Disarray

Chapter Twenty-nine

          “Have you changed your mind?” he teased.

          “Never,” Rylan answered with a smile. “I am just quite excited. For both the ceremony, and being united with the sole woman I wish to spend forever with.”

          “You two are the most charming pair. I wish you many joyous years together.” Aden stated. Rylan smiled, silently thanking him.

          He turned his attention toward the pathway of flowers cutting between where the elves would be watching the ceremony, and soon noticed Telvor beckoning him over. He was standing where they had decided the two of them would be waiting for Raelein to arrive, which was set to be any minute from now.

          Rylan grinned at Aden, and his friend beamed back at him.

          “Go!” he laughed. “I will join the crowd and find you after.” Rylan nodded, and tried to contain his excitement as he strode calmly toward where Telvor waited.

          “Are you prepared?” he asked, his brown eyes were bright.

          “Yes, I could not be more ready.” Rylan answered with a smile.

          The elf returned his grin and ran his hand through his short, blonde hair.

          Fairies fluttered around in the air, he and Raelein had gone to their home and invited them to the wedding a few days earlier, and they had graciously accepted. Several elves were gathered around, waiting patiently for the wedding to begin.

          “She’s here!” He stated suddenly, gesturing to the flower pathway in front of him.

          Rylan spun around, and stopped breathing. The goddess striding down the walkway was beautiful; she looked as if she had emerged directly from the heavens above. She was lovely and pure, gorgeous and elegant. And she was going to be his wife in a matter of minutes.

          Raelein strode slowly down the aisle of flowers, her steps small and slow, he could tell she was savoring this moment. Her lips were drawn back into a large smile, and she laughed with joy as she met eyes with him. She was always the most beautiful when she laughed. Her light blue eyes were fixed on him, showing such admiration. Rylan gazed back, enchanted by her presence.

          Then, a wonderful sound filled the air, and it took him a moment to realize what it was. It was the fairies, they were singing for them. The uniquely lovely tune continued to go on as Raelein walked toward him, making the moment more than perfect.

          At last, she reached him, and they faced one another and joined hands. Telvor began to speak, reciting the traditional elven speech for a marriage. Though, Rylan heard none of it. He was focused on Raelein’s eyes, and hers were trained on his, they were both enthralled in the moment of perfection.

          “Rylan, do you swear to protect, provide for, cherish, and love Raelein for as long as you both remain alive?” Telvor asked, breaking him away from his loving daze.

          “I swear it.” He answered.

          “Raelein, do you swear to trust, follow, cherish, and love Rylan for as long as you both remain alive?” Telvor inquired, his eyes were glassy with tears of joy.

          “I swear it.” She replied. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

          “In a public declaration of marriage, it is customary for their unity to be confirmed with a kiss.” Telvor gestured toward the two of them. “Rylan, you may now kiss your wife.”