Anyone hear... Wedding bells?

In order to get a better understanding of how things worked at the docking area, we set up camp for the time being. We had ample supplies for a short stay for the whole lot of us, and after that a few squads would stay in order to keep watch for ships. Long term we would have outposts between here and Maria, allowing for a warning system, to avoid any unannounced Marlean attacks. Well, that was assuming Eren didn't find any other likely landing sites on his patrol of the island with Mikasa and Jean. Hanji hadn't been keen at first, but as his evident worrying over Marley became harder to ignore, she knew he needed to see the lack of other landing sites for himself. The kid was going to make himself paranoid at this rate.

While they rode out for a preliminary scouting mission, more of a skim really, we also prepared for something a bit more fun. Me and Levi would be getting married. Now that's a bloody weird sentence to think of, but true all the same. Hanji had sent word for Keza to be brought out here now that we knew it was safe, and she wouldn't dare doing the ceremony without my dearest friend present. Good thing, really. Because she was right, Keza would be outraged to miss the sight of me being so optimistic. But silly me, I thought staying behind from the scouting mission, I'd be allowed to help set up the camp. Nope. I was being hovered over by both Hanji and Levi as they continued to pester about my side. I was fine. Yes it stung a little, yes it could have been worse, but I was fine. The medics were very attentive and I was healing well. Our prisoners were being monitored closely too of course, and questioned. But they remained tight lipped. As long as they remained chained, I didn't much care. We had made such a huge leap recently, the rest could wait. The snows were overdue, and when they came we would have time to consider our next step. Time. What a strange concept.

Still, the seaside was so peaceful. Beyond the hum of the camp itself, the waves softly lolled against the shoreline. I think it was some kind of bay area, the way the waters on the horizon might grow choppy but the ones closer remained smoother. At least, that was what Armin theorised. We had a lot to learn about this new terrain. The sea. We had lakes and rivers, but nothing on this scale – it was a whole new facet of our world to tackle. But, as with most things of that nature, I'm just excited to figure it out. Even if that also brings the horizon closer, a horizon that holds a whole other civilisation that considered us the enemy. Another walled world. I think. At least, that seemed to be what Eren's Father's notes say, his memories showed some walls as well, and Vincent's work mentioned that kind of thing. I suppose at some point we might have to travel there. To get intel if nothing else.

Well that's daunting to consider.

As I enjoyed my morning tea down by the water, I heard the first patrols heading out, their chatter carrying on the salted air. It would be at least another day before Mikasa, Eren and Jean rode back into view, but no doubt they were making good time. Mikasa would have it no other way.

My hair whipped in the breeze and I breathed deep. My side was healing well, I'd be able to ride today. So maybe–

"Morning, brat." Levi raised his tea to me as he walked across the sands towards me. The morning light cast across his pale skin, his uniform perfect as always, cape softly drifting against the wind. He clunked his mug to mine and sipped. "Beautiful morning, isn't it?"

"Mm, not bad at all." I smiled and sipped. "Any reason you're out here? Didn't think you were all that keen on the water."

"I'm not in it, am I?" He looked to the waves and wrinkled his nose. "Unsanitary."

I snorted. "Alright, so just admiring from the dry bit. Fair."

"Exactly. Plus I needed some way of escaping the Commander."

"Oh? She on a rampage of some kind?"

"Plans." He sighed tiredly, sipping again and shaking his head. "All good ones, but just a lot of them. Although I admit one did peak my interest."

I leaned against him. "Do share."

"She was talking about a more in-depth patrol of the island's outskirts, beyond what those brats are already doing. Looking for more minute details, beyond the sweep for landing sites." He tilted his head. "Wondered if you fancied accompanying me, Sanshi."

"Just the two of us?"

He smirked. "Well, Titans are mainly known to head directly in the southern direction, so heading East or West we'd be beyond their usual route. We'd go armed of course, but it's not expected that we'll find more than a couple of stragglers. And… Well to put it bluntly, we are some of the top soldiers on hand currently."

"Fair…" I sipped again and let my eye wander along the coastline that we could see. There was so much about our island that we didn't know. And of course the biggest question still hanging over us all. I pursed my lips. "We might find the source."

He nodded. "We'll be careful of course. And any sign of anything like that, or trouble, and we'll retreat. Hanji will send patrols out after us, in the same direction a little further each day after we've left, setting up posts where we can. Even if only to later check that they haven't been tampered with."

"Alright… Sounds good. A strange sort of honeymoon, I guess?"

He chuckled. "She said you'd say that. And yeah, I suppose it will be. A mission, sure, but also some time just to ourselves, without any cadets underfoot."

"When you put it like that… Not too shabby at all." I hummed. "How long do you think we'll be gone?"

