Vagaries of Fate

Tie the Knot

Chapter 15

Once that was finished, Rufus stepped forward again. He gave Clarissa a moment to get her emotions back under control as it was easy to see she was close to tears again. Once he felt she was ready to proceed, he started again. He had several long strands of red and silver ribbon that he held up as he started speaking. "Each of these ribbons signifies the wishes of all those gathered for a long and happy union, their love for this couple, and their hopes for the future."

He paused at that point and wrapped them loosely around the joined hands of Genesis and Clarissa before he pulled the ends together and started tying a knot while he continued speaking. "As this knot is tied, so are your lives now bound. With the fashioning of this knot, I tie all the desires, dreams, love, and happiness wished here in this place for as long as love shall last. By this cord, you are thus bound to your vow, and may it remain tied for as long as you both live. May your vows never grow bitter in your mouths, and may it be granted that what has been done before the gods, not be undone by man. Two entwined by love, bound by commitment and fear, sadness and joy, by hardship and victory, anger and reconciliation, all which bring strength to this union. Hold tight to each other through good times and bad and watch as your strength grows."

Once the knot was tied and he finished speaking, he held up their joined hands and spoke again. "Blessed be this union. May all see and rejoice for the new couple." He then focused on the two of them. "You are now bound. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Rhapsodos."

At that, Genesis grinned down at Clarissa and pulled on her hands until she leaned forward. When he leaned down to kiss her, the room nearly exploded in cheers. It went on for several moments before Rufus cleared his throat and caused them to part, although neither of them seemed to be bothered. They did finally move to slip one hand each out of the knotted cords so they could face the room, although they left the other hands clasped within the ribbons.

Once they were facing everyone else, Clarissa was shocked to see several people she had not been expecting, most notably Genesis' parents. She realized he must have made the arrangements for them to be there when he was planning his surprise return. The realization that everyone had been able to be there nearly brought her to tears again. She blinked several times to keep them back as she smiled out to the crowd. She knew her face was likely to be sore the next day, she was smiling so widely.

As she and Genesis moved to go back down the aisle and to the room for the reception, everyone stood and started clapping. Clarissa held tight to Genesis's hand to keep steady. She had never expected to find the happiness she was overflowing with.

Once they got to the reception room, they were almost instantly ushered to the head table. They weren't allowed to sit. Instead, they stood while all the visitors filed by and gave their well wishes. The process was a little tiring, but she was still high on her euphoria, and it barely bothered her. It seemed to go on forever, but finally, everyone had managed to find their seats, so the newlyweds took theirs as well.

Once they were seated, Angeal stood. Clarissa could tell he was a little nervous, but he didn't hesitate to lift his glass and speak. "If it were Genesis standing here, and myself the one sitting, I'm sure the speech would be long and flowery and probably bore half of you to tears." He had to pause at that point because several of the guests were more than a little vocal in their agreement. He shot Genesis a smirk before he continued. "Having said that, I can honestly say that I don't think I could ever find a better friend. We have known each other our entire lives, and although I have not known Clarissa as long, I can say without a doubt that they are meant for each other." The smile he sent them both had a knot forming in Clarissa's throat. She felt Genesis squeeze her hand and gave him her brightest smile.