Work Text:
Meant to be
‘What am I doing? How in goddess’s name did I get myself in this situation?’
Those two thoughts cross Sarah Alder’s mind as she looks at her reflection in the mirror.
Momentarily forgetting her trepidation, she takes a moment to fully take herself in. She is dressed in a form fitting strapless corset; the corset is a deep blue colour and velvet in texture. The embroidery on the front is quite magnificent. In contrast to the blue, bright silver patterns (which almost resemble lighting) can be seen travelling all across the corset. The patterns seem to come alive every time the light hits them.
Compared to her top, her slacks are relatively simple. They are the same colour as the corset, they are form fitting and hug her curves pleasantly. The belt around her waist is simple, silver with the crest of her realm at the front. Black heels finish off the attire. The seamstress really outdid herself.
Her hair today is loose and cascades over her shoulders, the small silver crown placed on her head finishes the look. She looks amazing if she does say so herself and loves how the whole outfit matches perfectly with the icy blue colour of her eyes.
A low whistle from behind her brings her out of her musings.
“Well, well, look who cleans up so nicely. I’m so used to seeing you in battle attire that I forget how amazing you look in everything else.”
Sarah turns from the mirror to face the new person in the room, her adoptive sister and co-second in command Anacostia Quartermaine Alder.
“You are way too gorgeous to have that look on your face, for goddess sake Sarah… It’s your wedding day! It’s not a funeral.”
And there it was, the reason for the feeling of dread she is experiencing. She’s getting married… to a complete stranger.
“I can’t do this”
“Oh don’t even think about it! You brought this on yourself you know. After Nicte, the council agreed that you needed time to grieve your loss; they left you alone to do that. When you returned to your post and to active duty, they gave you 5 years to find a wife of your choosing. Had you actually done that my dear sister, one would not have been arranged for you.”
Sarah takes a long look at her younger sister before she replies.
“May I remind you that I was busy fighting in battles, preventing wars, arranging treaties to protect and keep the peace amongst all our realms. My deepest apologies if ‘finding a wife’ was not at the top of my list.”
“You forget how well I know you, after Nicte’s thirst for power consumed her and you had to put her down in order to save the realms… that broke you Sarah. She might not have been your intended but she was the closest thing you had to that in your life, after her betrayal I saw you close off to any thought of love. Maybe an arranged marriage is the perfect course of action for you my dear sister. You can grow to love each other and build trust over time. It’s a fresh start, not to mention the biggest reason for this union…We cannot have your coronation without you being wed, every ruler in history has had someone beside them. You know the laws as well as I.”
Sarah sighs hearing the truth in Anacostia’s words.
“Don’t worry, I helped in the search to find your bride, we covered every realm far and wide to find someone we feel would be perfect for you.”
“Tell me about her again”
“Her name is Tally Craven, from the Knower Realm. She is the most powerful empath that the realms have every known yet still so young, she will be formidable under the right training. From what I’ve seen she is also kind, caring, loyal and very, very pretty. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.”
“I hope you are right. One thing you are right about though is that I have to do this. How can I ask our people to follow our ways, put their trust in me if I myself do not?”
Anacostia smiles and hugs her sister briefly, holding their hands together.
“I am really blessed to have you in my life Anacostia, you are the best sister I could have ever hoped to have. “
Anacostia blinks, trying to prevent the tears that threaten to fall.
“Stop that; do not make me cry right now. We have no time to reapply our make-up. Let me just say …I love you, I have your best interests at heart and I will always be by your side… in battle and in life.”
Sarah pulls Anacostia into another hug, longer this time.
“You have to believe that everything happens for a reason… for all you know, this is meant to be”
Sarah pulls back and laughs softly “I very much doubt that, but I have been known to be wrong once in a while”
“That you have my friend” their moment is interrupted when another figure enters the room.
Petra steps into the room smiling at the sisters before her “I figured if I don’t come in here and fetch you two, you would never come out… or worse, you would convince Anacostia to sneak you out of here.”
Sarah laughs as her best friend and other second in command finishes her sentence.
“The thought did cross my mind”
“But I talked her down from that ledge and told her to have a little faith”
“Listen to your sister Sarah; you never know what the goddess has in store for you”
“Petra no offences but you have been married 3 times!! Was that the goddess’s plan?”
“No, that’s because I never found the right one. It never felt right, but I did get Abigail from that so I will never regret it.”
Sarah watches as Anacostia walks up and gently kisses Petra “That’s because you were looking for love in the wrong place my love.” Petra smiles at Anacostia, nodding in agreement. She then turns to look at her best friend
“You see, the goddess provided, now my dear friend… are you ready?”
Sarah takes a deep breath and squares her shoulders “as ready as I’ll ever be.”