He shrugged, that smirk sneaking back into place. "Could be a couple of weeks."

A couple of weeks, alone with Levi. My mind drifted back to our small apartment, to cosy tea by rainy windows, to the tranquil peace of his company, to the bliss promised. I grinned and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

He snorted. "That's a yes, I take it, Cadet Sanshi?"

"Hells yes, Captain."

He winked and made his way back towards camp to make arrangements. I looked back out to the sea and breathed deep. I dared to hope.

Then I jolted. "Levi! What about–"

"They'll be closely watched, I promise." He had stopped and turned to me, not wavering at all. He wasn't mocking. Not dismissing. Just there, knowing my pain and understanding that jolt of panic. Valerie and her cronies would be kept locked up tight, they weren't getting away. My heart swelled. He nodded. "Be back at camp soon, a signal from Ackerman has been sighted, so they'll return within the hour probably. And I believe we have an appointment later on?"

Ah. Once everyone is gathered, the wedding can go ahead.

I bit my lip. "Wouldn't want to be late."

"Quite right. See you back at camp, Sanshi."

"Yes, sir!"

Keza arrived in a whirlwind. I realise that I should have seen that coming, but when she came barrelling towards me with that deranged look in her eye, I admit I was shocked to the spot. Something was draped over her arm in a protective bag, and she had another bag, smaller and more like a handbag on her other arm. Oh. I was being prettied, wasn't I? Normally I had no issue with this, but that look, it was like she was planning something insidious. Before I could scarper, she had grabbed my arm and wrangled me towards an empty tent, one seemingly set up specifically for this.

She sat me down, gave a couple barks for some supplies (tea, something light to eat, Mikasa and Sasha as helpers and no men to be anywhere near), and then rounded on me with the broadest grin I'd ever seen. The want to run returned. But I just stayed put and let her work. Brushes combed through my hair, fingers then twisting it and pinning it into places. I just closed my eyes. I trusted she was going to make me beautiful, not like a tacky window display.

Tea was brought and Sasha presented me with some sandwiches. Apparently it would be good to give me something to settle my stomach – though I suppose that was with the assumption I would be nervous. And I suppose I was meant to be, wasn't I? Marriage. A big step. All that connotation and weight to the word. And yet… I was calm. Even with the word being so twisted up in darkness for me beforehand. My parents, their marriage was built on fear, booze and submission; it had been the leash with which Vincent held my mother hostage, keeping her in line, holding her to the vows they took. Without that she'd be penniless, lost. He owned her. But I knew that wasn't the case here. Sat sipping my tea, I looked back on the day Levi had asked me that question. Or rather, stated it. 'Marry me'

A rainy day, we'd just got back inside and were putting on some tea to enjoy after our outing. The kettle whined. He poured the water into the pot. I wanted to hear the rain so I unlatched the window and let in the crisp air, listening to the rain dapple the sill and the cobbles below. My hands felt the cool window sill as I braced there and enjoyed watching people milling around downstairs, going about their lives, enjoying their mundane freedom. It was beautiful. Really, it was what we Scouts were fighting for. A simple beauty, a simple freedom. And I basked in it, sitting there, hugging a knee to my chest, letting myself simply feel that wonderful calmness sink into my bones. A normal life. So tangible all of a sudden, with a home and someone to love me simply for being me. And then I felt him staring. My eyes had returned to him and found that strange look in his eye, longing? Or something I couldn't quite identify. I'd looked down in case I'd spilled something, but there wasn't any marks on me other than a few drops from the rain. So why was he looking at me like that? I'd laughed, a little nervous even then to have his adoration so wholly aimed at me. Just me.

Blushing, I'd bitten my lip. "What're you staring at, you–"

"Marry me."

And he said it. Like a plea it left his lips, softly, calmly, but so sincerely. I was stunned to the spot in all honesty – we had discussed a future, and we'd even spoken of marriage briefly, but for him to want to actively take that step was something else. That made it so real. He'd laughed at me, presumably finding my confusion amusing before he went to the bedroom and came back with the ring. And then he came to my side and dropped to one knee.

I held the ring ahead of myself now, it having been returned to me by Hanji the day before. My engagement ring. I hadn't really worn it for long, had I? Then again, I could still wear it even with a wedding band. It was beautiful; the stone a light topaz, set into a thin band of silver that gently twisted. And it had become so much more than a simple ring, hadn't it? It was when we had been hopeful, when we had said 'fuck it' to Fate. When we had been so bold. When we had looked ahead and said 'yes, that's what I want'. And that had helped me so much in the dark days that would follow, it would, help me scrape off that muck, push past that pain, and keep fighting for what still might be possible.

So no, I had no cold feet. I wasn't nervous. Because I believed in that ring, I believed in a future for me and Levi, I believed in simple days where we made tea and watched the sun set, holding each other, simply being free.

