Chapter 14

As the brisk winds of late Fall sweep through Forget-Me-Not Valley, Keira finds herself once again gathered with the other women for their weekly meeting. Inside the cozy confines of the Blue Bar, they sit around a wooden table, cups of steaming tea in hand, discussing the changing of the seasons. With Fall drawing to a close and Winter looming ahead, the women share their thoughts on the impending chill, the preparations needed for the colder season, and the festive spirit that comes with the onset of Winter in the valley.

As the women discuss the arrival of Winter, Keira can't help but feel a mix of emotions stirring within her. The mere mention of snow and Winter activities fills her with a sense of both anxiousness and excitement. As a princess confined to the walls of the castle her entire life, Keira has never experienced Winter firsthand. The thought of venturing out into the cold, snow-covered landscape is both daunting and exhilarating. She wonders what it will be like to feel the crunch of snow beneath her feet, to watch the delicate flakes fall from the sky, and to partake in the Winter festivities she's heard so much about. Despite her apprehension, there's a flicker of curiosity and anticipation in Keira's heart as she contemplates the unknown wonders that await her in the season ahead.

As the weekly meeting draws to a close, Muffy stands up, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Before we all head our separate ways," she announces, "I have a special surprise for everyone." The other women exchange curious glances as Muffy motions towards the entrance.

Just then, the door swings open, and Lumina steps into the room, a radiant smile gracing her features. "Lumina! What a delightful surprise," Celia exclaims, rising from her seat to greet her friend.

Lumina returns the greeting with a warm hug before turning to address the group. "I'm here with some exciting news," she announces, her voice tinged with excitement. She then shows off the ring on her hand and shouts, "Rock and I are engaged!"

Gasps of delight fill the room as the women congratulate Lumina on her engagement. Keira can't help but feel a twinge of happiness for her friend, even though she's only met Lumina a few times around the valley. The prospect of a wedding brings a sense of joy and anticipation to the air, warming Keira's heart despite the chill of the impending Winter coming soon.

"And that's not all," Lumina continues, her smile widening. "After the wedding, I will be joining your group for our weekly meetings!"

Excited chatter erupts among the women as they welcome Lumina into their circle. Keira watches the scene unfold with curiosity and anticipation, eager to get to know Lumina better and share in the joy of her impending marriage.

As the excitement settles, Celia's curiosity leads her to inquire about the wedding's date. "So, when is the wedding?" she asks, her eyes gleaming with interest.

Lumina beams with happiness as she shares the news. "It's going to be held on the last day of Fall," she reveals, her voice filled with anticipation. "And, of course, all of the valley will be invited!"

The announcement is met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the group. Keira joins in, her heart swelling with joy for Lumina and her future journey into married life with Rock. It's a momentous occasion, and witnessing the excitement and anticipation of the impending wedding fills Keira with a sense of wonder.

This will be Keira's first time experiencing a wedding ceremony firsthand. Growing up in the castle, she had only heard about weddings from her parents, who had envisioned a grand ceremony for her. However, fate had other plans, and her union with Mark had been a much simpler affair, held in his humble home. Now, the opportunity to witness a traditional wedding ceremony in Forget-Me-Not Valley fills Keira with a sense of anticipation and excitement, eager to partake in the joyous celebration alongside her friends.

When Keira arrives at home, she bursts through the door, her heart brimming with excitement. She rushes over to her husband and exclaims, "Mark! Mark! Guess what happened at the meeting?"

Mark lowers his newspaper, intrigued by Keira's animated demeanor. "What's up? What's got you all worked up today?"

"It's Lady Lumina from the mansion," Keira replies eagerly. "She announced her engagement and invited all of us to attend. Isn't that wonderful?"

Mark nods thoughtfully. "Is that right? It's about time Rock proposed. It's been some time since they started dating anyway."

Keira nods, her mind still filled with the vibrant imagery of her imagined wedding attire. "The wedding will be held soon. I can't wait to see what the wedding attire will be like," she says dreamily.

As she envisions the scene, Keira continues, "I imagine her iro-uchikake to be very colorful, reflecting the hues of Fall. Lots of red for prosperity and yellow for nature and sunshine. She would also wear a beautiful Kanzashi adorned with plenty of feathers and flowers."

"Wedding dresses these days are usually white," Mark interjects calmly.

Keira's face twists with shock, her eyes widening. "White? But that's such a boring color! How can this be? A bride's dress should be colorful and beautiful, just like a majestic peacock!"

Mark can't help but chuckle at Keira's passionate outburst. "You do understand that the peacocks you're talking about are all male, right?" he teases gently.

Keira's determination flares as she insists, "I cannot simply stand by and allow this. I am going to see Lady Lumina and discuss her wedding."

