As the golden rays of the rising sun painted the sky in hues of warmth and promise, the village of the Dranex stirred with anticipation. Today was the day of the sacred union.
Within the walls of his humble abode, Natsu stood tall and resolute, his body a canvas awaiting the sacred touch of the clan's skilled artisans. The air was thick with a sense of reverence as the clansmen gathered around, their voices blending into a harmonious chant that resonated with the heartbeat of their tribe.
Their words, spoken in hallowed tones, carried ancient blessings and prayers that sought the protection and guidance of the spirits that watched over them. With each brushstroke, the paint transformed Natsu's skin into a living tapestry, telling the story of his lineage, his bravery, and his unwavering commitment to his people. His body, once bare, was now a living testament to his heritage, a testament to the legacy he would carry forward into the union.
Ignia stood at a distance, his eyes fixed on the solemn expression his brother sported as he examined his reflection in the mirror. "So, Natsu, have you thought about tonight?"
"What do you mean?" Natsu traced with his eyes all the intricate symbols painted on his body. Only the spot above his heart was empty, that would be permanently tattooed tomorrow morning.
Ignia, with a sly grin, couldn't resist taking a jibe at his younger brother. "Will you be able to please your bride?"
Natsu's brow furrowed as he met Ignia's gaze. "Don't start, Ignia." Their tribe permitted relations even without marriage, so Natsu was not a stranger to the other sex. He knew it was his obligation today to consummate the marriage, it was also one of his worries since he didn't know what was Lucy's opinion on the matter.
Ignia's taunting tone grew even more pronounced as he pressed on. "Think of all the fun you two will have. Well, you certainly, she comes from a tribe of prudes."
"That's enough, both of you!" Igneel's authoritative presence filled the room, commanding their attention as he crossed the threshold. "It's a joyous day today, I don't want you two fighting." Sighing he went to examine his younger son and all the details of his attire. "Also, I won't tolerate any disrespect towards your brother's wife Ignia."
Ignia raised his hand in surrender seeing the heated look his father sent him. "I assure you; all comments are made in good nature." Igneel missed the wink he sent Natsu behind his back, making the younger man roll his eyes.
Knowing that the tension wouldn't be easily resolved, Igneel sighed and addressed both his sons. "Let us set aside our differences for now. Today is a day of celebration and unity." Ignia, acknowledging with a grunt his father's word, made his way out of the house and into the raging celebrations. "Let's go outside, the village needs to see you in the colours of our ancestors." Motioning with his head, Igneel led the way outside with Natsu close behind.
With a deep breath, Natsu stepped out of his house, into the embrace of the awaiting sunlight. The villagers had gathered, their eyes filled with awe and reverence as they beheld their future leader, adorned in the symbols of his lineage.
Moving together they made their way towards Grandeen and Wendy the two sitting under a tent, overseeing the celebrations. They took their place on the lush pillows, with Igneel addressing the men and women gathered about the importance of this day. He spoke of unity and peace after years of uncertainty. Igneel also spoke about his star-blessed daughter-in-law, who would help them and guide them by his son's side.
The cheers that followed his speech, echoed through the village. Drums and flutes and songs followed as dancers made their way to the open square. Meanwhile, Lucy found herself in her cabin, tucked away from the bustling festivities but still within earshot of the jubilant sounds outside. The sound of laughter and merriment from the celebration seeped into the cabin, tempting Lucy to steal glimpses of the joyful spectacle taking place just beyond her reach. The rhythmic melodies and the collective cheer of the villagers stirred a sense of anticipation within her, urging her to immerse herself fully in the festivities.
Her arms were painted in honour of her husband's legacy, intricate patterns of both tribes mingling together in a show of unity. Lucy examined her reflection. Her ceremonial attire was adorned with intricate embroidery narrating the tale of her clan's history in silver thread, a contrast to the deep blue of its colour. It was something they agreed upon, Lucy would be dressed in the colours of her tribe and Natsu in his.
