A/N: Hey ho~! I'm back everyone! At least, for the time being! I know, I know! I've been gone too long and I better have finished at the very least 3 chapters of LaG and ended this fic, but I haven't. Though I graduated already, looking for a stable job and working on an indie film is taking up a lot of time, so I'm really really sorry about this!
On an even sadder note, I'm out of ideas for LaG scenarios! But be assured I plan on finishing it!
I intended to finish Sage's Hamlet with this very chapter, but again my schedule went bonkers and I have to end it just before the day of the ceremony.
So if you're waiting for the big finale, tune in next chapter for it! But in any case, I still hope you enjoy this chapter!
Ceremony Preparations
"Please! Stop! I'll walk on my own!" Lucina cried as she was still being dragged by half the towns population and the female Shepherds.
They made for the eastern side of the town, The residential area. Though the night had not been long, the stars shown brightly through the trees of the town. As if branches and leaves faded into transparency the higher they go, and letting the sea of stars be viewable in-spite of the bright lamp post along the paved stone streets. The buildings seemed to have coherence and a theme compared to the shopping district of the town. The houses were neat, orderly, and seemed to grow as parts of the trees themselves, causing for perfect square and round windows. The windows themselves would have revealed the interior to each house, but since the whole town was out celebrating, all the windows were dark and curtained. Besides having a lamp light by the doors and addresses, and the occasional roofs and balconies, Lucina wouldn't have been sure the trees were houses.
"Oh, come now Lucina. I thought you and Dante were planning to elope this very night. Why, we're just helping you!" Kallen said as she led her and those that still held on to her arms, which were namely Morgan, Sumia, and Cynthia.
"This and that are two entirely different things!" She retorted loudly.
"Doubtful, dear. Besides, this way is much more befitting a princess! Isn't that right your highness?" Kallen asked Sumia.
"Oh, very much so." Sumia said, nodding. Then her eyes widened and a hand moved to cover her mouth, as if embarrassed. "Unless, of course, you're one of those girls that I read so much about in my books?!"
"What books have you been reading, mother?!" She gave her mother a glare which would have been threatening if her face was not pink with blushing.
"Wow sis! I didn't know you were such a die hard romantic!" Cynthia said, surprised.
"I am not!" she yelled, blushing more intensely now.
"Oh my gods, mother! Were you and father planning on running away for a fortnight!?" Morgan interjected, starlight in her eyes.
"W-what?! We were not! Would one of you just listen to me and let me walk!" Lucina cried, as she was bright red from what they were all suggesting. She had a vague idea of which book they were talking about, she had seen Cordelia reading it once and had shared it with the royal family.
Dante was faring worse than his wife-to-be.
"Would-! You-! Put-! Me-! Down!" He yelled as he was still being hurled into the air by the population of male Sage's and Shepherds.
The sound of cheering men filled the night as they cheered for the husband-to-be, though not entirely by his will, even if he was planning on getting married to Lucina that very night. They were once again at the Shopping district of the town, which was now empty besides the gathered group. The shops have grown dark in the night and only the street itself was lit by lamp post, guiding their way. The wind blew every now and then, but Dante couldn't be sure it wasn't just the air resisting his ascent/descent. The men had reached a shop that had a thread and needle for a sign. Light could be seen from the inside which indicated it was open and waiting for him. It was a tailor. A Magical one to be more accurate.
Once their congratulations were over, they finally put him down.
"Oh, thank the gods!" Dante groaned, bending over, hand on his knees.
"Oh don't be sissy! Gregor hasn't drunk with you yet!" Gregor said, patting Dante on the back with vigor. "You be married man soon, yes?"
Dante forced himself to meet the man's gaze, then looked around to see who was with him. Gregor was there, right next to him, a stupid grin on his face. Chrom was there, so was Gaius, Stahl, Vaike, and most of all the male Shepherds.
"Gregor's right, Dante" Chrom piped in. "Our tactician is made of sterner stuff than a few celebrating men! Besides, you've ridden on a wyvern before!"
Dante just made another groan. This was nothing like riding a wyvern! More of a constant falling off a cliff then hitting another cliff, and rolling off that one again!
"Ho ho ho! Perhaps the men were a little rough on you." The elder said, amused smile all over his face. Then his eyes widened, as if remembering something, then it changed again to deadly serious. "Now be a man and march in there!"
