Say No To This

@ katahdin

As more Council members arrived, they were quickly informed of the situation before they could march up to Elwin and demand answers or that something could be changed, and as a general group, they sort of simmered in the chapel pews, muttering together and occasionally throwing dark looks Nyrel's way. He didn't let it ruffle him though, and overall didn't have that much to do, so that when Elwin appeared at his side, he nodded. "Going okay. They aren't happy, but they're being quiet," he offered, going quiet as Elwin apologized and then revealed that he was being serious about the position, much to Nyrel's surprise. Nyrel started, then shook his head with a smile. "I'd be terrible. I'd do what I wanted and what would make Aerith happy, and that'd be it. We're all better off with you staying where you are." He paused. "You're serious about trusting my judgement though? You were literally threatening me this morning, and I still owe you a list of all the women I've slept with. I mean, I need something to do, but I'll sulk if you're just trying to give me busywork so you can keep your eye on me."

---

Ceren was going to kill Elwin; she wasn't and couldn't, but she couldn't believe he'd secretly planned this without telling her about it. When was he planning on letting her in on the secret? When the ceremony was happening? "I don't know the words though," she insisted. "It wasn't supposed to be for a long time. And even though I knew this was going to happen, I just thought... maybe I'd feel more prepared. I just--I don't know how to be a Queen, Aer. I don't even know how to be a noble, not like Nyrel and Elwin and all the rest. What if I'm horrible?" Elwin knew some of these thoughts and had tried to comfort her, but she wasn't sure she'd ever said it all until now.

@ sun spirit

Elwin chuckled a bit as he mentioned his threats to him earlier, giving a little shrug. "I don't trust the Nyrel you were before, and even though I don't think it'll happen, I worry he'll come back, which is why I'm being hard on you. But I don't have to offer you a position to keep an eye on you when I know Aerith will lock you up herself if she sees you doing anything unsavory." He grinned a bit, looking over at the nobles for a moment before looking back at him sheepishly. "I trust your judgement. They all want something from me, whether it's money or power or lands and titles. You've only ever wanted one thing, and that was to be with Aerith, and now that you've got that you don't want anything else. Do you think if I gave any of them the first thing they asked me for that they'd leave me alone? I may still not trust past Nyrel and am still trying to fix some of his mistakes, I trust the Nyrel that married my sister."

---

Aerith shook her head, taking her friends hands and squeezing them. "I'll tell you the words. And Elwin can have you repeat after him, it's not hard. And no one knows how to be a Queen or a noble, Cer. Do you think Elwin has any idea how to be King? Cause I can almost guarantee that he doesn't." She smiled, kissing her friends cheek. "There's nothing you have to change about yourself when you go through this, you're already the best Queen you can be, and Elwin knows that."

@ katahdin

Nyrel chuckled as Elwin brought up Aerith locking him up. "She might not want to, but I've made her promise to physically knock sense into me if I ever start acting like my old self again," he admitted, though he was quiet through the rest of what Elwin had to say, touched by his words. "Well, when you put it that way, I almost have to accept, don't I?" he teased, elbowing Elwin lightly before he could think better of it. "What's the job description then? Advisor can mean a lot of things; technically, they're supposed to be your advisors."

---

Ceren held onto Aerith's hands, trying to calm the panicky feeling in her stomach, grateful for her friend's calm at that moment. And while the idea that no one knew how to be a ruler was even more terrifying than the idea that some might, somehow being reminded that Elwin struggled with it helped. It wasn't that she wanted him to struggle so much as she wanted to help so he could enjoy himself more and not be as stressed. She took a breath. "Okay, okay. I'm still not convinced, but I still want to help El, and I love him, even if I'm angry right now because he didn't tell me about this. Tell me what to say, and I'll put my hair up and try not to be scared. Thank you, Aer." She squeezed her friend's hands and kissed her cheek.

