Chương 259: For the rest of your days

And so you shall have my blessing," a powerful female voice spoke as a divine presence radiated throughout the garden. This caused everyone present to fall to their knees as it shattered the moment of silence, though Wander needed a moment to comprehend what was going on through her constant happy sniffles." Let it be known that Unity sees your endeavors, and approves of the hard work and strife you face in the name of my purview. May your union be one to inspire others for the rest of your days."

No avatar was needed for everyone to recognize Unity's divine presence, the echo of her aura like the clasping of hands and connection through shared purpose. Then, the presence faded, letting everyone present release the breath they instinctively had been holding as they reclaimed their feet.

"I…" Embrace of the Winds began, faltering slightly in devout awe after such a potent showing of her Goddess' approval.

"Then please let your paths be known, and clasp the hand of your intended." Having prepared beforehand, Kite reached into one pocket and produced a tiny gemstone which he placed into a slot on the carved wooden pedestal, where its enchantments flickered to life to produce a series of small barriers that gently rotated in a circle along the pedestal's rim.

At the same time, Dragonfly produced a small, ornate axe wrought in small, illusory flames which she chopped into the pedestal's midst with precision and care, leaving the blade partially embedded in the wood among the small discs of force. This was a tradition that would have looked quite different depending on the station and path of the couple. Essence-users tended towards symbols of their powers, but for most people it would be a tool of trade or other piece of significance to their lives.

An affluent carpenter might leave a hammer and nails, while one from more humble origins might instead simply have images of the same carved into the pedestal. It was the symbol that was the most important, after all. But as silver-rankers, Kite and Dragonfly had the means to make something more impressive, which some would even argue was their duty.

So it was above this finely crafted piece of carved wood and expressions of magic that they joined hands followed by the priestess of Unity bringing out an embroidered silk sash to tie around their hands.

"Warrior blesses this union," Orichalcum Fist intoned, followed by Evening Held in Gentle Hands.

"As does Fortune."

"And as the Goddess Unity herself has proclaimed, so does she," Embraced by the Winds said, eyes still alight with devotion.

"The two of you are now married, your paths joined before the gods. Turn to the world, and proclaim what will be the mark of your union." The mark of the union was one of the final symbolic traditions of marriage in the kingdom, where the couple would do or leave something behind as a reminder and show of how their unified path would contribute.

Back in Starberry Peak, Kite had witnessed one of the local lumberjacks and his newly wedded wife take it upon themselves to restore and expand the village's granary, while others gave donations to the temples or similar causes. But with greater power, one also had a greater responsibility to make sure that the mark carried sufficient gravitas. Kite and Dragonfly had pondered this for a while during their preparations, discussing many ideas back and forth as there was a lot that was within their means to do.

But in the end, the idea they had discussed in the palace of the Queen of Jade and Sky had always remained the one they were the most fond of. As one, the pair turned and faced the guests and the expectant silence. A few already knew of their plans, such as Kite's aunties and Uncle Walker, but to most it would come as a surprise.

"My… husband and I -" Dragonfly started, giggling slightly at Kite's new title, "- share a common part of our history. As many of you know, we were both orphaned early in our lives, yet we also both had the fortune to have others care for us and give us a place and context to call home. Their kindness has led us to a life rich in both family and potential, and that hope is what we would hope to pay forward to those of future generations who have found themselves alone," she finished, leaving for Kite to continue.

"As such, the mark of our union will be the founding and financing of the Serenity's Nest orphanage here in the budding village around our home. This will be done in cooperation with the church of Fertility, who have already kindly accepted their part in the collaboration. Let the unification of my wife and I leave behind a legacy of more children who were given a chance and a place to belong even after the pillars of their lives have been swept away by foul deeds, weak hearts or cruel chance."

His words gave rise to an excited murmur in the crowd that - after Wander gave a hollering 'whoop' to act as a noise-making vanguard - rose to a proper cheer.

