like the wind that flows through your hair

𝚇𝚅. 𝙸 𝙺𝙽𝙴𝚆 𝙸 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝙳 𝚈𝙾𝚄 𝙱𝙴𝙵𝙾𝚁𝙴 𝙸 𝙼𝙴𝚃 𝚈𝙾𝚄

The sun smiled upon the lush ferns and pastel-colored roses decorating the wedding venue—a lovely garden on Narukami Island flanked by evergreen trees and the ocean. Oriental lanterns were woven through the trees, creating a warm and romantic ambience along with Greek mythology-inspired gold decorations and minimalistic floral clusters on the white tables. The wonderful perfume of flowers and the forest filled the air. A beautiful coffee cream cake was in the center wound by shiny, elegant laurel leaves. Clearly, the Greek mythology wedding theme that the couple had discussed turned out to be a resounding success. Soon, the guests began to file in and chatter amongst themselves.

Kamisato Ayaka stood in her room staring at her reflection in the mirror. She was a nervous wreck. Her silken mane fell in waves down her exposed back. It was styled simply, pinned by an eye-catching dragon hair clip. Thankfully, years of etiquette training allowed her to maneuver in her graceful long wedding dress easily, and the translucent material at her slim waist accented her feminine appeal. Light makeup dusted her face, and her long snowy eyelashes were thickened perfectly by mascara. The bouquet that she clutched with shaky, sweaty palms was composed of Zhongli's favorite silk flowers and a few glaze lilies native to Liyue. She was excited and nervous, but at the same time, she could hardly wait to see her handsome groom.

As Thoma escorted her to her carriage, Ayaka whispered anxiously, "Thoma, are you really sure I look okay? What if I mess up? Oh, my God... What if I trip?"

"My lady, you are gorgeous. Your groom would not be able to take your eyes off you. Keep your chin up and believe in yourself," Thoma reassured her.

As the carriage rolled to a stop before the aisle, Ayaka could recognize the tall, handsome figure standing at the end of it from miles away. There were gasps of awe as she alighted in her ethereal dress, with her radiant and elegant presence emitting an almost outworldly sense of anticipation and rapture. She took a deep breath of the crisp autumn air to collect herself. She was no stranger to public events, but this was a new experience that thrilled her and terrified her at the same time. Kamisato Ayato, decked out in his plain white tuxedo, walked up beside her and whispered his greeting and support as he offered his arm. He had agreed to walk her down the aisle at her earnest invitation.

Zhongli stood imposingly at the elegantly decorated altar with the lush green grass beneath his gold sandaled feet. He exuded a powerful, yet charismatic aura. His eyes were closed meditatively. His spiky fringes and sleek high ponytail paid homage to Mother Nature and their ancient theme as did the regal designer Grecian robes and gold jewelry that he wore as he stood patiently awaiting his bride. There was a small part of him that was anxious, but years of experience and discipline had made him a formidable master of any random nerves or misgivings. It was normal for grooms to have cold feet, but his was as solid as the pillars that he created. The orchestra began to play the Elizabethan Serenade, a light composition by Ronald Binge and introduced by the Mantovani orchestra. A light flurry began to descend from the clear blue sky. Rex Lapis knew now without a shadow of a doubt that his soulmate had finally arrived. The next time he opened his eyes, it would be to behold his much anticipated reason for living, Kamisato Ayaka.

The chatter of the guests faded as the White Heron Princess turned to face the aisle. Zhongli's enigmatic amber eyes opened ever so slowly as if to savor every timeless moment. They instantly found the object of his affections being escorted towards him by her esteemed family member. He drank her figure in, from her exquisite heeled sandals to her curvaceous hips and snatched waistline. His eyes traveled up to her exposed neck where he longed to place his possessive brand of indelible kiss. Any wisp of reservation, doubt and fear vanished from Ayaka's mind with each step forward. Her lips curved in a dazzling smile as she gazed up at her groom at the altar. No one and nothing else existed in that moment as Ayaka took the final decisive step toward Zhongli, the keeper of her heart.