Chapter 3: Weddings
Today was the day. In a mere hour she would walk down the aisle at Kardia Cathedral to marry Freed while being escorted by Gildarts. Now the only thing left to do was finish getting ready; She already had on her dress and shoes. Mirajane was doing her makeup while Cancer worked on her hair. In the other room Erza, Levy, Lisanna, and Wendy were working on each other's hair and makeup. Mirajane decided to make conversation while working.
"I know that you guys weren't planning this, but are you excited?"
"You know what? I am. I know it seems silly, especially since were barely even talked before this, but when I imagine him waiting at the end of the aisle for me I get excited. I think to myself 'maybe this won't be as weird as I keep thinking it will be.' And then I get even more excited. Is that weird?"
"Not at all Lucy."
~ One hour later, Kardia Cathedral ~
The Cathedral was filled to the brim with guests. The right side of the Cathedral was decorated with gold ribbons and yellow lilies. The left side of the Cathedral was decorated with silver ribbons and white lilies. On the right side sat all the guilds. In the first three rows was Fairytail and Crime Sorciere, then Sabertooth, Blue Pegasus, Mermaid Heel, and ending with Quatro Cerberus. On the left side was the royal family, noble families, media, and residents of magnolia. In the first row sat Hisui E. Fiore, Toma E. Fiore, Darton, Arcadios, and the Foudre family. The next five rows were filled with the other prominent families in Fiore. The next two rows were filled with various media personnel, Jason from Sorcerer Weekly leading the group with his infamous 'COOOOOOOL!'. The last seven rows were filled with the residents of Magnolia. There was a filming lacrima that was floating around recording everything and broadcasting it live to all of Fiore. Suddenly the side door opened, and everyone quieted down. Makarov and Freed entered the Cathedral and went to the altar. Freed was wearing a cream and gold tux. The shirt of the tux was white with a gold cravat, cummerbund, and cufflinks. The pants were cream and ended with cream dress shoes. The jacket was also cream with gold trimming. Makarov was wearing a simple black tux with his wizard saint coat over it. Makarov stood in the center of the altar and faced the crowd. Freed stood to the left of Makarov also facing the crowd.
The pianist then started to play a slow and smooth melody. The first to enter was Wendy escorted by Romeo. The slowly walked down the aisle to make sure that Wendy didn't trip in the high heeled shoes. Like all of the other Bridesmaids Wendy wore a mid-thigh length sweetheart cut gold dress that was tastefully accompanied by two-inch-high sparkly stilettos and simple gold and diamond jewelry. Her hair was pulled back and held in place by a series of bobby pins before cascading down her shoulders in loose curls. Her now full figure filled out the dress nicely and made Romeo blush. She was holding a single yellow lily. Romeo was dressed in a simple black tuxedo with a white lily in the breast pocket. When they finally reached the end of the aisle Romeo bowed to Wendy as Wendy curtsied to Romeo. They then took their place at the far end of the altar.
The next to come out was Levy escorted by Gajeel. She was wearing the same thing as Wendy except her hair was different. Her hair was styled similarly to Wendy's except that instead if it being pulled back her bangs were pushed to one side while any runaway hair was held in place with a series of flower shaped berets. The remaining hair fell in loose curls that stopped at her shoulders. She was holding two yellow lilies. Gajeel was dressed exactly like Romeo except that his jacket was left open and the first two buttons of the white dress shirt were left undone. His wild hair was held back by a silver headband like Levy's. When they reached the end of the aisle they followed the same actions that Wendy and Romeo did before taking their respective spots in front of Wendy and Romeo.
The next ones to enter were Lisanna escorted by Bickslow. Lisanna was wearing the same outfit as the other Bridesmaids, her short white hair held back by a gold headband. She was holding three yellow lilies. Bickslow was wearing the same thing as the other groomsmen, except instead of a white shirt he wore a blue one. He replaced his visor with a pair of black sunglasses. All but one of his babies surrounded him with their newly painted tuxedos on. When they reached the end of the aisle they followed the same routine the two couples before them did. They then took their place in front of Levy and Gajeel.
