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Coco was sitting in front of a vanity, Qifrey standing behind her as he hummed softly and brushed her hair. As she looked in the mirror, she absentmindedly fidgeted with her hands. Her former professor took notice and smiled.
“You’re nervous,” he commented without judgment. “Do you want to talk about it?”
The young witch smiled and shrugged. “I feel bad troubling you further, especially with all the help you’ve already lent setting up the ceremony.”
“Nonsense, I’m here to listen. Olly has things covered out there.” Qifrey set the brush aside and knelt down beside her before taking her hands to stop their anxious movement. “You aren't getting cold feet, are you? I haven’t seen you so nervous since before you took your fourth test.”
Coco shook her head hurriedly. “Not at all! I’m very excited, it’s just…” She trailed off and looked out the window. She could see people scurrying around outside as they put the finishing touches on. Guests had already begun to arrive and take their seats, and a stressed-looking Olruggio hurried past, causing her to smile. Her expression fell as she turned back to Qifey. “I always fantasized about this day, but in my mind, my mother would have been there. I know how badly she would have wanted to be the one to give me away.”
Qifrey nodded in solemn understanding. The years they’d spent searching for a way to undo the spell had yet to be fruitful, and that truth hung over what was supposed to be a joyous affair like a dark cloud. The proceedings were more than certain to be bittersweet, and it was clearly eating at the bride-to-be. He reached up and rubbed her cheek in a calm, comforting gesture. “I know she would have loved to see you like this. I’ll remind you not to lose your hope.”
Tears began to gather in Coco’s eyes, but she hurriedly wiped them away. “I don’t want to burden people with my feelings. Not when everyone is so happy for me.”
“Oh, Coco.” He pulled her into an embrace, being careful of her dress as he did so. Even after so many years, all he could see was the sweet little girl he’d taken on as his fourth apprentice. “Your feelings are never a burden.”
She sniffled softly into his shoulder, holding him close and resting her forehead against him as she mourned what this day could have looked like. After a few quiet moments, he pulled back and cupped her cheek once more. “I cannot give you back what was unrightfully taken away; not at this time.” He shook his head mournfully and sighed. Qifrey slowly reached down and took both of her hands. “But, if you’ll allow me, it would be my honor to escort you down the aisle today. You are not mine to give away, but I will be right there beside you if it makes it any easier.”
Coco hiccuped before fully beginning to sob, her arms around his neck for stability as she trembled. He quietly hushed her as he ran his fingers through her hair. “Thank you. Thank you for everything. For taking me in, for protecting me.” Qifrey felt a pang in his heart as he held her close. After all that he’d done, and every selfish choice he’d made, he still had the great honor of watching her grow up. It was the very least he could do for her to provide some semblance of comfort on what should be one of her happiest days. “Of course, my dear. You’ll always have me, and the atelier as well.” He gently kissed her forehead before standing up straight and moving behind her chair and gently beginning to gather her hair. “Well then, a beautiful bride should look and feel her best. Would you allow me to braid this for you?”
Coco wiped her eyes and sniffled, but nodded. “Yes, I’d like that.”
As he began to plait her hair, she leaned back and exhaled. Qifrey resumed his gentle humming as he worked, only speaking up once throughout the process. “If you’d like, you can tell me stories about her while we get you ready.” He offered her a gentle smile. “But only if it would make you feel better. I don’t want to upset you further, but sometimes recounting fond memories makes it as if the very person we’re missing most is right there with us.”
A small smile pulled at Coco’s lips. She began telling him all sorts of things from her childhood: how she’d run around her mother’s shop, the first time she’d picked up a sewing needle, and everything in between. Qifrey remained silent, only offering the occasional hum or nod as he gently pinned her braid into place.
~~~
“Agott? You almost ready in there?” Olruggio grunted as he knocked on her door. He’d allowed her to use her old room in the atelier to get dressed, but she hadn’t shown her face in quite a while. “No good to keep ‘yer bride waiting, now is it?”
“Sorry, I’ll only be another few minutes,” Agott called back. Olruggio sighed and shook his head.
“You said that the last time I checked in as well, didn’t you? Come on then, what's the matter?”
The door creaked open, and Agott peeked her head out, her expression twisted up in a mixture of frustration and embarrassment. The man had to bite back a chuckle. She looked an awful lot as she did as a young girl when she couldn’t get her spell to work quite right. He raised an eyebrow at her before she begrudgingly opened the door.
