But that was when she noticed that there was a door on the side of the chapel opposite from her. And Aldrec now stood in front of that doorway, dressed in a white robe. It was similar to that which he wore when he revealed his true form to her, except for a black trimming of elven sigils at the hem, sleeves, and seams.
She felt the flush returning to her face as he began to walk towards the altar, giving her a slight motion to follow. She did, and came to his side where he stopped, directly in front of the large granite semicircle.
He turned towards her; she did as well.
He felt his left hand slip into her right. She liked that feeling, and smiled. He smiled back.
"Repeat after me," he said to her in a low voice, and then began a recitation.
"May the Divine bless this day that we have chosen for our union."
"May the Divine bless this day that we have chosen for our union," she repeated.
"And may he forever seal it within our minds and hearts."
"And may he forever seal it within our minds and hearts."
He smiled, and touched his free hand to her lips.
"By witness of the Divine, I confess my undying love for you, Mericlou. I promise to you that I will forsake all others, and my heart, mind, and body shall be now and eternally yours."
Unsure at first, but at an encouraging nod from Aldrec as he removed his hand from her lips, she placed her hand to his.
"By witness of the Divine, I confess my undying love for you, Aldrecliis. I promise to you that I will forsake all others, and my heart, mind, and body shall be now and eternally yours."
Try as she might, she could not suppress that single tear from rolling down her face. His words, though probably a recitation that had been repeated countless times in the ancient ages, were nonetheless heartfelt and fervent. To think that he loved her this much, and wanted her, of all beings in this world, to be his wife, was a thought that shook her to the core of her being.
She saw him smile as he took her other hand in his, and pulled her closer.
"This day is now known in heaven, and so shall it be known on this world. You are my beloved wife."
"This day is now known in heaven," Mericlou repeated, "and so shall it be known on this world. You are my beloved husband."