Chapter Ten - Wedding



I sit awkwardly in Njada's sister's room, tugging on the bridesmaid dress I was assigned to wear. Aela is stood next to me looking equally uncomfortable in fine clothes. The red dress we wear clashes terribly with our hair colours and Aela is too tall so while my dress reaches my ankles (as it's supposed to do), Aela's ends halfway down her calves. We don't look terrible, just a little strange and out of place. 


"I think I would prefer to be in my armour," Aela frowns and tries to adjust it. 


"Me too, sister," I agree. 


Ria and Njada's wedding is taking place in the Temple of Mara in Riften, instead of in Shor's Stone. Ria is there already with her family and Aela, myself, Njada, Njada's mother Anneke and her sister Sylgja will walk there from Shor's Stone. Some kind of old tradition that Njada's family has always had. I'm still surprised that same-sex marriage is legal in Skyrim, I would have thought that the Nords would be very traditional and conservative. The Elves certainly are, especially the Altmer and the Dunmer. The Bosmer not as much...


Njada hasn't tried to kill me yet, which I am very grateful for. But I'm also a little unnerved by it, seeing how she definitely hasn't let go of her anger or bitterness towards me. I still don't know why she hates me so much. Even Vilkas has warmed up to me. 


I tuck a flower behind my ear and the five of us leave Sylgja's house and we begin our wedding procession to Riften. Sylgja is the only woman that lives in Shor's Stone and I wonder how lonely she must have felt here. It's a very small village with not much to offer, only a blacksmith's and a mine. 


The weather is, thankfully, agreeable and we get to Riften quickly enough. The city is decorated with streamers, banners and flowers. Everyone cheers when they see the bride and I try to look as inconspicuous as possible. 


"It's the Dovahkiin!" an Argonian shouts in delight. "Skyrim's saviour walks among us!"


Njada's face turns sour with resentment. 


"But today is her special day," I quickly try to redirect the attention so that Njada doesn't stab me in my sleep. The attention is successfully diverted and the crowds continue to cheer and throw flowers as we slowly progress to the Temple of Mara. Outside there are tables set up and chefs walk around busily setting up food. I can see a few bards also setting up in the main town square. 


We get inside the Temple and Njada waits in the foyer as me, Aela, Anneke and Sylgja walk down the aisle. When we reach Mara's shrine we stand to the side with Ria's bridesmaids. I don't recognise them but they're probably her family. Njada chose us for bridesmaids because, aside from Sylgja, she has nobody else and Sylgja was already deemed to be maid of honour. I'm amazed she asked me and Aela...me for obvious reasons and I always assumed that Njada never really respected Aela as much as she had respected Vilkas or Farkas. Njada and I are in a sort of cold peace now, but I'm always wary around her. 


"Sons and daughters of Tamriel. We're gathered here under Mara's loving gaze to witness a union between two lovers. Njada Stonearm. Do you take Ria Aventius as your beloved wife and companion, now and forever?"


"Now and forever," Njada replies.


"Ria Aventius. Do you take Njada Stonearm as your beloved wife and companion, now and forever?"


"Now and forever," Ria beams, her dark eyes shining brightly with happiness. 


"Then with Mara as our witness, I declare you both married and united forever. May you find infinite happiness and may your love know no boundaries, limits or barriers," the priest wraps up the ceremony. 


Ria and Njada exchange rings and seal the marriage with a kiss and everyone claps their hands. Ria is beaming, her face radiant with beauty and even Njada seems to sparkle a little bit today. They both look gorgeous in their wedding gowns, but I think Ria looks better. Her natural charm has a tendency to do that. 


"I get so emotional at weddings," Aela murmurs to me. "I used to want to be married someday,"she says wistfully and sighs. I narrow my eyes, slowly putting bits of the puzzle together. Aela had been particularly upset at Skjor's death...and she had been particularly close with him too. Could they have been lovers? I make a mental note to ask Aela of this when I get the chance to do so. 


Ria and Njada both turn around to throw their bouquets. The Jarl's wife, Brienne, catches it and Jarl Tormund Law-Giver winks at her. The Jarl's young daughter, Laila, rolls her eyes. She appears to be about the same age as me. Her father, Jarl Tormund, is getting old and it won't be too long until she ascends to becoming Jarl of The Rift. 


People crowd around the brides to congratulate them and Aela and myself head outside to see if we can offer any assistance in helping to set up. Children from the orphanage are running around and laughing. The townspeople are milling around the upper levels of the city, laughing and talking and drinking some of the wine set out. I watch the orphaned children, feeling strange. I could have been one of them. 


"It's such a beautiful day," Torvar remarks to me. He, unsurprisingly, has a tankard of mead in his hand. "Save a dance for me later?"


"Perhaps," I mutter. "Excuse me,"


I slip away from him and grab a wooden plate from the stack of them on one table. I load my plate with potatoes, chicken and some cheese. Aela is talking with a Bosmer clad in leather who has a bow and a quiver of arrows strapped to his back. They're definitely talking about archery. 


