Nasuada and Murtagh journeyed out to be part of Arya and Eragon's wedding that Oromis performed and after a few days of celebration, they shared the news they too were engaged and invited everyone to come to Iliria for their nuptials the following moon.
So many weddings in one year. Glaedr chuckled as he watched Starfire flying overhead.
"After sorrow and loss come joy and renewal." Oromis patted his side and glanced at Aliana. "Isn't that right, dearest?"
"That's what my father always said." She agreed, kissing her husband. "And so far it seems true. Starfire is growing fast. Soon she will be able to carry me."
The dreki landed as if she knew she was being talked about. When are we leaving?
Glaedr huffed. Patience, kit. Not all of us have your energy.
You can't fool me with that old, grumpy act. Starfire licked his cheek. You are proud of me.
Aliana snickered behind a hand. "She's got you pegged."
I hope your little one is less trouble than this hurricane.
"I fear all children are that at some point." Oromis rubbed Aliana's just visible baby bump affectionately. "And we will enjoy every minute."
"If by enjoy you mean be parts amused and horrified, then yes." Aliana teased.
Glaedr rolled his eyes, but his smile was obvious. Get on, you three. Starfire, let's see if you can keep up.
She grinned. You're on.
They were off into the air at once. Starfire stubbornly flew until her wings gave out from overuse, making Glaedr have to catch her. He didn't scold or tease her, making the married couple exchange knowing smiles.
The time for Nasuada and Murtagh's wedding arrived, as did all the representatives of the different lands. Eragon presided over their wedding, proud of his half-brother and how much he had changed.
Aliana felt a great deal of pride too and hugged her childhood friend at his reception. "Welcome to better days."
Murtagh looked about ready to cry as he glanced at her belly, then back up at her face. "It's nice to see you happy too. Just when were you going to tell us?"
"Oromis and I agreed we wanted to be certain before saying anything. Besides, I didn't want to take away from other special events and he agreed with me."
"I would expect no less from the elf who stole your heart. Still feels weird seeing Aerin with K'aeligh for me."
"They have been spending more time with me than you. Her dragon Amethyst is quite sweet."
"So Thorn noticed."
"Hormones kicking in now that more females are around?"
"I guess so. Looks like your dragon Starfire has Glaedr under her claw."
Aliana laughed softly. "Much to the happiness of Oromis and I, though I am not certain Glaedr is quite ready to admit he has gone from thinking of her as a baby to potential mate."
Murtagh flashed one of his trademark grins. "It'll happen, I am sure. Thanks for not giving up on me."
"Of course. We are family, after all." She smiled and hugged him. "Maybe not by blood like you and Eragon, but we have endured much together."
"You could say that again." He hugged her back, then went to be with his wife.
"He looks so happy." Aerin mused as she came over.
"Yeah, it's been a bit of a bumpy ride for him. And everyone coming out and supporting the wedding means a lot." Aliana hugged her friend.
"It was terrible for all of us for a while." Aerin smiled, returning the embrace. "Yet here we are. Even Lord Dayton and Lady Drea are in attendance."
"Seems like she's eyeing him."
Aerin laughed. "Indeed. About time that woman got back in the saddle, though I pity Lord Dayton. He will be completely blindsided by her sudden advances."
"At first, then I imagine he will be flattered."
"That is highly probable, my dear friend."
K'aeligh came over from talking to Eragon and hugged Aliana as well before holding out a hand to Aerin. "Can I steal you for a dance?"
"Naturally."
Aliana smiled as she watched them float onto the floor, thinking they looked far better together than Aerin had ever looked with Galbatorix. Familiar arms wrapped around her and she leaned back into her husband, tilting her head to kiss him.
"What are you thinking?" He asked quietly when their lips parted.
"How much more suited K'aeligh is for Aerin. Murtagh told me Thorn is showing some interest in Amethyst too."
He chuckled, gently turning her to face him. "Sounds about right. Dance with me?"
"Of course, beloved." She smiled as they joined the others. "What are you thinking?"
"How glad I am for everyone and that they are as in love as I am."
"I love you too, Oromis." She forgot everything around them for a moment as they kissed again. "I never imagined anything close to this when we met."
"Neither did I." He smiled, twirling her. "At least not for a while. Remember when I asked you to dance for the first time?"
"As if I could forget."
"I wanted to see if you were as attracted to me as I was to you."
She felt her cheeks tinge a little. "Even back then?"
"Oh yes. I worried though about your safety if I said anything, plus being rejected did come to mind."
"And what do you think now that we have been married by both our customs and I am going to have our child?"
"That I am the luckiest person in the world to have found someone to share eternity with and watch our babies grow up and find their own paths."
"Oh, darling. I could not agree more." She hugged him tearily and they kissed for a third time.
You two are as bad as a couple of hatchlings in love. Glaedr snorted.
You know you secretly like it. Starfire nudged him playfully.
He glared at her. Don't push your luck.
And what if I do? Are you going to tackle me?
I am seriously considering it.
She jumped on him in reply, leading to them wrestling for control out in the courtyard. She was smaller and more agile, while he was older and more patient. He waited for his opening and pinned her at last.
She grinned up at him, tail teasing his intimately.
He growled and nipped her. You are mine now.