That awful moment where you realize you can't write an actual wedding scene for crap...
Seriously, I kept getting blocked every time I tried to write the ceremony itself. I spent the time I was blocked going through and doing some serious revising on the previous chapters. Read over them sometime. I tightened the prose, added description, and generally improved them to the best extent I could. I probably could have done even more, but I forced myself to stop as I knew I using it to avoid my block.
As for this chapter itself, I decided to cop out. I'm sorry! All of other important interactions and conversations are there, but I'll understand if any of you feel dissatisfied by this. But it was the only way to finally get this chapter out to you guys. Despite that, I hope you all enjoy it!
Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem: Awakening
"Ah, I don't think I'm going to be able to do this..."
"Just calm down," Sumia said, as she helped Cordelia with her dress, "I was nervous right before my wedding too. Just relax."
"That's easy for you to say..." Cordelia said, looking at herself in the mirror. To think, she was going to be married to Chrom! It felt like a dream, one she could wake up from at any moment.
Someone knocked at the dressing room door. "Can I come in?" asked a familiar voice.
"Of course, Robin!" Sumia called.
The door opened. The tactician wore a beautiful dress. Her pigtails had flowers added to their base. Sumia faced her and gasped.
"Wow, Robin! That's sure to turn heads!"
"You don't think it's too much?" Robin picked at it, "Lissa and Maribelle helped me pick it out. And speaking of those two, they said they'll be back with what you need shortly."
"Wonderful!" Sumia beamed, "And what are you up to?"
"Mostly? Trying to make sure the groom doesn't fall to pieces. It's very nerve-racking for him. I left him with Frederick for the moment, hopefully he'll be able to soothe his nerves. I came to make sure everything is going well here," Robin took a breath, "I am very grateful right now that we've already gone through this twice. It's helping everyone make sure that this runs smoothly."
Frederick and Sumia already had their ceremony, soon after the final battle ended. Sully and Stahl had followed a short while later. Vaike and Miriel were due to be wed soon, and Vaike claimed he had made their wedding after this one in order to 'Not steal Chrom's thunder.'
"We're doing just fine," Sumia assured Robin, "Cordelia's nervous, naturally, but that's expected."
Cordelia sighed, "It's just so hard to believe that this is actually happening...A part of me is happier beyond words...But another part..." She bit her lip. Another part of her wanted to run away. To hide somewhere forever and curse herself for ever thinking she could ever be worthy of Chrom.
Robin chuckled, "It's okay to feel that way. It's a big event, and a case of nerves for something like this is typical. If it makes you feel any better, you seem to be holding up slightly better then Chrom is."
Cordelia smiled at the thought of her soon-to-be husband in a fluster. It eased her a little, to think he was as wracked by the anticipation as her.
"Look on the bright side," Sumia said, "You aren't nearly as klutzy as I am. You won't have to worry about tripping, or anything like that. It's a miracle that I didn't trip during my own wedding."
"You really shouldn't be thinking about that," Cordelia said, still smiling, "Your wedding was perfect."
"I know..." Sumia's expression became dreamy, as she became lost in her memories.
"Good day," Maribelle appeared next to Robin at the door, snapping Sumia out of her daydream, "Is everything here going well?"
"It's going great!" Sumia chirped.
"Hey Robin," Lissa's voice came from the hallway, "Do you know that Tharja is spying on you from the other end of the hall?"
Tharja was a dark mage who had been recruited during the rescue mission into Plegia. When she wasn't busy stalking Robin, she was cooking up a curse of some kind. The dark mage had started sticking even closer to the tactician after Chrom's proposal. Perhaps because she sensed a sudden lack of competition?
Robin groaned, "Unfortunately..."
Maribelle scoffed, "How rude! For her to be doing such things in the midst of such an occasion! And how did she even get in? There are guards everywhere!"
"Dark magic of some kind likely," Robin shook her head, "I'm going to talk with her later. At the very least, she doesn't need to keep her distance. She deserves to try enjoying the occasion. Should be easy for her if I stick close."
"That really a good idea?" Lissa appeared at the door now, "I mean, you know how she can get. What if she tries cursing some of the guests or something?"
"She won't do it if I tell her not to," Robin said, "I'm going to go back to Chrom. Good luck with the bride you three."
