"How are you feeling? Nervous at all?" The question came from Chief Herrin as Felix, Chief Yorlen, and him waited within the sitting room.

The morning had crawled by, leaving Felix with not much to do other than wait. With the wedding now mere minutes away, he was starting to grow impatient and was glad that the Chiefs had come to check on him.

"Not really," he answered after pondering the question. That seemed to catch both of the other men by surprise.

"Not at all?" Yorlen pressed. "I'd be a nervous wreck."

He gave a shrug. "Eri and I already consider ourselves to be a family. Don't get me wrong, I want to marry her but…emotionally we've already moved past that."

Both Chiefs looked taken aback, as if he had said something taboo. He knew they would have trouble understanding this, anyone would, but they did not know about their bond. But how to explain that?

This was the issue with bringing up bonds to those who did not have one, there was little context that he could offer. And in order to give what context I can, I have to delve into my private affairs.

Still, he had to try.

"Look… Eri, Kyrith, Zira, and I share something special. The four of us have dedicated our lives to each other. We are a family and, soon, we will be adding to that. So yeah, you ask if I am nervous? The answer is no, because we have already made a vow and are looking to the future."

The two elves gave each other a look before Chief Herrin spoke. "I-I see… And what of Eri's coronation?"

Felix's entire stance changed. "I am proud of her. The selection did not go to plan, I admit… But Eri is more than capable– Not that I have anything against your daughter."

Herrin nodded. "I think Oralyn is exactly where she needs to be. She's let go of her mask and is finally showing her true self. That alone made it all worth it."

"And it's not like she hasn't secured herself a position among Eri's court," Yorlen added. "She is a powerful and trustworthy ally."

"That she is," he agreed.

The conversation died down then as Chief Herrin slowly lifted up his hands. Felix hadn't paid attention until now, but the Chief held out a piece of folded purple cloth.

"Anyway, we got a little off topic there. The main reason for our visit was to give you this."

Curious, he picked up the cloth and inspected it as the Chief continued.

"A gift from us to you." Herrin bowed. "It is an elder robe, one that you've seen many of us Chiefs wear." He gestured to himself, showing off his own, dark green robe. "You'll note, however, it is quite different from mine."

Indeed it was. The most obvious difference was the color. The gifted robe was a deep purple, one that eerily matched that of Zira's scales. And if that were clue enough to its difference, upon the left breast was a strangely familiar embroidery. A dragon.

After staring at it for several long moments, Felix's eyes lit up. Eri had once worn a dress with a similar design… Back when we were in Bernel village, when we drank that dwarven ale!

Yorlen smirked at his expression. "I see that you like it."

"Absolutely!" he responded enthusiastically before suddenly furrowing his brow. "Say though… Might I ask who made this?"

"Oh? Wanting more tailored clothes?"

"Yes– And to compliment them on their work."

Chief Yorlen slowly looked over to the other elf. "Well, I suppose it won't be that hard to find him."

"Wait… You made this?" Felix asked.

Herrin gave a rather annoyed look before speaking up. "I did. I've also made a few things for Her Majesty and Master Aluin… It's nothing special, though. I merely dabble in the craft."

"I knew it!" he shouted before realizing what he'd done. "I-I mean… I thought this dragon looked familiar. Thank you!"

"You're very welcome, Champion. Do you know how to properly wear one?"

He peered back down at the robe. The robes he was accustomed to in the Holy Triumphant were of a different design compared to this one. "I don't."

"Ah, then here, let us help you…"

Eri felt her heart flutter as she stepped down the stairs. This is it…

The manor was quiet, unusually so. It was a strange feeling, for as long as she lived here there had always been noise and…people around. But now? Now it was silent. Silent and foreboding…

Of course, it was her imagination. It wasn't like everyone had truly disappeared. No, they'd simply left temporarily. They'd gone ahead to either the massive tree where the wedding was to be held, or simply to the Sanctuary to await the coronation.

But, as she took her time coming down the hall, she found that she was not, in fact, alone. There was one other person waiting.

Felix.

She spotted him the moment she came upon the sitting room. Inside he stood there quietly, staring off into the distance. His mind felt calm though, and he wore a subtle smile.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

He turned her way as she entered. "Eri–" His voice caught in his throat.

She gave him a coy look and stepped closer. "Like what you see?" she asked.

Felix could only nod, his eyes tracing her figure.

"And I see I'm not the only one who's been given an entire new look. That robe… I take it Chief Herrin made it?"

Another nod, this time he tried working his jaw but no words came out.

"It looks…different. I understand the color choice but– No, I take that back. I like it," she admitted. "It's just that I've never seen you in one before. It's growing on me though."

The purple robe was worn more like a cross between a cloak and a jacket. It wrapped tightly around Felix's body, yet hung loosely around his arms and drooped partially behind him.

"It, uh… Matches Zira's scales," he finally said. "I really like it, even if it's a little…not my style."

"I see that, and the emblem. I like it. Perhaps I should ask if he could make me something similar?"

Felix perked up. "I actually talked to him about that… I'd like to get more clothes made from him–"

She chuckled. "Where do you think most of your tunics came from?"

