Thanks again for the reviews!^^ Well he goes the third chapter enjoy!!
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Chapter III
The procession comences. The boom of the horns, the harmonious plucking of harp stings, followed by the soothingly mirthful whistle of flutes followed the bride on her way to the altar. The farther she proceeded she was greeted with bows of reverence. The sky rained deep yellow petals, which glistened against the virginal white of her wedding dress.
Yuna's teeth clamored together inside her mouth as she felt bursts of tears rained inside her. Yuna tried discreetly wiping them away, as to have no one notice. Her heart throbbed with angst, and fear. Still she clung to the faint hope that a hero would come to her rescue , however this that was impossible. She searched the crowd hoping to see a familiar face among the lot, but no one she knew was there. Not even Lulu or Wakka have come, she couldn't blame them. Yuna had become astranged with them. Lulu and Wakka were memories of a faded past. Yuna paced forward wishing for Lulu to scold her, to tell her what she was doing was completely wrong. Yuna was desperate to find any excuse not to marry Baralai. However the more she neared, the faster the petals fluttered to the ground, the more secure she was that excuse would never arrive.
Mid point down the aisle she spotted one face in the crowd of spectators. Paine. Yuna hadn't seen her in ages. Paine was wearing a smirk . It warmed Yuna's heart to see Paine smile. Even if it wasn't really a smile. Was she happy that Yuna was to marry Baralai? Or was she just happy to see Yuna again? Either way the knowledge of having at least one good friend beside her on this day was enough to give Yuna some much needed inspiration to continue the sorrowful march forward.
Baralai was finally in full view. It wasn't the man she had hoped it would be. This nightmare didn't disperse as she prayed in her heart it would. Baralai had not become the man she loved. The wedding garments fit snuggly on him. Making him out to be quite a tall man. Yuna's hands felt a bit cold at this moment. Baralai's gaze seemed to be lost in Yuna's eyes. Yuna fretful that he might pick up on the misery she felt even to be near another altar looked down. She neared Baralai, she painted a false smile. Her lips strecthed into a smile. Baralai held Yuna's hand in his. Suddenly a sensation of comfort entered Yuna's body. His hands were very warm. As the monk started the ceremony , Yuna's body throbbed with nervousness. Baralai squeezed Yuna's hand, like a scared child who had gotten a fright. Little beads of sweat started to form on his forehead. Yuna looked into Baralai's eyes as he loosened his hand. Yuna squeezed back, hoping to comfort him. Baralai noticed the gesture. His eyes teased with delight, he radiated a new inner calm.
They both kneeled at the monk's comand to pray for their marriage. Yuna looked over at Baralai's serene face. He was an adorable man. His stark white hair contrasted his cafe colored skin. She could see a few small brown freckles clustered near his nose. He opened his large brown eyes and looked over at Yuna. Yuna's heart stopped as though she was shot. She saw his happiness. Suddenly she felt her attitude before had been incredibly selfish and petty. She would never forgive letting Baralai die. She didn't love him. But perhaps she no longer would be alone. At least he looked like a fine companion.
Yuna tried to look back. Hoping to see Paine. Hoping to see her smile, a smile that would reassure her of what she was about to do. She struggled a bit to look back but she couldn't find Paine. Yuna knew if Rikku were there she'd probably be clamoring and chanting with delight. Rikku always was trying to play matchmaker between Baralai and Yuna. "Perhaps if Rikku had played matchmaker, instead of New Yevon.I wouldn't feel the same way about marrying him." Rikku had no idea the wedding would be this soon. Partially because Rikku was New Yevon's ace in the hole to get Cid to comply with thier demands. It suited thier needs to have Rikku and Gippal in the Bikanel dessert. Yuna sighed thinking about how angry Rikku was going to be , Rikku loved weddings, she didn't believe in them, but loved them anyways. Yuna falshback to Wakka and Lulu's wedding where Rikku had mentioned this. She loved the receptions most of all, especailly the dancing and "cake-eating", Rikku's term. Yuna snickered a bit.
"Anything funny with what I had just said?" The monk paused.
Yuna mortified," why no, I was just reminising is all."
Yuna feared Baralai was uncomfortable but was relieved to hear a titter of laughter. Yuna felt the thick cloud of tension disperse into the air.
