Chapter Seven – The Wedding
A/N: Hey again! I was surprised & very happy to receive more alerts, faves & reviews in such a short period of time after posting chapter six ^_^ I'd like to say a great big thank you to: crimsonyaoilover, White Blossom & Ldrmas, for supporting my story. You guys rock! & for fans of Until I met you, I am still intending to write the story, I'm just struggling with inspiration for that one at the minute, but hopeful it won't be too long before I post up the next chapter.
So, it's finally Axel & Roxas' big day, enjoy!
The early morning sun rose though the curtains in Roxas' room. As always he was nestled next to Axel, warm and safe in the red heads arms. The blond blinked slowly as the suns' rays caused him to wake from his peaceful slumber. His ocean blue eyes focused on the red heads' peaceful sleeping face, emerald eyes closed, his soft pale skin appearing to glow in the soft sunlight, illuminating the unusual tear drop markings under his eyes. His soft enticing looking lips were slightly parted as he breathed softly and evenly. Roxas admired his beautiful husband to be, thinking how truly lucky he was to have met him. He was literally a life saver. Roxas smiled lovingly at Axel, and after a while decided that his beloved red head had slept enough. He leaned forward and pressed his lips softly against Axels'. When he pulled back he watched as the red head blinked slowly, before revealing his emerald eyes to Roxas.
"Morning" the blond smiled.
"Morning" Axel replied, returning the smile as he gently trailed a finger along the blonds' cheek before leaning forward to capture Roxas' lips. "There, now we're even" he grinned, causing Roxas to chuckle in response.
"So, ready to begin our big day?" the blond asked, his eyes sparkling excitedly.
"Certainly" the red head answered with a soft smile, gently running his fingers through his fiancés' hair before leaning forward to briefly press his lips against his forehead. They rose from the bed hand in hand, before starting to dress themselves for the day. Roxas wore his usual white shirt, whilst Axel picked up his new green one, holding it at arms length thoughtfully. "Perhaps I should wear this now, seeing as I shall need to dress up for you later" he said suavely, winking at Roxas. Said blond chuckled.
"You will look handsome no matter what you wear". As if in response, the red head temporarily placed his new shirt onto the bed and began to slowly peel off his night shirt, slinging it onto the bed, causing Roxas to blush as he admired his fiancés well toned body.
"Although, you could stay like that for the day" he mused. Axel laughed and turned around, revealing his well toned stomach. "Yes, that is definitely the most attractive yet" the blond grinned, his eyes roaming over his fiancés' gorgeous body. Roxas then looped his arms around Axels' waist in a loving embrace, resting his head against his chest, loving the warmth that emitted from his body.
"Mmmm, yes, this is nice" he mumbled.
Axel laughed softly. "I do not think it would be appropriate to walk around your house topless, right in front of your parents."
"All for me then" Roxas said in a jesting manner, causing Axel to laugh again, tilting his head back slightly as he did so.
"Lucky you" he chuckled, kissing the top of the blonds' head.
"I cannot wait to see what mother may have prepared for us" Roxas smiled, looking up at Axel.
"Well then, let us go and see if she has awoken" Axel replied, releasing the blond and slipping on the green shirt-much to the blonds' disappointment. Roxas decided that he'd try not to dwell on it too much, as no doubt he would be seeing much more of Axels' body later…
"Hmm, its' not a bad fit" said red head said, pulling Roxas out of his thoughts.
"I quite agree" Roxas replied, his eyes sparkling; his lover still looked handsome in his new shirt, especially as the blond could still see the bulge of his arm muscles through the sleeves.
"Before we leave, may I give you another?" the red head asked, gently tilting Roxas' chin so that the blond would look at him. At first Roxas looked confused, but when Axel leaned forward he understood, and with a soft 'oh' and a shy smile he met the red head half way. Axel pressed his lips a little firmer this time, looping his arms around the blond to pull him closer. Their lips melted together in a delicious kiss, both moaning softly; delighting in the warm tingling sensations that rippled through their bodies. Eventually the unfortunate requirement for air caused them to separate, both panting softly. Axel grinned, his eyes full of love as he tenderly caressed his nose against the blonds' whose eyes were now sparkling more then ever, a warm smile graced his young handsome features.
"I think that was our most beautiful kiss yet" he said breathlessly, touching his lips gently as a cute blush ran across his face. Axel chuckled. "There shall be many more to come, yet" he grinned.
"There had better be" Roxas said with a soft laugh, leaning up to capture the red heads' lips once again for a chaste kiss.
"Now then, let us be off, before I am unable to tear myself away from you" Axel said almost suavely, taking Roxas' hand as the two lovers left the bedroom.
