Courting a Salamandrian

Chapter 24: The Wedding

The decorations were set. The guests, all dressed so elegantly in their finest dresses and suits for this special occasion, were each seated in white and gold Chiavari chairs set up facing the altar. Warm string lights hanging above the guests as they patiently waited, allowing the sparkling lights above them to illuminate the approaching evening. The sun was slowly dropping toward the horizon, hiding behind the trees that circled the farmhouse, painting the sky with a breathtaking warm orange and yellow glow. The weather was warm and the sky was clear. The backyard of April's old family farmhouse has been turned into a beautiful and romantic wedding location, almost as if it was taken straight from a fairy tale. The perfect wedding for a happy couple and all their friends to celebrate their love with them.

At the altar was the groom, Raphael, fidgeting his hands with nervousness and excitement as he stood under the arch - a decor of white, red, and teal roses and dressed in a flowy white voile fabric. Each guest was in their assigned seating, all patiently waiting for the ceremony to soon begin. All the smiling faces and joyful eyes were locked on the groom who anxiously waited at the altar for his bride.

Raphael couldn't believe this was finally happening. After everything they've been through together and all he's done for this moment to happen, very soon he'll be seeing her walking down the aisle. The thought excited him.

Raphael took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself when the sudden feeling of a hand rested on his shoulder. He looks over to see his brother, Leonardo, who stood by him to officiate the wedding.

"You alright?" Leo asks him in a whispering tone. "You look kinda jumpy. Relax. Enjoy the moment"

Raph exhales, looking at his brother with a smile, "Sorry, I can't contain myself. I guess I'm just excited. I can't wait to see her."

Leo chuckles, "Never seen you like this before."

"Can you blame me? I'm getting married!"

"Well, yeah, but honestly it's still so surprising... You're a different turtle from when we were teenagers. I noticed a change in you, a good change."

    "Haven't we all changed?"

    "Yes, but yours is different. You've grown and matured these last few years into a better man. I think I have Mona to thank for that, but still, even before you met Mona I noticed your growth. We've faced our hardships in battles, life and with each other, and you faced a great one when you confronted Bishop. That action alone is now leading to great things. Mutants are slowly entering into society, Donnie has his position in the Utrom Council, the galaxy's alliance and new intergalactic council, and you are starting the next chapter of your life with the woman you love. I'm proud of you, Raphael."

Raph looks at his brother, touched by Leo's words and giving a warm smile, silently thanking him.

Leo then takes a moment, holding back his tears, as he then tells his brother, "And I know Splinter would be proud of you too..."

At that moment, music began to play. The ceremony has begun.

Raph and Leo looked on as they witnessed their friends, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, walk down the aisle to meet with the groom on the altar. The first pair was Karai and Slash, arms locked and heads held high. Two long time friends and respected leaders among their teams. As they make their way to the altar, Slash and Karai's eyes meet with Leonardo's. The three leaders greet one another with a respectful nod before heading to their positions on the altar, Slash standing behind Raph and Karai on the opposite side to where the bride will soon stand.

Next was the couple Mikey and Renet, happily smiling as they made their way down the aisle. Everyone could tell the two would much rather joyfully skip down the aisle than slowly walk, but they restrained themselves, basking in every moment of this special day. Once at the altar, they parted, with Mikey joining Slash and Renet with Karai.