It was cold in the early hours of the summer morning in the Tundra. Of course, whether it was wintry or not, the weather did not bother the sleeping beauty that was Frostfire; it only stirred her. And it only did so once. Manic had slipped inside the igloo to take a peek at his bride to be, not caring about 'bad luck' and all that. He leaned against the doorway, watching her chest rise and fall with every soft breath, content for this moment in time. He could only imagine what she would look like in her dress – if he knew what the dress looked like, of course. As if aware that she was being gazed intently upon, the slumbering feline stretched every sore muscle in her body, nearly spanning the couch she laid upon. A yawn slowly but surely crept from her esophagus as a quiet sound and then she curled up again, enfolding her tail around her figure.
The hedgehog chuckled at what he dubbed 'the most adorable thing alive' and walked on his toes to the couch. He put his hand on her cheek. Frostfire in instinctively purred at his touch, slowly opening her eyes as a result.
"Hey, beautiful..." Manic whispered with glint in his eye.
"Mmm..." She stretched once again, pushing her chest up as she did. "hey..." She blinked several times to clear her vision so that she could gaze into the eyes of her husband-to-be.
Manic smiled. "Know what today is?"
"I... I think so..." Frostfire yawned blearily. "At this point, my love, I can barely remember my own name..." The night before took frivolous but overwhelming last minute planning for this big day.
Manic chuckled. "That's after the honeymoon, babe..." He caressed her cheek.
Frostfire's eyes widened. "W-Wait what?" Her face went as red as Eggman's attire.
Manic smiled and kisses her cheek again. "So you gonna get up or am I gonna have to carry you around all day?"
"Uhhh..." Frostfire looked away. She didn't want to imply that she wanted to be carried but she wouldn't deny it either…
Manic smirked. "C'mon, I have to get ready to you, know..."
"Ugh... Yeah you're right... Okay..." Frostfire's sleepy body could barely sit up. Manic sighed and picked her up. "Eeep!" She shrieked.
"I'll carry you wherever you need to go." Manic sweetly told her.
Frostfire melted in his arms and nervously chuckled. "I-is your sister here in the village yet?"
"Yeah, but she 'needs her beauty sleep'... Lucky for you, you don't need sleep to look beautiful. He said with a wink. Frostfire's race warmed up and she wore a dopey smile. "Feeling flushed?" He smirked and chuckled at her reaction.
"N-N-No…" Frostfire looked away. "It's just-… Your body heat, it-… You're so attractive-…" The Snow Leopard's attempt at a joke, hiding her the fact that she did indeed blush, disintegrated as she stumbled over her words. A little frustrated at the inability to create coherent conversation caused her to whimper uneasily.
Manic chuckled again. "Are you maybe feeling a bit nervous on our big day, babe?"
"P-Possibly..." She was amazed at his ability to know her so well.
Manic put his finger to her lips and said, "Don't worry one bit, babe..." Then winked at her. Frostfire's heart skipped a beat. "Heyyy," He continued. "I said don't worry…" Again, chuckling, he assured her.
"W-Who said I was...?"
"Your face." Manic smirked playfully. Frostfire felt her hot face.
"What about my face?!"
"You're red, very red..." Manic laughed a bit. "Don't get all worked up, 'kay babe?" His warm smile comforted Frostfire. She stared at him for a moment, sort of checking him out. Melting and hiding her reaction, she replied,
"Yeah okay... I'll try but no promises..." The tip of her tongue stuck out, showing her friskiness. Manic smirked at her returns.
"Good..." Frostfire melted even more.
"Hmmkay..."
"So you need your dress first, hmm?" Manic moved the conversation along.
"Yep! And that's about the only thing I won't let you see before the aippataaqsiutit*1...
"Ah, so I won't be much help then..." Manic comprehensively stated with a hint of disappointment.
"I don't think it's such a good idea, I mean, I'd like you to be surprised. Plus, I don't think you could help…" As her own words that sounded rude coupled with his disappointing look, Frostfire panicked somewhat, trying to correct herself. "I-I-I-I mean unless you WANT to see it..." This time, her cheeks flushed from embarrassment of her impoliteness, feeling horrible about it and regretful.
No No, I don't want to spoil anything..." He agreed. Manic's words and his overlooking of hers relieved Frostfire greatly. "Besides, you're just trying to get me to carry you around all day." He joked. Frostfire's heart practically stopped as her already inflamed cheeks worsened.
"Heheh... Yep, I knew it." Manic confidently said. Frostfire tried to mumble something but ended up hiding her face with her hands and arms embarrassedly and whimpering.
Manic chuckled at his fiancé. "Babe, if you keep being cute like this I'm not gonna be able to wait till later to kiss you... Or other things…" The Hedgehog winked and made his eyebrows dance. Frostfire's heartbeat sped up to a sickening speed. Her wide eyes slightly twitched as she squeaked,
"W-W-What?"
Manic growled. "You gotta stop getting me all fired up before the wedding." He winked at her.
"I-I-I-I-I'M NOT DOING ANYTHING!" Frostfire hyperventilated.
Manic chuckled and set her down. "Better go get the dress taken care of... And good luck waking up my sister."
"I'd rather not incur her wrath..."
"You're gonna have to... Why don't ya get Shot to help out on that?"
Frost sighed in relief and kissed his cheek. "You're a life saver... Sometimes I forget those two are relatively close... Do you know where she is or if she's up yet?