As the women left her alone her family took their place. Laxus was the first to enter, his face a mix of pride and worry. She opened her hands to hug him, mindful not to smear all the symbols painted on her. "It's strange. All I think is how you were once an annoying baby." He marvelled at how she had grown, from the little sister he used to tease to the radiant woman standing before him on the threshold of a new chapter in her life.
Reached into his pocket he retrieved a small, ornately crafted necklace. Delicate beads of varying colours adorned the chain, symbolizing the vibrant tapestry of their family. At the centre of the necklace, a beautifully carved pendant sparkled with embedded gemstones.
"This is for you, Lucy," Laxus said, his voice filled with warmth. "Something to remind you of home." Lucy's eyes widened with delight as she held the necklace in her hands. Carefully she fastened it around her neck, feeling the weight of the pendant against her skin.
"It's stunning, Laxus," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "Thank you." Once again, they embraced, sharing one final moment of their shared path. Laxus helped her secure her veil into place, this one was sheer giving everyone a hint of her appearance.
Exiting the cabin, Lucy was greeted by the presence of Silver, Gray, and Sting, who stood before her with a sense of anticipation and support. Silver eyes shimmered with pride as he looked upon Lucy, the child he had helped raise now a woman ready to be webbed. Lucy approached them, her heart overflowing with gratitude and a deep sense of belonging. She embraced Silver first, feeling his strong arms envelop her in a fatherly embrace.
Gray, stood beside his father, looking at her with a mixture of love and friendship. They shared a bond that went beyond words, a connection built upon shared experiences and the support they had provided one another throughout their lives. Their embrace was a testament to the unbreakable bond they shared as siblings.
Finally, Lucy turned to Sting, his eyes a clear mix of longing and sorrow. "You are stunning." His eyes could not stop looking at her in her ceremonial attire. A voice inside him pointed out that she should have dressed like that for their union, yet the stars knew better.
Smiling she took his hands in hers finding comfort in his hold. "Thank you." They both hesitated to hug, so they let go of each other, unaware of the looks shared between their clansmen.
Turning to the celebrations, Laxus took his rightful place next to his sister, as Silver and Gray led them towards the Dragneel family. The joyous celebrations picked up at the sight of the bride and her entourage. Joining them on the lush pillows, Lucy could feel Natsu's eyes on her as she took a seat beside him. Igneel and Silver shook hands as the first stood up once more.
"With the arrival of the bride, the celebrations can officially begin!" The loud cheers following Igneel's statement, caused him to pause. "As part of our tradition, any who wish to compete for the bride's affection has the right to do so now."
As Laxus translated for his sister, Lucy's brow furrowed, she had not been informed about this. Sparring a look at Natsu, she saw his shoulders fall as none of his tribe's men stepped forward. "Laxus, what is all this?"
"It's tradition, if someone wants your hand in marriage, they'll fight with Natsu. If he wins, he's capable of protecting you, if not then he's not worthy enough." His hushed reply made her worry more. "This though is an arranged marriage, Igneel has informed them not to take part. It's just a formality now."
Lucy's frown deepened as the weight of Laxus' words settled upon her. She understood the significance of traditions, and while her marriage to Natsu had been arranged, she couldn't shake the feeling that this formality meant more to him than he let on.
"I'll compete!" Everyone's attention turned to the voice that spoke up. Ignia tried containing his laugh behind his glass, as his people cheered. Silver frowned seeing Sting step up to the challenge. His worry deepened as he realised Igneel wouldn't be able to refuse the competitor. The Dranex may have agreed not to participate, but it was their tradition, they would surely not take lightly to have all their customs altered. The two leaders shared a look and Silver had to step up as leader to support his man. If it was one thing, they took pride in was their support for each other.
"Sting is a capable warrior. He will prove our tribe can stand strong next to yours in this union." Silver shot a look at Sting, one he hoped showed he was not to refuse the explanation he gave.