@ sun spirit

Elwin chuckled a bit as Nyrel elbowed him, relieved that he'd not only accepted but seemed to be pleased about it, grinning as he mentioned Aerith knocking sense into him. "Please, have her let me know if she's ever going to do that, I'd love to see it." He laughed, although he gave a little shrug though when Nyrel asked about the job description. "I suppose it's up to you, in some ways.. I'd appreciate it if you came to Council meetings with me, and helped me think through passing or changing laws and giving people lands and titles, but that's all boring and if I don't want to do it I doubt you'd want to either." He grinned a bit. "But, if you want to keep telling Council members off that can definitely be part of your job description. You're very good at it."

---

Aerith smiled as Ceren agreed and kissed her cheek in return, giving her a tight hug before stepping back. "The words are old, and there's only a few, so it's easy. Unde talis ordo fuit. See? Easy." She smiled. "I know you're angry at Elwin, but you can be angry at him later tonight after you're married. Now is not the time for anger, now is the time for making your hair pretty." She stated, grabbing her brush and holding it out to her. "Once you're all dressed I have to go back to my room and change out of my armor so I look nice, but I'll only go when you tell me to, ok?"

@ katahdin

Nyrel chuckled. "Absolutely not. If my wife is going to beat me up, I need it to be in privacy, at least," he joked, finding himself relaxing into easy conversation. Years had passed since he and Elwin could be considered close, and things had been tense for a long time, with this probably being the calmest conversation they'd had in a long time. "I just know what buttons to push after spending years around them," Nyrel chuckled. "And actually, it doesn't necessarily sound as boring as you make it out to be. The laws and the nobles are complex, and there's a lot of unsaid consequences with everything that happens. Not to mention all the Council members probably push their own agendas and argue amongst each other based off what would be based for who, and they'd be trying to confuse the broader view of things. If nothing else, I could probably plainly tell you the consequences of possible decisions," he offered.

---

"Unde talis ordo fuit," Ceren slowly repeated out loud, to make sure she had it, then repeated it again and again in her mind so she wouldn't forget. She smiled, giggling a bit as Aerith told her that she could be mad at Elwin later. "Okay, later," she agreed, taking the brush. "Go ahead and change now if you want, Aer. I'm sure I can handle my hair by myself," she assured her friend, feeling better after their pep-talk. She brushed the tangles from her damp blonde hair and stared at it for several moments as she tried to decide what to do. She usually braided it because it kept it out of her way and was quick and easy, sometimes pinning it back in a bun when she really needed it out of the way, but Aerith had said she should try to make it special. In the end, Ceren braided two small sections and pulled them back to combine them behind her head and pin them there, which pulled her hair from her face but left the golden locks spilling around her shoulders. Simple--but special all the same.

@ sun spirit

Elwin laughed as Nyrel joked with him, shaking his head a little at the thought. "I suppose you'll need some sense of dignity after, and having me watch certainly won't help that." He grinned. "I'm also pretty sure your sister will be very upset with me for surprising her with the crowning ceremony, and I'm sure she'll let me hear about it over dinner, so you'll be lucky enough to see it." He smiled, glad to hear Nyrel wanted to take the job and seemed genuinely interested in it.

---

Aerith smiled when Ceren said that she could go change now, nodding a little. "Alright.. By the time I'm back your hair should be done. And then I'll help you into your dress, and then after that it's time to get married!" She said excitedly, pressing a kiss to her friends cheek before grabbing the bag she'd packed for Ceren and heading back to her room. She deposited the bag with the others Nyrel had prepared before dressing in a simple shirt and pants, but decided to put on a fancy cape that would match Elwin's fancy cape before hurrying back to Ceren's room. "Ceren! Your hair is so pretty!" She beamed, clapping her hands excitedly.

@ katahdin

“Exactly. I need to be beaten in privacy,” Nyrel said with a smile, chuckling as Elwin mentioned Ceren being upset. “I don’t think I’ve ever really seen her angry or upset. I know what I do when I’m angry, I know how Aerith acts when she’s angry, and I even have a good idea of what you’re like angry... how does she usually act when she’s upset? Or used to act? I’m curious what to expect.”

