I couldn't help but feel nervous as several Elves helped me not only put on but also did my hair and makeup. I'd never actually gotten dressed up at any point in this life, the closest was when I had attended other noble's parties when Marian or Alcrem would force the entire family to go, but I'd always had Reine do the minimum required since at that time I had felt that I would lose something if I did, a silly worry now that I look back.

I couldn't help but think that I looked more like an evil queen than a bride-to-be, but I had been going for that look, so I was quite happy with the result. The black dress contrasted against my already pale skin, making it seem whiter than it actually was, while my black hair was put up into complex updo that I'd need to use Thread Manipulation to accomplish by myself. I'd wanted to wear heels too but I was already taller than Arya so I had refrained as she'd never worn them before and they were a bit too much to learn in two weeks while also preparing for the wedding. Technically I supposed I'd never worn them either, at least not in this life, but Vellastria had used them to great effect as she moved from place to place.

I was sitting down doing the final touch ups when I heard a knock on the door followed by the sound of it opening. I turned to see Ilya walk in beaming brightly as she looked me over and nodded. "Wonderful. You look amazing and so does Arya. Are you ready? We'd like to start soon."

I nodded as my tension suddenly rose several levels. This was the first time in the lives I remembered of having ever been able to actually marry or otherwise have a lasting relationship of any kind, though Veldarix had said he'd been with a previous Queen of Hell, so perhaps when I inherited more memories that statement would no longer be true.

I walked out with Ilya to the edge of the Yin side, just on the cusp of the main crossing that connected the Yin side to the Yang side. I could see Arya on the other side directly across from me with Kavir to her side. The dress and veiled shawl looked amazing and fit her perfectly, though I felt it was a shame that I couldn't see her face yet.

Once everyone else was in position music began to blare out from both the Yin and Yang side, each playing separate halves of a single song. I couldn't see where from but as Ilya took my hand and began to walk to the center of the crossing, black petals began to fall in front of us littering the path ahead of us. Similarly on Arya's side, white petals fell, seeming to be generated from the air as I couldn't make out anyone pouring them, and while I didn't have the best perception of mana, I was pretty sure that no one was using magic either, it was a mysterious phenomenon.

I soon found myself face to face with Arya at the center of the crossing, Ilya, Kavir and an archway to my left, which the both of us faced after trying to peer through the veils for a moment. I'd always thought the archway was somewhat strange as it didn't lead anywhere, but it must have held some symbolic meaning as Ilya and Kavir stood to each side of it as they began to recite the wedding speech in perfect unison.

As they finished it was time for me and Arya to recite our vows for each other. As Arya belonged to the Yang side she was naturally first to go, and I saw her pull out a small piece of parchment that I assumed had what she'd thought of for her vows on. She took a deep breath and pushed her veil up so she could see her parchment, revealing her immaculate face that was slightly flushed. "I wish you to be my partner for life, I promise to live with you through all your troubles. And to communicate fully and fearlessly, I give you my hand and my heart. As a sanctuary of warmth and peace. And pledge my love, devotion, and honor. As I join my life to yours."

I could feel the heartfelt sincerity she poured into her words as she spoke, and could see the clear signs of nervous energy as she folded the paper and looked towards me. I wished I was confident enough to recite the vows from memory, but I felt that if I tried I'd lose out to my tension halfway and blank, so I also produced a small piece of parchment and lifted my veil while taking a deep breath. "On this day, I give you my my promise, To protect you, And walk with you, Hand in hand, Wherever our journey leads us, Living, learning, loving, Together, Forever."

I had always been bad at dealing with my emotions, and putting them into words was something even more difficult, if it had been something false, or a bunch of research, it likely would have been longer and matching in length to Arya's. Nonetheless, they were what I had come up with, and I felt they properly relayed my intentions, not only to Arya, but to her parents as well.

Kavir and Ilya said a few more words before the most important moment came. "Kiss, and seal your love for eternity."

Just as those words rang out we both moved forward and locked our lips for a brief but intense moment before parting. I could see Arya smiling radiantly, as a similar smile formed on my face, my hands reaching out and grabbing hers. "I love you." I whispered as the congratulations of the Elves began to flow towards us, only for the sound to be interrupted by a tremor, followed by a thundering noise.

I barely managed to stay on my feet and had helped stabilize Arya before she could fall as well. Kavir and Ilya were not so fortunate and had fallen backwards along with most of the other Elves, though it didn't seem anyone was seriously injured. Before anyone could stand up the archway before me and Arya suddenly lit up with a swirling pattern of black and white, a powerful force of suction dragging us into despite my desperate attempts to cling to the wooden crossway with carapaced claw toes that tore through the shoes I'd been wearing.

I could only curse as I felt myself pulled backwards and into the strange pattern along with Arya.