"Then, let them compete. This union is not only between our children, is one meant to unite our tribes." Igneel turned to his son, who was waiting frozen in his spot from shock. "Sting and Natsu will compete in a show of acceptance of our traditions and differences." Motioning for him to come to his side, Natsu did so almost mechanically. He had accepted his marriage would not be questioned, and would not be challenged. Now, he was given a chance to follow the ways of his people, even if he understood that that man was not just competing for the reasons his father presented.
The village came alive as the drums found a rhythmic beat. All eyes were now fixed upon the two warriors standing before them. Lucy's heart pounded in her chest, torn from the meaning behind Sting's challenge, yet understanding the importance of this custom.
The air was thick with anticipation as the tribes gathered to witness the ancient tradition of combat for the right to marry Lucy. The rhythmic beat of drums echoed through the air, heightening the tension that crackled between the two warriors.
Natsu and Sting stood at opposite ends of the makeshift arena, their muscles coiled like springs, ready to unleash their power. Natsu's eyes blazed with determination, mirroring Sting's.
The crowd held its breath as the clash began. Instead of swords, they engaged in a flurry of hand-to-hand combat, their movements fluid and precise. Each strike was met with a counter, their bodies moving in synchrony, a testament to their honed skills as warriors.
Their fight intensified, their movements fuelled by a mix of adrenaline, pride, and a desire to be the one who could provide Lucy with the life she deserved. Each blow landed with force, yet there was a remarkable grace in their exchange. In a brief pause, their eyes locked, beads of sweat tracing trails down their faces. They shared an understanding then, one a man bound by his duty to his tribe and one defending feelings buried deep within. The crowd watched in awe as the battle raged on, the energy between the two men escalating.
Both Natsu and Sting found themselves locked in a stalemate, their breathing ragged and their bodies bruised. In one final rush of adrenaline, they rushed to each other. The stars were not in Sting's favour though. His foot slipped on the sand beneath him and instead of dodging Natsu's aimed punch, he fell right onto it. Falling on the ground he clutched his bruising cheek, as the crowd around them erupted in cheers.
"I respect your feelings; you know her much better than I do." Natsu offered his hand to the fallen man while trying to catch his breath. "I can only promise to take care of her and protect her." It was a promise he wasn't making lightly. He understood the extent of the other man's feelings and could respect them. In Sting's eyes, he was a stranger taking away the woman he loved.
Taking the offered hand, Sting let him pull him back on his feet, a new sense of respect for the man. "Thank you." He didn't have the best grasp of Dranex, but he understood what the other man tried to tell him.
"Is there another who wishes to compete?" Igneel's booming voice was met with silence. No one dared raise their hand. They had witnessed a match that left them all proud of their warrior. Pleased with his son, Igneel drew him into a hug as around them, the celebrations went on.
"Laxus, please go with Sting." Lucy's hushed plea, had her brother nodding in understanding. Standing up, he went after Sting who went away to care for his injuries. Her eyes fell on Natsu, the man looked pleased with his win, yet his eyes held uncertainty as he looked at her. She could only watch as his mother hugged him tightly, his sister worrying over his numerous injuries. Then, Igneel told him something and he took off for his house.
"You know you're supposed to go help him?" Ignia's breath brushed her neck as he whispered in her ear. Jerking away, she moved over to the pillows as he prompted himself down next to her.
"What?" She still didn't know how to feel about Natsu's brother. The only thing she had noticed was how he always came to be second in Igneel's eyes.
"This is the part where you show your husband, you'll be there to care for him when he returns wounded from battle." Ignia for once was not in the mood to cause any mischief. He may feel the need to tease her a bit, but in front of his father, he tried being respectful. "Don't you have anything similar in your tribe?"
"The women in our tribe are warriors themselves. We go into battle by their side. We don't wait for them to return wounded." Lucy took pride in that part of her heritage. She had not taken part in the battle, her role limiting her from fighting, but she had led all those staying behind and she had helped with the strategic part of a battle.
