Part 6: On Bended Knee
It happened suddenly. She knew it was coming. She expected it. But it was sudden, regardless.
She was being stuffed into her wedding dress. The soft fabric swirled around her, the pearls shining in the light from the window. The day was perfect, the sun gleaming down across the land with cheerful intensity and just enough breeze to keep things cool without blowing hats or flowers away.
When the servants at last wandered out, leaving her with her hair perfectly arranged and with her jewelry just so—she’d never liked jewelry, but this was so perfect!—she stood staring at herself in the polished metal sheet on the wall.
She couldn’t believe the woman staring back at her in the pearl choker and dangling earrings was really her. She couldn’t believe she’d ever look like that in a dress, even that one.
“Maker’s breath! Am I dreaming? Pinch me quick!”
She turned to smile at her betrothed. He looked incredible as he always did in the gleaming gold armor, which had been carefully repaired and polished.
“Alistair, I just want you to know that I’m the lucky one. I love you so much, and—“ he stopped her with a kiss.
“I know, my love. I know.” He smiled.
Then he turned and walked away. She knew by his change in demeanor that he meant to ask her something difficult or say something he would struggle with saying.
“I want to give you something,” he told her. “It’s probably the most precious thing I own, next to you. Not that I think I own you! I don’t… I mean…”
“Alistair,” Saraiah admonished him.
“Right. Anyway. So… I want you to have this.” He placed it in her hand. “Do you recognize it?”
She did, and it took her breath away almost entirely. It looked small and pathetic there in her hand. Broken, it had been repaired—badly. It hung from a simple chain of basic, imperfect silver. It was his mother’s Chantry amulet.
Tears sprang to her eyes. “Oh, Alistair, I can’t take this, this is so special to you!”
“I want you to have it. I don’t expect you to wear it today. I know it will ruin your finery. But maybe after…”
“I will wear it today, Alistair.” And she would. And she’d wear it until the day she died—and hopefully afterwards. She ran into his arms, sobbing.
“Whoa, I didn’t mean to upset you right before you have to go out there,” he said, patting her awkwardly.
“I’m not upset,” she hiccupped.
“Uh, okay,” he said.
“It’s beautiful,” she told him. Then, pulling herself together, she turned around. “Latch it, please.”
“No, you can’t wear that today. People will notice,” he said.
“I don’t care. Let them notice, let them talk. It’s the most precious thing I own,” she said. Then she grinned wickedly at him, “Except you, of course.”
Laughing back, he obeyed, his hands warm on her neck.
Modifié par PheonRen, 09 décembre 2010 - 02:55 .