Hello everyone! It's time for the wedding!
Just in case anyone forgot, Nakaji-san bought Ginga shrine from Mayura back in chapter 7 (the real chapter 7) and Keiko-chan is his daughter, now old enough to help at the shrine.
Chapter 33: The Wedding
"Stop fidgeting Mayura-chan! I can't tie your obi right if you keep on moving like that," admonished Skuld.
"I can't help it Skuld-chan. I'm so nervous! What if I mess up during the ceremony? What if I trip over my kimono? What if I forget what I have to say, or pass out drinking the sake, or, or, or…" Mayura rambled anxiously.
"Don't worry Mayura-chan. You know that ceremony forwards, backwards and sideways. There's no way you'll make a mistake. And Keiko-chan will be so cute that anything she does will be adorable. Oh, I can't wait to see her all dressed up in her miko kimono and hakama," Skuld gushed. "And Loki-sama will do just fine too. Nakaji-san has gone over the whole ceremony with him several times in the last few weeks." Skuld growled at Mayura again. "What have I told you, stop fidgeting!"
"But what if…" Mayura was stopped by Skuld's finger.
"No more what ifs. If ifs and ands were pots and pans, the world would be full of them," stated Skuld arrogantly. "Besides… that's Freya's department," she whispered to herself.
"Did you say something Skuld-chan?"
"Eh… ah, no Mayura-chan, why'd you ask? Umm… ahhhh! I got a great idea! Why don't you think about how Loki-sama is going to look in that formal kimono? I know you saw him in a formal kimono when he only appeared to be eight years old—you told me he looked so adorable in it. Can you imagine how handsome he'd be now?"
"Loki…" sighed Mayura as her eyes sparkled. Skuld waved her hand in front of Mayura's face, but got no response.
"I think her brain's gone on vacation," teased Skuld. "I hope it comes back in time for the ceremony." For the next two hours, Skuld busily worked on tying Mayura's obi and arranging her hair.
"There is an expectant feeling in the air."
"Yes… and the powers are gathering."
"The paths of fate are changing."
"But to what extent?"
"That is uncertain, for the future paths have yet to be rewritten…"
"We have come to a marker of time. Old paths will be destroyed a new ones shall be created."
"Crucial decisions will be made in the near future."
"I sense that Odin-sama is the key to this world's destruction."
"Will Ragnarok still be made to commence then?"
"That will be answered one day."
"Yes, by the ones who guide the hands of destiny…"
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"Odin-sama, be wise in your decisions… the fate of the world is within your words and deeds."
"So, how are you feeling in your last few moments as a bachelor Loki?" asked his best man as he jabbed him in the ribs.
"Fine… I've been married before you know."
"Nervous?" prodded Narugami.
"… A little… The ceremony is a lot different from the one we use in Asgard."
Narugami laughed. "Yes, but a lot simpler too, I can barely imagine Daidouji-chan stumbling through all the Old Norse. And you know father would require it to be in Old Norse too. Just be glad you didn't have to plan an Asgard wedding Loki."
"Why?" asked Loki in an attempt to think about anything but the all too quickly coming wedding. "It wasn't bad last time."
"Yes, admittedly, but last time was an arranged marriage to a relatively minor ah… who was your wife again?"
"Glut"
"Oh yeah… that was her name. Sorry Loki. More importantly however," Narugami paused to emphasize what he was about to say, "The goddesses haven't had the opportunity to plan a wedding in over a thousand years now. And you know darned well that they're just itching to get their fingers involved in another one. Not to mention the ruckus that would be caused all over the nine worlds. The guest list would be enormous!"
"That's true."
"Just make sure to watch out with that ceremonial sake. It really packs a punch."
"Oh? And how would you know that Narukami-kun?"
"Ah, never mind."
"You offered the information Narukami-kun," retorted Loki in singsong voice.
"When you were off looking for the bride the last time we went to Ginga Shrine for the wedding, Daidouji-chan noticed that I could… umm… pretend to be Anaya-san to fool the guests. And I kind of drank too much of it and… umm… passed out," answered Narugami sheepishly.