---

Ceren grinned when she saw Aerith, especially wearing the cape. “Thanks! It feels weird having it down like this,” she admitted, touching a strand of her around her shoulders. “I like your cape. Almost as fancy as your nice armor,” she added with a grin. It was time to put on the dress then, with Aerith helping make sure the fastenings were secure in the back, and then came the veil and shoes—that she still didn’t feel completely stable in. “Okay, I’m good. I think? Am I forgetting something?” She looked around her room, trying to make sure that she hadn’t forgotten something.

@ sun spirit

Elwin hummed in thought, trying to remember a time when Ceren was every upset or angry. "I'm not sure I've seen her upset or angry recently, well, accept when we fought a few days ago, but I was also upset and have chosen to forget about that. But when she was a lot younger she'd pout and pitch a big fit, and Aerith and I would take turns carrying her back to her room and finding ways to cheer her up." He shrugged a little. "It's funny, whenever she was mad it wouldn't really last that long, and it never took that much for her to cheer up. I can only hope it's still the same as when she was five." He laughed.

---

Aerith smiled when he complimented her cape, spinning around as she giggled. "Thank you. I wanted to match Elwin, and I didn't want Nyrel to feel weird if I was wearing my armor while he was wearing something fancy." She said, moving to help Ceren get into he dressed. "Your hair is very pretty. Your dress is very pretty too." She beamed, stepping back to look her over to make sure everything was perfect. "You look perfect Cer! I don't think you're forgetting anything.." she hummed before her eyes widened in realization. "Oh! Flowers! You need your flowers!" She said, frowning when she didn't see any in the room. "Elwin must have some prepared at the chapel. We'll go down, you wait in the hall while I go get the flowers and let Elwin know we're ready to start?"

@ katahdin

More than anyone, Nyrel understood wanting to leave mistakes in the past, and he nodded sympathetically as Elwin mentioned choosing to overlook their recent fight and focus on other things, chuckling at the mental image of Ceren pitching a fit. "Except hopefully she won't react as strongly initially," he suggested. "You'll have to try and distract her as quickly as possible so she forgets to be angry." Pretty much everyone had arrived at this point and were in seats, talking amongst each other. "Maybe I should check to see how she and Aer are doing time-wise."

---

"I'm sure he'd tell you to wear whatever made you happy," Ceren smiled, giggling as Aerith spun around in her cape. She would definitely match Elwin. She blushed, smiling as she was looked over and told she looked perfect. "Thanks. Hopefully Elwin thinks so too." He'd definitely never seen her dressed anything nearly like this. She'd only attended one court event since being back, and she'd still dressed a little simply, with Aerith in her armor at her side. At the mention of flowers, her eyes widened, but even as she started to look around the room, Aerith suggested a solution. Which was good, because her windowsill plants weren't exactly the flowering sort. "Okay, that sounds perfect. Thanks again, Aer." She pulled her friend in for a hug, then took a breath. "Okay, let's go, before I find time to panic again." With Aerith's hand in hers, they left her room and made their way to the chapel.

@ sun spirit

Aerith grinned excitedly as Ceren agreed that if was time to go to the chapel, squeezing her hand as they walked through the halls. Once around the corner she stopped, holding her hands up to Ceren to signal that she do the same. "Alright, you stay here, ok? I'll be back with Nyrel in just a minute." She reassured before hurrying around the corner and into the chapel, giving the few Council members she passed dirty looks as she walked up to her brother and husband.

"Hello. Ceren is around the corner in her dress all ready to be married, but she doesn't have her flowers or her brother to walk her down the aisle." Aerith explained, smiling as she looked between the two men. "Are you ready? Are you excited?"

Elwin was surprised to see Aerith arrive, especially dressed so similarly to him, but he could only chuckle as she spoke, nodding. "Yes, I'm ready. The bouquet is on the table in the back, you two bring it out to her while I go stand up at the front, and when we're ready to start I'll give the signal to Aer, and she can signal to you Nyrel to come in." He explained, letting Aerith kiss his cheek before moving to stand at his spot by the bishop, while Aerith dragged Nyrel toward the door after grabbing Ceren's bouquet, bringing him around the corner to where she'd left the bride.