"I'd bet Sonic's room, give their tendency to act like rabbits..." Manic shrugged.
Frostfire giggled a lot. "Wonderful guess... I'll definitely check there - hoping neither are indecent..."
Manic shrugged again and snickered. "One could only assume..."
"Walking in on those two with such assumptions is like winning the lottery..." She giggled louder.
Manic kissed her cheek. "Good luck then."
Frostfire purred in response at his kiss. "See ya later, my love..." She bat her eyes and flicked tail.
With one last wink, Manic turned and walked away, finding Tails and the other groomsmen who were waiting for Sonic to show up. Frostfire immediately headed out for the igloo Sonic's staying in knocked on igloo's door. "Not gonna take my chances of walking in..." Frostfire thought to herself. After a minute of stirring inside, Shot opened and peeked out the door.
"H-Hey!" The Squid said happily to the bride-to-be.
"Mornin', Shot. So ummm... I need your assistance in waking Sonia up... I need to make sure my dress is here and all that. Could you pry your naked self from your hedgie and help me?"
"I-I-I'M NOT NAKED!" Shot protested embarrassedly.
"Yeah, and I'm totally not getting married today... Put on some clothes and please come with me." Frostfire giggled at her friend.
Shot looked away. "Okay..." She went back into her igloo for a minute, quietly, then came outside.
"Please tell me you saw Sonia at some point... I'm unsure as to which igloo was picked for her. I can't be late for my own wedding!"
"Chill, chill!" Shot reassured her. "I know where she's at, come with meee..." The two began to walk among the hamlet of igloos.
"Phew... Thank the Aurora..." Frostfire smiled every time she walked outside. "I am thrilled to be back here, you know."
"Oh yeah? Are you gonna stay here when you guys settle down or…?"
"I really can't say for sure if I am to stay here... Most Outlanders hate the bitter cold. I think I would rather visit here annually than settle down here." Frostfire sighed thoughtfully. "I suppose he and I will decide when it comes time if we are to actually live here, hmm?"
"Sounds good. I wouldn't want you to live really far away..." The two of them reached Sonia's igloo. "Here we are." They stopped in front of it.
"I figured you wouldn't want me to move. Perhaps it is best this way." Frostfire smiled. "So... How do we approach this?"
"Let's just... Knock." Shot knocked rather loudly on the igloo door. "Sonnnniaaaa! Get your lazy butt upppp!" Frostfire gulped at the possibility of an angry Hedgehog. "Hehe, don't worry I'll take the heat." Shot's words comforted Frostfire.
Sonia awoke, grumbling from inside shortly before she opened the door. "What are you banging and yelling for?! I'm trying to get my beauty sleep!"
"Are you forgetting what today is? We need your help here..." Shot pointed out.
Sonia rubbed her eyes tiredly. "Oh... Oh! Right! Come in, come in!" Sonia opened the door, letting her guests in. Frostfire shivered a little and whispered to Shot,
"I know how it is when people wake me up so I am grateful you helped me..."
"No problem."
The Snow Leopard looked to Sonia with a smile. "So, soon-to-be-sister-inlaw, is it safe to assume my dress has arrived?"
"Of course!" The Hedgehog replied, retrieving it. "Unlike my brothers, I get things done right the first time..." She looked at the dress. "The uh, style you chose is very... Interesting."
"Hence why I asked you for help on this as your expertise is best for such a task..." Frostfire's eyes sparkled to her last statement. "I-is that a bad thing?"
"No, no not at all..." Sonia replied. "I just think a ball gowns would be more fitting."
"It's not your wedding, Sonia..." Shot said.
"Shot has a point but also... Ehh... Ball gown are the one thing I loathe of all dresses... I'm a hunter, not a princess... But I appreciate the sentiment very much!" Sonia went through about a dozen suitcases looking for the dress.
"I know I put it here somewhere..." Frostfire waited patiently for her to find it. She could not wait to see it! "Ah, here it is!"
The burgundy red dress was made from velour and had a slim bodice and gown, nothing too frilly or fancy. The top of the bodice, at the neckline, had a large, frilly, silk, midnight blue, rose-shaped decoration, complementing the smaller similar rose decorations on the bottom of the dress and the head bouquet. The midriff had a diagonal swirl from the top to the bottom. The silhouette was A-line, ribbed, and reached to her ankles. It had a built in parka-like hood. The bodice itself was strapless. The sandal-like high heels were only about an inch tall and the lace gloves were elbow length. The last thing to complete the outfit was the emerald-colored pearled necklace and bracelets.
She pulled it out of one of the opened suitcases and gently handed it to Frostfire. "Now go put it on!"
"Oh goodie! It has the parka hood too! Excellent!" Frostfire was overjoyed at her dress. She slipped into the bathroom, tried it on, then comes back out. "This parka hood is awesome!" She giggled.
Shot clapped. "You look great!"
"Thank you!"
"Y-Yeah, very... Festive…" Sonia added, feeling a bit out of place.
Frostfire crossed her arms and smirked at Sonia. "I know that look... What is it, Sonia?"
"N-Nothing, I swear." Sonia denied, blushing out of embarrassment.
"Sure, Sonia…" Shot teased.