He blinked. "The…kobolds?"

Eri rolled her eyes. "No– Well, probably not entirely from them. I'm sure they've stolen from him, but the more likely event is that Fea placed an order."

"Oh."

She could only shake her head in amusement. Felix, sometimes I wonder if you really are just stupid-lucky…

"You look…stunning," he continued, turning the attention back onto her. "I'm sorry, I can't take my eyes off of you."

"Good, then I don't have to worry about you gazing at other women," she teased.

His expression became a dire one. "I-I would never! I–"

"I know." Eri crossed the remaining distance between them and took his hands into hers. "It's a little early and it would be best saved for the wedding itself but… I love you and I never want to spend a single day without you in it."

Through their bond, she could feel his heart race. Despite that, somehow, he managed to be calm.

"I have no words to express how much I love you. I can only offer you this…" He opened himself up to her and let those feelings flow freely.

A shiver ran down her back and found herself pulling him closer. "I really hate when you do that," she whispered, liking every moment of it.

"Then why do I feel you yearn for more?" he asked, leaning in for a kiss.

Because, I secretly enjoy it.

Their lips moved slowly towards one another…

"Your Majesty, Felix. Everything is set and we are ready–" The sound of Oralyn's voice broke the mood.

They immediately pulled away as the woman appeared, a flustered look appearing on all three.

"Well, I see that you two are definitely ready," Oralyn said, recovering rather quickly. "Though, I will ask that you save that for the wedding."

"S-sorry! We, uh… We got a little carried away…" Felix stammered.

"Indeed… However, everything is set and everyone is in position. I will be the one to escort you two." She whipped around and began to leave. "Please follow me…"

Felix followed Eri and Oralyn out into the clearing, taking slow and measured steps. Around them was a calm that hadn't been seen near the manor in months. There were no elves, no dwarves, no gnomes, not even dragons visible. At least, not yet…

The sky above was cloudless and the sun hung overhead, offering its warmth for the occasion. It was pleasantly cool. Gone were the hot summer days replaced by autumn's welcoming embrace.

In the air was an exciteful buzz, though. The world was waiting impatiently for today's main event. It would come soon enough…

Oralyn glanced behind herself. "Maintain my pace and make sure to walk shoulder to shoulder," she said in a low but demanding voice.

They wordlessly did as she ordered and the two of them moved closer together.

"Good." There was a pause as the base of the gargantuan tree came into view. "Now listen carefully. When I come to a stop, you stop. Wait for me to stand to the side and then, as one, proceed up to Master Aluin."

"Okay," Eri acknowledged. She drew a deep breath, preparing herself for the moment.

Meanwhile, Felix put on a determined look and stared ahead. Deep inside, he felt a rush of jubilation. This was what he wanted all along…

Soon, they were near enough for him to make out everyone. The first two people he noticed were Kyrith and Zira. Both dragons stood to either side of Aluin, a stand in for Felix's and Eri's parents.

That thought stung a little for both him and Eri. Neither had any parents to witness their marriage. Yet, seeing the dragons' wide, toothy smiles helped. Especially Kyrith, who could not help but to sway his tail back and forth with excitement.

Felix let his gaze drift towards the crowd that stood between him and Aluin. They were split in the middle, creating a small path. He could make out Ithea and Zephyria easily enough. Those two were impossible to miss, given their choice of clothing.

Moving on, there were the elven Chiefs. They stood along the edge of the pathway, almost acting as barriers for everyone else. There was, however, a noticeable gap. Even from his vantage point, it was clear.

That was the spot reserved for Watcher.

Depressing thoughts tempted him… Felix quickly moved on. Near the opposite edge of the gathering were the three of the volunteers and their partners. Yedril and Zarrina were missing, but that was to be expected.

Felix re-avowed his promise to the young elf. I will find a way…

He let out a steady breath as he took in the last of the crowd. Eri's guards and retinue, including another kobold. Niri. Starting with her, she looked around nervously as if she didn't belong. However, as her eyes met his, she immediately began to settle.

The rest of Eri's retinue stood near the center of the crowd, and was made up of many known and unknown faces to him including Haldria. If Niri was nervous, then the poor leatherworker was ready to have a panic attack. Even seeing him and Eri did nothing to calm her…

"ATTENTION!"

Eri's guards suddenly made themselves known as they all immediately saluted, shiny new swords pulled free and held high. Dwarven make. They were stationed around the edges of the crowd and, more importantly, acted as the true barriers unlike the Chiefs.

One thing came to Felix, however, as Oralyn came to a halt. Where's Calinna?

And, as if on cue, the guardian appeared before the trio and offered a quick bow. "Thank you for letting me attend," she said before quickly stepping to the side.

All three returned it, and Felix couldn't help but offer a response. "You're welcome, and thank you for watching over us."

Her excitement faded for a mere instant, and he saw regret in her eyes. "I'm sorry about Watcher," she mouthed before a smile appeared.

"Thank you." He turned his attention back to Oralyn as she slowly scanned the crowd, searching.

She must have found what she was looking for as she suddenly snapped her head back to directly in front of her. And, after what felt like an eternity, she stepped to the side.

Here we go…

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