"Go forth, the two of you," Orichalcum Fist called to the newlyweds over the din, raising a fist in salute.

"Take your first steps as a married couple and let the might of your union carry you to the heavens. And beyond." So Kite and Dragonfly did, their hands still wrapped with embroidered silk as they stepped down to meet the adoring crowds and well-wishers. Husband and wife. At last.

"Come on, Big Sister Sprite! You can do it!" Raven urged excitedly, the rat atop her head similarly enthusiastic.

"Yeah! You got this girl~!"

"But…" Sprite began, seeing the happily mingling crowds illuminated by even more colorful lanterns during this evening of festivity as people feasted on the heaps of food laid out for anyone to partake of.

"What if I make a fool out of myself."

"Nuhuh. No way!" Raven protested.

"They'll like it! I like it, so they will! See, there's Big Brother Kite now. Go!"

"O- Okay. Heavens be with me," Sprite murmured, turning towards the newlyweds who had mingled for a while after the last speech - a most heartfelt one by a tearful Will - had been finished. She just thought she could make out Wander asking Raven: "Wait, what were we cheering for her to do now again~?"

But by then she was already in front of the pair, Dragonfly talking to her own former master - who looked quite imposing to Sprite, with her muscled build and fierce smile - and Senior Brother Kite had already turned to greet her.

"Sprite? Anything I can do for you?"

"I… Uhm…." she began, faltering slightly. But true to form, Kite patiently waited for her to find her words.

"I would like to make a speech."

"Oh? Well, of course. Would you like my help calling for attention?"

"Yes… Please." Sprite herself didn't feel anything, but as most people suddenly fell silent and looked towards Kite, she assumed he had done something with that aura her teacher was always going on about.

"It seems we have another speaker. If you'd all please give Little Sun Sprite your complete attention. She is the disciple of my wife and a treasured member of our household!" Whatever jealous pang she felt at not yet having power of her own was immediately drowned out completely with a wave of intense fear and embarrassment as Kite called out the introduction, even urging Sprite onto a nearby bench so that everyone could see her.

Seeing the gazes of such powerful people, their expressions ranging from curious and expectant to bored and dismissive, it felt like Sprite's throat was about to collapse in on itself, so tight was its constriction.

"I… This was a mistake- I-" she thought, mind rushing even more as her inner turmoil was apparently quite obvious to most onlookers and some faces started turning sympathetic. But then, as Sprite's eyes started darting around the crowd while fervently wishing that her first essence power would be to melt into the ground and disappear, she met a pair of onyx eyes from across the yard.

Little Raven, seated atop her distant Uncle Crow's shoulders, had her face screwed up in as much of a fearsome battle-face as a five year old could, and while she said nothing, her eyes projected her message loud and clear.

"You can do this, Big Sister!"

"I…" Sprite began, the first words to leave her mouth as her throat unclenched somewhat. This caused a slight shift in the crowd, and as the first leak had the dam start to crumble, so too did more words follow that lone vanguard syllable.

"I am Little Sun Sprite, student of Dragonfly upon Sun's Reflection. My teacher… She gave me everything. Picked me up from the rubble and brought me here. Home. Taught me even though I was so bad in the beginning. She's let me see so much, and just keeps telling me to prepare myself for even more. I've seen her fight, setting herself and the world on fire to save people. People like who I was before I met her. And now she's marrying Senior Brother Kite - who is amazing - and I'm so happy for them but…

But I feel like something still isn't fair." Her planned words had gained some momentum, and while her heart was hammering in her chest and her hands wouldn't stop shaking, Sprite pushed on.

"Senior Brother has all these names, which he has surely earned. But nobody has given Teacher one, even after everything she's done for people. How many monsters she's slain. So… So I want to. When Teacher is fighting, she lights up in a special way. She's always amazing, but in the middle of those fights… It's special. She's special. So I would like to name her the Flower Blooming in Flame."