Frostfire chuckled. "So… I'm unsure as to what happens next. I only just learned about Outlander wedding ceremony traditions... Fortunately, I learned about the ring exchange tradition and was able to tell the Tlavian Celebrant about it!" She said with a smirk.
"We have to fix your hair, and your make up!" Sonia exclaimed.
"W-Wait, what?" Frostfire was uncomfortable with the idea of wearing makeup and her hair differently.
"Sonia, I don't think that's really Frost's thing…" Shot said defending her.
"But you have to look perfect on your special day!" The magenta Hedgehog insisted. Shot exasperatedly sighed at Sonia.
Frostfire whimpered. "I don't know about this... I have very little to do much with and besides... I do NOT want to overdo it!"
"I won't let her go overboard..." Shot told her. Sonia got out a bunch of stuff out to work on Frostfire's visage.
"Knowing that you said that, Shot makes me feel less uncom–" Frostfire became overwhelmed with how much equipment Sonia brought out, "–fortable."
"Don't worry, alright?" Shot took a couple things from Sonia. "She doesn't need all that..."
Sonia pouted. "Fine but—"
"Save it for when you get married!" Shot persisted.
Sonia giggled. "Alright!" She took a brush and gently brushed Frostfire's hair. She instinctively purred from the feeling of the bristles hitting her scalp.
"Hurry it up, we don't have all day..." Shot impatiently said. Frostfire smiled at the glimpse of Sonic in her voice.
"Perfection takes time!" Sonia demanded.
"Not for everyone..."
"Shot, it's cool… I don't mind. The wedding doesn't start until I walk in…" She smirked.
"You don't wanna keep your man waiting though, do ya?" Shot pointed out.
Frostfire sighed exasperatedly. "You have a valid argument... But Sonia is right about this particular case. Perfection must be executed carefully for memory's sake." Sonia began dealing with the makeup onto Frostfire's face.
"Easy on the makeup, Sonia..." Shot warned her.
"I know, I know... Sheesh..."
"Yeah, especially because-" Frostfire's nose inhaled the particles from the makeup and sneezed. "Ugh, that." Sonia fretted quietly to herself about the mess.
"That's enough, she's not marrying Bartleby, you know…"
"Fine..." Sonia grumble. She backed away and handed Frostfire a mirror.
"A thousand apologies for sneezing on you, Sonia..." She stared into the mirror and did not respond, merely swaying her tail. Frostfire examined herself closer in the mirror. Her hair had never looked this way before and she never expected it to look so good. And her makeup, as little as there was, made her look like a whole new person.
"She likes it." Shot indicated.
Sonia floofed up her own hair. "Of course she does."
Frostfire glanced at Sonia. "Tch, what's that supposed to mean?"
"Only that I know exactly how to make a girl look perfect." Sonia proudly replied.
"And I know how to stop you at 'perfect'." Shot snarkily said back. Sonia rolled her eyes.
Frostfire giggled at the friendly banter. "Oh you guys..." Frostfire thought for a moment as Sonia took a break from making her look nice. "You know, I should be crying right about now and I'm not... Is this a bad sign?" Frostfire nervously chuckled. "Why are my feet warm...?" She laughed at herself.
Shot pat Frostfire's shoulder. "Don't worry, you're just anxious... You'll cry when he cries." Shot smiled.
"Oh my god, if he cries, I'll lose it!" Frostfire busted up laughing.
"Heh, you mean you'll break down crying too right?" Shot queried.
"Noooo, I'll glare evilly at him..." Frostfire sent Shot a smirk with her sarcasm. "Of course I will! But man, do I loathe crying..."
"Just another reason not to do this in front of a million people." Shot said anxiously. Shot never wanted a wedding at all with Sonic.
"Hey, you're not the one who has the Elder and faces that once knew from times past watching... Besides, you can have just friends there," Frostfire looked at her bridesmaid for input. "Right Sonia?"
"Not what I'd call a great party if it's small." Sonia crossed her arms.
"Egh, forget about that, just get your butt in gear." Shot directed.
"Shot prefers to choose her friends wisely and NOT have, say, a hundred people, including strangers, at her wedding, should she choose to have one." Frostfire smirked at Sonia.
"Vamos guys, c'mon get going!" Shot continued being demanding.
"Ugh, you're as bad as Sonic!" Sonia cried out.
"I am not!" Shot denied. "Let's just gooo!" She insisted.
"Says the one who crawled out of the same bad as him..." Frostfire had an evil smirk on her face as she looked at her best friend.
Sonia put her hand to her mouth and giggled. "Oh my..."
"SHUT YOUR CAKE HOLE AND GOOOOO!" Shot pushed Frostfire outside the igloo.
As Frostfire was giggling with Sonia, she suddenly felt her body move on its own. "EEEP! I-I-I'm not sure I'm quite ready yet! If I'm less than perfect, the entire thing will not go down well!"
"That's a load of nonsense!" Shot retorted. "Don't ya think he'll find you as beautiful as always?"
Frostfire's felt a sweatdrop roll down her brow. "Which is why I want to wow him today so that I'm more extravagant."
Shot sighed. "You look perfectly amazing. Let's just go before we're all late, Okay?"
Frostfire also sighed. "Very well, but let's make sure it's time for me to actually seen, alright?"
"I'll check if you want..." Sonia offered. "Where are we going?"
"If you remember that the Chief's igloo is the largest igloo in the village and that the Church is the second largest, it should not be that difficult to find it."
