Daphne had rushed to dress herself and run a brush through her hair before knocking and stepping over to where Anastasiar was trying to get into the wedding dress, without letting it touch the floor. She figured if she appeared ready and efficient, it would be one less thing for Ana to worry about on hers and Amaken's big day.
As she laced up the back of the white dress, her thoughts went to Furley. She'd decided not to tell anyone he'd forgotten he was presiding. There was nothing anyone could do about it anyway and she didn't want to cause more stress or anxiety. But if he didn't do a good job...well...for his own good, she hoped he did.
After she'd pinned some of Ana's hair back from her face as the rest hung down, she took her hand. "You look so beautiful. Are you ready?" Ana laughed and took a deep breath. "I'm not sure!" "I would hug you, but I don't want to wrinkle your dress," Daphne had said with a wink. She was nervous, and she wasn't even the bride. She couldn't imagine how Ana's stomach must be leaping about. "Don't worry, Ana. You'll do great."
They were told to wait just inside the door, the two of them. "Oh, this isn't good. More time for nerves," Daphne had thought, and she wasn't too far off. Ana looked concerned as she turned to her. "What do you think is going on in there? Do you think Amaken is in there?" She shrugged, patting Ana's shoulder. "If he ran off, I'll just hunt him down immediately and drag his sorry hide back." This seemed to lighten her best friend's mood ever so slightly. But at least it did a little. I
Finally, Elthhelm poked his head out to indicate they should come in then. "He looks nice. Even though there's one of those ridiculous feathers on his head." She smiled, giving Ana a reassuring squeeze on her shoulder. "It'll be wonderful," she whispered. Then they entered.
Everyone except for Furley, Amaken and Altheric, were lined up on either side of the door. It actually looked quite nice. She wondered if that might have been the cause of the lateness of the ceremony. Though her mind didn't dwell on that for long. She wanted to see the look on Amaken's face as he beheld his lovely bride.
It was no disappointment. His jaw must have hit his chest, with how wide his mouth had dropped. He forgot himself, and even stepped down the aisle to meet her halfway. It was sweet, and she was sure they would remember it fondly.
She took her place at Ana's side as Furley began. It was a beautiful ceremony, but Daphne felt he lucked out, as the couple wrote their own vows. Not that she minded. He did his part well, and their vows were touching. She saw tears in a few eyes, though she was able to keep hers dry until the very end.
All went smoothly, except a momentary intruder, who politely excused himself after apologizing for the interruption and, of course, some impatience from Kildwin. But Elthhelm saw to that.
Cheers erupted from every mouth ae Furley pronounced them man and wife, and they kissed. After the noise and congratulations died down and a couple people had given them wedding gifts, everyone was directed to the Hall of Fire, to drink, dance, eat and be merry.