This is Sparta [Wedding Thread] pt1. the Ceremony

[Mathew Amtrum]

"I told you."

Mathew said quietly, with not a little bit of smugness. Bastille was an elegant woman. It didn't matter what she was wearing or where she was. He couldn't think of a woman with more grace than her. With the wedding march finished it was now time for the call to worship. And all kinds of religious stuff that made Mathew more than a little uncomfortable. It was bad enough having to delve in to religion, but it wasn't even his religion. The things he did for this woman, and he didn't even know if she realized how much he did do for her.

"We are gathered here in the sight of God and these witnesses to unite Mathew Amtrum and Bastille Cunningham in holy matrimony. As followers of Jesus Christ, they believe that God created marriage. In Genesis it says, "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

"Mathew and Bastille, as you prepare to take these vows, give careful thought and prayer, for as you make them you are making an exclusive commitment one to the other for as long as you both shall live. Your love for each other should never be diminished by difficult circumstances, and it is to endure until death parts you.

As God's children, your marriage is strengthened by your obedience to your Heavenly Father and His Word. As you let God be in control of your marriage, He will cause your home to be a place of joy and a testimony to the world."

The preacher started. And Mathew just stood there silently. Letting the words wash off of him. This was all pomp, but even he wouldn't say it was worthless gesture. Words had a lot of power over people, and it's why he often went with grand displays. With the call to worship done it was time for the opening prayer.

How many prayers do we have to have in this stupid Ceremony!

He just kept a warm smile though. If there was one thing he was good at it was manipulating and using everyone until they no longer had anything to give masking his true feelings.

"Our Father, love has been Your richest and greatest gift to the world. Love between a man and woman which matures into marriage is one of Your most beautiful types of loves. Today we celebrate that love. May your blessing be on this wedding service. Protect, guide, and bless Mathew and Bastille in their marriage. Surround them and us with Your love now and always. Amen."

After the prayer the congregation would be seated. Next would be the part that Bastille's parents would give her away. But since she walked down the aisle alone that didn't seem to be on the ceremony list. And he doubted Buck had the stones to give her away. Good kid, kind of a wimp. Traditionally the next part would be where the Bride and Groom would have a hymn play. But Mathew had decided to fuck that tradition and instead this would play. He thought it fitting for himself. And his eyes moved out to the crowd for a moment and if he saw Barker there he would meet his gaze for a moment before his gaze returned to Bastille.

The preacher seemed taken aback at first by the song. But to his credit he rolled with it and let the song continue and finish before moving on to the charge of the Bride and Groom.

"Let me charge you both to remember, that your future happiness is to be found in mutual consideration, patience, kindness, confidence, and affection. Mathew, it is your duty to love Bastille as yourself, provide tender leadership, and protect her from danger. Bastille, it is your duty to treat Mathew with respect, support him, and create a healthy, happy home. It is the duty of each of you to find the greatest joy in the company of the other; to remember that in both interest and affection, you are to be one and undivided."

And if there was one thing to be said about Mathew and Bastille. It was his tender leadership. Totally had that in the bag. Then the pledge came next.

"Mathew and Bastille, you have made a very serious and important decision in choosing to marry each other today. You are entering into a sacred covenant as life partners in God. The quality of your marriage will reflect what you put into nurturing this relationship. You have the opportunity to go forward from this day to create a faithful, kind, and tender relationship. We bless you this day. It is up to you to keep the blessings flowing each and every day of your lives together. We wish for you the wisdom, compassion, and constancy to create a peaceful sanctuary in which you can both grow in love."


"Mathew, do you understand and accept this responsibility, and do you promise to do your very best each day to create a loving, healthy, and happy marriage?"

"Yes I do." Mathew said.


"Bastille do you understand and accept this responsibility, and do you promise to do your very best each day to create a loving, healthy, and happy marriage?"

"Yes, I do." Bastille replied (Got the green light for this part)

And now it was time for the moment of truth. At least for Mathew. The part that he tried to prepare for, but failed. He still hadn't come up with his vows. But it was time. Stepping forward slightly he took Bastille's hands in his and gazed in to her gorgeous Red eyes. The smirk on his lips softened just slightly as he felt his heart skip a fraction of a beat.

"I vow to always be there for you Bastille, even if it is not advantageous for me. I vow to always cherish your flaws and be amazed by your strengths. To be the husband you need me to be, even if it's not always the one you want me to be.