"Okay!" Sonia ran off to find the Church igloo.
Inside the Church, the Ring Bearer, Charmy, slowly flew down the aisle carrying the Manic's and Frostfire's rings. The guests, being a collection of friends from Mobotropolis, including Big the Cat and the other two Chaotix members, as well as Frostfire's entire family, strangers, and the Elder, watched the Bee hold the rings up proudly. The Flower Girl, Cream, was next. The flower petals matched those of the design of Frostfire's dress.
The Groomsmen were next to walk out. The first walking out being one of Manic's good friends among his thief circle, the second being Espio, the one who brought them together, and the third being Boaz, the last minute choice. Following them was Sonic, the Best Man. Manic, decked out in his expensive tuxedo with no sleeves, walked out.
"Here comes the proud groom!" Said the Celebrant. Manic stood by his Groomsmen and Best Man. He took a deep breath, waiting for his Bride to walk in.
As the Bridesmaids, being Sally Acorn and Angerut, a last minute choice, walked out to stand in their places, Sonia peeped in and noticed her time was nearly close as well. She ran back out to inform Frostfire and Shot.
"So..." Shot broke the silence between them as they sat waiting on a log for Sonia to return. "How are you feeling...?"
"I think I'm pretty good." Frostfire smiled. "I really mustn't cry or my makeup will cry as well... I'm only shivering from the bitter cold that I am no longer as used to, not from nervousness." She told her.
"I'm sure Sonia used the water-resistant stuff..."
"Th-that stuff exists?!" Frostfire's lack of knowledge showed.
Shot chuckled. "Even I know that..." She kicked the snow beneath her.
"Heh..." Frostfire's mind wandered as it usually did. "You know, this certainly feels like a dream, Shot. But you don't need to pinch me, I know I'm conscious!" She laughed.
Shot smiled. "Well good luck, anyways."
"Thanks!"
Sonia came back shivering. "They're nearly r-ready for you. I'm up next, then Shot, and you, Frost."
"Did the queen of fashion did not bring a parka?" Frostfire smirked and laughed heartily. "The little shop next to the Chief's igloo always has them readymade. Here-" She handed Sonia some bear claws. "We use extra trophies from hunting as currency. This should be enough to buy you a very well-made parka."
Sonia looked at the claws. "Oh, uh... maybe later."
"So are you sure they are ready for me? Because my bridesmaids here must appear before I do and I also don't want to step foot into that igloo if the men aren't there." Frostfire chuckled.
"What I meant was, they're ready for us to get started." Sonia answered.
"Alright, I'm going..." Shot went and followed Sonia, with Frostfire not far behind. The Snow Leopard noticed Sonia was still shivering.
"You sure you want to go without a parka, Sonia? You do look cold…"
"I'll get one later," Sonia replied. "It's warm enough inside the igloo.
"Very true, considering all igloos are made to have rooms connected by tunnels underground. But if you or Shot or any other of the Outlanders become icicles, I'm stopping the ceremony!" Frostfire laughed jokingly.
"Don't you darrrrre!" Shot said.
Frostfire put her hand on Shot's shoulder. "Dear Shot, you should know by now I purely jest..."
"I know!" Shot giggled. "So... We're gonna go in now... You ready?"
"Yes, but... I'm a little nervous now…" Frostfire hyperventilated only a little.
"Ch-Chill, dude." Shot eased her.
"S-Sorry... Disorder is about the only thing that drives me up an igloo wall in frostbite..." Frostfire breathed in and out slowly a couple of times. She began chewing on her claw nervously. Shot took her paw out of her mouth and patted it.
"Calm down, everything'll be okay..." Shot continued to reassure her.
"Apologies, it's just that the faces that will look at me walking down once had eyes of hatred and contempt..."
"And it's different now." Shot smiled at her.
"True, otherwise we wouldn't be here!" Frostfire giggled and noticed her parents. "Oh! You better go in, Maid of Honor... I have to speak to my father and mother before I take my walk."
"'Kay." Shot headed inside the Church's sanctuary after Sonia had made her walk while Frostfire stayed back in the foyer.
Frostfire hugged her parents. "If I haven't already told you, I missed you both so ever greatly…" Frostfire's smile turned upside down. "I'm so sorry about what has happened…"
"Let bygones be bygones, child." Her father smiled at her.
"Thank you…" A tear formed in Frostfire's eye.
"My once little girl is now marrying an Outlander." Her mother gave a heavy but happy sigh. "More proof that such unions can work out. My side of our family has a full gene pool of Outlanders and you, Tlun, have only pushed the boundaries for our statutes in the best way possible. Nothing has made me more proud than to see you mold your character into what it is now."
Frostfire teared up. "Curses! I did not want to smudge my makeup!" She rubbed her eyes. "Water-resistant or not!" She laughed.
"Come…" Dinliltla took Frostfire by the arm.
"It is time…" Priyakli also took her arm.
Frostfire stepped beyond the curtain and the entire room gaped at her attire. "Ah, here's the blushing bride now." The Celebrant announced. Her nervousness rose a bit because of every eye watching her. But she focused on making it to her husband who was standing at the other end of the room. Manic blushed as he looked her over. Frostfire blushed at his blushing and instead kept her eyes on Shot to keep calm. Once Frostfire made it to the altar, her father gave her away with a kiss and his blessing. Standing before Manic, Dinliltla unveiled his daughter.