Dante was taken a back by the sudden change in behavior, but also enough that he was able to stand properly now. He looked around him, only to see all the men having bemused smiles and nodding. He sighed. "You could have just told me there was a tailor..." he grumbled.
"No grumbling, now!" The elder said, then started pushing him in. "We don't have all night! Go on! Get! We have other stuff to do! You don't want your wife getting angry at you just because you felt a little woozy to go to the tailor. Trust me! I know what I'm talking about!" The other elderly men gave a laugh at that.
"I'm going! I'm going!" Dante said.
The elder turned towards the other men. "Some of you Shepherds should go on in as well. Especially the father-in-law (Chrom cringed. Audibly.), the best man, and your honor guard. They'll be needing suits as well. The rest of you, come help me for the second dinner, the feast for tomorrow, and you magicians help me with the spells! Come on, time is of the essence!" The village elder gave his orders and started marching off as well as all the men from the village and the future children.
Which left all the present time Shepherd's stating awkwardly at Dante.
"So... who's your best man, Dante?" Gaius asked.
Dante simply decided a tactical retreat was in order and walked towards the tailors door. "Gee, look at the time! I should get a fitting so I don't make Lucina angry." And then he entered the shop.
"H-hey! Wait up!" Stahl said, going in as well.
"Come now, Dante! Be a man and make a decision!" Virion called, going next.
All the other men said almost the same thing and entered the shop.
"Mi'lord. We should go in as well." Freddrick said to the frozen Chrom. "... Mi'lord?"
"... I just realized my best friend is marrying my daughter..." Chrom said, barley above a whisper.
"You're realizing that now?" Freddrick asked, raising a brow and shaking his head. Then lightly pushing Chrom towards the tailor. "Come now, mi'lord. I'm sure the Exalt of Ylisse is made of sterner stuff than his daughters wedding!" He laughed.
"So... Do you think this dress suits her?" Morgan said, holding a white brides dress.
"No, no! Definitely this one! Its just so cute!" Sumia said, holding another, slightly cuter wedding dress with animal designing.
"Oh~ Sis! You should pick this one instead! you'll look so cool!" Cynthia called, grabbing a manikin with what looked like more of a one piece swimsuit with a cape than a wedding dress.
Lucina, Morgan, Sumia, and Cythia were left behind at a tailor in their part of town. This one specifically for brides. Kallen left them to Alyssa, the head seamstress of the village. She was an elderly woman, but she kept her poise and back straight like a proper lady, not lacking in grace or the dexterity of her hands as one would think an elder would have. Contrary to the houses outside, this shop was more "normal" as it looked like any other tailors shop you would find outside of the village. A single door lead in and out while next to a glass window, displaying various dresses either in season or anything that fit Alyssa's fancy. The floor inside the shop was made of wooden planks, with plain white walls. To one side of the room was a bench to sit on and a table parallel to that with stacks of paper, threads of various kinds, books, and other materials a tailor might need. Behind the table was a door, which would be the storage. Stacks of clothing were placed on the shelves on the other walls, but at the moment those were hidden from view as it was being blocked by rows of manikins with white wedding dresses. That was where the three women were frolicking about, picking a dress for Lucina. Lucina herself stood at the center of the room with Alyssa. The center was kept free of all furniture and manikins otherwise for a cushioned chair and a large mirror.
"Everyone! Please! I want to pick my own wedding dress!" Lucina yelled, bluing over the suggestions of her mother, daughter, and sister.
"Oh, she's right everyone." said Alyssa. "I asked you to stay here to help her reach a decision, not make one for her, ha ha ha."
"I-Iam sorry mother! I got excited" "Sorry, dear. This is your day, after all." "Sorry, sis! Its just- Well! You know me!" The three women said, with apologetic looks at the gentle rebuke, then walking back towards the bench, where they sat and waited for Lucina.
Lucina sighed, content and finally relaxing. "T-Thank you. Now, then... Umm, Seamstress, what would you suggest?" Lucina said, looking around the the rows of displayed wedding dresses on the manikins.
