The Rise of a Hero & The Garnet Nightshade: A Violet Rose (Book 2)

Chapter VIII: New Beginnings & Heartbreak

Everyone from Faus'Latia came to Garnet NightShade to see the wedding ceremony for Alyssa and her brother Arsidian. Even with a war on their doorstep, everyone wanted to celebrate the happy occasion. Alyssa and Sidora were both busy trying to figure out where they would live once the war with the second-born prince of the beast-folk had been dealt with. Arsidian and Amber were set for a place to live, so that was less to worry about. The firstborn prince paid his respects to Alyssa, Sidora, Arsidian, and Amber as he went to the coast to watch for any potential attacks during the ceremony.

Elise had summoned Akeena as an extra set of eyes and ears. Even the five great Dragon Kings had been summoned as an extra precaution. Each of the five domains was on full alert as no attacks had been made. It had been unsettling that the elven continent was the first to fall, so everyone was prepared from the elderly to the children. Each domain had safety nets set up to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

Elise and Mira had sent word to every noble and lord from every domain to notify them of their plans. Each lord and noble could send one representative to the wedding while the rest would evacuate the townspeople. Garnet Nightshade was the second-largest domain on the human continent, with Faus'Latia being the first.

Since Faus'Latia didn't have as many people occupying it as it had in the past, the citizens from each domain had enough breathing room. The central cathedral was filled even with the number of people cut down. But that showed how many people loved Alyssa and Arsidian. People from other domains cheered for them as the ceremony began.

Sidora and Arsidian stand on either side of the podium as they wait for their respective partners. Everyone stands as the music begins, and Mira walks with Alyssa, as Elise walks with Amber down the aisle. Once they reach the podium, Elise Stands behind Alyssa, as Mira stands behind Arsidian. Once everyone is seated the pope begins.

"We all gather here today to celebrate the matrimony of these four young souls. We have come to know each of you in our own ways, and congratulate you in your love. Now, take your rings and place them on their fingers."

Sidora and Amber stand in front of the pope as Alyssa and Arsidian stand before them with a ring in each of their hands.

"Now, repeat after me."

"I Alyssa Marie Lis'ra Saura'Latia"

"I Arsidian Saura'Latia Lis'ra"

"Promise to love, protect, and cherish you for all the days of my life."

"Promise to love, protect, and cherish you for all the days of my life."

"And if one should falter, the other shall pick them up."

"And if one should falter, the other shall pick them up."

"I say and swear this before the gods."

"I say and swear this before the gods."

"The two of you may kiss the brides." States the pope holding his hands outwards.

With those words, Alyssa and Sidora kiss, with Arsidian and Amber following behind. Everyone in the room breaks out in cheers and applause as the four of them turn and give a gentle bow. Elise and Mira walk up to each of them and give them a hug and kiss as a congratulation. Without much control of her emotions Alyssa begins to cry, with Sidora holding her hand, she squeezes it gently to let her know it was okay.

Since it was a custom in this domain to hold a wedding reception, everyone went home to prepare. Alyssa and Sidora went to her room, while Arsidian and Amber stayed behind. Once the two girls got to Alyssa's room they finally had some time to themselves. Which was a relief to Sidora, since it was her first time experiencing something this grand.