AN: R & R , enjoy the epilogue!
"I don't know if I can do this…" Spyro said short of breath, clutching a paw tight as he was seemingly stressed and in panic mode as he spoke, paws trembling a little before he saw a familiar golden dragonfly hover near him.
"Hey, you've done far scarier things as far as I'm concerned! You go out there and hit this thing on the head!" Sparx said in a comforting tone.
"You're right…it's just…I don't think I was even this scared when we approached the gates of Malefor's fortress." Spyro added, rubbing his paws together. "I don't know Sparx…I just really want this to go great. I'm terrified of screwing this up."
"Hey that's reasonable!" Spyro heard Flame speak up now, patting him on the back with their own paw. "It's a big day, but like Sparx said, you've definitely faced scarier things than this!"
"I know Flame, I just…barely got any sleep last night thinking about this. I don't want anything to go wrong." Spyro shuddered.
"Spyro, look at me." Spyro turned his gaze onto Sparx now, who was right in his eyes now. "You've wanted this for a while. Would you go to one end of the world to the other to see this day happen?"
"Yes…" Spyro muttered.
"You'd do anything for her no matter the odds?" Sparx asked now.
"Yes!" Spyro answered, his voice a bit more firmly.
"Then get out there and nail this!" Sparx darted around and began trying to shove Spyro to no avail, but his purple brother go the message and rose to all four legs once again and approached the doors ahead of him, hesitating for a long moment…he could hear the voices outside. With a deep inhale and exhale, Spyro threw the door open with his paws, light immediately assaulting his eyes.
And then there was a great cheer of voices all around.
Before his little group was an absolutely massive gathering of dragons, moles, cheetahs, atlawa, and manweersmalls…long rows of golden carpet rolled out before his paws at the doors of the building he emerged from.
Spyro took a long moment to observe his paws…so much larger than they once were. His forearms were that of almost a fully sized dragon's own…how had that happened? Not so long ago he was still hitting one of his major growth spurts.
But then again, six years would do that.
In the six years since Spyro and Cynder had defeated Malefor, so much had changed within the great dragon city, Warfang. Repairs had come swiftly to the city finally with the newly announced alliance between the Warfang Council and the other races which had thrown their support in to help add a new level of security to the realm once again.
With the aid of the atlawa the walls were repaired once more along with each major district…and with the manweersmalls, the entire city had been reinforced with stronger steel and raw material which was far higher quality than almost anywhere else in the dragon realm.
Spyro and all of his friends had changed a lot in those six years. Spyro had more than doubled in size after hitting twenty-four years in age, a year ago now. Since then, he and Flame had both hit the second to last major growth spurt which would strike them until they gained another year or two of age. Spyro was met with a cheer of familiar voices, his eyes meeting Granite, Storm, Hunter, and Ignius as they applauded their purple friend emerging with Flame.
Spyro's wings were large and regal in appearance, the gold underbelly, membranes, and horns of his shining brightly in the sun as it bore down upon the dragon city. His muscles were much more defined after six years of being forced to undertake Terrador's strict training regime, neck having extended greatly like his tail, secondary set of horns growing in along with the fins which had grown in along his jaw matching the one between his horn and going down the back of his neck. Another set starting to grow in on his shoulders in a fin wing-like design.
Truly, this was the purple dragon the realm had been promised. Where Malefor had been corrupted and twisted by the darkness he perceived to master, Spyro had stalwartly held fast against the powers which corrupted the first purple dragon. He was adorned in a bright red gambeson which nearly dragged against the ground beneath him, golden embroidery inlayed into the quilted layer with a purple amethyst crystal placed at the crest of his torso. There were a few gold rings piercing his wing membrane now, not one for the jewelry like Cynder, but it was something which made him happy to have wing piercings.
Granite had grown to his full size by now, same as Storm, both rivaling Terrador and Volteer in stature now. Granite's horns had been granted a second pair of forward-facing bull-like horns, bulging muscles and a strong overall physique. Storm like his close friend had grown to his full size, but unlike Granite was still filling out his form with muscle…he still had his breathing issue which hit worst while flying, but they were hopeful he could condition past it. His fins had grown in fully along his jaw and down the front of his neck and shoulders, matching the yellow scales with white membranes as to his wings and underbelly. His secondary horns had taken a differing angle, tilting behind the original set in a curved fashion which contrasted from the high reaching hooked primary horns he had.
The change in Ignius had been terrifying to see, he looked so much like a young Ignitus. The same scal color and horns, the only real difference he could see between Ignius and his father was actually the shape of his eyes…he'd gotten Magnacia's eyes, just not the color. Truth be told it was scary in some ways to see Ignius look so much like his father after the years which had passed.
Flame had taken a similar turn as Spyro, Terrador's training regime had worked strong muscles into them both, about as filled out as Spyro was now, wings not quite as large as Spyro's, as well he was only sporting a small set of secondary horns which trailed behind his original ones – though his horns had actually taken on a differing shape from the straight points they once were, curving back and arching a little.
All of them were wearing similar attire to Spyro now, gambesons with gold embroidery, the only differing feature being the color of their attire instead being green in color. Even Sparx had a small little cloak of red cloth he wore to try and match Spyro as best he could. Hunter who had been relatively quiet was adorned in a green robe and hood – much more colorful than his usual attire when he was hunting in Avalar.