"Hmm... Well, we can rule out the ones they picked, bridesmaid ever only pick the wrong ones! Ho ho ho! That's a universal rule, deary. You'll be in same shoes soon enough." Alyssa said, matter-of-factly. Then she snapped her fingers and the three dresses that the others picks disappeared in a puff of smoke. "Oh, my! Now how did that get there?" Alyssa looked right a wedding dress that was full on lace, shimmery magenta, flamboyant design, and an octopus motif. "No, no. That one's not ready not until a later time." Then she snapped her fingers again and that dress was gone too. Lucina couldn't help but feel a little sad at that.
Which left them still at about three dozen other wedding dresses to choose from. "Right. No pressure." Lucina said. walking around to check the dresses. Though the manikins were arranged in neat semi-circle rows, Lucina felt like she was walking through a garden of wedding dresses since it was 4 or 5 rows deep. She kept walking around, when she picked one, she'd tell Alyssa. Then Alyssa would again snap her fingers and Lucina would be teleported back to the center, wearing the dress. They look her over, the three women giving their comments, and Lucina would check herself out with the mirror. When they decided the dress wasn't her, or perhaps the dress was too revealing, or too difficult to move in or whatever they found not to their liking, Alyssa would snap her fingers and Lucina would be wearing her casual wear once more.
"A real wedding dress fits you like a glove dear. At least you don't have to keep taking your clothes off. That's the beauty of magic." Alyssa said.
"What if there isn't one?" Asked Lucina
"There will be one dear. My shop isn't any old tailor. So long as you were born under this sky, and walk on two legs, I have a dress for you!"
Sumia laughed at that, thinking of her own daughter back at Ylistol.
So Lucina went back to the row of dresses, until she stumbled on to one particular dress that just yelled 'Princess Lucina'. The top of the dress was in a similar fashion to Lucina's blue sleeveless-buttoned-gambeson, but white with gold linings. And instead of a collar, it went up all the way to middle of her neck with frills at the end. On the arms of the manikin were long fingerless gloves with frills that encircles the back of palm to wrist, while it's other end passed the elbow and ended with a 'puff' see-through sleeve. Those were white, and gold trimmed too. The skirt was a layered bustle-frills in the middle, and over that was fine gold-trimmed white fabric on the back and the sides. The bustle framework helped enhanced the flow of the white fabric, also preventing it from dragging. And on the waist of the dress was a sash. The sash went around from the back and sides. It wasn't tied, but rather just attached to the a part of the metal bustle that was placed outside the skirt. The revealed bustle was not just a piece of blue metal that matched the sash's color, but rather styled in a 'V' shape, wrapping around the waist. If not for the bustle framework, the sash would have dragged on the floor, but as it is, it rest just along the skirt.
"I found it!" Lucina yelled, excitedly. She took hold of it immediately, and heard the snap of Alyssa's finger. Then she was back to the center of the room, wearing her chosen dress. She looked in the mirror for confirmation. She even made a little twirl to just watch her skirt flow in the wind. Then she turned to her three family members, a wide smile on her face.
"Oh my!" Sumia Gasped. "Wow..." Cynthia said, eyes shimmering. Morgan was left speechless, mouth agape.
"Mmm... And so the bride has chosen her dress." Alyssa said simply, then snapped her fingers once more.
"Alright, just this last measurement and... There. You're done, Mr. Groom." Said Quigley, the elderly tailor in charge of the men's uniform and suits for the wedding in a few hours.
Dante sighed. "Thank the gods. I was getting tired."
Dante was the last to get measurements, and everyone else was ordered to leave right after they finish. Chrom included. He was standing in the center of the room with Quigley standing a stool next to him since he was a short man. The room was hardly decorated. A bench and table on one side, a window on another. At the center was a stool and a mirror. All the men stood silently at the center, getting measurements.
"Just be thankful I didn't allow chatter to go on while I was measuring everyone else. It looked like it might have been awkward. Did you have time to think about who you're best man will be?" Quigley asked, writing down his measurements.
"A little bit, yes. But as far as deciding, no. Not really."
"Hmphm. Well, you best decide while they're all drinking. That way, they can just drink it off. Stand by the mirror."
"Drinking?"
