fic: Wedding Bells
Nov. 6th, 2022 10:39 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bonnefoisTitle: Wedding Bells
Series: FE4/5
Character/pairing: Reinhardt/Ishtar, Fred/Olwen, Reinhardt's parents, faint Arthur/Fee and Ced/Tine though not all of these are together but are in varying stages of crushing/ mutual pining
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Fred and Olwen's wedding finally arrives.
Word count: 4802
Author's note: Follows The Council Will Decide Your Fate. I just couldn't leave it alone until I had wedding fluff, huh.
There is faint hints of growing Arthur/Fee, Ced/Tine, and complicated Reinhardt/Ishtar in the background. They are too faint to tag, however. (Though the next chapter the Reinhardt/Ishtar comes into focus.)
One year ago.
Olwen wouldn't ignore a summons from Queen Ishtar herself, even knowing that it meant she would come in contact with her brother. Reinhardt had survived and returned to Friege.
They didn't talk. Nothing to say. Nothing he could say that would make things better. When it mattered most, Reinhardt had been a coward.
She'd looked up to him in everything. Reinhardt was the epitome of a knight. He was the most talented fighter in generations. He could've practically won the entire war on his lonesome if he'd wanted to.
But he'd sided with the empire, sided with the ones who dragged children away from their weeping mothers to be forced into dark rituals to bring about the return of the dread dragon Loptous.
She ignored his letters, which eventually faded out to nothing. He realized that even if he'd lived, Reinhardt Schutaeze had died to her that day. The myth was gone. She was disillusioned. Every memory of his kindness and power was tinged with the bitterness that Reinhardt was kind, but not kind enough to rescue the children. Brave and powerful on the battlefield, but not enough to betray his country.
And for what? It wasn't for loyalty to Prince Julius that had kept him. For years Reinhardt had felt the prince's jealousy and displeasure. It was only Princess Ishtar's favor who had kept Reinhardt from the gallows.
And even that couldn't last. She found out later from Saias that Reinhardt had been stripped of his position. He had been little more than another general.
He had no more duty to keep to. Yet he still doggedly stayed when there was nothing for him, when the choice was obvious.
But even she couldn't ignore the summons of the Queen of Friege.
So, she went on this journey by herself. Fred left in command of the rebuilding project. She was tense as she dismounted, left her horse to be taken to the stables by an attendant and came to one of the meeting rooms.
Luxurious, beautiful with old gold and relics. The tapestries upon the walls bore the heraldry of House Friege upon them.
Years ago, Olwen would've felt a kind of excitement to be here in the inner circle. A hint of what she would be, when she became a knight like her brother. She'd wanted to join the Gelben Ritter with him, to ride and defend the country from all fights.
But, in the end she chose to defect and defend the country from itself. The vile rule of Queen Hilda, who had gladly, gleefully supported the hunts and the Granvalle empire in their quest to bring about the Loptyrian empire again.
Olwen tensed as the door opened. She was sure that Reinhardt would be there, but Queen Ishtar was alone. Without even an attendant.
For once, Reinhardt wasn't beside her. Queen Ishtar must've asked Reinhardt to be away, because there'd be no other way they could be apart. Reinhardt took his duties very seriously.
She'd heard that it was even more so now after the war. After Queen Ishtar had lost so much. She was still fragile and sickly from so much loss.
"Olwen, it's been so long," Queen Ishtar said.
Her voice was gentle, and full of nostalgia for old times.
Once, it'd been very common for her and Queen Ishtar to spend time together.. When she saw Reinhardt, Queen Ishtar was never very far. Despite that Olwen was a mere lady, with no holy blood, Queen Ishtar was always gentle and kind to her. Back then, she'd thought of Ishtar even as almost a friend.
Now, she spoke to Olwen as if she truly were an old friend.
"Yes--it has," Olwen said haltingly. She hardly knew how to address Queen Ishtar. Her sovereign, and who had been on the other side during the war. It'd been with some pensiveness that she even came. She'd been a traitor to Friege during the war.
"Have you been well? I have heard some reports, but I should wish to ask you yourself," Queen Ishtar said.
"The rebuilding project is going well. Fred and I have already helped repair several villages which dealt with pillaging by bandits during the war. Fred, he--"
Olwen blushed. She could say so much about Fred. He'd supported her through everything. He was so calm and kind. He helped everything go smoothly and helped soothe her temper. She could hardly even think of him without her cheeks heating.
"I am glad. Fred is your sworn knight, yes?"
"He served my family and he...helped save me," Olwen said.
"It is good to have a knight you can rely on," Queen Ishtar said.
Which was like cold water poured on her, because she knew exactly who Queen Ishtar relied on. The person Olwen had considered dead, even as he lived.
"Olwen...I have heard that you and Reinhardt have gone separate ways after the war. You were once so close..."
"You called me all the way here for that?"
It came to her that it sounded much sharper than it should, especially since it was a Queen she was addressing. Reinhardt would be incensed if he knew.
"--My queen," she hastily amended. Though it didn't help how she'd thoughtlessly said something impertinent to a superior again.
A very bad habit of hers.
But, Queen Ishtar did not reprimand her. She simply looked sad, which might've been even worse. Because if he'd been there, Reinhardt would be even angrier at her for making Queen Ishtar feel any sorrow, when she'd known so much sorrow in her life already.
She'd heard that Reinhardt was at the point of being even overprotective of Queen Ishtar now.
Her brother found fame in whatever he did, and she couldn't escape him unless she left the land she loved.
"Yes, I did. I cannot command you to change how you feel. If you must hate someone, then hate me. But don't hate Reinhardt."
Queen Ishtar had always been in her life. Her brother had protected her since they were both young. Her place in the Holy War had been...complex. Olwen had learned in the final battle, where Queen Ishtar had almost died, but had been spared by King Leif's kindness, that she had been a traitor to the empire. That she had stolen the children.