"Interesting." Ignia's eyebrows raised high in surprise. He had not expected that. "Well, if you don't wish to tend to your husband it's your choice." Filling his glass with more wine, he offered her some, yet Lucy was already on her feet.
If it was part of their tradition, she would follow it. Natsu had been willing to not fight, so it was logical to tend to him. It didn't mean though she'll spend her whole life waiting at the house on his beg and call. If the tribe went to war, she would stand beside him. Maybe they could bond by sparing once in a while. Offering a curtsy to all, she excused herself to go to Natsu, missing the proud looks on Grandeen's and Igneel's eyes.
Her every step was accompanied by the celebrating villagers, who followed behind her till she reached his house. Their house she corrected herself, as from then on that's where she was meant to stay. Entering, Lucy felt a wave of nervousness overtake her. She took a moment to gather herself, steadying her breath before stepping further into the house.
Inside, Natsu was alone washing off some of his wounds. Lucy took in the simple house, decorated for the occasion. All the beautiful tapestries lining the walls, with their intricate patterns and vibrant colours added to the serene atmosphere. As her eyes swept over the room, they fell on Natsu. Their eyes locked, both not knowing what to say and not how to say anything.
Natsu had not noticed her from the beginning. It was when he turned to grab a piece of cloth behind him, that he noticed her standing there, looking around the room. Her veil today was more sheer and he could make out her figure behind it. He didn't expect her to come and help him. Had she followed him alone or was she instructed to do so?
Offering an awkward smile, the silence stretched thick between them. Natsu watched as she hesitantly removed her veil, letting him see the rest of her. Her golden hair created a halo around her, as the sun shone bright behind her. He watched as she draped the veil over one of her shoulders, letting it fall over her bandeau and securing it with a pin on her long skirt. Was he too focused on the fair skin exposed to his eyes?
Closing the distance between them, Lucy approached Natsu with grace and confidence, ready to embrace the role of tending to her husband. She understood that it was not a submission, but rather an act of love and support within their cultural context. She couldn't help but notice the vials in front of him, understanding that they held the necessary ingredients for tending to his wounds. His knees were scraped, and his left cheek and lips were split. She could admit he was a skilled warrior; Sting had received many more hits than him.
As her fingers glided over his skin, Natsu winced slightly at the sting of the antiseptic. Lucy's touch, however, was tender and soothing, her focus solely on alleviating his discomfort. The silence between them persisted, and he felt awkward just sitting there. He reached to take another cloth to aid her in the process, focusing on his legs.
Natsu couldn't help but admire Lucy's grace and dedication as she tended to him. Her movements were precise, yet gentle, as she applied ointments. The weight of their upcoming marriage hung in the air, but at this moment, they were simply two souls connecting through the healing touch. He tried to ignore how heat spread where she touched him.
In the quietude of the room, their eyes occasionally met, exchanging fleeting glances that held unspoken emotions. As Lucy finished tending to his face, she saw he had tended to his knees. Taking one of his hands in hers, she traced his knuckles with a cloth and applied an ointment. It was fascinating for her how contrasting their tones were. He was sun-kissed, his complexion complimented by the numerous paintings painted on him.
Finishing up his hands, she took a step back, offering a smile. Natsu couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude and admiration for the woman before him. With a nod of appreciation, he reached out to gently grasp Lucy's hand, pressing a kiss on the back of it. Some pride swelled within him seeing her cheeks redden.
The air was filled with excitement and merriment as they emerged into the open square, hands still intertwined. The colourful decorations and vibrant dances illuminated the surroundings, creating a kaleidoscope of joy. The villagers cheered and clapped, their voices merging with the rhythmic beats of the drums. Igneel moved to the centre of the square, his commanding presence captivating the attention of all. The celebratory atmosphere hushed as he raised his hand, signalling silence. The crowd obeyed; their eager eyes fixed on the patriarch of the clan.