"We were worried you'd chickened out." Granite smiled, Spyro sheepishly smiling back at the large earth dragon.
"Just got butterflies in his belly…I wish I did, maybe I wouldn't feel so hungry." Sparx frowned as he buzzed after Spyro.
"How you can be so small, yet food driven baffles me." Storm glanced at Sparx as they began walking after Spyro in an organized fashion. Flame, Hunter, and Sparx were directly on Spyro's left and right flank a foot or two behind - Granite, Storm, and Ignius marching in a line of three behind the dragon-cheetah-dragonfly trio.
"You look well, Spyro…truly, this is a momentous day." Hunter spoke up finally. "Are you ready?"
"Ask me again in a million years if I'll every truly be ready for this…but I think I'm as ready as I can be." Spyro let out a deep exhale.
"You're ready…you both are." Ignius added with a smile, meeting Spyro's gaze as the two exchanged glances.
As they continued walking through the crowd, they spotted a few familiar faces growing closer. Ultis and several other members of the Warfang Guard lined the entire pathway as they walked along the golden carpet before them, ceremoniously standing guard as the party passed by them. Spyro spotted Kane along with Mole-yair and his brother Exhumor standing not too far off from the central gathering before the statue of Ignitus in the tower square. He turned his gaze a bit further, taking note of Prowlus, Maiev, Meadow, and the mole governor Mason standing not too far off.
Rhadal, Nix, Tempest, and Ler were standing at the edge of the crowd before the statue between all both groups of the cheetahs, atlawa, mole, and manweersmalls. On the other end in front of the base of the empty statue stands and the statue of Ignitus was the guardians. Magnacia, Cyril, Volteer, and Terrador at the forefront of the group, all dressed in fine gambesons with decorative crystals and metal embroidery.
Then his eyes met both Flash and Nina, his two surrogate dragonfly parents waving and giving him proud looks as he and Sparx both passed by. Apparently more of the dragonflies had wanted to come, but with such a long flight some were a bit worried about the journey, but he knew for a fact his parents wouldn't miss this.
Spyro let out a deep shuddering sigh as they finally reached the base of Ignitus' statue, sitting down on his haunches next to Terrador. Ignius, Flame, Hunter, and Storm took a position behind Spyro now, Sparx close by his brother's side. Terrador smiled, placing a paw on Spyro's shoulder, who was still looking unbearably shaken.
"Don't fret, Spyro, today will be a good day which the entire realm will be remembering for years to come." Terrador affirmed, Spyro giving the earth guardian a smile. "If Ignitus could be here right now, he'd be so proud of you both and how far you've come." He added, Spyro did his best to avoid tearing up…there would be time for happy tears soon.
Spyro glanced around, looking for someone specific…but he couldn't spot whoever it was, turning his gaze to Terrador now.
"Did Aurula not accept the invitation? We hoped to have them and Zephyrra come in good faith." Spyro asked of the earth guardian, who just let out a deep sigh.
"I've been trying with her, Spyro…I'm afraid she'll just need more time. There's still a lot of old heartache for her…and thus, Zephyrra couldn't come either.
Spyro frowned at that…for close to six years, Aurula had never gotten past their issues with Cynder, and through that resentment, her daughter had never gotten the chance to really socialize with and join their group.
"I see…something to worry about later then, I guess." Spyro sighed, earning a slow nod from Terrador who begrudgingly agreed with the purple dragon's assessment.
Not too far off, an assembly of moles and two cheetahs reached for their instruments after a dragon leaned down to whisper something to them. The three moles were all playing string instruments. A violin, cello, and a viola. The two cheetahs with them had wind instruments, the first playing in a dual drone flute, the other was just a simple single flute – both crafted by finely carved and coated wood.
With their instruments in hand, the group began to play a slow, gentle tune to announce the arrival of the next group and the beginning of the ceremony.
The song was beautiful to Spyro, so soft and welcoming as it played slowly for the assembled audience of various races. From across the way he could see down the white carpet rolled out along the other side leading from the square and the statues before the canals of the square…he saw the doors open in the building across.
The first to emerge were Emera and Eletara. Both beautiful in their own right, Emera was filled out and had developed great wings of emerald scales. Her secondary and third set of horns had grown in wonderfully to accent her original crescent shaped set of horns. Eletara was tall and spindly in appearance after hitting her final growth spurt, no secondary set of horns growing in around her ram-styled horns, instead developing fins around her horns which matched her original hue like Volteer's own fins he possessed.
Both were dressed in silky blue robe-like adornments which flowed loosely in the soft breeze passing through the city. The next to emerge was Galacion and Ember at her side, both wearing similar robes as the others wore, though except that their own had pinkes sash which crossed over the front of her chests.
Galacion's stag-like horns had grown in an even more artistic fashion, spiked angular fins forming around her horns, wings larger than even her mother's at this point. A striking figure of icy beauty which had all, especially Ignius, a little short of breath. Ember meanwhile had been the slowest to grow, but here she was. A bit more rounded than the other dragonesses there, but lovely in every sense of the word. Her majestic back-turned horns had been accented by a second pair, no fins to speak of though…and that heart shaped tail blade had seemingly grown sharper!
