* * *
The drops of perspiration dripped down Thibalt neck as he stood with his hands clasped awkwardly in front of him. Next to him stood Christill and Estallion who were both dressed in fine red vests and black pants. The disciple before him called for silence and a soft flute began to play a calming tune as the doors to the side of the temple opened. From the sunlight emerged Miera in a long gown of blue satin and behind her came her mother Evelyn. A slight snickering came from behind Thibalt and he turned to see Miera's younger brothers Kiel, Borrin and Fritel giggling in the front seats of the long temple.
Thibalt was grateful that the temple disciples had been willing to perform the ceremony in such short notice. Once they had found out that Christill was leaving, Miera had insisted that they were wed straight away. The thought of Christill missing out on the wedding was intolerable. Estallion had then used his persuasive abilities to convince the head disciple of the temple to carry out the ritual free of charge. Thereafter Estallion had surprised them even more by purchasing new clothes for all of them and having a seamstress create Miera's dazzling wedding gown.
Miera made her way to the front of the temple and grabbed Thibalt's hand. Together they walked up to the long altar and knelt before the Disciple. The soft melody stopped and a hush came upon the people attending the wedding. The Disciple began to talk, but Thibalt was too nervous to listen to what he was saying. Time seemed to stand still as the Disciple placed his hands on both of their heads and declared them to be joined as one under Skiye's watchful gaze. Miera and Thibalt rose from the ground and kissed each other for the first time as husband and wife.
A great cheer rose from the crowd and guests came rushing forward to congratulate the couple. Christill walked up to his brother and embraced him in a tight hug. Thibalt was overjoyed that for a change his friends and family were merry. They left the temple and headed to an alehouse that Estallion had booked for the evening and long into the night the sounds of laughter and celebration were heard from within the building. For a short time the brothers forgot about the troubles that were plaguing Kovi. Tonight was a night of celebration. A night to honour Thibalt and Miera Steelfist.
Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One) Page 94
