A/N: And now, the chapter that so many of you have been waiting for... Hehe, just go read it, I think I did a good job, but I encourage you all to let me know how I did- I really enjoy doing wedding chapters, especially since mine is coming up soon XD
A Star-Crossed Wedding
Robin gulped nervously as he once again noticed the size of the audience gathered to witness his wedding to Lucina. In addition to all of the Shepherds- including the warriors from Aincrad and Alfheim- the assembly included a majority of Ylisse's nobles. Even though as far as they knew, Lucina was an adopted child of Chrom's, she was a child of the Prince Regent nonetheless, and such an occasion was not to be missed by all of the nobility.
Robin was dressed in a white-and-silver version of his Grandmaster robe with smart-looking clothing underneath instead of his usual wardrobe. On his head was a circlet of gold- not a full crown, since that was reserved for royalty- since Chrom wanted him to have a symbol of authority and status to match Lucina's.
In his party were Kazuto and Henry, both dressed smart for the occasion. Kazuto was wearing a black dress tunic threaded with silver- the color theme actually reminded him of comfortable old Black Wyrm Coat, though this garb was nowhere near as comfortable. His wings were folded behind his back in the likeness of a cape, save for their shimmering, translucent appearance.
Henry was dressed in a fancier version of his wizard's robes, somewhat like Robin, but sticking with a black color theme like Kazuto. As per the usual, he was also smiling happily as if he hadn't a care in the world.
Kazuto, however, noticed his friend's nervousness and said with a small smile in an undertone, "You got this, Robin."
"Heh," the blond tactician chuckled nervously. "I've won wars, survived Feroxi defenses, and dealt with crazed cultists… So why is this so terrifying?"
"Different kind of battle, I guess," Kazuto shrugged.
"Nya-ha, you'll be fine, Robin, old buddy," Henry smiled brightly, but keeping his voice down as well. "Just wait until you see your lady walking down the aisle- she'll be so pretty, it'll make you forget all the butterflies in your tummy."
Robin looked at his cousin with surprise before saying, "Well Henry, that was… surprisingly well-spoken. How…?"
"Hee hee, I just know things," Henry giggled. "Olivia made me feel all warm and fuzzy when I saw in her dress, so I think Lucina will do the same for you."
"Heh, guess that makes sense," Kazuto smirked. "Asuna definitely did that for me on our wedding day."
"Thanks, you two," Robin sighed heavily. "That does make me feel a little better."
"Get ready to feel a lot better," Kazuto said as he jerked his head to indicate the doors to the great hall. "Here they come."
First to come down the aisle was Noire, dressed in a slimming sky blue dress with flowing sleeves that stopped just short of her wrists. She walked with a bit of hesitation, but it was only just enough to show her kind, meek personality. Her selection as a bridesmaid had thoroughly surprising for her, but Lucina had insisted on it as a way for them to grow closer in the months leading to the wedding.
Following the shy daughter of Robin was Cynthia, dressed in a royal blue dress that matched Noire's in style. However, instead of being reserved in manner, this girl walked with unbridled confidence and contagious energy that caused anyone she smiled at to smile in return. Her role as the Maid of Honor came as a surprise to none of the Shepherds- after all, she was Lucina's only living blood relative from their time.
And last of all came the bride herself, being escorted by Chrom. The Prince Regent was dressed in formal armor, befitting his station as a noble knight of Ylisse. The silver metal he wore gleamed brightly in the light, and Falchion served as a reminder to his heritage and power.
But this hardly merited anyone's attention when he stood next to Lucina. The princess was wearing the traditional white color that befitted a bride, with a circlet of silver styled like Robin's adorning her brow, christened with a dark blue sapphire diadem. Her dress was simple, but all the more beautiful for it. The fabric started just below her neckline, and went all the way down to brush her feet. Her shoulders were bare, but the dress' sleeves connected underneath to run the length of her wrists.
"Okay, you were right," Robin said, dumbstruck. "I feel a lot better."
"Told ya," Henry and Kazuto grinned.