That she was everything Reinhardt wasn't. Brave, and willing to sacrifice everything.
"I can't just ignore the choices he made," Olwen said finally.
"Reinhardt never supported the hunts. He never partook in them. He was in my service the entire time. I know it. Up until the point when I had to send him away, he was almost always with me. ...Except when Lord Julius was near. Lord Julius did not...like Reinhardt very much."
"It doesn't matter. If he couldn't make that simple, obvious choice, then he's all the more a coward for turning his back on his principles."
"Then be angry at me. Because I was the one who sent him away, who hurt him. I wanted to protect him from Lord Julius. But, he was loyal to me even when I set him free. And he never could've joined a side which would've gone against me. The Liberation Army took Ishtore and Liza from me. My parents--Julius. Even I could not bring myself to join them, even as I sympathized with what they did."
Her voice choked up at this. "And I know Reinhardt. He couldn't turn his sword upon me after so many years. Nor could he ever join up with a faction who had caused so much pain to me. Even if you were a part of it. I'm sure the choice must have torn him up inside. And it is my cowardice which should be blamed. How I wouldn't give up on Julius, even as he...."
She trailed off.
"So, lay the blame upon me. I deserve your ire. Because in the end, it's my fault."
She couldn't hate Queen Ishtar. Not when she'd striven so hard to save the children. It'd come out after the war, how she'd betrayed Julius. Her very own lover.
Once again, she was on the outside looking in at the unfathomable bond of trust between her brother and Queen Ishtar. A bond which had never quite been broken. Queen Ishtar held his loyalty, still. Even now.
Even when she'd let him go. Even when he gave her his beloved sword, his most precious possession and expected to die on that battlefield.
The Holy War pitted family against family, knight against liege. And in the end it had put Reinhardt and her on opposite sides.
"I can't just go back to how it was," Olwen said.
She had looked up to her brother in everything. He was her hero. And on that battlefield, he hadn't been heroic or brave. He'd had such sorrow in his eyes. He'd almost willingly chosen death. Only King Leif sparing him had stopped that.
"None of us can. I cannot go back to a point where Ishtore, Liza, mother, father and Julius are alive. That time is lost to me. And I must survive them and try to make."
"But if I could atone for this, and take the blame, then I will. If I could fix but one family, then I would all that I could."
What even would she say to him? Reinhardt was a stranger now.
"I'll consider it," Olwen said.
After all Queen Ishtar did, she deserved at least this much.
"Thank you," Queen Ishtar said softly.
"I need to get back. Fred is waiting fro me. ...By your leave."
"Yes, please have a safe trip back," Queen Ishtar said.
Olwen turned. She didn't see Reinhardt along the way, and perhaps that was for the best.
*
Present day.
"Olwen?"
The voice of Fred startled her from her thoughts.
"Is something wrong?" Fred said. He looked concerned and brushed her bangs back from her face to feel her forehead.
"I was just thinking of the past," Olwen said.
"Do you need a moment?" Fred said softly.
"No, it's all right now."
It'd been a long road, but she and Reinhardt had a shaky truce right now, and she and Fred were well on their way to marriage. It'd be just a little bit more, and they'd spend the rest of their days.
The days up to the wedding had gone surprisingly fast. Before Olwen knew it, it was June and her wedding date was upon her.
She'd been so busy with rebuilding Friege that she'd completely lost track of time.
"Does this count as bad luck before seeing the bride, or is that only on the wedding day itself?"
And did it matter that the day was tomorrow?
Fred smiled. "I think that's only on the day itself. And a superstition, at that."
"Good, because I'd had to have to miss you," Olwen said.
She reached out and took his hand to squeeze it.
*
Olwen had been up since well before dawn getting the preparations ready. The kitchens had been full and bustling with cooks and members of the Schutaeze family cooking for enough for the reception. The flower decorations set up and tied in ribbons, the chairs and tables all put up.
She started with a bath perfumed with flower petals, and dried to put on the dress which many in her family had worn.
She hadn't seen Fred in hours, and it was so strange. It had been her routine for so long to take breakfast with him, speak about the day to come. And now she'd have to wait hours to see him.
Travelers soon arrived. There had been some matters to attend to, so Queen Ishtar and Reinhardt were a bit later than the rest. Those arriving from Silesse had come the night before.
Queen Ishtar wore a dress of a faint periwinkle, a long sleeveless ruched sheath that hugged close to her body.
Beside her, she leaned in to speak to her cousin. Olwen didn't hear what she said.
Tine wore a dress that came past her knees, loose white voluminous fabric, with a slight crease at the skirts, tied with ribbons with a bow at the back. Ribbons covered her long pigtails which hung down her back. Tine bustled with excitement, while Queen Ishtar was more restrained.
"It's the day!" Tine said. "I've never been to a wedding before. Though I thought I might, once..."
Tine realized what she had said and looked a little flustered.
Queen Ishtar smiled tightly.
Olwen quickly changed the subject. "Right, thank you for coming."
Olwen wore her mother's wedding dress. Creamy white and lacy, with full sleeves and a full skirt, with thick layers of detailed beadwork. It shimmered in the light with every step she took. Unlike Queen Ishtar, she couldn't walk in delicate heels and kept her boots on. A clean pair, new and perfectly suited for the dress uniform of a knight of Friege.
"Are you nervous? I could call in Saias to attend to you. Reinhardt managed to track him down and invite him," Queen Ishtar said.
"A little, but mostly I'm just really happy. I'm going to marry my best friend today. Even if everything goes wrong, it doesn't matter. We'll spend the rest of our lives together," Fred said.
Queen Ishtar remained silent. She could not quite keep her sadness hidden away. But, she forced something like levity for a second. It did not reach her eyes.