"Ok, Ceren. No being nervous, got it?" Aerith said as she passed her her flowers, adjusting her veil a bit before kissing her cheek and then her husband's before hurrying back to the door to wait for Elwin's signal.

@ katahdin

As he saw his wife striding towards him, Nyrel smiled, reaching out to take her hand as she stopped nearby. She was beautiful in her shirt and pants, wearing a cape to match Elwin's, though hers was green and plainer. Since they were talking about Ceren and the wedding though, he resolved to stay silent until he and Aerith had a moment to talk and he could tell her so himself. "If your reaction is anywhere near mine, you'll forget to breathe for a moment when you see her, so prepare yourself now. You have a little more of an audience than I did," Nyrel confided to Elwin, after which he let Aerith lead the way back to where she'd left Ceren.

"Thanks Aer," Ceren said, on the verge of fidgeting when Aerith arrived with Nyrel and a boquet in hand. Nodding with Aerith said, she took a breath. "I'll try," she promised as Aerith moved to stand in the doorway, her eyes focused on something intently. When Aerith received the signal, she shared the information, to which Nyrel nodded. "We have a quorum then," he said and offered arm to Ceren. "Ready to get married?"

Ceren took a deep breath and nodded. "Absolutely," she said, despite some of the worries still lingering, and took his arm. "Let's go," she said, and as the door opened, they entered together to quiet music playing. The room looked magical and smelled of the flowers strewn across it, and even though she recognized many faces in the crowd as belonging to the Pond, she was surprised they didn't mutter a word her way either. Her eyes were largely for Elwin though, handsome in his suit and cape, the crown already on his head even now. He looked amazing, and when she reached the platform where he stood, she made her way to him, reaching a hand out towards him. "You look great," she told him softly.

@ sun spirit

Elwin nodded at Nyrel's advice, knowing well enough that he likely wasn't joking about the not breathing part. He too was fidgeting while he waited for e everyone to quiet down and settle, and when he gave the signal to Aerith, she relayed it to Ceren and Nyrel out in the hall before moving to take her own seat near the front, giving her brother a quick thumbs-up and smile in encouragement which caused him to chuckle.

He did absolutely forget how to breathe when he saw Ceren all dressed up, a little nudge from the bishop reminding him to inhale. She looked absolutely beautiful, from the way she'd done her hair to the dress she'd picked out.. Everything was so different from the way she usually presented herself, but he knew that there was nothing else that would be more perfect for her. Taking her hand as she stepped up to the platform with him he grinned, squeezing her hand. "You look beautiful, Cer.." he whispered in return before falling silent as the bishop began to go on the long, traditional preamble that was required before the vows, which Elwin had asked to be kept as short and sweet as possible.

"I, Elwin Heletoris, take Ceren Stonewater as my wife." He beamed as he slid the ring he'd had prepared onto her waiting finger when it was finally time, giving her hand a squeeze before waiting for her to do the same. After the vows, the bishop pronounced them man and wife, but instead of allowing them to share their first kiss, he stepped aside so that Elwin could take his place for the coronation ceremony. Elwin grinned sheepishly at Ceren as the bishop returned with the robe that Ceren was to wear, Elwin taking it and placing it carefully around Ceren's shoulders, pressing a brief kiss go her cheek. "I'm sorry for the surprise.. But I was afraid the Council would find a way to prevent it if we didn't crown you today. I'll make it up to you, I promise." He whispered with a small smile, before gesturing for her to kneel.

"I present unto you Queen Ceren Heletoris, your undoubted Queen." Elwin announced to the audience before turning to take the crown from the waiting bishop, giving her a little smile as he placed it upon her head. "By speaking the motto of my ancestors, the first Kings of Othudel, she swears to uphold our laws and serve our people, and will use her power for justice and mercy. Unde talis ordo fuit.." He spoke clearly, giving her a little nod when it was her turn to speak, knowing she was likely nervous.

