Under the Eyes of Sister Moon

Winski regarded his new family, warmth in the place of the cold pain that had gripped his chest for so long. Sarevok and Peri were asleep, curled next to each other. Sarevok's face was pinched in pain, but Peri slept peacefully like a happy child. Sarevok was gripping her arm in his sleep. Imoen was sleeping in a hammock, her pink hair a mess. She cuddled Cespenar as if the imp was a little girl's toy instead of a familiar of an archmage. Allonia had disappeared into a tavern and promised to see them the next day.

That left Jelena. She was about to finish her evening prayers, her face serene, the blond curls cascading on her round shoulders.

She finished the prayers and looked up at Winski, a bit apprehensive and shy. They hadn't had time to talk properly after her jealous outburst.

- "I have something I want to ask you, Jelena," Winski said.

- "Yes?" Her face, her lovely, friendly face, expectant.

- "Not here. Up at the deck. Under the stars."

They walked into the starry night. Sounds of celebration could be heard from distance, a celebration in honor of their son who was not attending. The black waves hit the Vagabond and they could hear the ropes creaking in the wind. A pale moon was shedding its light on the waves, and it looked like a silvery bridge across the sea.

Winski took hold of Jelena's hand, very softly, very gently. He caressed the fingers, looked at Jelena's face, marveling at her.

- "What did you want to ask, Winski?" she asked in a soft voice.

- "Something I have wanted to ask for a long time. You are the most wonderful woman in the world, the only woman there is for me. Will you marry me? Will you become my wife?"

Tears welled in Jelena's eyes. Her face melted into a smile.

- "Of course I will," she said.

- "Thank you," Winski whispered, his eyes also filling with tears.

- "Wait." Winski pulled something white from the pocket of his vest. It was a small lace veil, with a few blue blossoms sewn into it. Winski fastened it on Jelena's hair. The blossoms were the sky blue colour of her eyes.

- "Twiggy will be our witness," he said. He was glad that Jelena didn't argue about the ceremony, thinking it too simple. He had hoped it would happen just this way.

On cue, Twiggy uncoiled herself and crawled out of Winski's pocket.

- "Give me your hand," Winski said, and Jelena did. Winski produced a ring out of his pocket. It was a simple unadorned golden band. He slid it into Jelena's finger.

- "It is just a simple ring... I could have bought a lot flashier one, I suppose, but in some ways I am a simple man. I put an enchantment on it... if you ever are incapacitated, it will launch all the protective sphere spells I am aware of, and also alert me, wherever I am. I hope it is not too..."

- "Winski. It is perfect," Jelena said sincerely, interrupting him.

The two stood facing each other, and held each other's hands. Twiggy coiled herself so that she was around both of their wrists.

- "So, Twiggy. You are our only witness. Let's start," Winski said.

- "Not quite, she isn't."

The lovers turned their heads in surprise, and saw a middle-aged monk, barefoot, wearing a simple brown robe.

- "My Lord!" Jelena gasped.

- "It is I. Will you two allow me to perform the ceremony?"

- "It would be a great honor," Winski answered.

- "Under the eyes of Sister Moon and the Crying God Ilmater, will you Winski Perorate take Lady Jelena as your beloved and respected wife, to forever love and cherish her so that nothing may take you apart?"

- "I do." Winski felt the emotion almost overwhelming him, but it didn't feel frightening any more.

- "Under the eyes of Sister Moon and the Crying God Ilmater, will you Lady Jelena take Winski Perorate as your beloved and respected husband, to forever love and cherish him so that nothing may take you apart?"

- "I do." Her voice. The voice of love.

- "So I declare you husband and wife, and bless your eternal bond."

Ilmater put his hands on the newly-weds. They felt a warm, tingling sensation filling them with deep peace and goodwill.

- "Goodbye, children. Go in peace."

- "My wife..." Winski whispered, then kissed Jelena for a long, long time, seeing and hearing nothing but her closeness. This had been an impossible dream in his mortal life. But now it was here. It was true. It was eternal.