I sit on one of the city benches, next to Farkas. "The food is wonderful," he grins. "Gods, today is such a great day,"


I look up at the sky and I notice a horrible-looking grey cloud almost covering the sun. "Not today, Sithis, not today," I scowl. "Lok...VAH KOOR!"


The clouds part and the sun shines down brightly. Winter doesn't seem to affect The Rift and it's mildly warm. The rest of Skyrim is absolutely freezing. 


"That dress looks really nice on you, Skylar," Vilkas says to me as he joins Farkas and I on the bench. Everyone's still waiting for the brides to emerge from the Temple.


"Thank you?" I reply, not quite sure what he means. 


Vilkas goes a little red and pretends to be very invested in his food. I glance at Farkas, who shrugs and then devours his bread and cheese.


Eventually, Ria and Njada exit the Temple and they stand on the raised bit of the stairs and everyone, including myself, stands up and cheers for them. The colour scheme for today was red and white, meaning that us bridesmaids were wearing red dresses and Ria and Njada wore white dresses with red lace for decoration. The flowers decorating the city are red and white roses and I notice that the bards, chefs and waiters are also in red and white. 


"Thank you, everyone, for coming today," Ria addresses the crowd. "Soon we will bring out the cake and then the bards and musicians will begin their song!" 


"I want a dance with my best friend," Farkas grins at me. 


"I thought I was your best friend," Vilkas says accusingly.


"But you're my brother, I can't dance with you," Farkas says matter-of-factly. 


A little girl, who could only be about five, comes up to us. She has dark hair and dark eyes, not unlike Ria. I wonder if she's a relative. "You're Ria's friends," she tells us.


"We are, child. What's your name?" I ask her.


"Vittoria. I'm Vittoria Vici. My cousin is the Emperor," she says very proudly. "One day I'll have a nice wedding like this. It'll be perfect,"


Once she's told us that, she turns around and walks away from us and joins her mother. The Emperor's cousin?


"Ria has friends in high places," I raise my eyebrows. "I wonder if the Emperor himself is here,"


Farkas frowns. "I hope not. He was the one that gave the Thalmor the right to take away Talos,"


"Since when did you care for religion?" Vilkas asks Farkas. 


"I don't, it just wasn't a nice thing for them to do," Farkas replies. "Do you care about the Stormcloaks the Imperials, Skylar?"


"Not really, I'm Bretony," I shake my head. "We never worshipped Talos in the first place. However, it was the Imperial Legion that wrongly ordered my execution, so they most certainly do not have my love,"


"So you're Stormcloak?" Vilkas asks. 


"I'm neutral," I respond. "Now, let's go get some cake!"


***


The stars are just beginning to come out. We've been through hours of speeches, meals, games, dances and songs and nobody has tired out yet. Torvar is off his head with drunkenness and him and Athis are singing to themselves in the corner. Athis has already blessed Ria and Njada with Dunmeri prayers about twelve times. I recognise the prayers from Raven Rock as I remember we had a wedding there once. 


By the Blacksmiths, there is a side gate that leads out of Riften. The gate is open and people are preparing a bonfire outside. 


"This is one of the best days ever," Farkas declares. "Hey, want a dance Skylar?"


One of the Bards starts playing Ragnar Red and people begin clapping. The Bards pick up drums, flutes and they loop the song so it keeps on going. 


People pair up and we form two lines, all the men on one side and the women on the other. The first couple are Ria and Njada and they work their way down the aisle, twirling with the people lined up and then with themselves. Slowly, every pair gets to walk down the aisle but Farkas trips over his big feet and goes sprawling, also knocking me over. 


"Son of a slaughterfish!" Farkas curses. 


I laugh and pull him to his feet. The song keeps playing and everyone pairs off with their dance partners and Farkas and I finish the song. The drumming begins to get more intense and everyone joins hands and stands in a line, kicking their legs in time to someone on the flute playing. I have no idea what is going on, but it's the most fun I've had in ages. 


After the line and the fast-paced music, the music begins to slow down. 


"This is a traditional Nordic marriage song," a pretty female bard announces. Everyone clears the space and Ria and Njada begin to dance slowly to the sound of a soft lyre and lute in the background and the gentle singing on the Bards, singing in an old Nordic language. 


Slowly, other couples begin to join them. 


"Skylar?" I hear grandfather's voice. "Perhaps a dance with your grandfather?"


"Of course," I smile at him. 


I dance with my grandfather for a while, finally feeling happy and at peace for the first time in a long, long while. The songs ends after a few minutes and my grandfather hugs me. 


"The bonfire is ready!" one of the Hold Guards announces. 


Everyone cheers and we all trickle to the outside area, eagerly waiting for someone to light the bonfire. 