The vows comenced. Yuna now had to face Baralai and vow before him a love she didn't feel. She remembered her Uncle's words this morning." People marry without love all the time. Yuna the difference between them and you is they are doing it for selfish reasons. You aren't." She wished that actually reasonated, it didn't. It still seemed wrong to her. It seemed selfish enough. Making someone believe you loved them only to ask something in return to her was selfishness. This shouldn't be selfish. Rikku life was endanger, that was reason enough to marry. However Yuna thought this whole scenerio was a bit ....funny.
Baralai held both Yuna's hands this time. Yuna pursed her lips and looked into his eyes. Flashing occasional smiles to assure him of her "love". She kept flashing back. The night when she and Tidus kissed. The promise Tidus made to her, that they would go to Zanarkand together. That they would be together til the end...no.... forever. For the first time in the ceremony her breathe collasped, her mouth became dry and her tears broke free. Baralai only beamed at her, assuming her tears were ones of overwhelming joy. He wiped them away with his gloved hand. "I hope that when we are finally wed, you shall never cry because of me." Baralai whispered into Yuna's ear. She snifled a bit and for what seemed like the hundredth time forced a smile.
Baralai and Yuna exchanged tear filled vows. Yuna didn't remember her vows and at times had to have the monk fill her in. Baralai took this all lightheartedly but Yuna did not. Yuna wanted to run somewhere anywhere. It didn't matter, she just wanted to run away. She invisioned a green flower feild. She wanted to feel her dress flutter behind her, the grass tickling her ankle.
" I now pronounce you husbund and wife." As Yuna heard those words her heart sunk to her stomach. All hope was lost. Baralai touched his wife's face. Yuna's eyes panicked as his lips neared hers. Baralai and Yuna had never kissed, although she claimed to love him, he was not one for displays of that sort. Baralai's bottom lip began to carress hers. He worked his way softly until his lips rounded against hers. Yuna touched Baralai's hand which was placed on her cheek. As she found herself receiving a pleasurable sensation from Baralai's soft kiss. He separated and peered into Yuna's eyes. He had a face of disbelief, happy disbelief.
The couple was greeting by rousing applause and chanting from the crowd. Baralai blushed as Yuna slipped her arm in his. Yuna was reluctant to admitt it even to her self but perhaps she was having a happy day.
The wedding reception was a grand affair. All the temple clerics and representatives from all the temples in Spira were there. The large dome in which the reception was held was dimly lit by what must have been at least a thousand rose colored candles. The wall draped with pink tapestry and from the dome drapes of pink and white linen hung giving the glass dome a tented feel.
Yuna was overwhelmed at the amount of significance that was placed in her wedding.It wasn't just a happy affair to most people it was a holy day. Yuna flashedback to her wedding with Seymour. However seated aside Baralai she knew that things would be different. Baralai extended his hand to Yuna, he asked to a dance. Yuna placed her hand in his and followed him to a large clearing in the center of the dome. Thousands of eyes focused on the bride and groom as the glided gracefully over the floor. Baralai held Yuna close to him. Her head touched his chin as he rocked slowly, back and forth. When the dance drew to a close Yuna was motioned to a long line of young men eager to dance with the new bride. Yuna grabbed Cid out of his seat to dance, she wanted him to say something, anything. They started to dance.
"How's brother?"
" On the airship, crying most likely. heh heh."
"sorry to hear that." Yuna chuckled.
" Ya kno you look just like your mother." Cid said."See I told you this wouldn't be so bad, you're back in your hometown. They are treating you like a queen. All your problems are solved."
Yuna was shocked at her uncles nerve. He treated the situation so...cooly. Yuna wasn't pleased. However she shallowed her indignation. She swept her glance around the room. She saw Baralai sharing a dance with Paine. Yuna desperately wanted to talk to her friend.
" Uncle Cid, will you excuse me?"
" Go on ahead Yuna. We'll speak later ok?" Cid realeases his niece from the dance.
"Paine! Paine!" Yuna cried rushing over to the other side of the clearing.
"It's been so long!" Yuna gave Paine a tight hug. Paine grunted a bit at Yuna's force.
" My heart rejoyces that you have come to our wedding,Paine." Baralai reached over for Yuna's hand.
" I came to see you both and wish you a happy marriage. You will be very happy together. I...I...have to leave now. I'm not dressed for this sorta thing." Paine said.
Paine nodded at Yuna and glanced into Baralai's eyes. Where her focus lingered for a while. Paine retreated leaving Yuna alone. Paine had lost her smile.
Yuna was all alone. She knew tonight she'd become his, a man she didn't love. She'd have to give herself to a man she lied to. Yet again Yuna carried the weight of the world on her shoulders.