She moves to leave, but Mark gently intervenes, shaking his head and offering a word of caution. "I get it, you want to help Lumina have the best wedding ever. But remember, this is Lumina and Rock's wedding. I'm sure they've been planning this for a while. You should let them have their wedding their own way."

Keira pauses, considering Mark's words. Though her desire to ensure Lumina's happiness burns bright, she understands the importance of respecting their wishes. With a sigh, she relents, acknowledging the wisdom in Mark's advice.

Mark takes a moment to reflect on Keira's passionate reaction to Lumina's wedding plans. He then gathers the courage to broach a delicate subject. "Hey Keira," he begins tentatively, "do you maybe want to have a wedding of our own?"

Keira's expression shifts to one of confusion, prompting a chuckle from Mark as he clarifies his suggestion. "I know that our wedding wasn't the way you wanted. I have no idea how a Hanabishi-style wedding would be like. But if you want, we can have a do-over. We could invite everyone and have a wedding you always wanted. What do you say?"

Keira ponders Mark's suggestion, finding the idea appealing in many ways. Yet, despite her fondness for the idea of a Hanabishi-style wedding, she ultimately shakes her head in refusal. With a gentle sincerity, she explains, "As much as I would love to have a Hanabishi-style wedding, I prefer to cherish the one we already had. Our wedding holds a special place in my heart, and I wouldn't want to disrespect you by wishing for something different than what we shared."

Mark nods understandingly, though a hint of disappointment flickers in his eyes. He had hoped for the opportunity to marry Keira in the way she truly desired, to exchange vows and express his deepest feelings for her. He wanted to convey how their marriage was the greatest blessing in his life. Yet, if Keira is content with their past ceremony and hesitant to pursue another, he will need to seek another avenue to express the depths of his love for her.

As the days pass, the atmosphere in the valley becomes electrified with anticipation for Lumina's upcoming wedding. Everywhere Keira goes, she can hear snippets of excited chatter about the ceremony, and the air is alive with a sense of joyful anticipation. The villagers can't seem to stop talking about the event, discussing everything from the venue decorations to the menu for the reception.

Keira finds herself caught up in the infectious excitement, her own anticipation growing with each passing day. The prospect of witnessing a real wedding ceremony, something she had only ever heard about in stories or seen in paintings, fills her with a mix of nervousness and excitement. She imagines the grandeur of the occasion, the beautiful decorations, and the joyous celebration that will unfold.

As the wedding day draws nearer, Keira finds herself counting down the hours, unable to contain her excitement. She can't wait to witness Lumina and Rock exchange vows and begin their journey together as husband and wife. The anticipation builds with each passing moment, and Keira can hardly wait for the magical day to arrive.

On the day of the wedding, excitement fills the air as everyone in the valley makes their way to Mineral Town to attend Lumina's wedding at the quaint church. Keira feels a flutter of nerves mixed with anticipation as she enters the church, taking in the sight of the beautifully decorated venue.

As everyone takes their seat on the pews, Keira finds herself feeling a bit confused, as she's never attended a wedding before and is unfamiliar with the customs and rituals. She watches with wide eyes as the groom stands solemnly by the pastor, waiting for his bride to arrive.

The murmurs of the gathered guests fill the air, creating a gentle background buzz of excitement. Keira tries to follow along as best as she can, listening intently to the soft whispers and catching snippets of the ceremony hoping that she wouldn't do anything embarrassing.

Then, the strains of a wedding ballad fill the church, signaling the start of the ceremony. All eyes turn towards the entrance as the doors swing open, revealing Lumina stepping into the church, radiant in her wedding dress. Keira gasps softly at the sight, marveling at Lumina's beauty and elegance as she walks down the aisle towards her groom.

As Lumina glides down the aisle, Keira's gaze fixates on her stunning wedding dress, its pristine white fabric shimmering in the soft glow of the church's lights. Though initially skeptical of the traditional white hue, Keira finds herself captivated by the intricate lace detailing that adorns the bodice, delicate floral patterns weaving a tapestry of elegance. The dress hugs Lumina's slender figure, accentuating her graceful curves and cascading into a flowing train behind her. The fabric drapes effortlessly, catching the light in a mesmerizing dance of shimmer and shadow. Despite her reservations about the color, Keira can't deny the undeniable allure of the dress, its timeless style and luxurious material making Lumina look every bit the radiant bride. As she admires Lumina's ethereal beauty, Keira can't help but imagine herself adorned in a gown just as exquisite, the idea of donning such a dress igniting a newfound sense of excitement and possibility within her.

