The noise was horrendous. Every single, damn bell clashed and clanged incessantly and Karigan gritted her teeth slightly at the ringing in her ears. She had always been tone deaf and could never fathom how people sat through the damn noise of a cathedral service. Then she giggled nervously. I guess most people don't normally hear this at their wedding service, she thought. She clasped her flowers more tightly and her father patted the strained arm on his. "It's ok," he whispered. "Now or never," she whispered back. He chuckled lowly and then music– so Karigan assumed – lilted towards them and the vestibule doors opened to reveal the cathedral in all its' glory.
They moved forward slowly, Karigan's heart beating so fast she thought it might explode. Her vision swam with the thousands of people crowded around to peer at her. And then all of a sudden it was ok. She had reached the third entrance and there Zachary stood, his face beaming at the sight of her. Stevic delivered Karigan to his side and at the priest's direction, placed his daughters hand on her suitors'. Karigan stared at Zachary and he at her, neither of them believing that this moment had finally arrived, this wished for and cherished moment. They stood hand in hand as the priest moved through the ceremony, unable to do anything but feel and smile.
Karigan heard the words and at the same time didn't, her mind overwhelmed by the pageantry and the enormity of what was happening. But she clearly heard the moment the priest declared that Zachary could kiss his wife and he leaned forward chastely, his tears mingling with hers. The cathedral and surrounds exploded with cheers as the service concluded and Zachary presented his queen to the well-wishers for the first time.
They paraded slowly through the city and waved at all the revellers. Once they arrived at the castle they were barely able to do more than share a quick kiss before they were whisked to their separate apartments. Fastion and her aunts escorted her to the queen's suite and he bowed to her at the door with a murmured, "Your majesty." She froze and stared at him. He winked back. Right, she thought weakly. This was going to take a while to get used to.
The apartments were beautifully arranged; she has spent a little time that morning admiring her new surroundings when she could spare a glance amongst the ceremony preparations. She had spent the few days before the wedding with her father in town before moving her belongings into the castle the day prior. She had slept in her new bed and felt a sense of unease, despite the opulence of the furnishings. It dawned on her after several hours of restless sleep how strange it was to have a separate living space from Zachary. She knew it was normal but her parents had shared the same quarters and it had never occurred to Karigan to expect anything different with her husband. She wondered what other parts of her new life would take some getting used to. All of it, chimed in the little voice at the back of her head.
The hardest part so far had been rising early on her wedding day and moving toward the sitting room to await her aunts. She had been mid step when all of a sudden her mind was blinded by the memory of a cottage room, a white nightgown and a man with his arms around her, eyes intent on hers. Cade, she thought instantly, as a sob sought to escape her lips. She held onto the back of a chair as the strength of the feelings washed over her and the memory faded. Strange, she thought as she sunk into the chair, I have not thought of him in so long. I guess it's not a surprise on a day like today. It had taken her some time to regain her composure and not a moment too soon, for as she had started to feel like herself again her aunts burst in and the day officially began.
Karigan had insisted on wearing her wedding gown to the ceremony and then to the reception, as she did not want to waste such an expensive, fine gown by wearing it to only one event. After all, the treasury was still recovering from the war with Second Empire. However, her aunts had argued that this was against tradition and she needed to wear something simpler afterwards. In the end she gave in; her other reason of course, was that she and Tori had gone to considerable lengths to make her wedding dress comfortable for her back and she didn't want to wear anything else. Tori was shrewd however and engineered a modification so that the base of the wedding dress could be reclothed in different, lighter silks to become the evening dress. In the end Karigan was relieved to change outfits as she had not realised how heavy the ceremonial dress was going to be and was glad to shed some layers.
