The morning sun broke through the mountain mist, turning the white marble spires of the Shrine of Solis into towers of pure gold.
The sixty warriors of the Crimson Vanguard stood in flawless formation along the grand marble staircase. Their crimson cloaks snapped in the crisp mountain breeze, and their polished iron armor caught the light, with smiles of reverence stretching on their lips.
It was finally the beginning of spring, right after winter's thaw and the promised day of the triune marriage.
In the high temple of Solis, the heavy gilded doors at the base of the shrine parted, and the Vanguard drew their broadswords in unison, raising them high to form a gleaming arch of steel over the steps.
Just then, Cassian, Lucien, and Sora walked side by side up the grand staircase.
At the center walked Cassian, clad in his majestic deep crimson robes embroidered with golden dragon runes that hummed with quiet, protective magic.
To his right, Lucien moved with heavy, dignified grace, his sky-blue mantle lined with royal silver thread that broadened his imposing frame. To Cassian's left, Sora glided effortlessly in snow-white silk, silver and emerald-threaded protective runes catching the sunlight like morning frost.
The three colors—crimson, blue, and white—moved as one unbreakable force that signified their very own personal features.
At the top of the stairs, High Priest Thaddeus stood before the altar beneath the open dome of the inner sanctum. A warm breeze filled the hall, carrying the sweet scent of burning pine and rare incense. Standing near the front pews were Tristan and Aurelian, watching their fathers with proud, quiet smiles, while nearby Thoris held Adrian tightly by the waist, his hand resting softly over his husband's hip, and little Seli bounced happily on his toes beside Caelen.
Fransia, Zelda, Elysia, and Elise were weeping with their own tears of happiness just beneath the dais. And so was the old man Elias.
As the three grooms reached the golden dais, High Priest Thaddeus raised his cedar staff, and the sunstone crystal at its peak flared with a warm, brilliant light that filled the entire sanctuary.
"Before Solis and under the eyes of the realm,"
Thaddeus's voice echoed like a ringing bell,
"Three paths walk no longer as separate streams, but as one unstoppable tide. Prince Cassian, Duke Lucien, and the divine Elf of Elfeheimer Sora—do you swear your blades, your lives, and your souls to one another for all eternity?"
Lucien stepped closer, taking Cassian's right hand in his calloused grip and Sora's as well.
"I swear it."
Sora took Cassian's left hand, his slender fingers lacing firmly through his and held Lucien's as well.
"I swear it."
Cassian looked at both of them—the Holy Knight who used to hunt him down endlessly just to execute him in all of his past lives, and the tranquil Moonborn Elf, his mate, who guarded his peace with silent lethality. Then a warm, brilliant smile touched Cassian's lips.
"I swear it,"
Cassian spoke, his voice clear and resonant.
High Priest Thaddeus struck his staff against the stone floor, sealing the Covenant, and a burst of golden light washed over the trio, binding the protective runes woven into their robes in a permanent halo of warmth.
Cheers erupted from the crowd, straight to the Crimson Vanguard outside, echoing across the mountain valley as the triune union was sealed under the morning sun.
The whole capital was to rejoice at the created history of a triune union.
*****
The main banquet hall of the Arden Estate was ablaze with light and sound. Long oak tables groaned under the weight of roasted meats, sweet pastries, and silver goblets of aged wine. Banners of deep crimson, midnight black, and pristine white hung side by side from the high vaulted ceiling.
At the head table, Cassian, Lucien, and Sora sat together in their ceremonial robes, having the time of their lives as newlyweds.
Cassian looked over the room with a relaxed, quiet satisfaction.
To his left, Lucien was already on his second goblet of wine, looking far less stern than usual, and to his right, Sora calmly refilled Cassian's cup, his white sleeves tucked back with effortless grace.
The hall quieted down slightly as Tristan stood up from the family table, holding his goblet high. Beside him, Aurelian stood up as well, looking a bit more nervous but determined.
"If I could have everyone's attention," Tristan began, his voice carrying clearly over the chatter of the Crimson Vanguard.
"I know many of us didn't think we'd see this day. For a long time... things were broken. But looking at our fathers today, the pillars of the family together—I know our family is complete. To my fathers. May no one ever be foolish enough to stand against you again."
"Hear, hear!"
The Vanguard shouted in unison, raising their tankards with a deafening roar.
Aurelian cleared his throat, stepping forward.
"And... thank you, father. For coming back for us. And for keeping us safe."
Cassian felt a genuine warmth press against his chest. He offered his sons a soft, proud smile, raising his goblet in return.
"To family."
Before the quiet moment could fully settle, a sudden loud
*CLANG*
Echoed from the middle of the dining hall.
"Uncle Vikra! Watch this!" five-year-old Seli squeaked at the top of his lungs.
Seli was currently standing on top of a dining chair, holding a wooden practice sword twice his size with both hands. He swung it wildly, nearly knocking over a silver pitcher of the Dwarven Ale.
Caelen lunged forward with wide eyes, catching the falling pitcher just in time while grabbing Seli by the back of his collar.
"Seli! Put the sword down! Father is going to lose his mind!"
Caelen quickly glanced over to where Adrian's booming voice cut through the noise as he strode over from the wine casks, holding a plate stacked high with roasted venison, and Caelen quickly hid the sword away and pinched Seli's cheeks warningly.
"Behave!...In fact, I should take you to father immediately because I can hardly enjoy myself with you around."
Caelen hauled the young boy by the back of his collar and dragged him directly to Adrian and Thoris.
Adrian placed the plate directly in front of Thoris, pulling his husband close by the waist and pressing a loud, dramatic kiss against Thoris's cheek right in front of Elyria and Vikra.
Thoris flushed slightly, trying to push Adrian's face away with a hand, though he didn't actually step back.
"Adrian, please. We have hundreds of guests watching you act like a teenager."
"Let them watch!"
Adrian declared grandly, resting his hand possessively over Thoris's hip.
"I am tending to my husband! Is there a crime in loving one's spouse?"
"There is when you do it every five minutes," Elyria remarked dryly from her seat, casually slicing a piece of bread.
"It exhausts the onlookers."
Vikra roared with laughter, slapping Adrian on the shoulder so hard Adrian nearly dropped his own fork.
"Leave him be, Elyria! The man is proud!"
"Indeed I am."
Laughter filled every end of the room.
Sora leaned slightly toward Cassian, a small, amused smile playing on his lips as he watched the chaos unfold below along with the visiting elves of Elfeheimer. Most of them had left the forest to experience the outside world for the first time, and most of them were welcomed firsthand.
"It seems your relatives are competing for the loudest table."
Sora chuckled, and Lucien set his goblet down with a low chuckle, his arm sliding behind Cassian's back to pull him slightly closer.
"Even the Emperor is having a hard time containing his happiness around his wives. This is truly the happiest day in the Empire, and I say that on behalf of myself as well."
Cassian leaned into Lucien's touch, his hand reaching over to rest over Sora's fingers on the table. He looked out over the crowded hall—his sons laughing with the Vanguard, Adrian dramatically feeding Thoris another bite of food, and the estate full of life. His whole family was experiencing a joy that was beyond measure.
"Yes," Cassian murmured softly, his crimson eyes bright with quiet devotion. "This moment is perfect in every way."
******