Manic took her hands with a very nervous smile very and could barely whisper, "B-Beautiful..."
Frostfire giggled and bat her eyes. "Handsome…"
The Celebrant faced the couple and the congregation with Frostfire on his right and Manic on the left, then addresses all that have gathered.
"All are here. Let us begin the ceremony with a prayer." The Celebrant began the prayer. "Anirnialuk *2, please protect the ones we love. We honor all You created as these two pledge their hearts and lives together. We honor mother-Mobius - and ask for this marriage to be abundant and grow stronger through the seasons. We honor and admire wind - and ask they sail through life safe and calm as in our Father's arms. We honor and fear fire - and ask that this union be warm and glowing with love in their hearts. We honor water (to cleanse and soothe this relationship; that it may never thirst for love) and its ability to become the ice and snow we manipulate. With all the forces of the universe You created, we pray for harmony and true happiness as they forever grow young together."
The Celebrant then spoke to the congregation. "Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of the Celestial One to witness and bless the joining together of this Hingitaq Nakkertok and this Nunalik *3 Kayi in Holy Matrimony. We gather here today, under the loving gaze of Anirnialuk to bear witness to the union of two souls in eternal companionship. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by Anirnialuk at creation. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Anirnialuk and His Katimmavik *4, and the ipiunngimarittuquqausik*7 commends it to be honored among all people. The union of husband and wife is intended by Anirnialuk for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given each other in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is Anirnialuk's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of our Creator and Tlavian culture. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by Anirnialuk. It was He that gave birth to all of creation and pledged to watch over us as His children. It is from His love of us that we first learned to love one another. It is from this love that we learned that a life lived alone is no life at all. Into this union Frostfire and Manic now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not be lawfully wed, speak now, or else forever hold your peace.
Silence filled the room. Then the Celebrant turned to the bride and groom.
"I charge you both, here in the presence of Anirnialuk and the witness of this company, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be married lawfully and in accordance with Anirnialuk's Word, do now confess it.
Manic shook his head and smiled at Frostfire, starting to tear up.
"Baby…" She barely teared up herself, smiling. "Neither of us have confessions to make."
"Very well…" The Celebrant smiled and looked to Frostfire. "Frostfire, will you have this Hedgehog to be your husband; to live together with him in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto him as long as you both shall live? Do you agree to be bound together, in love, now and forever?"
Frostfire looked at Manic directly and deeply in his eyes and proudly but softly spoke, as if winning a battle. "I will and I do, now and forever."
The Celebrant looked to Manic. "Manic, will you have this Snow Leopard to be your wife; to live together with her in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto her as long as you both shall live? Do you agree to be bound together, in love, now and forever?
Manic looked directly back at Frostfire, smiling proudly. "I do. Always."
The Celebrant addressed the congregation. "Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?"
"We will."
"It is time for the vows." The Celebrant turned back to the duo. "Manic, please take Frostfire's right hand and speak the Vows that are written upon your heart."
Manic took Frostfire's right hand. "Frostfire..." He began with a smile. "I promise I'll always be your shelter, I'll keep you warm, keep you safe, and be your home wherever you are - because I'll never leave your side. Just like I have every day since I realized I loved you, I'll love you more each moment, day by day. Whatever you need, I'll get; whatever you feel, I'll feel; whatever you say, I'll listen to. I'll never hurt you; never look at another person the way I look at you. And I'll never look at you as just another person. I'll never keep secrets and I'll never disrespect you in any way…" He put one hand to her cheek. "I'd sooner die than stop loving you or break my vows. You'll always be my other half, and not a force could split us. There's nothing more precious to me than you and my family, and now, you are my family. I would never give up on you, on us. Because in you, I've found my home. Neither of us will be alone again, I promise. Frostfire, In the name of the Celestial One, I, Manic, take you, Frostfire, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow." They dropped hands.
"Frostfire, please take Manic's right hand and speak the Vows that are written upon your heart."
Frostfire took Manic's right hand. "Manic, since I first laid eyes on you at that concert, I fell in love with you. Even though my heart didn't know it yet. I once was very kipingoyok, very lonesome. I thought I'd never come out of my loneliness. Then you came into my life and changed it forever. I once was married to a Qikmiq of this land and due to my brother's jealousy, I lost not only his hand in marriage and my honor to this village. Only you restored that for me. I never imagined it would be you standing here before me but my heart is glad that it is you. I wouldn't want it any other way. You are perfect. Flaws do not exist in your design. Every little thing you do is lovely. You have the heart of a rebel but the soul of a hero. I am enchanted by the way your heart beat drives the music that flows in your veins. I adore how much of a smooth criminal you are. I love that your feet have tread the very heavens. It is impossible for me to explain how infatuated I am with your style, the way your hair covers your gorgeous brown eyes mysteriously, the sound of joy in your laugh, the calmness of your voice. I cannot fathom the subtle mannerisms you hold or the humor you have when you speak for it is like a foreign language to me. Others may speak against you but you are but a finely crafted artifact upon a pedestal. I know that I could never compete with such grandeur that you possess but a girl can dream. Your kindness is that of a dove's coo. And your wit is sharper than any blade. And your skills in larceny have already stolen my heart to the very core. Your merit as a Tiglikte, as a Thief is undeniable and it is something I cherish. Though you've been clouded by doubt, your courage would make even the loudest roaring lion a mere kitten. What else can be said? How else can I count the innumerable ways you've been blessed by the Celestial One who created the stars whose numbers cannot also be counted? I would be speaking until my last breath, it seems. You are so easy to describe plainly to others and yet mystery shrouds it all in a darkness that lures me so. You are all my heart sings about when you walk into the room. You are the personified Mobian of my dreams. You are my One. I'm hopelessly, deeply, madly, and truly in love with you, Manic Hedgehog." Frostfire took a deep breath and proudly and boldly said, "In the name of Anirnialuk, I, Frostfire, take you, Manic, to be my husband, to have and to hold form this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow." They drop hands.
