Page 149 of Stars in Mist

‘We honor the importance of family.

We celebrate the coming together of two unique cultures.

It is said that through others, we are somebody.

Through this marriage, we broaden our family circle,

We call to mind our heritage and recall those who gave us life.

We remember those of us who have passed over and could not be here today.

We ask that they be with us in our thoughts.

We bless the bride and groom, now wrapped in ecstasy and passion.

So that they may always find prosperity in love and devotion.

We pray that children bless this couple because children give glory to a home.

We honor their friends and fellow Riders.

Whom both Riv and Élisa are blessed to have in their lives.

We wish everyone to leave more hallowed than when they came.’

As stars twinkled down on them, Riv smiled into Élisa’s eyes and embraced his son in gratitude before turning to their guests.

‘Friends, our love story began seven thousand and seventy nights back when unfortunate events wrenched apart our love story and first wedding. Still, fate brought us back together when we found each other again a few months ago on the other end of Pegasi. Sharing this moment with you, one planned decades ago, is a miracle come true for us. We thank you for waiting with us.’

The guests cheered as Riv raised his glass, first to his radiant wife on one side, then to his strapping, handsome, and fierce son on the other. ‘Evermore.’

‘To eternity,’ the guests replied, intoning an ancient Katánian wedding toast.

The reception celebrated and cherished Riv’s Edenite heritage and Élisa’s Katánian origin.

It came together in the table adornments, decor, and lighting, which Mirage designed to reflect the night sky above Katánopolis.

Everyone was dressed to the nines for the auspicious event. Still, for once, the aura of the Riders and their women was overshadowed by the three mammoth Katánian warriors who caused a stir in full Ka?'m??r? dress uniform, the most suitable military attire for the wedding of Katáne’s Queen, theKiaMalkia.

In honor of his Mother’s nuptials, Killen decked himself in a gray, black, and gold piped and starched livery, a metal cuirass, and a matching gilded helmet with a sweeping silver and gold crest worn bound on the top.

Kaxim, as the King’s Armorer, wore a scarlet plume, and Kione’s was a deep sable. They each sported long flowing capes made of chrome plumage that concealed razor-like edges sharp enough to slice a man in two. They also acted as impromptu shields, blocking sword and mace blows in the case of an ambush.

While the guests gazed on with wonder at the titanic Ka?'m??ric Sab?r Hawks, they downed traditional cocktails and mouth-watering canapés.

Followed by a sumptuous dinner catered by Kage Sable’s chefs.

It featured a menu that took Élisa and Riv down memory lane, recreating the dishes they’d shared as a young couple.

From a decadent soup that was a nod to the simple broths that Élisa had made him when they’d first met, to a sizzling noodle stir fry and crab patties reminiscent of the street food they’d enjoyed from their local Pika markets.

Instead of a formal wedding cake, Kage whipped up the most memorable gesture to the couple’s favourite sweet course. The result was a tower of fluffy hot cakes, rich and buttery, with plenty of sync berry syrup to soak in.

They were served with lush Tansinian vanilla ice cream and a dessert bar for those wanting to explore more sweet treats.

Once sated, dancing followed, where everyone gyrated to Xion’s DJ beats until dawn broke over the moonscape.

Riv and Élisa danced together, and she smiled, her eyes brimming with happiness and pride as she twirled in her man’s arms.

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