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Qifrey kept a subtle eye on his apprentices as he kneaded bread dough. The girls were gathered in front of the hearth in the living room, heads bent together, whispering over their spell primers. Which would be perfectly normal, if they had not been glancing at him repeatedly and giggling. They were plotting.
Olruggio stepped into the kitchen, returning from a commission delivery. He stepped up behind Qifrey and pulled him into his arms. He placed a kiss on Qifrey’s cheek, “Hello love.”
Qifrey smiled and turned to kiss Olruggio, “Welcome back dearest. The girls are up to something.”
Olruggio snorted, “When are they not?”
Qifrey tilted his head in acknowledgment, “Fair point. They keep glancing at me and giggling.”
Olruggio grinned, “I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about Qi. They like mischief not causing actual problems.”
Qifrey hummed, “How was your delivery?
Olruggio unwrapped his arms, stepping up to lean on the table next to Qifrey, “Well enough, the client was ecstatic. Paid extra for the quality of the finished contraption.”
Qifrey smiled, “Incredible! Do you have any other commissions currently? I cannot remember you speaking of any others.”
Olruggio shrugged, “Nah. None I’ve accepted. I’ve got a few interesting requests but I was focused on the last one. Might take a bit of time just for us and the girls. We don’t need the income right now.”
Qifrey finished kneading his dough, covering it and placing it aside, “I wouldn’t say no to less nights spent in your workshop and more spent in our bed.”
Olruggio smirked at him, “Have I been neglecting you, love? That won’t do.”
Qifrey flushed and snapped a towel at him, “Sleeping in your arms you heathen.”
Olruggio captured one of Qifrey’s hands and pressed it to his lips, “Well, if my fiancé requests it. I will happily grant his requests.”
Qifrey’s cheeks flush further, “I look forward to it. Will you go check on the girls? I must finish cooking lunch.”
Olruggio squeezed Qifrey’s hand before releasing it, “Of course. How much longer before lunch?”
Qifrey stepped over to the stove to stir a pan of pasta sauce, “Half an hour or so?”
Olruggio nodded, “I’ll have the girls wrap up whatever they are working on and clean up the living room. It’s so nice out, we should take them out for a walk this afternoon.”
Qifrey glanced out the window, “Hmmmm, it is quite lovely. We can ask them if they would like to during lunch.”
Olruggio stepped into the living room and the apprentices flocked to him. Olruggio ensured that his back was to Qifrey before holding a finger to his lips, “It’s almost lunch time girls. Do ya have any questions about the sections of primer you’re working on? No? Alright then, tidy up in here and take your things back to your workstations. I’ll be back to check on ya in a few minutes.”
Olruggio glanced over his shoulder l, making sure Qifrey was distracted cooking before pointing the girls towards the hallway. Olruggio left first, the girls quickly collecting their things and slipping down the hall one by one, as if they were simply heading to their rooms.
Olruggio leans against the wall next to the girls bedroom doors, the girls bouncing in front of him. He smiled at their excitement, “Ok I gave him the idea to take you all out for a walk this afternoon. I will get “called away” by my old master. Do you remember your plans?”
Tetia nodded, “Ask Master Qifrey if we can help pick out a dress for him so we can all look extra cute while we go pick flowers!”
Agott continued, “Take a meandering path to the meadow. Playing and picking flowers as we go to avoid suspicion.”
Coco grinned, “Scatter and run towards the meadow right before we get there so he follows us.”
Richeh nodded, “Watch the ceremony. Then go back to the Great Hall with Rili and Wise Beldaruit.”
Olruggio nodded, “Yes. Now come on, it's time for lunch before he gets any more suspicious.”
The apprentices rushed to the dining room and quickly set the table. Olruggio wandered down a few minutes later and quickly checked that the living room was cleaned up.
As they all sat down for lunch, Qifrey smiled at the girls, “Olly thought it would be nice for all of us to take a walk and enjoy the weather this afternoon. Does that sound fun to you, girls?”
Tetia squealed and clapped, “Can we go pick flowers? All the prettiest ones are blooming!”
The other girls smiled and cheered at the idea. Qifrey hid a coo, “If that is what you want.”
Coco turned to Qifrey with puppy eyes, “Can we wear pretty dresses to spin around in the fields?”
Qifrey glanced at all of the apprentices and found similar looks on their faces, “Well that does sound fun.”