"Alright, time for the dress." Keza winked and stepped away to the covered garment she had over her arm before. She held it up and undid the fastening, revealing an elegant gown, one that I'd have never dreamed of wearing myself.

I stood and went over to it, fingertips grazing the fine fabric, silken and delicate to the touch. It was a deep green, richer than that of our capes, but a nod to the regiment all the same. Small green beads were sown into the bodice, twisting like ivy up and over the shoulders, where they cascaded into two glittering wing-like designs along the back of the gown. It was long, but would only trail a little on the ground. It was perfect.

She hummed. "I had this commissioned as soon as I knew."

That made my eyes itch with happy tears. "Always believed we'd get back to this point, huh?"

"Absolutely, Love. I never had a doubt."

"It's… It's beautiful."

"Just like the lady that's going to be wearing it." Keza bit her lip. "Now strip and let's get this bad-boy on you."

"How much did yo–"

"I know some people, love, consider this a gift from the people of Stohess if you must." She then helped me get into the gown, giving me some simple but dainty shoes as well, and then touching up my hair again. Then a little make-up, not much but enough to 'heighten that pretty face god damn it' as she said.

Then she stepped back and the other two did as well. They beamed. Mikasa even looked a little teary eyed. I turned and took in the image of myself from the mirror. Oh. For a second I didn't recognise myself. At all. I stepped closer, hands running along the silken skirt of my gown, gently raising to touch my styled hair. I looked… Pretty. I had never felt particularly ugly I suppose, but this was the first time I'd really seen myself look so refined. Not a detail out of place. My auburn hair was pinned back slightly, left to tumble in gentle curls for the most part, but a few sections were braided or adorned with those same beads as my dress. The brightness of my hair was complimented perfectly by the dress's green, and my pale complexion balanced it all out nicely. The beads shone in the dim light, and the little bit of make-up just highlighted my features. A lady. I looked like a proper lady, and I guess a bride.

"You like?" Keza stepped up close, putting an arm around me.

"You work wonders…" I laughed softly and she rolled her eyes at me, giving a light squeeze.

"I had a damn good canvas. You're ready love, well, no you're dressed, how you feeling about the rest of it?"

I turned to her and took her hands in mine. "Ready. Beyond ready."

"Alright, you heard the woman, can you two go see how the Scowling groom is doing?"

They nodded and left, me and Keza left in the dim tent, holding each others hands, the faint sound of the sea in the distance. We had come a long way from those two scrappy kids hiding under bakeries, watching the rain, pretending to be turtles under wooden boxes.

She smiled, the tears brewing for her now. "I'm so proud of you, Love."

"That I got into a dress?"

She snorted. "Well there's that, but also taking this step. The optimism… I got the dress, sure, but I still worried I'd see this kind of… I dunno, this kind of hope in you again, not after everything you've been through these last few years. But look at you. The blushing bride, about to be all lovey dovey with that man who adores you. I cannot tell you how much I want you both to have a long and happy life together, but I know for you it's more about the present, the now, the moments. So drink it in, y'hear? Drink it in and bask in this beautiful moment." She pulled me close and hugged me tightly. "I love you so much."

"Like I love you." I breathed, holding her close, allowing that beautiful moment in itself to sink into me. She was my tie to the past that I never had to outrun, my sister bound in struggles, my Keza. I was so glad to have this moment with her, and longed for all the other moments to come. "Now then, I should probably get to that alter… or whatever set-up has actually been sorted out."

"I gave Goggles my instructions." Keza offered her arm to lead the way outside.

At first it was like the camp had emptied, but no, it was simply calm and quiet. Most cadets would be attending, but a few were still on duty, just in case. They nodded as we passed, or stopped to give full-on salutes. I focused on Keza holding my arm. The sun was just beginning to descend towards the horizon, that golden light glazing everything as it began to burn deeper. The sand shifted under my feet. The sea crashed against the shore. My heart beat harder and harder. Excitement. It filled me to the brim, and as we turned another corner to head onto the beach itself, I gasped a little. Everyone stood down by the shore, on two sides, with an aisle down the middle. At the head of that aisle was a small podium (probably a couple of supply crates covered in a big cape) where Hanji stood behind, in her finery, and she gave a signal for the music to begin. I couldn't even see the players, but soft violins peeled into the air and gave us a tempo to follow down the aisle.

And there was Levi.

Stood by the podium in his finery, initially facing away from me. But as the music grew, he took a deep breath and turned to me, his eyes widening that little bit – which for him was essentially his jaw hitting the floor, so I'd take that as quite the reaction. He scanned me. He stood a little straighter somehow, despite being immaculate already, and he clasped his hands tight. Everyone was staring, but I just focused on Levi, on him watching me, waiting for me there, ready to take this step with me into the future, regardless of what was waiting for us. Together.