As he stepped inside, he recognized that her room was in a bit of a state, likely tossed around in her own anxiety for what was to come. His gaze landed on the tie hanging loosely around her neck. “That's what all this is about, then? Come ‘ere.”
She sighed and shuffled over begrudgingly as he began to straighten and retie it for her. She tilted her head up ever so slightly to give him more room. “How are things out there? Everything going smoothly?”
“Everything but two missing brides. Not sure what the hold-up is on Qifrey’s end, but I came to make sure you were getting along alright. It’s a good thing I checked; it seems like you’re having a bit of trouble.” Olruggio hummed as he folded the fabric over itself.
Agott groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose. “It’s not usually so difficult. My hands are just shaking.”
Olruggio huffed through his nose as he pulled the tie through the loop he had created. ‘It’s nerves. Perfectly normal given the circumstances. You two have been engaged for how long now, then? A few years?”
“I wanted to wait until we had settled, but I simply couldn’t wait a second longer.” She shook her head. “And to think, just as I was working up the courage to ask, she goes off and proposes to me.”
“That’s Coco for you. Can’t underestimate her for a second or she’ll catch you by surprise. She was the one who kissed you first as well, wasn’t she? That’s two points to Coco.” He finished straightening the tie and patted her shoulder. “And one for Agott. You were the one to confess first, if im not mistaken. Do try to catch up to her though, Qifrey and I have a bet.”
“I implore you not to take gambles on my love life.” Agott blushed and rolled her eyes. She caught sight of her reflection in the window, and instinctively straightened her back. In less than an hour now, she and Coco would officially be wed. She’d be someone's wife and have a wife of her own in turn. It wasn’t a future she could have visualized for herself a few short years ago, and yet here she stood.
She leaned forward to better see herself, and scoffed fondly as she touched her tie. “It’s crooked.”
“Yeah? Well, I’m a bit nervous too.” Olruggio said defensively as he spun her around and began to redo it. “Give an old man a break.”
“Hardly old enough to be using that excuse.” Agott tilted her head and smiled. She looked back out the window and caught a glimpse of the venue. They had decided to use the land around the atelier since it had been so special to them growing up, and her former master had happily agreed. After all, this was where they first met.
Those first few weeks with Coco were…turbulent at best. She grit her teeth as she thought of how cold she had been to the girl when she’d first arrived. It wasn’t until Coco had repaired her slyph shoes that she began to realize her feelings for the other ran deeper than any ill will ever could. Deeper than jealousy, admiration, or even respect. Her love for Coco and Coco’s love for the world they shared had blossomed into a romance before either one could blink.
It was a long and difficult road filled with more tribulations than either girl could imagine. But, if at the end of the day, Agott got to stand at the altar as they promised themselves to one another? It was well worth it.
“You’ll be taking your fifth test after this, right? Getting ready to take on a few apprentices of your own.” Olruggio finished tucking the tie back into place, now finally satisfied with his work. Agott leaned over the window to inspect her appearance once more before nodding in affirmation.
“You’re correct, though I’ll be waiting a few weeks to enjoy some time with just the two of us. We’ll need it after all the excitement of the wedding.” She hummed and straightened her collar.
Olruggio nodded and rumaged through his pocket for a moment before tossing her a small pouch. “Here then. A wedding gift, though I suppose it’ll serve you well with those apprentices you take on too.”
Agott raised an eyebrow as she untied the string. “Allowing us to use the atelier was present enough.”
“Yeah, well, take ‘em anyway.” He shrugged.
As she opened the pouch and turned it over in her hand, two rings fell into her palm. She squinted her eyes at the seal, but she recognized them immediately.
“Link rings,” Olruggio rubbed his neck. “Nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like keeping someone dry and warm. Look after Coco, and whatever little rascals you take in for yourself, but make sure you keep yourself taken care of too.” he crossed his arms over his chest. “I know you’ve used mine before, but I think you’ll find them much more useful in your own size.”
Agott felt her heart ache with tenderness as she slipped the rings onto her fingers, taking comfort in the metal's weight. She looked back up at Olruggio with an expression he rarely saw on her as she bit back her own emotions. “...Thank you.”
