A slight wind stroked the faces of everyone in attendance. It seemed as if all of Parcelyte turned out for the event of the year, Commander Selan's wedding on the twenty-third day of Adeen, the seventh month of Mada Eve's calendar. A few scattered inhabitants of neighboring kingdoms also lined the audience, with Tia, Sir Guy, his sister Hilda, his girlfriend Jessy, and Sir Dekar proudly sitting in the front rows. King Airin was perhaps the proudest looking one in attendance for Lady Selan was as a daughter to him (he had none of his own).
Lady Selan (she looked no part of a Commander on this day) was arrayed in a shoulder-less white gown, embroidered with intricate, yet simply stated silver designs. Her skin and face seemed to reflect the ancient light of the trees spoken of only in legend and much more pure than sunlight. A ring of daisies crowned her cerulean hair, which was all curled and crimped, tied up with all sorts of unseen pins.
The bride and groom stood side by side underneath an arch of interwoven trees with feet bared, standing amidst a backdrop of a grove of still-flowering dogwoods. It was the beginning of winter, but the trees seemed to grasp for a few more days of autumn-like appearance. The sun shone bright and warm.
To the rear of the audience's seating a large, wooden structure that seemed to be many years ancient stood with a rolling meadow behind it. Flowers were scattered everywhere—brilliantly colored and arrayed, giving off a sweet smell to those who walked close by.
Everything was perfect…except the loud crashes of distant thunder and the increasingly violent winds. Lady Selan was obviously worried that her wedding day was going to be rained out, while Maxim tried to calm his bride's worried look with a smile--unconvinced himself. While it did not allay her fears of the impending storm, it did banish all thoughts but him for the moment.
Soon they were lost within the weight of the vows they were committing to each other. To rejoice in each other and to honor. To encourage, listen, protect and comfort as they became a more perfect union of human souls. To be faithful to one another in all that life would bring sharing both joys and sorrow. Time seemed to be standing still Maxim gazed at the woman before him arrayed in brilliant white. And yet, it seemed to rush by. He found himself lifting the modest silver ring to his bride's hand almost as if he was watching another man do it.
"Before God, I give thee this ring as a symbol of and a call to our love," he heard himself repeat after the priest as he moved the ring from the thumb to the index finger to the middle finger and finally resting it on the fourth. Then he watched as Selan did the same.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. Sir Maxim, you now may kiss your bride," Cai joyfully exclaimed. Cheers from the crowd rose to meet the ardor and passion of Maxim and Selan's first kiss as man and wife. Creation answered with a deafening cheer of its own, which sent the couple down the aisle towards the wooden building a bit quicker.
As the crowd made its way to another covered area rain started to pour fourth from the heavens. The tempest was quick, however, dousing the holy place of union with its life-giving rains and then departing once again. This actually cooled off the area quite pleasingly. Where it had been a hot day, it was now the perfect cool of an early autumn evening. Much more, the remaining days of the wedding feast (for back then they lasted days upon days) were said to have been the most beautiful of all the season.
Congratulations was the call for the evening, accompanied by tears from the women and smiles of envy from the men who had hoped to win Lady Selan's heart but never could. Dekar and Guy stood together talking while the bride and groom found the hands of many congratulatory friends along with the obligatory "wonderful ceremony" and countless wishes of "many blessings."
Guy then said to Dekar, "Don't you think Maxim and Selan moved pretty fast to get to this? It's only been three months since we defeated Gades. That's barely a season. And they've barely even known each other for half of a year."
Smiling back, Dekar responded, "Hey, what about your girlfriend, Guy? Isn't she asking you to get married, too? Perhaps that is why you think Maxim and Selan moved too quick?"
Unaware that Jessy had snuck behind his back within hearing range Guy proceeded to answer in his usually cocky manner. "Yeah, but women don't understand the adventurous male spirit. Warriors don't need to settle down with women. It's a matter of choice when the warrior wants to."
This response provoked Jessy to charge right up into Guy's stunned face. "So, is that how you really feel about us…and me, Guy? If you really feel that way, I can leave you anytime you want!"
Trying to backpedal, unsuccessfully, Guy answered back, "Hey now, I was just joking Jessy. I knew you were behind me. I need you…you know that."
Jessy, however, was unimpressed with the smile she had seen all too often to atone for quickly spoken words. She proceeded to walk away, which sent Guy scrambling after her and Dekar standing alone.
"So that's a true warrior," Dekar said to himself, while Maxim and Selan had finally made their way over to his side.