After Robin left, Lissa and Maribelle came in carrying the supplied Sumia needed. Sumia thanks them and the three got to work. Cordelia observed herself in the mirror as they prepared her. She found herself grateful for having such wonderful friends. For Sumia, her childhood companion. For Robin, without whom none of this would have happened. And for all of the Shepherds, who had become another family for her.
The three stepped back to admire what they had done. Lissa squealed, "To think, Cordelia, we're going to be sisters-in-law! I'm really looking forward to that!"
Cordelia smiled at the younger girl, "Thank you, Lissa. I only hope that it all goes smoothly..." Her smile faded as she looked over herself again, "All things aside, Chrom is still royalty. And the current ruler, no less! If anything goes wrong..."
Sumia placed her hands on her friend's shoulder, "Hush, you shouldn't think about such things. This is your wedding day! You should be happy!"
A small smile graced Cordelia's face, "But I am happy, Sumia. I'm happy beyond words..."
"You mustn't fret so much, milord," Frederick said, "People tend to be much more forgiving on days like these."
Chrom sighed, running a hand through his hair, trying to ease his anxiety, "I can only hope that you are right. I'm still worried. Normally, it's easy for me to keep my composure in these situations, but it's going to be difficult." The wedding was a momentous occasion. "There's so much that can go wrong, so many expectations..." But it wasn't the only thing bothering him. "And I'm terrified that Cordelia is going to crack under the pressure. She's very hard on herself, especially when she's aware of people's expectations." He hated how easily he imagined her breaking down.
"Actually, she's holding up better than you think," Robin appeared at the doorway. Frederick gave her a warm smile,
"Ah, Robin. Everything going well so far?"
"Near as I can tell," she said, shutting the door behind her, "The ladies are naturally in a good kind of tizzy. I spotted most of the Shepherds around, and even those I didn't see I'll probably find lurking around later. Flavia and Basillo came in a short time ago. They would like to offer their thanks for the invitation."
Chrom chuckled, "I'm glad they're here. They are not only close allies, but I am also happy to consider them friends." The two were more than welcome at this event. He would seek them out during the reception.
"Also, I feel I should inform you, Tharja somehow got in and is following me. Please don't call the guards on her, I actually want her around for once."
Odd, Robin normally had mixed feeling towards the mage. Was she planning something involving the dark mage? Frederick raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment further. Chrom spoke again,
"Frederick, can you leave us alone for a few minutes? I wish to speak with Robin in private."
The knight nodded in understanding, "As you wish, milord."
Once Frederick had left, Chrom sighed. Robin chuckled,
"Frederick being his usual overbearing self?" She asked, coming to his side.
"Naturally." He turned to face the mirror, and he fidgeted with the collar on the outfit.
"You look very handsome in that," she said, "Like a true ruler," she smirked, "Cordelia might even faint at the sight."
He glared, "Don't even joke about that."
She raised a hand, "I'm kidding, you know I am. In all honesty, I'm not that worried about her. She's in good hands with Sumia and your sister. You're the one I'm more focused on right now." She adjusted his cloak, "Just relax, it's all going to be fine."
He sighed, "I know..." He stared at his refelction. The words were on the tip of his tongue, refusing to spill.
Robin eyed him, "What's on your mind?"
Nothing escaped her attention. Her question loosened his tongue, "I...wanted to thank you."
She cocked her head, "For what?"
Chrom smiled, "For everything. None of this...none of this would have been possible without you. Without your efforts, you actions...I cannot thank you enough." He needed her to understand how grateful he was to her. How he always thanked the fates for letting him find her, his dearest friend and other half.
She stood, absorbing his words. A smile blossomed across her face, "I...you're welcome Chrom."
The ceremony was amazing. The reception afterward as well, feeling like a festival.
Thousands of people had come to see the newly christened royal couple. People from the halidom and Ferox had been expected, but many from Plegia attended as well. Emmeryn's final actions left a deep impression on them, and they felt they honored her name by coming.
One of them approached her during the reception,
"Excuse me?"
"Yes?" Robin turned to the older man. She had been seeking out the newlyweds, but they had become lost in the crowd once the ceremony ended.
"Ah...You are...the Ylissean tactician, correct?"
She blinked, "Yes, did you need something?"
"Are you, by any chance, a follower of Grima?"
Hah? "What gives you that idea?"
The man bowed, "Oh, my deepest apologies, milday. It's just...the cloak you wear...it reminded me of something a Grimleal member would wear. So I thought...I sincerely apologize, it was a mistake."
