make what had happened to Darius better. "Oh my God, Darius!" she wept. "How did you live after that? I—I can't even begin to imagine what that must have been like for you, Christ!" As Darius looked over at her, she was heartbroken to see the pain in his blue eyes that could see straight into her soul. People could grow strong enough to whisper at the iron bars that held them prisoner and see them bend out of their way, like magic. That was the power of love. It could cure them all. Madellaine wished she could have mastered the art, but it was hard for her when she'd been starving for so long. She can sit and call for help. She could pretend like there was no cage around her heart. Madellaine could wear a mask of coping and normality. She could rage against the bars. Yet, what made love so simple, no other thing in life could solve. There was another escape route, yet it is one into another great pain. It was possible for one to be so emotionally starved that you slipped right through the bars, no longer bound, but with your soul crumbling. That was her way out, at least until recently. What followed until she arrived at Notre Dame and her life had changed for the better was endless emotional running on the bleeding soles of her feet.
She learned how to hide her pain, how to look normal. Madellaine understood why some went cold inside to escape the pain of isolation, why they let their empathy wither away and die, and numbness over feeling. But she refused. For her, the thing was, regardless of the enormous pain she'd felt throughout her life, Madellaine believed that living with an incomplete soul was a form of death, and she'd rather learn to live with her pain than let it kill her.
A muscle in his jaw twitched and he swallowed hard. It was a moment before he spoke again. "I never spoke to my family again after that. I killed my father for what he did to me, what he took from me. I—I gutted him. My mother fled and it wasn't long after that, I left Germany and came to France. I joined the French military. Sophia's father was a well-respected general, so I joined his ranks. I figured I could take all the pain and rage in my life and turn it into something useful. I became a general quickly and took my anger out on others. Being a soldier was easy for me. Every time I killed someone, I was cutting away a part of myself, one that I longed to forget." Darius looked away from her for a moment to compose himself, his tears coming.
My God… Nothing I say will help him. At a loss for words, she could only cry. I'm so sorry this happened to you, Darius. I wish…
"I knew I was damned to Hell the day I killed a group of innocent people. I burned a church with people alive inside it. Not just men, but women and children too, acting on Sophia's father's orders," Darius croaked, his voice shaking. "After that, something in me changed, and I couldn't do it anymore. I knew if Hanna could see what I had become, she would have been disgusted. And my Charlotte, my baby…" Darius turned away from her, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs.
Madellaine knew he needed comfort, and right now, his solace was within her. She had to help him. The blonde scooted her chair closer to him and pulled him closer, resting her head on his shoulder, still at a loss for words. She reached for his hand and gripped it tight. Darius's voice grew hard and bitter as he cried. "No parent should ever have to bury their child. That these evil days should be mine. That I should live, to see my own daughter murdered in front of me like that. If she had lived, Charlotte wouldn't have wanted to grow up with a father like me," he said, self-hatred evident in his voice as he relived his worst memory in his life thus far. "What kind of father murders innocent people? I turned my back on my troops and deserted them, making my way here, where I've struggled to make my peace with what I am and what I've done ever since. Adapting to a life of peace after twenty years has been difficult," Darius admitted, forcing a weak smile and turning his gaze to Madellaine, who was silently crying. When she lifted her hand to study it, it was trembling. Darius smiled gently and clasped a steady hand over hers.
The man sitting before her was a marvel. "How did you manage it all these years? I can't imagine what that was like for you, Darius. My God. How are you coping?" she whispered, shell-shocked.
"Easy, love," he replied. "You don't want to mess up the sisters' handiwork," he teased, reaching up to brush away a single tear cascading down her cheek. "Only happy tears on your wedding day," he joked, hoping he could get her to smile. Darius sighed, not wanting to continue, but he must. He owed her this one kindness. She deserved to know the truth. Madellaine was worth his life and all that came after.
"It wasn't easy," he said, taking a deep breath and willing himself to remain calm, although it was growing increasingly difficult. "Some days are harder than others. I miss her, and I always will. I miss them both. Hanna and Charlotte, they were my world. With them gone…well, let's just say I'm grateful I have the church and my brother, Sophia, and now you, my love, to fill the void in my heart. Too long has it been empty. You both are like family to me when I have no one else in my life. And there's Sophia too, of course," he admitted, a wistful look in his blue eyes. He chuckled as he remembered something. "I'd have married Sophia a long time ago, but I have my vows to think of."