None could compare however when the next figure emerged and Spyro could only feel his heart skip several beats.
Cynder stepped into the light past the doors of the building on the opposite end…dressed in a silver colored gown with the illusion of twinkling stars woven into the design of the silky silver cloth. To top it off, she wore a tiara of silver which clung to the sides of her horns with shining jewels inlayed.
Cynder herself made Spyro's heart race. He had gotten glimpses of what she would look like as an adult all those years ago, but the Terror of the Skies was that beauty twisted into a weapon. Gangly legs and a thin torso which didn't look healthy. This form Cynder took now just really accented her true self. Long, thin but athletic legs which filled out beautifully as they merged into her torso, the crest of red scales leading into her main body which didn't look malnourished and twisted, but developed and athletic after years of proper exercise from the black dragoness. Her neck was long and she actually surpassed Spyro in height at the head, where he outweighed her in muscle.
He was so busy studying her for a long moment that he almost failed entirely to notice all the jewelry she was wearing! Her silver bracelets and anklets with the matching tail cuff and choker. She wore a set of dangling silver and diamond inlayed bead-like pieces from each of her main six horns…as if wearing the finest adornment of royalty which just made her black scales and bright green eyes light him up even more.
Her wings were positively massive, a trademark adult feature of her own, cementing the idea of what ties Cynder had to the wind dragons and her ancestry. Her horns had fully grown in, the two long ivory-white horns with her three descending levels of horns which got shorter with each pair. Unlike many other dragons present she hadn't developed fins, but instead a few dulled spikes in a few spots…but nothing which drew away from that beautiful face and those striking emerald eyes.
Where Galacion may have had regal beauty, Cynder just had it come to her naturally…in every sense of the word 'beauty', and it truly took Spyro's breath away.
With every step they took and got closer, he felt his heart race even faster…to the point it felt as though it would leap from his chest and make itself known to the world as he gazed upon Cynder. Her eyes met his, and she smiled sheepishly at the purple dragon…perhaps she was just as nervous as he was? Who could say…because if she was, they made no indication as they continued approaching the gathering before Terrador.
Spyro lost count of the seconds until finally she was standing right before him, twinkling emeralds meeting his bright amethyst eyes. The song reached its peak until finally Ember, Galacion, Eletara, and Emera lined together behind the black dragoness. Cynder continued walking straight for him…until she was directly in front of the purple dragon, their eyes locked with one another as they stood before Granite, and upon her stopping, the music came to a halt…leaving the entire gathering in silent suspense.
Terrador cleared his throat, raising his mighty wings along with his forepaws to gain the attention of everyone gathered.
"Dragons, cheetahs, moles, manweersmalls, atlawa…today we all gather for this most wonderful ceremony…where we've come to honor the union of these two young souls, these heroes. It just seems like yesterday that they saved our world fighting side by side…and here they are, wishing to spend the rest of their long lives together." Terrador smiled at the assembly, his words earning an applause from the audience.
"Spyro…Cynder…I've been truly honored to watch your stories begin ever since your eggs were left at the dragon temple…when Spyro first brought Cynder back to the temple, I feared there would be drama…perhaps even a rivalry. However, Cynder wished to make amends from the beginning, and Spyro did his best to make her feel welcome despite everything that happened…and I believe I speak for the guardians as a whole when I say it's been a wonderful experience to see you two develop into a blooming couple. Such a fierce bond that the dragon kingdoms haven't known for many generations." Terrador smiled at them both, a rare thing to see from the earth guardian.
"Spyro, Cynder, for seven years of my life, I've seen you both go from many stages. Enemies, friends, comrades…and now as lovers. Time and time again you've both overcome all odds thrown your way no matter what. You've both stood stalwartly against everything thrown at you both and did so together. I love you both…and I'm so very proud of you." Terrador said with a proud look on his face.
"I love you too." Cynder said cheerfully.
"Love you, Terrador." Spyro added, the two younger dragons addressing the leader of the guardians.
"I know wherever he is, Ignitus is cheering you both on…I wish he could be here so that he could be in the spot I find myself in, but I'm sure he's watching over this union." Terrador says before wiping a tear away. Magnacia just looked on with a joyous look, an expression she didn't often show, secretly this reminded her a lot of her own wedding with Ignitus so long ago.
Volteer had the waterworks rolling, tears rolling down his cheeks…much like Tempest, the two really were of the same mind and heart as they bore witness to the wedding ceremony, always one who was so open with his emotions at times.
Cyril, meanwhile, watched with a stoic smile…but deep down he was happy for them both as they shared this moment. He glanced to Nix, the two exchanging smiles knowingly…the two were perfect for one another and this union was a truly good omen for the entire realm as the kingdom bore witness to this harmonious ceremony, before returning his gaze to Spyro and Cynder.
"Now…I believe you both prepared your own vows…who would prefer to go first?" Terrador asks softly, Spyro inhaling first and giving Terrador a nod, indicating to give him the spot first.
This was a moving moment for Spyro…he'd felt nothing but almost crippling nervousness…but here, lookight right into Cynder's eyes as he prepared to speak from his heart, he felt nothing but confidence. The confidence that this was the right path, that he wanted to spend his life with Cynder by their side. Some had questioned the decision to share such a ceremony together when they were still so young…but deep down, after the night which led to this moment, when Spyro had asked the question.
