A/N:This is almost 5,000 words... I kinda got carried away...
Anyway I just wanted to pop in and say that this chapter is extremely dialog heavy. So I'm sorry for that.
Aeris let out a hiss of pain when the seamstress, an elderly gerudo named Nonai, pushed a pin to far and jabbed her with it. "My apologies,"
"How much longer?" Aeris had been standing on the pedestal in Nonai's house for hours, being poked and prodded, shoved into tight silk tops, and pulled into even tighter skirts.
Another pin was jabbed into her side, "Not much longer," Another ribbon was cinched tightly around her waist. "You want to look perfect for your big day don't you?"
"Of course she does," Urora was standing in front of her with her arms crossed, "Right, Aeris?"
She sucked in a harsh breath as Nonai tightened the seam across her breast, "Hey!,"
"I think we're done," Nonai stepped back, admiring her work.
"It's wonderful," Urora smiled happily, as she turned Aeris to face the floor length mirror in the corner of the room.
Aeris stared at herself in awe.The dress was a crisp white with crimson accents at the hems, it left her shoulders and midriff bare. Flowing sleeves caressed her arms, the left went to her shoulder and was secured there by a small golden pauldron and a thin crimson band just above her elbow, the right stopped at the band.
The skirt sat low on her hips and was open on both sides while a pair of tight red shorts kept her modesty, a red sash was wrapped around her hips, bunched at either side and held a golden belt in place. One tendril of the sash flowed down the front of the white skirt, like blood against snow. She ran her hands down the front of the skirt, feeling the soft fabric.
Urora stood beside her, "I think if we twist your hair up like this,"
"No," Aeris grabbed Urora's hands, "Leave it down,"
"Oh!" Nabooru gasped as she entered the room, "Damn," Aeris hugged her lightly, careful not to disturb any of the pins holding the dress together. "You look fantastic,"
"Alright, I'll be sure to have these alterations done as soon as possible," Nonai helped Aeris out of the dress. "Two days isn't the best timeframe to work with, but it can be done,"
"I'm sorry," Aeris apologized, as Nonai hung the dress on a mannequin.
"Bah, Don't apologize. Anything and everything for our future queen," Aeris paled. She was going to be a queen, well a queen consort, but she was marrying a king. She was getting to do something every little girl dreamed about.
Two days, she had two days to learn the ceremony, dances, and rituals. She could barely keep it all straight. Aeris cursed sharply, when a sudden knock at the door nearly caused her to drop the candles she was dancing with. "Come in!" She tried to remember what step she had been on.
The door opened and Nabooru poked her head in, "You're still dancing?"
"Nabs why did you knock? You live here too," Aeris spun watching the candles flicker.
"Because I wasn't about to walk through the door and get a face full of candle," Nabooru laughed and closed the door behind her. "Urora wanted me to come get you, everything is ready at the temple. She wants us to leave soon so we can get there before nightfall,"
Aeris blew out the candles, "I'm getting married tomorrow," Her legs started shaking, "I'm getting married,"
"Hey, whoa!" Nabooru grabbed Aeris and helped her sit down. "It's ok," Nabooru stroked Aeris' hair. "Everything is going to be great." Aeris took several deep breaths, "And if it's not I'll kick everyone's asses,"
Aeris smiled, "No asses need kicking. It just hit me, I'm getting married,"
"It just hit you?" Nabooru scoffed. "We've been running around like mad people for a week getting ready for this, and it just hit you?"
Aeris shrugged, "Everything's been happening so fast. I guess I haven't really had time to think about it,"
Nabooru patted her hand. "Well we have a long ride ahead of us. We should really get going,"
Aeris rode through the wastelands with a lively group of women. They had decorated Starlight's saddle with flowers and bells, and they sang as they crossed the desert. Aeris enjoyed listening to them sing, the wind carried their voices across the sands, adding an airy lightness to the melody.
They arrived at the Colossus just before sunset, there were dozens of tents spread around the grounds in front of the temple. Several gerudo milled about setting up more tents and decorating, the area for the next day.
Aeris was brought to a large tent that was set up by the small oasis several yards away from the others, her dress along with Urora and Nabooru's were already inside. Aeris flopped down on one of the mounds of pillows, she was exhausted.
Aeris was shaken awake by Nabooru, "Come on. It's time to start getting you ready,"
Aeris sat up slowly, "What time is it?" She rubbed her eyes and looked out the open tent flaps, 'The sun isn't even up yet," She rubbed her eyes and slapped her cheeks.
