CONTENT WARNING: A minor implied sexual joke, a little talk of bereavement, some slightly squicky blood-related humour.
Owen
Anyone with an eye for fashion and deep enough pockets goes to Faiza's shop in Willow Creek. There's no-one with an eye for luxury quite like hers, so long as you're prepared to pay for it. But it's completely worth it- after all, she uses only the finest materials, and her embroidery is divine.
It's stunning, and worth the wait. The black velvet and the gold embroidery evoke a smugness I've tried to keep buried for some time. In all of this opulence, I actually for once feel worthy of the majesty of our family emblem.
"Careful- you might end up with half of the guests wanting to marrying you and not just your eventual wife," she says, cackling to herself. "I just knew it would look perfect on you. But why the long face? It's your wedding day! Smile!"
"I suppose I'm not quite prepared for the joy, if that makes any sense. It still feels surreal that this is all happening. The excitement hasn't quite hit me yet."
Faiza's laughter would be contagious if I weren't so nervous. Never in my life have I felt this nervous. All those speeches and debates, and now, marrying the woman I've loved for so long, that's when the butterflies in my stomach decide it's the appropriate time to start fluttering about.
"Not prepared? Oh, trust me- when you see the dress I've made her, there'll be plenty of joy to be had."
I can just imagine how beautiful it must be. Faiza is a master of her craft, and Lydia is gorgeous enough without the fanciful formalities.
"Would you like to attend the wedding, Faiza? I feel you always make clothing for big occasions, but never seem to be invited to them."
"Oh, I'd love to, but I'm far too busy," she adds. "I wish I had time for fanciful events, but there's always work to be done here."
"It's a shame," I add. "I think you'd enjoy seeing your hard work on show."
"Oh, I would. But attending these events is only fun if there's a lot of typical silver-spoon drama going on, and you don't seem like you have time for drama." She laughs.
"Thank you kindly for your hard work, Faiza. Just know that you went into making the most special day of anyone's life even more special."
Daniel
I've never actually been to a wedding, so I'm pretty excited for this. It'll be something romantic to do with Eli, and of course, who'd turn down an invite to a billionaire's wedding? I bet the food is going to be amazing...I spent the last of my earnings from the dreaded witchfinder days on this outfit. There's a woman in Willow Creek who makes amazing clothes. I remember Josiah and I always gazing in awe through the windows as children, and now I actually own a piece. It's beautiful, and unimaginably comfortable...not to mention Faiza would do much more kind and charitable things with such dirty money. My father glared at me like I was some sort of traitor for buying something so expensive, but...
"I still can't believe the timing," Eli mutters, downtrodden. "My brother's wedding today, and my father's funeral tomorrow- at the same place, no less."
"It'll be difficult, Eli, I know. But Oskar would want you to have fun today."
I take his cold and clammy palm into mine.
"Just think. Samuel's not going to be there, right? So we can do whatever we want. And I bet that expensive wedding cake is going to be the best thing either of us has ever eaten," I say to him, managing to infect him with a little of my laughter. He realises he's chuckling, and promptly stops himself.
"I just feel guilty being joyful today. I shouldn't be."
As do I. One day, Eli will find out about me. I have to admit, nervous doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about meeting Dr. Annorin. The now-patriarch of a bloodline historically known for their enemies turning up dead? Eli says Owen's nothing like Samuel is, but if he finds out about me- then what?
"You can be sorrowful tomorrow, Eli. Today, we're going to have a good time. I promise."
He lies his head on my shoulder, and I hold him tight. I hate to see him hurt. Most people I know bury their emotions deep, but Eli isn't like that. He feels everything so strongly, whether it's love or grief or both at once.
"Thank you, Dan- for everything."
"No need to thank me," I tell him. "Anyway, we'd better hurry up- we're going to be late otherwise. And I'm not missing any of that cake."
Reynold
At the very start of a Peteran wedding, both bride and groom stay separate from one another for some time, usually keeping to themselves. It's a period of reflection and foresight. Looking back on their lives before, and looking forward to their lives after. It's also a chance for any admissions of cold feet, but thankfully, those are rare.