"Excuse me, I must freshen up," Queen Ishtar said as an excuse. She lifted her skirts and went out of the room.
"Is she all right?" Olwen said worriedly.
Tine looked sad "I don't know... I know she's keeping a brave face for your sake, but she's been very sad lately."
"Should I let her go home? If it's too difficult for her to attend this wedding, I won't be angry at all."
"No, I think she'll be okay. She might just need...some time alone to wipe her tears. She lost so much."
Her whole family, and her lover too. And even then, Queen Ishtar couldn't even grieve properly, not when Julius was remembered in history as a tyrant.
It was actually quite surprising that Reinhardt wasn't at her side. Something must've called him away, because now he might as well be known as the queen's shadow for how close he kept.
"My mouth's a bit dry."
Both Tine and Olwen headed out to drink some fruit juice--the kind that wasn't fermented, but had a definite sweetness. Though there was plenty of wine in stock.
Queen Ishtar returned a short time later. She managed to smile but it didn't reach her eyes, which were noticeably red-rimmed. Reinhardt was there, close to her. He must've found her.
Whatever Reinhardt had fixed she hadn't even realized had gone wrong. He was good at that--fixing situations before others even realized what had deteriorated. In this case it was horses that had escaped their bonds, and the stable boys chasing after them, until they were all covered in hay and mud.
The hall had rulers, soldiers, knights, everything from former thieves to lumberjacks. Her former army members, who had saved her life many a time had showed up--though some might've simply come for the reception. She didn't fault them that. Not after all they'd been through.
She was at the door, poised to meet her husband to be. Olwen didn't need to get given away. But, Reinhardt came to see her.
"The ceremony will start soon. Still, if you have a moment, could we speak?"
"Are you going to do one last time of scaring poor Fred with a threat should he ever hurt me? You should know by now how nice he is," Olwen said.
"I know Fred will treat you well for the rest of your lives. I've seen him with you. You're well matched. He seems quite adept at keeping you out of trouble," Reinhardt said wryly.
"Is that what you came here to tell me? I thought mom told us no bickering on my wedding day," Olwen said.
It'd been more aimed at her because with their current relationship, with Reinhardt no longer the mythic hero, but not cut off from her life, she wasn't beyond fighting with him.
"No...I came here for an apology, of sorts. I'm sorry for how much we missed. Due to the war, the time when you were in academy and we never got a chance to visit. I hope this can change and we can put the past behind us once and for all."
She'd been ready to break free from her family, to protect what was right. To burn every memory, every familiar line.
But, he'd lived. She'd lived. And it was difficult to simply stop loving a family member. Even if she'd never fully be able agree with the choices. Olwen now knew why he'd turned away that day on the battle of the river Thracia.
Even cast aside, even if Queen Ishtar picked Prince Julius, even when there was nothing left for him, he was still the Queen's knight.
"I'm sure we'll cross paths again," she said.
It'd taken so long to get to this point. Many fights and a long time of not speaking after the war. It'd taken Queen Ishtar all but begging her to forgive Reinhardt and blame her instead for her to even consider speaking to him again.
But, having known what it was to love now too, a part of her understood.
Olwen betrayed her country to fight against the hunts. But, if she'd had to fight Fred free from prisons, from the clutches of the worst cultists, she would've.
"It's time," she said. Music preceded her. He held out his arm, and gave her one last hug.
Once, she'd looked up to him. He could do no wrong. Now, she knew he was human, but not a monster, either. Something in between a legend people had made him into, and a mortal man with very mortal flaws.
"You've grown so much. I'm proud to call you my sister, Olwen."
And it was getting to the point where she could almost say the same of him. He had pushed himself into the rebuilding of Friege, becoming even more invaluable to Queen Ishtar and the very framework of Friege itself.
Whatever the choices he made in a heartbroken haze, sent away from Queen Ishtar in disgrace, they were the past.
She smiled.
"Thank you. It means a lot to me, you know."
He nodded. Dark and tall and so much like their father when he was younger. Perhaps he had the same flaws as their father too--for father had almost died for Friege, and had only been barely saved by their mother on the battlefield years ago.
Reinhardt went on ahead, and took a seat. Olwen took a deep breath, and took that first step towards her husband.
*
She stood at the end of the aisle. A bouquet of white lilies and baby's breath in her hands. Familiar faces filled the benches.
Mother and father were at the very back, and the first people she saw. Not for lack of importance, but because these days father's old war wounds acted up and made walking difficult.
Reinhardt had taken a seat at the front, along with Queen Ishtar. Tine was close by, and took in every detail. Arthur and Fee and Ced were on their other side.
And so many other soldiers, friends, and compatriots she had found along the years. People who had saved her live countless times. King Leif, Queen Nanna, kind enough to come to the wedding of two of his soldiers. He hadn't missed a single wedding, and there had been quite a few--some in the mountains, among former thieves.
Fred's head was turned. He was framed by the white lilies decorations she had chosen. He turned to see her as she took those first steps, and his face was filled with a kind of awe.
At the end of the aisle, with her very best friend.
The minute she came close, she transferred her bouquet to one hand and took his hand. She'd nearly forgotten her vows, as she stole glances from him. Her knight, her husband.
And finally after the I do's, Fred leaned in to cup her face and kissed her, maybe a moment too long. And when this promise was made, they walked hand in hand down the aisle.
*
The reception was in the ballroom of the castle. Father and mother were seated at the big table reserved for the family members. Father was long past his dancing days--it'd taken quite a bit to get him from home without aggravating his old war injuries.
"My youngest daughter, all married," Lady Audra said.
"I can hardly believe it. It seems just yesterday I was helping her learn to ride," Reinhardt said.