Spyro and Cynder had come to the valley together to spend a few days away from their training and the academy…Cyril had been hesitant to give them time away, but the rest of the guardians had been more than happy to allow them free time to take a trip to the valley. And the whole time they had been journeying there and the time they spent there…a burning question raged in Spyro's heart.
The two dragons landed somewhere they hadn't honestly ever expected to return to…and Cynder immediately recognized it.
"This…this is the cave. The one where…" She marveled as they walked through the open mouth…as if they had just been there mere minutes prior to their arrival.
"Where we stayed after fixing the world…after defeating Malefor. When we confessed to one another that we loved each other." Spyro smiled, the two exchanging a knowing glance as they took a seat. Much had changed over the course of five years since their encounter with Adimere. The training which had begun years prior, a few scattered grublin threats, and various issues in the realm…nothing world shaking, but also nothing they couldn't best.
The one constant was that Spyro and Cynder continued to stand at each other's side.
"Yeah…doesn't feel like so long ago we admitted our feelings to one another…still one of my favorite memories." Cynder smiled, glancing over her shoulder at Spyro, waving her tail ever so slightly before turning back around, leaning in with her long neck to nuzzle him some.
They had spent a lovely day in the valley…chasing after one another in the open skies, sharing a meal with the cheetahs in Hunter's village…doing such simple things with her was more and more cementing the ideas in his head. If they could stand by each other at the very end of the world and just spend the day together playing like hatchlings, what couldn't they do?
Beneath the light of the Celestial Moons, she just looked so beautiful…the moonlight reflecting silvery beams off of her ebony and runed scales…those emerald eyes shining at him like seas of jewel-like green majesty.
In that moment, he felt his heart leap into his throat…and knew if he didn't ask the question now, he never would…life was too short despite their long lifespans as dragons. Too short to simply not say these things and risk them never getting said.
"Cynder, I…I…I-." He trailed off, her attention being more firmly placed on him as he hesitated, giving him a curious look, patient however as she had never sought to rush him when he took on that more serious expression.
"I need to say this now." Spyro exhaled deeply, taking one of her paws into his own, tracing a claw over her dark scales.
"Is everything alright, Spyro?" She asks softly…to which he'd just nod.
"Everything is perfect…in fact, every moment next to you, is perfect. Every day I wake up next to the most amazing dragoness in the entire realm by my side…we perform our studies together, we train together…I…" He felt his voice hitch in his throat, his words causing Cynder's brow to crease.
"Where are you going with this, Spyro?" She asked softly, giving his paws a squeeze.
"Cynder…I love you…and I can't imagine myself a hundred years from now without you being next to me. You were side by side with me when we faced down Malefor, against all odds during the war…and if we can face down the lowliest grublin together, or a would-be mad god, then I can't imagine what we can't accomplish together and…I want to go all the way with you." He smiled, leaning in until their foreheads pressed together gently. "Cynder…will you…marry me?" He asked finally, feeling as though his heart would stop from how fast it was beating.
His question caught her off guard visibly, the dragoness' eyes widening into saucers…but she didn't recoil…not a single noise escaped her in that moment as she processed the question.
"Spyro…I…wow. I…" Cynder fumbled with her words now, a nervous look crossing her face now as she tried to vocalize her thoughts.
"Dammit…I knew I shouldn't have asked, I just-." Spyro started freaking out internally, that panic coming out into his words, but he was quickly interrupted when the black dragoness cupped his chin and pulled him in for a quick kiss, stalling his thoughts entirely in that instant. Their eyes closed tightly, holding each other close in that electric embrace for several long moments…her pulling him close for that embrace helped calm both of their minds seemingly.
Finally, they'd break apart, heads pressing together again.
"It was just a lot to think about all at once…silly drake…you have been my hero and my biggest supporter since you saved my life. I don't think I could ever begin to repay you for every bit of kindness you've shown me over the years since we got out of that crystal and when you freed me from…his control. I…I don't think I could ever ask for a better boyfriend…nor someone better to be married to." Cynder giggled, leaning in to lick his cheek.
"So you…?!" Spyro's brain started working again, eyes meeting her own once again.
"Yes, yes! Spyro…I will marry you." She said lovingly, the two dragons holding each other close in the emotional moment. The two would kiss one another again, pushing hard into one another now as they seemingly began venting their emotions into the embrace.
She raised a paw up to trace her claws delicately over his cheek, the kiss growing more and more heated with every prolonged second as it was maintained…but for the first time, instead of recoiling from one another as soon as their kisses began to grow more warm…they just held each other even closer.
Neither of them could remember how they began rolling over each other, as if trying to assert themselves in a more physical showing of their passion for one another. The two wrestling together as they simultaneously embraced one another in that loving moment.
The details weren't suitable to share with just anyone…but that night had quickly become their most beloved memory in such a short time…finally giving themselves unto each other in the ultimate display of their love with no one else present except the moonlight bathing their scales. And now, they would show that love for the entire world to see in a safer way.