Once they were outside they found that Roxas' father was already awake. "Oh, you have awoken. Your mother was just finishing off some things. The celebrant should be bringing the other items later."
"You mean preacher" Roxas corrected.
"Well, celebrant is the traditional name for a priest of the pagan faith" his father replied.
"You certainly seem very knowledgeable about the pagan faith." Axel observed.
"Well, that is how I was bound to Roxas' mother" the fisherman replied, looking at Roxas with a proud smile, which the blond returned brightly.
"Would you like to see what she has done for you so far, or would you like to wait until later when everything is complete?"
"Look now! Look now!" Roxas cried eagerly, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
"It is certainly wonderful to see you so enthusiastic about things" his father chuckled, ruffling his sons' hair affectionately, thinking back to the times when Roxas used to keep to himself in quite solitude.
"It is my wedding day, what is there not to be enthusiastic about?" the blond replied, causing both men to laugh at the blonds' enthusiasm. He was about as excited as a woman picking out her bride's dress "Come along Axel, hurry!" Roxas said excitedly, taking his lover by the hand and running around to the back of the house, with the poor knight trailing along struggling to maintain his balance as the blonds' surprising strength pulled him forward.
"Goodness, Roxas, calm your self" the red head chuckled, as he almost slipped over.
"My apologies" the blond said, looking back at his handsome red head with an apologetic smile.
At a more manageable pace they went round to the back garden where Roxas' mother usually kept a small patch of vegetables and another of flowers. She was just adding the final touches to a branched archway that she had been weaving flowers through as Axel and Roxas walked towards her, looking around at the details that had been added so far, Axels' expression impressed, whilst Roxas' showed a sense of awe. To the right of the flower archway sat a fairly large flat topped boulder which had an array of objects littered upon it. "That wasn't easy to move, I can assure you" Roxas' father said as he caught up with them, holding his back for emphasis. "I had to lift it onto its side and roll it over here". Roxas was too awestruck to reply. His main focus was on the arch of flowers.
"Oh, it looks magnificent already" he gasped, his bright blue eyes wide with anticipation. He simply couldn't wait to see it once it was complete!
Axel gave his hand an affirmative squeeze. Roxas released the red heads' hand and walked forward slowly, looking at all of the different coloured flowers, varying from all ends of the colour spectrum; from reds, to yellows, blues, whites, pinks, purples and oranges. All of them different shades, as well as plenty of green foliage entwined with the flowers. Roxas had no idea how him mother had managed it. He averted his gaze to her flower patch and noticed with dismay that she had picked them all; every single one. "Mother, you didn't have to pick all of your beautiful flowers" he said sadly. His mothers' face brightened as she heard her son' voice and turned round to face him. "Oh, you're here!" she smiled brightly as she walked over to her son, excitedly pulling him into an embrace. "What was it you said about my flowers?"
Roxas looked at his mother a little forlornly; he knew how much she loved her little garden. "Mother, why did you ruin your garden? There was no need".
"Oh, worry not. I took some from the woods, too. I can always grow more. Besides, it makes me feel a greater sense of accomplishment watching them grow from seeds, anyway" she replied, holding Roxas out at arms length to show him the certainty in her eyes. Roxas gave her small smile in return. He turned to his father. "What is the boulder for?"
"That will be used as your alter; come and see what we've put on there for you" his father replied, putting a hand on Roxas' shoulder and leading his over. Axel and Roxas' mother followed.
"Why do we need an alter?" Roxas asked quizzically; Axel too, was curious, and looked at the fisherman with interest.
"It is a pagan wedding ritual to place important objects upon them; either important to the individuals or those important for representing the pagan faith. They can be tables, boulders, large mounds of earth-"
Roxas laughed; "Mounds of earth?"
"Well, paganism revolves around nature, so its' better to have something created from a natural element" the fisherman replied. "The items placed upon the alter can also represent the wedding couples' elements, or if you like you can take a symbol of each element and place these on the alter as a sign of spiritual balance between the elemental life energy, supposedly creating a more harmonious successful wedding."
When Roxas looked at the items placed upon the alter his eyes lit up. There was an assortment of sea shells as well as a large conch shell, and also as a ceremonial knife and a pretty purple gem stone. "The shells were to represent you coming from the sea. The conch shell originally symbolises fertility, but I don't think that you and Axel will need to worry about that" Roxas' mother said with a silly smile. Roxas smiled sheepishly at the red head, who winked cheekily. "However, I still thought that it may bring luck" Roxas' mother added.