"Does anyone know a fire spell?" the guards asks sheepishly. 


"I do," I nod my head. "Well, it's not exactly a spell,"


"Are you going to breathe fire!?" Ria gasps excitedly. "Please do!"


"Do it! Do it!" the crowds chant excitedly. 


I take a deep breath. "Yol!"


A small flicker of fire comes out of my mouth and sets the bonfire alight. People cheer and gather around the fire for warmth. I'm wedged in between Vilkas and Aela. Aela looks like she wishes she could escape the formalities and take off into the woods. Although I am enjoying myself enormously, I do not blame her. 


"We have a song we'd like to dedicate to Skyrim's hero," the same pretty female bard stands up with her lyre. "It's one I've been working on...it's called The Dragonborn Comes,"


"Let's hear it!" Torvar raises his tankard. 


The bard takes a deep breath and everyone is silent. I feel strangely anxious, like I am having another panic attack. They have begun to fade away and I get a lot less nervous all the time...aside from now, I guess. 


"Our hero our hero, claims a warrior's heart," the bard sings. "I tell you, I tell you the Dragonborn comes,"


The woman has a gorgeous voice and I feel a smile creeping onto my face. 


"With a Voice wielding power of the ancient Nord arts...
Believe, believe, the Dragonborn comes
It's an end to the evil of all Skyrim's foesBeware, beware, the Dragonborn comes.


For the darkness has passed, and the legend yet grows


You'll know, you'll know, the Dragonborn's come


Dovahkiin, Dovahkiin Naal ok zin los vahriin


Wah dein vokul mahfaeraak ahst vaal


Ahrk fin norok paal graan


Fod nust hon zindro zaan


Dovahkiin, fah hin kogaan mu draal ,"


There's a moment of silence and then Farkas and Vilkas start clapping. Slowly, everyone joins in and Ria cheers loudly. The bard flushes and smiles bashfully at us. 


"So now you're in the songs," Vilkas remarks to me. "Tamriel will never forget you, no matter 


what,"


***


"Chug! Chug! Chug!" I chant loudly several hours later. Njada and Ria have left on their honeymoon to the inn based around the Eastmarch hot springs. I envy them, I have heard the hot springs are incredible.


Most of Njada's family went back to Shor's Stone and Ria's family were given special residence at the Mistveil Keep. Grandfather was also given a bed there, him being Harbinger, and I was also offered one but I turned it down and rented out a room with the other Companions in the Bee & Barb. The two innkeepers, an Argonian couple, look like they regret letting us stay here.
Farkas chugs down the entire tankard of spiced mead in seconds. I cheer at him and he grins at me, his smile lopsided and very drunken. 


"I think you've had enough brother," Vilkas (who appears to be completely sober) says firmly to him. 


"Killjoy!" Farkas bellows. "Lightweight!"


"I am not a lightweight," Vilkas says defensively. 


"Prove it!" I slur. I am also a little drunk, but I know how to handle myself. I hope. 


Vilkas sighs and pays the Argonian innkeeper, Keerava, for some mead. She sets out the mead for him and Vilkas takes a deep breath and then downs the two tankards in a very short amount of time. 


"Who's the lightweight now!?" Vilkas roars drunkenly. 


"Still you," Aela rolls her eyes. "Come on, Skylar, help me get these oafs to bed,"


Between me, her, Athis and the Argonian bartender Talen-Jei, we manage to get Farkas to his room and Vilkas to his. I don't know how we did it, but we did. 


"We did good," I give a lopsided smile to Aela. 


"Oh for the love of Hircine," Aela curses. "Come on, Skylar, let's get you to bed. Thank you, you two," she says to Talen-Jei and Athis. 


Aela leads me to my little room and she sits me down on the bed. She whips off the dress I am wearing and replaces it with a sleeping tunic. She helps me tug off my boots and then tucks me into bed. 


"I love you Aela," I call to her as she leaves the room.


"I love me too," Aela nods her head and she closes the door. 


My head is spinning and there are so many thoughts going around in my head...this is where Iona is from, I realise and I feel sick. I feel the bile rising and I swallow it back down determinedly and shudder. Then I begin to cry, remembering how I met Iona and how she gave her life for me...


"Skylar?" I hear Vilkas's voice. 


"What're you doing here?" I frown at him. "Go away. We're both drunk,"


"You're crying," Vilkas stumbles towards me and clumsily sits on my bed. "Don't cry, Skylar. Everything will be okay,"


"This is where Iona's from," I burble. "I miss her,"


"Just go to sleep, it'll be better in the morning," Vilkas tries to assure me but I still keep crying.


"Don't leave me," I murmur to him.


"Never," he replies. 


A/N:


This was honestly one of my favourite chapters to write. Enjoy the happy chapters while they last though, because there's some sad stuff coming up soon. 


I've always shipped Ria and Njada so I really loved writing this. 


See you all in the next chapter!

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