She felt a chill, but nodded, "It's alright, mistakes happen."
"Thank you, milady." The man scurried away.
Her cloak resembled something Grimleal wore? How could that be? She had woken up that day in the field, wearing it. But she was certain she didn't have a connection to the Grimleal...Didn't she? True, her cloak did have those strange eye patterns that eerily resembled the eye from Grima's symbol...and there was the strange symbol on the back of her hand...
She didn't want to think about it. It caused a horrible sense of ominous dread.
"Robin! There you are!" A familiar mass of red hair tackled her.
"Cordelia!" Robin choked, "This is unexpected for you."
"Heh, sorry." Cordelia pulled back, grinning, "I...just wanted to thank you...for everything.."
Robin snickered, "Heh..."
"What is it?"
"Chrom told me the exact same thing before the ceremony. I don't completely feel like I deserve your gratitude, but you're welcome."
Cordelia hugged her, "You do deserve our thanks. Certainly, you made mistakes along the way, but if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here now, newly married to the man I love."
Robin squeezed her back, "Perhaps..." She broke from the embrace, "You should get back to Chrom. It's your day after all. Enjoy it."
Cordelia nodded, "Yes, of course, thank you again." She went into the crowd. Robin spotted Chrom, and his wife joined him. He gave her a quick peck on the lips, before the crowd obscured the tactician's view.
Robin shifted to a dining table. She poured herself some wine. All things considered, she felt happy. Happy for her friends, happy for herself, and happy that, in the end, everything turned out alright. There had been hardship, yes, and more hardship could be expected to come. But, tonight, all of those troubles could be forgotten. Tonight was about new beginnings, and she could think of no better way to start the next part of their lives.
She called out, "You can come out, Tharja."
The dark mage appeared, grinning. "Did you want something?" Tharja asked.
"Not particularly," Robin swirled her wine, "I just wanted some company. Lots of couples tonight, I feel slightly...well, lonely isn't the word. I would just feel better with someone nearby."
"I see..." Tharja muttered, scooting closer. Robin smiled at Tharja,
"Want something to drink?"
The dark mage looked away, "No thanks. I'm not a big fan of that kind of stuff. If I want to relax, I'll just use a hex on myself or something."
"Suit yourself," Robin sipped her wine. A brief, comfortable, silence lapsed. "How long are you going to hide under there, Gauis? People are going to think that you're ridiculous."
The thief's head popped out from under the table, aghast, "How did you know?"
"I spotted you slipping under there earlier," Robin said, "May I ask what you are doing here?"
"I came to see if I could pilfer a few dishes," Gauis explained, "Fancy thing like this, there's bound to be sweets that I haven't even heard of."
"But there's not need to sneak around," she pointed out, "You are aware that Chrom extended a formal invitation for all Shepherds to attend, right?"
Gaius's expression twisted into one of disbelief, "You're shitting me, Bubbles."
"Nope," she said, grinning, "Believe it or not, Chrom does consider you a friend. He'll be glad to see that you're here."
Gauis came out and stood up. He stretched, "You're kidding me, why was I the last to hear about this?"
"You weren't the only one..." Tharja said, a glare crossing her face, "This is my first time hearing about this as well. Why wasn't I told?"
"We tried to," Robin said, frowning, "But with everyone so busy, I suppose there must have been some miscommunication. Sorry."
"Meh, no harm done," Gauis took one of the sweet cakes on the table, "This just means I can eat whatever I want without worrying. Have to thank Blue for this later."
"I wouldn't say 'no harm done,'" Tharja said, sounding cross, "I hexed those guards for nothing..."
"Nothing fatal, or crippling?" Robin asked,
"Just something to briefly take them out," Tharja said, "They'll be perfectly fine tomorrow."
"That's all I need to know." The tactician took one of the snacks on the table and began eating it. Gauis took a couple more,
"If you see Nowi, tell her I'm not here."
That was interesting. "Why not?" Robin asked, smirking.
"'Cause I don't want to deal with her right now," he explained, "She's been really on my tail lately, especially after-"
"Gaaaaiiiiiuuuus!"
"Oh crap."
The manakate stomped toward them, her cheeks puffed. She wore a flowery dress, and looked just like a cute child. It was once again hard to believe she was actually a thousand-year old dragon.