As they make their way out the door to the sacred land, she thinks about what is to come and says a silent prayer to the goddess.
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Meanwhile in the Knower Realm another bride is asking the goddess for some guidance…
“Oh my goddess, Oh my goddess, Oh my goddess!!!”
“Tally calm down, you’ve got this…”
“Yep Abigail’s right, you’ve got this. You’re strong, you are prepared and you look absolutely stunning right now.”
Tally turns to face her friends “Oh my goddess you guys, what if she hates me? What if she can’t stand the sight of me because they are making her do this? She is the leader of all the realms; she could have anyone…why would she want me?”
Tally has started pacing during her rant; Abigail and Raelle share a look as they watch their friend panic. They silently walk towards her, each of them blocking her path on either side.
Raelle takes one of her hands while Abigail takes the other “Tally, out of everyone in all the realms they chose you. They thought you fit all the criteria that would complement her.”
“Rae’s right, plus seeing how I actually know her, you know…my mom being her second in command and not to mention her best friend”
“Way to so show off Bellweather”
“Oh shut up shitbird, as I was saying … While she is formidable in battle and has an intense focus when it comes to leadership. She is also fair, kind and has a soft spot for the orphans in the realm. I don’t think she would ever treat you poorly, no matter how you came together.”
“Not to mention she is Hot Tal. I mean I haven’t met her in person but if the portraits are anything to go by, you are one lucky girl. Bet she rocks your world tonight”
“Raelle!!!” “Shitbird!!!” Tally and Abigail say at the same time while Raelle just laughs.
“But in all seriousness Tally, she should be lucky to have you. You are amazing in your own right and you are destined for greatness. She will be blessed to have you by her side.”
Tally pulls them both in for a hug and kisses both their cheeks. “I’m so happy I found you guys, who would have thought… 3 girls from different realms would form such a great bond. I love you guys sooo much”
“Yeah, yeah we love you too.”
“Now are you ready to make your way to the sacred lands?”
“I think so…”
Her friends nod “then let’s get you married.”
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The sacred lands are a place in the middle of all six realms; every realm has their own entrance to it. It is an ancient place where magic is at its peak, it’s strongest. You can feel it in the air, under your feet, in the trees, magic is all around you. It is a place untouched by war or battles, a place of peace and joy. It’s a place where despite all their differences it unites them all. When they are here, they come together as one.
It is in the heart of the lands, where the hand-fasting ceremony will be held. There is no known true path to get to the heart, but the magic inside you acts as a compass leading you where you need to go.
By the time Sarah, Anacostia and Petra arrive, the place is packed. People from all realms fill the land chatting and laughing with each other while they wait for the ceremony to begin. Sarah takes a moment to take it all in, watching her people, feeling the magic buzzing in the air.
‘This’, she thinks ‘this is why I fight’. For her people, for their peace, for their happiness.
A hush falls around the people when they notice her presence. They all bow as she makes her way down the aisle and walks into the ceremonial circle. The runes on the stones forming the circle glow as she does so. Anacostia and Petra take their place behind her just outside the circle.
The High Priestess who is busy at the altar turns to face Sarah “Greetings your Highness”
Sarah respectfully inclines her head in greeting “High Priestess”
The High Priestess can sense her nervousness “Relax child, everything will happen the way it’s supposed to, the goddess has a plan for us all.”
“I have been hearing a lot of that today”
The Priestess just smiles and faces the crowd, motioning for them to be seated.
“Let us begin”
The music starts and everyone turns to face the entrance.
The first figure to walk down the aisle Sarah recognises as Abigail, in a beautiful flowing summer dress holding a bouquet of mixed wild flowers in her hands. As she reaches the edge of the circle she smiles at her mother, then Anacostia and lastly her eyes meet Sarah’s, she smiles warmly at Sarah and nods in respect. Sarah returns the smile and the nod. She is proud to be training the girl. She has watched her grow and is proud of the progress she is making. This Bellweather (like ones before her) seems to be destined for great things.
Abigail takes her place opposite Sarah, just outside the circle. The next person down the aisle she doesn’t recognise but she has heard of. The mixed breed who can communicate with the mycelium, Raelle she believes her name is. As Raelle advances, Sarah notices that she seems to be studying her, taking her in. Sarah is a little amused and she raises her eyebrow at the girl, who proceeds to quickly nod in greeting and stand behind Abigail. Sarah then hears her say “yep, I was right” before Abigail tells her to be quiet.
She has no time to ponder the meaning of those words however because everyone stands up and she knows the time has come to meet her bride.
“You can do this” Anacostia whispers behind her. Yes she can she tells herself, she has lead battles, put herself in literal life and death situations, how hard can this be.
