The Voyager and the Rogue

Chapter 60

"Okay, close your eyes," Zephyr told me as she gently brushed some soft dark brown kohl over my lids.

Zephyr surprised me with her makeup skills as she touched me up, emphasizing my cheekbones and eyes, having mentioned in passing that those were my most prominent features. I was already dressed, carefully standing on a stool as Heilani did some touchups on the hem.

I was excited but incredibly nervous that the big day had finally come. I could feel my fingertips beginning to tingle, and I attempted to wring them out, but I just couldn't get myself to quite relax. I had also become acutely aware of my heartbeat, which led me to start chewing on my bottom lip.

Thankfully Zephyr was finally done with her makeup work. Heilani finished her touchups, and all that was left was to put on the lovely fur cape and pin on my brooches.

Once they all finished, they left me and Mom in the room to help quell my nerves, having seen my fidgety hands.

"Breathe, breathe slowly, Laeli."

"I can't get my heart to slow down, Mom," I told her, wringing my hands, feeling my tingly fingers.

"I know. Just sit for a moment, close your eyes, and breathe. It's okay..." Mom gently took my hands and sat me beside her on the bed.

Growing up, Mom would always help me and Dad with our anxiety, as we shared similar reactions and general habits. Given mom was experienced with helping dad, both of them were always able to soothe me, and today would be no different.

I closed my eyes as Mom instructed, taking in slow, deep breaths, and I began to feel my heart slow to a normal pace. I knew I'd feel jitters today but wanted to avoid freaking out too much.

After a few quiet minutes, I felt my body relax, and my body released its tension.

"There you go. Feel better?" I slowly nodded, then opened my eyes, and turned to Mom.

"I do," I replied, slowly exhaling. Wordlessly, she stood and brought over something wrapped in linen, carrying it delicately; she unfolded the soft fabric, revealing a beautiful blue flower crown.

"Ana and Astrid were kind enough to help me assemble this for you. It's good to know that flower crowns are a thing here, like back home!" We both shared a chuckle at this.

"Why the blue?"

"It complements the red on your dress. We know the red symbolizes your heritage and your noble birth. But the blue represents your freedom on the sea and in the sky. It brings everything together, your reminders of who you are." She said as she gently placed the crown on my head, weaving some strands of my hair to secure the stems of the flowers in place. She then tenderly pushed my bangs aside.

"There you are."

***

"We gave each other a chance... that's why we stand here now."

"I let you learn the real me."

"And I let you give me a new adventure."

My heart leaped even more as we concluded our vows and exchanged swords. Eyarr gave me his, and I gave him my beloved club. On the handles of each, our rings were attached with a piece of ribbon. Beaming as I held the sword in my left hand, I felt his thumb graze across my right hand as Ana wrapped the ceremonial scarf around our clasped hands. The gold thread glinted in the summer sun, as did Eyarr's eyes; they were alight with pure joy.

I could not stop smiling, my cheeks hurting as Ana's proclamations rang in my ears, gently slamming the foot of her staff into the stone below us. And wordlessly, Eyarr pulled me in for a kiss, bringing me flush against him.

Time slowed, and the cheering of the crowd echoed around me. I felt lost in the moment, feeling goosebumps as the wind blew around us. We pulled apart and turned to face the roaring crowd before us. Family and friends, I felt so blessed they could be here with us.

I couldn't deny that I wished my extended family could be here, Aunt Huihana, Uncle Enele, the twins, Siale, Aunt Pania, and her family.

But to see the proud faces of my parents, grandmother, sister, and future sister-in-law was enough. And the beaming smiles of the Haddocks, Tannr, his family, and Saoirse included, all cheering for us. Dustin pumped his fist in the air with a huge grin alongside Eret and Gobber, Hazel and Jon, a pair of siblings, dear friends of Ana, and the Haddocks I hadn't seen in quite some time, were also amongst the crowd.

With squeals of excitement, my sister, Heilani, Zephyr, and Saoirse all came running up to me, hounding me with a huge group hug.

Through exuberant cheers and shouts of congratulations, our friends and family circled us, and one detail I noticed was Mom and Gramma sharing Hongi with Eyarr for the first time. It was such a tender gesture of them to officially welcome Eyarr into our family, and I couldn't help but wipe away a tear that escaped.

The crowd began to disperse as we moved to the after-celebration, with a huge banquet. Lots of food and dancing, something that we all shared. No cultural boundaries, just pure joy.