Olruggio grinned, “Sounds like an excellent afternoon.”
Qifrey pressed a kiss to Olruggio’s cheek, “Indeed. Eat up girls, none of this can happen until you finish your lunches.”
After lunch the girls scattered to their rooms to change. Qifrey and Olruggio were in the kitchen cleaning up when a chime sounded from Olruggio’s pocket. Olruggio furrowed his brow and pulled out his pocket window way, “That’s odd, why’s my Master calling? I have to take this, love.”
Qifrey waved him off with a smile, “I’ll finish up here. Take your time dear.”
Olruggio pressed a kiss to his cheek before stepping into the living room and answering the call. Qifrey swiftly finished cleaning the kitchen and turned to walk to their room when he walked into Olruggio. Olruggio’s arms wrapped around him to steady him. Olruggio flushed, “Sorry love, wasn’t paying attention. Bad news, I have to miss out on our walk this afternoon. My master needs a hand with somethings at the Great Hall. I should be back by dinner, but I truly have to go. I’m so sorry to miss out on time with you and the girls.”
Qifrey rested his forehead against Olruggio’s, “Oh Olly. The girls will understand. I understand. There will be other afternoons. We will miss you. Say hello to your master for me?”
Olruggio kissed Qifrey before smiling, “Mmmmm. I don’t deserve you, love. I will see you tonight. Have fun with the girls.”
Qifrey pressed a kiss to his cheek, “See you tonight darling.”
Olruggio donned his cap and cloak and grabbed his satchel, heading to the window way with a final wave.
Qifrey let out a small, sad sigh after Olruggio left. No matter, he had apprentices to see to. He would see his fiancé again in a matter of hours.
Qifrey turned and walked towards their bedroom. Tetia and Coco waited outside of the door in their favorite dresses. Coco beamed at him, “Master Qifrey! Will you dress up with us?”
Qifrey smiled softly, “If you would like me to. Would you girls like to help me pick what dress to wear?”
Coco and Tetia bounced and nodded. Qifrey led them into the room, “Sadly Olly will no longer be joining us this afternoon. He was called to the Great Hall by his master. He should be home in time for dinner. And he apologizes to you for the change of plans.”
Tetia frowned, “Awwwww no. I hope everything is ok!”
Qifrey opened his closet, “Nothing terrible or urgent, just a request for assistance. Now what dress should I wear, my dears?”
Tetia and Coco admired all of Qifrey’s dresses, before selecting a white dress that was slightly longer than his usual dresses with gold embroidery.
Qifrey ran a hand over the embroidery, “It is very pretty, isn’t it? It was a gift from Olly, a few years ago.”
Tetia gasped, “It’s perfect! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear it, Master?”
Qifrey slid the dress off the hanger, “I’ve rarely worn it. It’s so pretty, but it feels too special to wear most of the time. I do love it. It would be nice to wear it this afternoon. Wait here girls, I will return shortly.”
Qifrey stepped into the bathroom and shut the door before undressing to his small clothes. He slid the white and gold dress on before looking in the mirror. He did love this dress and he knew Olly loved when he wore it. It would be a nice surprise for his fiancé tonight.
Qifrey stepped back into the bedroom and saw the girls sitting on the floor at the foot of the bed, “What do you think?”
He spun and felt the dress swirl around his ankles. Tetia went wide eyed, “Wahhhhh! So pretty Master!”
Qifrey laughed softly, “Thank you Tetia. It was a very good choice.”
Qifrey crossed to the dresser and rummaged through the top drawer. He pulled out a cream colored belt with golden stars embossed on it. He slipped the belt on over the dress and added his casting tools, “That should do it. Shall we go find the others and head out?”
Tetia and Coco grabbed his hands and skipped out of the room. Qifrey smiled as they found Richeh and Agott waiting at the front door. Qifrey glanced over the four of them, “Agott, Richeh. Olly was called back to the Great Hall to assist his Master, he will not be joining us this afternoon. He sends his apologies. Stay where I can see you. Do not wander off. Call for me if you need anything, ok? Let’s have a lovely afternoon.”
Qifrey hooked a large basked over his arm and followed the apprentices out of the Atelier. It did not take long for them to come across the first patches of flowers. Qifrey watched as the girls began searching through the patches with great intensity. Agott came walking back to him a short while later. She held up a sprig of beautiful forget me nots, “For you, Master Qifrey.”