@ katahdin

Ceren smiled softly at Elwin's compliment, silently holding his hand as the bishop began to speak the necessary words, Nyrel now in possession of the bouquet she'd been holding earlier. She barely contained a laugh at the look Elwin gave her when he spoke his vows and slid the ring on her finger, passing her its copy in the same breath. "I, Ceren Stonewater, take Elwin Heletoris as my husband," she said next, grinning as she in turn slid his ring onto his finger, and they were pronounced man and wife.

Despite Aerith's warning, her stomach still flipped when, instead of finishing the ceremony with the traditional kiss, the bishop disappeared for a moment before returning with a robe even more ornate than the cape Elwin currently wore. "I love you, but you're lucky I found out before the ceremony," Ceren whispered in return as he settled the heavy cloak around her shoulders and motioned for her to kneel. She complied, focusing on Elwin rather than their audience as he spoke to help steady herself. The change in her last name was odd to hear--not necessarily in a bad way--as was her name being associated with the word Queen at all. She was silent as a crown was placed on her head though, heavier than the robe as it settled on her and Elwin gave her her signal to speak. Taking a deep breath, she repeated, "Unde talis ordo fuit," stronger than she thought she'd be able to manage, waiting for Elwin's okay before she once more rose to her feet. There was cheering from the crowd as she did so, and though the Council seemed unmoved when her eyes moved over them, it was soon obvious that it was the healers in attendance who'd taken up the cheer, making her blush as they did so.

@ sun spirit

Elwin hid his grin as she teased him, although he happily let it show once Ceren said the words, holding his hands out to help her rise to her feet, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips, squeezing her hand as the turned to face the cheering healers, a little chuckle escaping him. "Seems like you're already much loved, your majesty." He teased, pressing a kiss to her cheek before leading her down away from the platform and toward the back of the chapel, stopping to speak with the healers who wanted to wish Ceren their congratulations.

Aerith happily clapped and cheered along with the rest of the healers, beaming up at her brother and her friend. She turned to look at Nyrel with a smile, squeezing his hand. "I'm happy for them. Did you ever think this would happen? That your sister would be Queen, and that you'd marry the person who put worms in your shoes?"

@ katahdin

Ceren gladly accepted Elwin's help standing, feeling unbalanced in her attire, though his smile was infectious enough that she returned it automatically as they kissed. She didn't know what to say in response to his teasing about the healers though, finding herself smiling at the little family she'd found within the castle, and as they approached the group, flooded with hugs and kisses and congratulations--of which Elwin was pulled into as well. He'd been around to become a familiar face at the infirmary and rather than being aloof like many of the nobility, he talked to them and occasionally conspired--like with Taliesin--and he'd been adopted too, in a way, despite not being a healer. "Thanks, guys," Ceren smiled as she was at last finished with the hugs. "For helping with everything today and being so great. Hopefully, our new Royal Healer won't ban me from helping out at the infirmary and seeing you guys."

"You're still the best in the castle. I'll make sure to talk to your husband about the sort of time you'll be able to reasonably spare," Taliesin said, giving Elwin a wink. "Congratulations to you both though. The kingdom's lucky to have you leading it."

As the cheering died down and Elwin and Ceren were practically swallowed by a horde of healers, Nyrel wrapped an arm around Aerith, chuckling a bit at her question. "Honestly? I thought I'd make a political match with some boring lady that I liked well enough, and given Ceren's dedication to healing and little else, that she'd be satisfied without ever marrying unless I stepped in and played match-maker. I'm glad things have turned out like this though. I'm the luckiest man in the realms, and Ceren's just happily married someone who loves and understands her. And once she figures out how to stand her own and show the Council her stubborn side, she'll give the Council a run for their money," he said, dropping a kiss against he top of her head.

@ sun spirit

Elwin grinned at his wife as they stepped toward the healers, laughing as he returned the hugs and handshakes that were given out from Ceren's makeshift family. "Thank you all, I owe you all a huge debt for your help today. If there's anything any of you ever need, please don't hesitate to ask." He smiled at everyone, squeezing Ceren's hand as Taliesin winked at him. "I'm sure she will have a few spare hours here or there." He chuckled.

