With the roar of the fire, my heart rose to its feet

Evie

I get to love you, it's the best thing that I'll ever do
And it's a promise I'm making to you

She’s certain she doesn’t blink the entire way down the aisle. She wouldn’t want to even if she could. Deimos is devastatingly handsome in his carmine cloth, framed by blossoms and leaves; but it’s his eyes - transfixed and shining love from every fractal of blue - that hold hers so fixed, beckon her closer. As she walks past the lovely women gathered to witness their happiest day, she wants to smile their way, but Deimos’ hand is extending toward her and yet again there is nothing else in the world but him. She reaches for him immediately, and as he takes her hand and kisses the back her soft laugh is charmed and flushed like they’re on the first date instead of their wedding day. “Hey,” she murmurs, and it feels like they’d never parted.

Ru is not the only one a little glassy eyed, kept at bay only by the vibrancy of Deimos’ smile and the way her name sounds on his lips. As he speaks, vines begin to twine around one set of their joined hands, smooth and thornless against their skin in a living handfasting rope. Small buds begin to form as words she’d penned and memorized come as easy as breathing. “Deimos,” she echoes, “You are the most courageous man I have ever known. Loyal, steadfast, and selfless. You inspire me every day with your determination and your unwavering commitment to all that you hold dear.” His morals, their people, and most of all her.

“I love you not just for who you are, but who you inspire me to be; your love has changed me for the better, and continues to every day.” Little blossoms begin to part the buds, spotting colors and brushing soft petals against their bare skin and the sleeve of Deimos’ suit. “With you by my side there is no struggle too vast, no odds overwhelming.” Neither war, nor blight, nor whatever may yet await them in the future. “In sickness, strife, and all manner of turmoil, I will be your shelter and your support. Your love and your light. And I will pray every day for one day more to give to you my love.” Her hand in his squeezes, smile radiant. Though they hadn’t shared their full vows, they’d planned part of them to match, a substitute for an officiant they hadn’t desired to have.

“You cannot possess or command me, but I entrust myself and my heart to your care with willing intent. I will give you what is mine to give.” As they already have; building a life, a home, a kingdom together.

Whatever may come, your heart I will choose
Forever I'm yours, forever I do