Tala was only vaguely paying attention to the Priest. He was doing a good enough job, but it was clear he was more grand standing for the crowd for his own popularity, more than doing anything for their benefit. That might have made her angry on any other day. Today? She was willing to let it go. This wasn't the real ceremony anyway, so she could hardly blame him.
Pashas words made it hard for her to keep composure. She only let fall a single tear, which Pasha helpfully wiped away with a warm smile.
It was her turn to speak. She raised Pashas hands in her own.
"Pasha.
You have shown me true happiness-and understanding, strength, closeness and honesty...in a world that often seems so cold and dark. You have stood beside me, even when I did not do the same. You brought me out of that dark place I was, and gave me everything I could ever have hoped for, asking for nothing in return. We are bonded, closer than any two can be-heart, mind, body and soul.
Today, I return your gifts, unconditionally. I will stand with you now, in love-war and peace, good times and bad.
Forever and ever, my Love."
Together they faced the Priest. Tala smiled. Vows. She had taken only a few of them in her life. To various gangs and cults in her early years, to the Dragon Empire, to Laythe...This was the first one she wanted to take.
Her overeager eyes flicked once to the rooftops, where eager hands awaited the signal. The street children had been hired in droves to let fly thousands of green rose petals from baskets and bags into the city square, as soon as the cheer rose up-a storm of jade silk...and there was such a good breeze blowing in today...