Happily Everafter?

(Characters involved: Nicodemus, Pedat, Arkadee)

Nicodemus enters the room, dressed in all the formal clothing of his office; he gives a nod and says, "Merry meet, both of you." Then heads to the front; looks at the settings. "One of the real pleasures of this job of mine…"

Pedat gives a nod to the Abbot and a small, nervous smile. Not saying anything due to not knowing what to say. He glances at Arkadee though and the smile quickly widens.

Nicodemus hehs. "So, you've both clearly had a lot more chance to prepare than I did for my wedding. Mine was, a bit hurried and a bit awkward…Both of you, please stand before me."

Arkadee slips her paw into Pedat's, returning his smile, and taking a breath to calm herself. She wears a simple white dress, an empire waist and a long skirt. It's not ornate, and obviously made to be used later with some changes. Glancing to Pedat, she steps forward before the Abbot.

The male squirrel thankfully takes the paw in his own, ever so slightly shaking one and steps forward as the Abbot asked, remaining silent but listening.

Nicodemus says, "We are gathered here today to form a new family from two individuals." He takes a deep breath then continues, “So, let us begin." He then reads calmly from the book the ritual words ... Knowing the real purpose of them is to relax his two affianced.

Arkadee forces herself to not bite her lower lip in anticipation. She glances to Pedat briefly before her attention turns back to the abbot.

Nicodemus reaches the vows, and reads them first to Pedat. "Pedat, are you willing to uphold these vows, now and forever, with Arkadee?"

Pedat almost physically braces himself, breathing deep he gives another nod. "I am."

Nicodemus smiles, and mutters (rather unofficially) "Good lad!" He then turns to Arkadee, "Arkadee, are you willing to uphold these vows, now and forever, with Pedat?"

Arkadee dips her muzzle quickly, swallowing before answering. "I am."

Nicodemus slips up again, "Beautiful." ...

Arkadee can't suppress her grin, despite her nerves, and she squeezes Pedat's paw tightly.

Nicodemus ums, and gets back to the real ceremony. "Then it's my great privilege to pronounce you husband and wife, to record it in our books for all who would doubt it, and to be the first to congratulate you both."

Pedat blinks quickly in surprise at the speed this had all taken place and he stammers slightly: "T-thank you, sir!" He says and gives a warm smile, still slightly nervous at Arkadee.

Nicodemus steps of the platform and away from the book. "Oh, my pleasure indeed. I am married myself and while it has it's trials as anything else it was one of the few things in my life I know was right."

Arkadee bites her lower lip. "Thank you," she replies softly, giving her husband's paw another squeeze. "It was an honor to have you conduct the ceremony."

Nicodemus asks, "So, where are you both off too? Will you be staying in the Abbey or have you plans for your own home elsewhere?" He hehs softly and shifts about in the habit. "One of the real perks of being drafted as abbot, I must admit."

Arkadee glances to Pedat, not quite sure how to answer. "I'm not sure we've decided yet. Of course, I'd be more than happy to offer my healing skills to the Abbey."

The ex-warrior squirrel slips his paw out of hers around wraps his arm around her shoulder, giving her a quick kiss on the side of her head. "I'm not sure, Father." He admitted also and then looks at his wife as she speaks at the same time at him, chuckling.

Nicodemus says, "You're both married, so the decisions are now shared. Feel your way into it ... you are welcome here while you do so."

Arkadee laughs lightly as well. "Thank you for your hospitality." Though the doors are open to any good beast. "I think we may take you up on that for a bit."

Nicodemus bows.

Pedat nods in agreement with his newly-wed wife and bows back to the Abbot. "My thanks, sir."

Nicodemus says, "Then I shall take my leave. Merry part, both of you."

Arkadee grins and lifts a paw to wave. "Merry part, Father! Thank you again."

Pedat smiles and chuckles with a nod, “Merry part, Father.”

Arkadee exhales slowly as the Abbot leaves them. "Well..." she says, for lack of anything better to say.

The male squirrel glances down at her with a tiny grin and the old, mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes. He gently spins her around so she is facing him. "Hey...Aren't we forgetting something?" He asks playfully in a soft voice, staring.

Arkadee lets a grin play across her features, eyes practically sparkling as she looks up at her husband. "Yes, I do believe we are."

Pedat smiles back at her and carefully lower his head to her's, kissing her softly on her mouth. Arkadee stretches up a little, arms wrapping around his neck. She returns the kiss with a contented hmm as her eyes close.

After a...While...Pedat pulls back, face fairly glowing as he reaches up and strokes the sides of her cheeks with his paw. "I love you so much..." He whispered, bowing his head so his forehead as against hers, smiling faintly.

Arkadee's paws stay hooked around his neck, eyes still closed as her forehead rests against his. "I love you, too. I'm so thankful for this..."

“Yeah…Me too.” Is all he says, still smiling down at his wife.