"Yeah I know," Nabooru helped Aeris up from the pile of pillows. "Let's get you some breakfast,"
Aeris doubted she would be able to eat, her stomach was doing somersaults. "Did Gan make it?"
Nabooru handed Aeris a plate of sliced fruits. "Yeah, he got here right after you fell asleep. His tent is on the other side of the camp,"
Aeris picked up a wildberry, "Where's Urora?" She put the wildberry back and put down the plate. She would eat later.
"Making sure the food for the reception is just right," Aeris could smell the food being prepared, spices filled the air.
Several gerudo entered the tent, "Sav'otta, Aeris!" The four of them were obnoxiously happy. "Are you ready?"
"As i'll ever be," Aeris let them take her out of the tent to the oasis pool. Where they stripped her and helped her to bathe. They combed out her long black hair and washed it with soaps that smelled of cactus blossoms. They talked among themselves as they worked. They fawned over her hair, amazed at the way it curled around her.
When they finished bathing Aeris, they patted her dry with a towel, the towel was the wrapped around her head with her hair twisted inside of it. The sun was rising as they ushered her back into her tent.
"Makeup time!" They moved a still naked Aeris to sit on a pile of pillows. Seemingly unfazed by her bareness, they gathered several small pots full of pigmented powders and liquids. Nabooru had disappeared, her dress was gone as well as Urora's.
"Okay close your eyes," They applied thick kohl to Aeris' eye lids, it took her a moment to adjust to the weight of it. They tested several pink powders against Aeris' skin, before lightly dusting a pale peach across her cheeks. Lastly they painted her lips a deep shade of red.
The heat was rising as the sun climbed higher in the sky. The ceremony was planned to start by midday, as it drew closer Aeris was having a hard time keeping her anxiety in check. The group of gerudo offered words of encouragement, as they tried to coax Aeris into eating something. She promised them she would eat as soon as the ceremony was over, not wanting to upset her stomach anymore.
Nabooru ducked through the tent door, "How are things in here?" She smiled as her eyes landed on Aeris. "You should see Gan. I think he's going to rip someone's head off by the time the day is done," Aeris giggled, happy to know she wasn't the only one who was nervous. "And mom isn't much better, the poor kitchen girls are likely to drop dead any minute now," Nabooru was already in her white and gold outfit and her makeup was expertly done. "Anyway I was sent to ask your opinion on something?" Aeris' eyebrow quirked, "Gan wants to know how you want his hair done, he's being a diva. They've gone through like six different styles."
Aeris could almost picture him sitting with his arms crossed scowling as some poor gerudo brushed his hair. "My hair is going to be down, so nothing extravagant. Keep it simple,"
Nabooru saluted, "Gotcha, simple it is. I'll be back," The tent door flapped closed behind her.
Aeris watched the gerudo prepare her dress. The side seam of the top came apart similarly to a corset, it was ingenious. Aeris stood in the center of the tent, two gerudo helped balance her as she stepped into the top. Another pulled the garment up, she struggled to get it over Aeris' hips for a moment. Aeris sighed in relief when the woman managed to get the fabric safely over her hips and secured it into place.
The small shorts and skirt were much easier to handle and slipped easily onto Aeris' hips. The belt and the rest of her accessories came next, her jewelry was relatively simple, several small gold bangles adorned both of her arms and the necklace Koume and Kotake had given her sat at her breasts, the gold collar was clamped into place last.
Aeris sat as the gerudo unwrapped her hair from the towel and brushed through it, her hair fell into it's natural curls around her shoulders and caressed her hips. An intricately designed circlet was placed on her brow, the teardrop shaped red gem rested comfortably between her eyes.
Aeris was standing staring at herself in the mirror when Urora appeared beside her, "You look lovely," She tucked two pieces of hair behind Aeris' ears making them stand out. "I wish your parents were here to see you. They would be proud,"
"Is this makeup waterproof." Aeris was blinking back tears. "I hope it is, because if you don't stop I'm going to cry and I'm pretty sure Jade wouldn't appreciate doing it again,"
"I got the veil!" Nabooru burst through the tent doors, holding a bundle in her arms. "Konai thought she left it at the fortress, but Emmari had it," Urora helped Nabooru clip the cathedral length veil into Aeris' hair. Aeris ran her fingers over the delicate lace around the edges "You ready?"
Aeris nodded, "Is he?"
"We're just waiting on you," Nabooru grabbed the bouquet of desert roses and atacama lilies and handed it to Aeris. "I'll go get things started, Aima will come get you when it's time to walk,"
Aeris watched Nabooru leave the tent and her mouth went dry. This was really happening. The small band started playing and Aeris grabbed Urora's hand, tightly. Urora gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, she linked arms with Aeris and moved to the door of the tent.
