“…and now I would like to invite the one we have named Mora Ga’Na.” Kriss whispered, then stopped, gasping along with the rest of the crowd. Looking up in confusion, Gardinal’s eyes grew wide.

The Prophetess floated out of the crowd. Long white silk draped from her shoulders, glistening like a waterfall at sunset. The flowing gown was intricately embroidered with twisting silver vines, a million fruits depicted flowering along side. Hanging to the ground, the flowing gown was carried behind her by what looked to be Arabella and Valleresa, dressed in more practical handmaiden garb.

“Valleresa?” Vallerian exclaimed aloud. A few Korek hushed him, and Vallerian waved a quick apology before lowering his voice. “I thought she wasn’t a handmaiden anymore?”

Kriss shrugged off Vallerian’s look, never bothering to take his eyes off of the Prophetess. “It’s Celeste.” Kriss reasoned. “Did you really think she’d let her friends wander far?”

Gardinal nodded. No, there was few people Her Radiance had ever grown as close with. He doubted Zethor himself could chisel The Prophetess from her friends when she had made up her mind. Looking up at her, Gardinal felt a tension enter his body as he his hand instinctively wrapped around his ornamental hammer’s hilt. Where were her guards?

Narrowing his eyes, Gardinal scanned the crowd, then relaxed. Situated in the crowd were easily three dozen Faith Militia. They weren’t wearing their armour, but Gardinal had trained them all and recognized the faces. No doubt they all wore side arms of some sort and were well within space to reach Her Radiance if anything did go wrong.

Continuing to look, Gardinal found the other thing he had expected. His Grace was here as well, glowering in that way he had mastered so. With white knuckled hands, Gardinal had to force himself to unclench his teeth. The bishop had separated Her Radiance from him, but Shelezan was still the head of the Ethinian order. There was nothing Gardinal could do about him, so for now he ignored the man.

The Prophetess began to speak in Korek’ta, drawing Gardinal’s attention once more, and almost absentmindedly Kriss translated.

“Children of the Mother, I thank you all for inviting me to join you in this most joyous occasion.” She spoke strong, clear, standing firm as a Korek would. Gardinal felt himself smiling in pride. Where had she learned to do that? A few months ago she barely walked at all, now she stood proud as a soldier marching to war. “I have not known Rekiak and Thelyra long, but their love has inspired me deeply.” She continued, floating over and grabbing a hand from both Rekiak and Thelyra. “Such true love, so bright, so strong, like an acorn of hope, blossoming into a strong oak.” She smiled warmly at the couple then, gently squeezing their hands. “And soon another acorn shall fall from the boughs of your love, a gift from the First Mother above all others.” Then she stepped back, pulling the pair up from their seat. “Now, I am honoured to offer you two this sacrament to bind your souls forever.”

“Where’s the Seratoshin priest?” Vallerian whispered.

“I don’t think there is one with Korek weddings.” Gardinal responded with a shrug.

Vallerian grumbled something about it being ‘weird’ but otherwise settled back down. Turning his attention back, Gardinal saw that the Prophetess now held her hands atop the clasped hands of the couple.

“Do you, Rekiak, vow to do as the True Father, and create a home for your love.” She asked of the tall man, a sense of stern responsibility in her voice.

“I swear it on my blood and all who come before me.” He vowed, then looked to his bride-to-be nervously. She calmed him with a gentle smile.

“Do you, Thelyra, vow to do as the First Mother, and fill his home with love and life?”

At that, Thelyra placed a hand on her stomach and smiled, a tear falling from her eye.

“I think I already have.” She chuckled and a roar of laughter came through the crowd. Then, wiping a tear away, she continued. “I swear it, by the grace of the First Tree.” She answered in Terminian.

“Then it is my honour, in the place of the First Mother Most Merciful, Ethinia herself, to bind your souls in this eternal commitment.” Her Radiance finished her pronouncement, pulling away her hands and smiling deeply at the two. “May you be blessed with many years, countless children, and love that overcomes all obstacles.” As she spoke, Gardinal noticed a small stream of light flowing from her hand into theirs. A pang of jealousy shot through him. Why did they deserve her light? He smothered it, trying to focus on the joy of the situation. The crowds around cheered and hollered, the couple taking each other in a tight embrace as the Korek tide descended on them, all wanted to embrace and congratulate the couple.

“NOW.” The Ga’Se shouted in Terminian, stumbling into the center of the space again and pushing back the Korek from getting to close. All eyes turned to the huge red man, the powerful flame casting harsh shadows on the mans tight musculature. Looking around, the Ga’Se thrust a large tankard into the air and hollered in broken Terminian. “LET THE REAL CELEBRATION BEGIN!”