Her thoughts come to a sudden stop when a figure comes into view and reveals what Sarah believes to be the most beautiful young woman she has ever had the pleasure of laying eyes on.
Her heart speeds up as she takes in the woman walking towards her. She is wearing a beautiful yellow dress that flows down her body and trails at the back. Like her corset it is strapless, showing off the girl’s….Tally’s she reminds herself, showing off Tally’s sun kissed skin. There are floral patterns embroidered into the material, elevating what would be a simple summer dress into something breath-taking. Tally’s hair, which shimmers like gold in the sun, is braided with flowers that match her dress. The braid is plaited and formed into an intricate bun which clearly takes a level of skill Sarah is sure very few possess. A crown of flowers sits atop her head completing her look. Sarah finally wills herself to take in Tally’s face, that lovely smile on her face, those dimples on her cheeks, her perfect nose and they finally they lock eyes.
The reaction is instant, it’s like an electric shock that courses through her body and settles at her heart, causing a warmth to start spreading all over her body. All her doubt evaporates and in its place is…anticipation, excitement …Joy. The sheer amount of emotion inside her causes Sarah to gasp, Tally approach stalls slightly as she seems to be feeling something too. Her eyes widen and she places a hand to her chest. The most blinding smile Sarah has ever seen takes form on her face. Whatever she feels, whatever she sees seems to make her want to get to Sarah as soon as her feet can carry her without breaking out into an outright run.
Tally’s eyes never leave Sarah’s as she comes into the circle, and just like when Sarah entered the runes on the stones glow.
Tally stands before Sarah; they just stare at each other for a moment lost in the rush of emotions that seem to be overwhelming them.
“Hi” Tally says shyly, a blush creeping on her face.
“Hello Tally Craven, It is quite the pleasure to finally meet you.”
It’s as if Tally seems to remember who she is standing in front of and blurts “oh my goddess, how rude of me to speak to you so informally your Highness, please forgive me.”
As she says this she makes move to kneel.
“Tally stop”
Tally pauses mid descent and looks up, Sarah gestures for her to stand up straight and she does.
“There is nothing to forgive”
Sarah reaches to clasp Tally’s hands, the moment they touch, an ache that she never knew she had inside her is filled. The runes around the circle glow and Tally and Sarah seem to vibrate around them. A burst of magical energy bursts from them and travels around them, throughout the forest.
Murmurs and gasps from people around them fill the air, everybody felt that. Raelle’s “no way” can be heard as well as Anacostia’s “well I’ll be damned”
“It’s not possible” Sarah is stunned, she can’t believe this is happening, how is this happening?
“It would seem it is” Sarah turns to the High Priestess she is ashamed to admit she forgot was there. The High Priestess smiles at her “It would seem the goddess has given you the greatest gift of all… your soul mate.”
Soul mate…
Sarah looks back at Tally who is beaming with unshed tears in her eyes, but those eyes don’t hold any surprise.
“You … you knew”
“The moment we locked eyes I felt it, I saw it, your magic, your heart, your soul, calling to mine. It took everything in me not to scream with joy”
As Sarah processes these words, she can’t believe it. Her soul mate, the one she is meant to spend her life with. The one who is made for her and vice versa, but even as she thinks this she can feel the truth of it all. The feeling of joy, peace, that her heart and soul have finally found their home. It is quite overwhelming to her and she clutches the hands she is holding even tighter.
“As much as I love this moment your highness and am happy you have found your other half. Let’s continue with the ceremony shall we.”
“Of course”
Sarah locks eyes with Tally again “Are you ready my Darling?”
Tally’s gaze of adoration warms her heart, she wonders if she will ever get used to this feeling.
“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life”
“Then let us Begin”
The Priestess stands before them.
“Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to witness the union of Sarah Alder and Tally Craven. Know before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life, you have formed ties between each other.
As you seek to enter this state of matrimony, you should strive to make the ideals which give meaning to both this ceremony and the institution of marriage.
With full awareness, know that within this circle you are not only declaring your intent to be hand-fasted before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to your creative higher powers.
The promises made today and the ties that are bound here will greatly strengthen your union, they will cross the years and lives of each soul’s growth.
Do you still seek to enter this union?”
Tally’s eyes meet Sarah’s, still in awe of this surprising turn of events and feeling bubbling within her. This feels right, this is what she meant to do, she is home. She sees her feelings mirrored in Sarah’s striking blue eyes.
“Yes, we seek to enter”, they say at the say time.
“In times past it was believed that the soul shared characteristics with all things divine, It is this belief which assigns virtues to the cardinal directions; East, South, West, North.
It is in this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East, communication of the heart, mind and body, fresh beginning with the rising of each sun, the knowledge of growth found in the sharing of silences.