Sprite had thought long and hard about that name, and she felt that it was what best resonated with how she saw her teacher; how there was a kind of passion that intensified in those moments of conflict, but not one of bloodthirst. No, it was a dedication and passion to have her way and to not let her foes reach that which she held dear. Perhaps her armor which actually bloomed might have been part of the inspiration too, but Sprite liked to tell herself that was only part of it.

But naming someone wasn't a simple matter. A name had to be given, taken or claimed. But most of all, acknowledged. Nobody would take a simple farmer seriously if he started calling himself the Invincible Phoenix General. And if no one agreed or used the name, it did not exist. Therefore, the silence that followed her proclamation was even more deafening than the first, with Sprite only staring straight out into nothingness out of fear to meet anyone's gaze and find scorn or condescension waiting there.

Perhaps it had been a mistake. She was but a child still, after all. Maybe-"Hah! The Flower Blooming in Flame! I like it! A most apt description of our dear Dragonfly that has held true from the day we first met back in iron rank!" a clear voice called out, filled with a mirth that broke Sprite from out of her spiraling embarrassment. Triumph of Indomitable Will, in all his handsome glory, stood with a wide grin with Laevyeth at his side.

Whatever they were to one another, Sprite had never been able to figure out, but the odd woman was also nodding in agreement.

"As my Lord says, it is a most fitting epithet for the bride. As her battlecry guides us, may the name Flower Blooming in Flame be the answering call we give in turn." The sentiment spread among the crowd like a wildfire, many starting to share their own stories of when Dragonfly lived up to this new description, and it was only then that Sprite dared to finally look at her teacher after avoiding it during her whole short speech.

Senior Brother Kite was still at her side, looking both happy and pleased in that calm way of his. And Dragonfly? Sprite's teacher had gone from passionate and glowing newlywed to blubbering, crying and blushing mess. As their eyes met, it was like another dam broke that day as Dragonfly appeared before Sprite in an instant, wrapping her in a fierce hug that lifted the elven teenager from her feet.

"Oh little Sprite I'm so honored and happy and you're the best student and I'll never forget this and you'll always have a place with us and-" Sprite barely heard the torrent of words, stuck as she was in between arms that held her like a vice. The hug was… Unfamiliar. Sprite had thought about it many times, and it wasn't as if her teacher wouldn't have leapt at the chance to give her one before this. But it hadn't felt right. Sprite hadn't proven herself worthy yet.

She'd always told herself that she might allow herself such an acknowledgment when she was stronger. Now though, all of that was thrown to the wind. It was warm. Soft. Pleasant. Teacher's hair smelled of flowers. And… Sprite wasn't covered in soot anymore. Contact with her would not sully and stain this awesome woman who had pulled her out of the rubble. The hug was… nice. Very nice. So it would only be right to return it properly, and in kind. Did you know this text is from a different site?

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"Oh… Oh wow. I… I'm almost glad it's over now, because I'm not sure my heart can handle more of that singing. I even had to reform, because crying with a few hundred bodies at the same time really takes it to a whole new level~," Wander said, seeming almost out of breath and wobbling in place in one of the chairs, and it was only in part due to the intoxicating drinks she had been imbibing after the wedding ceremony itself was over.

"You got that right," Amica agreed.

"Who were those two?"

"She's called Serene, who is - surprise, surprise - a priestess of Song. And the huge bald guy is her husband Gold. Seem like nice people. Sing a lot even when nobody's around, if you can believe it~."

"But the way she wove her aura into it… It was as if the emotions just crept in through any kind of self-control I had. And I'm a telekineticist, so I got plenty of that."

"Oh, yeah! That reminds me!" Wander said, perking up.

"I've been meaning to talk to you all night. You see, I got this really great idea…~" A short whispered conversation and much laughter later led to the guests of Kite's and Dragonfly's wedding being the first in the kingdom - and perhaps the world - to see the famous folktale 'the Cloud and the Goldfish' being acted out solely by a few hundred rats animatedly shouting out each and every line while floating in formations through the air like a school of fish.