"Yes. On the second feast." Quigley said, snapping his fingers. A cloud of smoke 'poofed' into existence around Dante then leaving him in a white suit. "The first feast is for more of the normal way of celebration. Then a second one is held where the men and women are separated. Men go nuts as the finer wine and ale are brought out. And don't ask me what the women do. All these years and I still have no idea. Oh, and it's best to not try and find out. Trust me. This is a village full of witches and wizards."
Dante listened to Quigley, then looked at his reflection. He wore a white buttoned-up long sleeved and pants with golden trimmings and contours. A white belt went around his waist with a golden buckler on it. A red cape, that reached just below his waist, draped over his back and left shoulder.
"Since you're in the military, a sword traditionally goes to your waist. I assume you have your own? Or would you like us to provide you one for the ceremony?" Asked Quigley.
"If you could. I left my tomes and swords back at our caravan. Beside's, it would be my fiancé that carries the legendary blade, as it is her birth right." Dante said, looking himself over in the mirror. Even doing some poses as if he were casting a spell.
"Then lastly, what sort of design will you want for the button and bucklers' design? Do you want the image of your birth right?" Quigley was about to snap his fingers as Dante decided.
"No. I have no memory of my past, any design from it won't make sense for me. How about just the banner of the Shepherds? The sigil of our army? If anything, that is my only beginning." Dante said.
"As you wish." Then Quigley snapped his fingers and the golden buttons and buckler on Dante were now designed with the symbol of the Shepherds. The sigil was also on the cape now in white. The army of Ylisse. Then Quigley snapped his fingers once more and Dante was again wearing his causal wear. "Now then, I'll drop off the uniform tomorrow in the morning. I'll be making some minor changes and enhancements depending on the glamor magic for ceremony-"
"Glamor magic?" Asked Dante.
"Yes. You'll find out later. In any case, you should hurry on to the feast. They hold it at the tavern down the road. Take a left then right, then straight. You can't possibly miss it. I expect them to be in the height of merriment once you arrive. You are, after all. the guest of honor." Quigley said, writing in some notes on a piece of paper then shooing Dante off.
Dante exited the shop, and turned towards the tavern.
"Took you long enough." Chrom said. He was leaning against the side of the shop. "Come on, we'd best hurry."
"Thanks for waiting, Chrom." Dante said, smiling. He walked besides Chrom and the two walked towards the tavern where the second feast was suppose to be held for the men. "Though you didn't have to. You are, after all, my father-in-law now."
Chrom took in a deep breath. "... Not until tomorrow Dante. And would you please stop making fun of me for it!"
Dante laughed. "Still not used to idea, huh?"
"Any man would be, I imagine. Especially at my age." Chrom said.
"See! You're already fitting the role perfectly!" Dante japped.
"Watch it." Chrom said, in warning. "Though I know I walked right into that one." Then he laughed. "In any case, I realize Lucina, I mean this grown up one, isn't really MY daughter, and she's her own woman who can make her decisions, but..."
"You've thought of her as your real daughter all this time haven't you?" Dante said in understanding.
"Yes." Chrom sighed. "I mean no offense on your part. After all, I can think no better man than you!" Chrom smiled and met Dante's gaze. "But I can't help but think of Lucina here and my own Lucina back at Ylisse as one person. Add to the fact I do not like the idea of having grandchildren already! Gods..." Chrom laughed, and Dante joined him.
They walked in silence for a time. Passing the quiet streets, then hearing the merriment of men getting louder and louder with each step.
"I know you'll protect her." Chrom said. "I know you're what's best for her. Just promise me one thing..."
"What's that?" Dante asked.
"Don't go overboard."
"Huh?"
"Come on! You're my tactician! Mister, 'lets use half our boats as explosives'!" Chrom said, mockingly. "For all I know in the future, you plan on something stupid like doing some noble deed only you can do and not telling any of us of it! Including Lucina! And she doesn't deserve to be left alone again."
"Chrom, theres no way I'll-"
"Promise me!"
"... No." Dante said, stunning Chrom into silence. "... But I'll promise this. Whatever will trouble me, whatever might make me worry. I'll talk with Lucina about it. And whatever problem arises that I can't let you know, I won't tackle it alone, but I'll do it with her by my side."
Chrom just stared at him in disbelief, then shook his head. "Fine! Good enough for me." Then threw his arms up in surrender. "Come on, let go join the others... son."