The tempo of the music sped up slightly signaling the arrival of the best man and maid of honor. On cue Erza started walking down the aisle escorted by Laxus. She wore a full-length silk gold dress with a sweetheart bodice. There was a three-inch strip was around her core that separated the bodice from the skirt and started the gentle flow it the skirt. On the left side of the strip there was a diamond decal that was embedded with diamonds. She accompanied the dress with a pure gold choker that had a flower pattern to it with matching earrings and simple three-inch plain gold stilettos. Her hair was done in a low bun that was secured at the nape of her neck with a pearl and diamond beret. She was holding a small bouquet of yellow lilies. Laxus was wearing a silver dress shirt tucked into black dress pants. When they reached the end of the aisle Laxus bowed to Erza and placed a gentle kiss on her hand as she curtsied to him. He then took his spot behind Freed as Erza took her place behind where Lucy would stand.
Asuka and the missing doll walked, and floated, down the aisle. Asuka was in a simple gold dress with her hair in a ponytail. She was tossing white and yellow lily petals on the ground behind her while the doll was carrying a pillow with two rings on it to the altar. When they reached the altar Asuka went and sat down with her parents while the doll hovered my Mirajane. The pianist then started to play the Bridal March, and everyone stood up.
Lucy started to walk down the aisle being escorted by Gildarts. Her cream dress flowing elegantly behind her. Her vintage style boots peeking out from the hem of the dress as she walked. Her was done in an up do like Erza's except the bun was higher and held in place by the veil the crown of her head was a simple flower tiara that was covered by the face piece of the full-length cream veil. Around her neck was a simple gold choker that had a flower design made from diamonds and pearls with matching earrings. She was holding a bountiful bouquet of yellow and white lilies with light blue baby's breath making it look fuller. On her right wrist was a simple gold bracelet. And on her lift wrist was a diamond and pearl bracelet. She was wearing light silver eyeshadow with a thin line of gold eyeliner around her eyes. He had a light blush on her cheeks and an even lighter pink lip gloss on her lips. Her back was straight as she walked down the aisle, but she was smiling. When she and Gildarts made it to the end of the aisle her hand was placed in Freed's. Once she had taken her place Gildarts went and sat down next to his daughter, Cana.
Freed and Lucy were turned to each other holding hands. Freed couldn't take his eyes off her. 'She looks so beautiful.' Right before Makarov started the ceremony Freed whispered to Lucy so that only she and the dragon slayers could hear.
"You look like an Angel."
But before she could say anything back Makarov started the ceremony.
"We are gathered here today to unite the two souls of these fine mages in matrimony as dictated by the laws of Fiore and the traditions of the Foudre house. Should the following vows be taken with noble and honorary consent then never shall they be broken as sanctioned by the marital contract of the noble families of Fiore. Should any man show just cause why these souls may not be lawfully joined, let him now speak or forever hold his peace."
A young man, no older than thirty stood up. He had shoulder length black hair and hazel eyes and was well built. He was by no means bad looking however it was clear there was malicious intent in his eyes. He wore regal looking attire with the symbol of Bosco. His voice was commanding as he spoke.
"I dissent this marriage as Lucy Heartfilia is promised to me by the terms of the contract which my father and the late Jude Heartfilia agreed upon."
Princess Hisui stood up as a collective gasp filled the cathedral. She looked straight at Makarov as she spoke, a smile playing on her lips.
"As sanctioned by the King if Fiore, Toma E. Fiore, in the year X785 any noble marital or engagement contract will become null and void upon the death of one or both of the contractors unless the contract is renewed by the next in line. As the fact that the late Jude Heartfilia is deceased and the engagement contract between him and your father was not renewed by Lucy Heartfilia it is therefore null and void, giving you no claim to her hand. Therefore, the argument made by Duke Whinningham of Bosco is to be disregarded."
Hisui and Duke Whinningham both sat down, and Makarov continued with the ceremony.
"Due to the fact that no arguments have been heard that will make this marriage unlawful it shall continue."
Everyone in the cathedral, and probably all of Fiore, applauded. Once it died down Makarov continued the ceremony.
