The Wedding

Ryven and Leela cuddled cozily on a lounger together on the terrace at Cerra Manor, drinks in hand.  The light of Huola's star had sunk below the horizon and the night air was cool on their skin.  They were alone and silent, comfortable in each other's company.  Ryven reflected on their history together.

Leela had been a contact of his during his more turbulent years, before he found his home fighting for the Amarr.  She had an affinity for obtaining information through a long list of personal contacts throughout New Eden.  Over several years of working together, he had developed an affection for the young woman, beautiful as she was, and full of confidence and vigor.  She excited him.  He chafed at her virtual imprisonment under the strict rule of her father, Garta Yttria.  He was abusive, controlling, and a certifiable sadist.  Ryven developed a keen hatred for the man.  So, when Leela came to him asking for help, he was happy to oblige.  He was not as happy to let Garta live. 

Fresh from this escape, Ryven devoted the remains of his inheritance from Titus to financing Leela's training as a capsuleer.  He paid her way, helped train her, and then made a huge life change.  He found God.  He became a crusader.  In light of his new faith, he knew he had to set her free from him as well.  This wasn't easy for him, but, morality never is.  So, he met with her, and discussed the future.  She surprised him.  She agreed to forsake her people and join him in fighting for the Empire.  She chose Ryven.  Ryven never forgot.

Over the months together fighting the Minmatar, their bond had strengthened.  She could cut through his bullshit, melt away his worries, and render him completely vulnerable.  Most surprisingly, he didn't mind.  Now, he couldn't imagine ever losing her.

At this point in his musings, Ryven reached a conclusion.  He looked down at Leela's head on his chest, rising and falling with his breathing, her red hair waving in the light breeze.  She must have felt his gaze, because she turned and gazed up at him, her eyes meeting his.

"See something you like?" She gave him an adorable smirk.

"You have no idea." He smiled involuntarily.  She was always drawing smiles out of him.

"Oh, I don't know.  I think I have a pretty good idea." She gave him a mischievous grin and looked around to see if there were any onlookers.

"As much as I would love to take you down to the beach and, well, you know, I have something else in mind."

"Oh?" She looked extremely curious.

"Marry me."

Her eyes shot wide open.  Her mouth dropped open.  Her face turned bright red.

"Make that face all you want.  I still want you to marry me."

Her shocked expression slowly melted away into one full of mirth. "Are you sure?" She smiled. "I'm not very domesticated."

"Absolutely certain.  I wouldn't have you any other way."

"Well, can't say I didn't warn you." She shrugged. "Okay, then.  Yes.  Let's get all married and shit."

Ryven laughed. "You know, you could act at least a little bit excited about it."

She wrapped her arm around his neck and gave him a passionate kiss.  "That better?"

Ryven smiled wide. "Much better.  Now let's go down to the beach and do this."

"Right now?" She looked amused. "Not gonna invite all your crazy ass friends and throw a huge bash and parade me around?"

"Does that sound like me?"

Her expression softened into one that spoke volumes of love. "No.  Which is why I love you."

He carried her in his arms down to the beach, set her down on the sand, and opened up his neocom.  Five minutes later, they were officially married.  Two hours later, the marriage was well and duly consummated. 

Ryven's afternote: It took two days to get all that sand out.  That stuff gets everywhere. ;)