"I guess that's the way they show each other affection. Some people simply don't change," Selan offered as she gently put her hand on Dekar's shoulder.
Turning to face Selan, Dekar said, "Lady Selan, you look absolutely stunning in that wedding dress. It appears that you can change quite nicely." And turning to Maxim, he added, "Congratulations on this one, Sir Maxim."
Just then one of Lady Selan's newest recruits came running up to the bride and groom, not allowing Selan to fein insult at Dekar's previous comment. Between breaths he managed to say, "Commander Selan, some creatures have made it into the guest area. People are panicking. We need your help."
Those who had heard what he said turned to give him a unified dirty look, but he was already leading them (quite convincingly) to the supposed sight, which was but a few, short yards away. Lady Selan and Maxim then came face to face with a crudely drawn beast upon a large peace of parchment as the surrounding crowd (mostly her soldiers) broke into laughter.
Crinkling her nose up because of her gullible-ness and slight embarrassment, Lady Selan responded, "Come on, you guys, it's my wedding day. Don't make me be the Commander today!" But soon she was laughing, too.
"You're probably even hiding a sword under your dress right now, Commander," her Second-In-Command yelled out to her.
"Only a small knife, Sedrick," she smiled back. She then noticed the wry smile on her husband's face and told him, "I feel like something's missing without it." After another brief stint of laughter she continued, saying "You too, Maxim, have a knife on you, don't you?"
Producing the long knife from its hidden sheath Maxim deftly slashed through the paper monster, its carcass falling in two pieces to the floor. "Well, this is like a part of me," he added as he proudly smiled over his action. "It would have taken you forever to reach your knife and someone needed to save you from the clutches of this foul beast," he boasted as he sheathed his sword, drew Selan to himself and kissed her heroically, at which the crowd applauded loudly.
"The idea is to put the knife into the wedding cake and not into monsters, Sir Maxim," King Airin proclaimed as he approached the couple. "So, bring out the cake," he ordered his court servants. Cake was then enjoyed by the guests, but when all was said and done, except for that first bite, Maxim and Lady Selan were not able to taste it again, for they were so busy greeting everyone who had blessed them with their attendance, that when they came for another piece there was not any left.
King Airin then turned his attention to Cai the Priest, who he had been friends with for a long time. "What a beautiful day for a wedding, isn't it," the priest had asked him. "It's just their style, I think, at least it is Selan's. Storms seem attracted to her, yet she always seems to outlast them, and the sun shines on the other side." Then the King was lost in thought. "My, what a fine young lady she has grown into. I really feel like I'm losing my daughter, Cai," he finally added.
"I know, I know, Airin," Cai responded as one would to the most ancient of friends.
"It was a wonderful ceremony as well, Cai."
"I played but a little part in this masterpiece. Your accommodations surely were not lacking, for one. More so, a wedding is a sacred, holy day in itself and that at more than the hands of any man--however great a part he may play. This act--the union of man and wife--is blessed and made something that even the engaged intention of the matter, in all its claims of pure love, does not understand," was Cai's response. Memories of his own wife flooded Cai's thoughts as any further words caught in his throat. The King put his arm around his friend in silent comfort. "It's about time that you dance with your wife again, isn't it, Airin?" Cai added with a genuine smile.
"I think you are right," the King responded. "I also know Sir Maxim is a great guy and it makes losing Selan a bit easier. They'll be all right. They'll protect each other and I think they'll help this world remain at the peace we are enjoying now," said the King.
"Yes, thanks to them risking their lives, especially Maxim, we now have this precious peace. Of course, it was only with God's power that it was so," Cai responded.
"Of course, Cai," the King answered back as he smiled. "And may God bless us with peace as long as our people walk these hallowed lands."
"May it be so," Cai agreed.
As the crowds continued on dancing and feasting, for King Airin spared no expense here, the married couple searched for a place they could be alone. After being stopped more than a few times they finally seemed to find a quiet spot--at least for the moment.
Near a large oak tree, Maxim grabbed Selan into his arms as they stared at each other. What would life together bring? they wondered. And then they were lost in another kiss. The sun was setting behind them, creating a great backdrop for the young lovers as the red-orange glow lit up the sky like a blossoming priphea in the dawning weeks of spring.
Selan rested her head on Maxim's shoulder, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, soaking the evening in. Comfort and strength and love swarmed around her as she listened to words of affection swim from her lover's lips. There they began to dance to a song that had always been within their hearts, yet had just been more fully unleashed.