Lucina wore a smile the whole walk down the aisle, but it only seemed to grow as she drew close to her soon-to-be husband. Chrom, too, was wearing a smile as he walked with his daughter, and it seemed that he was truly happy for the couple.
Even so, after he released his daughter to let her walk up to the altar, he gave Robin a quick wink while patting Falchion. Just to make sure he had the last word.
Libra waited until the bride was standing at her proper place before he began to speak. "Dearly beloved- and Vaike," he began.
"Hey!" the muscle-bound soldier complained while the Shepherds shared a round of laughs.
"We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Princess Lucina and our nation's beloved Grandmaster, Robin," Libra continued once the laughter had stopped. "Marriage is a sacred and binding contract- one that not only unites two people in body, but in spirit as well. It is not to be taken lightly, and should only be committed to after a good deal of thought and discussion between the couple.
"Knowing both of you myself, I know that you have made this commitment in good conscience," Libra said with a kind smile. "And now I ask: who gives this maiden to be wed to this warrior?"
Chrom then stood up from his seat in the front row to say, "On behalf of her birth parents, who could not be with us today, my wife and I consent to give her to Robin." Then he took his seat and lowered his gaze before anyone could see the tears of joy beginning to build up in his eyes.
Even so, Lucina made sure to turn around and mouth the words, 'I love you, Mom and Dad'.
"Then let this proceed as it must," Libra said, satisfied. Turning to Lucina, he asked, "Lucina, daughter of Chrom and Sumia, what do you bring today for your wedding?" It was customary in Ylisse for the bride to present a dowry to her husband, so that they would be able to begin their life together with something to their newly joined name. Even though Lucina was royalty, and thus her family had a great deal to offer, it was still a time-honored tradition.
This was where Cynthia and Noire stepped in. As Noire stepped forward with a casket that was open for Kazuto to inspect, Cynthia said, "My sister brings a number of precious jewels, spices, and other assorted goods from the province of Chon'sin, as well as the skills to defend her kingdom alongside her husband. She brings her love, devotion, and loyalty."
At the mention of the items from Chon'sin, Chrom had suddenly jerked up in his seat to shoot a surprised look over at Say'ri, who was in attendance a few seats down. She caught his gaze, and met his eyes evenly before letting a slight smile break out on her lips along with a slow wink for good measure.
Chrom turned back to the ceremony, making a mental note to thank the new ruler of Chon'sin later for adding such a generous contribution. Others might have feared this to be a political power play, but he trusted Say'ri. She was a Shepherd just as much as the others, and he had placed his life in her hands enough times to know that she was sincere.
Now Libra was asking Kazuto if these offerings were acceptable to his party. Kazuto nodded quickly and said, "On behalf of Robin, I deem these gifts more than sufficient." He almost stumbled over the words he was supposed to use, but fortunately Lissa had forced him to practice enough times that he only hesitated for a split-second before he began to speak.
"Very well," Libra nodded, and Noire put the small casket back on the table behind her. To Robin, he asked, "And what does Ylisse's Grandmaster bring with him to prove his worth of this maiden's hand?"
"He brings his position as the champion defender of this Halidom," Kazuto replied, making sure not to slip up on the order of the offering. "He brings the guarantee of a stable position that will offer a sufficient income for the rest of their lives, so that they may never worry about wanting for food, clothing, or any other necessities. He brings the offer of a home here in the castle. Most importantly, he brings his love, loyalty, and the commitment to stay true to her in all things."
Libra nodded again and turned to Cynthia. "Do you deem this offering to be worthy of Lucina?" he asked.
"On behalf of my sister, I accept this offering as it is," Cynthia replied with a big grin.
"Then both parties present are in accord," Libra said. "We will now bear witness to the vows that this couple has chosen. You have each written your own vows, yes?"
"We have," Robin nodded, echoed by Lucina.
"Then let us hear them," the priest said. "Lucina, you shall go first."