A young gerudo poked her head around the corner of the tent, "Everything is ready… You look beautiful!" Aeris smiled at the young girl sweetly.
Urora began moving forward, Aeris' heart was beating in her ears as they rounded the corner of the tent. The area in front of The Colossus was decorated beautifully, white gossamer curtains had been draped over the lone archway and red flowers littered the area.
Ganondorf stood under the archway along side Nabooru and Koume and Kotake. He was wearing blackrobes with a swirling red pattern, his hair was simply combed and framed his head and shoulders like a fiery red mane, his crown sat against his hair like the rising sun.
Ganondorf watched as Aeris emerged from behind her tent, he couldn't take his eyes away as she strode toward him her arm linked with Urora. Her dress made his breath catch in his chest. He decided he liked her in red, really liked it.
As Aeris joined Ganondorf under the arch she handed her bouquet to Nabooru and kissed Urora on her cheek. Ganondorf took her hands in his and smiled, she smiled back.
"We gather before the Desert Goddess today and ask that she bless the union of these two souls, that her hands be the ones that ties their binds today," Aeris was so lost in Ganondorf's eyes she didn't register that Kotake was beginning. Koume took Aeris' right hand and placed it over Ganondorf's right wrist, they grabbed each others arms tightly.
"As this knot is tied, so are your lives now bound. Woven into these cords, imbued into their very fibers, are all the hopes of your friends and family, and of yourselves, for your new life together." Koume held six cords before them, three gold and three crimson.
"With the fashioning of these knots do I tie all the desires, dreams, love, and happiness wished here in this place to your lives for as long as love shall last. In the joining of hands and the fashion of a knot, so are your lives now bound, one to another." Kotake spoke now and Ganondorf's hand tightened around Aeris' wrist.
"By these cords you are thus bound to your vows. May these knots remain tied for as long as love shall last. May these cords draw your hands together in love, never to be used in anger. May the vows you speak never grow bitter in your mouths. As your hands are bound by these cords, so is your partnership held by the symbol of these knots." Aeris trembled lightly as Koume spoke.
"May it be granted that what is done before the goddess be not undone by man. Two entwined in love, bound by commitment and fear, sadness and joy, by hardship and victory, anger and reconciliation, all of which brings strength to this union. Hold tight to one another through both good times and bad, and watch as your strength grows. The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth." Koume and Kotake spoke in unison, their voices seemingly combining into one.
"Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?" Aeris gazed into Ganondorf's eyes, he was smiling at her softly.
"Yes, We Seek to Enter." Ganondorf squeezed Aeris' wrist as they spoke together.
"The soul shares characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief virtues are assigned to the cardinal directions; East, South, West and North. It is in this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony." Koume and Kotake raised their hands toward the effigy of the Desert Goddess above them.
"Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East. Communication of the heart, mind, and body Fresh beginnings with the rising of each Sun. The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences." Aeris offered a silent prayer to the goddess knowing Ganondorf was doing the same.
"Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South. Warmth of hearth and home The heat of the heart's passion The light created by both To lighten the darkest of times." Koume presented them with a candle, while Kotake presented a lit match. The couple lit the candle in tandem.
"Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West. The deep commitments of the lake The swift excitement of the river The refreshing cleansing of the rain The all encompassing passion of the sea." Kotake poured water over their joined hands.
"Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North Firm foundation on which to build Fertility of the fields to enrich your lives A stable home to which you may always return." Koume shoved Ganondorf harshly, testing his stability, he stood unwavering.
"Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasizes those things which will help you build a happy and successful union. Yet they are only tools. Tools which you must use together in order to create what you seek in this union." Aeris arms were starting to go numb.
"I bid you look into each others eyes," Ganondorf was looking at Aeris intently, when she brought her eyes to him. "Ganondorf, Will you cause her pain?"
"I May." Aeris was watching Ganondorf as he spoke, he was smiling.
"Is that your intent?" Koume's voice was distant as the couple gazed at each other.
"No." His voice was soft, he was looking at Aeris just as softly.
"Aeris, Will you cause him pain?" Kotake was preparing one of the crimson cords.
"I may." Aeris gripped Ganondorf's wrist.
"Is that your intent?" Kotake handed the cord to Koume.
"No." Aeris shook her head, smiling.
"Will you share each other's pain and seek to ease it?" Aeris always felt strange when Koume and Kotake spoke in unison.