"You know… You're the hottest girlfriend I've ever had."

"Jarvan, dear, I'm your wife."

"Really?! Fertility's fine fingers and Dominion's da- dastardly dong, that's awesome!"

"We have twenty-five children together."

"Huh? Now that you mention it, that does ring a bell. But… seeing how fine you're looking, want to sneak away and make some more?"

"Oh, my Jarvan, while tempting, I can just imagine your sober self locked away somewhere inside that hazy mind of yours while clawing at the window and shouting barely heard protests. So I shall be a merciful wife and let you retract your words once you've sobered up."

"What? I'm- I have a full grasp of my senses, thank you very much. Now, let's-"" Balm of life, wash away the stain on your vibrant tapestry""Wha- I… Oh…. Did… did you just cleanse me? Wait, what did I do?"

"You started proposing making a few more children, here and now, dear."

"Oh…? Oh! Oh sweet gods…

"Congratulations again, Kite!" Still Brook in Blooming said, giving her childhood friend and once-love a hug as the still shy woman had managed to for once find the newlywed without a whole gaggle of people surrounding him.

"It was a lovely ceremony. Although with… quite a lot of people. Lively people." Given that Little Crow was currently making an impressive demonstration of gracefully dancing along a table with his parasol while throwing pinpoint needles into apples and other fruits thrown at him from all directions, Kite really couldn't blame her.

"Which only serves to increase my gratitude that you and your fiancée made the trip. Where is Tall Branch, by the way? I thought I saw him around?"

"Oh, he's here. He's just a bit… self-conscious, still processing some feelings of inadequacy. Thanks again for not telling him of our history when you first met him. He might have run away simply out of fear of not being good enough compared to a silver-ranker."

"But… I was only a normal-ranker back then. We were teenagers."

"Tell that to him and his pride. Men…" Brook sighed.

"And that betrothal gift you sent didn't help either. Oh, well, it did. In other ways. Thank you again for the cores, Kite. Him joining me at bronze-rank ahead of schedule really helped solidify him as a candidate for future nurturing by the alchemy department."

"My apologies. I did not mean to be condescending. It's honestly hard to keep perspective on things when ascending the ranks. What seems like a simple helping hand to me might be life-changing to others. Do you want me to speak with him?"

"Oh heavens, no. Sorry, that came out wrong… We both know what you meant, Kite. It's a lovely gift and while my dearest has his insecurities, he's putting the chance you gave us to good work. And so… We wanted to use this wedding as an opportunity to repay the gesture."

"Please, you don't have to-""Hush, you," Brook interrupted, flustered as she tended to be in these kinds of serious conversations.

"We tried thinking long and hard of a gift that we could give that might actually be of help and make a difference. I know the invitation clearly said that you did not require us to bring anything, but with the mark of your union, we actually had an idea that might make an actual difference."

"Oh?"

"We decided that while we might not be able to bring material goods to help you in any significant way, we do have our skills and our time. So as long as we're able and welcome, Tall Branch and I thought that we'd come here and teach the children at the orphanage a few days a month. Neither of us are teachers per se, but working for the Magic Society means that we both know enough of the basics to give them at least a little bit more for when they're stepping into the world at large.

I know it's not much but-" This time it was Kite's time to interrupt Brook, laying a hand on her shoulder that made her look up at him.

"Thank you. Both of you," Kite said softly.

"A most princely gift, worthy of praise."

"I… It's not that big of a deal-""It may not feel like that to you perhaps. Some things are easy to give from a position of power, after all," Kite countered, revisiting the same point as their previous discussion.

"But to some of those children, I suspect that it might mean the world."