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It was a cold night in the midst of Parcelyte's winter. A slight covering of snow dusted the ground as smoke rose from the spaced cottages of the city's inhabitants. The streets were empty except for a few stragglers bundled up in warmth, which created a peaceful atmosphere around the town. The stars looked down upon the townsfolk cuddled within their homes with family and friends.
Candlelight flickered inside one particular house causing shadows to play upon the walls. Two young adults moved in perfect sync as a feminine voice provided the soft music. She hummed as her partner swayed back and forth gently guiding her movements. Laughter soon arose from the pair. The sort that only comes from a relationship of complete safety and utter joy; laughter that totally abandoned the self. The man dipped his love as a finishing move then gently rose her back to his tight embrace cutting off her laughter with a tender kiss.
"A commander of armies and yet so sweet a voice?" Maxim whispered to Lady Selan.
"A mighty warrior as well as a charming dancer?" Selan asked back. After a short silence for the typical eye-gazing of young lovers Selan continued, "Can you believe it's been a year since we were married, Maxim?"
The red-headed husband slowly spun his wife around, now holding her around the shoulders, both facing the roaring fire at the center of the wall. "I know. It's gone by so fast and yet I can't even imagine what everyday life without you was like. What I do know is that it is colder tonight than it was last year."
Maxim's arms then reached down to hold Lady Selan's swelling stomach. "At least you have more insulation against the cold," he quipped.
Astonished at his gall, although she knew better than to be by now, Selan reprimanded him, struggling from his grasp: "A woman's weight is nothing to joke around about, honey, especially when she is pregnant. I need to be reassured about things like this." But she laughed as well, knowing him to only be kidding.
"Are you happy, Selan?" Maxim asked his lovely wife.
"Can't you tell," Selan quickly said, playfully pushing against his chest as if she was insulted, although he did not budge from her shove. After a short pause Selan asked, "Hey…do you love me?"
"Can't you tell," Maxim mockingly responded, but Selan simply waited patiently for his answer. So Maxim asked, "Do I have to tell you?"
"Yes," came the response as she turned away from his stare.
"So, you're going to make me say it," Maxim prodded further.
"A girl needs to hear it sometimes…" Selan answered as she turned back to face Maxim, but was caught face to face with him.
"From your cerulean blue hair, to the strength and confidence in your voice. From your skill with a sword to your gentleness of a mother-to-be. From your sweet smile to the encouragement and love you offer. Your faithfulness and honesty. Soul, mind and body. Selan, I utterly, uncontrollably, unreservedly love you with all that I am," Maxim finished before the two passionately embraced within their warm home.
Once she had collected herself again, Selan responded "You're not so bad yourself."
"I've got something for you," Maxim told his wife as they drew apart from their clasp. And quickly he came back with a slightly crumpled piece of paper in one hand. He motioned that she could sit down if she wanted to, and feeling the added weight of her pregnancy, she took him up on that offer. "A warrior, dancer, and a poet, too," Selan jokingly approved of his multi-talented persona.
After some joking attempts at warming up his 'poet's voice' as Maxim called it, he began to speak his heart to his wife. Lady Selan smiled approvingly even before the words were spoken.
It all began as autumn bowed out,
On the twenty-third of Adeen, amidst a simple park.
Dressed in purity, robed in joy, beauty so brilliant
As to make the sunniest of days seem more shrouded than pure dark.
It continued through storm and sun as two became one.
Winter arrived, with its icy cold grasp;
Snow covering the ground while birds no longer perched.
And the eve of the year had men seeking the fairest
From mountain to shore, but in vain they searched.
And it continued through new meals, safe and unique.
Spring rolled in breaking the weather's grip,
As it stumbled about in new life and home.
Still clothed in breathtaking display;
Indescribable in full, God's own poem.
And it continued through trials that only a Commander may know.
Summer caught up as the weather burned;
While it walked the beach and swam the sea.
Nourishing a new splendor within; strikingly clad without,
Nothing compared to the glow of a mother-to-be.
And it continued as suits went from two-piece to one.
The days went on, growing ever so faintly colder,
With leaves of once robust trees falling from their place.
Yet arrayed in unshakeable attire
Is the loveliness that is in your soul, so full of grace.
For continuing still in all seasons come, it is she
The beauty of a wife granted to me.
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Sunlight was fading beyond Parcelyte's horizon as Maxim strode towards his home. He noticed the familiar sweetness of his new town's air and he savored it. He had been separated for the last two weeks from his wife Selan and their new baby boy, Jeros. It was more than he could bear. Every once in a while his thought was distracted by a glint from the sun or a distant voice in a nearby yard.