Madellaine sniffed and coughed, trying to control her tears. "I'm so sorry, Darius. It—it wasn't your fault," she whispered hoarsely, holding his hand. "You're not to blame for what happened. It wasn't you; I know it."
Darius smiled sadly, his smile not reaching his eyes. "Thank you, love, but I hold myself completely accountable for my past actions. I could have walked away at any time. The simple fact of the matter is I walked away too late to save myself from eternal damnation." His soft lips stretched into a smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. They were lit with sadness, and the forced expression of the contrary on his mouth would have looked comical to Madellaine if it didn't make her heart feel heavy.
For a few moments, as she stared at him, she was almost sure his expression mirrored hers. It broke her heart. She didn't want him to leave. Madellaine didn't want herself to turn into a random image that floated in the pool of his memory. She didn't want to be the smile that squeezed his chest somewhere far away. Madellaine didn't want him to go. She wanted his smile to stay.
"That's not true," she said, shaking her head firmly. She got up from her chair and helped him to stand, hugging him tightly, her fingers clutching his black habit tightly, not wanting to let him go. She could tell by the way he looked at her that Darius loved her. Madellaine hesitated for a moment but decided she owed him this one kindness, just this once. After everything, he's done for me. I owe him this, just once. Tenderly, she held the priest's face in hers and pulled him down and kissed him, her lips brushing him. Innocent at first, but soon she felt him reciprocating her succulent kiss. Darius returned the gesture. She wanted to pull away before she lost herself, but she can't. Madellaine cringed, knowing what she was doing was wrong, so and if her future husband ever found out, he'd die, but she felt she owed Darius this one act of love.
There was always going to be a place in her heart for Darius. Quasi held her heart for the rest of her life, of course, and she was his mate forever, but in a strange way, it felt like Darius had always been first. Darius had been there for her on her first night in the cathedral and had shown her great kindness when no one else had and had done so much for her to help her heal, both physically and emotionally. She loved him.
Madellaine wasn't afraid to admit the truth to herself. She broke away, her eyes brimming with sadness. "I've seen how you look at me," she said sadly. "I know you love me. I love you too, but Quasi and I…we share something truly special, something I cannot get twice in a lifetime. And you had Hanna. I don't want to be a constant reminder of the one you lost all those years ago. I won't. Don't ask me to become that for you, and I can't stand to watch you destroy yourself. It's breaking my heart. You deserve your own happiness. I do love you, though, Darius, you must know this. You mean a great deal to me, what you've brought to my life, what you are doing for me now. You and Quasi are the closest thing to a family I've ever had, and I don't want to lose that. I don't want to lose you. I hope you know that. I always will, and you are a part of our family now. Always." The priest broke into a grin at her words and she could not help but feel a warm surge of affection for the handsome priest that she now called a friend. Family. You truly have a beautiful smile, Darius. I hope one day, you can find your own happiness. You deserve to bask in your own heaven's light. Too long has your life been spent living in the darkness where you don't belong! You belong in the light, with the rest of us. You deserve love. Find it with Sophia. At that thought, a kind smile crept on her face. Perhaps by the end of tonight, you'll have it, if I know Alice and Jeanne. They'll put Sophia up to it; I have no doubt, and good for them. His smile was one of happiness growing, much like a flower blooms in spring. Madellaine could see how it came from deep within to light his eyes and spread into every part of him. A person smiles with more than their mouth, and she heard it in Darius's voice, in the choice of his words and the way he relaxed. It was beautiful. Madellaine blushed under the scrutiny of his gaze and her gaze fell to the simple gold ring she held in her hand she was going to place on her future husband's finger in a few moments. It's beautiful, she thought to herself as she fingered it lovingly. Perfect for Quasi.
She glanced up at Darius, tears brimming her eyes. "I wish…I wish I could have told you sooner how much you mean to both of us," she cried. "We can't imagine our lives without you in it, Darius. Promise me you won't ever leave us. Quasi and I…we need you in our lives, Darius."
