Marriage Night

The grand halls of the Alaric estate shone with unparalleled splendor. Nobles, dignitaries, and emissaries from every corner of the world had gathered for what was being heralded as the marriage of the century. Among the distinguished guests were the elders of the Elf village, their regal presence illuminating the ceremony. Even the king of the realm, a close friend of Lord Austin Alaric, graced the occasion with his presence. Dragons from the fabled Dragon Lands soared overhead, an awe-inspiring testament to Leon's newfound lineage as the son of the Dragon Queen.

As the ceremony commenced, Leon and Kefka stood before the grand altar. The vows they exchanged were steeped in tradition and symbolic gestures, their union solidified with blessings from each faction present. Both bowed to each other, a mutual gesture of respect that marked the beginning of their life together. Kefka, draped in an exquisite gown that shimmered with ethereal light, carried herself with calm and grace. Leon, dressed in an elegant ensemble befitting the eldest Alaric heir, couldn't take his eyes off her.

As the ceremony concluded, cheers erupted throughout the hall. The union was celebrated with a lavish banquet that left even the most seasoned of nobles in awe. The marriage was a political and social triumph, a display of power and influence unmatched in recent history. Yet, amidst the festivities, Leon's mind was elsewhere, his thoughts spiraling as the weight of the day bore down on him.

Hours later, the celebrations began to wind down. Guests retired to their chambers, and the estate's grandeur dimmed to a quiet elegance. Leon found himself standing before the intricately carved door of the bridal chamber. His heart raced, nerves threatening to overwhelm him. The truth was, despite the airs he'd put on throughout the day, he was terrified. In his previous life as Basil, he had never even had a girlfriend, much less faced a moment like this. His virginity and inexperience haunted him, but he forced those thoughts away. He was no longer Basil. He was Leon Alaric, a figure despised by many yet destined to rewrite his fate. Tonight, he resolved, he would face his fears head-on.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door. Inside, Kefka sat on the edge of the grand canopy bed, her figure illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the window. She looked up as he entered, her calm demeanor never wavering. Her beauty struck him anew, and for a moment, he forgot his nervousness.

"You look beautiful today," Leon said, his voice barely above a whisper. The sincerity of his words seemed to catch Kefka off guard. A faint, almost shy smile graced her lips, a rare crack in her usually composed façade.

The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of their situation pressing down on both of them. Leon knew he had to break it, to take control of the moment. Steeling himself, he approached her. Slowly, his hands reached for the delicate ties of her gown. Kefka's breathing hitched, but she didn't stop him. As the fabric fell away, the scars that marred her otherwise flawless skin came into view.

Leon froze. The marks crisscrossed her body, a testament to a life filled with pain and struggle. He'd known about her hidden identity as the Incardia Witch from the game, but seeing the evidence of her hardships in person was something else entirely. Each scar told a story, one of survival, of enduring unimaginable torment.

Kefka's gaze hardened as she noticed his reaction. "You don't expect me like this, do you?" she asked, her voice cold and distant, a defensive wall going up around her.

"No," Leon replied, his voice steady. "I expected you exactly like this, Incardia Witch."

Her eyes widened in shock. "How… how do you know that?" she asked, her composure cracking for the first time.

Leon smirked lightly. "I have my methods," he said. "But knowing who you truly are only makes me admire you more. These scars, your strength—they're part of what makes you… you. I love you more because of them."

Kefka's breath caught, and for a moment, she was speechless. Her defensive walls crumbled slightly, replaced by confusion and something that resembled vulnerability. "You're a strange man, Leon Alaric," she said softly.

"I'm not the man I used to be," he admitted. "And I'll prove that to you."

The tension between them shifted, growing warmer, more intimate. Slowly, Leon leaned closer, his lips brushing against hers. Kefka didn't pull away. The kiss deepened, their initial hesitation giving way to a growing passion. The moment stretched, the world outside fading away as they lost themselves in each other.

As the night wore on, their bond was sealed, not just as husband and wife but as two individuals bound by secrets, strength, and an unspoken promise to face the future together. For Leon, it was a night of firsts—a night where he began to truly embrace his new life, leaving behind the shadow of Basil and stepping fully into the role of Leon Alaric.