After finishing the thank yous Elwin tugged Ceren along, leading her out of the chapel and down the hall a little ways to the room where Nyrel had prepared dinner for them, beaming when he saw the maids finishing setting up the homestyle meal before he turned to Ceren. "I thought you would appreciate dinner.. Oh, and I can take the crown and cape if you don't want to wear them anymore." He offered with a chuckle, squeezing her hands. "You do look absolutely stunning, though. I'm sure whoever paints our wedding portrait won't be able to do you justice." He teased, pressing a loving kiss to her lips.

---

Aerith snuggled into her husband's arm, giggling a little at his response. "I didn't think I'd marry anyone either.. I thought about running away for a while, giving up my title and living in the woods somewhere.." She pressed a kiss to his cheek before standing, squeezing his hands. "I'm happy I stayed though. I never would have seen Elwin or Ceren again, and I'd never have married you." She pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, laughing as he said she'd give the Council a run for their money, looking past him at a few of the Council members that still lingered, sticking her tongue out at one who gave her a dirty look. "You both will give them a run for their money. Now come on, we should go find something to eat. I'm starving, and I've missed you all day."

@ katahdin

As she felt Elwin starting to tug her away, Ceren glanced back, realizing she hadn’t seen Nyrel or Aerith since the ceremonies, but relaxed as she saw them together, starting to follow. Elwin led her across the hall, to a room where food had just finished being set up, and away from the small crowd, she breathed a little easier. “Thank you,” she said, reaching up to give him a kiss, though doing so, she felt the crown on her head start to slide and had to step back and put a hand to it to stop it. “That might be best, before this falls off my head,” she said sheepishly and slowly lifted the crown off her head, glad for the lack of weight. After Elwin had taken it and the robe had been shrugged off her shoulders, she glared at him. “I can’t believe you weren’t going to tell me about the crowning ceremony!” She swatted his arm. “You knew I was nervous about it already, and you were just going to surprise me in front of the whole Council? I was so scared when I found out, and Aer had to calm me down!” Her hands were clenched as if she wanted to swat him again, but she held back. “If you ever do something like that again, I’m going to... I’ll figure something out.”

Nyrel chuckled. “That must be where your cabin out in the woods came from,” he said, remembering the little house she’d showed him and the story of how she’d somehow used the royal treasury to pay for it without actually alerting anyone to the fact. “I’m happy you stayed too,” he confided, pressing a kiss to her lips, nodding when she suggested that they get some food. “I’ve missed you too,” he said, kissing the top of her head as he caught Ceren’s eye as she and Elwin disappeared and started to lead the way. “Dinner’s set up for us across the hall. If we hurry, we might get to see Ceren get mad at Elwin about keeping the crowning ceremony a secret,” he confided with a small grin.

@ sun spirit

Aerith happily kissed her husband back when he admitted he'd missed her, eyes lighting up when he mentioned that dinner was waiting for them across the hall with Elwin and Ceren. She giggled when he suggested she hurry so she could see Elwin and Ceren get in a little spat, pressing a quick kiss to his lips before hurrying off to the room where dinner was waiting. Once she'd passed a few of the Council members grumbled to themselves. "Must be a hassle being married to her.. I can't imagine how hard it must be for Lord Stonewater to pretend to love her."

Elwin grinned sheepishly as she began to swat at his arms and glare at him, chuckling as she scolded him. "Yeah, it wasn't my best idea... But I was worried that the Council would try to prevent it, so it was easier to make it a surprise for them and you. I promise I won't do it ever again." He chuckled, pressing a loving kiss to her lips before leading her over to the table. "I had Nyrel prepare everything, so I can only hope there's something here that you like." Elwin chuckled, looking toward the door when Aerith and Nyrel came in.

Aerith giggled excitedly and ran over to Elwin and Ceren, wrapping her arms around them in a tight hug. "I'm so happy for you two! You're the best Queen, Cer." She grinned, pressing a kiss to each of their cheeks before stepping back. "Are you happy? You look happy."