"The mighty Thor lost in his cups?!" Loki raised his eyebrows disbelievingly. "Unbelievable! And after only one dish of ceremonial sake? You really can't hold your rice liquor, can you?"
"Shut up Loki! Who would want to drink rice liquor anyway! It's so bitter! Now give me some mead or some other type of real alcohol and let's see who's in their cups first hmm?"
Loki lifted his hands up in defeat. "I believe you, I believe you. You've drunk me under the table on several occasions while I could have sworn you're still sober!" he stated in an attempt to appease Narugami. Although quick to anger, Loki knew that Narugami was just as quick to forget it.
"That's right!" responded Narugami triumphantly. All traces of anger had vanished.
"Farbautisen-san, the ceremony is about to begin."
"Thank you Keiko-chan. We'll be out in a second," responded Loki.
"There now, are you nervous?"
"Actually… no. Thanks Narukami-kun."
"Don't mention it Loki."
The young miko, Keiko, walked first in the procession followed by Loki and Mayura. Next came the closest family members: Yamino, Fenrir, and unbeknownst to Mayura, ecchan too. Behind them were Loki's and Mayura's closest friends, Narugami, Skuld, and Kotaro. It might have been a miracle, but Loki had actually convinced Narugami to wear a black suit instead of his definition of formal wear which only included his old school uniform. And since Skuld was attending, that of course meant that Urd and Verdandi were attending as well. In fact, all the gods on Midgard, even Heimdall—after he had been dragged there by Freyr—were present. The koto musicians began to play as the head of the precession rounded the first set of stairs to the shrine.
"Oh! It should be me walking in white and not Mayura-chan!" Reiya sulked. "Loki-kun, I saw you first!" Silently she added to herself, "Cradle robber…"
"I'm confused," whispered Freyr. "I thought you were happy for Yamato Nadeshiko and Loki. And didn't Yamato Nadeshiko know Loki before you?"
"Onii-sama!" Reiya softly growled before only hitting him on the head. Jealous she may be, but there was no way Freya was going to ruin such a beautiful and romantic wedding. She wasn't the goddess of love for nothing after all. And she just adored weddings.
"Huh? Onii-sama? But this Freyr still doesn't understand why you call him that. He only has one sister, his beloved Freya-chan," insisted Freyr.
"Onii-sama," Reiya sighed lowering her head in despair. Reiya knew she wasn't the brightest torch in the mead hall—not that she would admit that out loud—but her brother at times even astounded her with his naivety and denseness.
The procession continued into the shrine. Keiko walked up to the front and turned around to stand next to her father. Mayura and Loki stopped only a few feet in front of Nakaji and his daughter. The rest of the guests formed a half circle behind them. Narugami and Skuld were together and Kotaro was on the other side in the front. Positive that everyone was in the right places, Nakaji performed the purification service for all present, before he turned towards the altar and began to pray in thanksgiving to the gods.
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"Since there is no matchmaker present, would Farbautisen Loki-san and Daidouji Mayura-san please exchange their marriage oaths to one another now," requested Nakaji formally.
"I, Farbautisen Loki, do pledge to my love, Daidouji Mayura, to honor and protect her for as long as we both shall live. In doing so, I will stay faithful and obedient to our commitment to each other for all our married life. May our thoughts and deeds become one as our souls join together this day and here after."
Mayura had started to cry at Loki's touching oath to her. "I, Daidouji Mayura, do pledge my loyalty and trust to Farbautisen Loki. I will faithfully and obediently perform the duties and accept any blessings of married life." Mayura paused as if she was considering saying anything more. "May our thoughts and deeds become one as our souls join together this day and forever more." Mayura smiled at Loki, and he happily smiled back.