A bell rings once and two spears are given to the Celebrant by his Assistant. The Celebrant looked to the skylight with stained glass. "Bless, O Celestial One, these spears as a symbol of becoming as One Flesh as Anirnialuk commanded the First Mobians to do to in compliance to filling Mobius and making it plentiful." The Celebrant painted the symbols of Ungayok *6, Atausiq *7, Niri *8 on the spears. He looks to Frost and Manic. "Each of you take the one spear and bind together with this rope into a knot." Manic took a spear and looked at Frostfire. She did the same without looking away and knotted her spear to his. He helped as she was doing so and held her hand briefly as he helps. Frostfire blushed madly at his touch, nearly messing up with the knotting because of the strength of their gaze. She laughed nervously and cleared her throat. Manic smiled at her laugh.
The bell again rings but twice this time. The Celebrant picks up a platter that has an unlit candle and two lit candles. Each candle will be placed with the statue in behind the Celebrant that represents the Celestial One. The Celebrant raises the platter above his head. "Bless, O Celestial One, these candles as a symbol of your Holy Light and Spiritual Guidance by Your Trustworthy Hand." He looked to the bride and groom. "Frostfire and Manic, the two lighted candies symbolize your separate lives, your separate families and your separate sets of friends. I ask that you each take one candle and that together you light the center candle." They took a candle and Frostfire sort of chuckled to herself as they lit the third candle.
Frostfire half-mumbled half-snickered, "I could have lit this myself… Heh…" Manic growled softly and smirked back. Frostfire perspired a little at the unexpected growl.
"The candies individually represent your individual lives before today." The Celebrant continued. "Lighting the center candle represents that your two lives are now joined to one light. This also represents the joining together of your two families and sets of friends to one.
The bell rings three times. Charmy gives Celebrant the rings.
"And bless, O Celestial One, these rings as a symbol of the vows by which this Nakkertok and this Kayi have bound themselves to each other; through Piulitsiji our King." The Celebrant handed Frostfire and Manic their respective rings. "Manic is first to exchange rings."
Manic took Frostfire's hand and slid the ring onto her finger, looking deep into her eyes and smiled. "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Celestial One."
"And now Frostfire."
"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Names of Celestial One."
The bell rang continuously for about five seconds as Cream placed necklace of fake rose petals over both Manic and Frostfire.
The Celebrant joined the bride's right hand and the groom's right hand. "Now that Frostfire and Manic have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands, the bonding of Spears, the lighting of the candles and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the Name of the Celestial One. Those whom Anirnialuk has joined together, let no one put asunder." The Celebrant directs the congregation to stand, saying, Let us stand and pray together the words our Creator taught us." All stand and recite the prayer:
"Anirnialuk, we ask for your blessings upon this couple, as we celebrate this momentous occasion in their lives. Grant them happiness and contentment as they establish their new home, create a new family and explore the depths of their love for one another and for You. Bless their families and friends and the relationships, which have supported, strengthened and sustained them throughout their lives. Bless their home as a place of love and of peace. And if times grow hard and tempers grow short, help them to look into their hearts and remember the love that brought them here today."
The Celebrant then directed the congregation to sit, the couple to kneel, and the service continued with songs. The Celebrant blessed the kneeled couple by saying, "O Anirnialuk, bless, preserve and keep you; the Celestial One mercifully with His favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may faithfully journey forth and live together in prosperity and poverty, and in joy and hardship that come with this life, and in the age to come have life everlasting."
The Celebrant addressed all that gathered: "The peace of the Celestial One be with you always."
"And also with you."
The two stand to face each other to witness the end of the ceremony. "Frostfire and Manic, having witnessed your vows of love to one another, it is my joy to present you to all gathered here as husband and wife." He turned to Manic. "You may kiss the bride."
Manic smiled, took her hands, pulled her close and kissed Frostfire deeply with an intense passion. He had been waiting so long to do so. Frostfire would normally and instinctively let him have his way with the kiss but she had enough passion within herself to kiss back. Everyone in the pews jumped for joy. Manic melted at the kiss but stopped from getting any more aggressive and picked Frostfire up bridal style.
"Eep!" Frostfire squealed.
Manic kissed her neck and winked at her. "My beautiful wife…"
Frostfire giggled as if being tickled. She could not even think of anything to retort with. "N-Now what? Isn't there food and drink in Outlander wedding tradition?" Frostfire blushed at her lack of knowledge in the matter.
Manic walked back down the aisle with his wife. "Mhm, if you want."
Frostfire thought for a moment. "Food does sound kind of good right now… A-Are you hungry, my love?" She smiled at him.
Manic smirked. "You could say that..."