@ katahdin

Nyrel had started to follow Aerith, not worried about rushing to keep up with her, when he heard something from where the Council members were currently, still clustered together as they were getting ready to leave. He wasn't sure who said it, but he turned to the group as a whole, taking a breath. He knew where their assumptions came from, and he was just glad Aerith had gone ahead before she could hear it. "I'm not pretending. Being married to Aerith has been the happiest week of my life," he said seriously, meeting each of their eyes in turn.

One of the lords scoffed. "Please, we all know your reputation and the reason for your exile. Spare us the act, Stonewater."

Nyrel's knuckles turned white where he clenched the back of the pew. "You think I don't love her? Ask Fenian how I reacted when he nearly got her killed a year ago. Ask your new queen how I acted after the fact, as I was worried for her. Hell, ask your king what I've done and offered just to be with her. A sudden gust swept through the chapel, knocking the Council members back into their seats, the wind contained just to them. "And keep your opinions to yourselves. If Aerith suddenly gets the notion in her head that I married her for some political gain or reason other than my love for you, I will destroy each of you one by one. The King has made me his advisor, intends for me to join Council meetings, and seems to think I want nothing now that I have married his sister. For now, he's right. But it'll go badly for you if you suddenly make me decide I'd like to reappoint the Council, member by member."

He'd been using his magic to hold them in their seats, but Nyrel released it then, smiling pleasantly. "Now that we understand each other, I'd like to congratulate my sister and brother-in-law and eat dinner with my wife. If you'll excuse me." Turning, Nyrel made his way out of the chapel.

---

It wasn't quite an apology, and it wasn't quite repentance, but Ceren believed Elwin would never do anything similar again, and his kiss only helped melt her anger, so in the end, she took him at his word, kissing him in return before they made their way to the table. "Well, it looks like there's actually a mixture of our favorites, so I'd say he did well. Although I suspect the honey-tarts are for Aerith," she said, smiling as she held his arm. Suddenly, they were attacked by the very person whose name she'd said, as if Aerith had been summoned, and Ceren laughed as they were hugged tightly and kissed. "Thanks, Aer. I am happy. It almost doesn't feel real. And you can't call me the best. I'm sure there are plenty of other people who are far more qualified. I'm going to try my best though." She glanced over her friend's shoulder, smiling as she saw her brother. "You're late," she accused without any heat.

"My own wife abandoned me, leaving me at the mercy of those mean Council members," Nyrel shot back, pausing to pout at Aerith, before he gave both Ceren and Elwin a hug. "Congratulations. I haven't seen two people more suited for each other since Aerith and myself, and hopefully, that means good things for both you and the kingdom." He stepped back, his arm automatically going around Aerith. "Now, how about we eat? I think we deserve it after running around all day putting this whole thing together."

@ sun spirit

Aerith was completely oblivious of what was happening between her husband and the Council members, as her back was to the door and she was too busy hugging Ceren to pay attention, but Elwin managed to catch a glimpse of his brother-in-law threatening the older nobles, and he could only guess that he was doing it for Aerith. So the king made a mental note to thank him later before chuckling as Aerith hugged him, happily hugging his sister in return. "Ceren's being too humble, as usual. She'll be a wonderful Queen." He smiled, lifting her hand to his lips to press a kiss to her knuckles, grinning at his bride.

Aerith only laughed, smiling sheepishly at Nyrel as he came in and accused her of abandoning him, shaking her head a little. "I knew you'd follow me. And I would have gone back for you if I thought you were in trouble." She promised, pressing a kiss to his cheek as he wrapped his arm around her after hugging and congratulating Elwin and Ceren, blushing when he said that he thought they were all suited for each other. She nodded excitedly at the suggestion of eating, having already spied the tray of honey tarts on the table, although she knew she'd have to eat something more dinner appropriate instead of just having dessert.

Elwin only chuckled as he watched Aerith eyeing the table hungrily, nodding. "Yes, we should eat. I'm not sure if any of us ate today, given how busy we've been." He said, pulling Ceren's seat out for her before taking the seat next to hers, smiling over at her. He couldn't believe that they were married. This time yesterday he'd been half convinced that she didn't love him anymore, yet here they were, having dinner with their family, as husband and wife and King and Queen.