Silence.
Then they both laughed. "Promise ME you'll never do that again." Dante said. "I swear to Naga I wont!." Chrom said in disbelief at himself. Then they both laughed again and joined the men in the tavern.
As the two men entered the open tavern, the men cheered and called for them. Ushering them along to a table, the townsmen asked for their tale as little new from the outside ever comes and any tale is welcome entertainment. Other Shepherds were telling other groups of men of their own tale and the Shepherds in turn asking what happens in the magical village of the Sage's. Food is plenty and passed around the tavern, as well as alcohol and wine. If it's one thing you got to give, is that these nerds and geeks, a town full of them, can drink and know how to party. Some of the magicians started showing off magical spells, then another would come off-show the one before, then somewhere in the middle of it all, they'd asked the Shepherds to do some magic and a very drunk Ricken fumbled his way on top of the table and tried to show off how much he's 'grown' as a man. He started casting a spell but his speech was slurred and the magic back fired in his face and he was out for the night. The men cheered and asked for someone else to show off their skill or talent. Owain was next to volunteer. He called for their attention, standing on a table and Gaius, his father, who was only slightly drunk began to tell to get off the table. Owain unsheathed his sword and began saying some nonsense about his sword hand and skills, to which Gaius answered by unsheathing his own sword.
The village elder could tell it was going to get rowdy, so he went up to Dante, who was sitting at the corner of the room, observing with amused glee the spectacle in front of him. The elder was about to tell him not to get too drunk, but he was pleased to find the man had not taken any alcohol at all.
"I don't like how it fogs the mind." Dante said, smiling.
The elder nodded. "Good. I still have much to discuss... Er... Where is sir Chrom?" The elder asked, looking around.
"Joining his nephew and brother-in-law" Dante said, then pointing out a rampaging Chrom that's about to enter the duel happening on the table.
"Oh dear, is he...?"
"Drunk? No. Chrom drinks, but never enough to get drunk. He and I usually play referee when the army is out drinking. He'll talk some sense into them." Dante said, matter-of-factly, then taking a sip of his carbonated beverage, a specialty from the village.
"Ah. Good. Shall we wait for him?"
Dante just shook his head. "It'll take all night. I can already see Vaike over there wanting to challenge Chrom. After that would be Gregor, wanting to join in the 'fun'. That... Er... muscle magician over there seems about to lose it too. You got any men on peace keeping?"
"A few. They can handle the magicians. I hope."
A roar of cheer erupted as Lon'qu joined in on the table, disarming both Gaius and Owain. "Thanks Lon'qu, I didn't want to unsheathe my-" Chrom started to say, but was interrupted by Lon'qu.
"Silence! A true man wins with using only his fist!" Evidently, Lon'qu was drunk too. "Now come, all you who thinks he's a better man than me... The great Lon'qu!" Lon'qu fell into a drunken stance, challenging any and all who approached him. Vaike roared, Gregor yelled in delight, then the muscle magician jumped up onto the table. All the other men just chanted "Brawl! Brawl! Brawl".
Dante sighed. "Well, looks like he's going to need help."
"Don't. You're wedding tomorrow is a much more important event we have to worry about. Come with me." The elder said, sighing. Then casted a quick incantation, then sat down on the table with Dante
Dante leaned closer to the elder. "What spell did you cast?" He asked.
"Living armor. Peace keepers. Just to make sure no one gets themselves killed. We have a team of healers waiting for injuries too." The elder said. "And a sound barrier so you and I can talk about the ceremony tomorrow. And if brawl gets too wild, I'm hoping you jump in while I cast more spells."
Dante shrugged, Then relaxed back into his seat with the elder.
"So, sir tactician. What do we call you for your last name?" The elder said, taking out a piece of paper and a quill.
"Hmm? Do I need one?" Dante asked, raising his eyebrow. "I figured I would just be using Lucina's family name. On the count of her family being far more important than whatever mine could be." He took another sip from his mug.
"Perhaps you will. But before you make your vows, the priest would be publicly announcing which two families will be joining in unison." the elder said, matter-of-factly.
"Huh... Well... I never gave it thought before... And I suppose it doesn't matter in the long run if we'll be using 'of Ylisse'... Hmm... I suppose 'of the Shepherds' won't do?" Dante asked, thoughtful.
