Today, two families, two lives, two paths converge into one...
Who: Frodo, Merrill, Merry, Hawke, Bethany, Obi-Wan, Varric, Gandalf, Barbara, Lorelai, Castiel... What: Frodo and Merrill get married!! Obi reveals the sex of the baby. Gandalf departs. When: Saturday Afternoon Where: Dragonfly Inn Rating: G Status: Complete
Saturday morning of November 10 was a much cooler day than October 27, but the sky was far more blue, so perhaps it was an even trade. There was a slightly chilly breeze, but the air was fresh and the cold felt much more like a tingle of anticipation against Frodo’s cheek as he stepped outside his house early in the morning. Today was the day of his wedding.
One of Merrill’s brothers had gotten married earlier in the year, but this was the first time Ivana was marrying off a daughter. Even though the planning had been swift, she’d spent hours shopping with her daughter, picking out dresses, flowers, meeting with the woman at the inn. The postponement made Ivana realize just how much she was looking forward to it, and how disappointed she would have been if they called it off. Now she was in the Bride’s room, curling her daughter’s hair and helping her get ready for the Big Day.
Somewhere... Obi-Wan Kenobi was trying to tie a necktie with a Double Windsor knot and not strangle himself. It wasn’t going well.
Merry had pulled up in front of Frodo’s villa driving one of Frodo’s cars, a sleek and modern Bentley. He had taken it around the block once to get the hang of it. He rolled down the passenger window and waved for Frodo to hurry it up and get in. Frodo jogged down the pathway, his shirt untucked and his feet only in socks. His dress shoes and tuxedo coat were in his hands. (He would be taking off his shoes for the ceremony, but he was still bringing them along.) He wanted to make sure nothing was scuffed or wrinkled. He was a little prissy about things like that. Merry didn’t let him hear the end of it for several miles.
Lorelai was covering a lot of ground today. She made frequent stops in the Bride’s Room, checking on Merrill. ‘Bridezilla’ still hadn’t surfaced, but making sure the bride was happy was one of Lorelai’s top concerns today. She was glad to see the photographer was already in and taking pictures as Merrill got ready. With everything under control here, Lorelai went to check with the musicians.
Frodo and Merry arrived at the Dragonfly Inn with hours to spare, and Frodo immediately engaged Lorelai in a series of apologies for the postponement. They had spoken on the phone, but it was always a good idea to apologize in person.
Lorelai did her best to reassure Frodo that everything was fine. It wasn’t as though it was his fault, and he’d done a great deal to make up for it already. The last thing he needed today was to worry that Lorelai was upset.
Obi-Wan arrived an hour later, curiously alone, but in a mood that was gaining speed. If anyone asked about Dani, he had a reasonable excuse. She was visiting family. It wasn’t the truth, but it was close enough.
Pete Sokolov was sitting with his older siblings. Their oldest sister had flown in from Russia; thankfully, she had planned for a longer trip, so the delay in wedding didn't force her to change arrangements. His older brother was there with his new wife, and they'd saved a seat for their parents. Pete had an art pad on his lap, and was ignoring his siblings and sketching some of the scenery in pencil.
Merry met up with Obi-Wan to fix his atrocious job with the Double Windsor and iron out the things they needed to iron out as groomsmen. Frodo, meanwhile, went to make sure everything was in order with the food and the drink. Priorities, priorities...
Every time Frodo left the Groom’s Tent, Lorelai ushered him back inside. She would take care of all of the planning, he needed to relax and wait. She did let him have a snack, though.
Frodo assumed Lorelai was saving him from Sookie’s wrath. When he returned to the tent, Merry jokingly attempted to coach Frodo about the wedding night. Frodo commented that he obviously, needed none of that, seeing as the bride was already expecting. He kept his voice low, of course. Obi-Wan chuckled, but kept his nose out of it. He was oddly quiet and it was becoming more clear that he was putting on a good face for the sake of the day.
By the stables, Bill the Pony munched on some hay. He noted that he felt happier than on most days and wondered what was going on by the tents.
