A/N: I couldn't remember the exact details of how traditional weddings are held in Alagaësia, so I improvised.
It took about a week to casually fly from Uru'baen to the tip of Du Weldenvarden. Oromis and Aliana made camp every night and Glaedr would go on long hunts to give them privacy and replenish his strength. They took their time journeying to Elesméra and were greeted there with a hero's welcome. There was a big feast held in their honor with music and dancing set outside, far more peaceful and picturesque than any ball Aliana had ever been to.
"What do you think of Elesméra so far, my dear?"
"It's beautiful. Everyone has been very nice."
Oromis smiled and handed her a glass of wine. "As they should be. I know you said traditional elven customs were good enough to make our ties to one another for life, yet I would like to still offer you the chance for us to say vows in a formal ceremony. We can wait till everyone else gets here if you prefer."
There were plenty of times even now that their relationship was binding in every way that she wondered how she had ever been so fortunate as to meet someone like Oromis. Him being an intriguing dragon rider whom she would have never imagined would be interested in a young mortal like herself seemed like a very distant memory. "Aerin wouldn't forgive me if she missed out on a formal ceremony of ours, so I accept your insistent offer and we will wait."
"Would Murtagh be disappointed?"
"No, he doesn't really like attending those kinds of things. Of course now that he's obviously interested in Nasuada, that will most likely change."
"Considering she will insist on all the proper formalities, I doubt he would dare to say no if he wishes to seek her hand."
Aliana laughed. "Sure looked like it to me."
Oromis smiled as they finished their drinks. "Would you like to join in the dancing for a while?"
"Always." She took his extended hand and followed his lead out into the middle of the clearing. She barely noticed anything besides him unless spoken to by one of the other elven couples whom passed by.
"Ready to go home?" He asked as the party quieted hours later.
"I would like that." She smiled and they walked to his dwelling that was so remote from everything else, it felt perfect.
They had nearly a month to settle in before they went to the old Shur'tugal base and met up with the large group Eragon and Sapphira had led. The company was relieved to find supplies as well as a great many elves to welcome them, all of them having missed the Argetlam presence in their forests.
Within the week, it seemed as if there had always been people of all races living there in hopes of bonding with a dragon egg. Eragon had a long waiting list written of those who wished to try and each day someone on the list was shown into the room where he and Sapphira had carefully moved the future of all Riders.
Aliana helped Aerin get ready for her wedding during all of this. "Nervous?"
"Not at all. I am delighted to hear you and Oromis will be having a ceremony as well."
"Oromis kept offering till I said yes, though I had assured him I was willing to honor the elven way."
Aerin smiled. "And he honors yours. I bet Glaedr is happy you two are official."
"Oh yes. He kept giving us lots of space on our journey up here and couldn't stop gloating after we finally expressed the depth of our feelings."
"And you can do the same when he finds a mate."
Aliana laughed. "He expects us to. There, you're all gorgeous."
Aerin gave a twirl, watching the elven gown gifted her by Arya shimmer in the mirror. "You're a worker of miracles as always, Swordmaster."
"Only because you're already so beautiful, my lady."
"Thank you, so are you."
They made their way outside to where K'aeligh waited. Birds laid a crown of flowers on Aerin's head as she walked and Aliana stood proudly as the maid of honor on one side of Arya who presided. Oromis stood on the other side, having agreed to be the groomsman for K'aeligh. The Shade Council, Glaedr, Eragon and Sapphira were the only others in attendance, for Aerin and K'aeligh had requested a small, simple wedding befitting of an older couple who had waited long enough to tie the knot.
"It is a honor that I, Arya Dröttingu have been asked to perform this wedding before the friends of Lady Aerin of Belatona and Master K'aeligh of the Shades. May your relationship be as strong as the mountains and deep as the ocean and as endless as the passage of time. Do any here have reason why these two should not marry?" She smiled as this question was met with silence. "Then with the power vested in me as acting queen of Du Weldenvarden, I declare that their lives are now twined together as one. What has been bound, let none tear asunder."
"What has been bound let none tear asunder." The audience echoed solemnly.
Aerin and K'aeligh kissed and traded places with Oromis and Aliana, who also wanted a quiet ceremony. Aerin placed the crown of flowes on Alina's head as Arya began:
"I have had had the pleasure of knowing Oromis-elda and his dragon all of my life, a hero of legend bound by wounds he received during the Fall. You can imagine my surprise upon finding him alive and well in Uru'baen, an almost recognizable person whose magic was breaking free. I knew at once only someone with a strong heart and indomitable spirit could have possibly conceived of what the healers among our people considered impossible.
"Meeting Swordmaster Aliana, I could see all of those were true. It was also readily apparent that she and Oromis-elda had formed a bond that surpassed friendship and Glaedr approved of the match. Being asked to marry these two brings me joy I cannot possibly express, for I always wished our Shur'tugal to find happiness and he most certainly has. May the eternities grant you everlasting happiness as long as you both shall live. It is not elven custom to allow objections, but those who would dare to make them should speak now or be silent forever. Since no one raises their voices, you are now wed."