"What of the knife?" Roxas asked a little wearily, wondering if there was going to be blood split during the celebration. "It was originally used to sacrifice animals to bless the gods in hopes that the marriage would last" the fisherman began to explain, until he noticed Roxas' horrified face and quickly added "but now it is merely for show purposes. It was one of my items when I wed your mother, a gift from my father, just as the conch is a gift from your mothers' mother. It is just a tradition to pass certain items down from generation to generation." Roxas released a breath he didn't realise he had been holding. He was glad there would be no sacrifices. Killing fish was hard enough for him, but to kill a cattle animal or even watch one be killed would have been too much for him to bear. "Thank goodness for that!" He sighed.
"This is pretty" Axel said, lifting the purple gem stone and holding it up to the morning light and admiring it sparkling.
"That's' an amethyst stone. It was a gift from my mother" Roxas' mother said happily, hoping that her son and future son in law would approve. "They represent the land, for you".
"These items are wonderful" Axel replied honestly. He noticed some grey objects sticking out slightly from underneath the conch shell. He lifted them with curiosity and found that they were wood pigeon feathers.
"Oh, why the feathers?" Roxas asked, taking one from Axel and caressing his cheek with it. "They represent air, and if you should travel anywhere they promote a quick and safe journey" his mother replied, glancing at the red head. Axel wondered whether they were worried about him taking Roxas back to Undine with him, without ever returning. "I'm sure Roxas' heart will always be his home" Axel said with a reassuring smile. His suspicions appeared to be true, as he saw her eyes light up as a relieved smile crossed her features.
"There will be more decorations later, but we'll leave that as a surprise for later" the fisherman said a little teasingly.
"I cannot wait! But won't the flowers in the archway have died by then?" Roxas asked, his excitement diminishing to anxiety. He would be sad if his mother had torn apart her garden for nothing.
"They should be alright for a day" his mother answered reassuringly.
Meanwhile, not far from the house, the sea witch was watching the betrothed couple, hidden from sight amongst the trees. Axel and Roxas had decided to spend the rest of the morning walking hand in hand through the woods, laughing and joking about things, talks of the wedding and Roxas describing excitedly how he imagined the final set up of the back garden would look like.
Anger bubbled up inside of her as she focused on the blond. She was adamant that she would make sure the little mer-prince would not keep his soul. She wanted to prove the sea king wrong, and make all of the mer-folk realise just what a formidable enemy she really was. Their son would not gain a soul, and she would have ultimate control.
"If those two getting married vexes you so, then why no simply stop them before they complete the ceremony? Hiding behind trees will not accomplish anything" a small huffy little voice suggested.
"Ah, but that would be too easy" the witch replied, her scowl turning into a sneer. "I want that blond to suffer. If he truly believes things are going well, he'll let his guard down, then when things finally change for the worst it will affect him greatly, and what little soul he would have gained by being in love with that knight will be mine, and he will be under my control."
"A harsh plan for such an innocent boy; of what crime did he commit should he be punished so harshly for?" Larxene glared at the little imp; the very same imp who had tried to trick Axel in the enchanted forest.
"SILENCE! I did not spare your life so that you may question me!"
"It just seems a bit much" the imp muttered huffily, crossing his little arms over his chest and glaring at his captor. He turned to look at the doomed lovers laughing as Axel quickly spun Roxas in the air playfully.
"You have no right to talk. After all, it was you who tried to trick the knight into giving you his money" Larxene scoffed.
"That is nothing compared to the sadistic plan which you are currently concocting" the imp replied, glaring at the witch again. Larxene hit the imp around the head for his impertinence, causing the poor creature to yelp in pain.
"You will NOT answer me back!" she snarled. She averted her angry eyes back to the frolicking couple, her sight focusing on the blond who was currently laughing about something and running as Axel exclaimed at the bonds' words and playfully gave chase.
"I will break you" she thought angrily. "I can promise you that."
Finally, the evening came; time when Axel and Roxas would become untied in both body and soul. The night time skies were clear and the stars glittered within them almost like thousands of tiny diamonds. The full moon illuminated the land with a soft calming white glow.
Axel was Roxas' room, preparing himself for the wedding, dressing himself in his knights' armour just as his young lover had requested. He also decided to wear the necklace that Roxas mother had given him, simply to show his gratitude and to be polite. It was then that he realised just how long it had been since he had last worn his armour; he didn't remember it being that heavy. Still, it was his wedding day and he had to look his best. He decided that at some point after the wedding he would begin training in his armour again, in order to regain his original fitness; required of a knight should he ever need to fight once more on the battlefield.
