Chapter Text
The warm spring air carried the scent of fresh blooms, the sky above a brilliant shade of blue. It was a quiet, beautiful day; the kind of day that felt almost too perfect to be real. The small gathering was held just outside their village, in a meadow that seemed to bloom with every step, nature itself celebrating the union that was about to take place.
Cìan stood near the front, his heart fluttering as he adjusted the purple accents of his groom’s suit. The gentle breeze tugged at his dark hair, and his twin sister, Maeve, was by his side, straightening his collar in her usual, no-nonsense way.
“You look nervous,” Maeve teased, though her eyes were soft with affection.
“I am nervous,” Cìan admitted, his gaze flickering toward Alethea’s family, who were gathering nearby. Alethea’s mother, Himari, was talking animatedly with his own, her eyes bright with excitement. His father, Liam, stood nearby, hands folded over his chest, looking more stoic than usual.
"Don't worry," Maeve said with a wink, "you'll do fine."
“Right,” Cìan said, but his voice was thick with the weight of the moment.
In a small clearing where the altar was set, the priest from their village stood, waiting patiently, a smile on his face as he surveyed the small crowd. The air was still for a moment before the sound of Alethea’s footsteps could be heard approaching.
The first thing Cìan saw was the soft, steady motion of Alethea’s hand, held gently but firmly by a small figure; a little dwarf with bright violet eyes and a bouquet of wildflowers clutched in her arms. Nora, only five years old, led her favourite uncle forward, the two of them walking side by side toward the altar.
Nora’s tiny hand grasped Alethea’s, the elf having to lean forward so she could reach, guiding him with the careful precision of someone who had learned the rhythm of each step. She was quiet but confident, her small feet barely making a sound as she led him across the grass. Her steps were deliberate, her movements measured, ensuring that Alethea was steady and on track. She had done this before, guiding him gently, her voice a soft whisper of reassurance.
"Step by step, Uncle Tee-Tee," Nora muttered, her little voice filled with a quiet certainty. "Just follow me, okay?"
Alethea, his blind eye shielded beneath a soft lock of hair, followed her lead. His posture was slouched, but only so Nora could reach his hand, and despite the weight of the moment pressing down on him, he trusted Nora with an unspoken faith. Every few steps, his fingers tightened around her small hand as they made their way to Cìan, each movement carried with an almost graceful determination.
Nora, without a hint of hesitation, turned slightly to look up at her uncle, her small face serious as she whispered, "You’re doing good, Uncle."
Alethea smiled, his lips curling with a tenderness that only Nora could draw out. “I know. You’re doing great, too, sweetheart.”
The sight of them together; Alethea, walking quietly but confidently with Nora guiding him, struck Cìan deeply. His chest tightened, emotion welling up in him as he watched his niece lead his fiancé down towards him at the altar.
Finally, they reached Cìan, and Nora let go of Alethea’s hand, her eyes alight with the proudest of grins. She stood at Alethea’s side, her hands clasped in front of her like she was part of the ceremony, a small figure of joy and love that radiated warmth.
Alethea’s hand found Cìan’s immediately, the two of them locking eyes as they stood before each other. Cìan’s heart fluttered, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, and his voice came out in a soft whisper, "You look incredible."
Alethea smirked, his gaze softening with affection. "I could say the same about you. But I think you already know that."
The priest cleared his throat, bringing them back to the present. He motioned for them to stand side by side, facing each other.
"Let us begin," the priest said, his voice steady and comforting. "Today, we gather to celebrate the love of Cìan and Alethea, a bond that has grown stronger with each passing day."
Cìan’s mind wandered briefly, remembering the first time he had seen Alethea after his accident; the fragile elf, recovering in the hospital. He remembered the quiet nights they spent together, the teasing that had softened the sharp edges of his pain, and the quiet promises they had whispered to each other. Now, here they were, surrounded by their families, their love as undeniable as the sun above them.
The ceremony was simple, each word feeling like a promise; quiet but steadfast. Alethea’s family looked on with smiles, Himari wiping a tear from her cheek as Aleksi gave her a reassuring squeeze. His sisters, Katsumi, Ena and Hanako, stood close by, Hanako’s hand resting gently on her girlfriend Mila’s shoulder.
When it came time to exchange vows, Alethea’s hand tightened in Cìan’s, and his voice, though calm, held the weight of his heart.
“I promise to stand by you, to love you through every sunrise and every storm,” Alethea said, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. “Through all the challenges, all the moments of uncertainty... we will face them together.”
Cìan smiled, his eyes soft as he spoke his own vow. “I will always be there for you, through every dark night and bright morning, and in every moment in between. You are my home.”
The priest nodded with a smile before offering the rings. Cìan took the delicate band, slipping it gently onto Alethea’s finger. Alethea did the same, his hands trembling slightly as he placed the ring on Cìan’s finger. Their gazes locked once more, each of them knowing this was only the beginning of something even greater.
“With the power vested in me by the gods and this village,” the priest continued, his voice warm, “I now pronounce you partners in life, bound by love and promise.”
Alethea’s hand reached up to gently touch Cìan’s cheek, his thumb brushing against the skin. His lips curled into a soft smile.
“Thank you for waiting for me,” Alethea murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Always,” Cìan laughed softly, leaning in for a gentle kiss, his heart lighter than it had ever been. He had feared so many things in the past; what would happen after the accident, whether he could ever truly have a life with Alethea. But now, with Alethea by his side, he knew the only thing that mattered was the love they shared.
As they pulled away, the crowd erupted in soft applause. Nora ran up to them, her tiny hands holding a bouquet of wildflowers she had picked, a joyful giggle escaping her lips as she handed it to Alethea.
Alethea smiled down at her, taking the flowers with a grateful nod. “Thank you, Pumpkin.”
The reception was small but filled with warmth, laughter, and quiet joy. The families mingled, the conversation light but filled with a sense of completeness. Cìan’s father, Liam, clapped him on the back, offering a few quiet words of congratulations, while Alethea’s sisters crowded around, teasing him about being the first one to marry.
In the soft glow of spring, with the sun setting just behind them, Cìan and Alethea stood together, hand in hand, knowing that this was just the beginning. And that what ever the Gods throw their way, they could handle it, as long as they were together.