Moving towards Loki and Mayura, the little miko brought forward the first of the nuptial sake cups. Okay… you've been told how to do this Loki… no need to panic. You pick up the cup like so… Loki picked up the sake cup and held it by his fingertips. Then take a small sip. See that wasn't so bad, right? Only eight more times to go, thought Loki as he placed the cup back down onto the tray Keiko was holding so that Mayura could take her sip. Two more cups and three sips for each per person later, Loki's nerves were shot. See, nothing to be afraid of. I didn't drop the nuptial cup like I did in the practice. No problems… eheheh…
"And now the rings will be exchanged. These circular shapes symbolize the unity you have sworn with each other, a union with no beginning and no end." Keiko was now standing next to her father holding a tray with two identical gold bands on it, although one ring was larger than the other. Picking up the larger ring, Mayura slide it onto Loki's finger. Whole heartedly smiling, Loki took the second ring and slide it onto Mayura's finger as sparkling tears could be seen running down her cheeks.
Loki raised his hand to wipe the tears of joy from Mayura's face. She looks beautiful enough to be a goddess. I'd almost swear Mayu-chan's glowing from within. Meanwhile the audience and officiators were clapping their congratulations.
"Hey, Loki…" whispered Narugami. "The little miko over there is trying to hand something to you."
Snapping out of his blissful thoughts, Loki quickly took the 'sakaki' or 'sacred tree' twig and walked up with Mayura to the sanctuary in offering to the gods. Ironic… isn't it? A god offering twigs to the gods.
Finishing the formal part of the wedding ceremony, everyone moved into the side reception room were all of Loki's 'close' relatives exchanged drinks of sake between each other. Mayura still didn't quite understand how, but Loki had assured her that Yamino, Narugami, Skuld, Urd, Verdandi, and grudgingly Heimdall were all blood related to him. It made much less sense to Mayura however, when Loki had tried to tell her that Freyr and Reiya were 'close' relatives as well. Clueless on what to say, Mayura had thrown up her hands and commented about how she always wanted a big family, and now she was going to get it. Without any close family of her own, Kotaro had generously offered to play that roll for Mayura.
"Yamino, is the food all ready at the… Farbautisen house?" asked Narugami formally, causing Yamino to flinch at the unexpected address and Mayura to slightly blush.
"Ah, yes Narugami-san. All I have to do is heat it up a little bit and set out the first round of appetizers. But I'll be finished with that before Loki-sama and Mayura-san get back downstairs after changing. Anyway, we have to wait for the other invited guests show up before we can start the main course."
"Wait! No one can go yet! We haven't taken the pictures!" insisted Skuld. "Mayura-chan, Loki-sama, outside… now!"
"Coming Skuld-chan, I'm coming!"
Loki walked alongside Skuld and whispered, "That's the non-biodegradable film from Asgard right?"
"Nope, even better, it's digital. Now hurry up and get in place before I miss my perfect shot because you dallied so long that the sun started to cast horrible shadows."
"Yes ma'am," saluted Loki.
"Less mouth and more smile Loki-sama," retorted Skuld. "Alright, stay there. Smile..."
##Click##
"Perfect! Okay, umm… Keiko-chan and Nakaji-san, would you join in on the picture please? No, I think Nakaji-san should be next to Loki-sama and Keiko-chan should be next to Mayura-chan. That's good… say cheese!"
##Click##
"Now why don't we have a picture of Mayura-chan alone by the pillar over there? A little bit more to the right. Ahh! To the left now… hold it, hold it…"
##Click##
"Wow Skuld-chan. I didn't know you could do professional photography!"
"What can I say? I'm a girl of many talents. Alright, your turn Loki-sama…"
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"Loki-sama, Mayura-san, all the guests have arrived. We're only waiting for you two to change out of your formal kimono and the dinner can begin."
"Thank you Yamino-kun. We won't take to long."
"We would have been back sooner if someone didn't insist on taking so many pictures," commented Mayura looking directly at Skuld. Loki guided her up the stairs.
"I did it for the future Mayura-chan. One day I'll be thanked," Skuld replied.
At the top of the stairs, Loki kissed Mayura before commenting, "She's right Mayu-chan. We'll be very thankful one day." I know I will. It won't feel like a long time at all before you're gone.
"Hey! Will you guys hurry? I'm hungry down here."
Loki swatted Mayura's behind. "Better hurry up Mayu-chan. We wouldn't want to make Narukami-kun wait for a second more than we have to."
"Loki!" squealed Mayura as she turned around, but he had already entered and closed the door to his bedroom.