Owen hasn't said a terrible lot, seemingly so deep in thought that I didn't want to disturb him at first.
"Do I have to do this for much longer, Father?"
"Don't get impatient, will you? I know you're excited to see Lydia, but this gives you time to think about everything before you delve into married life. It's Peteran tradition."
"Are there any enjoyable Peteran traditions, may I ask?"
"Not one. If you think I'm boring, you should've met the abbots and abbesses before me," I say to him, somehow managing to get a little chuckle out of him. It's a bit unnerving when he shows emotions, actually.
A few more minutes of near silence and some deep sighs, and he suddenly perks up- but not in a good way.
"There is something I ought to admit to you, Father. Nothing to do with the wedding. Something to do with a certain someone who is not invited."
I already know where this is going. A rich tyrannical father and his favourite son who despises him? There's only one way these arrangements end.
"Understood, Owen. Get it off your chest."
He looks down at the cobbled floor, but he speaks with an unexpected confidence.
"On the night of Volpe's witchfinders and their attack, Samuel and I argued. He'd berated me for saving the lives of the poor. I'd told him to leave and never come back, but my reason for doing so was that I knew someone out there would want him dead, whether Oskar, Violeta, or the witchfinders. Either way, Samuel is dead now."
"I see."
For someone who's no doubt sworn an oath to not harm anyone, to dance around the oath like that...That's the part that worries me. First Samuel, but who next? The Annorin family had a historical habit of making those who caused them great upset 'disappear'. Will that stop with Samuel's death, or just continue in a slightly different fashion? I don't feel any sympathy for Samuel Annorin, but it's a question of how broad the definition of an acceptable target can become with the now-patriarch of such a renowned family name. People fear the symbol of the Gryphon for good reason, after all.
"This period of self-reflection isn't supposed to be wholly thinking about your life before you're married," I explain to him. "It's about thinking of the future."
"Oh, believe me, I'm always thinking to the future," Owen says, with an uncharacteristic chirpiness. "I think you and I have a lot in common."
"I'm not sure that's the case, Owen. I live in a tiny house on the other side of Henford and you live in an enormous mansion, for one."
"Well, what I mean is- we're both well-respected in our fields, and we both have to put everyone else before ourselves quite often. And we are both tasked with giving hope to the people who come to us, regardless of how hopeful the future seems. I know all seems incredibly bleak right now, and I know this sounds rich coming from someone like myself- but I only see a brighter future, Reynold."
I didn't want to tell him, but yes, it did sound rather rich coming from a billionaire. The only person who's benefitted from all that has happened recently has been him. Either way, he has a point. Regardless of what happens, I have to have hope...but it's getting more and more difficult. My partner and daughter have fled Henford, I have lost connection to my magic, and Volpe's witchfinders killed a majority of the magic-folk, on top of being able to see the dead.
I've been telling myself for years to just keep my chin up, but I don't know how much longer I can do that for.
* * *
It isn't the most pleasant weather for a wedding, but nothing can dampen the spirits of a nearly-newlywed couple.
Eli, Daniel, Katlego, Eleanor and Violeta had shown up, and even Lord Volpe. Heaven knows why Owen invited him- likely out of spite. It's safe to say he's had a fair few scowls from the others.
"Everyone, we have gathered here today under the eye of the kind Watcher to witness the unity of Owen Annorin and Lydia Xiang. As per Peteran tradition, the bride always arrives a little later as a fun surprise for the groom, but she should be here soon en-"
The doors slam wide open, and she struts forward, announcing herself. She has all the vigour and confidence of a drunken young man at the local inn- not at all what I'd expected! - but her dress is beautiful, and I hear an audible gasp from Owen.
"I'm so sorry for the delay! You see, I was getting cold feet..."
Owen almost falls off the platform. "What?!"
"...From the cold early spring weather!"
Owen growls to himself, eventually laughing. "Is this what I'm going to be putting up with for the rest of my life, is it?"
"Now that you've both arrived, I want you to tell each other what it is that you love about the other one."
