The music continued to play a mellow yet striking tune as the groom settled by the altar.
With the abundance of metal now, a lot of inventions popped up, and although they were pressed for time, the team managed to make simple string instruments like the harp and guitar. There was also a variety of percussion instruments developed, though those would be used in the reception later on.
There happened to be quite a few musicians in their population and one could play the harp. The previous day, rush auditions were held by Ansel and Fable, not only for Althea's wedding, but also to determine who could be permanent musicians for the territory.
They had taken note of what instruments people played, but of course had to focus on the only instruments that were made during this time—the harp.
The man chosen was called Mirka, a twenty-two-year-old college student from a renowned music school.
He didn't do it professionally yet but he was good, talented, and most importantly he loved the instrument. His play brought people to a peaceful and wonderful place. The feeling felt dynamic as he played his piece.
The guitarist was Fable himself, who had started out posting social media videos of him covering popular songs at the time. If the wedding itself wasn't so meaningful and thematic, some of his fangirls would've swooned for him.
There were also more refined wind instruments and bells and chimes, creating a lovely little band to create thematic music fitting for the event.
Fable and Mirka were truly gifted musicians to be able to harmonize only after more than a day of practice. Their music made the audience fall into a wonderful daze, falling deeper into this meaningful moment along with the couple.
Mathilda stood in front of the pew in another grand official-looking dress, standing so poised as always.
Under the sound of the band, they waited for the arrival of the rest of the entourage. A moment later, the maid of honors and the groomsmen arrived in uniform dress code.
The first ones were Winona and Sheila, gorgeous in pastel-colored dresses with long sleeves. They had run to the back from gossiping with the guests as soon as the music started.
They walked poised and in-sync. They also had matching flowers in their hair as the ones on the groomsmen's—Ansel and Beanie—chest pockets.
The bouquet theme naturally reflected on the adorable flower girl, Maya, and the little ringbearer Theo also with the same flowers on his little breast pocket.
Horus was also there… as a flower boy. He was very shy so he unconsciously used his stealth skill which made the glitchy illusion that the flower petals were thrown from nowhere by magic.
It was very amusing, and the audience smiled and giggled at the sight.
Soon, the music turned more mellow, but at the same time it adopted a more varied rhythm, indicating that the other main character was finally approaching.
"The bride is here," The officiator—Mathilda—spoke, and they all turned to the back, to see…
Gasps sounded as Althea entered their line of sight. Their eyes were all fixed on her, and certain pairs of eyes were oozing with meaning.
One was Oslo's azure ones. His heart never stopped beating wildly and clenching whenever the lord was there, but he had learned to push down his feelings, afraid he'd make her uncomfortable. Now, seeing her so ethereal, he fell even deeper.
Another was Hugo's dark orbs, who was following her figure the entire time with deep thoughts in his mind.
However, while their gazes stayed on her, Althea's was fixed on the front, looking at her husband standing at a distance, eyes filled with warmth and love.
While the soft melody of the harp filled the air, all eyes fixed eagerly on the radiant bride whose presence was ethereal and captivating.
Althea stepped forward with grace. Her simple yet elegant dress was adorned with delicate lace and subtle embellishments. It glimmered along with her, sparkling under the natural and ambient lighting of the venue.
She had no veil, and people admired her beautiful face akin to that of a goddess.
As she walked forward, her eyes couldn't be pulled from her husband, as he was to her. Their eyes overflowed with love, and their hearts were full.
Garan couldn't help but approach and extend his hand to her even before she entered the Altar. If the events planner was a bit more uptight, she'd have palmed her face, but the moment was too good to notice.
The two of them stood facing each other in the middle, eyes reflecting the others' face, hearts bursting with joy and nervousness.
They had been married just two years ago, but the adventures and near-misses that happened in between felt like a lifetime, making the renewal all the more fitting.
Mathilda smiled at the couple, feeling a little teary herself. She had always seen the two as her son and daughter as well, especially after they transferred here, and it was inevitable that Mathilda would feel like crying like an old mother.
However, remembering her role, she quickly gathered herself and looked at the two before turning to the audience, resuming the ceremony.
"Good afternoon dear friends and family. We are gathered here in this wonderful garden, one of the many points of pride as Alterrans, to witness the union—or the second union—of our beloved Althea and Garan Witt.
"The journey to this day had been frought with various trials and dangers, but through it all you remained steadfast and found each other—becoming an inspiration to us all."
They vowed—despite this world filled with uncertainty and death—to remain firm in their love for each other, to stand by each other, to protect, and to support.
When they kissed, the harp sounded again, and everyone clapped their hands in an applause filled with emotions.
The audience had various reactions, but their hearts were filled.
It is our honor to witness this moment, they thought, and their minds filled with hope to see more.