Wanderer

Chapter Twenty-Eight

"You look beautiful." 

I smiled at the maid behind me who was helping me dress. 

"Thank you." I said, butterflies hitting my stomach as I took in my reflection in the mirror. I wore a long, gorgeous, white gown that put the attire of a princess to shame. Gold leaves trimmed the hem and were sprinkled throughout the train of the dress. A gold belt cinched my waist, and beautiful beadwork riddled the bodice. My face was covered by a thin vail, but I knew I was blushing and smiling beneath it.

"It's time, milady." the maid said, opening the door for me. 

I took a deep breath and followed her until we came up to the doors of the hall. There, Lancion held a large bouquet of several assorted flowers. He handed it to me, lifting my vail just enough to leave a gentle peck on my cheek.

"You are stunning, Asdis." he said, taking my arm and tucking it into his. I smiled at him, taking this time to recognize what a strong and handsome man he had grown into. I was proud of who he had become, and was even more proud to be able to call him my son. 

The doors suddenly opened and beautiful orchestral music played as everyone within the hall stood and looked at me. I beamed under my vail, elated as Lancion and I made our way down the aisle. The room had been decorated with white wisteria and gold and silver drapery, giving it a very heavenly aura. As we walked, I took the time to inspect each guest I passed. I found Althea, smiling brightly at me as I passed her. She gave me an enthusiastic thumbs up that would have normally made me laugh were it not for the butterfly storm in my stomach. Next to her sat Silva, who threatened to have tears spill over her cheeks. I recognized several Jarls and a few Stewards. Galmar stood at the front of the hall, his usually grumpy face turned upwards into a joyful look. And next to him stood Ulfric, who could have matched only me in the elated atmosphere. He wore his finest clothes, a set of white with silver lining. On his head rested a proud, silver crown. Lancion handed me off to Ulfric, who came to whisper in my ear.

"You continue to amaze me, and I do not think you will ever cease to." he said, a wide smile playing his lips as he lead me up to the altar where a Priest of Mara stood, ready to wed us. 

"It was Mara that first gave birth to all of creation and pledged to watch over us as her children." The priest started, raising his arms up towards the heavens. "It is from her love of us that we first learned to love one another. It is from this love that we learn that a life lived alone is no life at all. We gather here today, under Mara's loving gaze, to bear witness to the union of two souls in eternal companionship. May they journey forth together in this life and the next, in prosperity and poverty, and in joy and hardship." he turned to Ulfric. "Do you agree to be bound together, in love, now and forever?"

A sudden sickening feeling passed through my stomach as I imagined him saying no. I was relieved to hear him say, "I do. Now and Forever."

The priest then directed his attention to me. "Do you agree to be bound together, in love, now and forever?" he emphasized. I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat, a smile taking over my face. "I do. Now and Forever." I said, turning to face Ulfric.

"Under the authority of Mara, the Divine of Love, I declare this couple to be wed. I present to the two of you with these matching rings, blessed by Mara's divine grace. May they protect each of you in your new life together." the priest finished, handing Ulfric and me each a ring. I took the ring he handed me and slipped it over Ulfric's left ring finger. He lifted my vail to reveal my face, and stopped as our eyes met. As he took in the sight of me it was obvious he was in awe of what was actually happening.

"I feel like I'm dreaming." I commented, smiling at him. 

"You are." he responded. 

I gave him a perplexed look, but before I could ask him what he meant a loud clapping resonated from the back of the hall. I turned as watched as the crowed melted away. Out walked my father, a wolfish grin taking his hellish features. He was haggard, dark circles under his eyes and sunken cheekbones that made him look near death. 

"Ivan? But you're-"

"Dead?" he interrupted, blood caked in between his teeth as he approached me. "Oh he is. Ivan was useless. More hellbent on returning his 'precious pet' to him rather than fulfilling what I asked of him." the not-Ivan said, his face morphing into a horrific kind of mask. 

I recognized him instantly from a vision I had just before I went on my search for Silva and Lancion. With a quick flash of something from his robes, Ulfric was struck next to me.

"No!" I cried, kneeling next to his body that fell to the floor. His white vest was soaked with blood and it leaked out his mouth. I did all I could to not weep as he struggled to stay alive. "No, no, no, no." I whispered frantically, trying to stop the bleeding. My dress was getting drenched with his blood as I desperately tried to save him. I soon realized it was no use as he was bleeding from seemingly every inch of his body. I looked at his face, contorted in pain. "Ulfric-"

"You were right," he hissed through pain teeth, resting his hand on top of mine, "the people you love only wind up hurt. And it's all your fault." he said, before slowly letting out his last breath. I wanted nothing more than to break down and sob, but instead I had to stand up and face the man who murdered the one I loved. "Who are you, and what do you want?"

"I want you out of the way, Imposter. Nothing can come between me and my resurrection. I am the True Dragonborn. I am Miraak."