Chapter 13: Act 2 Finale- Love Before War; Odyn and Lucina's Wedding
"We can wait to discuss the ancient evil trying to destroy everything," Severa announced, cutting through the tension in the command tent. "Right now, these two," she pointed at Odyn and Lucina, "need to make it official before we charge into another world-ending crisis."
"W-what?" Lucina stammered, while Odyn blinked in surprise.
"She's right!" Cynthia bounced excitedly. "Every epic tale needs a wedding scene before the final battle!"
"INDEED!" Owain struck a pose. "The union of the Dragon Prince and the Time-Walking Princess shall be a moment of legendary proportions! The very stars shall weep with joy!"
"Mother, Father, please..." Lucina looked to Chrom and Sybyrh for help, only to find them both smiling.
"Actually," Chrom's eyes twinkled with mischief, "I think it's a wonderful idea. What better way to show our enemies that love and hope still prevail?"
"And," Sybyrh added, her orange eyes matching her husband's amusement, "it would be nice to see my daughter properly married before we face whatever comes next."
"But... but..." Lucina looked to Odyn for support, only to find him wearing a thoughtful expression.
"They have a point, love," he said softly, taking her hand. "We don't know what tomorrow brings. But I know that I want to face it as your husband, if you'll have me."
The tent erupted in cheers as Lucina's resistance crumbled in the face of Odyn's earnest proposal. Before either of them could fully process what was happening, the Shepherds sprang into action with military precision:
Cordelia and Sumia immediately took charge of decorations, their pegasi carrying messages to nearby villages for supplies. Frederick, ever efficient, began organizing the logistics with his characteristic attention to detail. Lissa and Maribelle declared themselves joint wedding planners, while Sybyrh and Roy offered to incorporate traditional dark elven ceremonies.
"The bride and groom aren't allowed to help!" Severa declared, shooing them away from the preparations. "It's bad luck! Besides, you two clearly can't be trusted to plan your own happiness."
"But—" Lucina tried to protest.
"No buts!" Cynthia pushed them in opposite directions. "Now, Lucina, let's talk about your dress. And Odyn, you're coming with me and Owain to discuss proper heroic wedding attire!"
The next few days passed in a whirlwind of activity. The Shepherds' camp transformed into a celebration of hope and love:
Olivia choreographed a special dance performance, while Cordelia and her pegasus knights prepared an aerial display. Stahl and Gaius outdid themselves with the feast preparations, incorporating both Ylissean and what Roy remembered of dark elven cuisine. Ricken and Miriel collaborated on magical illumination that would rival the stars themselves.
Owain, naturally, appointed himself the official chronicler of "The Wedding of Fate: Where Dragon's Blood Meets Hero's Heart (Working Title)."
The morning of the ceremony arrived with perfect weather. In her tent, Lucina stood before a mirror, hardly recognizing herself. Her mother had worked magic with the wedding dress, combining Ylissean royal style with dark elven elegance. The Brand of the Exalt in her eye seemed to shine brighter than ever.
"You look beautiful," Sybyrh said softly, adjusting her daughter's veil. "And more importantly, you look happy."
In another tent, Odyn received last-minute advice from his brother:
"Remember to breathe," Roy grinned, adjusting his brother's ceremonial dark elven robes. "And try not to let your Dragon Crest activate from excitement. We just got the decorations perfect."
"Very funny," Odyn muttered, but couldn't hide his smile.
The ceremony itself was a perfect blend of cultures. Chrom and Sybyrh co-officiated, representing both kingdoms. When Lucina and Odyn exchanged their vows, they did so in both common tongue and ancient dark elven, their Dragon Crests glowing softly in response to their emotions.
"By the power of the Exalt," Chrom began.
"And the blessings of the ancient dragons," Sybyrh continued.
"We now pronounce you husband and wife," they finished together.
The kiss that followed caused their Dragon Crests to flare brilliantly, creating an aurora of blue light above the ceremony that had Nowi clapping in delight.
"Now THAT'S a wedding!" Severa wiped away a tear she would later deny shedding.
The celebration lasted well into the night. There was dancing (with Olivia's performance moving many to tears), feasting (Gaius outdid himself with the wedding cake), and enough joy to make everyone briefly forget the challenges ahead.
Later, as the newlyweds shared a quiet moment under the stars, Lucina leaned against her husband's shoulder.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"For what?"
"For giving me something else to fight for. A future that's not just about preventing disaster, but about building happiness."
Odyn kissed her softly, their Dragon Crest marks glowing faintly in response. "Thank you for giving me a family to protect again."
From nearby, they heard Owain's voice: "And thus concludes the chapter entitled 'Love's Triumph Before Battle!' Though perhaps 'The Dragon's Heart and the Princess's Sword' would be more poetic..."
"Owain," multiple voices groaned.
The newlyweds just laughed. Tomorrow they would face ancient evils and work to save their captured family. But tonight was for love, hope, and the promise of a future worth fighting for.
In the distance, actual dragons circled the celebration, drawn by the ancient magic of the ceremony, their roars a blessing for the union of dragon-blessed and time-blessed blood.
"Ready to save the world, wife?" Odyn smiled.
"Always, husband," Lucina replied, drawing him in for another kiss as the celebrations continued around them.
To be Continued in Chapter 14: Act 3- Discussion amongst the women Shepherds.... Roy and Nowi?