A Tale of Time: The Malice of Men

Chapter 19: Marriage

Marriage is sacred.  Marriage is strategic.

Marriage is powerful.  Marriage is turbulent.

Marriage is love. Marriage is care.

Marriage can become many things from dreams to a nightmare.

The marriage was a brief ceremony and none too lavish. There was no merrymaking, no great feast, no speeches or anything of the sort. The King called upon a few chosen friends to attend the wedding. AS expected, all of them turned up.  The  notable exception was Hazzad Who had left Erastir a couple of days ago to do the King's bidding. No one knew where he was, or what his mission was.

Though she had never roamed free around Erastir, she knew the members of the court well enough. Her King and husband  Asteryn Greatsbane often spoke of them.

April Greatsbane smiled. It had been so long and now, finally, they were married. It was a cause for joy and she certainly enjoyed it. Once the chalices were exchanged, people began to walk to the Royal couple and gift them. A per tradition, these gifts were to be given in twos. 

The first to gift the King, as was her right, was Lady Asterya, Asteryn's aunt. She had a head full of hair though it had begun to grey noticeably. It must once have been the wonder and envy of all, but age had not been kind to her. Now, her once-magnificent hair was tied into a neat bun. Her skin was a little wrinkly and her body began to go limp. Asteryn confirmed April's suspicion that she was indeed a shrewd and powerful woman despite her age and what she would have others believe. Today, she wore a green gown made of silk. It suited her well and gave her age and frame a sense of grandiose that it would have lacked otherwise. Her hair was tied into a neat yet somehow fashionable bun. 

"My child." She began, looking at Asteryn first and then at April. "Your father would be proud of you both, as am I, though I have but a simple gift for you on this glorious day. I hope you will forgive me for it and accept this kind gifts." So saying, she went first to Asteryn and spoke in his ear, so that no one else could listen to her words. April noticed how attentive her husband was. He didn't flinch, he didn't frown. I must do the same . She told herself. Then,  They King 's aunt strode towards her in a Royal fashion, though there were few to spectate. Leaning forward, she spoke, "You have great heart. That and more your husband needs, more than he knows himself. Show him how to love again. Teach him to trust. You alone can do that. Asteryn loves you. Asteryn trusts you. " Almost as a parting thought, she added "Meet me in my own chamber at noon tomorrow. " April was puzzled, but she was determined to follow Asteryn's suit. So she just nodded and smiled, thanking her for those wise words.

Next was Edmund Silvertongue. He was Aghbard's best friend and cared for Asteryn as if he were his own son. At least, that was what Asteryn told her. Looking at the aging man with his soft loving eyes, she knew that it was no lie. His straight, white hair and beard were cropped short. It stark contrast to Asterya's vivid from, his garb was a dull shade of blue. Bowing, he began. "My King and queen. Truly there can be no greater day of joy in my life. To see the son of my friend so happy and married..." tears of joy ran down his cheeks. Asteryn hugged him. "For you and the queen, I have had these made. May you come to cherish them." So saying, brought forth two, beautiful silver rings, made just the right size, though how he knew it would fit her hand, she couldn't tell. It was quite a work, with images of Men and women on it. It wasn't engraved or embossed, but rather wrought, fashioned from the silver and not made as an extension to the ring. There was an old, bearded man, propped on a stick, extending his hands to what appeared to be his disciples. Next to this was an image of a large and sturdy ship. Squinting, April could just notice the people on board and their armour and faces. Next to this was an image of another old man, this time, writing away. The last image on the ring was the most awe-inspiring of them all: it must have been a young man, scarcely out of boyhood. He was dressed in black armour and carried a magnificent sword. He was looking up, for above him, in all their terrible magnificence and strength and wisdom, were the giants.

The larger ring was for Asteryn and the smaller one for April. Both looked exactly alike except for their size. Such a feat was unheard of. The Smith must really have been a man of great talent.

Sir Silverspun and his wife were next. April couldn't help but notice that a majority of the families who attended the wedding had 'silver' in their family name. All such men belonged to the new men. The word for silver was different in the tongue of the giants, although she suspected a lot of the old men  also belonged to houses that had something to do with silver. 

"My King. What can I say on this joyous occasion?" He began. April almost rolled her eyes. If every single person present was going to do this, it was going to be a long evening.  The King silenced him gently. "There is nothing to be said." Asteryn spoke before embracing I'm like a long-lost friend. His wife did  the same thing o So r ok, who wasn't taken all unaware. "I'm sure we will be great friends." She said. "I'm sure we will." April replied. Pulling away, sir Silverspun announced: "For your wedding gift, my King! I have brought you this." So saying, he brought forth two pairs of clothes. Both were designed in a similar fashion, though April could tell one was made for a woman and the pop their for a man. The material w as s unknown to her, but it made the dress shine. Now it was golden, now blue, now green, red..... It was a mirage of sorts. There was no flowing train, no cap, no laces, no design of any sort, but it was beautiful without all of those things. "These are no ordinary dresses, my King. But I shall let you and your wife the queen learn of its speciality." He  deftly folded them and handed them over to the King. April's own garment was given to her by Lady Silverspun.

Thankfully, the rest of the day progressed quickly enough. The hall of prayers, which could easily accommodate two hundred people, was filled with less than a quarter of the number, giving the whole place a look of sad elegance and grandiose. It didn't matter to April though. She was happy as could be. Finally married! No more hiding. No more secrets. That was all that mattered.

Once the last of the gifts were given, it was time for the walk. It was tradition that bride and groom have their first walk together as a couple by sundown. Not that they would be away from people while they were at it. April could feel the gazes of at least half a hundred pairs of eyes upon her. Gently, Asteryn took her hand and smiled. He always looked good when he smiled. Every time he flashed those teeth of his, she could feel herself falling for him all over again. She smiled back and together they strode out. Her tiny heart was fluttering in her chest. She had been so confident so far. Why was she so afraid now? She couldn't tell.

"You told them everything, didn't you?" She began. Asteryn smiled. Why did he have to smile? Part of her was asking, but mostly, she was drowning in ecstasy."One can seldom expect a dress to fit So well otherwise, or a ring for that matter, although I confess, their gifts were a surprise."

What do you think of the gifts?"  

 "They are quite nice....." April looked into Asteryn's eyes, concern written all over those large, loving eyes of hers. "You know that's not what I meant."

"The people you saw in the hall are loyal to us beyond doubt. If their choice of gifts were odd, that is only because they love us and care for us. So they try to give us their best." His tone brooded no more discussion on the matter for now. "And you? You needn't hide anymore, my sweet love." Asteryn said in a low voice. April took in a deep breath. When he kissed her, she felt her body melt. If this was love, it was a gift. 

From, afar, she could hear the cheers and claps of half the court. She didn't care. This was their moment. When he finally pulled away, there was a wild joy in his eyes. She had never seen Asteryn so happy before, so she was happy. 

"I love you." She said. Her love could be her greatest gift to Asteryn and her greatest mistake, but she didn't care. 

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Thanks for reading! This was my first attempt at romance.Ever. How did I do? What do you make of April? Quite an unexpected POV character, huh? If you liked the chapter, please don't forget to vote and comment. Also, please do  share the story with those you know. It means a lot to me. Thanks again!