Sir Richard nodded. "You both grew up so fast. Especially you, Reinhardt. You became a general so young. You were barely the age of the average squire, yet already commanding people twice your age. You had been Queen Ishtar's guardian for several years by then."
"Lady Audra shed many tears, having to give up her child when he was barely a boy to the family of Friege. But, I told her. This is what the family Schutaeze does. We serve House Friege at all costs. He was happiest with Lord Ishtore and Queen Ishtar, though. It became clear from an early age that was where he belonged," Sir Richard said.
"Oh, don't bring up the past," Lady Audra said.
"Next, it'll be your turn for marriage, Reinhardt," Lady Audra said playfully.
Queen Ishtar turned away sorrowfully and said nothing. She looked even paler than usual.
"It is best to hope Olwen gives grandchildren. I may very well die a bachelor," Reinhardt said wryly.
"Come now, someone will catch your eye eventually. You're so much like Richard. Too attached to duty to take a lover."
"You said before you had a love. You've had a lover hidden away all this time?" Olwen said.
"No. I said I loved someone, not that they loved me back," Reinhardt said.
A solemn note came upon the table. Though Queen Ishtar's brow was furrowed as she took in his words, as if they were incomprehensible.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Fred said.
"Ah, you're right. It's time to throw the bouquet. Thank you for reminding me," Olwen said.
"I meant your drink," Fred said. He'd brought her one, in a lovely goblet that hit his gloved hands so well. "Though it does seem many ladies in the audience are impatiently waiting for something."
"Thank you for thinking of me," Olwen said.
She leaned up and cupped his face so she could kiss his cheek. There was too much of an audience to kiss him as much as she wanted.
Tine, Ishtar and many other other women rose up from where they were seated as Olwen came to the dance floor.
"Are you ready?" Olwen said.
She drew back and thew the bouquet with all her might. Hands lifted up, in an attempt to catch. It sailed over Tine, too tiny to reach, and many a lady.
Queen Ishtar was the closest. She reached a little too far, only to teeter. Her heels were very in fashion and very high. For a moment, Olwen reached out. She was much too far to ever catch her, but it was instinctive.
But, Queen Ishtar never hit the ground. Quickly enough barely to be seen, like a shadow, Reinhardt was on the dance floor. He caught Queen Ishtar at the waist, like they were dancing. He pulled her close, protectively against his chest. His hand steadied her grip on bouquet until they were both holding it. Queen Ishtar's cheeks instantly flushed bright pink.
"There," Reinhardt said. "Be careful."
"Y-Yes...thank you..."
He let go of her, and returned to his seat. She stared off at him, her expression somewhere between stunned and sadness and longing.
"The person who catches the bouquet gets married next, right? If both Queen Ishtar and General Reinhardt caught it, then will they both get married?" Tine said.
"You know, I don't know," Olwen said.
Fred waited for her, his hand held out.
"It's time for our dance," Fred said.
She smiled up at him. "I can't wait."
Fred held out his hand and took hers. And to the sounds of stings, they started a slow waltz. The first dance of the bride and groom. She leaned in and rested her head on his chest as they swayed together to the sound of violins.
A little too close, a little too much before the wedding night, but she could hardly wait to be in his arms.
*
After the newlywed's first dance, the dance floor was opened up to everyone else. Olwen gave her feet a bit of a break and let everyone else enjoy a dance for once. Arthur and Fee could hardly stop bickering (or was it flirting?) long enough to get through a dance. The king of Silesse himself had come to this lowly wedding. He gently took Tine's hand and waltzed with such care to not step on her little shoes.
From what she could hear, they talked of magic all the time while dancing.
Queen Ishtar watched it all. Her gaze far off. She finished her goblet (how many was it now?) as she watched. Fred kissed the back of her palm, and caught her attention away from the party.
*
By the time the dancers had finished their last dance, Queen Ishtar's head was nearly on the table. The goblet had been turned over and a bit of red wine stained the white tablecloth.
Reinhardt was at her side, his gloved hands upon her shoulders. His expression was decidedly grim. Olwen came closer.
"Is she all right?" Olwen said with concern.
It was one thing to have a wedding guest too in their cups. It was another to have the queen of the realm of Friege drink her sorrows away.
"She'll sleep it off. Best to get her to bed," Reinhardt said.
"...Does this happen often?" Olwen said.
"On occasion," Reinhardt said.
"Did something happen? She seems...a little off today," Olwen said.
"She lost her entire family in the war, and her....lover." He spoke the word with such disgust. His mouth twisted, like he'd tasted something sour.
"Seeing someone wed must be hard upon her. Rumors about the castle were that her past lover was about to propose."
Reinhardt couldn't even bring himself to say the name, and Olwen too could understand, but for different reasons.
She'd been at the final battle, and seen the thing that manifested from Julius's body. The same demon dragon that wanted so badly to kill Reinhardt.
"Today likely was a harsh reminder of everything she lost. I know she's been crying. But she tried to be strong to support you. She's always thought of you as a friend, since we were all children."
"Of course. I didn't mean--"
"It's understandable. Even small, seemingly insignificant things can make her feel sorrow. I do what I can to prevent that sadness, but so much was taken from her. I can't protect her from that," Reinhardt said. His voice was tight with emotion.
"I'll have to thank her later," Olwen said softly.
"Go back to your husband. I'll take care of her. I always do."
And she did. Fred's gaze was warm as she came close.
"There you are," Fred said.
Fred put his arm around her back and kissed her head.
"At what point can we turn in?" Olwen said.
"Are you tired?" Fred said.
"Not even a little," Olwen said.
Tine already looked about ready to fall asleep on her feet. Though, she had been thrilled to witness her first wedding. Fee had left to attend to her pegasus, Arthur was nowhere to be seen.
She leaned up to kiss her husband, far more deeply than she had at the ceremony.
