He squeezed her hand back. "We are gathered here today," the minister said clearly, "to celebrate the union of Rowan Syvel and Tezhki Moreta."
She glanced at the minister for a moment before drawing her attention back towards Rowan, her eyes adoring.
He was listening to the minister respectfully, but he glanced back at Tez, his gaze soft and warm. "The couple has prepared their own vows..." the minister said, gesturing to them.
Tez paused for a moment, looking at the minister for a moment before Rowan again, her eyes bright and happy. She seemed to think for a moment before clearing her throat. There may have been a hint of nervousness before she spoke, uncertain in front of so many people, but it subsided as she went on, and all she saw was him. "Rowan.. I never really understood how lonely I was until I met you. I.. I say that because, despite our first introductions brevity, I had the opportunity to meet you again. I remember how, despite your distaste for most people, you allowed me into your home and eventually your life. For that, I don't think I could ever repay you. That's because one simple act you did left me understanding my loneliness when you were away, and a strange sense of happiness when you got back, all before you even knew Iiked you. But as time went on, we shared our feelings and everything was good. It took some time to get used to, to be fair, since we were new to each other and didn't understand as much as we do now, but despite this we managed. I am so glad we managed, Row, because have never known as much love as I do when I look at you, or the excitement I feel when you come home, and even the way my heart feels all sparkly when you kiss me. And.. I know that there have been moments that we felt lost and afraid, but despite these we prevailed. If what we have is strong enough to break the bounds of any hardship we've faced, then I don't think we'll ever have to worry. I believe in you. I believe in us. I am so, so glad to have met you. You really are the most precious thing to me.. I know we can do anything we set our mind to, especially when we have each other. You mean everything to me, Row. Everything."
His eyes were filled with definite tears now, and he watched her, unable to respond for a moment. Finally, he took a deep breath before speaking. "I, uh... I grew up with the tendency to feel cynical. People I passed on the street never could have good intentions. Other species were all vindictive and angry and ultimately, you had no one else in this world but yourself." He shrugged. "I lived my life safely because I knew that above all else, I had my back. Nothing was going to take the wind out of my sails because I had me." He laughed slightly. "And then you came along, Tez, and you messed all of that up. Every little structure I had put into my life, every bitter belief I held close to my chest, every snide comment I made to not get close to anyone was suddenly powerless against your presence. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat because there was this one little siren that challenged everything I thought I knew." He took another deep breath, his deep eyes thoughtful as he considered her. "And, you know, by some miracle, this perfect being was interested in me. She wanted to know me, even though I gave her every reason to walk away. She persevered even though every time we spoke, I told her to leave me alone. How..." He laughed again, although it sounded like the wind had been knocked out from him. "How did I ever get the chance to be with you? I can't... Even now, I still can't figure it out." "I love you, Tez. More than anything else in this world. People may be *squee!*ty sometimes, and my cynicism might not often be misplaced, but you... you fixed everything, siren. I couldn't have been more wrong about you and for that, I am forever grateful. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Te'ukei rez."
She laughed quietly, his tears only making her become teary as she watched him adoringly, absolutely love struck. "Idressyl m'ialo, Row."
"By the power vested in me," the minister said smoothly. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss each other." Rowan looked at her for a moment before slipping his hand under her jaw and kissing her, his nose brushing hers.