"Yes sir," she nodded, already turning red from embarrassment. Clearing her throat, she spoke, "Robin, when I came here, I was intent on keeping as far away from everyone as I possibly could, and I promised to never form an attachment to anyone, for the sake of my precious duty." She paused to steady herself with a deep breath before continuing on, saying, "But thanks to you, I now know that we do not have to sacrifice our personal happiness for the sake of our duty. On the contrary, you showed me that being close to the people you risk life for makes the journey that much more bearable, nay, even enjoyable. Thanks to you, I discovered joy and peace where I thought there was only chaos and despair. You are my greatest teacher and example of what it is to be a leader, and the kindest man I have ever known. I will gladly follow your lead the rest of my life, if only you'll have me.
"To you, I pledge my love, loyalty, and life, be it in times of illness or health, whether we have riches or rags, be we happy or sad, until death do us part," she concluded. Noire and Cynthia were fighting back tears at the princesses' words, and they were losing. Sumia wasn't bothering to hide her own tears, though Chrom was definitely making a valiant effort to remain dry-eyed.
Libra turned to Robin, who looked positively awed by the beautiful words. Not that the priest could blame him- the girl was not known for being outspoken about her feelings, but she had made them pretty easy to understand with her vows. Smiling again, Libra asked, "Do you, Robin, find these vows to be acceptable in place of the traditional ones?"
"I do," Robin nodded.
"Then let us hear yours," the priest said.
"Ah, yes…" he chuckled a bit nervously. "Mine seem a bit inadequate now…"
"Have no fear," Libra said patiently in a lowered tone. "As a friend, I have a feeling you're underestimating yourself a bit."
"Hehe, I suppose," Robin grinned, still nervous. Nonetheless, he began to speak his part. "Lucina, I have spent much of my remembered life wondering just who I am, and why I was abandoned in a field, perhaps to die. Even after joining the Shepherds, my wonderful new family, I felt as though something was still missing. Something that made me feel as though I hadn't truly come home yet.
"Then I began to spend time with you, and slowly but surely, that empty feeling began to fade, replaced by the memories I was making with you." Lucina was the one crying now, but her smile made them the happiest tears Robin had ever seen. "I love you, Lucina," he said with a smile of his own. "I don't need to wonder where I came from anymore, because wherever or whatever it was that I had, it matters no more. Because my home is you, and I never want to leave. So I will pledge my devotion, my heart, my skills, even my life to you, my princess. I will be there to nurse you through any illness, to hold you through every heartache, and to shield you from any nightmare, be it even the Fell Dragon himself. Everything I am is yours until the end of our lives."
"Hmm…" Libra smiled softly. Turning to Lucina, he asked a slightly different question than he had Robin. "Princess Lucina, do you think that those vows were inadequate compared to your own?"
"No sir," she sniffed, though her smile remained just as bright.
"Then I take it you wish to accept them as binding?" Libra smiled brighter.
"I do," she nodded eagerly.
Turning to address the crowd, Libra spoke in a surprisingly carrying voice. "We have born witness to these vows, and as the representative of the gods, I deem them acceptable, and therefore binding until death. However, if anyone has a legitimate concern for why these two should not be wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace."
Out of the corner of his eye, Libra noticed a flush of dark energy, and his eyebrow raised in slight amusement. Mataras was perched in a hidden section of the rafters- he had probably been there the entire time, he realized- and his hand was clutching at an orb of black-purple magic.
Others might have panicked then, but Libra knew well enough by now that Mataras was not going to hurt any of the Shepherds. More than likely, he was preparing to cast the spell at anyone that dared to speak out against the proceedings.
Naga, I know he means well, so for his sake and that of Ylisse, do not let anyone be so foolish as to interrupt… he prayed quickly.
After a moment of silence in the grand hall, he breathed a silent sight of relief before announcing, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Robin, you may kiss your bride."
Robin needed no further encouragement, stepping forward quickly to wrap his arms around Lucina and going in for tender, long-lasting kiss that was accompanied by a roar of approval from the Shepherds, and a polite applause from the nobles present.
Libra looked up at where Mataras was perched and breathed another sigh of relief as he saw that the magic was now gone, and no one seemed to have been struck. Still, I hope he gets out of there before Frederick sees him, Libra thought dryly. Knowing our wary knight, he'll want to lop his head off just for being there in the first place.