She stood in the centre of her sitting room whilst her aunts chatted happily around her and removed the heavy outer layers, ready to clothe her in the silks that would form the new part of her dress. Suddenly Karigan realised what they were doing and quickly manoeuvred Tori into taking off the back layer of white silk. "Smooth," Tori drawled in her ear, which made Karigan laugh. Tori attached the new silks and Karigan looked quickly in the mirror, satisfied but nervous. She had chosen the colours of the Hillander clan to clad herself in and hoped that the king would approve. There was a knock at the door that connected her rooms to Zachary's and she paled. Stop it, she told herself firmly, as her aunts quickly found reasons to exit the room. You can't be scared every time someone knocks on a damn door. What kind of queen will you be? She heard the knock again. "Karigan, may I enter?" Zachary called to her. She took a deep breath. "Of course, your…Zachary."
The door opened and he strode through and stopped dead, staring at her. "You look beautiful," he breathed. She blushed, "I hope you like my colour choice!" He grinned at her. "I certainly do…but I'm looking forward to taking it off you." Oh my, thought Karigan as she felt herself turn scarlet, not knowing where to look. Zachary laughed and strode over to her. She could forgive him for that comment as she stared into his face; an ease and warmth had replaced the perpetual look of strain and sadness he had worn over the years. He looked young and vibrant and all of a sudden, she was looking forward to taking off his clothes as well. He could tell. "You look very handsome," she replied and he swooped in for a kiss that would, she decided, have shocked the priest if Zachary had used his tongue like that at the altar.
She felt herself grow warm and broke apart, pouring them both a glass of wine to give him a moment to rearrange himself. He smiled at her ruefully and she laughed, dispelling some of the sexual tension in the air. After a few sips he offered her his arm and they walked towards the throne room. He chatted with ease but Karigan had trouble replying as she grew more nervous with each step towards their presentation as the royal couple. He squeezed her hand encouragingly and all of a sudden the doors were open and it was over.
The feast was a spectacular success. Speeches were made, the bride was lovely, the king was happy, and the lord governors did not have to worry about commoner born royal heirs on the throne. Karigan was a touch hurt but mostly incredibly relieved that no Eletians arrived to mark the occasion. She mostly felt that Eletians were part of her past but still, one never knew with the Elt folk. She was sure they still watched her. She danced several times with the king as well as with her father and Alton, interspersed amongst the vast number of people she now had to divide her time between. She barely knew any of the riders at the castle now and most of her old friends were spread around the country but a couple had managed to attend the reception and she spoke to them as often as she could. Mara had been unable to attend due to her confinement, which Karigan was delighted about for her friends' sake. And of course, there were endless discussions with people she did not know but were important enough to speak to. She lived for the few moments where she was able to speak to those she knew; she managed a few minutes with Laren and her aunts, who were behaving surprisingly well. Karigan did notice that her father was spending quite a bit of time next to the arch that housed both the Rhovan red and Laren.
Karigan escaped only once to the balcony to ease her back in private. She arched to the side, massaging her hips when her eyes suddenly caught movement in the garden. Alert, she strained her sight before relaxing slightly as a tiendan melted away from the trees seconds later. Karigan was surprised and signalled Fastion to fetch her husband. Zachary was with her seconds later and soon the elegant folk were in front of them, bowing as one. "Well met, Firebrand and Galadheon," said Somial, his eyes warm and smiling.
"It is wonderful to see you," replied Karigan with delight. She was relieved to see that Enver was not one of the party and happy as ever to meet her favourite Eletian.
"Our prince has seen us journey to this blessed occasion to bestow gifts upon your union. Although your people value pageantry it is well that we have the opportunity to see you without curious eyes."
Karigan and Zachary raised their eyebrows at each other before Zachary spoke. "The Eletian people are always welcome in my kingdom. It is kind indeed and an honour for Prince Jametari to bless our marriage."
Somial dipped his head in acknowledgement before his first companion brought forward a small package and presented it to Zachary. He opened it to reveal a brilliant dagger, plain in embellishment except for twining leaves encircling a firebrand at the hilt. It gleamed in the moonlight. "This dagger once belonged to your ancestor, the king that brought peace to your people. It has been cared for by our blacksmiths for many years and your own brand has been etched upon the hilt so that you may lay claim to it. May this remind you of those who will always aid you in your hour of need."