She gulped a little. "I-I-I meant food… The stuff that nourishes your body and especially s-stomach…" Frostfire looked away with a flushed face.
"Stomach's close enough..." He winked at her again. Frostfire rolled her eyes at his remark. He nuzzled her cheek and teared up a bit with a big smile.
"Ugh… Baaaaabyyy… The wedding is technically over, why the tears?" She purred in response to his nuzzling.
"I'm just really happy..." Tears started streaming down his face. "It took everything I had not to cry in front of everyone...!" He quivered.
Frostfire wiped his tears with her thumb. "Okay, well, what precisely instigated the water-works, my One?"
Manic kissed her all over her face. Her titters caused him to chuckle. "I'm... Just... Happy..." Frostfire melted at his love.
"Okay, okay, have it your way!" She happily said.
A professional photographer suddenly appeared. "Hey, newlyweds! Let's get your pictures taken!"
"Cool!" Manic and Frostfire stood in front of an array of potted plants such as Bearberries, Poppies, and Cottongrass.
"What a collection of fine Arctic florae!" Frostfire said just before the photographer took their picture. They were so unbelievably happy.
Once they had their picture taken, the reception began with Cocktail Hour inside the smaller Village Hall. Everyone was served the finest grape juice made with the freshest Arctic grapes that could be found. Frostfire and Manic made their grand entrance. The coordinator, being Tails, made sure guests were seated before the emcee, being Sonic, alerted them to their imminent arrival. Frostfire's parents and the wedding party were introduced by Sonic, which was followed by the announcement of the couple for the first time as husband and wife. After being announced, Frostfire and Manic had their newlywed first dance the moment they stepped out onto the floor and into the spotlight. Sonic, Sonia, and Manic's old friend, Max, all played music for their dance.
Following their first dance, both of them thanked everyone for attending the wedding. Dinliltla and Priyakli also had a turn to thank all the guests for attending and invited everyone to enjoy a celebratory meal. To start off the variety of meats and foods brought the non-Tlavians and Shot made a toast.
"Hello, everybody, I'm Shot the Squid and I'm Frostfire's best friend! I hope you're all enjoying the party. You know, if it wasn't for me, these two love birds wouldn't even be together, I swear... I was the one pushing and shoving Frost into Manic's arms the night they met! I had a certain sense that they would get together in the end, and look where we are now! I knew from the day I met Frost that she deserved better than what she was getting, and now she has the best. To Frost and Manic!" Everyone happily toasted.
Now it was time to dig into the main course. Sonic acted as a DJ and occasionally did some breakdancing in between songs. While that was going on, the wait staff made the rounds across all tables. Manic and Frostfire had some time to chit-chat to themselves while everyone else made conversation.
Once dinner dishes were cleared, the newlyweds were the first ones on the dance floor so the others knew it was time to start partying. Everyone was jamming out to the band of Sonic, Sonia, and Max once again. There was not a soul who sat down. The entire igloo was lively.
Once the dancing had concluded, it was Sonic's turn to makes a toast. "Hey, everyone. I'm Sonic the Hedgehog and I'm the brother of the groom! We're jazzed that you all could make it to this awesome and joyous reception! You know, when I heard that my little bro was engaged three days ago, I was floored. But I could have never been happier for him. Those two were made for each other. Even before they were together, I knew it was a matter of time before they'd start realizing it themselves. I can remember one time, during their early dating days, both were so nervous around each other that they were drowning in their own sweat! I think they ended up making out after that… Just kidding! Anyway, I've never seen love evolve so fast as theirs. It happened so fast but the more it grew, it only left behind the doubts they might have had. Watching my bro turn into the Hedgehog he is today has inspired me, actually. I never expected he'd do this one day, especially before me. But I'm proud of him. Proud of them both. And with that, I hope that these two never lose that spark that I saw in their eyes since day one! To eternal love!" Everyone repeated his last words and toasted to them.
About one hour before the conclusion of the reception, the wait staff started preparing tables for coffee and dessert. There was a big cake with the wedding figurines on top. Frostfire wondered what the figurines were for. "Whoever designed those made them way too adorable!" She laughed. Frostfire then noticed the extra chocolatey flavor on it. She licked her lips hungrily. "Okay, I'm hungrier than I thought…"
Manic chuckled and took a handful of the cake. "Let me help you with that, my love..." He smiled evilly.
Frostfire's face turned completely. "Erm… Ehhh…" She whimpered embarrassed and confused with his actions. Manic smashed the cake into her face. Frostfire could feel everything all over her face and, as much as she enjoyed his playfulness, she did not enjoy the feeling the cake left on her face. "Ugh, you really want to go there, mister?!"
"It's a tradition. And you asked for it." He winked.
"I was aware that I was to handfed, not splutted…" Frostfire secretly nabbed some pie with her tail from behind on the table. "In any case, it's such an odd tradition, this... Thing. However, as a proud Tlavian, I honor whatever tradition I am given. So…." She flung from pie into his face with her tail as if it were a whip. "You asked for that!" She evilly grinned. Manic growled and grabbed another chunk of the smaller cake, smashing it into her face, laughing. Frostfire growled back. "If you're gonna ruin some food, ruin the pies, not the delectable cake!" She smashed two tail-fuls of pie into his face.
Manic shook his head and laughed again, kissing the cake off her cheeks. "God, I love you..."
