The Cat and the Elf

Eleven: The Temple of Mara

Teldryn's POV

     (Y/N) was stunned, staring at Mara's amulet in my hand. Suddenly, my Khajiit pounces on me in true cat-like fashion. "Teldryn, are you sure.. you're ready to marry?" She asks, and I chuckle in response. "I should be the one asking you that; I have the amulet. I'm obviously pretty sure of myself."

     Her eyes water, and she wipes her own eyes clean of it. "I want to marry you." She says. The excitement I feel within myself is unmatched to any other feeling; two-hundred and then some years of life, and nothing compares to this moment. I find myself tangled in her embrace, and a few purrs escape her as she rubs her face against my chest. Just like the cat she is. I can't help but laugh and thank every god I've ever worshipped. I kiss her, and roll over on top of her; I break the kiss. I want her to know I love her; I need to set up the preparations as soon as possible. Tomorrow, I thought.

     Soon enough, we wind down and make time for sleep as night had fallen. I awoke early, and (Y/N) was asleep ever so soundly. I left a note before I took my leave:

     'Fret not. When you wake and I am gone, it's only because I am making preparations for the wedding. I will be in Riften; track me down if you miss me too much. Find yourself a nice dress, or set of clothes to wear. I love you, my Khajiit.
          
                                      - your soon to be husband'

     I take my leave to the Temple of Mara, and speak with the women there to set up a proper wedding. I left dressed not in my armor, but clothes formal enough for the occasion to come. The wedding happens at dawn, and the entire Khajiit caravan is invited. I made sure of it; as well as J'zargo, one of (Y/N)'s friends.

     I write a letter to Glover Mallory, expressing my disappointment that the wedding is too soon for him to attend, but that I hope he is happy for me. Whilst nobody I know will be coming, I hardly know much of anyone anyway. I'm just glad to be marrying the Khajiit I love.

     The women at the temple have gotten us their best matrimony rings, as I've paid for. All I must do it return home and kiss my bride to be; then inform her of the time in which we are to wed.

     I return home, but (Y/N) wasn't there. Alas, she comes walking in through the front door, with a nice dress in tow. "I bought something nice to wear for the wedding.. I hope you like it." She states.

     "I know I will. The wedding is soon; at dawn." I state to her. "I invited your friend, J'zargo. As well as the Khajiit caravan. I've moved things around so that they are welcomed." I finish.

     "You're so thoughtful.. I'm so excited, Teldryn. Gods, I love you." She says before kissing me. I kiss her back, before pulling away and smirking at her. "I hope you're ready for the after events, as well."

     She blushes, and looks to the side. "I love you, too." I say genuinely.

     As time closes in and our wedding creeps up, we make our way to the temple. Seated, are all of my Khajiits' friends. Maramal is there, waiting to wed (Y/N) and I.

     "Friends, we are gathered here today in celebration of the love Mara has bestowed upon the two you see before you. We will now begin the ceremony."

     A pause, then Maramal continues. "Love is the most precious thing we have; regardless of race or religion. Love is Mara's will for her people. Together, (Y/N) (L/N) and Teldryn Sero will proceed onto the next chapter of their lives.. as husband, and wife. To love, to sacrifice, to support, to have, and to hold. If there are any vows either of you have set forth, you may now begin."

     I start off, reading a letter I had written before in anticipation of the day where I'd wed (Y/N). "(Y/N), before I met you, the ashlands of Morrowind and Solstheim had filtered out any and all goodness I felt I had left inside of me. As we grew closer over the course of months; I had begun to realize that I was falling for you. I, possibly much like you, didn't have that intention. However, it happened, and I will forever be grateful for the chance to love and adore you in this life. In the two-hundred years I've walked the harshness of Tamriel, never had I ever had a memory, friend, or lover, as great as you. I am in your debt forevermore, for all of the things you've done and ways you've changed me. You accepted me more than my own race even could; I pray to the gods above you always feel the same way about me. I will move mountains for you; you needn't ever use any 'bend will' shout upon me, for I will gravel at your feet willingly. I love you, more than my words could even begin to express. I promise, throughout the ever changing lives we may lead, the one thing that will never change.. is my love and admiration for you."

     I watch some tears slip past the eyes of my wife, and she says, "that was beautiful.. I love you so much," before turning to her own written paper.

     She begins her vows. "Teldryn Sero, when I met you.. I hadn't known what would lie ahead of me. Or us. I was pathetically lonely, and deeply saddened at my state of life. When I met you, we spent months together. Growing closer, and closer. I don't know when it happened, but at some point.. I couldn't picture a life without you in it. Over the course of our many missions, quests, and adventures.. I found myself starting to admire you for every movement you made. The way you spoke and carried yourself. I began picturing this very moment on my restless nights, and in my restless dreams. You are by far, the most amazing work of art in all of history. Your sense of adventure, your compassion and protectiveness over me.. I fell in love with it. By gods, I've fallen in love with you. Whether I live or die tomorrow or any day moving forward, I pray I get the privilege of doing so as someone who kept their privilege of loving and knowing you. You are within every breath I take, and every thought. You shake me to my core.. I swear to you, my love for you is real. You can hold me accountable on this: it always will be." She looks up and smiles at me, "I, too, gravel at your feet."

     Maramal smiles softly at the union, then proceeds to gift us our rings. I put my wife's ring on her furry finger, and she puts my ring on my gray one.

     "You may now kiss to complete the union, Mr. and Mrs. Sero!"

     (Y/N) wraps her arms around my shoulders, and I place one hand on her waist; the other on her gorgeous face. We kiss; passionately. I could feel the love seeping through every motion of our lip movement. We continue for a moment, before pulling away from each other. Her friends cheer and clap.

     We spend some time socializing with the caravan and J'zargo. J'zargo does kind of remind me of myself; I can see what (Y/N) was saying. It's all the talk, really.

     "J'zargo thinks the wedding was beautiful. Sappy." Says J'zargo. "J'zargo is happy for the newly weds. May your days be soft beneath your feet." I give him a smile, and thank him. He nods and turns to (Y/N). "This Dunmer is smart. J'zargo approves." He says to my wife. A few moments of conversation go by and some more speech with the Khajiit caravan. They send us all of their well wishes. "May your roads lead you to warm sands. Together." Says Ri'saad, gifting us both a nod of approval. Eventually, the party quiets and everyone has to leave Riften.

     Mine and my wife's next adventure should be embarking on a quest to end the racism standing between the holds and the Khajiits, honestly. They should've been able to stay longer. Kind cat people.

     I look to my wife, taking her hand in mine, and kissing it. I look at her, lovingly.. "Shall we be heading home, now? Hm, lover?"