Day 29 - Wedding

There was nothing "normal" in the world of the Endless Sea, anymore. While landmasses themselves weren't merging, peoples and cultures were, and the very war that had defined the past unknowable sums of years was ended. Seats of power needed occupants for succession. Trade routes needed coordinators and supervisors.

The very systems that facilitated society were themselves unchanged, as they scaffolded this new world. So, although there were no more rules, there were still and always traditions.

Ceremonial feathers exchanged. Rings, robes and armor pieces crafted. Some couples continued to interact as though they were pursuing a courtship. Others became more casual immediately. It was quite clear to the leaders of the united world that each and every set of individuals would embark upon these journeys as they and only they saw fit.

(Well, not without a little help from their communities, if they wanted it!)

Trite as it sounded, Melia did not know what the future would bring. She only knew she would be facing it with a love and dignity unlike any other.

Everything about this new venture, such as it could be called, was fresh and new and exciting. For a High Entia once-youth now firmly planting her talons in adulthood, it bore an incomparable thrill.

And yet, in so many ways, Melia's principal impression was just exactly like those greatest and most constant wellsprings of support that had brought her to where she currently stood, facing Vanea, gazing up into wise, patient, inquisitive red eyes.

With their loved ones about, and their trust and faith in each other...

"I could get used to this," Melia said, turning a phrase of colloquialism more skillfully than she'd ever done.

Vanea's smile crinkled those eyes. "I'd say you must."

"Well, my love, so long as we are in agreement..."