"The life of a mage seeps with danger and the threat of death, many do not survive long enough to commit themselves to marriage and family. However, when this does happen it is a wondrous thing. For a mage to marry is it saying that they will commit themselves to their spouse first, and their guild second. As Fairytail mages you both are now taking a step further than Nakama, comrades, friends, or simple lovers. You are forging your relationship into the very things Fairytail was formed to give. Love, security, safety, and most importantly family. You are about to start a new chapter in your lives as more than just mages. When people first meet they meet as strangers. When mages first meet they meet as rivals. As that relationship grows it usually blossoms into friend or enemy, but then there are the rare times where it blossoms into love. When that happens we find ourselves here, ready to commit into something more. Are you both prepared to take this step?"
Freed and Lucy both nodded and Makarov continued.
"Freed Justine Foudre, do you take Lucy Ashley Heartfilia as your lawfully wedded wife? Will you swear to protect her, give her comfort, and provide her with security?"
"I do."
"And do you Lucy Ashley Heartfilia take Freed Justine Foudre as your lawfully wedded husband? Will you swear to be faithful to him, give him love, and provide him with care?"
"I do."
"You will now recite your wedding vows, forever remember this moment. Both bride and groom have prepared their own vows. Freed, your vows."
Freed took a deep breath before he started. His voice was smooth and his words honest.
"The rivers of time and fate are both cruel and gracious entities. They can rip the life out of a person or give them what they've always needed. If someone were to tell me that one day I would be standing at an altar marrying a beautiful and kind woman I would have told them my fate was not one so bright, yet here I am. If I were to die tomorrow I would be happy knowing that I at least got one day with you. For as long as I live I swear that I will do everything in my power to make you happy, safe, and loved. Even if I must fight the world, I would do it. This vow is given with honesty and shall never fade."
Lucy had a few stray tears running down her cheeks while many in the cathedral were crying full-fledged tears. Not even Makarov not being dry-eyed as he continued the ceremony.
"Lucy, your vows."
"No one can change what their heart feels, whether it be hate or love, resentment or forgiveness. When I joined Fairytail I learned that I didn't have to try to change. I learned that I would be accepted for who I was. Now, thirteen years later, I am not afraid to show what's in my heart. For as long as I live I swear that I will always do everything in my power to bring you honor and make you happy, I will trust you to protect me as I stand by your side, and I will give you the love and care you so rightfully deserve. This vow is given with honesty and shall never fade."
Makarov gave everyone a few seconds to let the vows sink in before he continued the ceremony.
"Since the beginning of time the ring has been the symbol of the completed bond. It is what connects not only the bodies, but the spirits and magic of those who are bonded through it. They are circles of live and love. Their meaning shall never die as this union shall never die. Freed, place the ring on your beloved's hand and repeat after me:
This ring symbolizes my love and devotion to you, through it we be wed, and the contract signed."
"This ring symbolizes my love and devotion to you."
Freed took the smaller of the two rings off the pillow that one of Bickslow's dolls was holding and placed it on Lucy's left-hand ring finger.
"Through it we be wed, and the contract signed."
"Lucy place the ring on your beloved's hand and repeat after me:
This ring symbolizes my love and devotion to you, through it we be wed, and the contract signed."
"This ring symbolizes my love and devotion to you."
Lucy took the other ring and slid it onto Freed's left-hand ring finger.
"Through it we be wed, and the contract signed."
Makarov smiled before he continued.
"By the power vested in me by his majesty Toma E. Fiore, the Kingdom of Fiore, and the Magic Council I now pronounce you husband and wife. Freed you may now kiss the bride."
Freed took the thin fabric of the veil in his fingers and moved it to rest against the back of Lucy's head. His movements slow yet sure. He then gently cupped her face and brought their lips together in a chaste yet caring kiss. There was only thing going through Lucy's mind 'My first kiss is at my wedding, and I like it.' Their kiss was broken apart by the roaring applause of all the guests. Freed turned them to the crowd by wrapping his left arm around her waist as Makarov finished the ceremony.
"It is my great pleasure as guild master to Fairytail that I introduce for the first time as husband and wife, Freed J. Foudre and Lucy A. Foudre!"
Freed looked down to Lucy while she looked up, both smiling. He then led her out of the cathedral with flower pedals were thrown over their head. In the back Makarov stamped two sets of paperwork, handing one to Lazare and the other to Hisui. Lazare was relieved to see everything go off without a hitch while Hisui was happy to see her friend not marrying the Duke. Makarov smiled a bright smile as he spoke to them.
"The hard part is over, now they just need to grow."