"Huh? But we're getting married! He already knows I love him!"
"I know, Lydia," I tell her, chuckling. "It's part of a Peteran ceremony. The Watcher has to see how much you both care for each other before They can unite you in marriage."
"But the Watcher can see everything!"
"Sure, but They can't read your mind."
She giggles to herself, gazing into Owen's eyes.
"Even before you realised you were following in your father's footsteps a little too much, you were already far better than the other men I was dealing with all day long. And for you to come to your senses and realise the worth of my years of ancient herbal knowledge- that really meant a lot to me, especially when all the other men frowned upon me for suggesting that maybe we shouldn't completely abandon the old ways of doing things," she explains, "Even if it did take me healing you to make you see the truth about that. But you saw it, and you listened, and that's what matters. And when you were all sniffly confessing your love to me..."
Owen's expression turns into something close to mortification, and everyone bar Volpe can't help but laugh.
"...I don't know if you remember, but I confessed it straight back to you. As well as coming to love you as a person, I felt like we'd make a good partnership- both in life and in work. And, well, you being so handsome kinda helps too."
I've never seen a genuine smile from Owen before. It's quite heartwarming.
"Your turn," she chirps.
Owen clears his throat, and I see him flushing a little from the embarassment.
"I know we didn't always see eye to eye, but you were always so confident, never the type to back down no matter what- and I've always admired that about you, even before I fell in love with you. The fact that you were kind enough to take care of me when I'd fallen ill still means the world to me. You're everything could want in a woman - smart, kind, as well as beautiful."
Lydia's playful smugness turns to utter admiration. The coldness in my chest starts to melt away a little. To see genuine love radiating from these two is simply amazing. Usually, these rich folk usually have the parents bossing them around, or it's all about money. Though they are both marrying in part as a sort of business move, there's no denying that they do genuinely think the world of each other.
He glances over at me and mouths, should I give her the ring yet? I nod.
The ring he buys her is beautiful- and likely incredibly expensive. She smiles at it, staring at the shimmer like a magpie.
"It's wonderful, Owen. Truly. When I look at this ring, I'll remember all of our times together with great pleasure. And I'll go extra careful not to lose it when I'm next operating on someone," she adds, cackling, though only Violeta has the dark sense of humour to be laughing along. "My apologies, Father. Too much?"
"Not at all," I tell her. "Peteran ceremonies are fairly casual and about love and joy, first and foremost. That said, do you both allow me to unite you for eternity under the eye of the Watcher?"
"We do," they say, simultaneously.
"Dearest Watcher, witness this amalgamation of two souls and their promise to love and care for one another until they join you. Guide their way through light and darkness, and remind them of their bond when the world does not show them kindness. Owen and Lydia Annorin, always be at each other's side. When all seems bleak, always remember the love you have for one another. When it is your turn to join the Watcher, remember that your bond is not severed; the love between you both will exist forever across all the layers of existence."
"And there we have it. Owen and Lydia Annorin, you are united under the eye of the Watcher, and I wish you both all the best."
Owen immediately scoops her into his arms, and she throws her arms around him.
"Isn't this amazing? We're finally married. I can't believe it."
"Neither can I," he replies, in a soft voice. "It feels wonderful to finally begin moving forward."
The soft 'aww' from just about everyone echoes around the church hall. And now for the part I've secretly been looking forward to the most- that delectable-looking wedding cake.
"Father, may I remind you that the bride and groom take the first slice? Or is that not in Peteran tradition?" Owen asks me, playfully.
Owen
The ceremony has been wonderful so far. The orchestra play gorgeous renditions of Peteran love hymns that were written hundreds of years ago.
I briefly greet Daniel, Eli's partner. He seems a little on the shy side, but Eli swept him away for a slow dance and I didn't get a chance to talk to him after. He tells me he works alongside his father and brother as a fisherman. I suppose with the Spring now just in, he can finally start making some good money now the rivers and lakes aren't freezing over. I'm sure everyone missed their fish suppers over the winter.