"Come on… hurry up Mayura-chan," insisted Skuld as she pulled Mayura into her room to change.
At the bottom of the stairs, Narugami cleared his throat before speaking to all the guests gathered in the front room. "I would like to thank you for all attending the wedding reception of Farbautisen Loki and Daidouji Mayura. And I guess at this time I should introduce the new husband and wife." At that moment Loki and Mayura stepped out of the study door. The room gasped at the couple before them. Mayura was wearing a pure white Western wedding dress that almost seemed to shimmer in the light. Loki was wearing a classic black tuxedo. "Would you give a nice round of applause to Farbautisen Loki and Mayura."
Taking her hand in his, Loki walked Mayura down the stairs. Mayura's dress didn't touch the ground—rather it seemed to float above it. The guests followed the bride and groom into the main dinning hall, which before then had only been used for gatherings at major holidays.
Standing up from his set at the head table, Narugami once again addressed all those present. "I would like to thank you again for coming to Loki's and Mayura-san's wedding. As best friend, and best man to Loki, I can say that this union is one of the best things that could ever have happened to him. I'm sure that both Mayura and Loki will greatly gain from the dedication, trust, and love they had pledged to each other this day. I propose a toast to Farbautisen Loki and Mayura." Narugami raised his glass high into the air. "May their house have no need, may their family have no want, and may their love transcend time."
"Cheers, cheers!" chorused the room as glasses clinked.
"And now let's eat the food Yamino graciously prepared."
"Ittadakimasu!"
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An hour and a half or so later, Loki and Mayura were standing in front of the cake ready to cut it. This time several cameras were focused on them, but Skuld of course had the best angle to get all the 'action'. Cutting a small piece from the bottom tier, Loki popped it in Mayura's mouth, making sure not to get any on her pretty face.
I'd swear that every time I look at her, she's become even more stunning today.
Reciprocating Loki's actions, Mayura cut a small piece of cake and feed it to him. As she was pulling her hand away, Loki licked clean one of her fingers, causing Mayura to shudder in excitement and anticipation. Lost in each other's eyes, they stood transfixed while Skuld was busy clinking away.
"It's time for the bride and groom's first dance as husband and wife!" shouted someone in the back. Shaken out of their solitary world, Loki escorted Mayura to the center of the dance floor and waited for the music to begin.
"I love you Mayu-chan."
"I love you too Loki."
Both gracefully danced for several minutes before other couples joined them. Kotaro and his fiancé were the first, followed soon after by Inspector Niiyama and his wife and the Nakaji's. Wanting to have fun too, Fenrir jumped on Keiko's lap and began to 'play puppy'. Next to join the dancing was Professor Ikari and her husband Gendo. The gods present just stared at each other wondering what to do. Except for Freyr, none of them were married, or at least currently married, and they didn't have any partners on Midgard to dance with.
"Verdandi? Would you care to dance?" Narugami asked with a wavering voice.
Blushing pink she answered, "I'd love to Thor-san." Narugami took her hand and escorted her onto the dancing floor. Skuld, Urd, Reiya, Freyr, and Heimdall stared at each other in disbelief.
"I don't believe it."
"If I hadn't had seen it with mine own eyes…"
"Who would have thought?"
"I think they'd be a cute couple."
"The perfume of romance in the air…"
Looking around the room uncomfortably Urd noticed something. "Eh? What's Yamino-san doing in that corner all by himself?" she asked to no one in particular and began to walk towards him. "Yamino-san, why such the gloomy expression?"
"Its couples dancing and I don't have a…"
"Care to dance?" Urd asked offering a hand.
"Urd-san… I…" Yamino looked down.
Urd smiled. "Just for today?" Yamino looked up and nodded his head.
Watching their interaction, Skuld bristled. Determined not to be outdone by her stoic sister, she grabbed Freyr's hand and pulled him onto the dance floor.
"I guess that leaves only you and me," commented Heimdall.
"I guess so."
"Care to dance? Freya," asked Heimdall bowing gracefully.
"I would be delighted."