Darius smiled and clasped his hand over hers, closing her fingers over the ring. He's closing out this part of his life, she thought and waited for him to speak, struggling to control her tears. "I gave my rings to my brother because I no longer have a use for them anymore. I've held onto them for far too long. I cannot keep clinging to my past. I hope you know that I love you both, Lena, very much. The two of you are my family. Please…accept these rings as a token of my love for you both, and may you find the happiness and peace that I cannot. And I promise, love. I'm not going anywhere. No, you, my dear, are now stuck with me."
Madellaine refused to look away, despite the trembling in her shoulders, as they silently shook with emotion, unwilling to back down from Darius's steady blue gaze. The only thing she could do was go to him. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. Her nervousness over her wedding evaporated like rain on summer earth in his warm embrace, just for a moment. In his embrace, she was safe. Darius felt her soft skin and the gentle squeeze on his own. He bathed in her warmth and the smell of lavender and something else floral. No matter when the end of this moment came, it would be too soon, and he needed more. She was worth his life and all that was left of it. Darius pulled away, reaching up a gentle finger to wipe away her tears. "None of that now," he said softly. "Everything's ok."
Madellaine laughed weakly, coughing once to fight down the last of it. "Thank you for telling me the truth, Darius. Thank you for everything." She glanced down the railing again and suppressed a shudder at how high up they were. Sophia was beckoning they come down with a wave. "It's time," she said.
"Are you ready?" he asked teasingly, offering her his arm. "I don't think we can stall up here any longer."
She nodded with a soft smile on her lips. "I've been ready."
"Hold on a second, you two, a moment," called a voice, the female gargoyle's. Laverne, Madellaine reminded herself. She'd heard Quasi talk to her when he thought she wasn't looking. Madellaine smiled, knowing where this was going. She glanced to Darius and saw the priest had gone white with shock. He instantly stepped in front of Madellaine, shielding her from the gargoyle.
"What the bloody hell is that?" he shouted, beside himself with panic.
The gargoyle suppressed a smile, although her whiskers twitching, and her tail flicked once as she hopped up onto the railing to look the priest in the eye. "Watch it, Father," she teased. "You're still on Holy Ground. Mind your language, the walls have ears," she laughed, scratching her claws on the railing. "I won't hurt you. My name is Laverne. I've waited for years for the right moment to reveal myself to my son's family, and I'm pleased to say that day has come. I watch over Quasimodo as best I can." Darius was stunned, at a loss for words. "Well?" she teased mockingly. "Can't you speak, Darius? I know who you are. You're the brother he's always needed. I'm grateful my son has you both in his life now."
He grinned and swallowed hard. "Cat has my tongue, I guess," he admitted nervously, letting out a short laugh. "Uh, what do I—what do I…call you? Have you all names here?" he asked, on edge and tense.
"Laverne is fine. The others are Victor and Hugo, but they're morons," she grinned, baring her canines. Darius flinched once, but she ignored it. "I won't keep you both. I just wanted to say thank you to both of you, for giving my son the happiness he deserves. I can't think of anyone better suited for him than you, my dear," she complimented to Madellaine, a deep purr in the back of her throat. Madellaine laughed and scratched her ear. "When I see you next, you'll be a married woman."
"Oh, no, we're going to be late!" Madellaine groaned. She sighed, running a hand through her blonde tresses. "I, Darius, wait. I—I meant to come to you a long time ago, after—after everything happened with Jehan, but…"
Darius held up a hand to stop her, gently pressing his lips against her forehead. "Don't speak of it," he urged. "Not today, love."
"I can't just let this go, Darius. I killed my own brother. I killed Jehan because he was killing me. I couldn't let him go after you or Quasi, and me…it was easier as an out than letting him live and subjecting myself to the endless torture he put me through. Forgive me, Darius. I know I'm doomed to go to Hell upon my death for what I did, and if that is how it must be, then so be it, but I don't regret that Jehan is dead. I killed my own brother," she whispered. "I'm no better than Jehan or Claude, Darius. What happens now? Am I damned?"
