Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Pier

Wyatt Cain, slightly uncomfortable in a bright blue silk shirt stood waiting amidst the crowd of onlookers. He was stood under a billowing sheaf of cream and gold silk. It looked like sail and reflected the hundreds of candles that lined the pier they were on. Even he had to admit that the sight was spectacular candle light and moonlight melted together to illuminate silvery wood and excited faces.

'Shall I go and check on her?' Glitch asked from beside him. He was also dressed in blue as Cain's second… the man who was to support him and protect him during the marriage. That was one decision which would not have changed even if they were being wed in central city. Glitch was still his second. The man he could rely on most. Apart from perhaps Jeb… the Tin Man felt a pang of loss knowing his son wouldn't see his wedding day.

'Cain?' Glitch's voice broke through the thought.

'Please.' Cain said and tried to smile. The pale faced advisor gave him a wide grin and set off across the pier.

'Wow.' Glitch said from the doorway. Sisara smiled and made a gesture which seemed to convey that they had just finished.

'Thank you.' DG said blushing a little.

'Are you happy?' Glitch asked coming into the room a little. His face was unreadable.

'Shouldn't I be?'

'That wasn't my question.' The advisor said sagely.

'I am. I just wish Az were here.' DG told him.

'She will understand. I think… I think you're doing the right thing.' Glitch told her. He looked, DG thought, rather handsome in the blue silk of the Islar-Nari.

'You do?' there was genuine pleasure and surprise in her voice.

'Yes. Your mother shouldn't get to make decisions like this one…' A long pause before he continued softly: 'Or the other. I'm with you.' DG went to him and hugged him. He returned the hug tightly.

'We should go.' Sisara said. 'Your friend will want you too… Mr. Ambrose.' Glitch nodded. DG knew he was to be Cain's second. Which as she understood was basically a best man.

The three of them walked out into the evening air heading towards the pier which DG realise was slightly raised at the front. As they reached the edge of the platform Glitch hurried ahead to go and stand with Cain.

Cain. DG saw him at the front of the space in from of the High Mother who was seated in a tall chair, several attendants at her sides. She was wearing cherry red and looked stunning. Literally. Her appearance took DG's breath away and made her pause in her stride… Her white hair was in a high tangle and her dark face was decorate with red paint in swirls and lines. She looked pleased. But Cain looked wonderful. He wore the traditional dress shirt of the gypsies and his own leather riding pants. The only odd thing was the lack of a fedora on the Tin Man's head. But still the outfit fitted him perfectly and DG felt a surge of attraction. As Glitch reached his side the two men exchanged a few words.

'Are you ready?' Sisara asked. 'In my culture the woman chooses when to arrive.'

'I'm ready.' DG nodded. Together, as if Sisara were a bridesmaid, they walked down the wooden pier towards Cain. There really were many of the Ishlar Nari there. Well over a hundred in total. They all smiled and bowed their heads as she passed. It was odd, DG thought, to be married in front of strangers. But Cook was there. In clean clothes as well looking thrilled and very very young. He grinned as DG drew level with him. She returned it easily.

Then Sisara was gone. Melting into the crowd as DG met Cain before the High Mother. He smiled at her. It was an expression of joy and love that made her heart sing and her worries evaporate.

'We begin.' The High Mother said. She extended a hand to each of them and they gave their own to her. 'As we know the marriage ceremony of our people is not long.' There was agreement murmured throughout the crowd. 'I understand it your culture it is different… But I'm afraid we do not do things in this way.' The elder explained.

'Now I have seen his man wade through water long after he should have collapsed from exhaustion to reach his love.' Elisedra said. 'This woman held onto her sanity despite capture because she knew he was coming for her… I see love here.' The gather people cheered making DG jump a little. Cain winked at her.

'Now I ask- do you love this woman? Be aware Tin Man your words here bind you.' The woman said glancing from one of them to the other.

'I love her.' Cain said simply and his words jolted through DG physically.

'Now I ask- do you love this man? Be aware Storm Child your words here bind you.' The High Mother continued.

'I do.' DG said with a smile at the joke only she would understand. Cain crinkled his brow at her slightly but said nothing. The High Mother nodded she joined their hands and released them.

Then Elisedra took a length of silvery cord and wound it around their joined hands. DG felt the sensation of magic and met Cain's eyes alarmed. He smiled at her. The expression calmed her. Maybe magic was part of the deal in the O.Z wedding ceremony.

'And now, You are married. You are joined. Whatever the future. Whatever your path. You are to be together. Be blessed. Be happy.' The High Mother said simply. After a moment of deep silence Cain bent his head and kissed his wife. The kiss was soft and gentle but DG had never felt anything so strongly in her entire life. It was if everything in the world had clicked into focus for the first time. It felt so… right. She wrapped her arms around him, briefly aware that the cord seemed to have gone. Cain pulled her close and held her tightly.

'I love you.' He whispered into her ear.

'Me too.' She replied and he chuckled. 'I think I'm glad we found the gypsies.' She told him. Cain kissed her neck and did not reply.

Then the music began.