Hours later the party was just about finished. Loki and Mayura were once again at the top of the stairs. Narugami once again cleared his throat at the bottom of the stairs. "Thank you all for coming, but before the party is over; it's time for the bouquet toss. Would all the eligible ladies please come forward? You can join in too Keiko-chan," assured Narugami. "Daidouji-chan… er… I'm mean Farbautisen-chan… umm… can I call you Mayura-chan?" Mayura nodded her head as everyone laughed at Narugami's mistake. "Alright… Mayura-chan, throw the bouquet whenever you're ready!" Turning around Mayura threw the bouquet over her head into the middle of the crowd below her.
"I got it!"
"No it's mine!
"It's mine!" they shouted.
"It looks like you're both wrong," commented Urd as she looked at the person who had caught Mayura's bouquet.
"Verdandi!" pouted Reiya and Skuld. "Awe, that's not fair!"
"And next is the garter toss! Will all the bachelors please come forward now? Oh, and I guess that includes me too!" announced Narugami laughing at himself. Looking around Narugami added, "I guess there's not a lot of competition, only Kazumi-kun and me."
"Wait… Yamino-san is eligible too. Come on Yamino-san!" insisted Urd.
"That's right! Come on Yamino… come on up here," Narugami added. Yamino looked up at his father, but Loki only smiled. Shrugging, Yamino joined Narugami and Heimdall at the front.
"We're ready Loki. Toss it whenever."
Taking the garter out of his pocket—Mayura had taken it off in private moments before—Loki turned around and tossed it over his head. Narugami jumped up to make sure he was the one to catch it. "Yes! I got it!"
"You better start planning the wedding soon Narukami-kun. You know how the women there are just itching to plan a wedding. And just think of the ruckus this will cause," teased Loki.
Beet red Narugami shouted, "Loki! You get down here and say that to me again face to face!" But Loki and Mayura had already excused themselves from the party by the time Narugami's brain had come back from lala-land. Those who hadn't left already laughed as Narugami cowered sheepishly. Meanwhile Verdandi was blushing furiously.
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By the time Loki and Mayura had changed back into normal clothes all the guest had gone and Yamino had started cleaning up.
"Have a safe trip you two. I'll have the house spic and span by the time you get back from your honeymoon."
"Thank you Yamino-kun. I really appreciated everything you've done," replied Loki before hugging his son.
"It was no trouble Loki-sama. I enjoyed it," he responded shakily at the odd show of affection from his father.
"Bark bark!"
"And thank you too Fenrir," added Loki laughing. Kneeling down he petted Fenrir's head. Standing back up, Loki patted the air saying, "I didn't forget you either Ecchan."
"So Loki, where are we going?"
"I thought you wanted to be surprised Mayu-chan."
"I did, but I can't wait any longer! Anyway, if you let me here I can still pack anything else I'd want to bring."
"Okay" responded Loki handing her the plane tickets.
"Norway?! Isn't that where you're from?"
"Yep" Well, close enough
Mayura hugged Loki and kissed him sweetly on the lips before running back up the stairs.
"What are you getting Mayu-chan?"
"More film!"
Author's Note:
Wooh, finally done! This chapter took a long time to write and I was thinking about actually splitting it into two different chapters. One for the wedding and one for the reception, but I couldn't force myself to do that. It's too much fun to read as one big chapter. I had this chapter vaguely planed since chapter 5!
Hope you liked this chapter and didn't think it was too boring. The dialogue was really hard to write in this chapter because it always ended up so boring or repetitive.
And if anyone's wondering, the wedding was a traditional Shinto Ceremony. Here's a basic outline of a Japanese Shinto wedding that I copied from:
education.mcgill.ca/433-661bw98/g04/japanceremony.html (add the www)
1) Shinto weddings: Usually, Shinto weddings are considered to be traditional Japanese weddings. However, the first Shinto wedding was only held in 1908. Nevertheless, in 1992, 63 % of weddings were Shinto weddings. The reason that Shinto weddings are so popular is that the ceremony is a short service, and despite the simple procedure, it is full of solemn atmosphere. The Shinto wedding is performed before a Shinto sanctuary. It is presided by a Shinto priest. Such a wedding is usually attended by members of both families and close relatives in addition, to the couple to be married and the Matchmakers (Nakodo). Matchmakers are often selected more for ceremonial purposes from among elderly couples known and close to either or both of the families to be united in marriage.