Lumina stands beside Rock, her radiant smile illuminating the room as Pastor Carter addresses the gathered guests. "Good day, everyone," he begins, his voice resonating with warmth and solemnity. "Today, we gather to witness the sacred union of our dear friends, Rock Samson and Lumina Starlynn, in holy matrimony under the supervision of the Harvest Lord and his goddesses. But before we embark on the exchange of vows, let us take a moment to reflect upon the sanctity and significance of marriage, as outlined in the sacred scriptures and give the couple a chance to share their own personal vows." With reverence, Pastor Carter opens the holy book, its pages whispering tales of love and devotion as he prepares to impart timeless wisdom to the assembled congregation.

The hushed murmurs of the guests fade into reverent silence. The pastor's voice, rich with solemnity, fills the air as he delves into the sacred scriptures, weaving tales of commitment, and the profound responsibilities that accompany the union of two souls in matrimony. For what feels like an eternity, the pastor's words resonate through the hallowed space, casting a spell of reverence upon all who listen. Finally, as the last echoes of his voice dissipate into the ether, he gently closes the book, allowing the couple to step forward and share their personal vows. With trembling hands and hearts overflowing with emotion, Rock and Lumina unfurl sheets of parchment, each bearing the story of their relationship and the journey that has led them to this sacred moment. As they exchange heartfelt words, the air hums with the palpable energy of their devotion, weaving an invisible bond that transcends time and space.

As Rock and Lumina exchange their heartfelt stories, Keira is swept away by the sincerity and depth of their lives together. Their stories of resilience, laughter, and shared moments resonate deeply with her, evoking memories of her own journey alongside Mark. Despite the stark differences in their backgrounds, the bond between Rock and Lumina serves as a beacon of the universal power to transcend barriers and unite hearts. In their union, Keira sees reflections of her own relationship, filled with its own trials and triumphs. As she witnesses their commitment to one another, she can't help but feel a profound sense of kinship with the couple, silently wishing them a lifetime of happiness and joy reminiscent of her own cherished moments with Mark.

"And now it's time for the wedding vows," declared Pastor Carter solemnly. He turned to Rock, his voice carrying across the hushed congregation. "Do you, Rock Samson, take Lumina as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold until death do you part?"

"I do," Rock's voice rang out confidently.

Pastor Carter then shifted his gaze to Lumina, his eyes gentle yet firm. "And do you, Lumina Starlynn, take Rock as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold until death do you part?"

With a serene smile, Lumina replied, "I do."

The pastor's nod signaled the culmination of their vows. "I shall now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

As Pastor Carter's words echoed through the church, Rock and Lumina shared a tender kiss, sealing their union with love and promise. Applause and cheers erupted from the guests, filling the sacred space with warmth and joy. The newlyweds stepped hand in hand outside, where they were met with a breathtaking sight.

Mineral Town now lays blanketed in a pristine coat of snow, shimmering under the soft glow of the Fall sun. Delicate flakes danced through the air, weaving intricate patterns as they descended from the heavens. The guests gasped in wonder at the magical scene unfolding before them, the crisp air tingling with the anticipation of the year's first snowfall.

Keira's heart races with excitement as she rushes ahead, leaving the wedding momentarily forgotten. With childlike wonder, she spins and twirls beneath the falling snow, her laughter ringing out like music in the crisp Winter air. The people around her giggle and smile, understanding the pure joy of experiencing something new outside of her previous life in the castle.

As Keira dances, she reaches out to catch a handful of snow, marveling at the delicate snowflakes resting in her palm. Each one is unique, forming intricate patterns that captivate her senses. In that moment, she realizes that the color white, often dismissed as plain or boring, can be truly beautiful. The purity of the snow, untouched and pristine, fills her with a sense of awe and wonder.

As she gazes at the swirling snowflakes, Keira's heart feels light and free, her earlier reservations about the color white melting away like snow in the spring. In this magical moment, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of her friends, Keira embraces the wonders of Winter with open arms, ready to discover all the joys that this new experience has to offer.

With a bashful smile, Keira rejoins the group, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment but her eyes sparkling with newfound excitement. She's grateful for the opportunity to experience the changing seasons beyond the walls of the castle, even if it means moments of spontaneity like her impromptu dance under the falling snow.

As the group gathers together once more, Lumina steps forward, her radiant smile lighting up the snowy landscape. With a playful twinkle in her eye, she tosses the bouquet to her friends, a symbol of love and happiness for whoever catches it. The bouquet arcs gracefully through the air, a flurry of colors against the backdrop of snowflakes, before landing in the waiting hands of one lucky recipient.

Laughter fills the air as the group celebrates, hearts warmed by the bonds of friendship and the promise of love that lingers in the snowy air. With Lumina and Rock's wedding ceremony behind them and the magic of the snowfall surrounding them, Keira, Mark and their friends eagerly anticipate the adventures that await them in the seasons to come.