"Yes." The crimson cord was placed over their joined wrists, looped around, and tied in a loose knot. Energy pulsed up Aeris' arm.
"And so the first binding is made," Aeris looked into the crowd of gerudo, several of them were weeping.
"Aeris, Will you share his laughter?" Kotake was preparing a golden cord.
"Yes." Aeris thought of Ganondorf's deep rumbling laugh.
"Ganondorf, Will you share her laughter?" Nabooru coughed behind them.
"Yes." Ganondorf's eyes flicked over Aeris' shoulder.
"Will both of you look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?" Koume's voice wavered.
"Yes." Aeris' mind was starting to go fuzzy.
Kotake draped the golden cord across their wrists and tied it. Another burst of energy pulsed through Aeris.
"And so the second binding is made," Nabooru made an impatient noise behind them, and there was a light slapping noise as Urora swatted her.
"Bride, Will you burden him?" Aeris groaned internally, two down, four to go.
"I may." This was taking forever.
"Is that you intent?" Ganondorf squeezed her wrist, as if he read her mind.
"No." Ganondorf seemed to reassure her with another squeeze of her wrist.
"Ganondorf, Will you burden her?" Aeris didn't think that he could ever be a burden to her.
"I May." Ganondorf's voice rumbled deeply in his chest. Aeris had always loved his voice.
"Is that your intent?" Another golden cord was being prepared.
"No." Aeris looked out to the crowd again, they seemed further away than they had been.
"Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?" Nabooru groaned again.
"Yes." Aeris stared into Ganondorf's eyes, something was pulling at her chest.
The second crimson cord was placed and tied. Aeris' arms were tingling now, goosebumps ran up her arms and down her spine.
"And so the third binding is made." Aeris ws struggling to focus now. Everything but Ganondorf was fading away.
"Aeris, will you share his dreams?" Aeris could barely hear Koume.
"Yes." Her mouth moved without her prompting.
"Ganondorf, will you share her dreams?" Ganondorf was searching Aeris' face, her ears roared.
"Yes" Ganondorf's voice cut through the static. Aeris heart was beating so fast, she wondered if the other gerudo could see it. Could Ganondorf? Was he feeling this too?
"Will you dream together to create new realities and hopes?" Aeris couldn't hear anything except her own heartbeat now.
"Yes" Had she responded? She could hear Ganondorf but not herself.
Aeris' arms began to burn as the second gold cord was draped and tied. She had to be imagining it Her arms were just getting tired, that had to be it.
"Ganondorf, will you cause her anger?" Ganondorf started to grow concerned as Aeris' arms began to tremble.
"I May." Aeris' stare was becoming vacant.
"Is that you intent?" Ganondorf squeezed Aeris' wrists, she didn't respond.
"No," He squeezed again, nothing.
"Aeris, will you cause him anger?" Aeris swore she could feel another heartbeat.
"I may." Where was it coming from?
"Is that your intent?" The other heartbeat skipped.
"No." Aeris blinked several times and shook her head. What was going on?
"Will you take the heat of anger and use it to temper the strength of this union?" Aeris' head was swimming. Was no one else noticing this?
"We Will." Aeris could no longer hear her own voice over the roar in her ears.
Aeris nearly collapsed as the third crimson cord was tied. Ganondorf's strong grip was the only thing keeping her upright. Was he feeling this too?
"And so the fifth binding is made." Aeris was trying to steady herself.
"Aeris, Will you honor him?" Where was that other heartbeat coming from?
"I will." The second heartbeat was starting to speed up now.
"Ganondorf, Will you honor her?" Aeris looked at him blearily, Ganondorf started panicking.
"I will" Aeris looked like she was going to fall over at any moment.
"Will you seek to never give cause to break that honor?" Aeris felt the other heartbeat starting to beat even faster.
"We shall never do so." Ganondorf's eyes flicked from Aeris to his mothers. Were they doing something to her?
Aeris' entire chest seized as the third golden cord was tied. Pain coursed through her like electricity. Was she hot or cold? She couldn't tell.
"And so the sixth binding is made." Was there a hand on her shoulder? "The knots of this binding are not formed by these chords but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the chords for you hold in your own hands the making of this union,"
Aeris collapsed when Kotake slipped their wrists out of the binds, leaving the knots still intact. Strong arms wrapped around her, her ears were roaring even louder now. No, that was Ganondorf, was he yelling? Aeris felt herself being lifted into the air, and she faded away.
Ganondorf's heart nearly exploded when Aeris opened her eyes again moments later. "Gan?'