The room was mostly empty anyways, and no one could fault her, at least not on her wedding day.
Series: FE4/5
Character/pairing: Reinhardt/Ishtar, Fred/Olwen, Reinhardt's parents, faint Arthur/Fee and Ced/Tine though not all of these are together but are in varying stages of crushing/ mutual pining
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Fred and Olwen's wedding finally arrives.
Word count: 4802
Author's note: Follows The Council Will Decide Your Fate. I just couldn't leave it alone until I had wedding fluff, huh.
There is faint hints of growing Arthur/Fee, Ced/Tine, and complicated Reinhardt/Ishtar in the background. They are too faint to tag, however. (Though the next chapter the Reinhardt/Ishtar comes into focus.)
One year ago.
Olwen wouldn't ignore a summons from Queen Ishtar herself, even knowing that it meant she would come in contact with her brother. Reinhardt had survived and returned to Friege.
They didn't talk. Nothing to say. Nothing he could say that would make things better. When it mattered most, Reinhardt had been a coward.
She'd looked up to him in everything. Reinhardt was the epitome of a knight. He was the most talented fighter in generations. He could've practically won the entire war on his lonesome if he'd wanted to.
But he'd sided with the empire, sided with the ones who dragged children away from their weeping mothers to be forced into dark rituals to bring about the return of the dread dragon Loptous.
She ignored his letters, which eventually faded out to nothing. He realized that even if he'd lived, Reinhardt Schutaeze had died to her that day. The myth was gone. She was disillusioned. Every memory of his kindness and power was tinged with the bitterness that Reinhardt was kind, but not kind enough to rescue the children. Brave and powerful on the battlefield, but not enough to betray his country.
And for what? It wasn't for loyalty to Prince Julius that had kept him. For years Reinhardt had felt the prince's jealousy and displeasure. It was only Princess Ishtar's favor who had kept Reinhardt from the gallows.
And even that couldn't last. She found out later from Saias that Reinhardt had been stripped of his position. He had been little more than another general.
He had no more duty to keep to. Yet he still doggedly stayed when there was nothing for him, when the choice was obvious.
But even she couldn't ignore the summons of the Queen of Friege.
So, she went on this journey by herself. Fred left in command of the rebuilding project. She was tense as she dismounted, left her horse to be taken to the stables by an attendant and came to one of the meeting rooms.
Luxurious, beautiful with old gold and relics. The tapestries upon the walls bore the heraldry of House Friege upon them.
Years ago, Olwen would've felt a kind of excitement to be here in the inner circle. A hint of what she would be, when she became a knight like her brother. She'd wanted to join the Gelben Ritter with him, to ride and defend the country from all fights.
But, in the end she chose to defect and defend the country from itself. The vile rule of Queen Hilda, who had gladly, gleefully supported the hunts and the Granvalle empire in their quest to bring about the Loptyrian empire again.
Olwen tensed as the door opened. She was sure that Reinhardt would be there, but Queen Ishtar was alone. Without even an attendant.
For once, Reinhardt wasn't beside her. Queen Ishtar must've asked Reinhardt to be away, because there'd be no other way they could be apart. Reinhardt took his duties very seriously.
She'd heard that it was even more so now after the war. After Queen Ishtar had lost so much. She was still fragile and sickly from so much loss.
"Olwen, it's been so long," Queen Ishtar said.
Her voice was gentle, and full of nostalgia for old times.
Once, it'd been very common for her and Queen Ishtar to spend time together.. When she saw Reinhardt, Queen Ishtar was never very far. Despite that Olwen was a mere lady, with no holy blood, Queen Ishtar was always gentle and kind to her. Back then, she'd thought of Ishtar even as almost a friend.
Now, she spoke to Olwen as if she truly were an old friend.
"Yes--it has," Olwen said haltingly. She hardly knew how to address Queen Ishtar. Her sovereign, and who had been on the other side during the war. It'd been with some pensiveness that she even came. She'd been a traitor to Friege during the war.
"Have you been well? I have heard some reports, but I should wish to ask you yourself," Queen Ishtar said.
"The rebuilding project is going well. Fred and I have already helped repair several villages which dealt with pillaging by bandits during the war. Fred, he--"
Olwen blushed. She could say so much about Fred. He'd supported her through everything. He was so calm and kind. He helped everything go smoothly and helped soothe her temper. She could hardly even think of him without her cheeks heating.
"I am glad. Fred is your sworn knight, yes?"
"He served my family and he...helped save me," Olwen said.
"It is good to have a knight you can rely on," Queen Ishtar said.
Which was like cold water poured on her, because she knew exactly who Queen Ishtar relied on. The person Olwen had considered dead, even as he lived.
"Olwen...I have heard that you and Reinhardt have gone separate ways after the war. You were once so close..."
"You called me all the way here for that?"
It came to her that it sounded much sharper than it should, especially since it was a Queen she was addressing. Reinhardt would be incensed if he knew.
"--My queen," she hastily amended. Though it didn't help how she'd thoughtlessly said something impertinent to a superior again.
A very bad habit of hers.
But, Queen Ishtar did not reprimand her. She simply looked sad, which might've been even worse. Because if he'd been there, Reinhardt would be even angrier at her for making Queen Ishtar feel any sorrow, when she'd known so much sorrow in her life already.
She'd heard that Reinhardt was at the point of being even overprotective of Queen Ishtar now.
Her brother found fame in whatever he did, and she couldn't escape him unless she left the land she loved.
"Yes, I did. I cannot command you to change how you feel. If you must hate someone, then hate me. But don't hate Reinhardt."
Queen Ishtar had always been in her life. Her brother had protected her since they were both young. Her place in the Holy War had been...complex. Olwen had learned in the final battle, where Queen Ishtar had almost died, but had been spared by King Leif's kindness, that she had been a traitor to the empire. That she had stolen the children.
