Forever Begins Here

Maybe it was the one thing that had stayed the same throughout their lives, two brothers teasing and sharing faith in one another.  Rudyard might be a tad nervous, but the small words back and forth eased his own nerves.  It was something normal and the reality of his brother, as always, was there for him when needed.  What day would be more important to have his brother than now?    The entire family should be here in fact and one by one it seemed Rudyard was getting his wish.

Eyes away from Artorias and to those who came in. Artorias wife came in next.  Rudyard always imagined taking time to get to know her better but it seemed he had never found much time.  That would have to be fixed but not for another season.  

After Briar came his sister Gwyn. She got a happy smile at her showing up.  Ceremonies and big crowds weren’t her things so it made her showing up all the more meaningful.  Laeta was after her and she got a small smile as well.  He didn’t know her well either.  Once, Rudy had made sure to know all in his family but it was obvious he’d slipped on that at some point.  Well, there was another day to focus on what needed to be done.  He had to just remember the words he was going to say!

Avantika came next and for a moment Rudyard remembered their first meeting and compared that with how she had grown and changed so drastically.  Still, she was his little sister to protect even if she was a slightly larger and equally talented fighter.  

Rudy had assumed she would come but seeing mom still had his ears straightened, eyes widened and a strong grin on his face.  One mom couldn’t be there but Tamsyn was and that meant the world to him.  She had to be here for this!  It wouldn’t feel right to not have her getting to witness the moment.  See that?  Her trouble-making son could grow up and get married and he’d be telling his mom later about plans for kids as well. Crap, wait, gotta focus on his vows!  

Sota and Jane also got happy smiles and nods.  He should get to know Sota better.  So much to do but not until after the honeymoon.  Vows, Rudy.  Vows! He had to notice who all came in and get excited as the family grew in the room but he also needed to remember vows!  Rudy normally just trusted himself to say the right thing and he was a damned good smooth talker but he couldn’t just ‘go with it’ this time.

Bowen!  Bowen was back and just in time!  Rudy would be catching up with her right after the wedding!  For now, his thoughts shifted as behind her Fern stepped in.  She looked perfect.  Fern was a solid worker in hunting and fighting and yet today the signs of her work weren’t on her.  The dirt that gets in your coat when kicked up while chasing your prey or in the flow of a fight was nowhere to be seen.  He was used to the scent of the lotion since she’d been using it for a few days but looking at her like this and in this spot and for this moment it seemed all the stronger.  Every detail of this room, the scents and sights were getting permanently locked into his memory.  Fern.  Rudyard said her name silently to himself, naming the beautiful sight as she came up before him.

Art nudged him and Rudy turned his gaze on Art for a fleeting moment with a smirk at the playfulness, but that smirk didn’t hide an ounce of his joy and sense of wonder at this moment.  The look was brief and his focus swiftly back to Fern.

Rudy had always labeled himself as the smooth talker of the family but he had to give Artorias credit.  The words he spoke to Rudy, Fern, and the crowd were wonderful and indeed perfect.  At Art’s symbol, Rudy raised his paw to put on top of Ferns.  Well, Rudyard Carpathius, time to make your words truly count.  Don’t mess up these vows!

Rudy took a breath and then spoke to Fern, his voice sincere and soft but for the sake of the family watching still in a voice that would carry for all to hear.  Let them all bear witness to what he said and swore to.

“Fern, you are about to share the Carpathius name, to become a member of our family officially.  Let there be no doubt I gave you my heart long back. You are an amazing wolf.  You were new here, and uncertain at the time but you still chose to trust me when I asked.  Then, you saved my life.  What’s more, you saved my soul.  I had lost sight of anything good in life.  I gave you so little of me while I sank into depression and sickness and yet you came back to me.  You showed me there was still joy in life.” Rudy’s smile twisted a bit in amusement at a special memory, “You even told me how good I looked without a tail.” Silly memory, yet one he treasured.

“Since then we continued to grow closer.  At this point I wonder how I survived without you.  Despite the rough start you’ve never doubted me.  Fern, I swear I will do whatever I can to fill your life with joy and make each one meaningful.  My goal in life now is simply to help you achieve yours.  Any other goals will come after your own.  I only request that stay with me forever.  I want to share every good moment, every bad moment with you.  I’ll do all I can to never let anything hurt you, to make all your memories good.  However, should the bad arise know that I will be there to support you and love you.” A pause before adding again to take the point home, “I love you, you are the second half of my soul.”

A small nod to indicate completion of his vows.

"Rudyard & Fern"