"Well, Lady Steiner, it seems that you are a very fun person to be around at parties," Little Crow said as he stopped next to the telekineticist, joining her leaning against the wall of her guest cottage while looking out over the party which was starting to slowly die down well after the midnight hour had passed and the newlyweds had retreated to their own abode.

"Never have I seen steamed buns dance through the air so gracefully; like a little parade of treats. And Wander really seemed to enjoy being flung around like that."

"One of the many pros of telekinesis", Amica agreed, turning towards the celestine while still leaning against the wall. The motion left her standing quite close to Little Crow, looking up into his twinkling eyes and self-assured smile.

"It's a most versatile power, only heightened by some supplemental ones and practice. A lot of practice. Useful in… well, any situation, really."

"Is that so? Well, it did look quite enjoyable to float around like that."

"Want to try then?" Amica asked with a raised eyebrow, her expression mirrored on Little Crow.

"Oh? Well, I sure wouldn't mind."

"Here we go then." With a gesture and gentle push of spirit, Little Crow then found himself enveloped by force which both lifted and restrained him, even though the latter was light enough for him to shake out of it with any amount of directed effort.

"Ooo… This… This isn't too bad. The closeness of your aura, that slight feeling of freedom which comes from submitting to your grip. Quite enjoyable. Even a bit exciting."

"I'm glad you like it," Amica replied, voice turning a bit husky as she continued.

"If you want, there are quite a lot of ways I can vary the experience for you."

"Why, Lady Steiner… How could I ever say no to such an offer?"

"Good," Amica purred, using another telekinetic pulse to open the nearby door to her cottage while guiding the still floating, madly grinning celestine towards the now open passage.

"The safe word is glitter."

"I… Heavens…" Dragonfly breathed where she lay next to Kite in their new bed, the rays of dawn just peeking over the horizon to the east.

"I mean, it's not like it's our first time. But something definitely felt… new."

"Well, that book I picked up in Pranay did have some enjoyable pointers, but in all honesty it might just have been a very nice culmination of a very nice few days," Kite replied, hugging her closer to him even though that was how they had already spent the majority of the night, with sleep a mere memory that silver-rankers like them could fortunately go without for some time.

"Still, it was a first time. Our first time as husband and wife. Just not the first."

"I can get behind that technicality," Dragonfly giggled, the two of them lapsing into pleasant silence for a while as they watched the bright disc of the sun rise slowly above the horizon. Eventually, she continued.

"So… What now?"

"As in this moment, the upcoming day or the future in general?"

"... You pick one."

"Well, the immediate future seems to offer more pleasantries, if judging by the company alone," Kite said.

"But the days to come will surely promise both many more moments with those dear to us, as well as many farewells for those same dear ones departing."

"At least we get a bit more time with them. Feels like I've barely had the time to exchange more than a few words with most of them. And after that… Well, I guess it's back to normal? Although with the construction and opening of the orphanage, your contracts with Gauntlet, Sprite's training and the preparations for the Grand Proving, the upcoming year will go by quickly."

"Yes, next summer will probably be here before we know it…" Kite agreed.

"And when I last met her, director Temren hinted that there might be some preliminary contracts too as the Crows work to unearth some more leads. We don't want to be entirely reactive if we can help it. But until then… Well, my ardent Dragonfly, the Flower Blooming in Flames… I'll look forward to each and every one of these upcoming days I get to spend with you. To pillow talk at dawn," he finished, raising an imaginary glass to which Dragonfly clinked her own.

"To pillow talk at dawn. But heavens be damned, I'm not quite willing to leave it at talk just yet."

"Alas, how quickly these days have gone. It was so good seeing you again, Teacher. Thank you for attending this important day of mine," Kite said, giving Phiona a formal bow which the blonde Geller returned.

"It was our pleasure, Kite. And while your staff work can still do with some polishing, I will have to accept that a dabbler like you has other means to seize the advantage. The staff is merely a tool in your path, while it is the foundation of mine. Seeing your comprehensive style was enlightening too."