I see the witch, the knight, and the princess within you Bastille, and I vow to spend my life loving each of them. And I promise that I won't die before the story is over, we will see the ending together."

[Bastille Amtrum]

Bastille watched the preacher and unlike her lovely almost husband- actually paid attention. Bastille had always found religion fascinating- although some of his sermon could do with a little fixing up. Him protect her? PUH-LEASE, she'd been his guard dog since they met. Silently the commentary rolled on as did the prayer and then that song- which had Bastille almost laughing. Of course, it only appeared as a smirk as she closed her eyes and took the second chance to shoot her daughters an appraising look. She would then look back at Mathew and just shake her head, obviously amused by all of this.
Good god this dress was heavy. Bastille watched as he took her hands and her face felt hot. This was far far FAR too romantic for her. But she had to remind herself. This in exchange for seven days. She just had to live through this. How long was THIS going to take. But she had noticed that this was a rather traditional sermon....her religion. Her choice of religion. It did put a smile on her face and a bemused glint to her eye. And then- he was speaking. They'd skipped the giving away, Buck had given an extremely valiant effort at trying to give her away. Bravest she ever saw him, BUT he'd made the mistake about not getting Mathew to force her to let him- because Bastille was stubborn and like hell she was being owned by anyone- even her family. So Buck sat there stiffly and begrudgingly through the giving away part.


It was all a blur now as Bastille listened to the words with intensity. Her eyes widened as all three parts of her were completely astute. The beating in her chest almost ceased for a second. And then, she smirked. OF COURSE HE'D PERSONALIZED THE DAMN VOWS. Now- she had to.... And on the spot. Jack ass....showing her up.

Bastille closed her eyes for a moment and then looked back up at him with a smile. So he knew more than she gave him credit for...

"I, Bastille, take you Mathew, to be my wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'till death do us part. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness. With deepest joy I come into my new life with you. As you have pledged to me your life and love, so I too happily give you my life, and in confidence submit myself to your headship as to the Lord. In this story, I'll be there when the world stops turning, I will be there when the storm is true, and at the end, I will be standing at the beginning with you...For this my life my love and my soul- I promise under God not just for this story, but many stories there after."


She was sure she'd heard a portion of that last added on bit somewhere in her life at some point, perchance in a song....but she couldn't recall, and it didn't retract any of the meaning she'd pushed behind it. She might as well have gotten down on one knee and bowed her head for how much prowess she put behind it. It was clear in her eyes and she smirked up at him.

[Sean Barker]

And in the furthest back just past the guarded doorways and the like would be Sean Barker patting the back of Mitsoumi who would be sobbing like a little girl and mumbling something about beautiful.

[Mathew Amtrum]

He gazed back in to her eyes with a triumphant look. He wasn't a stupid man, and she should know better by now. It was always safer to assume he knew more than he didn't. Otherwise he would just surprise you. Though perhaps in this case that wasn't a bad thing. He wanted to kiss her right there as she finished her vows. It was the part that was important to him. And she recovered beautifully. Unfortunately it was not yet the time, and he was committed to doing this the right way. Well, mostly the right way. For her sake.

"May I have the rings. Let us pray. Bless, O Lord, the giving and receiving of these rings. May Mathew and Bastille abide in Thy peace and grow in their knowledge of Your presence through their loving union. May the seamless circle of these rings become the symbol of their endless love and serve to remind them of the holy covenant they have entered into today to be faithful, loving, and kind to each other. Dear God, may they live in Your grace and be forever true to this union. Amen."

Mathew took the ring, barely giving Kiyr a glance. She was furniture right now to him.

"Bastille, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. With this ring, I thee wed."

[Bastille Amtrum]

Bastille took his ring, giving Kiyr a nod before looking at Mathew with a pleasant gaze.

"Mathew, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. With this ring, I thee wed."

Taking his finger she gently slid the ring onto his finger.

[Kyrie Blaze]

Kiyr honestly was glad he didn't spare her a glance--this was about Bastille and him.

And she didn't expect - nor hope - it to be different.

She stepped forwards and offered the rings, inclining her head gently, eyes flicking to the rings and the small calla lily replica on the pillow. Bastille had said that if she couldn't choose Kiyr's dress colour, then she damn well had every right to choose which pillow, exactly, Kiyr bore the rings upon.

And...