That she was everything Reinhardt wasn't. Brave, and willing to sacrifice everything.
"I can't just ignore the choices he made," Olwen said finally.
"Reinhardt never supported the hunts. He never partook in them. He was in my service the entire time. I know it. Up until the point when I had to send him away, he was almost always with me. ...Except when Lord Julius was near. Lord Julius did not...like Reinhardt very much."
"It doesn't matter. If he couldn't make that simple, obvious choice, then he's all the more a coward for turning his back on his principles."
"Then be angry at me. Because I was the one who sent him away, who hurt him. I wanted to protect him from Lord Julius. But, he was loyal to me even when I set him free. And he never could've joined a side which would've gone against me. The Liberation Army took Ishtore and Liza from me. My parents--Julius. Even I could not bring myself to join them, even as I sympathized with what they did."
Her voice choked up at this. "And I know Reinhardt. He couldn't turn his sword upon me after so many years. Nor could he ever join up with a faction who had caused so much pain to me. Even if you were a part of it. I'm sure the choice must have torn him up inside. And it is my cowardice which should be blamed. How I wouldn't give up on Julius, even as he...."
She trailed off.
"So, lay the blame upon me. I deserve your ire. Because in the end, it's my fault."
She couldn't hate Queen Ishtar. Not when she'd striven so hard to save the children. It'd come out after the war, how she'd betrayed Julius. Her very own lover.
Once again, she was on the outside looking in at the unfathomable bond of trust between her brother and Queen Ishtar. A bond which had never quite been broken. Queen Ishtar held his loyalty, still. Even now.
Even when she'd let him go. Even when he gave her his beloved sword, his most precious possession and expected to die on that battlefield.
The Holy War pitted family against family, knight against liege. And in the end it had put Reinhardt and her on opposite sides.
"I can't just go back to how it was," Olwen said.
She had looked up to her brother in everything. He was her hero. And on that battlefield, he hadn't been heroic or brave. He'd had such sorrow in his eyes. He'd almost willingly chosen death. Only King Leif sparing him had stopped that.
"None of us can. I cannot go back to a point where Ishtore, Liza, mother, father and Julius are alive. That time is lost to me. And I must survive them and try to make."
"But if I could atone for this, and take the blame, then I will. If I could fix but one family, then I would all that I could."
What even would she say to him? Reinhardt was a stranger now.
"I'll consider it," Olwen said.
After all Queen Ishtar did, she deserved at least this much.
"Thank you," Queen Ishtar said softly.
"I need to get back. Fred is waiting fro me. ...By your leave."
"Yes, please have a safe trip back," Queen Ishtar said.
Olwen turned. She didn't see Reinhardt along the way, and perhaps that was for the best.
*
Present day.
"Olwen?"
The voice of Fred startled her from her thoughts.
"Is something wrong?" Fred said. He looked concerned and brushed her bangs back from her face to feel her forehead.
"I was just thinking of the past," Olwen said.
"Do you need a moment?" Fred said softly.
"No, it's all right now."
It'd been a long road, but she and Reinhardt had a shaky truce right now, and she and Fred were well on their way to marriage. It'd be just a little bit more, and they'd spend the rest of their days.
The days up to the wedding had gone surprisingly fast. Before Olwen knew it, it was June and her wedding date was upon her.
She'd been so busy with rebuilding Friege that she'd completely lost track of time.
"Does this count as bad luck before seeing the bride, or is that only on the wedding day itself?"
And did it matter that the day was tomorrow?
Fred smiled. "I think that's only on the day itself. And a superstition, at that."
"Good, because I'd had to have to miss you," Olwen said.
She reached out and took his hand to squeeze it.
*
Olwen had been up since well before dawn getting the preparations ready. The kitchens had been full and bustling with cooks and members of the Schutaeze family cooking for enough for the reception. The flower decorations set up and tied in ribbons, the chairs and tables all put up.
She started with a bath perfumed with flower petals, and dried to put on the dress which many in her family had worn.
She hadn't seen Fred in hours, and it was so strange. It had been her routine for so long to take breakfast with him, speak about the day to come. And now she'd have to wait hours to see him.
Travelers soon arrived. There had been some matters to attend to, so Queen Ishtar and Reinhardt were a bit later than the rest. Those arriving from Silesse had come the night before.
Queen Ishtar wore a dress of a faint periwinkle, a long sleeveless ruched sheath that hugged close to her body.
Beside her, she leaned in to speak to her cousin. Olwen didn't hear what she said.
Tine wore a dress that came past her knees, loose white voluminous fabric, with a slight crease at the skirts, tied with ribbons with a bow at the back. Ribbons covered her long pigtails which hung down her back. Tine bustled with excitement, while Queen Ishtar was more restrained.
"It's the day!" Tine said. "I've never been to a wedding before. Though I thought I might, once..."
Tine realized what she had said and looked a little flustered.
Queen Ishtar smiled tightly.
Olwen quickly changed the subject. "Right, thank you for coming."
Olwen wore her mother's wedding dress. Creamy white and lacy, with full sleeves and a full skirt, with thick layers of detailed beadwork. It shimmered in the light with every step she took. Unlike Queen Ishtar, she couldn't walk in delicate heels and kept her boots on. A clean pair, new and perfectly suited for the dress uniform of a knight of Friege.
"Are you nervous? I could call in Saias to attend to you. Reinhardt managed to track him down and invite him," Queen Ishtar said.
"A little, but mostly I'm just really happy. I'm going to marry my best friend today. Even if everything goes wrong, it doesn't matter. We'll spend the rest of our lives together," Fred said.
Queen Ishtar remained silent. She could not quite keep her sadness hidden away. But, she forced something like levity for a second. It did not reach her eyes.