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Chapter III
The procession comences. The boom of the horns, the harmonious plucking of harp stings, followed by the soothingly mirthful whistle of flutes followed the bride on her way to the altar. The farther she proceeded she was greeted with bows of reverence. The sky rained deep yellow petals, which glistened against the virginal white of her wedding dress.
Yuna's teeth clamored together inside her mouth as she felt bursts of tears rained inside her. Yuna tried discreetly wiping them away, as to have no one notice. Her heart throbbed with angst, and fear. Still she clung to the faint hope that a hero would come to her rescue , however this that was impossible. She searched the crowd hoping to see a familiar face among the lot, but no one she knew was there. Not even Lulu or Wakka have come, she couldn't blame them. Yuna had become astranged with them. Lulu and Wakka were memories of a faded past. Yuna paced forward wishing for Lulu to scold her, to tell her what she was doing was completely wrong. Yuna was desperate to find any excuse not to marry Baralai. However the more she neared, the faster the petals fluttered to the ground, the more secure she was that excuse would never arrive.
Mid point down the aisle she spotted one face in the crowd of spectators. Paine. Yuna hadn't seen her in ages. Paine was wearing a smirk . It warmed Yuna's heart to see Paine smile. Even if it wasn't really a smile. Was she happy that Yuna was to marry Baralai? Or was she just happy to see Yuna again? Either way the knowledge of having at least one good friend beside her on this day was enough to give Yuna some much needed inspiration to continue the sorrowful march forward.
Baralai was finally in full view. It wasn't the man she had hoped it would be. This nightmare didn't disperse as she prayed in her heart it would. Baralai had not become the man she loved. The wedding garments fit snuggly on him. Making him out to be quite a tall man. Yuna's hands felt a bit cold at this moment. Baralai's gaze seemed to be lost in Yuna's eyes. Yuna fretful that he might pick up on the misery she felt even to be near another altar looked down. She neared Baralai, she painted a false smile. Her lips strecthed into a smile. Baralai held Yuna's hand in his. Suddenly a sensation of comfort entered Yuna's body. His hands were very warm. As the monk started the ceremony , Yuna's body throbbed with nervousness. Baralai squeezed Yuna's hand, like a scared child who had gotten a fright. Little beads of sweat started to form on his forehead. Yuna looked into Baralai's eyes as he loosened his hand. Yuna squeezed back, hoping to comfort him. Baralai noticed the gesture. His eyes teased with delight, he radiated a new inner calm.
They both kneeled at the monk's comand to pray for their marriage. Yuna looked over at Baralai's serene face. He was an adorable man. His stark white hair contrasted his cafe colored skin. She could see a few small brown freckles clustered near his nose. He opened his large brown eyes and looked over at Yuna. Yuna's heart stopped as though she was shot. She saw his happiness. Suddenly she felt her attitude before had been incredibly selfish and petty. She would never forgive letting Baralai die. She didn't love him. But perhaps she no longer would be alone. At least he looked like a fine companion.
Yuna tried to look back. Hoping to see Paine. Hoping to see her smile, a smile that would reassure her of what she was about to do. She struggled a bit to look back but she couldn't find Paine. Yuna knew if Rikku were there she'd probably be clamoring and chanting with delight. Rikku always was trying to play matchmaker between Baralai and Yuna. "Perhaps if Rikku had played matchmaker, instead of New Yevon.I wouldn't feel the same way about marrying him." Rikku had no idea the wedding would be this soon. Partially because Rikku was New Yevon's ace in the hole to get Cid to comply with thier demands. It suited thier needs to have Rikku and Gippal in the Bikanel dessert. Yuna sighed thinking about how angry Rikku was going to be , Rikku loved weddings, she didn't believe in them, but loved them anyways. Yuna falshback to Wakka and Lulu's wedding where Rikku had mentioned this. She loved the receptions most of all, especailly the dancing and "cake-eating", Rikku's term. Yuna snickered a bit.
"Anything funny with what I had just said?" The monk paused.
Yuna mortified," why no, I was just reminising is all."
Yuna feared Baralai was uncomfortable but was relieved to hear a titter of laughter. Yuna felt the thick cloud of tension disperse into the air.