“Oi,” Olruggio shook his head and turned away. “Don’t you dare start crying on me now. Can’t promise I won't do the same, and then we’ll both be embarrassed.”
He began walking towards the door, but he paused when he noticed Agott wasn’t following. “There’s something else?”
“Just one more thing.” Agott ran her fingers over what used to be her desk as she leaned against it. “My mother…is she here?”
Olruggio sighed and shook his head. “No, she’s not.”
Sensing the heaviness that loomed over the girl, he quickly made his way to her side and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “You know who is here, though? Richeh and Tetia, as well as Qifrey and myself. Nolnoa managed to drop by with Tartah, and I hear that boy Custas came as well. Of course Beldaruit will be officiating and all, but he’d come even if he weren’t. In fact, he’d come regardless of an invite.” He shrugged. “Point is, lots of people are here today to celebrate you and Coco. I know you wanted her here, and I don’t blame you for feeling upset, but the people who are here care about you deeply.”
Agott rested her head on his shoulder for a moment, allowing herself some comfort. It still stung that despite it being her wedding day, her mother couldn’t be bothered enough to show her face. The house Arklaum’s standards truly were comprehension.
Even still, her heart warmed at the thought of the small crowd that awaited her just outside. He former classmates, a few friends, and her teachers were all there to stand behind her for support on one of the most important moments of her life. For that, she was endlessly grateful.
She spared one last glance at the room where she and Coco had spent countless hours working on spells late into the night. The roof above her head had sheltered her and made space for not only her love for Coco, but her returning love for life.
Time would move forward. It always would. Only now, she’d sleep more soundly knowing Coco would forever remain by her side.
“No use keeping everyone waiting, then.” Agott took a deep breath and took hold of Olruggio's arm as he offered it to her.
“Couldn’t agree more. I’ll escort you to the altar. It’s almost sunset, and your bride awaits.”
~~~
Agott had never been so nervous in her entire life, not with any test, nor even during the silvereve procession. A wedding was an entirely different beast she was entirely unprepared to take on.
Olruggio sat in the front row beside an empty chair, arms crossed but a fond expression on his face. Tetia and Richeh sat beside him and chatted excitedly amongst themselves as they waited for Coco to make her grand entrance.
Beldaruit grinned from his place in the center of the altar, his hands drumming against some old book he was supposed to read from. “Oh, weddings just make me so emotional…you truly have come so far from your apprentice days. Honestly, spare my heart the ache and visit the great hall more often, would you? You are my grand apprentice after all~.”
“Forgive me for my lack of visitation.” Agott sighed, grateful for even a momentary distraction. “Grand apprentice?”
“The apprentice of my apprentice, of course! And when you take on some of your own, those will be my great-grand apprentices. So on, so forth.” He folded his hands and winked. “Keeping myself on my toes keeps me young.”
Agott smiled and chuckled quietly as she looked around. It truly was such a beautiful day. The skies had cleared just in time for the ceremony, and the atelier provided a welcome, familiar sort of comfort that a traditional venue could never match.
Her eyes wandered to the two empty chairs on the other side of the aisle, one reserved for her mother, and the other waiting for Coco’s. A bouquet of flowers rested on the second chair, an aching yet bittersweet reminder of who should have witnessed this moment.
A sudden quiet fell over the crowd and snapped Agott out of her thoughts. She turned her head just in time to catch her first glimpse of the woman that would soon be her bride, and her heart very well nearly stopped.
She had designed her own gown; of course she had. A simple yet elegant white dress with a cloak resembling that of a witch covering the top half. She always did love magic so terribly; it was only natural she’d want to include that love in a time like this. Both girls had chosen to forego their caps for the ceremony, but they rested at the altar just behind Bedlaruit, almost as if watching over them.
Qifrey didn’t take his eyes off Coco for so much as a second, fighting back tears as he slowly walked her down their makeshift aisle. Glowstones lit up beneath her feet with every step she took.
It wasn’t until she was standing at the altar across from her that their eyes truly met for the first time, both smiling until it hurt but too flustered to make the first move and reach out. Eventually, Agott steeled herself and took the hands of her bride.
As Qifrey took his seat beside Oluggio, the shorter man leaned over. “Two points for Agott. We’re even.”
Qifrey kicked his shin.