What he was distracted from were thoughts of Selan and Jeros. How much had he grown in the long ten days of his departure? How lovely would Selan look? And what would she have ready for dinner?
So he walked by familiar houses, although he would not delay by stopping in to see them just yet. He quickened his pace as his familiar house, smaller than the ones surrounding it, came into view. As he stepped closer he could make at a hazy form moving about in the house and then disappearing behind a wall. Maxim called Selan's movement 'gliding,' which you might also call your own wife's steps (if you have one or if you will be gaining one) after not seeing her for two weeks.
By then he had reached the door, entered his house, and his eyes searched the room for Selan's presence frantically. He was not unsuccessful for too long (even though he thought it was long enough) as she quickly raced into the room at the sound of the door. Immediately he dropped his bags as Selan came rushing towards him. As she leaped into his arms she cried out, "Hello, my love!" before they kissed the sort of kiss that always comes between lovers that have been apart for months or years, although as you already know they had only been apart for half of a month. The term 'honeymooners' still aptly applied to their marriage. I will not boor you now with all of the sappy things muttered between the two, for the sake of their privacy and your stomach.
After that sort of talk was accomplished Maxim asked her how their son, Jeros, was doing. "He's upstairs, sleeping."
"I do hate coming home after he has already gone to bed. But I thought he would be sleeping. I couldn't hear his voice from outside as a came up the walk," Maxim responded.
Furrowing her brow Selan poked back asking, "What is that suppose to mean, Maxim? You make it sound as though I'm always making him cry or something."
"Well…" he answered (too carelessly) "you're not very good at getting him to go to sleep, are you? If you even get the willpower to let go of him."
"Neither are you," Selan called back as a playful smile began to edge into her mouth. And then she heard a familiar sound coming from upstairs followed by an even more familiar sound of Jeros' crying. Selan raced upstairs followed closely on her heels by Maxim as their hearts moved quicker and less safely than their legs would take them.
Their worst fears were realized when they saw an armored man holding their child. Maxim's eyes were drawn to the black image framed within an orange background. Memories flooded his mind as he put a name to the figure. "Idura!" he screamed out as the man removed his helmet, revealing his spiky-blond hair.
"It appears that I've got your little baby. What do you call him…Jee-ros?" Idura said with an intolerable smirk.
"What are you doing and why?" Maxim yelled as he started towards his enemy.
"No…no…you wouldn't want me to hurt this one, now would you?" and so Maxim hesitated as there was too much room between them. "Orders from up on high, you see."
Fear gripped Maxim's heart as Gades' towering figure stole into his mind's eye. "Who is it! Gades is defeated. If it's Gades, I'll defeat him again!" Maxim was completely outraged and confused at this point.
Taking his time to reply Idura motioned Maxim to calm down with a slight raise of his hand. "No, no. It's not Gades' order. I would hate to be in your position, though, not knowing who it is and fearing how much stronger than Gades he might be. Yes, I can see the fear in your eyes now." This was not an entirely untrue statement.
"What are you talking about, Idura?" Selan interjected.
"You'll just have to come to the lighthouse north of town to find that out," Idura answered before he disappeared from their sight.
"Maxim…Jeros..our baby!" Selan screamed as it happened while Maxim rushed to where his child and the fiend had just been. Yet he only grasped at empty air. Then he returned to Selan and held her close to him.
Author's Notes
You write what you know, right? Well, this chapter is based upon much of my life: my wedding, a poem I wrote to my wife (changed around to fit the game and Selan), coming home to our daughter after work when she is already asleep (although she has been falling asleep later now J). It was a fun chapter to write, when I finally got around to it. And although I think it needs a lot of work and polishing, I'm just going to move ahead when I get the chance to write the next chapter.
Peacemaker…was that what you were looking for…in a love scene and expanding the game. This was a fun chapter to write. It's nowhere near where I would like it…I keep forgetting to get my wife to look things over and give me a female's perspective and share her thoughts. So I might update it if that ever happens, but I figured it's been like a half-year since I updated, so just shove it on there and hope y'all like it. And the baby's excellent!
En Gen Nero…yes, I know ROTS is the prequel, and if I understand your thinking I put Lufia II, because that is what it is called in the USA…"but ask yourself, are those your words"…do you mean how my novel is based on the game and uses its script? I definitely acknowledge that…while expanding in areas and adding details and drawing things out. But maybe I've misunderstood your comments J.
Shading Source…I hope you have not gone crazy…but then again you only posted your review two weeks ago. Thanks to everyone for your comments and encouragement.