The priest's eyes darkened at her question. "Absolutely not, love. You did the right thing. He can't control you anymore, love. You came out victorious, and for that, I couldn't be prouder of you," he said, at last, a dark look clouding over his brilliant blue orbs. "The man was a monster and he couldn't be allowed to live. You absolutely did the right thing, Madellaine," he whispered, leaning forward and giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek. "If anyone ever tells you otherwise, don't believe them."
"Wait!" she protested, tugging gently on the sleeve of his black monk's habit. He turned and stared, confused. "I just wanted to say thank you, Darius, for everything. You've done so much for me and been so kind to me during my time here. I'm honored to have you in my life and to call you a friend. I hope that one day, you will find your own happiness with Sophia. I can tell you both love each other, and I can tell by the look in your eyes, that the priesthood is not a permanent solution for you, Darius. Find your peace with Sophia," she encouraged gently. "Let go of your past. Don't let it haunt you anymore, Darius. Take a chance on her. Find love in your life again." Darius fell silently for a moment, contemplating her words. He nodded, a soft smile forming, as he offered her his arm. Madellaine stared apprehensively at Darius for a moment before linking her arm with his and allowed the priest to escort her down the tower steps to the nave where her future husband stood by the altar next to a dozen lit candelabras. She had eyes only for him. He was wearing the black and gold tunic and pants he'd worn on the night he'd showed her the Seine. She'd never seen him look so refined.
It's perfect for you, she thought lovingly. I've never seen you look more handsome than you do right now, beloved. The warm embers from the candlelight cast a warm glow that lit his red hair on fire, shimmering in the light. Not once did she notice his scar. He glowed as he looked at her. His brown eyes met her and were full of so much love for her, she wasn't sure she'd be able to stop herself from shedding a tear or two. Madellaine's future husband looked as though she was the only one in the room and nothing else mattered but her. He seemed to sense her pounding heart and looked at her ashen face, for he gripped her arm tightly and took her graciously from Darius, who kissed Madellaine's cheek gently and stepped aside for Archdeacon Luc.
Darius moved to sit in the front pew next to Sophia, looking radiant in a simple purple dress, her brown curls cascading to her collarbones. Madellaine noticed how easily his hand drifted to her lap and settled there, much to Sophia's delighted surprise. The midwife beamed. "You look beautiful, Soph," he complimented warmly. "Purple's a good color on you, love," Darius whispered.
"I know," she retorted, with a note of pride in her voice and winked at him, returning her attention to Madellaine and Quasi.
Alice and Jeanne had been talking animatedly and fell silent under the stern gaze of Darius and the Archdeacon. Madellaine smiled at the two of them, radiant. There's hope for you, yet, Darius. Time will tell. She winked at Sophia and turned back to Quasi.
"You're perfect," he whispered, his voice low so only she could hear him. He grinned, melting Madellaine's heart.
"Get on with it, Luc!" Alice called out jokingly. "Where's the wine? I could go for a drink, this is a celebration, isn't it?"
"Amen," laughed Jeanne, earning a chuckle from Sophia, who under Darius's stern glare, assumed the expression appropriate of someone at a sick friend's bed.
The bell ringer laughed. "Your Grace," Quasi spoke up quietly, gripping Madellaine's arm tightly. "I would like to take this woman as my wife if you please."
Archdeacon Luc glanced over at Madellaine and smiled, his brilliant green eyes twinkling playfully as he looked at the petite blonde in her wedding dress. She'd always been drawn to the old man's eyes. His were the green that brought the earth back to life after an unforgiving cold. The green that, even in the darkest of times, would show you the way home. And at this moment, Madellaine knew she'd already found her home. For then, she had figured it out. Home was wherever you could find it, and for her, her home was right here in the cathedral, with the people that she loved. Darius, Sophia, Alice and Jeanne, and of course, her future husband. The Archdeacon grinned. "Finally, it's about time," he laughed, breathing a sigh of relief and chuckling. He clutched his rosary tightly in his palm for a moment before setting it aside. "Too long have you been alone, my son. I was starting to think you'd never find someone, and then this cute little blonde lass comes along and surprises all of us, I must say. I must confess, though, I never knew you liked blondes. I seem to recall you having quite a thing for the brunettes," he teased, noticing Quasi's stupefied expression. "Well, shall we get on with it?"