The guests were beginning to arrive. Bernie was looking sharp in a suit, and he’d brought Barbara along with him. Barbara was wearing a lilac dress with a pretty fluted frill skirt and a flattering crossover v-neckline. She was very glad Bernie had invited her and was mingling and talking to people with the ease of someone used to social situations.
Bernie seemed more at ease now, too. The last time he had seen Frodo, he had been ‘on the lamb.’ Now, charges were cleared and most people had forgotten about him, so he was able to enjoy himself and pay attention to his beautiful date.
Several people from the network were there, and there was some happy mingling going on. Nikolai had snuck into the Groom’s Tent with a bottle of wine and glasses.
Though Frodo was drinking less and less, he did join in with a glass to settle his nerves. Getting married was not the issue, but he simply did not like being in the spotlight or standing in front of crowds, no matter the size.
Varric was wearing a fancy waistcoat, complete with pocket watch and chain. Frodo was already pretty short, so he'd opted to not get something to stand on. He flipped through a notebook that he'd placed in a fancy leather binding. He'd written most of it himself, borrowing liberally from assorted religions, and what he'd remembered of Dalish and Andrastrean custom.
Just before the ceremony began, Smeagol slipped into the back row. He probably shouldn’t have come at all, but Merrill had insisted on inviting him. He should have known it was just a pity invite. He didn’t recognize any other employees from work, though he might not have recognized them even if they were there. He didn’t pay much attention to faces, usually. So there Smeagol sat in the back, wearing an ill-fitting second-hand suit, slumped into the chair as he waited for the most recent of many girls who’d rejected him to be wed to his boss.
Everything had come together quickly in the final moments. The flowers were distributed, the guitarist had arrived -- who happened to be Charlie Pace, Obi’s sometimes-co-worker. He began to tune. Seats were filling up, though it was still a small, intimate gathering.
Frodo and his groomsmen got into place.
Gandalf sensed it was approaching time for him to leave. He couldn't explain why, or how, but his time on this earth was nearing it's end. But that was quite all right. Frodo was in good hands and Sansa could take care of herself. He'd miss them, though.
He remained inconspicuous in a long white robe he'd bought in a store, and his staff, and leaned against a wall to watch all the proceedings. If his calculations were correct, the fireworks would go off right as the bride and groom kissed.
He was particularly amused at that thought, shifting as the guitarist began to tune his guitar. Interesting.
The bridesmaids were first down the aisle. Merrill would have liked to include more of her family and friends in the wedding party, but it had been such short notice. And Isabela would have likely been even more confused if she'd asked her to be a bridesmaid. So they'd kept the number of groomsmen and bridesmaids small. Once the Hawke sisters had reached the arch, Merrill appeared.
Merrill was dressed in a white gown with gold trim. There was a subtle sparkle to her makeup, and those that knew her from the dreams might recognize the faint, golden outline of valla'slin on her face. She was positively glowing as she walked down the aisle, a warm smile on her lips. She forced herself to walk slowly, rather than to rush into Frodo's arms like her quickly-beating heart was urging her to. Her eyes locked onto her groom's, and it was as if there wasn't anyone else there.
Smiling, Varric watched the bride approach. He was quite proud and happy for her. She was absolutely beautiful. Their Daisy all grown up and flowering. He might have had to wipe a tear from his eye. Discreetly of course. He glanced over at Frodo and smiled reassuringly, and shared a wink with Bethy.
Marian had tears in her eyes.
For those who knew her, they could appreciate just what a rare event that was. Marian Hawke didn’t cry, not over emotional moments or touching visions. No, she cried when people died. When people left.
Or, in this case, when in spite of everything that could go wrong, something went incredibly right.
She happily had done the honors, standing in a dress and everything, threatening anyone who threatened to give her grief about it. But watching Merrill so happy, nearly glowing, absolutely radiant just overwhelmed her. They’d made it out of Kirkwall after all.
Occasionally, though he kept it to himself, Frodo still had sensations that his time with Merrill was like a dream resting on the gossamer skin of a bubble -- a strange but accurate description; she was something too lovely to be real. She simply had to be something he imagined, and yet there was no world in which he could place himself where they could both truly exist..
