Arcane Matrimony (Madelyn, Winters)

[The Watcher]

The day was beautiful and perfect all at once. The fall colors were all around the large field that the day was set to take place in. Green grass lay splattered with the reds, oranges, and golds of the fall season. It was mid September and there was to be a wedding here.

All the preperation had been taken care of. It was all ready to go all they needed was the bride and the groom. Chairs had been set on the sides of the isles though they would most likely remain empty for this wedding had been called at last minute it was still to be one of true beauty. White satin paved the way down the isle that the bride would walk. At the beginning the bride would stand under an arch of roses.

Roses of reds and golds with foliage and ferns filling in made the beauty even more defined. Hanging in small lantern like cages one on each side of the arch was one dove each. Set aside for the end of the ceremony. Six soliders in dress uniform on each side of the isle their sabers at the ready to raise when the ceremony began.

The white satin ended at a podium constructed for just this purpose. Painted white the wood was covered in white satin with red roses lay here and there stems still attatched. The officiate, none other than Zoe Heart. She stood in her own white gown but one not nearly pretty enough to even touch the beauty that would be the bride the moment she showed up.

Everything was ready. All she had to do was wait for the groom to take his place at the bottom of the stairs and then the bride to make her way down the isle. This was going to be a truly beautiful event.

[Jonathan Winters *Deceased*]

Butterflies. In his stomach, he felt as though it would erupt from his mouth, should he choose to open it. Feelings overwhelming, yes, feelings overwhelming.. But, no, he'd never step down, he couldn't. They were both already two far gone into each other. Waiting for a bit, hesitently, on the grass.. before, finally moving, to take his spot over at the bottom of the stairs.

Very last minute, this wedding. If he had the choice, he'd want something with a little more people, but then, how would they go about it? And besides.. he noted, with nothing to really complain about.. it was beautiful as it was. It would be less then two months from now.. and time never seemed shorter. He wanted to.. make sure that this was done properly, done right. Zoe Heart had been kind as to be the officiator.. but.. now...

where was that woman who made his stomach almost want to erupt from its cocoon into butterflies?

..Where was his Madelyn?

[madelyn]

Madelyn stood in a small cordoned off area of the field. Sheilded in a small gazebo the young silent girl waited nervously. She had never been more nervous in all her life. Butterflies were not only living in her stomach but also throughout her entire body. She seemed to almost tingle with the nerves running through her body.

She bit her lip. Her veil was in place. Her hair was down but curled beautifull around her shoulders small little fake diamond clips held it out of her face. Her veil had the most beautiful white roses that held it on her head like a garland of flowers. Her dress was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen and she was somewhat thankful that no one could tell, not that there were many people there, that she was indeed pregnate.

The cue for her came. One small white dove was released from the alter and she smiled nervously. Red roses magically fell down from the sky as cloaked Madelyn came to the arch way. The arch where she would begin the walk to her husband. The music began and the cloaking dropped and there stood Madelyn underneath the arch of the most beautiful roses. Still rose petals fell from the sky.

The music began. A invisible symphony playing the wedding march in pure beauty. The sounds filled the field with the sweet notes. The flute playing the most part of the melody. The twelve armed and suited up soliders raised their sabers. It was time to walk.

She smiled. It was time. Time for them to be joined under the hand and in the eyes of God. To make their union permanent. To give their child a name. To be together forever. On the proper note. She began her walk. Her violet blue eyes tearing up already seeing Jonathan there at the end of the isle. There where he waited for her to join with her. The ring on her finger symbolized his love for her and the next would symbolize their bond for eternity.

Slowly the petals fell down around them and slowly she walked up the isle. There was something in her heart melting and blooming at the same time. The last of the scars melting away. She and Phaedra, best friend to her future husband, had worked hard together to make this perfect. And now it was. She couldn't have asked for a single thing more. Her Jonathan was there and she was there and that was all that would ever matter.

The end of the isle came and she sat her flowers down on the top of the alter. She turned and looked up at Jonathan her face slightly hidden by the veil that glimmered in the dying light of the day. He would raise that veil soon and see into her eyes again. See that she was the same girl he always loved and they would take their vows becoming one. Already they were one in their souls but now in the eyes of God they would forever be bound.

Love.

Eternity.

Together.

[Jonathan Winters *Deceased*]

Above all defining moments in his life.. above every single one of them that he would ever experiance in his life.. he was so glad that he would be able to at least marry this woman, and do her justice. The chords began playing, the sabers going up, yes.. yes, this was actually happening. What could he say? What could he do? Dear God, yes, yes he loved her. Yes, he cherished her. But, could he trust himself in protecting her.. 'til the very end? Never did he want to hurt her.. seeing her cry on that first day they'd met.. it was something he never wanted to see again. Never did he want to see her suffer like that agai---

His jaw all but dropped, as he looked back.