“My dear friends,” Beldaruit opened his book and began to read. “We have gathered here today to celebrate the union of two witches we've come to know and love dearly. Miss Agott Arklaum.” He gestured to Agott first, signaling her to straighten her back. “And of course, our dear Miss Coco.” He gestured his other hand towards the second girl, who giggled softly.
“For generations, marriage has served as a way we recognized the union of two souls under law. Though for witches, of course, we recognize once more the oath we must uphold.” He nodded to both girls before continuing. “The sanctity of magic, as well as your union, is within your hands to maintain. Now then, for the fun part. I understand the two of you have chosen to write your own vows?”
Agott opened her mouth to speak, but Coco beat her to it.
“Agott,” She smiled, whispering her name just as tenderly as she had a hundred times before. “When we met, I was so unsure of myself. I never imagined my time at the atelier would bring me so much, let alone the love of my life.” She squeezed her hands as she swallowed her tears. “You showed me the kindness in magic, and the joy that working hard to do good can bring. You showed me that it was ok to take care of myself when I only had my eyes set on helping others, and you were my anchor when I could feel myself drifting away.” Tears began to flow down her cheeks as she gripped Agott’s hands with as much strength as she could muster. “I love you so terribly, and I hope there never comes a day where I have to depart from your side. Thank you for being a woman I could depend on. Thank you for loving me. Thank you, Agott.” She quietly hiccuped despite the warm smile on her face. “It would be my life's greatest honor to have you as my wife for the rest of time.”
Agott was rendered speechless by the weight of her words, her own speech long forgotten. All she could do was hold on for dear life as she attempted to collect herself.
In the audience, Qifrey leaned over smugly. “Three for Coco.”
“Quiet.” Olruggio kicked his shin as he wiped his eyes.
Agott finally managed to clear the lump in her throat as she looked deep into her lover's eyes. “There are so many things I want to say to you, and I fear no words could ever be enough. You’re so much more than you could ever realize. My steady hand, my light, my reason.” She resisted the urge to have Coco in her arms right there and now, continuing with her vows. “For so long, I set my sights on proving I was worthy. I thought being a witch meant I had to have something to show for myself. I needed to justify my own existence with a spell or a contraption. But you never needed me to prove myself, not to you. Even when I probably didn’t deserve it at all, you were patient and kind.” It was her turn to fight off her tears. “Magic to me is no longer something that can be created with quill and ink. It’s in the way you look at me. It’s in every single step you take, and every breath you draw. My magic forever lies with you. It would be the single greatest thing I could ever hope to accomplish to call you mine for as long as we remain.”
Beldaruit clapped his hands together and wiped a tear from the corner of his eyes. “Oh, how wonderful! I just adore it when they write their own vows. Less work for me, too.” He cleared his throat and turned the page. “Very well then! If anyone has an objection to why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
In the audience, Tartah sighed and shook his head, a reluctant smile on his face.
“Perfect! If the two of you would be so kind.” Beldaruit held out a small pillow that had been resting just in front of their caps. Two small rings waited on either side. Agott picked one up first, gently taking Coco’s hand and slipping it onto her finger. The tiny gemstone glimmered in the light of the setting sun.
Coco followed suit, reaching for the matching ring and slipping it onto Agott’s finger in turn. They joined hands once more and gazed at one another.
“Very well! Now then, the best part~” Beldaruit turned to Coco. “Do you, Coco, take Agott Arklaum to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, to have and to hold for as long as you shall live?”
“I do.” Coco confidently met Agott’s gaze, a deep blush on her cheeks.
Beldaruit bit back an excited squeal before turning to Agott. “And do you, Agott Arklaum, take Coco to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, to have and to hold for as long as you shall live?”
Agott bit her lip as she nodded, her voice barely audible as she spoke. “I do.”
“Then by the power vested in me, I happily pronounce you wife and wife!” Beldaruit snapped the book shut. “Please, you may now kiss the bride.”
The two reached for one another at the exact same time, the kiss tender and full of all the emotions pent up over a lifetime. Cheers erupted from the crowd as lights floated up from every palm quire available, lighting up the slowly darkening sky as stars began to appear overhead.
As they pulled back from the kiss, the two women rested their foreheads together.
“Forever mine,” Coco whispered and cupped her cheek.
Agott nodded and smiled, stealing a second kiss. As she pulled back, she whispered in return.
“Forever yours.”