Oblivious to this, Robin and Lucina finally pulled apart, but remained in each other's arms. Robin leaned in close to whisper in her ear, "I love you, Lucina."
"I love you too, Robin," she said before redoubling her hug.
"All right, Shepherds!" Cynthia crowed. "You all know what's coming next!"
"PARTY TIME!" A number of them yelled, though the loudest had to be either Owain or Vaike.
The party was held outside in the courtyard, where there was plenty of room, food, and sunlight to go around. Robin and Lucina had their first dance together, before being joined by their parties, and then the other guests began to mingle in as the music shifted.
"Do you remember our first dance?" Robin asked his wife- gods, it felt good to be able to think of her as his wife.
"Lady Asuna and Sir Kirito's wedding, right?" she answered as she thought back. "Yes, that was it."
"Aye," he chuckled. "Seems we've come full circle."
She smiled back at him before whispering in his ear, "Believe it or not, I was already falling for you."
"Even then?" he asked, surprised.
"Even then," she nodded.
"How so?" he inquired with a sly smile. "I doubt it was my good looks that had taken you."
"Hmm, perhaps it had something to with it," she laughed softly. "But what drew me most to you was the fact that you cared enough to not only accept me like the others, but to go out of your way to make sure that I felt like I could call this time my home."
"Hehe, I could say that I try to do that for everyone, but…" he smiled to himself before adding, "I already thought that you were very pretty."
"Love at first sight for both of us, eh?" she smiled brighter.
"I'll happily go with that, lady of mine," he laughed.
As the night began to eclipse the sky and the party began to wind down, Morgan and Marth approached their parents. Robin had noticed that his son had spent much of the party in the company of Sachi, hardly leaving her side for more than a few minutes, or to let her dance with Kirito or Agil.
"Look who decided to come say hello," he teased them as they came within earshot.
"Mother, Father," Marth bowed quickly. "We have a surprise prepared for you."
"Will this surprise involve apologies to other nations?" Robin asked quickly.
"O ye of little faith," Morgan said, pretending to be hurt. "C'mon, Dad, don't you trust us?"
"About as far as Yui could kick you," he shot back without missing a beat.
"Robin!" Lucina said as she swatted his arm, causing him to chuckle lightly.
"Trouble in paradise already?" Kazuto grinned as he and Asuna approached the group. Asuna was wearing a dark blue dress that his her pregnancy surprisingly well, and she looked like she was feeling better than most days.
"Morgan and Marth have a surprise for us, they say," Robin said with a slight smile. "I just wanted to make sure nothing- and no one- would catch on fire."
"Not even a little?" Morgan joked, before Marth subtly elbowed her.
"Morgan," he said warningly.
"Okay, okay, we're not going to blow anything up, happy?" she sighed heavily.
"I'm satisfied," Lucina nodded.
"As long as I don't have to do any paperwork before we take off for the honeymoon, I'm good," Robin added.
"Okay!" Morgan grinned. "Prepare to be dazzled by my genius!"
"This was my idea," Marth frowned, but Morgan ignored him.
"Now… let us begin," she said dramatically.
"She's been spending too much time with her uncle Owain," Robin said dryly.
"Ready, Marth?" she asked as she pulled out a light blue tome.
"Aye," he nodded as he held a dark red one. "Let's do it."
Together, they opened their books, and runes began to swirl around them, signifying their preparation to use magic. The other took a couple of steps back, Robin's expression a wary one. As one, the children chanted, "O flames of power, O light of life, lend us you power, that we may make our thoughts known." The runes around them began to expand into one another's, growing until the glowing words melded together, surrounding both of them.
"They're… combining their magic?" Kazuto wondered aloud. "Impressive."
"Iyadi and Balganone, become one and show our hearts!" the twins chanted as they raised their free hands to the sky. In between their palms, there was a brief crackle of energy before an orb of fire, laced with holy light, coalesced and shot up into the evening sky.
No sooner than it had gone high enough to resemble a night star in size than did it explode with a dazzling display of color that captured the attention of everyone attending. Even more impressive, as they all continued to look at it, the light took on a series of shapes that began to form letters.