Qifrey knelt down and accepted the flowers, “Thank you Agott, they’re beautiful.”
Agott smiled and walked back to the other girls. Qifrey stood and twirled the flowers in between his fingers. He tucked them behind his ear with a smile.
The group wandered through the hills surrounding their atelier. Laughter filled their air as the basket Qifrey carried filled with flowers. They were finally approaching one of the largest meadows in the area, when Qifrey noticed the girls behavior was off. Before he could think anymore on the subject, he heard a shriek of laughter and watched as the girls suddenly bolted off over the hill into the meadow.
Qifrey tightened his grip on the basket, hiked his skirt, and ran after them. He called out, “Girls! Too far, come back to where I can see you!”
Qifrey crested the hill and froze. In the middle of the meadow, apprentices hiding behind him, stood Olruggio. Olruggio smiled up at Qifrey, clad in a gorgeous black dress with gold embroidery. Qifrey shook out of his stupor and walked forward, “Olly? I thought you were called away?”
Olruggio rubbed the back of his neck, “Bit of a ruse. Sorry to trick you, love.”
Qifrey huffed, “Whatever for? And girls, do not think we won’t be having words about you running off like that.”
Olruggio grasped Qifrey’s hand the moment he was close enough, “A surprise love. Don’t be upset with the girls. They were doing as I asked them to.”
Qifrey squeezed Olruggio’s hand as he stepped up to his side, “Do I get to know the surprise now?”
Olruggio wrapped his arms around Qifrey’s waist, pulling them chest to chest, “Marry me. Here. Now. Be my husband, forever more.”
Qifrey flushed, “Here and now Olly?”
Olruggio grinned, “Why not? I love you. You love me. You accepted my Flowers of Intention. Everyone already thinks we’re married as is. Marry me, Qifrey.”
Qifrey pressed their foreheads together, “We would need an officiant, handfasting cords.”
A voice called out from across the meadow, “That’s why I am here my darling former apprentice! It is far past time the two of you were wed.”
Beldaruit’s seal chair came sauntering into the meadow followed dutifully by Riliphin.
Qifrey glanced at Olruggio, who shrugged. Olruggio sighs, “Easier to tell him than be tormented about it for years. And he’s taking the apprentices for a few days so we can have some alone time.”
Qifrey huffs a laugh, “That makes an alarming amount of sense.”
Qifrey pulled back and smiled at Beldaruit, “Hello Beldaruit. Thank you for coming today, you as well Riliphin.”
Beldaruit clapped, “Shall we get this show on the road?”
Qifrey glanced at Olruggio, Olruggio nodded and produced a cloth bag from his pocket. He handed it to Riliphin.
Beldaruit smiled and motioned for the pair to stand in front of his seal chair. Riliphin stood just off to the side. The apprentices sat in a half circle a few feet from the couple.
Beldaruit cleared his throat and smiled, “Today we bind the two of you in matrimony. The binding of the cords is a strong and ancient Northern tradition. Each chord’s color symbolizes a vow and a wish for your union. Olruggio of the Torch, you have chosen the cords for your marriage in accordance with your homelands traditions. Join hands with your fiancé.”
Olruggio cupped Qifrey’s hand in both of his and brought it to his lips before lacing his fingers with Qifrey’s.
Beldaruit nodded, “We will begin with yellow. The yellow cord represents joy and happiness.” Riliphin stepped forward and carefully wrapped the yellow ribbon around their joined hands. Beldaruit continued, “With this cord we bind you to each other, with hope for a future filled with joy and happiness for you both.”
Qifrey took on the yellow ribbon, noticing the pattern embroidered into it. Forget me nots and ivy vine. The same as his cap ribbon. True love. Memories. Matrimony. Tears sprang to his eyes. Oh Olly, so endlessly sweet.
Beldaruit resumed, “Your second cord is blue. The blue cord represents trust and loyalty. Traits the two of you have shown endlessly for each other from the very beginning.” The blue ribbon joined the yellow ribbon wrapped around their hands. “With this cord we bind you to each other, to continue to tread the path before you hand in hand with trust and loyalty.”
Olruggio smiled at the ribbon, dotted with arbutus and heliotrope. He stared Qifrey in the eye, “Only thee do I love. Devotion”
Tears ran down Qifrey’s cheek as he beamed at Olruggio.