"A military force is not a last name, sir tactician. And no, tactician is an occupation."
"But I've told Quigley that the sigil of the Shepherds to be my design for the buttons and such. As it is the only beginning I have that resembles a family. Does that not make sense?"
The elder sighed. "Very well, 'of the Shepherds' it is. We have no time to argue as we still have to discuss the glamor magic for the ceremony." Then he started writing down on the piece of paper without even dipping the quill in ink. Magic. Such convince.
"This glamor magic... What is it precisely?" Dante asked.
"Well... To put it simply, it is an illusion magic, but no one likes that word for a wedding so we use 'glamor'. The hall of Ceremonies is one giant glamor magic. What the magic does is simply change the setting of the place. Since we, as a village, don't go out much, and having weddings in the same place is all but boring. So we conjure up some magic, cast an incantation, then 'poof'!" The elder said, explaining. He even made smoke come out of his hands as he said 'poof' "We have a wedding wherever you desire. In the forest, in treasure room, under the sea, at the volcano, or my personal favorite, in the sky." The elder laughed as he said that. "Makes plenty of people woozy that one..."
"Actually... I have an idea of what the glamor should be now." Dante said, getting closer to the chief
"Alright, Lucina. So that does it for both your vows. Up next... Are your bridesmaid and maid of honor." Kallen said, just as she finished jotting down some notes on a piece of paper.
They we're having their second feast for the night, and all of the women decided that it was to be a bridal shower at Kallen's house. Which meant it was the village elders house, which incidentally turned out to be quite a large, for the lack of a better term, 'tree'. But the dinner was not to take place inside, but rather, just around the tree's entrance. Tables and chairs were already set up and waiting for them. Of all the things to be decided, it is the one where Lucina receives a ridiculous amount of gifts from the female villagers, which she will have to figure out how to get to back to their caravan. Not to mention how much of an inconvenience it would be once they begin marching again. Still, Lucina forced herself not to think of what will come later and decided to smile and say her thanks to the female villagers. Once that was done, the elderly would come to her and give advise on marriage. Some of them we're obviously drunk and kept telling stories of how much an idiot their husbands were or how insensitive they were. But behind all those criticism of the husbands, they'd tell why they stuck together through the years.
All in all, Lucina found the entire exchange rather dull! She was willing to bet half her kingdom that the men were having more fun than them and we're probably having a brawl right now. She kept that quip to herself and presented a diplomat face of smiling and thankfulness, though Sumia secretly called her out on it and told her how much a good job she was doing. As the villagers started giving less and less advice, and started mingling among themselves and the other Shepherds, Lucina began to look over the various gifts she had received from them. Of course, the gifts were all set on different table than her, but not so far as she couldn't discern most of it. Scrolls, potions, and tomes were the most abundant. Perhaps some of them would be useful to her, but most she would have to give to Dante as he would find them more useful. Other gifts were music box, a basket of fruits, clothing and unmentionables. How they got her size, she'll never know. It was then Kallen finally approached her to talk about her and Dante's vows, and now they had moved on to bridesmaid and maid of honor.
"Oh, that's easy enough. I want Tiki to be my maid of honor." Lucina said, smiling then looking for Tiki in the crowd. She was chatting merrily with the townspeople.
"And for your bridesmaid?" Kallen asked, writing down Tiki's name.
"Morgan, Cynthia, and Kjellle." Lucina said easily, as Kallen wrote down their names.
"Well, that was easy. And with that, we're done for the night." Kallen said, smiling at Lucina. "Congratulations again, Lucina."
Lucina smiled at her. "Thank you, Kallen. Umm... If you don't mind, I think I'd like to rest for the night... Er..."
Kallen laughed softly, "Oh, don't worry Lucina. We've prepared a room for you as well."
"Truly? Oh, thank you Kallen. Your generosity knows no bounds." Lucian said, pulling the woman in an embrace.
Kallen returned the gesture. "Think nothing of it. After all, we don't often have guest. And those guest don't often save my family." They both stepped away, ending the embrace. Kallen looked about her dinning room filled with witches and Shepherds. "I don't suppose you're up for one more toast? To end the shower?"
"Not at all." Lucina said.