Meanwhile Roxas was changing in his parents' room, having both decided to maintain the usual tradition of not seeing their partner until they joined at the alter. He put on a freshly pressed pair of breeches, along with the blue shirt his father had bought for him; the necklace his mother gave him lay around his neck. The rings he had shown to Axel had been given to the preacher, so that he may present them to the couple when the time came for them to place them onto each others' hands. His heart had never felt so light and full of happiness. He simply could not believe that this was finally about to happen. At first he had merely been worried about not gaining a soul in time, but now he was purely happy just to be marrying the knight. His love for the handsome red head had grown immensely throughout the past few months, and he sincerely hoped that the red head felt the same. Roxas found that he now looked forward starting the day by waking next to the knight, safely nestled in his arms and just spending the day with him, learning new things; unlike spending the day mechanically and just following repetitive routines as he did before the red head had entered had entered his life.
He finished off brushing his short spiky locks. He took a good look at himself through his looking glass to make sure that he looked as perfect as possible for his lover.
Once he was satisfied, he waited until his father came to tell him that it was time to make his way into the garden. He looked at the shell bracelet, which was currently sitting on the small table beside his parents' bed. He had temporarily left it there so that he may wash and dress for the special occasion. It was then that he realised, as he placed it back over his wrist, that very soon now, should the rules of the curse remain true, that the fisherman's true daughter would return from the sea. Roxas started to wonder what it would be like. Would his-or technically her parents- be so happy that would eventually push him aside? After all, he did have Axel now, and he realised just how much he truly loved him. Even if he had been born like normal mer folk, he doubted that he would ever feel more content then what he did living this simple life with him. However, he still felt a slight jolt of fear and jealousy sweep through him at the though of loosing the people who had raised him to someone else. What if they considered her to be worth more to them then him? A sudden knock at the door snapped the blond out of his sorrowful thoughts. He decided that no matter what happened he wouldn't be alone, and that it was right for his parents to get to know their own child, whether he was in the picture or not.
His father entered the room, wearing a smart shirt in a similar style to Roxas', except his was a very dark green, along with a pair of black breeches. "We're ready for you now, son" he said, smiling kindly. The word 'son' made Roxas' heart jolt a little. The fisherman must have noticed his reaction and misinterpreted it, as he said "worry not, everything is perfect, Axel is waiting for you. Everything will be fine. Your mother and I are so happy and proud. A knight is a fine match indeed" he said with a wink. Roxas blushed and looked down at his bracelet, fiddling with it nervously. The fisherman laid a hand on Roxas' arm in comfort. "Come" he said with a gentle smile "let us not keep your fiancé waiting"; with that he and Roxas walked outside to the back of the garden. The sight that awaited him was truly astonishing. There were flowers everywhere. Entwined around the tree trunks, scattered along the floor making them look as thought they had sprung from the ground purely for this special occasion. But what amazed Roxas the most was the two parallel lines of candles, creating a bright glowing pathway leading up to the stone alter. The alter itself also had candles, one for each element; a red one for fire, a white one for air, a green one for earth and a blue one for water. No doubt they were also items passed down by his parents' family ancestors, as large, colours or decorative candles were normally expensive, only available to well off people and nobles.
Despite everything he had seen so far, the most enchanting sight in the garden was his beloved knight, standing by the altar. His armour was freshly polished and appeared to create a soft silver aura like glow in the moonlight. He smiled beautifully as his emerald eyes came into contact with Roxas' sapphire blue ones. His naturally pale skin practically glowed in the soft candle light. Roxas gaped in awe at his husband to be; he looked almost heavenly. Roxas found himself blushing slightly, his heart hammered against his chest in a mixture of nerves and excitement.
Axel found himself feeling very much the same. His heart palpated against his ribcage, as he watched Roxas slowly and shyly walking towards him, his golden hair glowing in the soft candle light, his eyes as bright as stars; a sweet smile graced upon his lips. The fisherman left Roxas and went to join his wife, who was clothed in her best dress, which was forest green with long sleeves which hung down to her waist. The middle of the torso section of the dress was white, with silken golden coloured threads woven with a strange Celtic design across it. A band of small flowers such as forget me knots, buttercups and daisies crowned her head. They both watched with bright expressions as Roxas slowly made his way down the pathway of candle light. He held his hands in front of him, seeing as he wasn't holding a bouquet, his eyes focused on Axel and only Axel. He watched as the soft ocean breeze slowly caressed through his red hair and with it carrying the soothing sound of the ocean waves. When he finally approached Axel he found himself too love struck to manage a proper greeting. All he did manage was a blush and a small "hi". Axel responded softly, smiling at Roxas adorningly. They joined hands and the preacher began. He took a silk ribbon and gently tied it around their wrists, binding them together, before picking up a wooden staff which had been leaning against the stone alter and with it walked around the couple drawing a circle in the ground. Once he was finished he began his speech. "Everything in life is represented with a circle. The sun which lights the morning sky, its light representing life, just as the moon represents darkness, like the night; ying and yang, complete opposites, as with all of the elements of the world; all very different, but all equally important in maintaining the balance of life. All revolve round in an elemental cycle, water wins over fire, fire over earth, earth over air. So as the circle of life creates a strong elemental balance in the world, so shall your love for each other.