Keza handed me over, his hand so sure and strong as I took it, and we stood before our Commander and friend, who was doing her best to withhold the tears.

And then we had our ceremony. Bathed in the golden light of an ending day, we began something new. We shared vows, we made our promises, and we sealed it in a tender kiss. Those watching cheered, they clapped, and I felt their hopes for us, their relief that this had happened and perhaps a little bit of jealousy as well. I hoped we would all live in a world where such a wonderful and 'normal' (whatever that really means) moment could be had by all that wanted it.

It was perfect.

It was wonderful.

Fuck anything else that tried to hurt us, tried to separate us, we had taken this step and refused to let fear win. That meant we had come out on top. We had faced those terrors and said 'fuck it'. And I would always be proud of us for that. We faced our friends, hand in hand, rings on, grinning (or I was at least, he was probably closer to a smirk). We had done it. They were there for us and now we could move forward together.

And now, I was Robyn Ackerman. I could leave 'Sanshi' behind me, like those smoking embers. Goodbye. I have moved forward and claimed my new life. And I am bold enough to say it, damn it, I am happy.

With our planned mission to go around the island still ahead of us, Hanji had done a little bit of extra set up for us apparently. An hour or so ride away a tent had been set up near the shoreline, where the grass began to give way to sand. It had been thoroughly scouted out, and was free of all threats. We would take our supplies, our gear, all of that, but we would rest there for our first night. Our wedding night. And then continue our journey after that. A mission yes, but in a way a sort of honeymoon too.

Keza would travel back to town the next day, staying tonight to enjoy a few drinks with the Commander. She helped us load up the horses and then also helped me out of my beautiful dress. She'd keep it safe. I held her close once again and she gave me her congrats. It wasn't the same as having a parent there perhaps, but it was just as important. She was my foundation. To have had her there was vital. And I held her for far longer than necessary.

"Alright," she laughed, wriggling free of my embrace. "Time for you to head off on that honeymoon and get your brain fucked out."

"Keza!" I laughed and she winked.

"Go enjoy yourself, you've earned it and so much more."

"Safe travels back to town."

She dipped her head and headed towards the Commander's tent, never having been one for standing around waving at people as they left.

The Commander however, was. And she was a couple of wines deep already. She had set us up with ample supplies, camping gear, and everything else we might need. Not so much that we would need a wagon, but enough that we would be out on the road for a good while. It felt strange to be setting off in such a small group. A duo. Just me and Levi. I think the others were a little nervous, obviously they were, but considering we had encountered battle now, the open world, and everything else that came with a Scout, on top of which was the brand new experience of the ocean before us, and nothing else had triggered for either me or Levi, I felt confident. Beyond that, Levi had my phrasing. I had my loophole. And we couldn't stay amongst others at all times – not with our future ahead of us. My rings were a new weight upon my hand, but a welcome one.

And I think it was playing on his mind too, as we prepared to depart. Occasionally I'd catch sight of him looking at that hand, lingering for a moment too long and then biting back a smile. He was pretty big on symbols I guess. Having dedicated his life to those wings across our backs, now he had a gold band to uphold. Even now I was still learning so much about him. I looked forward to learning even more.

Eren and the others gathered round to say their goodbyes, and while Eren looked uneasy, same with Jean, neither of them said anything except congratulations and good luck. I appreciated their concern, but in that moment I also appreciated their trust.

Hanji came over and put her hand on my knee as I sat up in the saddle, clasping the reins tightly. She smiled up at me, her good eye so much brighter since we found the shoreline.

"You look after each other, okay? And if there's any sign of trou–"

"We'll be careful. Of Titans, and everything else." I winked and put my hand on top of hers. "We're going to be fine. And hopefully we can find you some solid intel."

"Or an encouraging lack of it." She chuckled, squeezing my hand.

"Exactly."

Then her expression sobered and she encouraged me to lean a little closer. "I won't let them escape, by the way. They're going to face justice."

Ah. Valerie and her goons. I nodded and did my best to conceal the shiver that ran through my spine.

Hanji gave a sorry smile. "You will have your closure."

"Thanks H-Hanji. I'll trust you to keep an eye on them."

"Good luck."

And we were off. They waved, and me and Levi headed towards a new horizon together. The exact size of the island was hard to gauge, we had no maps beyond the few sketches from both Eren's Father and Vincent. And their initial patrol had been a quick one from Mikasa etc. so our own journey's length was a little vague. Regardless, we would learn a lot about our world, and our place in it.

We'd likely learn a fair bit about ourselves too.

Ta daaaaah! Cya next time!