"Cynder…" Spyro began. "For years, we've had each other's backs through everything. Time and time again we've had to fight back-to-back…and I'd have it no other way. We've shared so many things together. Our home…our secrets. We were with each other when the world was seemingly coming apart all around us. You were by my side through the worst of it all…and it's really crazy…because every day spent with you feels impossible and amazing all at once. The thought that I can spend my life with someone as incredible as you seems impossible…and yet, here we are…" Spyro smiles, leaning in as they pressed their muzzles together some.
"You're incredible…funny…so unbelievably smart.. You're brave…unwavering, you've never shied away no matter the odds…and I'll always be here to guide you home when you feel lost…and I know you would too." Spyro smiled, letting out a deep shuddering sigh as he finished his thoughts. Anyone who wasn't shedding tears was already getting ready to do so…even Sparx couldn't help but feel tears begin rolling down his cheeks.
Cynder felt tears stream down her cheeks now, doing her best to dry them as she took a deep inhale and exhaled slowly.
"Spyro…you have been my hero in so many ways. You saved me from myself, convexity, Gaul, Malefor…and myself again. You're so kind…the sweetest dragon to every grace this world. You protected my honor when others would tear me down for my past…you love and cherish me every day in a way that simple words can never do justice. But I suppose that's why we also express it through actions…and I'm ready for us to spend our lives together." Cynder said with a shuddering voice.
"Where everyone thought I was potentially beyond saving…you never gave up. When I gave up on myself…you didn't. Every time the odds seemed stacked against me…you've been there to prove just how wrong I was." She shudders. "I've been helping plan this wedding over a year now…if you told me six years ago that we'd be here now…I may have had a panic attack that sent me to the infirmary. But…I'm here now, and I'd have it no other way." She cups his chin. "I love you…and I would cross the sky for you."
Both of them kept their eyes locked together, shedding joyful tears.
"V-very good…present the ceremonial wreaths please?" Terrador would ask aloud, hiding the fact he was doing his best to avoid crying. Both Galacion and Ember along with Sparx and Flame would be handed long, flowery wreaths large enough to drape over their heads…Sparx had a little help from Flame thankfully. But both parties would drape the flower-lined wreaths around both Spyro and Cynder's necks, giving them both happy looks and approving glances.
Terrador cleared his throat once again.
"Spyro…do you take Cynder to be your mate…your wife…through all hardship and danger, swear to defend her, to cherish and love her as your partner?" Terrador asked gently, baritone voice rumbling.
"I do." Spyro answers firmly, eyes never leaving Cynder's own.
"And Cynder…do you take Spyro to be your mate, your husband, to support him now and always…to challenge any threat which comes your way…now and always?" He turned his gaze to Cynder, who let out a deep shudder and a quiet laugh.
"I do." Cynder responds, emerald eyes glassy.
"Then as leader of the guardians, and with the power vested in me by the Warfang Alliance, I declare you mates…husband and wife." Terrador smiled, backing away now. And before Spyro could even truly react, Cynder lunged onto him with a happy laugh, her paws going around his neck as she held him tightly, the purple dragon's own grasp holding her tightly as they kissed.
The entire city let out a roar of affirmation and joy as they cheered for the newlywed couple, claps and cheers vibrating the very stones they stood upon. Volteer cried like a newborn at the sight of the two, Cyril clapped his paws together, Magnacia smiled adoringly at the two, Nix and the council made their approval known, Tempest silently sobbed as she applauded the two, Nina and Flash hugging together tightly.
Granite and Emera both locked eyes, both stoically playing at their grand game of who could maintain their stonelike demeanor longer…but both couldn't help but crack smiles. Flame and Ember also locked eyes for a moment, both unable to hide a blush crossing their expressions. Storm just gave Eletara a coy grin, and she simply rolled her eyes, mouthing a few words, one of them being 'behave'.
Ignius himself locked eyes with Galacion…it had been a few years since they started seeing each other, but the fire drake gazed adoringly into the ice dragoness' eyes before they returned their attention to the newlyweds. Still…he was lying if he didn't have such ideas, but for now he had Galacion's attention, and she was happy to share her time with the son of Ignitus whenever they both had the spare time between their guardian training and apprenticeships.
Perhaps they were overdue for another date night.
Terrador's thoughts lingered on those who weren't present…specifically Aurula. He had hoped she would look past her issues with Cynder and be present…perhaps he would go and speak to her about the matter soon…it was as good a time as any.
Spyro and Cynder pulled away from each other…despite the booming roar of noise all around them, it may as well have been background noise and little else as their eyes were firmly focused on one another and nothing else…they were the only thing that mattered to one another in that beautiful moment, and they would have it no other way.
The wedding had taken a shift in scenery, the majority of the crowd had dispersed and only a small handful in comparison had moved for the reception on the Silver Pinnacle, the highest reaching point of the tower…damaged by the golem during the war and the attack on Warfang but repaired since then. It was a beautiful place…almost alien in design compared to the rest of the tower of the city and anywhere else left in the realm.
Silver-steel arches of flowing metal which connected it to the tower connecting it to the side of the great tower itself, pillars of marble giving it a grand design of elegant columns of pearly white stone gleaming in the bright sunlight as the day reached mid-afternoon. Dozens of cherry blossom trees so masterfully maintained that the moles never let them lose bloom outside of the winter…the pink petals dotting the ground.