Once that was done, the letters spelled, 'Robin loves Lucina'.
The audience clapped, impressed with the display. Fireworks were not a new concept, but never had anyone seen them used to create a message like that. Most impressed were the newlyweds, who hugged their children quickly, somewhat to their embarrassment.
"Well done!" Robin laughed as he ruffled Morgan's hair.
"An impressive display," Lucina said as she held her son at arm's length. "I'm very proud of you."
"Just watch Anna try and buy the idea off of you two," Kazuto chuckled. "Or worse, Argo."
"Hey, I heard that!" the Cait Sith growled.
"Nonetheless, thank you," Robin smiled at the two youngsters. "You've done me very proud."
"Thanks, Dad," Morgan smiled sweetly.
"The pleasure was ours," Marth bowed again.
Eventually, the couple managed to escape the party and up to their new quarters, where the servants had already finished moving their belongings and a number of the gifts, most of them from the Shepherds. The ones that were from the nobility- with the exception of Maribelle's father- would be handled by Kazuto and Cynthia. The ones in the room were from friends, so Lucina and Robin preferred to unwrap those themselves.
"So…" Robin said as he patted a parcel marked from Virion. "Shall we get to these first, or will we wait until we get back from the vacation?"
"I think they can wait," Lucina said as she came up and hugged her husband from behind.
"Hmm…" he hummed contentedly, reaching back to hug her in return, but the gesture knocked loose a scrap of parchment. "Hello," he muttered as he knelt down to retrieve it. "What's this?"
"What's what?" Lucina asked curiously as Robin found that it was folded. "Is it a gift?"
"I don't know…" Robin replied with a slight frown as he unfolded the parchment. He scanned it quickly, his eyes widening.
"Robin, is everything okay?" Lucina asked, her concern growing.
"Here," he said as he handed the note to her. "This is… most strange."
"Hmm…" she mused as she read it aloud. "Beware Plegia's generosity… It's signed with the letters 'LK' and LS'. What does that mean?" She raised an eyebrow at her husband, who looked like he was deep in thought.
"To be honest, I have no idea," he admitted. "I have spies in Plegia, but they never communicate like this. And one of them does go by the name Luke Sol, but I have no idea who 'LK' is."
"Maybe something happened to him?" Lucina suggested.
"Not as far as I know, he reported in yesterday, and all seemed to be going well," Robin frowned. "What could it be…?"
"Do you need to contact him?" Lucina asked. "I know it's our wedding, but if this is important-"
"No, no," Robin shook his head before looking at her with a soft smile. "I'll write up a note to give to Kazuto and have him check it out. It is our wedding, and while Ylisse is a priority for you and me, I think we had best take this time to invest in each other without distraction."
"Are you trying to teach me to be a little selfish?" Lucina asked curiously as Robin took out an inkwell and pen to write his note.
Once he was done, he turned to his wife with a mischievous smile and asked, "Is it working?"
"Yes," she smiled back.
Mataras: Haha, fluffy chapters are fun.
Kirito: Unlike most days on this segment, you and I agree.
Asuna: You're just saying that because you're excited for the last arc to start. And, spoiler alert, there's one more filler chapter.
Kirito: Mataras, you dirty, cheating, son of a-!
Mataras: Shh... This is a wedding chapter, no unhappy stuff over here, got it?
Kirito: I will hang you up by your entrails if I don't get to fight anyone by next chapter!
Mataras: Can you do it by my toes? I kind of need my insides.
Kirito: Why are you so... mellow?
Mataras: Hehe. I've started getting stuff ready for my own wedding, so I'm just really... happy. At peace.
Asuna: Aw...
Mataras: See, she gets it.
Kirito: Okay, at least tell me why you called it a star-crossed wedding?
Mataras: Oh, that. Well, one of them literally challenged fate- or crossed the stars, as some might put it- to come to this timeline. By all normal accounts, they could not be together. Seems star-crossed to me.
Kirito: Okay, that makes sense.
Asuna: Next time- Prepare to March.