He was holding her in his lap inside of her tent, "Hey,"
"What happened?" She was struggling to remember the last few minutes.
"You collapsed," He touched his forehead to hers, "You scared me,"
"I'm sorry," She cupped his cheek and kissed his nose lightly.
"It was stupid of you to not eat anyting," He whispered as he pulled her closer. "We can call tonight off if you want. The reception I mean,"
"No," Aeris shook her head. "I worked way too hard to learn that damn dance," She laughed remembering how ridiculous she looked during practice. "Let's switch up the schedule and eat, then we can do the other stuff. I'll feel better after I eat," Ganondorf nodded in agreement and easily rose with Aeris still in his arms bridal style. He headed for the door of the tent. "Wait," She took off the veil and dropped it to the floor, "How do I look?'
"Perfect," Aeris scoffed and Ganondorf continued back to the party.
When they emerged from the tent a cheer rose up, every gerudo looked immensely relieved. Aeris was shocked to see Urora burst into tears, Nabooru rushed over to Aeris and Ganondorf. "Are you ok?" She grabbed Aeris' face, "Mr. Grump pants wouldn't let anyone into the tent," Ganondorf growled softly.
"I'm fine Nabs. I haven't eaten anything, I guess the heat got to me," Ganondorf tightened his grip around her. "Can you have the cooks start the dinner service? I'll be fine once I eat something," Nabooru nodded and scurried off to the makeshift kitchen. "Gan can you take me to Urora, please?"
"Of course," He kissed her forehead softly, 'But we're going to sit down right after."
Ganondorf carried Aeris to Urora and the woman immediately wrapped her arms around Aeris. "Don't you dare ever scare me like that again!"
"I'm sorry," Aeris pulled back from the hug.
"And you!" Urora pointed at Ganondorf. "If you ever keep me from seeing her like that again, I will castrate you,"
Aeris felt Ganondorf tense and she laughed, "Ok, Nabs is getting dinner ready. I'll be fine once I eat," Urora let the couple walk away toward their table.
Aeris did indeed feel a million times better after eating. She stood in the middle of all of the gerudo as they made a circle around her, holding two burning candles. Each gerudo held two unlit candles as they circled around her. They took turns, starting with the youngest and working their way up, entering the circle and dancing with Aeris after she lit their candles. Nabooru and Urora went last and took their places in the circle, Aeris spun in the middle of the circle the ring of flickering candles around her giving her an enchanting glow in the setting sunlight.
The gerudo parted and let Ganondorf enter. He was holding two unlit candles of his own as he approached Aeris. The circle of gerudo started moving, each woman taking a step then spinning, moving around the couple. Aeris lit Ganondorf's candles and started dancing around him, her skirt flying around her. Ganondorf watched her for a moment before joining. He moved in wide circles around her their candle meeting briefly each time they faced each other.
They danced until the last of the candles went out. Aeris was breathing heavily as she told Nabooru and Urora goodnight. Nabooru winked at her suggestively as she walked away and Aeris blushed. Ganondorf took Aeris' hand gently and lead her up the stairs into the temple.
The entrance hall of the temple was decorated with candles, jasmine incense filled the air. Ganondorf guided Aeris up the stairs past two cobra statues. The red carpet at the top of the stairs was covered in pillows and blankets. Aeris let Ganondorf pull her down to sit next to him on the pillows. They sat across from each other in an awkward silence.
"Hi," Aeris tucked her hair behind her ear trying to distract herself.
"Hey," Ganondorf's voice was husky.
Ganondorf moved closer to Aeris cupping her chin gently in his hand. Aeris stared up at Ganondorf… Her husband… He was her husband now… Ganondorf leaned closer to her, "I missed you,"
"I missed you too," Ganondorf kissed Aeris softly. She had missed the feeling of his lips against hers.
Aeris pulled Ganondorf down by his robes to lay beside her. She watched the way his breathing hitched as she moved to straddle him. Ganondorf's hands went to her hips to stabilize her. She leaned over him, her hair fell around them like a curtain. "I love you" She whispered into his ear quietly.
Ganondorf flipped them so that Aeris was under him, in a single fluid movement. Aeris' heart was hammering in her chest as he leaned forward. "I love you too," He captured her lips in a scorching kiss and she was lost.
A/N:I actually really had fun writing this chapter! Mashing up wedding traditions was really fun
This is going to end up being way longer than I originally thought. Like waaaaaay longer, but I promise that there should be one more chapter of prequel before we get into the game, and things should really pick up from there.