"For the love of God!" bellowed Jeanne irritably. "Where's the goddamn wine when I need some? Christ, you go any slower, Luc, we'll all be dead and naught but bones by the time these two are married! Shit! Do we at least get a break to eat? Marry these two already so they can kiss and get to the best part of their wedding night. To making us grandparents!" she laughed wickedly. Sophia burst into delighted laughter and covered her mouth with her hand, earning a dark look from Darius.
"Jeanne! Enough! Quiet!" roared Darius, losing his patience.
Madellaine let out a tiny laugh and turned away, immediately faking a cover to disguise it. "I—I'm sorry, Your Grace," she managed weakly, brushing away a single tear. "There's a um, a—a tickle in my throat. My apologies."
"Your Grace, carry on with it, if you please," Darius called out cordially, although there was no mistaking the look of annoyance on his face. Sophia smirked and laid a gentle hand over top his and shook her head, amused. The Archdeacon chuckled kindly and turned his attention to Madellaine and Quasi. "Let's. It is my great honor to officiate this wonderful evening so very long in the making. If you would like to begin your vows," he replied gratefully, clasping his hands together and waiting for their bell ringer to go first. As he spoke, she knew he was speaking only to her, and that no one else mattered but his future wife.
Quasi took a deep breath and held her hands in his, not wanting to let her go. "When I met you, I wasn't just unloved and unloving. I was…I was a monster, Madellaine. Love had only brought me pain and transformed my heart into a heart of stone, hardened and not capable of love. Or so I thought. But then you, you brought light and hope into my life, something I thought I'd never have again, not in my lifetime. How you can see the man behind the monster, behind my scars, I'll never know. I'd already lost my entire world. How can you hang onto something so incomprehensible? How can you keep pouring love into an abyss? But then there you were. There was something in your gray eyes that was so beautiful to me, so safe and warm. In just one look, I was 'home.' I reached out and made the connection, and like God himself had arranged it, you fell for me just as hard. That first day we talked, just the two of us, I still recall our conversation in the bell tower and the feeling you left me with. You didn't know it, but that day, you saved me. We came inseparable. You and I, Madellaine, we're soul mates. I love you with all my heart. Until the world ends, and even after that. I will always love you. To me, this means I would defend you with my life even if the odds were insurmountable. It means I will comfort you in the difficult and painful times. It means I will rejoice with you when times are good. It means I will never betray you. I will never give up on you—on us. It means finding my fire, when you, my loved one, are threatened, yet never waging war—only doing what is necessary for a noble defense. Love says I forgive you when you make a mistake. Love says though life may test me, I am yours into eternity and I will never abandon you or hurt you. It means I will never put you in any danger, no matter how noble the cause may be.
Madellaine choked back her tears and swallowed hard. She took a deep breath and willed her nerves to calm down.
Get it together. Don't cry, Lena. You can do this.
"Love, you are my sky and the clouds. You are the gentle river and the birds that sing. I feel you in the air, I long for your touch. You are my medicine, the only medicine I will ever need. You are my light, laughter and my hope. I gave you my heart some time ago, and with you, it will stay safe and protected. Falling in love with you was not planned. But our stars aligned, and a great force pulled us together. I will never forget the way your face rested on my hands, the night we told each other we loved each other for the first time. In your embrace, I have a sense that I finally belong somewhere, that I was loved. I will be patient with you. I will never grow angry with you. I will respect you, and I will listen to you. I will never forsake you. I understand that you're not perfect, and I still want to be there for you as your wife, your support system. You are so important to me. As your wife, I will provide for you. I will protect you. I will never give up on us and will always be there for you. I love you."
He grinned as they exchanged rings. He smiled and lowered his face to hers and their lips met, their first kiss as husband and wife.
The moment both had dreamed of for so long, now real. When he kissed her, the world fell away despite their new family erupting into cheers. His hand rested below her ear, his thumb caressing her cheek. She ran her fingers down his spine, pulling him closer until there was no space left between them and she could feel the beating of his heart against her chest. Such bliss. They broke apart and were immediately enveloped in hugs and congratulations by their family.