"It is time," Igneel's voice resonated through the square, its power commanding respect and attention. "Time to unite these two souls in the sacred bond of matrimony." As Igneel's words hung in the air, the anticipation reached its peak. Lucy's heart fluttered within her chest, and Natsu's grip on her hand tightened, offering her reassurance and support.
Natsu was guided to the altar raised in the centre of the square, understanding that now would be the moment of their union. As they stood opposite each other, with Silver and Igneel standing beside them, her resolve was set. Even if they were strangers, she had in front of her an honest man, a good warrior and from his earlier actions a tender man. They may not love each other, but maybe once they could understand one another, once they start forging their path, love could grow between them.
Laxus took his place beside her, translating for her anything she did not understand. Natsu looked fully harmonised with the whole process, his attention focused on each word his father said. It was strange for him to be part of this ceremony as the groom and not a witness. He knew by heart every single word his father said. He knew when it was time to drink from the same cup as his wife or when to hold her hand and when not.
"To honour both tribes will include a custom of theirs into the ceremony." That caught his attention, as Silver took his father's place. Laxus produced a blade, giving it to Silver who started speaking in Stellan. Sting and Gray brought forth a wooden plate adorned with spikes placing it between him and Lucy and his confusion was clear for all.
With a determined look, Lucy gathered her skirt and took Laxus' hand, slowly lowering herself onto the spikes, her movements deliberate and controlled. Her grace and resolve were awe-inspiring, and her commitment shone through her actions.
Silver stepped forward, holding the blade high in the air. He began speaking in the sacred language of Stellan, his words carrying the weight of tradition and history. As the words of the ritual continued, Natsu understood the significance of the moment.
Feeling a surge of admiration and devotion, Natsu mirrored her actions, lowering himself onto the spikes with a mix of anticipation and determination. As the spikes pressed against his skin, he could feel slight discomfort, a reminder that love required sacrifice and strength. Then, Lucy presented Silver with her palm, repeating what he was telling her, her voice sure and steady. Silver lowered the blade to her skin, grazing it until a line of blood formed.
"You're supposed to do the same." His brother whispered as Silver looked expectably at him. It was kind of barbaric he could admit, but Lucy had accepted his traditions without question. Presenting his palm, he tried repeating the words to the best of his abilities, not knowing what he was saying.
Laxus then intertwined their palms, while Gray came forth a silk fabric in his hands which he tied tightly around their hands. They remained like that for a while, Silver still speaking in their harsh language. Lucy never once wavered, her stance immaculate as time went by. Natsu admired her strength.
The villagers watched in silence; their breath held in anticipation. The symbolism of the act resonated deeply with them, representing the challenges and obstacles that would inevitably arise in their married life. As the moments stretched on, Natsu and Lucy found solace in each other's presence. The pain of the spikes served as a reminder of their unwavering commitment.
Finally, Silver stepped forward once more, his voice filled with reverence and pride. "May this act symbolize your strength, your unwavering devotion to each other, and your willingness to face any hardship as one. May the bonds between our tribes grow stronger through your union."
Lucy smiled at him, gripping his hand tighter as she motioned with her other that they needed to stand up. A collective sigh filled the square as they rose from the spikes, their gazes locked; they were officially joined. Lucy was grateful Natsu followed through with all the parts of her customs. The wounds from the spikes would heal in time, surely leaving scars, a reminder they had both endured this together.
Amidst the applause and cheers of the villagers, their gaze still remained locked. Their shared journey had started unwillingly, but now with the signs of the finished ceremony present on their bodies, they could both admit that their paths had crossed for the better. Love didn't bring them together, but as they stood a bit closer to each other, hands still tightly laced together, their lips united in a promising kiss.
A/N For once, I can say I've started and ended a story within a month. I can't promise I won't ever return, I have a habit of coming back and adding to my stories. For now, this is the end.
I'm grateful for those that reviewed, liked and followed this story.
I'm sure we'll meet again, in another story, another AU my muses will provide.
Love,
Melpomene