The Unlikeliest of Mates

Chapter 7

Third person POV:

Two weeks had gone by quicker than either had anticipated. With the preparations, work, and overall, just sheer panic over the situation, the days easily melted into each other and the 25th was soon the 1st of January. The sky was cloudy, the sun peeking through the clouds every now and then. A line of cars pulls up to a large half roundabout in front of a large wooden building. It's dauntingly large doors with brass knocker handles, the wooden doors creaky with age and lack of oiled hinges. Inside the building was a long maroon floor runner on a cherry-wood hardwood floor, high walls with cream wallpaper depicting cranes in grey with lines of the wind wisping against their lithe forms. Lamps hung down from the high ceilings on dark wooden beams, illuminating the large hall; at the end of the hall stood tall windows with dark oak frames touching from floor to ceiling and in front of it a podium. Behind it was a byeongpung, painted with dark ink, depicting cranes and mountain landscapes.

On each side of the runner were floor level seats, low to the ground with short wooden legs and a back, the seats covered by a dark red cushion with white embroidered flowers. Around the room were large, ornate flower arrangements filled with white camellias, calendulas, ferns and burning bush in wide dark green glazed pots in each corner of the hall. The walls were draped in red silk, which matched the runner, in large swoops and swallows. Large brass rectangular lamps decorated with carved camellias in the waxy paper cover filled with oil-burning wicks lit up the hall, six to each side.

A small band of string musicians are nestled in the far-left wing of the hall, playing softly and gently as people enter the hall. The heads of both packs along with their spouses sit closets to the podium on opposite sides of the hall. Other close family members sit next to them and high-ranking members behind them. All guests sit on their knees, unmoving and unblinking like statues. More extended family and pack members filtered through the hall quietly, taking their respective seats. A light buzz of conversation filters through the crowd as many are curious about the look of the other side's mate. Neither know who or what they look like and thus has caused much gossip in the last few weeks with the rush of preparations.

All guests, now accounted for, the chatter begins to increase in fever as more and more speculation arises. Excited and judgmental, there is much to be said about the oddness of this arrangement, yet it entices all. Something in the air tics and the music starts up with more confidence as the main door begins to open. Talking ceases and the procession begins. A tall figure with a tall gat and dark blue hanbok begins to enter the hall. The hanbok was delicately embroidered with long, winding dragons in blue and white thread, the inner folds shining like pearls in color. His steps light as attendants flanks him as he walks to the podium. The attendants, dressed in a simpler blue hanbok, with pearl white sleeves, and black cuffs; two carry long red staffs, crossed to make an X. The others stand at attention, marching silently.

The procession halts at the podium and Achilles steps onto it. He then kneels, facing the right side of the hall, waiting in anticipation for the coming of his spouse.

Creaking of the large hall doors sounds through the hall and the next man walks in, attendants flanking him as well. Wearing a rich green hanbok and black gat, he walks silently down the hall. The hanbok was also embroidered in dragons, the cuffs were also white but embroidered with white clouds. His procession was as quiet and as simple. Basilio steps onto the podium and kneels, facing the left side of the hall. And out steps an elder from a door in the right back wing of the hall and takes his place behind the podium.

"Esteemed guests and leaders, we gather before the gods to honor and uphold the unions in which you view most sacred. These two leaders are joining together in your eyes in respect and harmony. May you grant them your protection and guidance as they begin to lead new paths in life." the priest says. The sun begins to peak out through the crowd, a beam illuminating the two men as they face each other. Their faces begin to glow in an almost haloed effect, causing the hall to divulge into hushed murmurs of conversation.

"The gods have approved this union. May you now partake in the sealing of this covenant. Drink and may your hearts and spirits conjoin as one." Two cups were produced in front of them, filled with that can be assumed as a clear spirit. They lock eyes, taking the cups in their hands and drink, never breaking the connection.

"It is done. Congratulations to you both."

The hall erupts into joyous praises of the newly wedded couple and the two men can only nod to each other and look out with smiles on their faces and small waves to their families.

Achilles is the first to stand, holding his hand out for Basilio to take. And he does, standing up slowly, so as not to trip on his garments.

Hand in hand they step down from the podium and process down the center of the hall once more, the hall main doors opening in their wake. They continue to walk outside and towards a large black sedan which awaits them, the back seat door already open for them. Hand in hand, Achilles leads them into the back seat and sits on the far left seat, and Basilio takes the right.

They don't let go of the other's hand. The door closes and the driver gets into his seat, putting the car in drive. Guests pile into their respective vehicles and follow in a streamlined procession to a smaller building about 20 minutes away from the grand hall. It was shaped similarly to the first building, with sloping roofs and white outer walls opened by dark framed windows and large oak double doors.

There's a chill in the air which whips around them, chilling them to their bones. Leaves rustle lightly against the cobblestone sidewalk and a flock of sparrows glide into the afternoon sky, sun brightening their wings. Their eyes follow the flock as it raises above their heads, calming their remaining apprehensions. They lock eyes and a silent understanding befalls them as does a soft smile of nervous anticipation. It was comfortingly familiar to them both, felt much like walking into a match; a waiting and expectant crowd, the pressure to perform, the underlying trust and reliance they had on one another. It was comfortingly anxiety inducing, almost intoxicatingly so.

Hand in hand, they walk into the venue, which has rows of short tables to accommodate for the floor cushions on the floor and took their spots at the head of the rows where a table with a large bouquet of flowers sat. They take their places and the rest of the procession file in, holding a similar position to where they sat in the ceremony hall.

Laughs and chatter fill the air as more file in and take their seats. The grooms chat with their families, smiles all around and aimless conversations keeping the lingering fears at bay. They continue to hold hands, letting family members catch a glimpse and nod to themselves with approval before re-engaging in conversation. Food and alcohol is passed around which further brings more cheeriness into the hall. And the grooms engage with it as well, their parents giving them a pass as it is a joyous occasion. Drinks upon drinks are had and food is consumed heavily but all in good fun.

A few of the musicians play a light and upbeat melody and everyone appears to be content. The sun was beginning to set a bit, the clouds clearing further, revealing the warm orangey rays. The day settles into their bones comfortably, with the fears of tomorrow far in the back of their minds for now.