An enormous celebration was taking place on the lush lawn in front of the East Lake. A young man was standing awkwardly in a brand new Freeglade Lancer uniform. He was fidgety and nervous until his best man, standing behind him, placed a strong hand on his shoulder and whispered some words in his ear.
Just then, trumpets sounded and a beautiful young bride came walking up the aisle on the arm of Felix Lodd. Her hair was intricately braided and embedded with hundreds of little flowers. She was radiantly happy, her joy reflected only by that of the young man already at the altar.
As she arrived, the Lancer clutched her hand tightly. The gnokgoblin priest droned on for a long time, until finally the long awaited words were pronounced.
"Do you Rook Barkwater, and you, Rastan Thenxis, agree to take one another as lawfully wedded spouses?"
The answer came in chorus: "I do."
"Earth and Sky bless you and your marriage." Finished the priest, stepping back into the folds of the silken hanging.
Rook turned to Rastan; he could contain himself no longer. He picked her up and kissed her passionately to the wild cheers of all the assembled.
Hand in hand, the newlyweds walked down the aisle to the banquet waiting for them just over the low hill. They were followed by the congregation, a huge chattering group of Freeglade Lancers, Librarian Knights, and nurses from the Gardens of Light.
The party lasted all day and all night. As the dawn was peeking over the trees in the distance, the final goodbyes were finally said and the newlyweds could retreat to their bedroom to be alone for the first time since their marriage.
"I think this was the best day of my life," said Rook happily, flopping down on the bed, arms spread wide.
Rastan sat down on the edge of the bed and carefully undid her lace slippers. "Me too. I can't imagine ever being this happy again…or this tired." She yawned extravagantly, stretching her arms out. Flopping down on the bed, she smiled at Rook. "For some reason I don't think I'll be sleeping just yet."
Rook just laughed.
It was already evening by the time Rook and Rastan left their room, happy and well rested. They went down to dinner hand in hand and all smiles. Xanth and Magda were already waiting for them.
"So how does it feel to finally be married?" asked Xanth after the greetings had been made. "It sure took you long enough!"
"I can honestly tell you, Xanth, I have never been happier in my life. It's so nice to be official, you know. Plus it'll keep some of those girls from getting ideas."
"Oh? They've been after you lately?" said Xanth, leaning forward with a slight frown.
"Yup. I think they figured that if I didn't get married after three years they'd have a chance. I hope that they know they're wrong now."
"Probably."
Ther was an awkward silence. Xanth leaned back, but there was a lingering frown on his sharp face.
"So did you have a great wedding or what!" cried Magda when Rastan sat down across from her.
"Oh, it was the best day of my life. You never told me that it was this much fun to be married!" replied Rastan with a laugh.
"I couldn't explain it anyway." Magda looked closely at Rastan before whispering confidentially, "When's the first baby coming?"
"As soon as possible," said Rastan, blushing furiously.
"Good, good." Magda smiled suddenly. "I'm so happy for you! Can anything ruin tonight?"
Rastan was about to reply when a messenger suddenly came running through the doors and up to their table. He whispered a few urgent words to Xanth, Felix, and Rook, whose grave faces told everyone about the nature of the urgent news. All three of them immediately stood and walked quickly out into the balmy night air.
Magda and Rastan stood looking anxiously after their husbands as a heavy silence filled the hall.