Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

ONE-HUNDRED-AND-FIVE

'Faith is the foundation of all good deed and good will. With it, empires rise and fall, and the world continues to turn.'

-An unseen extract written by philosopher Adette Briggs.

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ONE-HUNDRED-AND-FIVE

Wall Maria, North Region, Port Noaks

Levi caught sight of her down the chapel.

Lorelai had on this ridiculous, over the top frilly gown that took up the whole aisle. It had ribbons; it had ruffles. The dress was elaborate and glamorous, and so wonderfully, hilariously her Levi couldn't help a few tears springing to his eyes.

He had worried Lorelai would never be the same after Briggs. And yet, there she stood, grinning widely, her excessive jewellery shining, so undoubtedly authentic, Levi felt he was the happiest man alive.

Lorelai began to walk towards him eagerly. She moved a little too fast for the music, and the poor pianist had a hard time keeping up.

Levi laughed softly, watching through tears as she made her way up to the altar. Their eye contact never faltered, their grins equally as wide.

He and Romero exchanged a curt nod as Levi took Lorelai's arm.

"Is the uh... pollen, getting to you too?" she teased softly.

He wiped his eyes. "Oh, hush."

Together they approached the officiant. Lorelai's cheeks were hurting from smiling so hard.

"Dearly beloved," began the officiant. "We are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses to join Levi and Lorelai in holy matrimony."

They exchanged silent, giddy glances.

"In the years they have known each other, their trust and understanding of each other has grown and matured. Into this holy estate, these two persons present now come to be joined as husband and wife."

The rings were brought forward, two simplistic gold bands. It was nothing too over the top. A symbol that despite the many complexities in their lives, their love would remain an undoubted constant.

Lorelai took Levi's hand, shaking... just a little.

Her voice was low, so soft only he could hear. "I, Lorelai, take you, Levi, to be my husband, my partner in life and my anchor among difficulty."

This was no great political statement, nor were they the words for a nation to hear. It was a quiet statement, but the meaning was strong.

She slid the ring onto his finger. "I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward... for as long as we both shall live."

Levi exhaled shakily, unable for a minute to keep a handle on his emotions. He felt as though he had just grown wings. How on earth had the thug from the Underground gotten here?

Their eyes met as Levi began his vows. "I, Levi, take you, Lorelai, to be my partner, loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not."

Lorelai smiled broader.

He very gently placed the ring on her finger. "I give you my faith, my trust, and my love... until death do us part."

They turned back to the officiant.

"Do you together promise in the presence of your friends and family that you will at all times and in all circumstances, conduct yourselves towards one another as becomes husband and wife?"