"Then allow me." Kallen said, then cast a quick incantation, and spoke again with magic. "Dear guest, thank you all for coming to this bridal shower for our visitors." A cheer arose the the townspeople. "Now it grows late, and the bride needs her beauty sleep, as we all know as women." Another cheer. "Let us end the night with another toast! To the Shepherds and the Bride!" Kallen took her glass and raised it. Lucina followed. Then everyone else did. "To the bride!" They toasted, then applauded. Shouts of congratulations came and went. Lucina smiled, thankful for it all. "We have prepared rooms for you all, so rest assured. The brides family, her bridesmaid and maid of honor will be staying here under our roof for the evening." Then Kallen turned to Lucina, and spoke in her normal voice. "Would you like me announce it?"
"No. I'd like to do it... Umm... "
"Oh, don't worry about the magic. I'll do it."
"Thank you." Lucina said, then turned to the crowd. "Kind villagers, thank you once again for opening your doors to us and holding celebration for me and my husband-to-be. We are forever in your gratitude." Lucina started, then bowed. "Now if you would honor me on my decision, I would like to call on Morgan, Cynthia, and Kjelle to be my bridesmaid" The three women stood and the other women applauded. Cynthia and Morgan beamed, smiles on their faces. Kjelle was blushing. "And if you would allow me to dare, I would ask Tiki, The voice of the Divine Dragon, to be my maid of honor." Tiki stood, then bowed. "I would be delighted to Lucina." She said, smiling.
Kellan spoke again at that. "With that, this shower comes to an end! Have a good night everyone, and we'll see each other again in the ceremony!" One final applause sounded off, then everyone started to disperse. Sumia, Morgan, Cynthia, Kjelle, and Tiki moved towards Lucina and Kallen. They said their thanks once more and she led them to their rooms.
"And this one is yours, Lucina." Kallen said, as she unlocked a room for her. The room was spacious and simple with one large bed, a dresser, a four-panel room divider, and a double door that leads to a balcony. "It's not much, but I hope you sleep peacefully tonight." Kallen said.
"Oh, no! It is more than enough Kallen! After all, we usually spend our days on the march, so having a room to myself is really quite luxurious." Lucina said, assuring Kallen.
"Oh? Then why do you look like you have a hint of sadness in your eyes?" Kallen asked, smirking.
"Well! That's because..." Lucina said, trying to come up with an excuse.
Kallen sighed. "I know, I know. You probably miss your fiancé already don't you?"
Lucina bit her lips at that
Kallen laughed. "Try and endure it for just one night dear. It's bad luck to see the groom before the ceremony." She said, winking. "Have a good night Lucina" Then she turned around, closed the door, and left Lucina on her own.
Lucina sighed. She had a good day. A wonderful day even! She'd even say it makes up for her past. But she wished Dante was sleeping by her side, as they've always done ever since they confessed their love to each other. she turned to the bed, and saw a night gown had been prepared for her. 'The villagers really go all out on their guest.' Lucina thought. She started to undress, unfastening Falchion from her hip. She was unbuttoning her gambeson when a knock came from the door. She wondered who it could be, turned towards the door, then opened it. No one was there. She stuck her head out, only to see that the hallway was empty.
'Odd. I swear I heard-' Then she heard the knocking again, and she turned around to look at the balcony doors. She smiled.
Moonlight behind him, shadowing his features and outlining only his contours, she knew it was Dante. She closed the door then rushed towards the other side of the room. She fumbled on the locks of the balcony doors, opened it, and jumped right into Dante for an embrace, arms behind his neck and his around her waist. Her sudden jump caused them to spin on the balcony, once. twice. Then Dante hit the railings.
"You're here!" She yelled softly.
"Hey! Watch it! I had a hard time climbing." Dante said as he got his balance back. He tried to pull away from her to fully see her in the moonlight, but she only made space enough to recoil and move in to kiss him, colliding her body into his. Her kiss was determined and shy all at once. He wanted more of her, but she withdrew, breathless. She closed her eyes, rested her head right under chin, her favorite spot as they slept. They stayed like that for a time. Just listening to each other's breathing and feeling each others beating heart. He could feel her, smiling. Happy and content right there next to him and it filled his heart with joy. It was worth jumping into a bar brawl to get the men under control.