Quasi leaned in to whisper into Madellaine's ear. "You owe me a dance, my love, we're long overdue," he teased, holding out his hand, waiting for her to take it. "I never got to dance with you on your name day due to extenuating circumstances," he joked. "Shall we?" he asked. "Tradition dictates that I dance with my wife on our wedding day, after all. Come, love. You owe me a dance, sweetheart. I did save your life, after all."
Madellaine looked surprised, but only for a moment. "What took you so long? I've been waiting to dance with you, and you make me wait until our wedding day, love? What gives?" she grinned, accepting his hand and loving how her skirts flowed as he twirled her once before pulling her close. He grinned as he watched out of the corner of his eye Darius drag a reluctant Sophia away from the wine and to dance with him despite her vehement protests. He caught his brother's eye and winked.
"Looks like we're not the only ones who get a happy ending," he whispered, keeping his voice low so that only she could hear him. "What did you say to Darius to make him change his mind? We all know he loves Sophia, and she loves him, I think," he asked, curious. "I've been trying for years to get him to see it and finally admit the truth to himself, but he wouldn't listen to me. It took you coming into his life to make him finally see..." Madellaine smiled quietly, glancing over at Darius and Sophia, feeling incredible warmth in her heart. The priest held the midwife close in a tight vice grip and was whispering something into her ear. Whatever he said to her caused her to break into delighted laughter.
Both looked happier than they'd seen them in weeks.
"Oh, I just told Darius the truth," she admitted, not wanting to divulge it, preferring to keep the secret between her and Darius, their own little secret. Her husband looked confused but chose not to comment on it. Madellaine glanced over at Sophia and Darius and smiled. "Besides, you're wrong my love. You're so very wrong, it's not even funny."
"Am I?" he asked, looking amused. "About what?"
"It's not a happy ending. Far from it. I hate endings. Endings imply that something is over, has reached its end. But for you and me, our story is just beginning, love. And for them," she added, smiling as she watched Darius give Sophia a gentle twirl, admiring how her purple skirts flowed with her movements as she danced. "For those two as well. I doubt we've heard the last of that development," she chuckled, keeping her voice low so that only Quasi could hear her. "If nothing else, Alice will put Sophia up to seducing him, I'm sure of it, before the night's out."
They finished their dance, at last, Madellaine laughed as he twirled her once more and she sank into a graceful curtsy as she finished their dance. Alice and Jeanne were crying loudly into their handkerchiefs until Sophia found a red merlot made from the finest vineyard in France. At one point, Sophia got into a drinking contest with Alice and Jeanne, much to Darius's disgust and had to be rescued. The two watched as Darius talked Sophia down from her drinking once they'd finished their dance.
"Oh. Watch. This ought to be good," murmured Quasi quietly.
"What's happening?" whispered Madellaine. "Is she…?"
"Just watch and stay quiet," he encouraged, fighting back a smile.
"Al, what did you put in this?" Sophia asked, making a face as she drained the last of a red wine from a goblet. "Whatever it is, tastes like it came out of your ass! Whatever you paid for this, you got ripped off," she laughed crudely, crossing her legs in agitation, noticing with dark amusement Phoebus approaching.
"Milady Damas," Phoebus replied warmly and courteously.
"Phoebus," said Sophia icily, quirking her brow at the captain as she downed the rest of her drink, shuddering. "What can I do for you, oh captain my captain?" she teased.
Madellaine noticed affectionately that Darius's blue eyes were turning glacier cold, losing any semblance of warmth. He's jealous, she thought, reaching up and biting her nails to fight back her laughter. She glanced at her husband to see that he too was resisting the urge to grin as he watched the scene unfold.
"Captain," growled Darius darkly, moving closer to the midwife, as if to shield her from Phoebus's presence. "What brings you here, Phoebus? Did you come here to congratulate my brother?" he asked, raising his voice slightly as the captain turned, and gave Madellaine and Quasi a sheepish grin.
"Congratulations are in order," he said cordially, turning back to Darius and Sophia. "But no, I actually came to speak to you, Sophia," he said warmly. "I knew this was where you'd be."