Zachary bowed very deeply to Somial before replying, "I cannot begin to express what this means to me. My deepest thanks for such a treasure."
Somial turned to Karigan as his other companion brought forward a round cloth. Karigan pushed aside the cover to see a small munariel. She cast her fingers over it lightly and the balcony gleamed with light. But unlike all the other munariels she had touched in the past, this glow filled her with a deep peace and happiness and cast a warmer light. Somial smiled. "This munariel has also been cared for by many of my kind. This was left to the guardianship of the Prince by our queen Laurelyn, who instructed that it be presented to you on this auspicious night. She captured a moment when the sun and the moon sung as one, and wove them together to provide you with a reminder of the beauty and softness that can be sought in life. This was her gift to say thank you for all you have done for our people, a sentiment that is shared by many."
Karigan could not speak. Her cheeks were covered in tears and she gripped Somial's hand tightly, overwhelmed at the enormity of this gesture. She had always felt frustrated at the Princes games, yet still felt a strong connection to the Eletians especially as she came to know them. Clearly that feeling was somewhat reciprocated; to have been given such a gift was a tremendous honour.
Zachary was in the middle of professing his gratitude when Somial interrupted him. "One moment Firebrand; the gift giving is not finished as yet. However, this time I am the benefactor." He smiled and stepped towards Karigan before opening her hand with her palm facing up. "I am well aware of the many injuries you have suffered and it fills me with sorrow that you carry such pain in your bearing." His eyes searched hers solemnly. "My gift to you is, I hope, of some use. I have devised a liniment that contains, among other things, precious drops from Indura Luin. I am hopeful that it should ease the scars you carry and perhaps even in time, they might be no more than a memory. I can make no promises but what I have I freely give to you, as thanks for saving those of my kind in the Argenthyne grove." He placed a large jar in her hand as he spoke and Karigan stared at it for several seconds.
"I cannot even begin to think of what to say to you Somial. Your generosity….I can't… thank you," she said emphatically.
She walked forwards to embrace him and he gently placed a kiss on each of her cheeks and placed a thumb near her eye patch before pulling away. "You are most welcome," he replied with a smile. Somial turned his face to the moon and closed his eyes, his hands gently lifting to the light. Karigan clasped her munariel tighter and more warmth diffused through her hands and up her arms. She shut her eyes briefly as well. When she opened them, Somial was staring at her. "You have been a greater champion for the people of these lands than you realise. I hope that this claim on you has come to an end and rest may be bestowed upon you instead. It seems strange that a human was to be so instrumental in the saving of our kind, but I am glad it was you. I hope to see you again someday youngling."
Karigan and Zachary returned the Eletians' bows deeply. "It has been my honour to meet with you," Karigan replied. The Eletians took their leave and drifted into the gardens, leaving Zachary and Karigan to stare at each other as well as their gifts.
Zachary loosed a breath. "Well, that was unexpected," he remarked dryly. Karigan snorted. "Eletians. They never change. At least they are dependable in that aspect." Zachary laughed and kissed her on the nose. "Shall we continue facing the hordes?" Karigan chuckled and they passed their gifts to the Weapons. Karigan was glad they moved straight back into the ballroom without further discussion as her mind just couldn't face dissecting another element of their strange life just now. The night continued and despite herself, Karigan wished it would never end. But as the clock stuck each hour of the early morning her back protested more and more loudly and the strain of the long day began to take its toll.
Finally the third bell sounded and the king glanced at the herald to bring the crowd to attention. "My friends, I am ever thankful for your presence here today to celebrate the union between myself and my Queen. Your kindness and generosity will not be forgotten. Alas the kingdom does not rest, so we will retire now in order than we can continue to serve when the sun rises. I beg of you to keep celebrating this momentous day and I hope your heads are not too heavy on the morrow!" The crowd laughed and bowed as the royal couple nodded in return. The room broke out into applause as the doors were opened to allow them to exit.