No matter the storms that you may face, though the raging seas may seem un-tameable, may your love for each other conquer all, and bring your hearts closer together as one."
Roxas was reminded of the dreams he used to have. He smiled happily at the red head; Axel had tamed his stormy seas already. The red head smiled back lovingly, giving Roxas' hands a quick supportive squeeze, his emerald eyes gleaming.
"Now" the preacher continued, "we may begin the declaration of intentions.
Do you, Axel, take Roxas to be your life partner?
To be his constant companion,
His true love,
To love him without reservation,
To honour and respect him,
To protect him from harm,
To comfort him in times of distress,
To connect with him in mind, body and soul, as long as your love shall last?"
"I do" Axel answered, smiling a beautiful smile at the young blond, who's eyes sparkled joyously, as he smiled brightly.
"Do you, Roxas, take Axel to be your life partner,
To be his constant companion,
His true love,
To love him without reservation,
To honour and respect him,
To protect him from harm,
To comfort him in times of distress,
To connect with him in mind, body and soul, as long as your love shall last?"
"I do" Roxas smiled, blushing shyly as he shared bright smiles with his beloved red head. "You may now exchange rings" the celebrant said, as he handed Axel one of the rings Roxas had presented him the day before, which he gently slipped over Roxas' finger; Roxas followed suit afterwards, smiling shyly as he slipped the other ring over Axels' finger. The two pearls shimmered together in the moonlight.
"Then, by the light of the moon and the ever lasting stars, I am happy to pronounce that you are husbands and soul mates; may your love last for an eternity. You may now kiss to seal the pledge" the celebrant concluded.
Axel and Roxas gladly complied. Wrapping his new husband in his arms, Axel leaned forward to capture the blonds' lips. They smiled into the kiss sighing softly; Axel gently placed a hand behind Roxas' head pulling him closer. Roxas mirrored his actions, running his hands through the knights' soft red spikes. This time, however, Axel took the kiss to a whole new level. He gently placed the tip of his tongue against the blonds' lips, silently requesting and invitation to enter the blonds' mouth. At first Roxas seemed confused. Mer folk certainly didn't do this; but he slowly parted his lips and allowed the red head to complete the kiss. It was a strange yet sensational experience, and soon Roxas managed to kiss in sync with Axel, their tongues gently caressing in each others mouths. They both moaned as an unusual pleasure rippled through their bodies, tingled down their spines, warmed their very hearts and made it feel as though thousands of little butterflies were fluttering inside if their stomachs.
"My, such a passionate kiss" the fisherman's' wife said blushing, wondering if they should still be watching. Suddenly the spectators gaped in awe, as the kissing couple were suddenly surrounded with an aura of white light. Roxas suddenly felt a rush of energy within him, causing his heart to beat faster; it was almost as if the moon itself was gifting them with some of its own power. Roxas knew that this must be soul sharing. He was now officially a person, not a nobody mer boy with an uncertain future. Two halves made a whole, and now he and Axel were one. Gradually the glowing subsided and the couple broke from the kiss, panting softly. Axel smiled brightly, resting his forehead on Roxas', who kept his eyes closed for a little while longer to savour the moment. Eventually he revealed his eyes to his new husband, who looked at him with pure love and contentment.
"We are now one of the same soul, Axel" Roxas said, mirroring his husbands' expression. "Finally, we are one".
Axel gently rubbed their nose together affectionately, before he leaned in once again, to capture the blonds' for another kiss.
A/N: I did a lot of research for paganism traditions for this story ^_^ it's quite interesting actually- not that I'm a pagan myself – but it was fun to learn about. Although there are many variations but I chose to stick with the more common basics. Oh, I also varied with the use of the word priest & celebrant, just to make things sound interesting rather then using priest all the time, & its paganism not a church wedding, so I thought it would be better that way. Also, did any one else get a Lion King theme song in their heads when the celebrant was talking about the circle of life 0_o~ I thought about changing it, but decided I'd leave it in to see if any one else did, or if I'm just a bit of a mad hatter. I hope this chapter was still interesting, I was going to try and add more to it, but couldn't think how without going off the plot, so I left it. Let me know what you think ^_^/ ma ta na