But this was not one of those moments.
As his bride walked toward him, Frodo did not feel like he was living in a dream or a fantasy. It was so concrete, so real. His bare feet felt planted on the earth. The world where they both existed was not Kirkwall or Middle-earth -- it was this one. They had crossed through time and space to find each other -- and create new life; never before had something seemed so logical.
Looking at Merrill, Frodo felt full of purpose. He bit his lip, moved by her glimmering beauty. He could not hold himself back as he walked a few steps to meet her just before she reached the end of the aisle. Her hand, he needed to take it now. The warmth and life in her fingers felt like strength in the muscles of his own arm.
They had gone through a rehearsal, and Merrill had been told all the little details and how they happen, but all of that had gone out of her head. Luckily, Hawke was there to gently take her bouquet when Merrill reached for Frodo’s hands.
Varric looked between the two, his smile wide and grand. "I think we all know how this goes. We've all gathered here to see Merrill and Frodo bind themselves together. But they already have. In mind and in body, in heart and in soul, these two people are already intrinsically bound. Bound in their eyes and before whatever deity they believe in. What we are here for today is for formality, and for celebration."
The short man took a step back, gesturing for Frodo.
Varric’s words all blurred together for Merrill. Gazing up into Frodo’s eyes, she knew everything she needed to know about love and devotion. They were wrapped up in each other. Always and forever.
It came time for the vows and Frodo pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket. He opened it, revealing his artistic handwriting in pen. He alone knew it was the final version of several heartfelt but lacking attempts. Writing his vows had proven to be far more challenging that the poetry he occasionally jotted down.
“I, Frodo, take you, Merrill, to be my wife and partner for life. My heart is like your heart. I will trust you and respect you, and love you faithfully through good times and bad; I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live. Ma Ar Lath.”
Oh, maybe Merrill should have gone first! Frodo speaking Dalish nearly had her in tears already. When Frodo had suggested they write their own vows, Merrill had been nervous. She'd been eager to see what Frodo would write--He was creative, well-spoken and poetic. Merrill's speeches consisted mainly of instructing third-graders, and she wasn't at all confident in her ability to pen something romantic.
"Frodo.." Merrill's voice shook as she began to read, her eyes beginning to fill with tears. "Today, two families, two lives, two paths converge into one. As we go forward, we know that we are strengthened by each other, and that wherever our journey leads us, we go there together. I love you, Frodo Baggins, and I will treasure you always, and give you all that I am."
Oh Daisy, Varric thought, looking at her with an almost paternal gleam in his eyes. The silence seemed to stretch on after Merrill finished speaking.
Varric chuckled. "Kiss, you fools!"
Frodo felt a flush in his skin as he kissed Merrill in front of the crowd. His face turned red as he calculated just how big a kiss he could give her in front of her parents. The calculations didn't take into account Merrill's enthusiasm. She kissed him back, tossing her arms around his shoulders.
The applause echoed off the structure of the inn. Merry whistled and gave a resounding “Yeehaw!” Obi-Wan’s lips were pressed together, but his smile was wide. His eyes were red at the edges. An actual tear rolled down Marian Hawke’s cheek, but she quickly joined in on the whistling.
Castiel had been hesitant. Weddings were... problematic, to say the least. But he wanted to be there for Merrill’s big day. Her husband seemed honorable and stalwart, and they both were so genuinely happy.
Strange, how he had forgotten what that looked like. With a small smile, Castiel applauded the new couple.
Bethany put two fingers in her mouth and whistled. Loudly.
And yes, there were fireworks. Complete with a spectacular dragon that roared overhead, to explode into a dazzling display of doves and flowers.
The transition into the reception was almost seemless, not only due to the fact that they were in the same location. The introduction of copious amounts of food was the main difference. There was music that seemed to come from the trees itself, though it was nothing more complicated. than a playlist selected by Merrill and Frodo. It all seemed just that magical.
When the dancing began, Merry asked Lorelai and wouldn’t take no for an answer. He was a good dancer, although not as good as Frodo. Lorelai joined Merry happily. For all she’d complained about the preparation, Lorelai loved weddings, and was quite pleased with how everything had turned out.