"What can I do you?" she asked, looking amused. "You didn't fuck one of those brothel bitches and get one of those girls pregnant again, did you, Captain?" she asked, sitting upright, looking suspicious.
Phoebus flushed and turned red in embarrassment. "No!"
"Then what do you want?" called out Jeanne mischievously.
Captain Phoebus grew nervous as he shifted a pouch of gold coins in his hand, fidgeting with it. "I came to see if you… Milady," Phoebus muttered politely. "Sophia Damas, you're looking lovely as ever this evening, if I may say so myself. Your hair as always, glints in the light. It's—it's beautiful, your hair is like the trees in winter, the earth after a fresh rain," The captain admired Sophia's figure in her purple dress, his eyes lingering. There was no mistaking the growing look of jealousy in Darius's eyes. Everyone could see it, except for her.
"Move away from the hair," hissed Alice, her voice a whisper. She had a wicked grin on her face and was enjoying it.
"What?" Phoebus asked innocently, turning to Alice.
"Her dress!" she whispered. "Compliment her outfit! Tell her how beautiful she looks tonight, wile and beguile her, Phoebus."
"Alice!" retorted Phoebus angrily, annoyed at her cutting in. He sighed, running a hand through his blond hair. He stared at Sophia's figure for a moment. "It's…purple?" he offered, earning an eye roll and a smirk from Sophia, and a dark look from Alice.
"Oh well spotted, Phoebus," Sophia teased mercilessly.
"And…well, you know, for a woman, you're…pretty."
Sophia's look of outrage was too much for Darius to bear.
"Phoebus, shut the hell up right now!" Sophia shouted.
"Phoebus," growled Darius darkly. "What brings you here?"
"I came to speak to Sophia," he said, shifting a pouch in his hands. The unmistakable clinking of coins could be heard as he stared at Sophia. "If she will have me. Surely you can spare a minute, Sophia?" His eyes drifted to the money in his hand.
"What is that for? You brought money to a wedding?" Sophia challenged moodily. "What do you hope to buy with these expensive looking coins, Phoebus?' she asked irritably.
"You," he answered simply, flushing red at the look of outrage and shock on Darius and Sophia's faces. Sophia's face drained of color and Darius's blue eyes went ice cold.
"Wow," whispered Darius, outraged. "What the hell?"
"No, no, no, a—a moment with you, a moment alone!"
"Are you suggesting I'm for sale?" Sophia challenged airily.
"Of course," Phoebus shrugged, not realizing his mistake.
Sophia stared, outrage dawning on her face and in her eyes.
'No, no, of course not!" Phoebus shouted, realizing his mistake, his face blanching as he attempted to correct himself.
"Phoebus, you're unbelievable! You truly think I'm for sale, Captain? Like one of Valmont's fucking whores, Phoebus? You're dead wrong if that's what you think," snapped Sophia, quirking a delicate brow at Phoebus, daring him to do his worst.
"That's not what I meant, Sophia!" the captain protested wildly, his face flushing red with his ever-growing embarrassment as the midwife grew angry and stormed off, her skirts billowing behind her as she made her way towards a table away from Phoebus, and near wine. "No, Sophia, wait, I—I didn't mean it! Soph, come on, this isn't fair! Give me a chance."
"Just leave her alone," cautioned Jeanne, laughing wickedly.
"You did so great," offered Madellaine kindly, biting her knuckles as she fought back her laughter. "Really, Phoebus."
"Let her go," chuckled Alice. "You didn't do great."
Darius's face had gone white with shock as he stepped in front of Sophia, shielding her from Phoebus. "Get the hell out of here, Captain, before you do or say something you can't come back from. Now. I'm warning you, Phoebus. Leave. Now."
"No!" he shouted, internally cursing himself. "Yes! I—I meant, a—a moment with you. Alone," he emphasized. "That's not what I meant, Sophia, you of all people should know me!"
"Smooth!" called out Jeanne, her wicked laughter echoing.
"You're doing horribly, step up your game, Phoebus!" Alice chirped. "Good God, man, and we thought you had skills, given you landed Esmeralda for a wife. But clearly, we guess not."