Beldaruit concluded, “Your third and final cord is red. The red cord represents passion and strength. May the passion and strength the two of you show as witches and teachers be present in your marriage.” The red ribbon overlapped yellow and blue, binding their hands snugly. “With this cord we bind you to each other for love and life. Never lose your passion and remember you are each other’s greatest strength.”
A spark glinted in Olruggio’s eyes at the sight of the ribbon. Lungwort and phlox. “Thou art my life. Our souls are united.”
Qifrey held his husband’s gaze and squeezed his hand.
Beldaruit smiled, “If you have anything you wish to say, you may do so now.”
Qifrey cleared his throat, “Olruggio. My Olly. We have been through unspeakable trials. You saved me at great cost to yourself. And although I wish you had never had to do that, I am forever grateful. I love you. For so many years we could not speak of or do anything about it. But I love you. I have since we were thirteen. And now that I can say it I will never go a single day without saying it. Thank you, my love, for loving me so much. Even when it was so hard. I will love you until the end of time, my kindest, most radiant star.”
Olruggio blinked back tears, “Qifrey. Love, my only regret is that in saving you I had to allow you to suffer in silence for so long. And I will spend the rest of my life ensuring you never suffer in silence again. I will love and cherish you beyond death. I will be here to love you and hold you. To wipe your tears and ground you from nightmares. I love you so much Qi. Thank you for letting me love you.”
Flowers swirled and drifted around them, the work of their giggling apprentices with swift wind spells and their basket of flowers. Beldaruit smiled, “You may kiss your husband and go forth into the rest of your lives a married couple.”
Olruggio closed the short distance between them and cupped Qifrey’s cheek, pulling him into a kiss.
A round of cheers burst out of the apprentices. And the pair broke apart with a laugh. The ribbons were carefully unwound from their hands and placed back into their pouch. Olruggio tucked the pouch securely in his pocket, “We can hang them up at home love.”
Qifrey blushed and pulled him into another kiss.
Music swelled through the meadow as Beldaruit activated a small music box, “A dance from the newlyweds before we leave them to their post nuptial bliss.”
Olruggio cocked an eyebrow at Qifrey, Qifrey nodded. Olruggio stepped back and bowed before offering his hand to Qifrey. Qifrey curtsied before accepting his hand and being pulled into Olruggio’s arms. Olruggio pulled Qifrey to his chest and began to waltz and spin him around the meadow. Qifrey and Olruggio’s laughter echoed through the meadow as they danced. The black and white swirls of their skirts contrasting beautifully with the bright colorful flowers.
As the music wound down, Olruggio lifted Qifrey one last time and spun the two of them around and around. Qifrey’s laughter rang around Olruggio and they smiled at each other breathlessly.
The girls swarmed them, knocking them to the ground. The pair hugged their girls tightly and told them how much they would miss them while they were gone.
The girls pulled back after hugs and reassurances that they would see them soon. After a long series of goodbyes and well wishes Beldaruit, Riliphin, Agott, Tetia, Richeh, and Coco filed through the Portable Window Way to the Great Hall.
Qifrey and Olruggio sat, holding each other in the meadow as the first colors of sunset began to paint the sky. Olruggio traced the embroidery on Qifrey’s dress, “I love seeing you in this. It suits you, ya look gorgeous.”
Qifrey flushed, “Thank you. I’ve always loved it. But it feels too special most of the time. I’m glad the girls picked it today.”
Olruggio smiled, pulling the bag out of his pocket once more, “I have one more gift for you, love. Left hand please.
Qifrey placed his left hand into Olruggio’s hand. Olruggio pulled a carved gold band out of the bag and slid it onto Qifrey’s ring finger. Qifrey gasped and brought his hand closer to inspect the ring. It was beautiful, engraved with a large star and flames. Qifrey teared up, “Olly, it’s perfect. Thank you.”
Olruggio smiled softly, “Glad you like it. Care to put mine on me?”
Qifrey held out his hand with a huge grin. Olruggio placed a carved silver band in Qifrey’s hands before holding out his left hand. The silver band was carved with a large rose and crashing waves. Qifrey slid it onto Olruggio’s hand with shaking hands, “Perfect. I love you so much Olly.”
Olruggio entwined their hands, “Love you more, Qi.”