Seeing the two of them so happy together is wonderful. I'm glad that, after years of his father's vile nature towards who he loved, he didn't have to worry about that anymore. Daniel and Eli could be happy together without fear of judgment, and seeing them love each other so freely here tonight is something I'm glad of.
Reynold and Violeta both sit and eat cake and drink together. My heart aches for both of them. In a time of love and unity, the people they love the most are far out of reach. Volpe sulks on a pew, far away from everyone else.
"You know what this means, don't you?" Lydia chirps. "We can start thinking about having children."
"Children?"
"Oh, don't tell me the physician of all people forgot how to make a baby!"
"Not at all!" I reply, startled by her lewdness. "I just keep forgetting that all of our plans for the past few years are now completely within our reach. But when do you ideally want to begin with all of that?"
"Me? When we get back home," she replies, with a cheeky wink. Of course. "Can you think of a better way to celebrate our wedding night? That, and we're not gonna have much time after tonight when we're both so busy."
"I don't see why not. I've been excited to start a family with you. I just hope I wasn't too forward about it in that letter all that time ago..."
"No, don't be silly!" she replies, with a sweet smile. "You haven't ever had to worry about that. You don't have to dilute your feelings anymore." She lowers her voice into a whisper. "He isn't around anymore. You're free to feel whatever you want. You need to remember that."
Just as we're about to kiss, Volpe interrupts us. His wrinkled forehead and furrowed eyebrows are difficult not to laugh at.
"Not running any of this by your father? I hope you're happy," he spits.
"Happy? We're overjoyed!" Lydia shouts, loud enough to attract the attention of the others, to Volpe's chagrin. "Aren't we, Owen?"
"Indeed. This may even be the best day of my life so far, don't you agree, sweetheart?" I reply to her, in a cooing voice. She plays along, our voices growing more and more saccharine just to annoy him.
And if that didn't annoy him, then this will.
Violeta
I sit drinking my cup of blood. I'm surprised it's still warm. It was kind of Lydia to arrange for it for me. I suppose there's a benefit to going to the wedding of a surgeon and a physician, after all.
I sit with Reynold, and it's more than awkward.
"How is the cake?"
"It's wonderful."
"I see."
Trying to make conversation with others is difficult. I don't care about people when I should, and it's not easy to hide that. Sometimes, I wish emotions were are easy for me as they are for everyone else.
"It must be lonely, not being able to share a dance with your partner."
He lets out a long and deep sigh.
"It is. But I don't need to tell you how that feels. You already know."
Ah. At least we can commiserate.
"Oskar would have loved to have gone to a wedding," I tell him. "The last he and his friend Dinah ever did together was danced under the moonlight, the night before..."
Father Morgan puts his hand to his forehead.
"I want to be convinced that the future will be better, but it's just so difficult. You know what I mean."
"I do, Father." I will try. I will try and be empathetic. I feel nothing deep down, but I at least know how he feels from experience. "I once felt the same many years ago, but slowly everything has gotten better. I thought I would always be alone and that I'd never trust any man, or anyone, I suppose, ever again. Then, by chance, I met Oskar, and my life was completely turned around. You of all people can't afford to lose hope, Father, no matter what."
He smiles a little to himself, and takes another sip of tea. "I feel better already, I think. Thank you, Violeta."
"You don't. You still feel the worst you've ever felt," I tell him. "But you won't always feel this way. Things may seem terrible for me losing my son, but I am grateful to have ever known him. I know that it is like a growing foggy cloud within you, but all you can do is learn to live alongside it no matter how much it grows. Then you take whatever moments of clarity you can get."
Reynold sniffs around a little. "Violeta...that's not tea in your cup, is it?"
I can't help but chortle at that comment. "Ah, it's a special, unique blend. I call it...Mind Your Own Business."
Reynold peeks over and recoils. "Goodness, no, it isn't tea. How did Lydia even- Sweet Watcher, what kind of wedding is this?"
Tomorrow is a day for sorrow. Today is a day for laughter, and attempting to parasitically gain some sliver of joy off of the energy of the dancing couples.