Blessed be this union with gifts of the South, warmth of heart and home, the heat of the hearts passion, the light created by both to lighten the darkest times.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West, may it have the deep commitment of the lake, the swift excitement of the river, the refreshing cleansing of the rain and the encompassing passion of the sea.
And Finally Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North, firm foundation on which to build fertility to enrich your lives, a stable home to which you may always return.
Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasises those things which will help you build a happy and successful union, yet they are only together in order to create that which you seek in this union.
Now I would normally say ‘I bid you to look into each other’s eyes’, but since you haven’t taken your eyes off each other…”
Tally blushes as the laughter of their friends and family fills the air.
“I will just skip that part” The Priestess smiles warmly at the two, their soul connection so evidently clear to her.
She turns to Sarah “Sarah Alder, will you cause her pain?”
Eyes never leaving Tally’s, she answers “I may”
“Is that your intent?”
“Never”
Tally beams as the words leave Sarah’s lips, her eyes brimming with tears.
The priestess turns to Tally, “Tally Craven , will you cause her pain?”
Just the thought of causing Sarah pain makes Tally’s heart clench, she feels a firm squeeze from the hands clasping hers and Sarah smiles at her softly.
“I may”
“Is that your intent?”
“Never in a thousand years”
Sarah gasps as she receives a look of utter love from Tally and that full feeling in her heart seems to grow. ‘So this is love’ she thinks to herself.
“Will you share each other’s pain and seek to erase it?”
“We will”
The first cord is draped across Tally and Sarah’s clasped hands.
“And so the first binding is made.”
“Intendeds, will you share each other’s laughter?”
“Yes”
“Will you both look for brightness in life and the positive in each other?”
“Yes”
The second cord is draped across their hands. “And so the second binding is made”.
“Will you burden each other?”
“We may”
“Is that your intent?”
“No”
“Will you share the burdens of each so your spirits may grow in this union?”
“Yes”
The third cord is draped across their hands. “The binding is made.”
“Will you share in each other’s dreams “
“Yes”
“Will you dream together to create new realities and hopes?”
“Yes”
The fourth cord is draped across their hands.
“And so the fourth binding is made.”
“Will you take the heat of anger and use it to temper the strength of this union?”
“We will”
The fifth cord is draped across their hands. “The fifth binding is made.”
“Will you honour each other?”
“We will”
“Will you seek to never give cause to break that honour?”
“We shall never do so”
Sixth cord is draped across their hands. “And so the sixth binding is made.”
“With the last binding done, your union is complete. May it strengthen day by day and fill your lives with joy and happiness. A blessing on you both, you may now seal you union with a kiss.”
With their hands still tied Sarah and Tally lean towards each other and their lips meet for the first time.
Like before the effect is instant, their magic seems to seek each other out and coil around each other. Their hearts speed up as they feel each other’s emotions. The wonder, the adoration, the elation …the Love.
Sarah’s breath hitches against Tally’s lips at the rush of emotions, It is a heady feeling and she can’t help but be thankful she didn’t run after all.
A tongue brushes against her lips and she groans deepening the kiss, they barely register the cheers and wolf whistles from the people around them, so overcome with the love they feel for each other.
This is perfect.
A firm insistent cough causes them to break apart.
“Ladies if you please, there will be plenty of time for that later. We are almost at the end, unless you prefer to be physically tied to each other forever?”
A giggle leaves Tally’s lips and Sarah can’t help but think she will never tire of hearing it. She vows to make her wife… Her WIFE! Make that sound a lot more.
“Apologies High Priestess, please continue” Sarah says with a bow of her head
“the knots of these bindings are not formed by these cords but instead by your vows, so when even as the cords are removed remember, as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union.”
The chords are removed and placed back on the altar.
The minute their hands are freed Sarah pulls Tally into a fierce kiss that leaves Tally breathless and weak at the knees. With their foreheads together, they bask in their joy and commitment, people around them still cheering and celebrating.
Sarah chuckles softly “you know I was dreading this day”
“Hey!”
“Let me finish my Love. I was dreading this day, till I saw you walk towards me and it was like everything fell into place, a part of me I didn’t even know was missing became complete. I love you Tally Craven and I don’t think I will ever let you go.”
Tears of joy fall down Tally cheeks as she whispers, “I’m okay with that”
Sarah smiles as she wipes the tears off her wife’s face “I’m afraid you have no choice in the matter at this point.”
“ooohhhh Tally’s riding royalty tonight”
“Raelle!!!” Tally and Abigail say in union as Tally spins around to face her friends.
“What?” Raelle replies a little too innocent.
Tally opens her mouth about to scold her friend when she hears a chuckle behind her, arms proceed to wrap around her waist and she shivers at the whisper in her ear “she not wrong you know.”
Yes this was perfect, this was right, this was …meant to be.
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