..M-Madelyn!?

Breath disappearing, he couldn't breathe, just stare at the lovely young woman who was walking down the aisle, in the fields of grass. Body shuddering.. he.. simply couldn't believe it.

She was so beautiful.

Again and again, he admired her beauty in silence, but now.. well.. his gawking eyes, even as she stood beside him, putting her flowers onto the alter. Tears were being held back, his face making no signs of movement.. but.. oh God..

Joy. Bliss.

Staring back at Zoe, he nodded. It was time. To be recognized, before God.. hopefully, as a child that he could accept, with his newly gained soul.

God Bless you..

..Madelyn.

[The Watcher]

The wedding started and the beauty was phenominal. This young girl who Zoe had never heard speak one word had worked hard to get this just right. It was simple. But lost in its simplicity was the perfect wedding for these two. The flute played the melody as the girl walked down the silken isle her dress was perfect for her. Again it was simple yet so elegant on her small frame.

Tears bombarded Zoe's eyes for some reason and silently she wished Felodar was here to be with her witnessing such love that was in the eyes of these youths. The flowers were placed on the alter and the ceremony was set to begin. The sabers were lowered but the men stood at attention. Their sabers at their sides ready for when the couple came back down the isle once more.

The music stopped and now in the background was the soft and natural sound of the wooden flute playing the soft melody. It was a special one. One that Madelyn had written for this day and this day alone. A gift for Jonathan. Aside from her hand in marriage and the ring she had given to Zoe. This was her personal gift.

The wind picked up suddenly but only slightly. Enough to pick up the young girls veil and lift it up putting it behind her since her nervous husband to be forgot. Zoe smiled at the couple as their eyes met and she knew that look all too well.

"Let us begin." her voice rang out in the clearing as the flute's song serenaded the day. "We are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony under the presence of the Almighty."

She looked at both Jonathan and Madelyn a smile on her face as they stared into each others eyes. Madelyn stepped forward and took Jonathan's hands in her own her eyes never leaving his. This had all been rehearsed with her earlier before her husband to be had arrived.

"The union of marriage is a sacred one. One that should be held in highest regard. One that is for eternity. Hearts and souls joined as one under God to prove to the world the love that you share with each other." she continued. Looking at Jonathan she nodded and placed the ring in one of his hands after pulling it gently out of Madelyn's.

"You may say your vows now. I understand that you wrote your own." she whispered to the couple softly and smiled at the both of them.

[Jonathan Winters *Deceased*]

No, neither of their eyes left one another, as he stood there, his face blank, but so many things, bursting from his eyes, as he wanted to explode with feeling, wanting to say everything, wanting to spill his lifestory to her, while still battling himself over whether he should allow himself too or not. Subtleness, yes, subtleness, but, he was shaking slightly, with his hand, as he held her, his breathing never giving away anything, just a drop of sweat underneath his hair, behind his neck, his fingers twitching slightly. Yes.. his vow... his vow.

Clearing up his voice a little, he could hear his throat swallowing, every muscle tensing and relaxing, as he could feel himself, shuddering. Nervous, yes, he was nervous, he needed a pill, he needed to calm down.. but, from the look in her eyes...

"I-I Jonathan Winters.."

Another swallow. Thoughts clouded in. Bad ones. They were at the alter, but, it still wasn't too late for her to stop loving him, and save herself some heartache, right? Suppose he really rung out her heart.. and rejected it. His heart pounded. No.. he could never hurt her. Too cruel, they'd both been through so much.. his eyes never wavered from hers.

No.

They were stuck with each other.. whether he liked it or not. And he more then just 'liked it'... and he knew that she wasn't hanging around just because they had made life together.. it all seemed so short.

Short.

"W-with a-all o-of m-my r-remaining days, I-I p-promise t-to l-love y-you... k-keep y-you... a-and p-protect y-you. A-as i-in th-the k-kindness y-you h-have g-given m-me, s-so sh-shall I-I t-to y-you, w-who h-has b-become m-my w-wings.."

..That sounded horrible. He winced.

And a small laugh came.. a real laugh, although brief.

"I-I c-cannot p-properly d-describe.. h-how I-I f-feel f-for y-you, a-and a-all th-that I-I w-want t-to d-do f-for y-you..."

His words, a whisper..

"O-Only G-God c-could b-be s-so m-merciful a-as t-to a-allow y-you t-to l-love m-me... s-so sh-shall I-I l-love y-you f-for a-all th-that I-I can.."

Breathing out, his suit somewhat expanding and closing... he sighed slightly, but, a smile had come onto his face, that he couldn't remove. He didn't know why... just a feeling.. just a feeling...

..More then just a feeling.

