Will and the Word
Chapter Fifteen
"Nothing is stopping us from going," Harry said before giving Beldaran an appraising look "Do you trust me?"
"What Kind of question is that? Beldaran asked hotly "I Share a bed with you, I let you kiss me" she knocked on his head and acted like she was listening for something "No echo… yes I trust you."
Harry developed a boyish smile. "Let's go then we can be back before morning."
"Shouldn't we let someone know?" Beldaran asked skeptically "My Father, Grandfather and Kheldar snuck off to kill Torak. They are still in trouble with aunt Pol."
"Expecto Patronum" Harry incanted "I am taking Beldaran on an adventure we will be back in the morning. Have extra provisions and gear." The Patronus was gone a moment later "normally I would take you on a broom but I think we will take the carpet instead" he rolled out a very ornate rug the thing that caught Beldaran's eye was that rather than laying on the ground it floated a foot above.
"A flying carpet? How. you know I am just going to assume some sort of magic." She huffed and gingerly got on harry go on behind her and they took off faster than any bird she had ever seen. At first, she was a little concerned about the speed but Harry's arms around her felt right and shortly thereafter they were nearing the mountains and Harry climbed to a height so he could survey the mountain itself when something caught his eye.
"That is a really big nest" He commented then he froze when he saw what was in it and began a slow descent until he was hovering in a clearing nearby the net of what looked like Hippogriffs. "Holy shit, those are Hippogriffs!" Harry quickly dismounted and began cautiously walking toward the herd
"Harry I am not sure that is a good idea these creatures have not been friendly toward man Since Torak raised the Orb and Cracked the world," Beldaran said worried about harry getting mauled.
Harry was silent as the herd stallion came out menacingly. Harry made eye contact then bowed. At first, the hippogriff looked confused this 2-legged creature was treating him with respect the stallion slowly returned the bow and Harry approached rubbing the stallion's flank and head. Eventually, the two touched foreheads to the forehead. Before the stallion looked over at Beldaran canted his head and squawked "This is my mate Beldaran." Harry said and Beldaran's eyes widened at the gravity and effect Harry's words were having on her "Would you like to meet her?"
The majestic beast nodded his head. Harry smiled turning to Beldaran "Creatures like Hippogriffs do not understand betrothals or marriages. They understand mates and family look him in the eye and bow until he bows to you"
Everyone was sitting at the dinner table when a magnificent stag of light came to the table. Harry's voice emanated from the stag "I am taking Beldaran on an adventure we will be back in the morning. Have extra provisions and gear."
"Well, at least it is not a note," Polgara said looking pointedly at Belgarath, Belgarion, and Kheldar in turn.
"He will keep her safe, there is no question there," Belgarion said quietly "I trust him, more importantly, I trust her with him."
"Where did Eriond go?" Asrana asked
"He probably went to Aldur's tower?" Belgarath said thinking about his granddaughter "I do not believe we should be overly concerned Harry has a good head on his shoulders this is likely he and Beldaran talking about their journey and wedding"
Beldaran found herself bowing before this hippogriff praying to all the gods it would not eat her. To be honest it felt as if it were judging more than her suitability to consort with her. If felt deeper, after what seemed like an eternity the stallion bowed to her and gently nuzzled her with his beak. With Stallion' acceptance the rest of the herd began investigating the pair as Harry and Beldaran explored the area as the sun began to set, they found something of a mystery the foundation of a tower had been laid there
Harry set his smaller tent up in the center of a foundation he had brought out a chair for Beldaran to sit in while he worked "This stonework is old you can see the effects of the elements on the stone" Harry stated.
"I wonder if it was one of My grandfather's brother's first attempts at a tower" Beldaran wondered aloud. "It has a great view of the of the Vale you can see the lights of the of the cottage and the towers."
"T'was where I was going to build my tower." Aldur said appearing with them "After the tree came into bloom I fell in love with the vale and made it mine home."
"Were the hippogriffs here?" Harry asked Aldur conjuring a chair for both to sit in.
Aldur smiled even though Harry was of age he had a thirst for knowledge "Hippogriffs, Griffons, Winged Serpents, even the noble phoenix resided here before the cracking of the world. After the cracking of the world for five ages no creature lived on this mountain 18 years ago creatures of all types began settling on the mountain. We thought it had something to do with the prophecies being fulfilled. However, I believe the creatures knew you were coming. They knew about you before we did." Aldur paused "I would have you become one of my disciples along with your wife to be. If you are of the mind, you can build the tower of your dreams and make a home for your family."
"Master" Beldaran found her voice "Thank you for sharing this with us." She smiled reaching for Harry's hand. Harry surprised her by bringing the back of her hand to his lips.
"As my betrothed said master, thank you for sharing this with us." Harry replied looking at Beldaran as he did "What would you have me do master?" the question spoke loud harry's acceptance.
"I would have you heal, my son. I would have you be happy, and I would have learned all you can" Aldur said seriously "Most of all I want you to live."
"I have much to learn. I did not expect to survive my fight with Voldemort" Harry murmured "I have to learn to live and I have a very good reason and a very good tutor to help me learn" Harry reached out and took both of her hands before pulling her into a hug with both of them facing Aldur."