Steps of Shinto Wedding
1. Purification service of all present by the Shinto priest
2. Report and prayer at the altar
3. Oath by bride and groom: to keep faithful and obedient to each other in the married life. The oath may be given by the matchmaker in behalf of the new couple.
4. Three-times-three exchange of nuptial cups (San-San-Kudo): Both bride and groom exchange nuptial cups three times, pledging marriage. The meaning of San-San-Kudo is to form a stronger connection through exchanging cups several times.
5. Exchange of rings
6. Offering of springs of sacred tree to the gods: The bridegroom and the bride proceed to the sanctuary to offer twigs of "Sakaki"(sacred tree) to end the main part of the wedding.
7. Relatives' Pledge over cups of sake: Drinks of Sake are exchanged between the family and close relatives to signify their union through the wedding. Sake is served by Miko maidens who wear red and white dresses accompanied by the traditional music.
Receptions:
After the wedding ceremony, a reception is held to which company colleagues, supervisors, respected teachers and friends of both sides have been invited (Only the family, and close relatives attend the wedding ceremony).
The scale and style of wedding receptions in Japan vary depending on budgets and other factors (family background etc.) involved. However, the usual procedures are:
1. Greetings by the matchmaker
2. Congratulatory address by the main guest
3. Toast
4. Cutting the wedding cake
5. Oironaoshi: The bride and groom both change their garments to furisode, evening dress, tuxedo, etc.
6. Congratulatory addresses by the guests.
7. Candle service, etc
The guests who attend the ceremony bring Oshugi. It is a gift of money, and usually it is wrapped in a special envelope, Shugibukuro with red/white or gold/silver cords called mizuhiki.
At the end of the ceremony, there is a gift to the guests from the couple called Hikidemono. There is a variety of things that are given as a Hikidemono, but usually it is tablewares, sweets, sugar etc. Today, some couples just give a list of gifts so that the guests can choose what they want from that list.
During recent decades, Japanese couples have introduced many Western elements to Japanese weddings. Many brides chose to wear white, Christian style dresses, and some religious ceremonies are even held completely in Christian style at a Christian church even though the couple may not be Christian. The ritual of cake cutting, the exchange of rings and honeymoons are a few other very common adopted elements. )
It is also very common for the bride to wear a traditional kimono for the wedding and change into a Christian style dress for the reception. It is not unheard of for the bride to change clothes three or four times!
Other sites that I used: I can't post. Stupid fanfic net. I can't properly give credit to the people that wrote this information. I'm sorry. Don't yell at me for plagerism. I know the sites. I couldn't put them up like I could the first one by dropping the www, poo! I did however get so much information about Shinto weddings for this chapter that I wrote my Japanese report (in Japanese) on Shinto weddings. Kill two birds with one stone.
Author: Please tell me if you don't like me posting my research at the end of the chapters!
To Melrose Stormhaven: XD
To Sarit: Thanks for the compliments. I was worried if Loki's character development made sense. Glad you like it. There will be more character development, especially for Mayura.
To Ytak: I'm going to explain more about Loki's past in slow increments during the story. That was jus the first of many. And since nothing is known of his childhood (even in the mythology) I have free reign. Mahahaha!
To Lare: It's not anything concrete about Loki being a stable boy. That was just my first impression. A children's book from my library had a picture that made him look like that.
To Bibliomaniac: Naw, I'm in a fluffy mood. Well, when I wrote these chapters I was. I think I'm in an evil mood now. Hehe… Everyone is going to LOVE chapter 44. Hey, Mayura is very modest. She's been a relationship with Loki for a year and a half, engaged for five months and he hasn't gotten a homerun. I wouldn't call third base very promiscuous for an engaged couple, although I personally won't have sex until I'm married. Anyway, Loki's had quite a while now to… convince her. Besides, she's only really proper in front of public, being in her own bedroom is a completely different situation. And I did say it was her first time starting it.