[The Watcher]

The whole thing was just beautiful and she didn't think she had ever seen a man so nervous in all his life. He was cute because he was so nervous and the way that Madelyn looked at him it was obvious he was the only one for her.

She smiled at the vows. So innocent and so sweet. She knew that no matter what this day would be perfect for the both of them and she was glad that they had found each other. She knew that Jonathan would die soon. She had been told when asked to do the ceremony. After long talks with Madelyn she knew that this had been the right choice. And now seeing them together it was perfect.

She turned and picked up the tiny pillow that held the two rings and nodded to Madelyn for it was her turn now to state her vows.

[madelyn]

The wind blew and her viel was gently lifted. Lifted as if the world would finally see the young girl. Though no one stood in the audience watching them it mattered not. For there was only one person in the world she wanted to see her and he was already here.

This day was perfect. The flute carried the melody on the wind like a soft breeze. She had written the song for her love. Her angel. Her Jonathan. The man that had saved her life and her soul. The man that had indeed found out who she really was and loved her for it. The man that was quiet and the man that she loved with all her soul.

His vows seemed to touch her in a way that she had never expected before. Tears of joy rolled down her cheeks as she listened to his words. And never in their time together had she heard him laugh and a bright smile came to her eyes and her face as he did so. Even if it was a laugh of nervousness she couldn't help but be happy for what he was. She loved everything about this man the way he made her feel like a small cherished and treasured flower. Delicate and beautiful despite the marks left on her body from her past.

A painting he had called her an piece of art. She was his Madelyn and she never wanted to be anything else. Even knowing about his death that was immenent would not keep her away. Here in his dress uniform he was hers and he was perfect no matter what he thought of himself.

And so it was her turn to tell him just how much he meant to her and she was ready. Long she had worked on these vows and she hoped that they were good enough.

"
Long had I walked in the darkness and the rain,
lost like a dove flying the wrong way,
scared and lonely and crying out in pain,
all that changed on one blessed day.

The soft notes of music filled the air,
a lone stranger came to me,
it seemed that he needed someone to care,
so that love he could finally find and be free.

On that day the sun did rise,
the shell around my heart shattered like ice and fell away,
no longer did I need the petty disguise,
because my angel had come to save me that day."

It was a poem she had written to him and she hoped that it didn't sound cheesy but she had worked hard on it. Though it wasn't very symbolic or anything she did feel that it got the point across and he would know what it meant.

"Jonathan Winters. From that first day you came to me. Walking into my life, called by the very music that carries my soul. I have never once been happier. Every moment spent with you is the best moment of my life. I cherish you and I love you more than I can ever describe. You are my angel. Sent to me by God alone to save me, to love me, and to make me your own. I will never waver nor never leave. You are all that is here for me. The sun rises when I see your face and to feel your arms around me is heaven to me. I live you Jonathan and I will for all eternity. For you are .. my love.. my angel.. my.. Jonathan."

She whispered the last part as tears fell down her face. Crashing to the silk below. She loved his so much and she was so happy they were finally getting to be married. She wanted to be Mrs. Winters. She wanted their child to know that it was not unwanted but accepted and loved.

"I love you." she whispered one last time.

[Jonathan Winters *Deceased*]

A Heart Given, A Heart Stolen, A Heart Taken

A feeling of cringing at his own speech.. he wanted to throw up. This had only happened a few times, usually when in the pod tube.. but, as usual, that only led to further terrible things. But from the way she looked at him, loving the way he talked.. could not make him resist to smile like a fool. God had given her to him to love, and him to her for her to love.. yet, he'd allow Jonathan to be taken away from her in about a month. Ironic.. but, whether it was believing blindly or not.. it was a slowly accepted fact that good would come of this. ..Their child... he wanted to see their child. Yes, that would be his major regret, why he had to stay with her, even in death. His eyes widened, a carefully placed smile on his face, as he looked at her, watching as even the winds seemingly wanted him to see her beautiful face, as their eyes connected for a bit. But, he withheld himself from kissing her with his eyes. There'd be an appropriate time for that, after all. But.. holding himself back was in all essence, very difficult... she looked so amazing in her wedding dress.. were this not such a formal condition, he would've loved to have swept his arms onto her shoulders, slowly caressing them down her lovely arms, 'til he would clasp his hands, and just look at her... it was a wonder, even to himself, why he'd waited this long. Why he hadn't truly bonded to her, in God's eyes. It was the right thing to do... only painful memories plagued him, plagued him of what would happen... but, they'd chosen.. as individuals, as one, united, that they belonged to each other. And then... her vow came...

"Long had I walked in the darkness and the rain,
lost like a dove flying the wrong way,
scared and lonely and crying out in pain,
all that changed on one blessed day.

The soft notes of music filled the air,
a lone stranger came to me,
it seemed that he needed someone to care,
so that love he could finally find and be free.