Here on this mountain surrounded by a herd of hippogriffs watching the sunset, she thought of their journey. Their time in Tol Honeth would be stressful she would be forced to perform many functions that would preclude harry from being part of them even if they were betrothed. As the sun's final rays shone beautifully across the horizon Beldaran came to a decision she felt was right for both of them."
"Harry, Love I know you said you wanted to court me until I felt it was time for us to be married," Beldaran said as she turned in his embrace so she could look up into his eyes. "I do not want to wait a year, or even a week."
Harry understood what she was trying to say "Beldaran…"
"Master I beg a boon." Beldaran surprised both the god and her betrothed by blurting out
"What would you ask of me, my daughter?" Aldur asked wondering what she could want.
"Marry Us!" she blurted "I like Taryn but he is not who I want to officiate our ceremony. I would ask you to privately Marry us now. We can Have Taryn do a public ceremony sometime after our adventure."
Harry turned in surprise "Are you…?"
"Am I what?" Beldaran asked "am I insane? no! am I sure of this, of you? Yes."
"If you are a sure daughter," Aldur said "I will do this for you. Do you Harry of Gryffindor take Beldaran of Riva to love and cherish forsaking all others even unto the end of days."
Harry looked at Beldaran and considered what Luna had said and everything he felt when he was with "Not like this not without your family here. Master can we meet you back at Polgara and Durnik's" Harry asked as he rolled up the Carpet stepping up to and wrapping his arms around Beldaran "Please if you want this your family needs to be there."
"You are wise my son. I will meet you there shortly." Aldur smiled and disappeared.
"Thank you, Harry," Beldaran said sincerely "Mother would be unhappy if she were not there. How are we getting back?"
"Close your eyes and hold onto me." Harry state focusing his thoughts and apparated them to the courtyard between his tent and cottages.
Beldaran felt like she wanted to vomit "Can we never do that again love" the loud pop of apparition brought people out of the tent and the cottage, weapons in hand, and he could hear Will being gathered it was a noise that harry was still getting used to. A moment later Both Aldur, Eriond, and Ul were in attendance
Polgara and Durnik came out last Durnik Greeted them "Master, Most Holy welcome to our home! How may we serve?"
"Peace Durnik," Ul replied Harry found his voice very soothing "We have come at my son's request. Beldaran had an epiphany up on the mountain amongst the base Aldur's first tower up on the yon mountain. Pointing to the mountain off in the distance. "Beldaran speak now your boon for your family to hear."
"I find that the upcoming summit would separate me even temporarily from one who I would not be separated from. We as a couple have decided we will make our home on the mountain." Beldaran stated boldly before slowly wilting "I would be married here in private amongst family the people I hold most dear. I would like mother and father to give me away, Eleanor to be my maid of honor."
Polgara looked concerned "What of Harry?" that question made Harry squirm. There was nothing that they could do no family that could give him away. Durnik looked at Polgara and whispered something in her ear. "Harry, could we talk for a moment with you. Geran, could you join us."
The older couple pulled the two boys aside. "Harry, how do you feel about Beldaran?"
"If things had gone as planned Luna and I would be getting married in ten days on her birthday," Harry said his voice almost a whisper "She was taken from me and now lives only here." Harry pointed at his head and heart "Whatever it is that binds Beldaran and me together. I do not begrudge it nor do I want to imagine her life without her in it"
"I would stand with you if you will allow me to brother," Geran said kindly before laughing "Are you sure you want to marry her, she can be evil at times?"
"I do, my fear was she would wise up and …" Harry tapered off
Polgara took the silence as her chance to speak "It would be our honor to stand in the place of your parents." Harry who had been looking down snapped his head up the look of disbelief the look on his face made Polgara's blood boil "Harry, I know you have been through much. The people who should have cared for you only brought harm losing everyone in your life has not helped you. You are part of our family married or not." She pulled the young man into a hug never having seen such self-doubt in another person she said a silent prayer to her master. "Please Harry let us do this one thing for you."
Harry shuddering a breath and relaxed into her embrace "It is my honor that you would think of me as a member of your family. You are what I imagine my mother would be like except she was had red hair and green eyes." He then looked at Geran "I know you have your doubts me, your highness. I question my worthiness all the time! I have since my Luna decided she loved me. I do not understand what Beldaran sees in me. She is my reason to live, to be a good man."
"You imply you are not a good man little brother" Eleanor interrupted before Geran could answer "I would have you cease such behavior or Queen Ce'nedra may become vexed with you."
"Yes, what she said," Geran said with a chuckle "If Mother does not, Beldaran certainly will."
"You are more than likely right," Harry said looking ruefully at mother and daughter. "Is there anything I can do to help out?"
"You would not by chance have a wedding dress in any of the trunks?" she asked because her mother was talking about waiting so she could have the perfect dress. "Never mind I should not have asked that."
"Well Hermione, Ginny, and Luna are roughly the same size as you and although Luna never let me see it, I know she had a wedding dress" Harry responded quietly "Come on Luna's trunk is in my room, Hermione's is in Geran and Eleanor's room and Ginny's is in the room Edrik and Rhodar are sharing."