While the wedding planners wanted to have as many gathered on the pinnacle for the reception, having the entire city present at it wasn't ideal. The reception's guest list had been shortened down to Spyro and Cynder's friends, the council members, guardians. Hunter, along with Maiev, Prowlus, and Meadow…and of course, Sparx and his parents.
Some had taken their leave of course…Ulris for one had to reorganize the city below and get the square cleared out before getting the Warfang Guard back to their posts now that the public ceremony had been wrapped up. Kane, Mole-yair, and Exhumor had given the newlyweds their congratulations, but had to return to their respective quarters in the city to prepare for the journey back to Munition's Forge and Tall Plains.
Mason was present, but the mole governor was actively helping direct several proceedings…doing everything he could to ensure this monumental event went smoothly and nothing went wrong…in short, he wouldn't be super involved in socializing for the evening, but they all knew he was there supporting them in his own way.
Everyone waited in silent anticipation for the arrival of Spyro and Cynder to the pinnacle…the doors opening wide as first entered the guardians. Magnacia and Volteer walking side by side, and then emerged Terrador and Cyril, the ice guardian giving a cordial bow.
"May I present the heroes of our age, the newlyweds of the first official dragon wedding many…many years…Spyro and Cynder!" Cyril said cheerfully, stepping aside as both Spyro and Cynder, both still dressed in their ceremony attire. Spyro in his red gambeson layer and Cynder in her silvery robe and shining jewelry which made her twinkle like a star. The two earned an uproar of applause after passing through the double doors.
Both dragons bowed and smiled as they both walked side by side, tails intertwined, Spyro draping a wing over her back and holding her close.
Sparx would hover nearby, raising his voice now, still wearing that red sash which had marked him as a part of Spyro's entourage.
"Alright folks, everyone gets a chance to talk and hang out with the happy couple, Mason's told me food is ready too so don't crowd'em! Once we've had a chance to talk to them, we're going to have the newlywed dance! Hop to it people, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see my brother risk fumbling during a dance!" Sparx laughed, earning an eyeroll from Spyro and Cynder both. "But I'd like to get real for a second."
All eyes were on Sparx now as he hovered between Spyro and Cynder, smiling.
"I think it's safe to say we never knew we'd be here six years ago…but I can say that there's no one more perfect for each other than these two. My little brother who severely outgrew his room in the swamp and the gal who tried to eat me once and instead ended up saving my life a few times. Spyro, Cynder…" Sparx said, doing his best to hold back tears again. "…congratulations to you both!" Sparx cheered, the two newlyweds giving him appreciative looks.
Terrador, meanwhile, made his way to the side…Magnacia was by his side as they spoke quietly, not wishing to interrupt the proceedings.
"Any word from our forward scouts?" Terrador asked softly, the fire guardian giving him a regretful look.
"Yes…and I don't like what I'm hearing. They say the grublins are all over Dante's Freezer and Concurrent Skies…and what's worse, apparently there's been sightings of the beasts heading due northwest…far northwest." Magnacia gave him a knowing look.
"The Mountain of Malefor…" Terrador frowned at that. "Troubling…anything else?" He asked.
"Yes…Prowlus' people told me that the the shadow apes…specters they call them…have seemingly started vanishing from the Valley of Avalar." Magnacia's frown grew more and more severe. "This is all very troubling."
"Just vanishing? So easily? That is concerning…" Terrador sighed.
"Anything we should do tonight?" She asks.
"No…this is a good night…let it stay a good night. We can worry about it more tomorrow. For now, we let Spyro and Cynder enjoy themselves." Terrador returned his earthy-green gaze to the happy couple, the shadow of a smile crossing his expression now.
"So happy…it reminds me a lot of my own wedding with Ignitus…it's just missing Volteer greeting all the people we hadn't invited." Magnacia laughed, Terrador actually letting out a rumbling chuckle.
Meanwhile, the happy couple was locked in talks with their friends collectively as a group.
"Oh, ancestors the outfits were so well done! Galacion you outdid yourself with the choices." Ember said cheerfully, earning a playful pat on the shoulder from the ice dragoness.
"No, no, no…you were the one who helped pull Cynder's entire getup together…so well done!" Galacion retorted. "And Eletara…absolutely brilliant with the decorations, you and Storm did wonderfully!"
"Well, we aim to please!" Storm smiled. "It's the least we could do for you two lovebirds on your big day."
"Too right…we're just glad you two are happy with the outcome…a lot of work went into this and the moles were so excited to see this happen!" Eletara smiled, Spyro and Cynder exchanging happy glances.
"We are…this is all just so…perfect." Cynder sighs, leaning against Spyro's red-clad shoulder, her jewelry jingling a little as she shifts around.
Flame smiled at Spyro, closing in and patting him on the shoulder.
"And…thanks for asking me to be one of your two keepers. Still kind of surprised you asked me to." Flame gave Spyro a genuine smile.
"You've been a great friend to me Flame…everyone has, but you've been like a second brother to me since we entered the academy training together." He gives Flame a curt nod. "Sparx leaving Warfang hit me hard…you helped, and I appreciate it."
"Sheesh, not like me leaving was that serious." Sparx jabbed at Spyro, the two sharing a smile before turning their attention back to the others.