"Excuse me, I must freshen up," Queen Ishtar said as an excuse. She lifted her skirts and went out of the room.
"Is she all right?" Olwen said worriedly.
Tine looked sad "I don't know... I know she's keeping a brave face for your sake, but she's been very sad lately."
"Should I let her go home? If it's too difficult for her to attend this wedding, I won't be angry at all."
"No, I think she'll be okay. She might just need...some time alone to wipe her tears. She lost so much."
Her whole family, and her lover too. And even then, Queen Ishtar couldn't even grieve properly, not when Julius was remembered in history as a tyrant.
It was actually quite surprising that Reinhardt wasn't at her side. Something must've called him away, because now he might as well be known as the queen's shadow for how close he kept.
"My mouth's a bit dry."
Both Tine and Olwen headed out to drink some fruit juice--the kind that wasn't fermented, but had a definite sweetness. Though there was plenty of wine in stock.
Queen Ishtar returned a short time later. She managed to smile but it didn't reach her eyes, which were noticeably red-rimmed. Reinhardt was there, close to her. He must've found her.
Whatever Reinhardt had fixed she hadn't even realized had gone wrong. He was good at that--fixing situations before others even realized what had deteriorated. In this case it was horses that had escaped their bonds, and the stable boys chasing after them, until they were all covered in hay and mud.
The hall had rulers, soldiers, knights, everything from former thieves to lumberjacks. Her former army members, who had saved her life many a time had showed up--though some might've simply come for the reception. She didn't fault them that. Not after all they'd been through.
She was at the door, poised to meet her husband to be. Olwen didn't need to get given away. But, Reinhardt came to see her.
"The ceremony will start soon. Still, if you have a moment, could we speak?"
"Are you going to do one last time of scaring poor Fred with a threat should he ever hurt me? You should know by now how nice he is," Olwen said.
"I know Fred will treat you well for the rest of your lives. I've seen him with you. You're well matched. He seems quite adept at keeping you out of trouble," Reinhardt said wryly.
"Is that what you came here to tell me? I thought mom told us no bickering on my wedding day," Olwen said.
It'd been more aimed at her because with their current relationship, with Reinhardt no longer the mythic hero, but not cut off from her life, she wasn't beyond fighting with him.
"No...I came here for an apology, of sorts. I'm sorry for how much we missed. Due to the war, the time when you were in academy and we never got a chance to visit. I hope this can change and we can put the past behind us once and for all."
She'd been ready to break free from her family, to protect what was right. To burn every memory, every familiar line.
But, he'd lived. She'd lived. And it was difficult to simply stop loving a family member. Even if she'd never fully be able agree with the choices. Olwen now knew why he'd turned away that day on the battle of the river Thracia.
Even cast aside, even if Queen Ishtar picked Prince Julius, even when there was nothing left for him, he was still the Queen's knight.
"I'm sure we'll cross paths again," she said.
It'd taken so long to get to this point. Many fights and a long time of not speaking after the war. It'd taken Queen Ishtar all but begging her to forgive Reinhardt and blame her instead for her to even consider speaking to him again.
But, having known what it was to love now too, a part of her understood.
Olwen betrayed her country to fight against the hunts. But, if she'd had to fight Fred free from prisons, from the clutches of the worst cultists, she would've.
"It's time," she said. Music preceded her. He held out his arm, and gave her one last hug.
Once, she'd looked up to him. He could do no wrong. Now, she knew he was human, but not a monster, either. Something in between a legend people had made him into, and a mortal man with very mortal flaws.
"You've grown so much. I'm proud to call you my sister, Olwen."
And it was getting to the point where she could almost say the same of him. He had pushed himself into the rebuilding of Friege, becoming even more invaluable to Queen Ishtar and the very framework of Friege itself.
Whatever the choices he made in a heartbroken haze, sent away from Queen Ishtar in disgrace, they were the past.
She smiled.
"Thank you. It means a lot to me, you know."
He nodded. Dark and tall and so much like their father when he was younger. Perhaps he had the same flaws as their father too--for father had almost died for Friege, and had only been barely saved by their mother on the battlefield years ago.
Reinhardt went on ahead, and took a seat. Olwen took a deep breath, and took that first step towards her husband.
*
She stood at the end of the aisle. A bouquet of white lilies and baby's breath in her hands. Familiar faces filled the benches.
Mother and father were at the very back, and the first people she saw. Not for lack of importance, but because these days father's old war wounds acted up and made walking difficult.
Reinhardt had taken a seat at the front, along with Queen Ishtar. Tine was close by, and took in every detail. Arthur and Fee and Ced were on their other side.
And so many other soldiers, friends, and compatriots she had found along the years. People who had saved her live countless times. King Leif, Queen Nanna, kind enough to come to the wedding of two of his soldiers. He hadn't missed a single wedding, and there had been quite a few--some in the mountains, among former thieves.
Fred's head was turned. He was framed by the white lilies decorations she had chosen. He turned to see her as she took those first steps, and his face was filled with a kind of awe.
At the end of the aisle, with her very best friend.
The minute she came close, she transferred her bouquet to one hand and took his hand. She'd nearly forgotten her vows, as she stole glances from him. Her knight, her husband.
And finally after the I do's, Fred leaned in to cup her face and kissed her, maybe a moment too long. And when this promise was made, they walked hand in hand down the aisle.
*
The reception was in the ballroom of the castle. Father and mother were seated at the big table reserved for the family members. Father was long past his dancing days--it'd taken quite a bit to get him from home without aggravating his old war injuries.
"My youngest daughter, all married," Lady Audra said.
"I can hardly believe it. It seems just yesterday I was helping her learn to ride," Reinhardt said.
Sir Richard nodded. "You both grew up so fast. Especially you, Reinhardt. You became a general so young. You were barely the age of the average squire, yet already commanding people twice your age. You had been Queen Ishtar's guardian for several years by then."