"The day is almost gone Beldaran," Ul said he then addressed Ce'nedra "Daughter it matters not what adorns your back and head. All that matters is the love in their hearts."
Ce'nedra looked chagrinned "I am sorry Most Holy"
"Mother we can have a very public wedding after Geran and Eleanor's if you would like." Beldaran tried reasoning with her mother "Please Mother just let it go this once."
"Very well" Ce'nedra capitulated unhappily and was making notes there would be a public wedding Belgarion released a breath and relaxed. "We will talk after your brother's ceremony."
With a blur, Harry crossed the space between the two ladies and snatched Ce'nedra into a hug "Thank you, Mother!" Harry whispered before setting the small queen down "Sorry for my unseemly behavior your Majesty."
"See that it does happen, often" Ce'nedra stated imperiously before hugging the young man again "She sees the things you cannot you just accept them and move on" Harry nodded.
"Let us begin" Aldur spoke quietly "For all the ages couples have gathered for marriage. So it is with these two. Who gives this young man to Beldaran of Riva that he may bind himself in marriage for all the days of his life?"
"We do master" Durnik and Polgara said as one
"Who gives this young woman to Harry of Gryffindor that she may bind herself in marriage for all the days of her life?"
"We do master!" Belgarion and Ce'nedra replied.
Do you Harry of Gryffindor take Beldaran to be your wife? To love, honor, and cherish for all the days of your life, forsaking all others until the end of days and beyond?"
"I do, Master" Harry responded
"Do you Beldaran of Riva take Harry to be your husband? To love, honor, and cherish for all the days of your life, forsaking all others until the end of days?"
"I do Master!" Beldaran declared.
"Harry, do you have any words you wish to say to Beldaran?" Aldur asked Harry nodded and turned toward Beldaran and dropped to his knees
"Beldaran, I do not understand what you see in me. I believe that I am fortunate that you find me worthy. I will try all the days of our lives to be worthy of your love!" he said wrapping his arms around her waist. "I love you!" Beldaran's hands automatically began running through his hair as she too sank to her knees.
"Harry James, there is nothing you do so naturally as breathing that makes me love you. You hold me like I am the most precious thing in the universe. The respect and love you give to me is humbling. Like you, I hardly know what I have done to deserve it." She gently lifted his head giving him a kiss that promised more "I love you and I will until the end of days and beyond."
All the ladies had tears in their eyes Eriond stood between Ce'nedra and Polgara hold the hand of each lady. Belgarath and Poledra stood behind their children and grandchildren Aldur looked to his eldest disciples and nodded
"Rise Harry and Beldaran begin together, your life as man and wife" He motioned to Belgarath and Poledra. Poledra went to Harry "Know that these two are also my disciples, guide them on the first steps amongst our fraternity."
Fawkes Launched himself from his perch singing happily his tune joining the orbs raising everyone's spirits further.
"You both know there will have to be a public wedding at some point," Ce'nedra said quietly gathering her daughter and newly-minted son into an embrace that was joined by Belgarion. "You are now a member of the royal family of Riva Harry." She stated impishly watching a look of terror gradually come over his face as he looked to his new brother "Relax Harry, we know you do not want the throne "
Everyone laughed except Harry "Very funny people but consider this as inept as I am at life. Imagine me standing in for Father or Geran … From what I know of the political situation in Aloria. I would leave a pile of bodies in my wake for the insult the bear cult has offered Mother."
"I require the young couple for a moment" Ul Spoke and the others nodded and began their nightly rituals leaving the young married couple alone "Beldaran, on the Morrow Taryn and Thierra will arrive. Harry of Gryffindor welcome to our family Normally you would be allowed to be a normal man and wife. I must ask you to be on your guard. See to the protection of the children that their parents can see to the business of kings."
"How many children are we talking about?" Harry asked the old feeling of trouble finding him.
"Including Geran and Eleanor 25 or so unless Relg and Taiba are there then it will be like 40 all between ages three and nineteen." Beldaran joined the conversation "The older children will be glad to help you younger. If it helps Rana, Lyss and I will be there so you do not have to shoulder the responsibility alone."
"I will do it Most Holy" Harry sighed turning to the other kids "I have a bad feeling about this. A gathering of Monarchs from all over the world… there will be those who will try to create a power vacuum. Your highness, Eleanor, Asrana, Alyssa, Rhodar, and Edrik if I tell you to do something while in Tol Honeth. Do not question it just do it. Anything I do will be to protect you even at the cost of myself. Bel that goes double for you." Harry did not miss the menacing look that crossed Beldaran's face.
Author's Note: in the wake of my sister's death my muse is silent as if mauled by the intensity of what I am feeling. In the two weeks since I have been able to force out 300 words. I have two more chapters aft this of Will and the Word written. I also have the last two chapters of Force and Magic: The Beginning already written and are with my editor. I had planned on trying to write the second offering in the Force and Magic series for NanoWriMo but I can not promise anything at this point. For those of you who offered words of comfort thank you I needed them and appreciate them