Wedding Ceremony (Part 1)

The preparations were nearly done. A few finishing touches here and there, but my parents could finally get ready for the ceremony. Mother didn't sit idly during the whole preparation process. She couldn't help with preparations, but that gave her time to work on some clothes. Once everything was ready, we gathered around my great uncle's house. That's when mother surprised everyone, she handed each of us a set of clothes. "You guys worked hard to help us out, so it would be wrong of me not to make something for you", she said.

Everyone was impressed, especially all the women who received the new clothes. They didn't know that my mother had such a talent. I received a beautiful white dress. The dress had a large skirt, and red strips of fabric sewn into a few areas. This was a special occasion, therefore I'd be wearing that dress for sure. Moreover, everyone would be dressed really nicely. There was no need to stand out like a sore thumb. She didn't show us her wedding dress though. That was supposed to be a surprise for my father, and others. Instead, she showed us my father's clothes.

"They look more like an armour, than clothes", Lana said, a bit confused. "Well, he is that sort of man. Unfortunately for me, nothing else looks good on him. This set looks like an armour, but it's not as tight. Moreover, this is more formal attire, not a real armour that's meant to protect him ", mother explained.

She also told me that men wore ceremonial robes, but she didn't like the look of them. Besides, it wouldn't suit my father. "Alright you guys, that's enough questions. You can go try the new clothes out, or wear whatever else you like. Don't feel pressure to wear the clothes I gave you, these are presents. You are our family, it doesn't matter what you guys wear. Me and Nex will be happy as long as you are there", she added.

The small crowd left to change their clothes. Perhaps it came as no surprise when everyone showed up in my mother's clothes. "Sonia, your designs are awesome. I mean, you'd have to travel to a large city, in order to find dresses like those. You have real talent", aunt Elly praised. Others agreed, especially Lana. She stared at my mother with glistening eyes, as if begging to make more dresses for her.

"Anna, you look good in everything. I'm a bit jealous", Mira commented on my dress. I looked at her, then back at me. 'Maybe, but there is a large difference between our sizes…', I thought. "You guys look great too. Mother is wasting her talent managing the North, right?", I replied in delight. "I'm amazed though. You never took any of our measurements, yet these clothes fit very well. I must say, we were a bit sceptical, but you can work magic as a tailor", uncle Jeff added. "Hehe, of course. Sonia is the best tailor that we know", Olia said. "That's enough guys. I'm happy you like them though", mother said.

"Heh? You guys are already dressed up and ready? Where's my lovely wife to be?", father asked while walking in. "Are the preparations completed?", great uncle asked. "Yep, everything is ready. We can begin anytime now. Besides, the weather today is great. There's no point in waiting anymore", father replied. "Can't wait to see me in my dress? Anyway, here. That's for you. Go change your clothes", mother said. "You made it look like an armour… My wife knows me too well, thank you", he gave her a kiss, then left to change his clothes.

Silence filled the room, when father came back with his new clothes on. "At least you are a bit more presentable now", mother said with a smile. Father's ceremonial armour was really well designed. Moreover, there were all sorts of references to his past or even Frosty. A large dragon's head was sewn into the chest, very prominently and full of details. His sleeves had scale-like leather pieces, but not the same as his right arm. They were bigger and appeared in a few areas only. There were also vine-like lines sewn into the chest piece, which gave it more of a natural feel. The chest piece extended well below his waist, blending very well with his trousers.

A dark grey cloak hung behind him, with a specific crumpled design at the bottom. His leather trousers were matching the design of the chest piece, while his tall boots added in to the whole adventurer look. The whole set of clothes was made from dark grey leather, with subtle hints of back leather here and there. He looked really stunning in that armour. Everyone simply forgot to talk when they saw him. "I'll be damned, Nex. I wish my wife could make such clothes", great uncle said absentmindedly, breaking the silence. "Well, I'm sorry...", great aunt complained.

"Guys, guys. There's no need to argue. Though I must say, this looks great. I can't wait to see you in your dress", father said while walking over to mother, but my great aunt stopped him. "You'll be together for eternity, after the ceremony. Now, give her some space. You guys as well! Everyone, head to the stage. I'll help our Sonia with her dress. No buts or ifs, everyone leave", she announced.

Everyone left the house, father being the most reluctant. Grandpa also showed up, and was told not to go inside for now. "You are not the only one who wants to see her in that dress… To think I'd live to this day... My daughter is getting married", grandpa said with a tear in his eye. Father smiled at him, but then came over to me. "You are as beautiful as your mother, Anna", he said. "Dad…", I replied embarrassed. "Guys, I'll notify everyone to gather at the stage. You go on without me", uncle Norty said, but a few others joined him as well. "I'll stay here, since I have to change my clothes and escort my daughter", grandpa said.

We agreed to meet at the stage, but then someone called out to my father. "Nex?", the voice belonged to a female. "Oh! You are finally back, Kara. I thought you'd miss my wedding. How have you been?", father asked while approaching her. The person called Kara ran over, then hugged him. "Heh, you grew up a lot since we last saw each other. You became a woman already", he added. "Dad?", I asked, confused. "Oh right, let me introduce you. This is my daughter, Anna. This person here is Kara, my student and the inheritor of the Art of Medicine", father introduced us.

"Sorry, this was inappropriate of me", Kara apologised then added, "I heard about the wedding from the guards, but who's the lucky one?". "I'm not sure if you met her before, though she came here with me once. You'll see. Anyway, others are telling me you can work magic with your medicine. This makes me happy", father said. "Of course! I'm much, much better than in the past. Hehe, I also have an Aura now. I broke past my Half Step too, and…", father stopped her, "Calm down, Kara. We will have a chance to talk more after my wedding. I have a few things to teach you as well. Who knows, maybe you can teach me something too. Anyhow, join us for the wedding. You are my student, therefore my family as well".

"Of course, I'll go change into more decent clothing… Anna right? I'm Kara Slimhand, your father's student. Wow you are so beautiful. Your mother must be a beauty too", she said to me. "Anna Wintersteed, nice to meet you too", I replied. "I'm sure we will get a chance to talk later. I'll go change and meet you at the stage", she added before leaving.

"That's your student?", I asked suspiciously. "Yes, she's really talented with medicine. Don't look at me like that, she's my student… Hey Finch, does she have a partner?", father asked. "Why? Are you searching for another wife?", great uncle joked. "Really? You're lucky Sonia didn't hear that, she would rip you another one", father replied, not amused. "He… Hehe… No, she doesn't have anyone. Not that I'm aware of at least", great uncle replied.

"Dad, why did you ask?", I inquired with my eyes narrowed. "No reason", he replied with a smile. "Dad… You can tell me now, or explain to mom later. It's your choice", I threatened. "My own daughter threatens me… There was someone who asked me, an old friend. I figured they might get together in case she's single. Happy?", he explained. "Yea, for now. Let's go, mom should be ready soon. You don't want great aunt Tina to berate you, right?", I added. "Nope, let's go!", he replied.