As if reading his thoughts "Did you have fun as the men got drunk?" Lucina asked.
"Oh, we're we that loud?" Dante asked.
Lucina giggled. "No. I thought that would be the case. Did anyone get hurt?"
"Eh. Not really. Ricken's spell back fired on him, and a certain muscle magician had to be ganged up on to calm down. Other than a few more nicks and bruises, no. No one got hurt too badly. Yet."
"Mmm... That's good." Lucina said.
"By the way, have you decided on who you're maid of honor would be?"
"Oh, yes. I've asked Tiki to do me the honor. She agreed to it!"
It was Dante's turn to say his agreement. "Mmm... That's good."
They both giggled.
"Have you yet to choose who your best man is?" She asked, looking up to meet his gaze.
"Not really. I've thought of who to ask, but I have yet to do so." He said, looking up at the night sky.
"Who is it?"
"Who other than the man that laughs at destiny?" He turned back his gaze to meet Lucina's
"Basilio?" she asked, raising an eyebrow in confirmation.
"Yeah. I mean, he's couldn't possibly compare to 'The Voice of the Divine Dragon', but I figure the current Khan of Ferox is flashy enough."
Lucina laughed. "Aren't we a bit vain for our wedding?"
"Mmm... Might as well ask Naga herself to wed us."
They both laughed, then Lucina closed her eyes again and nestled herself further into Dante.
"Hey, as much as I enjoy cuddling with you, the railing is creaking and your about to push me off the balcony." Dante said, worried that they might both fall.
Lucina only giggled more. But then withdrew her hands from his neck, then traced it down from his shoulders to his hands. "Wont you come in?" She asked, looking into his gaze.
Dante closed his eyes and shook his head with a sad smile. "I'd love to. But I kind of left your father in the middle of the bar fight."
"Its yet to be finished?!" She asked, eyes widening at the thought of her father surrounded by drunken men. "You left him!?" Realization dawning on her.
"No. Not really." Dante said, cringing. "I said I was going to check up on you and run back. Though I didn't tell him I'd take my leisurely time with you."
Which earned him a punch on the shoulder. "You better march right back there!" Lucina said, still smiling but crossing her arms and stepping back from Dante all the same.
Dante shrugged. Then bowed deeply. "As my beloved wishes." He said, then went over the railing, turned back to Lucina and held on to have one last look at his wife-to-be bathing in moon light. The moon placed a spot light on her, casting light on one side of her and shadows on the other, enhancing her contours. Her eyes shimmered and the sign of the exalt shown clearly. It took his breath away. "I love you, Lucina."
"And I, you. With all my heart." She said smiling, but arms still crossed.
Dante winked at her, then stepped off the balcony.
"Dante!" Lucina screamed, rushing towards the railing.
"What?" Dante asked, popping his head over the edge. Lucina peered over, and saw that a grappling hook had placed itself on the railing. She shook her head.
"No. Its nothing. You just gave me a fright." Lucina said, grabbing hold of the railing.
Dante smiled, then climbed back up the railing and pecked a kiss on her lips. "Sleep well, my love."
"I will now. And you should too." Lucina said. With that, Dante slid down the rope quickly. He signaled to Lucina to unfasten the hook. She did so, then he caught it as it descended. He bowed, she laughed, then he turned and ran back towards the tavern.
Lucina stayed to watch him go. Watched him as he disappeared between the trees, no longer in view, to go rescue her father in a middle of a bar fight. She smiled. Whether it was a bar fight, a battle, or against Grima himself, she had no doubt Dante would march right off to save his best friend and her father. If it was her in that kind of situation, for she's been in quite a few herself, she knew Dante would come rushing in with a plan to save her. It happened before. And he'll keep doing it again. Then she turned back to the room, closed the balcony doors, but didn't lock it, just in case Dante decided to come by again, she undressed, wore the night gown Kallen left her, nestled into bed, and slept well.
Author's note: There! It's party done. And we're almost done! I've already written down the flow I want for the story and hopefuly I can finish it by next week! But I have another fic I need to write and I REALLY need to get back to LaG! Not to mention I have to build 3D robots and what not for my current job! Ack! Why are there only 24 hours in a day and 7 days in a week?! I NEED MOAR!
See you guys soon! Rankin out!