'...in irony, I look to be a calla lily, myself. Green stem, white ribbon, pale, with a splash of gold. Bonus points for Bastille.

'I believe she wins the Wedding Round.'[/color]

Perhaps Bastille had even realized that.

Kiyr receded after the rings were picked up, watching the remainder of the ceremony just as she'd watched the beginning: quietly, with infinite patience. She was happy for them.

But the silver cloud was edged with a slightly gloomy lining made up of concern. But, if she even dreamed of daring to stop this, no place on Earth, and no domain of any God - if there was one - would be enough to stop Mathew from following and utterly destroying her.

She wasn't stupid. Nor did she know everything about it, but...

She bowed her head, a gentle smile upon her lips despite her inner musings.

Today, for now, was a happy day. She turned her eyes back to the Preacher. To Mathew and Bastille.

And enjoyed the ceremony for what it was.[/font]

[Mathew Amtrum]

As she slid the ring on his finger it would shift in her hand tightening around his finger. A quick impish wink would shoot her way, if she noticed. He didn't want their hands to quit touching. This moment right here was nice, all eyes on them, together. He wanted more moments like this. And someday, he would have it. They would have it. With the rings in place the preacher motioned for them to move to a table below the alter that held a large jar in the center and two smaller jars beside it. One full of Green sand. The other full of Red sand. There had been a disagreement about it with the person he was working with about the wedding. Something about clashing with the wedding colors. But Mathew had put his foot down. It was a symbol. And symbols were important. Even if it clashed.

Taking Bastille's hand in his gently he lead her down to the table as the minister spoke.

"The two outside jars have been filled to represent both your lives in this moment. They are two distinct colors, each capable of going their separate ways. As you join now in marriage, there is a merging of these two colors into one container. This is what the Lord meant when He said, "On this account a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall be one flesh." From now on your thoughts shall be for each other rather than your individual selves. Your plans shall be mutual, your joys and sorrows shall be shared alike. As you each take a jar and together fill the center one, you will empty your own containers, thus letting the center container represent the union of your lives into one flesh. As this one container cannot be divided, neither shall your lives be divided but a united testimony in a Christian home."

He still frowned at hearing it called a Christian home. But he let it slide. Today was mostly for her. Every other day was for him. Giving her a small nod he waited for her to be ready before he started to pour his sand in to the center container, the Green mixing with the Red.

When both jars were empty the minister motioned for them to join him once more at the alter. Mathew complied to allow the minister to continue with the ceremony. They were nearing the end.

"Do you Mathew take Bastille as your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health. Til death do you part?"

"I do." He said without even a moments hesitation. There were few things he knew as certainly as that fact. He would be with her until the day she plunged the dagger in to his throat and drained away his life blood.

"Do you Bastille take Mathew to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health. Til death do you part?"

And if she said the magic words the preacher would KEEP TALKING. God why was this so long!? Mathew never wanted to get married again. Or go to another wedding. Though he was sure that politics would require him to go to another one someday.

"For as much as Mathew and Bastille have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and these witnesses, and thereto have pledged their faithfulness each to the other, and have pledged the same by the giving and receiving each of a ring, by the authority invested in me as a minister of the gospel according to the Gods of Olympus, I pronounce that they are husband and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those that God has joined together, let no man put assunder."

This was it. This was the part that Mathew would finally get to kiss Bastille as her husband. At least he thought! But nope, there was still the closing prayer!

"The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, and give you peace."

At least this one was short! And finally the minister said those magic words.

"Mathew, you may now kiss your Bride."

And he would. Cupping her cheek gently in his hand, his thumb gently brushing against her he slowly closed the distance between them until their lips met in a soft and lingering kiss. One that he wished did not have to end, but alas this was not the time to ruin that wedding dress. Slowly, and with some regret he would part from her lips with a triumphant smile.

"It is my privileged to introduce you to for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Amtrum."

[Bastille Amtrum]

"I do." Bastille said automatically, although in her head she was cringing mentally. Too plain of words. But it meant a lot, and he said it so quickly. Bastille couldn't help but let her eyes flicker to Mathew again for a second, astonished by all of this. It was really happening. She looked down, and innocent lighting strike of a moment- she blushed like a blushing bride. Then it was gone. And then the prayer was over and her mind was doing an odd humming noise which had her screaming about ill-compute. But he cupped her face and as he leaned in her eyes watched him, closing slowly. Only did they close fully once his lips had been on hers at least three seconds and she leaned into the kiss softly, up on her toes. Then they parted and she had to remind herself that there were people here. Aw fuck, and she'd been doing so well. She took Mathews arm with a vice grip and grumbled about a sudden pang of nausea in her stomach. But, she kept the smile on her face. Besides the crowd of people, she was happy. Or at least, what she processed to be that very emotion.