"Ahhh…we'll have plenty of time to talk later after tonight. Let's make some room and give some of the others a chance to talk to them before the dance!" Ignius spoke up finally, earning a nod from Granite.
"Yeah…the lovely couple should get a chance to speak to some of the other guests…" He glances over at Emera. "You think they've got anything good to eat?"
"I'd hope so…we helped assemble the menu!" Emera laughs, glancing back at Spyro and Cynder. "Congratulations you two!" She gives them both a genuine smile, Granite giving them both a half-salute as they made their way to the food table.
The rest of their friends would soon enough disperse, all venturing off their own ways to partake in the festivities. Next to approach was Flash and Nina, Spyro's surrogate parents beaning widely at their adoptive son.
They both flew down to Spyro and Cynder's level, trading between the two as they shared tight, embracing hugs.
"Simply beautiful…" Nina said quietly. "I'm so proud of you my little purple dragonfly." She whispered to Spyro, who just laughed.
"Mom! You swore you'd not call me that!" He protested, but deep down he just relished in both of his parents being present and able to share in this moment.
"All bets are off on a day like this!" Nina grinned, turning her eyes to Cynder now. "I'm so glad my jewelry recommendations were considered…you look absolutely stunning Cynder!" Nina giggled as she hugged Cynder.
"It was a good idea…and it's helped make my entire getup feel extra special, knowing you helped put some of it together when you arrived ahead of Sparx and Flash." She smiled, holding Nina close with a paw.
"Well done, Spyro my boy, well done." Flash grinned, patting his purple son on the shoulder. "You look real sharp tonight."
"Thanks dad…I meant to ask though, how is Elder Spherin doing? Reina was invited too but Sparx said she stayed behind because he wasn't feeling well." Spyro inquired, raising a brow.
Flash's grin seemed to lessen a bit.
"Elder Spherin is strong, but Reina is afraid that the illness with him isn't going away…we've had to consider…" He trailed off but shook his head shortly after. "…well, let's just hope he pulls through. The healers are working diligently to try and aid in his recovery."
"I wish the best for him…and when you go home, give Reina my regards." Spyro gave a weak smile now.
"We will, sweety, but I hope you're not trying to get rid of us so soon before the dance? I've always wanted to see a dragon wedding…and for my first one to be my baby's is too much!" She said giddily.
"Of course, mom…" He grins, side eyeing Cynder, who did the same, cheeks flushing some.
"Well, your mother and I will get out of your way and give you some space…and once again, congratulations my boy." Flash smiled, taking Nina's hand. "Come on love, I'm sure Sparx is already scouting out servings for us." Flash gave Nina a quick pull, who relented and would follow after- the two leaving Spyro and Cynder open for their next guests.
Hunter, Prowlus, Maiev, and Meadow would approach now, all four bowing to the two dragons with respect.
"You know, when you both saved my life in that cave all those years ago, I never imagined we'd be witnessing your wedding years later…but I'm happy for the both of you." Meadow said with a kind smile, the two dragons returning the gesture in kind as they both bowed before the cheetahs with smiles.
"Oh, this is so romantic…much more rustic than my wedding ceremony with Prowlus but this is simply fantastic!" Maiev said happily, spotting her husband rolling his eyes. "Oh, lighten up, my dear, this is a good day." She smacked his arm.
"Yes, dear." Prowlus smiled lightly, turning his gaze back to the two dragons who one he had to look down upon to meet their gaze…now it was inversed, and he had to look up to meet eye-to-eye. "On behalf of the tribes, thank you for allowing us to partake in this event."
"And thank you for coming, Chief Prowlus, it's been nice to you all here." Spyro responded with a gentle tone. "How fares the valley?"
"Well enough with recent events…far less grublin and specter attacks…though that brings a sense of new problems with it." Prowlus says in a low tone, frowning some. "But…it can wait, we have time to worry about the lacking presence of our foes as of late…enjoy the rest of the party." Prowlus would say finally, offering his arm to Maiev, who just smiled and slipped her arm beneath it. The two would step off to the side, Meadow shortly after the two…leaving just Hunter, still wearing his green robes which matched the rest of Spyro's entourage.
"Congratulations, both of you." Hunter said, smiling up at them both. "All of the realm sees your union and smiles." The cheetah said kindly. "In time, I look forward to it being a celebrated part of the upcoming festival."
"Festival?" Cynder asked curiously, brows creasing a little.
"Oh yes! You hadn't heard? I would have figured the guardians would have told you both by now…perhaps they meant for it to be a surprise and I've ruined it. There's to be a great annual festival in Warfang to commemorate Malefor's defeat, starting on the third Min of the month of Jal, ending on Santer, the day you both returned to Warfang…The Summer of Victory festival." Hunter explained with a final smile.
"Well…no we hadn't heard, but we look forward to it…that's only a few months away now, isn't it?" Spyro asked, Cynder nodding.
"Four months yeah…should be fun." She smiles.
"I'll leave you two alone now to enjoy each other's company…but truly, from the bottom of my heart to you both, congratulations." Hunter smiled, giving them a final bow of his head.
"And thank you for being here, Hunter." Spyro smiled at the cheetah.
"And thank you…for finding us all those years ago, in the catacombs." Cynder added, the cheetah's smile growing broadening before he'd turn to join the other cheetahs along with several moles who were enjoying the festivities together…leaving Spyro and Cynder to finally just have another moment to themselves since they had kissed, sealing their union as a mated couple.