Rose hadn't RSVPed initially. She'd been trying to weigh the pro's and con's, and it wasn't until the Skyfall showing that she realized that she'd like to pursue a better friendship with her ex-boyfriend and his new wife. Frodo had assured her that she would be welcome there, with or without an RSVP, and that she wasn't putting anyone out. So Rose had brought Liam along with her. When Glenn Miller started to play, Rose and the Doctor danced.
After the newlyweds had shared their first dance, they went to mingle with their guests, trying to get a chance to at least say a few words to everyone.
Obi-Wan decided to keep off the floor, but looked on happily, and nursed a beer.
Merrill approached Obi before too long, smiling. “You should come dance!” she encouraged.
“I am not the best of dancers,” he replied honestly. He didn’t too often fear embarrassing himself. He would have danced with Dani, if she were there.
Merrill reached for Obi’s hand, hoping he would let her pull him onto the dance floor. “You know, some people consider it an honor to be able to dance with a bride at her wedding.” She smiled.
Obi-Wan knew it was unwise to argue with a bride, but he might have continued to protest were it anyone else. He quickly placed his beer on a table and followed where she led.
"We're so glad you're here, Obi. In a tie, and everything." Merrill grinned. She always felt lucky that Obi-Wan let her in at all. It always seemed as though he were on the edge of holing himself up in a basement somewhere and never speaking to anyone. She was grateful that she was able to consider him a friend. "I imagine even Baby is happy!"
He was a hermit at heart. But even Obi-Wan had to admit, as he tried his very best to dance without tripping her, Merrill was an easy partner. “Actually... I have a hunch about the baby, if you still wanted to know if it was a boy or a girl.” He smiled warmly and his eyes wrinkled.
Wedding dancing didn't require much fancy footwork, though Merrill's little brother was off to the side, trying to impress Bethany with his 'moves'. "Oh!" Merrill's eyes widened. "Really? I want to know!" They had another ultrasound scheduled in a few weeks, but Merrill was too excited to be patient.
Bethany wasn't all that impressed, but she did encourage him a little bit. It was fun, and really, what was the harm? As long as she saved a dance for Graham, anyway. And their..whatever they were.
Obi-Wan lowered his voice. “Now, there’s a chance I’m wrong... mind you, I’m new to this... but if I were you, I would be decorating the nursery in blue.”
Merrill's eyes lit up. She no doubt would have been equally thrilled if Obi had said it was a girl, but just knowing that it was a something was exciting in itself! "Oh, Obi!" She kissed the man's cheek as the song ended. She was starting to tear up again.
Gandalf observed the festivities for quite awhile, laughing jovially at the antics of the guests. Then he stepped out the door, and started to walk. He had a long road to travel, but plenty of time to get there.
Frodo caught sight of him out of the corner of his eye, or perhaps it was more of a sensation like moving wind that caught his attention. He hurried after Gandalf, calling his name.
Gandalf paused, turning and leaning on his staff as Frodo approached.
“Are you going so soon?” Frodo asked, coming to a halt. There was a feeling of sadness in his heart that he wished he could push back.
"Oh yes, dear Frodo. I fear my time here is at an end." Gandalf placed his hand on Frodo's shoulder, squeezing lightly. "You're in good hands now, and I'm needed elsewhere. The doorway I must walk through is for me alone."
Frodo understood the full meaning of Gandalf’s words, knowing also that he must let him go and that he possessed no power to make his old friend stay. Gandalf always seemed to be coming and going. Frodo embraced him. “Then I hope our paths cross again.”
Gandalf embraced him back. "Oh, I'm sure that they will cross again. But only when you're ready. I've always cared a great deal for you. I always will."
Frodo knew in his heart Gandalf was referring to a land across the sea, a land that filled him with awe and fear. But it was not yet his time to cross those waters. His place was here, beside his wife and his child. When the time did come, Frodo hoped it would be more wonder than fear that filled him.
Bending forward, Gandalf placed a kiss on Frodo's brow, and then with a smile and a laugh, turned and hobbled of, an ancient - if familiar - tune on his lips.