Chapter 23 - Blue Skies Forward
The blitzball stadium in Luca was packed with people from all over Spira who were celebrating Tara and Gian's victory. The spectators were jubilant as they waited for the victory celebration. However, they did not know that the were also going to be witness to something very special, as well.
The ceremony was presided over by Grand Maester Navor, who had assumed the role of leadership after Mika's disappearance. The Grand Maester began to speak.
"Greetings, people of Spira. It is with great joy that I speak before you today. As of this very moment, our world will enter a new era - an era without Sin!"
Thunderous applause enveloped the stadium as Navor continued.
"Sin is gone. Forever! We will now be free to live our lives as we were meant to. A new age of Yevon is upon us as well. We will be done with the old ways. Today, Spira and Yevon, begins anew."
Tara listened from her chamber on the other side of the stadium, as several maids were helping her with her dress. She smiled to herself. With Navor in charge, Yevon would begin a new era of honesty and integrity - an era that would embrace the Al Bhed, and new ideas. She hoped that all of Spira would become united behind it, and him.
"It is a tremendously joyous day before us, right now," the Grand Maester continued, "and I can think of no more perfect way to celebrate Spira's new beginning than by giving our blessings to the two people who have given us this wonderful gift! Please, I ask you to grant your blessings and remember this moment forever as we witness the marriage of two people who will go down in Spiran history as two of the most loved and cherished figures of all. I give you High Summoner Tara, and her guardian Lord Gian!" Loud cheers enveloped the entire stadium.
The party began to make their way to the stage. First was Zito, Stenn's five year old son. He made his way toward the stage where he stood smiling, as he held the rings. Next was Rayann from Besaid. She stood across from Zito, in her beautiful white dress, with flowers in her hand. The Best Man made his way toward the stage, amongst loud cheers. Darno smiled at the crowd and at Zito, Rayann, and Navor. The Maid of Honor, Lana, Rayann's mother, appeared next. She made her way down the aisle looking very beautiful in a dress similar to Rayann's. She took her place. She looked across the aisle at Darno and smiled.
The noise in the stadium became deafening when Gian made his way down the aisle. He noticed Braska and Auron in the crowd. He gave the pair a knowing nod. He continued, taking his place on the stage. He turned to face the crowd. He smiled as the music began to play.
The noise level in Luca Stadium was as loud as could be, as Tara made her way down the aisle. She was simply stunning in her elegant dress. Finally she made her way up the steps to stand next to Gian. Navor began to speak once more.
"My friends, we are gathered here today, to not only celebrate a new Spira, but to welcome two people into the bonds of holy matrimony. Never before in the history of our world have we been able to come together, as one, to celebrate something so wonderful. So without further ado, let us begin. May I have the rings, please?"
Smiling, Zito reached up to hand the rings to Navor, who in turn, gave them to Tara and Gian. Both slipped the rings onto each others appropriate finger.
"High Summoner Tara, do you take this man, Lord Gian, to be your husband, to honor and cherish, for better and for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?
Tara gently lifted her veil so the spectators in the stadium could see her face. She spoke softly and clearly.
"I do."
"Lord Gian, do you take this woman, High Summoner Tara, to be your wife, to honor and cherish, for better and for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?
Gian looked out at the crowd and then into the radiant face of Tara.
"I do."
"If anybody knows of a reason these two should not be joined, speak now, or forever hold your peace - although I wouldn't recommend it," the Maester grinned.
Laughter and cheers filled the stadium. Tara and Gian smiled at Navor. The cheers continued. Spira had never had a Grand Maester with a sense of humor, until now. The Maester continued.
"Then by the power vested in me as the Grand Maester of the Order of Yevon, I hereby pronounce you... husband and wife! Lord Gian, you may now kiss the bride!"
As they shared this most special kiss, the cheers practically blew the roof off of Luca Stadium.
After the ceremony, Tara and Gian opted for some simple quiet time together. The found themselves back out on the water of the Moonflow, in their brand new boat. The lake was beginning to glow from the moonlilies.
Tara giggled as she looked over to the side of the passenger area. She noted that Gian had brought along a thermal jug of steaming hot coffee.
"Just think," she remarked. "Had I not brought you coffee that one day, none of this might have ever happened."
"So we have Kilika's coffee to thank for everything?"
"Yup!" Tara replied.
"I'll drink to that," he quipped, downing his cup.
"Hey, save some for me!" Tara teased.
They both looked at the rings on their fingers and then into each others eyes. They kissed, under the beautiful Spiran sunset.
It was a new beginning for Tara and Gian. They would now have their whole lives ahead of them, in which to make a new story.
They were determined to make it a good one.
THE END