They both let out deep sighs, turning to face off of the Silver Pinnacle, taking in the view of the city below, Spyro and Cynder's paws intertwined with one another.
"Whatever comes our way?" He asks gently, to which she let out a slight chuckle.
"Whatever comes our way." She answers back quietly, leaning up to plant a kiss on his purple cheek. "Today was…amazing." She said whimsically, as if she were floating on air. "I'm almost worried though, that this is all a dream and I'll wake up and we'll still be nineteen years old."
Spyro gave her a long gaze.
"Ouch, don't even make me start worrying about that…if this is a dream, I never want to wake from it." He smiled, muzzle rubbing into her own.
"Almost makes me want to skip the dance and go back to the suite…make sure this isn't a dream for sure." She gives him a sly grin, to which his cheeks flushed in return.
"Well, much as I want to prove this isn't a dream…I've been looking forward to the dance for months since Magnacia taught it to me." Spyro laughed. "Besides…I don't think mom would ever forgive us if we skipped out on it."
"Fair enough…more to look forward to later." She said sweetly, nuzzling into him again, almost purring some as they contentedly embraced one another…for several long moments, the background noises, chatter, and laughs of the reception faded into nothing for them…simply enamored with one another.
That is until they heard the music shift tunes, a slow viola tune which they both knew well, and soon the rest of the musicians would join in on the slow, gentle song.
"Guess it's time." Spyro smiled, pulling away a moment before he offered her his right paw. "Well…my amazing wife, can I have this dance?" He asked with a smile.
"My charming husband…you absolutely can." She'd take his paw, the two stepping away from the edge of the balcony as they stepped close to the center of the Silver Pinnacle, the others backing away and giving the newlywed couple space as they took the center of attention once again.
All eyes were on them…waiting. Anticipating.
Cynder and Spyro took a stance which put them both in a position where they faced one another, both raising a paw which pressed together. The two would slowly circle one another to the tune of the song being played, their eyes locked as they moved. Cynder made the first move, her massive wings unfurling as she quickly took to the air above the Silver Pinnacle, Spyro following suit as he rose up high after her.
The two hovered in the air with a beating of their wings, and with an almost simultaneous movement, the two moved in close and flew even higher in a spiral-like movement, going higher and higher above the great silvery balcony, their forepaws intertwining together. All bore witness as the purple and black dragons span together in an artistic fashion, fluid in motion together, before they took a downward spiral headfirst, almost as if they weren't even resisting gravity, plummeting right towards the great marble terrace.
Several gasps could be heard before the two extended their wings out right in time before they hit the ground…the hardest part of the dance but the most crucial, Magnacia and Volteer had told them both: the death spiral. The willingness for the two of the married couple to face near-death together…granted a fall like that wouldn't kill them, but the symbolism was key here.
Now on the ground once again, they landed and rose onto their hind paws, their forepaws intertwining, both dragons' wings extending to full extent, their necks rising and bending until their muzzles narrowly pressed together, side-glancing one another as their horns cross over one another. And so, the two would slowly start to circle once again as the song took a downward turn, slowing down as the dance began to slow down as well.
As they turned to shift side-by-side, stepping slowly as their tails would intertwine together…slowly stepping together…secretly they were using their weight to support one another and keep each other balanced on their hind paws…another sign of trust, that they'd rely on one another, and neither would carry the burdens alone.
Then they'd break away and drop back to their normal all-fours positions before going to their haunches once again, paws meeting once again…the two finally reopening their eyes for the first time after landing…the final sign of trust. They trust one another to help guide the motions together and never lead each other astray, perfectly timed too with the music's end.
They both smiled at one another, eyes glassy before they embraced one another in a tight hug, Cynder's head pressing lovingly beneath Spyro's as the dance ended…and the only thing they could hear was applause from the gathered reception-goers.
"No matter where the open sky takes us now, we're in this together." Spyro said in a soft tone, their voices only audible to one another…none around able to make out the words shared by the two dragons.
"Side-by-side…now and always." Cynder responded quietly, their eyes shutting once again as they just held each other amidst their friends and who they considered family…the beginning of their new life.
The future held much uncertainty, Adimere and the grublins remained at large, borderlines were being moved and shifting around…none knew what the future held, but the two heroes…Spyro and Cynder…would face the future together as they led their new alliance into the age following the defeat of Malefor and his former acolyte being revealed.
Victory wasn't assured, but it was more than possible so long as hope held true…and as Cynder and Spyro embraced one another on the Silver Pinnacle, hope burned brightly.
-End Act I-
Closing AN: Thank you all for reading up to this point! I wanted a cute and wholesome way with impending issues and a certain underlying tension to end Act I on before I ended it off and take a break before writing Act II. So far this has been a lot of fun to write and I promise I'll get back to this story when I'm able, but I'd like to let it simmer for a while and let my creativity rest a bit before I continue this story. I don't want to burn myself out again so easily. But as I said at the end of the last chapter, give this a follow and favorite so that once I come back to it people will be informed. Until then, thank you for reading to this point and I'll see you all when I pick it back up again in Act II, maybe in a couple months or three.