The vows comenced. Yuna now had to face Baralai and vow before him a love she didn't feel. She remembered her Uncle's words this morning." People marry without love all the time. Yuna the difference between them and you is they are doing it for selfish reasons. You aren't." She wished that actually reasonated, it didn't. It still seemed wrong to her. It seemed selfish enough. Making someone believe you loved them only to ask something in return to her was selfishness. This shouldn't be selfish. Rikku life was endanger, that was reason enough to marry. However Yuna thought this whole scenerio was a bit ....funny.
Baralai held both Yuna's hands this time. Yuna pursed her lips and looked into his eyes. Flashing occasional smiles to assure him of her "love". She kept flashing back. The night when she and Tidus kissed. The promise Tidus made to her, that they would go to Zanarkand together. That they would be together til the end...no.... forever. For the first time in the ceremony her breathe collasped, her mouth became dry and her tears broke free. Baralai only beamed at her, assuming her tears were ones of overwhelming joy. He wiped them away with his gloved hand. "I hope that when we are finally wed, you shall never cry because of me." Baralai whispered into Yuna's ear. She snifled a bit and for what seemed like the hundredth time forced a smile.
Baralai and Yuna exchanged tear filled vows. Yuna didn't remember her vows and at times had to have the monk fill her in. Baralai took this all lightheartedly but Yuna did not. Yuna wanted to run somewhere anywhere. It didn't matter, she just wanted to run away. She invisioned a green flower feild. She wanted to feel her dress flutter behind her, the grass tickling her ankle.
" I now pronounce you husbund and wife." As Yuna heard those words her heart sunk to her stomach. All hope was lost. Baralai touched his wife's face. Yuna's eyes panicked as his lips neared hers. Baralai and Yuna had never kissed, although she claimed to love him, he was not one for displays of that sort. Baralai's bottom lip began to carress hers. He worked his way softly until his lips rounded against hers. Yuna touched Baralai's hand which was placed on her cheek. As she found herself receiving a pleasurable sensation from Baralai's soft kiss. He separated and peered into Yuna's eyes. He had a face of disbelief, happy disbelief.
The couple was greeting by rousing applause and chanting from the crowd. Baralai blushed as Yuna slipped her arm in his. Yuna was reluctant to admitt it even to her self but perhaps she was having a happy day.
The wedding reception was a grand affair. All the temple clerics and representatives from all the temples in Spira were there. The large dome in which the reception was held was dimly lit by what must have been at least a thousand rose colored candles. The wall draped with pink tapestry and from the dome drapes of pink and white linen hung giving the glass dome a tented feel.
Yuna was overwhelmed at the amount of significance that was placed in her wedding.It wasn't just a happy affair to most people it was a holy day. Yuna flashedback to her wedding with Seymour. However seated aside Baralai she knew that things would be different. Baralai extended his hand to Yuna, he asked to a dance. Yuna placed her hand in his and followed him to a large clearing in the center of the dome. Thousands of eyes focused on the bride and groom as the glided gracefully over the floor. Baralai held Yuna close to him. Her head touched his chin as he rocked slowly, back and forth. When the dance drew to a close Yuna was motioned to a long line of young men eager to dance with the new bride. Yuna grabbed Cid out of his seat to dance, she wanted him to say something, anything. They started to dance.
"How's brother?"
" On the airship, crying most likely. heh heh."
"sorry to hear that." Yuna chuckled.
" Ya kno you look just like your mother." Cid said."See I told you this wouldn't be so bad, you're back in your hometown. They are treating you like a queen. All your problems are solved."
Yuna was shocked at her uncles nerve. He treated the situation so...cooly. Yuna wasn't pleased. However she shallowed her indignation. She swept her glance around the room. She saw Baralai sharing a dance with Paine. Yuna desperately wanted to talk to her friend.
" Uncle Cid, will you excuse me?"
" Go on ahead Yuna. We'll speak later ok?" Cid realeases his niece from the dance.
"Paine! Paine!" Yuna cried rushing over to the other side of the clearing.
"It's been so long!" Yuna gave Paine a tight hug. Paine grunted a bit at Yuna's force.
" My heart rejoyces that you have come to our wedding,Paine." Baralai reached over for Yuna's hand.
" I came to see you both and wish you a happy marriage. You will be very happy together. I...I...have to leave now. I'm not dressed for this sorta thing." Paine said.
Paine nodded at Yuna and glanced into Baralai's eyes. Where her focus lingered for a while. Paine retreated leaving Yuna alone. Paine had lost her smile.
Yuna was all alone. She knew tonight she'd become his, a man she didn't love. She'd have to give herself to a man she lied to. Yet again Yuna carried the weight of the world on her shoulders.