"Yeah, those trainers of the task group are no joke. I've rarely seen Nona pressed like that lately. Proof that you've worked really hard, Kite. All those extra arms sure come in handy," Rachel agreed with a wink.

"But you know, now that we've seen your new home, you really have to come visit us back in the Boreal League. Our family estates can house you for as long as you like, as we've got plenty of room even though Nona and Mikayel have laid claim to the north wing."

"A most kind offer, Rachel. One that we will surely take you up on after the Grand Proving," Kite replied with a smile before turning to the fourth member of the departing group.

"At least I will see you there, Vista."

"Nothing but the heavens descending could keep us. Whimmy and I shall work tirelessly in the year to come, where we will undertake a journey westward in search of areas with denser magic to temper ourselves," the handsome scion declared.

"While we will leave the top spot of the dueling tournament to the representative from your guild, none shall be allowed to surpass us in the trial of the monster waves."

"Then may the heavens bless you and your efforts, Young Master. And safe travels to you all. I already look forward to when the heavens see fit to reunite us," Kite replied, his words the final straw that tipped the prolonged farewell into action. As he stood at the gates to his compound and watched the descending group riding atop their familiars - with Phiona and Mikayel seated together atop his great ashen bear - he couldn't help but smile at seeing them all together.

While Kite did not know what kind of progress Rachel had made in approaching the young master, their decision to travel back to Bastion together spoke volumes in and of itself. The compound that was his home seemed very empty though; from filled with merriment to the orderly peace of before.

One more silver-ranker than usual still lingered though, with Amica having decided to stay and take part in whatever contracts they were offered in the year leading up to the Grand Proving, as well as familiarizing herself with the other members who would be joining them. But as Kite started walking back towards his family, it turned out that his count had been off by one.

"Kite," came a voice from behind him, the aura accompanying it now familiar to Kite.

"River," he replied, turning to look at the acolyte of Pain standing outside the gates where one had previously seen nothing by empty air.

"Thank you for attending."

"A frivolous matter. Oaths and promises to one another should need only the parties involved, not such a spectacle."

"Well, thank you nonetheless," Kite said, deciding not to point out that, contrary to her words, River had still chosen to remain.

"And now you've observed Amica too."

"Her aura is strong. She will be an asset."

"Indeed. So please, try to get along. Or if I may rephrase myself, try not to clash too badly."

"We shall see…" was all River said, turning and donning her new mask again.

"Let us not waste this year of preparation. We shall root out what we can before the Grand Proving even begins."

"What is there to discuss? The missive was clear enough," Black Wood Mask stated coldly as she looked to her other gold-ranked counterparts. For once, it was only the three leaders of Discord's endeavor in Hua-Xi present in the hidden council chamber, the round room feeling eerily empty without the followers and servants. Ametrine found that she didn't care though, not after the missive they had all received.

"What we need to discuss is what we can do to make sure that the spark is lit during the Proving; a slow fuse timed just right," Gold Mask interjected.

"We need to summon more of our allies. The strikes-""If we make too many overt moves, our agents will simply risk discovery."

"And if we stay our hand in cowardice, we risk losing our agency in this matter," Gold Mask retorted to Black Wood Mask's protests.

"The missive was clear. The higher temples might send another representative to take charge of this grand undertaking, claiming glory for all of our work so far. It is but the results that will be lauded, and I will not allow some outsider to swoop in at the last minute just because you lacked the temerity to take risks." While the whole situation was indeed concerning, it was in seeing the two bicker that Ametrine realized that an opportunity she had long been waiting for had finally arrived.

One that she needed to seize with utter care if she wanted the end result to tie together a few annoying threads.

"Gold Mask is right," Ametrine said, speaking aloud for the first time which caused the others to fall silent.

"If this is how the higher temples are leaning, we will need to act. The catalysts will be in place. It will be up to us to make sure that the Grand Proving becomes the fertilizer for Discord's garden that we intend for it to be."