"There you are!" She said, "You still haven't answered my question!"
"Er, well," Gauis scratched his head, taking a step back, "You see..."
"Well, I'm waiting!" Nowi crossed her arms.
"Er, hey, I think I see Anna over there! I'm going to go talk with her!" he darted away.
"Hey, wait! Don't you run away from me!" Nowi pursued him. Robin couldn't help but call out,
"Love hurts, Gauis!"
She heard a faint reply of, "Who said anything about love!?" Before the pair vanished.
She laughed. Lovebirds in the making, those two. She looked forward to seeing it play out.
"How rude," Robin turned to see Maribelle, her jaw clenched, "Making such a commotion during such an occasion! How...low class!" She cringed, "I would expect better behavior at something like this."
Robin chuckled, "Some of them don't know any better Maribelle." She took a sip of her wine.
"I'm aware. But that's hardly a good excuse." The noble placed herself on the other side of Robin, ignoring Tharja's glare. "I wanted to talk to you, however. What are your plans from here on in? What are you going to do?"
Robin gazed into the crowd, "I'm staying right here, in Ylisstol. Chrom offered me a position as one of his advisors, and I'm going to take him up on in. I'm also going to continue in the position of chief tactician. I'm going to be living in the castle, and assisting with the rebuilding process."
Maribelle frowned, and she scrunched in thought, "Have you..." she began, "Found anyone to court yet?"
"Not really," Robin turned to face the noble, "Now that Chrom's married, finally taking care of one of my problems, there's really no one who I would even consider right now."
"That...could be a problem," Maribelle said, sparing a quick glance into the crowd, "You are not nobility, at least none that we know of. For all we know, you could be the lowest of commoners. Your lack of memory means that we have no idea of your breeding." Robin frowned at the implication. She hoped Maribelle was making a good point with this. "But that means all we do know of you are by your actions. And those actions are impressive indeed. You are the tactician who won us the war. What's more, the prince, the current ruler of Ylisse, is going to be keeping you close."
"Get to the point already," Tharja hissed, glaring at the troubadour and tapping her foot.
"My point is, you are going to be a very popular woman," Maribelle leaned over, looking behind Robin, before returning her attention, "The various noble houses view you as a sort of...blank slate. Someone who is very powerful and influential, noble in all but name. There are many families who would like nothing more than to fill in that name."
"What you're trying to say," Robin swirled her glass, "Is that the noble houses of Ylisse are going to be all over me, trying to get me to marry into their families to increase their own status. The fact that I have no family history that anyone knows about actually makes this desire stronger, for while I have no lineage to support me, it also means that there is nothing that could sully or drag down me down either." She paused, looking at her drink, "Put that with my position, as you said, and I can expect a good number of suitors in the future."
"Precisely," Maribelle said, "I know you're not the type to marry for anything short of love, which is why I am trying to warn you now. There's going to be a lot of pressure on you if you remain unattached."
Robin smiled, "I appreciate the concern, but I actually already suspected something of the sort was going to happen. I've already got a plan to keep the more persistent ones off me, so I can have some peace."
"Oh? And what kind of plan would that be?"
"I could hex anyone who dares come near you," Tharja offered, "Hee hee hee...That will keep them away fairly well, I think..."
Robin didn't respond, instead giving Maribelle a knowing look. The troubadour got the idea. Her eyes widened. She winced, "Yes, that will be a very effective way to discourage them, I think," she said, "With restraint, and within reason, of course?"
Robin nodded, "Of course."
Tharja shifted her eyes between the pair, "What are you two talking about?"
"You don't need to worry about it right now, Tharja," Robin said, "Here, why don't you try this. It's delicious!"
Soon after, Ricken came by. He asked, hands behind his back and a light shade of pink on his face, if Maribelle she would like to dance. She agreed, a smile on her face as she took the young mage's hand. Robin watched them go, smiling at the pair. She left the table and put herself on a chair nearby. Tharja settled herself next to the tactician. Robin sipped her wine, watching the crowd.
The people parted to reveal the newlyweds. Chrom conversed with Flavia. Cordelia hung off his arm, a blissful expression on her face. The couple glowed, and Robin smiled to herself again.
She didn't need romance. As long as her friends were happy, she was happy.
A/N: The epilogue is all that's left now. I actually had to rewrite what I previously had, but its a short chapter, so hopefully it will be up within a couple of weeks after editing.