"Lady Audra shed many tears, having to give up her child when he was barely a boy to the family of Friege. But, I told her. This is what the family Schutaeze does. We serve House Friege at all costs. He was happiest with Lord Ishtore and Queen Ishtar, though. It became clear from an early age that was where he belonged," Sir Richard said.
"Oh, don't bring up the past," Lady Audra said.
"Next, it'll be your turn for marriage, Reinhardt," Lady Audra said playfully.
Queen Ishtar turned away sorrowfully and said nothing. She looked even paler than usual.
"It is best to hope Olwen gives grandchildren. I may very well die a bachelor," Reinhardt said wryly.
"Come now, someone will catch your eye eventually. You're so much like Richard. Too attached to duty to take a lover."
"You said before you had a love. You've had a lover hidden away all this time?" Olwen said.
"No. I said I loved someone, not that they loved me back," Reinhardt said.
A solemn note came upon the table. Though Queen Ishtar's brow was furrowed as she took in his words, as if they were incomprehensible.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Fred said.
"Ah, you're right. It's time to throw the bouquet. Thank you for reminding me," Olwen said.
"I meant your drink," Fred said. He'd brought her one, in a lovely goblet that hit his gloved hands so well. "Though it does seem many ladies in the audience are impatiently waiting for something."
"Thank you for thinking of me," Olwen said.
She leaned up and cupped his face so she could kiss his cheek. There was too much of an audience to kiss him as much as she wanted.
Tine, Ishtar and many other other women rose up from where they were seated as Olwen came to the dance floor.
"Are you ready?" Olwen said.
She drew back and thew the bouquet with all her might. Hands lifted up, in an attempt to catch. It sailed over Tine, too tiny to reach, and many a lady.
Queen Ishtar was the closest. She reached a little too far, only to teeter. Her heels were very in fashion and very high. For a moment, Olwen reached out. She was much too far to ever catch her, but it was instinctive.
But, Queen Ishtar never hit the ground. Quickly enough barely to be seen, like a shadow, Reinhardt was on the dance floor. He caught Queen Ishtar at the waist, like they were dancing. He pulled her close, protectively against his chest. His hand steadied her grip on bouquet until they were both holding it. Queen Ishtar's cheeks instantly flushed bright pink.
"There," Reinhardt said. "Be careful."
"Y-Yes...thank you..."
He let go of her, and returned to his seat. She stared off at him, her expression somewhere between stunned and sadness and longing.
"The person who catches the bouquet gets married next, right? If both Queen Ishtar and General Reinhardt caught it, then will they both get married?" Tine said.
"You know, I don't know," Olwen said.
Fred waited for her, his hand held out.
"It's time for our dance," Fred said.
She smiled up at him. "I can't wait."
Fred held out his hand and took hers. And to the sounds of stings, they started a slow waltz. The first dance of the bride and groom. She leaned in and rested her head on his chest as they swayed together to the sound of violins.
A little too close, a little too much before the wedding night, but she could hardly wait to be in his arms.
*
After the newlywed's first dance, the dance floor was opened up to everyone else. Olwen gave her feet a bit of a break and let everyone else enjoy a dance for once. Arthur and Fee could hardly stop bickering (or was it flirting?) long enough to get through a dance. The king of Silesse himself had come to this lowly wedding. He gently took Tine's hand and waltzed with such care to not step on her little shoes.
From what she could hear, they talked of magic all the time while dancing.
Queen Ishtar watched it all. Her gaze far off. She finished her goblet (how many was it now?) as she watched. Fred kissed the back of her palm, and caught her attention away from the party.
*
By the time the dancers had finished their last dance, Queen Ishtar's head was nearly on the table. The goblet had been turned over and a bit of red wine stained the white tablecloth.
Reinhardt was at her side, his gloved hands upon her shoulders. His expression was decidedly grim. Olwen came closer.
"Is she all right?" Olwen said with concern.
It was one thing to have a wedding guest too in their cups. It was another to have the queen of the realm of Friege drink her sorrows away.
"She'll sleep it off. Best to get her to bed," Reinhardt said.
"...Does this happen often?" Olwen said.
"On occasion," Reinhardt said.
"Did something happen? She seems...a little off today," Olwen said.
"She lost her entire family in the war, and her....lover." He spoke the word with such disgust. His mouth twisted, like he'd tasted something sour.
"Seeing someone wed must be hard upon her. Rumors about the castle were that her past lover was about to propose."
Reinhardt couldn't even bring himself to say the name, and Olwen too could understand, but for different reasons.
She'd been at the final battle, and seen the thing that manifested from Julius's body. The same demon dragon that wanted so badly to kill Reinhardt.
"Today likely was a harsh reminder of everything she lost. I know she's been crying. But she tried to be strong to support you. She's always thought of you as a friend, since we were all children."
"Of course. I didn't mean--"
"It's understandable. Even small, seemingly insignificant things can make her feel sorrow. I do what I can to prevent that sadness, but so much was taken from her. I can't protect her from that," Reinhardt said. His voice was tight with emotion.
"I'll have to thank her later," Olwen said softly.
"Go back to your husband. I'll take care of her. I always do."
And she did. Fred's gaze was warm as she came close.
"There you are," Fred said.
Fred put his arm around her back and kissed her head.
"At what point can we turn in?" Olwen said.
"Are you tired?" Fred said.
"Not even a little," Olwen said.
Tine already looked about ready to fall asleep on her feet. Though, she had been thrilled to witness her first wedding. Fee had left to attend to her pegasus, Arthur was nowhere to be seen.
She leaned up to kiss her husband, far more deeply than she had at the ceremony.
The room was mostly empty anyways, and no one could fault her, at least not on her wedding day.