"Leave Sophia alone, Phoebus!" snapped Darius, hatred seething in his voice. Quasi and Madellaine stared at each other, amused. "Can't you see she doesn't want anything to do with you? Besides," he added smugly. "By the way, you should know, you're not her type, Phoebus. She doesn't like blonds. Thought you ought to know. Save you the heartache. Get out of here!"
"In all my fifty one years, I've never been this embarrassed, good lord, Phoebus, what happened to you?" snorted Alice mischievously as she watched from her chair as Sophia stormed off to a different table, grabbing a fresh flagon of wine.
"It's cold and dark in our tower, but I'd prefer it to this," muttered Quasi teasingly as he leaned in to place a comforting hand on Madellaine's shoulder. "Jesus, Phoebus, shut up before you get in trouble. Spare us all the embarrassment of this, for God's sake. But it's too late for that. You've done it now."
Madellaine couldn't resist adding in a quip of her own.
"He's certainly not doing himself any favors by continuing on like this, is he?" she teased. "Oh no, look." The group fell silent as they watched Sophia drink alone, fuming, only for Darius to join her, pulling up a chair and sitting next to her.
"Don't you think you might want to pace yourself, Soph?"
"Believe me, Dari," she was saying. "I am a lot more obnoxious sober, and the last thing anyone wants is me making a scene at this blessed event. I think Phoebus has already done that for us, though, hasn't he?" she asked. She sighed, downing her goblet of wine. "I have suffered enough heartache in my life to know real love when I see it, and looking at those two," she muttered darkly, glancing briefly at Quasi and Madellaine, "I see it, and it kills me, Dari. True love is something not many couples are blessed to have. Including you and me," she whispered softly. "Don't give me that look. I know you're thinking of Hanna. They say you never truly forget your first love, Dari."
Darius frowned. "And Paul, although you never loved him, and he never loved you. I could see it in your eyes. Are you sure you're not just jealous that Lena beat you to the altar?" he asked, his brow furrowed as he looked at the midwife, who finished her second drink, unfazed. "Because I think that's what this is, love."
"No," she snapped icily. "She's one my best friends now, besides you, of course, Dari. I just don't want her to make the mistake of marrying the first man in her life that's ever shown her kindness. Not that Quasi isn't a great match for her, but you can't take a sheltered woman at her word, Dari, we both know this—"
"Ok, Soph, I think that's enough," he muttered quietly, taking her wine glass away from her and helping her to her feet. "What I think you're trying to say, Sophia," he said, raising his voice slightly so Quasi and Madellaine could hear him, and noticing the hurt look on Madellaine's face. He caught her stare and winked at her. "Is that you can't predict when you will find that special someone in your life, and Quasi is without a doubt, that special someone for Lena. I've known my brother for over ten years, and we've been through a lot. In all those years, the truth is, I've never seen him so happy like he is today."
Sophia smiled warmly and fell silent, toasting the remark.
"Here, here! As always, you said it best, Dari."
"I always do," he teased. "Come, Soph. You and I need to take a walk. I think you've had enough to drink, and besides," he said warmly, shooting a brief glance Madellaine's way and giving a curt nod. "There's something important I need to tell you, and I don't think it can wait any longer. I've waited long enough." The priest smiled at the midwife, holding out his hand for her to take. Sophia hesitated, before finally accepting his hand and joining him on a walk, away from the crowds. The newlyweds hung back, just soaking in the happiness of finally found their peace as they watched their family. Quasi and Madellaine hung back, their hands interlocked, just savoring the moment. Happiness flowed through Madellaine, warming her skin like the rays of the early summer sun.
I'm home, after so many years of thinking I'd never find a new family besides Jehan, she thought. Love swelled in her heart until she thought it would burst. Her customary cautious grin exploded into a radiant smile that she had never worn before, not even as a child. She glanced at her husband and saw he wore an expression of contentment and peace, especially in his eyes. Everything's going to be all right now, she thought. I have Quasi and he has me. I will never fear the dark again because I'll never be alone. For her, there would never be another.
It had always been him. Always.
A/N: And that's the end of this story. See you in the sequel, Monster Lines! :)