They turned towards the people and she looked at Mathew and quietly began to lead him back down the isle. She was ready for the party to begin and for all the pomp and ceremony to be over-..although it really had been nice.


As they walked, she thought to herself. Mrs. Bastille Amtrum. ..........odd, but it had a ring to it.

[Mathew Amtrum]

He allowed her to take his arm in hers. Looking down at her and leaning in to give her another quick kiss on top of the head. This was the happiest he had been since he saved Leon. It might even trump that. No, it did. This was a longer sought victory. It was more hard one, and the fruits would be longer lasting. Even if the battle was not fully won. He hoped to one day win her heart as well, but in the mean time her devotion and loyalty would have to do.

"I meant every word."

He said quietly to her as she lead him down the aisle. He would keep his vows. And he would be with her until one of them died. No matter what happened. He would be her partner.

"When I'm with you I know that I can conquer the world. I love you."

And he was pretty sure he did. As much as he could be sure on something like that at least.

[Bastille Amtrum]

Bastille looked up with appreciative eyes. "Yes." She nodded. "Partners..." She echoed. "Lovers....and friends." She added soundly. She had meant every word as well.

[Mathew Amtrum]

"You are going to hate me a little by the time tonight is over."

Because he planned to talk to Barker. He imagined she would not be pleased with it. But she was rarely pleased with him. He had a habit at looking at the long game. But that wasn't the only reason.

"I'm gonna make you blush.... I think."

She was hard to make blush. But he had a plan!

[David B.]

David stood with the others, feeling only slightly hollow.

He appreciated the pat Mitsuki gave him, of course, but his smile only reflected an inner pain. When she said those words, it was like a nail in the coffin of theirs. He would give her as bright and encouraging a smile as he could, the newlyweds now heading down the aisle as husband and wife. A part of him was glad- she was happy, and that mattered. The rest was a mix of emptiness and anger- that she would betray him and yet find herself in such a position. He would squash those feelings she and he passed, burying them deep, to be reopened later, during a fight, or while he was training.

He wouldn't ruin her day by pissing on it with his inner frustrations. They invited him along because-

He stopped, lowering his hands slowly as his eyes caught hold of the man at the back.

Was that....Barker?

His first instinct was to walk back calmly and tear out the mans throat. But his eyes lingered on the back of Amtrum before he decided to do nothing for now. Mathew must have invited him or the Kraken would never have let him in. But when this was over...

Matt would have some serious explaining to do.

[Bastille Amtrum]

Bastille would let her eyes flash to Barker, a sultry smirk on her face. Oh yah, let us explain to this man that she was not scared of him- despite the fact she darn well knew she was. Murderous intent, delicious and divine colored her eyes.

Then it was back to Mathew and a smile. Her eyes quiet and peaceful for now. Although her expression read off as weary.

"I dont even want to know...." She said, already rolling her eyes.

[Kyrie Blaze]

The feelings passed.

Kiyr fell into line with the wedding party after, gaze sweeping the crowd with a rather curious sensation of hairs rising along the back of her neck.

...was that..?

She couldn't be sure--she had never seen him before, but--

A slow, steadying breath.

[Kazuya Hikari]

Standing up as the newly proclaimed husband and wife walked up the aisle and passed by, although Kazuya did not know Mathew or Bastille very well, having only met both of them once on separate occasions in the past, he still felt happiness for the both of them. A wedding, in the midst of the post-apocalypse caused by Sean Barker. Then speak of the devil...

As opposed to the reactions Barker's appearance garnered from the other wedding party members, Kazuya would merely tilt his head to one side, feeling no intense hatred towards the man, but curiosity and as expected, fear deep down, concluding that Mathew must've invited him, otherwise the deities guarding the entrance would've never let him in. Lifting Kaori up and carrying her in his arms, he'd smile down at his baby daughter and tickle her tummy, causing her to giggle quietly as he trailed out with the wedding party after, Kaori looking over her daddy's shoulder and seeing Mitsuki, would smile widely and happily at her.