On that day the sun did rise,
the shell around my heart shattered like ice and fell away,
no longer did I need the petty disguise,
because my angel had come to save me that day."

Tears formed at his eyes.

His heart felt like bursting.. bursting. Madelyn... why must you make me cry? You're cruel... to make me cry so much... with joy.

His whole face beamed, as he looked at her.. so touched... so very touched. No, he wouldn't even attempt to describe it. He'd never do it justice.

"Jonathan Winters. From that first day you came to me. Walking into my life, called by the very music that carries my soul. I have never once been happier. Every moment spent with you is the best moment of my life. I cherish you and I love you more than I can ever describe. You are my angel. Sent to me by God alone to save me, to love me, and to make me your own. I will never waver nor never leave. You are all that is here for me. The sun rises when I see your face and to feel your arms around me is heaven to me. I live you Jonathan and I will for all eternity. For you are .. my love.. my angel.. my.. Jonathan."

"Meine Flügel..." came the words, choked out, barely able even to say that properly, but the smile was on his face, in his eyes. Feelings rushed into him... but not lusty ones.. no... these weren't those selfish emotions. It was all about her. That was the feeling. That pinnacal. That pinnacal that they could reach together.. "Meine schönen Flügel..." came again his voice, more hushed, whispered.

"A-And I-I f-for y-you... b-but... l-live f-for o-our c-child a-as w-well..." An obvious statement, he knew she would, it was without question. But... from what he implied for it... only with a steady stare of his eyes, did he ever hope to convey what he felt. Their child, it was him, it was her... but, in the end.. it was its own individual. Life more beautiful, made from love.. a little whisper, reminding him.. "I love you."

The ring.

Quietly, he reached into his back pocket with his right hand, and pulled out the wedding band.. his left softly going to her hand that still held the engagement ring on it.. but, never once did he let his eyes leave hers. As if he were reading her body, maybe it was from the way that he guided himself, but, the band slowly came, not missing, slipping onto her finger beautifully.. the smile slightly dropping from his face, not due to stress or anything, but.. from the intensity that he was feeling for her... "And I love you.."

Again.. not a stutter.

And the band slipped on without a fuss, perfectly fitting.

Perfectly fitting.. on his Madelyn.

[madelyn]

There was magic. Not the arcane magic that had filled the academy from the days of old. Filling the hollowed halls with life and laughter. But a magic that was natural. One that spoke from soul to soul. Heart to heart the whispers carried. It was here that the spark of true magic must have begun. For that was what love truly was. Magic.

Love must have sparked in history creating the first mana. And then when the humans and species that surrounded the planet learned of such magic they sought to find it. And yet even today in the modern world of now it was hard still to find that special bond with the right person. Yes, it was amazing that moment when two people met when the fireworks flew through their heart and they were locked forever entwined together.

It was thus for Madelyn and Jonathan. Once spotted they had fallen. Once touched they had slid down into the depths. Once given to each other they had drowned in the magic of love. It was now here, under God and the heavens. Angels weaping down upon them from above filling the clouds with their tears to wet the earth when she thirsted. That such a union could happen. Two people that matched. Two people that completed one another. Two people that were one joined together for eternity it was for sure a beautiful sight.

With the ring. They symbol of eternity. For it never began and never ended. A circle always went. It was beautiful. Not only the stones that gleamed in the dying light of the suns last orange rays but the beauty of the symbol that it stood for. The beauty that made it stand for this union. The one that she could not believe she was going to live. Never had she thought someone would find the scars on her back beautiful. Part of a painting, a painting called Madelyn.

The ring slid onto her finger and a tear fell from her left eye cascading down her face to drop to the satin below. His eyes never left hers. The stormy depths that represented the torment that raged in his heart and soul daily. He was leaving her. And she knew it. Soon he would be gone and she knew that she had their children to worry about after. Else she would join him in his death. Their children. There were two of them and she hadn't had a chance to tell him yet. There never seemed to be a perfect time.

Taking her ring from the small silk pillow that the beautiful Zoe was holding she kissed it gently closing her eyes. Inside it was engraved. it was special just for him.

-To my angel, who made me his wings-

Opening her eyes she met with his and carefully taking his left hand she kissed his ring finger where the ring would sit. The platinum band had three diamonds in it in a flat base the engraving enscipted on the inside. She smiled softly up at the man that was her husband as soon as it was put on.

"I love you. You will always be the other half of my soul. My music, my love, my life. Our children will always know who their father was. Because I will never let you die in my heart." she whispered softly as the tears fell more frequent now. She had said children maybe he would hear her maybe he wouldn't but the main thing was that she loved him and always would.

She slipped the symbol of unity on his finger the two kisses uniting as one. All that was left was the kiss. And she waited with great anticipation for such an event to happen. She waited because this kiss. Would seal it all.