Frostfire blushed from hiss kisses. "All I was doing was defending the poor helpless cake…" She looked away as her blushing worsened. Manic smirked and continued kissing her. Frostfire giggled and laughed. "You just want the cake… I'm not even the main course meal anymore!"
Manic growled. "But of course you are..." He continued kissing down her neck.
Frostfire shivered and shuddered from the tickly sensation. "Mmm…" Manic gently bit her neck and growled. Poor old Frostfire tried very hard not to cry out in the middle of the reception.
Sonic approached Frostfire and Manic and whistled to Manic to get his attention. "Yo, bro! Save that for the Honeymoon! You're supposed to be on stage with sis and me!"
Manic smirked at Frostfire before he released her neck. "I'll finish you later, babe..." He stepped onstage and made his drums appear.
Frostfire shivered at everything that went on. "Ugh… I need chocolate before I go nuts… While Frosfire stuffed her face with cake, she looked around for Shot. Suddenly, she was tackled from behind.
"DUUUUUDE!"
"ACKKKK! Erm… Hi?" Frostfire chuckled nervously.
"So how's it feeeel, broooooo?" Shot asked.
Frostfire watched as Manic was doing his thing, she cocked her head a little and still stuffing her face. "I do not know yet, ask me in about three months…"
Shot was surprised. "What's that supposed to mean...?"
Frostfire rolled her eyes. "Tch, it means I JUST got married. How am I supposed to know how it feels without the actual experience?" She laughed.
"No fun..." Shot pouted. Frostfire laughed and stuffed her face faster, intently watching Manic play the drums.
"Hey if you don't slow down you're gonna spew..." Shot warned.
Frostfire paused, and slowly glanced at Shot, swallowing her food finally. "Heh…. He's just… So…" She continued staring at him without finishing her sentence.
Shot smiled. "Yeah, I know. That's why you married him." Shot said as she watched Sonic play his guitar.
Frostfire didn't hear Shot. "So… Unbelievably…. Perfect…" She sighed lovingly.
Shot barely nodded, becoming hypnotized by Sonic. "Mhm..." Both of them stayed like that until three songs later when the Sonic Underground were taking a break. Frostfire hadn't been like this for many months. Completely tranquil. And now, it was happening again; all over again.
Shot shook a bit from watching her boyfriend make music. "So, uh... When are you guys going on your honeymoon…?" Shot queried.
Frostfire shrugged. "We haven't discussed it yet. We were too busy splutting each other…" She chuckled "I assume as soon as we leave the Tundra."
"He probably won't want to stay here long then..." Shot giggled.
"I figured everyone from Mobotropolis would be happy leaving after this after reception ends."
"I mean he'll want to get away and be alone with you."
"Well yeah, of course he will… He hasn't seen me since yesterday. That's a lifetime to him. Hence all of us go back after today." Frostfire noticed Manic eyes being averted from the crowd. "Is…. Is he…? Is Manic looking at me?" Frostfire turned her face towards Shot to keep her eyes from being visible.
Shot smirked. "You should just go get him, you know…"
"A-And do... What?"
"I dunno, kiss 'im?" Shot shrugged.
"Oh god, it's the first meeting between us all over again…" Frostfire turned completely around. "And I think you know my answer at this point…" Shot just stuck out her tongue playfully.
While Shot and Frostfire danced to the band's music, Manic departed from his siblings, allowing Max to take his role once again, and find his bride.
Frostfire decided to think to herself. "Well, I guess some events do not repeat themselves..." She stayed motionless and paid attention to the Tlavian children playing hide-and-go-seek in between and under the tables. Manic gently grabbed Frostfire by her waist.
"Hey, did ya miss me?" Frostfire melted at his touch. She was beside herself, she could not believe she was married to such a suave Hedgehog!
"Of course I did…" Manic smiled and kissed her gently and held her tight. "So, my One. You've been fueled by music and food… What would you like to do now?"
"Eat our cake and have our one last dance…" Both newlyweds cut their cake and ate their first slice, thus allowing everyone else to have their slice as well.
The wedding was nearly over now; all that was left was the final dance. Manic and Frostfire took the floor, having chosen their song for their final moment among their friends and family *9.
Their last moments of the reception included trillions of bubbles being blown by the little ones and fake rose petals were being thrown by friends and family once they stepped out to make their grand exit. Manic held his new wife tightly as he stepped on his hoverboard which had cans and a "Just married" sign attached to its backend.
"So, next stop is our honeymoon. Where do you wanna go?" Manic asked with a smile.
"Hmm… How about a beach? I'm sure you're dying for some sun!" Manic simply gave her a bigger smile. "What?"
"I love you, my Wife."
"And kenkamken *10, my Uik *11."
*1 – Aippataaqsiutit is Inuit for wedding.
*2 – Anirnialuk is Inuit for God.
*3 – Nunalik is Inuit for citizen.
*4 – Katimmavik is Inuit for church.
*5 – Ipiunngimarittuquqausik is Inuit for Holy Word.
*6 – Ungayok is Inuit for love.
*7 – Atausiq is Inuit for one.
*8 – Niri is Inuit for flesh.
*9 – The song featured here is this one: watch?v=drvjQ9aoK8M
*10 – Kenkamken is Inuit for I love you.
*11 – Uik is Inuit for husband.
Fun fact – Nuliaq is Inuit for wife.