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Memories	By : Asirainis Category: +A through F > Dragon Quest/ Dragon Warrior Views: 1616 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Quest VIII, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Memories
Chapter Forty Eight: Happiness for Airlia and Marcello
Time had passed as everyone slowly went their own ways, except for Airlia who remained in Trodain with her brother and his love, Princess Medea. Yangus had gone into business with Red, having patched up their relationship. Marcello had remained with her, true to his word a changed man. She was hoping that he would be proposing to her soon, as she saw the love in his eyes ever present when he smiled at her. Trode had tried, unsuccessfully to break the marriage between the two kingdoms. However, other thoughts captured her mind as she sighed softly, losing herself to her memories. She giggled as she mentally filled in what she hadn't known at the time of the memories.

Airlia thought with pride about how much Marcello had changed. No task had been too menial for him, as he did it without a second thought. Shaking from her reverie, Airlia had been sitting with Medea, as the two women began to sing a melody that was part of the kingdom's heritage for as long as Medea could recall. The pair had a rare moment that they were able to just relax together. The wedding between the two kingdoms were slowly approaching, still three months away. The girls had just finished singing as Airlia sighed softly. Medea gave a sneaky grin to the girl next to her. She knew what Airlia was waiting for and was delighted to keep the secret of knowing that he had already sought the approval of Francisco, King Clavius and of her own father. While Airlia's uncle, Medea had heard that while he was the hardest to convince. Marcello had been able to do it after he went through the royal hunting grounds for an argon heart. Airlia had been kept preoccupied by spending the day with her, and then with Francisco later on when Marcello wanted to approach King Trode.
A knock came to the door, "My princess and my lady, may I enter?"
His smooth voice came rolling into the room. Medea looked at Airlia and when she nodded, Medea called out, "Of course Marcello." Marcello came in and tried hard to hide the gasp when he saw her in a ravishing gown that was sapphire blue with silver trim. It was off the shoulder, with sleeves that went just past her wrist. It tapered to her middle finger on both hands and looped about that finger. The skirt went down to the floor, while showing off every curve of her body with dignity. Over the skirt was a translucent silver sheath – glittering like stars. He came up to her as he smiled into her beautiful brown eyes.
"My lady, may we talk somewhere?" Airlia smiled and nodded. She waved to Medea as the pair left her to go to Airlia's room.
Once they were safely ensconced in there, he looked at her tenderly. "Airlia, truly you look so beautiful. Now I have something to ask of you, my love."
Airlia smiled brightly as she looked at Marcello, "What is it Marcello, my love?" She thought about everything that they had gone through and just felt her heart fill so completely with joy. The fact that Angelo and Marcello had finally grown to appreciate what they had not what they thought should be theirs by right. When Marcello saw her sitting, he smiled as he fished into his pocket for the ring.
Gripping it with reverence, he spoke, "Airlia, when we first met, it was because I tried to protect you from a goon trying to attack you and your father."
She smiled as she thought about it, "We had a lot of good times, and quite a few bad times. Now, I've been given the biggest wake up call I could ever receive. The moment I saw that creature try to take you, it awoke in me a desire to protect you. When the rope broke in the pit that we set to free everyone from, I could only fear for your safety. When the ground fell out from under you, all I could think about was not letting go of your hand. I questioned myself after that, 'why?' The response was simple, 'because without her, you are only a shell of a man.'"
His gaze was filled with love as he continued, "Then the next response came, 'With her around, you feel whole… complete.' When I thought you were dead… I felt my world die with me. When you came back, only then did I feel like I could continue existing in this world, trying to be the best I can be for myself. Would you give me the honor of being my wife?" He kneeled down before her, as he held the ring out, for her to see.
The ring didn't matter to her as she nodded to him. "I will Marcello! I'd be honored to be your wife!"
She leapt off the bed and into his open arms as she hugged him tightly to her. He relished the feel of her body against him, having longed for it for years but then truly being with her by her own decision made it feel so much more… amazing, special. He slipped the ring onto her finger as she gazed at it before realizing the ring on her finger had a peculiar red stone to it… "Is this an argon heart?!"
He nodded with a smile, "I went to not only your father and to our king, but I went to your uncle. He forced me to go to the royal hunting grounds where I had to hunt for an argon heart if I wanted his permission to marry you. When I found the perfect one, I showed it to him and he merely smiled. He accepted me and had fashioned it into a ring fit for his niece."
She blushed as she nodded. "I have enough acceptances, but I'm hoping that Munchie… Chen Mui… might come to his normal form and allow me to ask him for the right as well."
She nodded as they got up and shared one single kiss, which made it worthwhile to him. He felt his heart swell with love as they sought out Draco with a smile. Airlia held her hands behind her back as Draco called Munchie out to be their grandfather for once. "My granddaughter and grandson back together again, it makes my heart soar."
Marcello bowed to the elder in the room, "Chen Mui, I would like the right to ask Airlia to be my wife. Do I have your blessing?"
Chen Mui looked at the man before him, "I saw everything Draco saw, which included how you drove such fear into her that she would wake up in tears." Marcello had the grace to bow his head, however, before he could say anything Chen Mui continued. "However, you have shown me how much you care for my granddaughter, by turning your attitude around and helping everyone out. When she fainted, you caught her and carried her with reverence to the bed. You never forced your feelings on her when she slept in the Sanctuary. You protected her brother from dying in battle during that fight with Rhapthorne. I give you my blessing Marcello."
Marcello smiled brighter as Draco held his hand out, "Welcome to the family brother! I will not call you my in-law." Marcello clasped his hand happily as Chen Mui became a mouse once more and crawled into Draco's pocket.
Marcello turned to Airlia, "My love, King Clavius said if we wish, because you are technically a princess of Argonia that he would like to provide the ceremony – especially since he knows we wish for a small ceremony."
Airlia frowned in thought, "I'm still going to talk to him about Medea, because technically Draco is a prince of Argonia. He just doesn't want the throne. He didn't listen to Trode, but he might listen to me…"
Marcello nodded, "I can only hope that he will listen, she deserves to be happy like we are my darling." Airlia nodded as they embraced tightly in joy of being with one another.

Airlia grinned excitedly when she looked around her room to see the beloved wedding dress as she recalled Elsie's visit. It had been a fun visit that day as the woman took her size and did a whole new sketch of the dress for her. She giggled as she thought about the suit for Marcello, and how close he had come to seeing her dress.

Elsie had come in; with the picture of the dress that Airlia had helped her to sketch before. "Before I create the dress, I wanted to make sure if you needed any further alterations for the wedding." Airlia looked at it and smiled at Elsie.
Airlia smiled as she said, "Can we do this over Elsie?"
The blonde haired woman looked up, studying her intently with blue eyes, "Let's do it! I love a good challenge!" The pair smiled as she began to sketch out a gown. Using the basic layout of the shimmering dress, she made it pure white with a two foot train. She added a silvery translucent overlay over the skirt, and along the train. The sleeves went to her wrists, tapering down to her middle finger on both hands. She added silvery beads along the bustier to reflect the light, and she changed the ruffle along the top of the dress that wrapped around her shoulders to a silvery silk.
Elsie looked at the drawing it when she was finished, "It's beautiful Airlia!"
A knock on the door came, as she heard Marcello's voice on the other side. "Airlia, Elsie, would either of you like some lunch?" Elsie quickly squirreled away the sketch as both women responded that they would. He opened the door and came in with a tray holding two plates of stew with some bread on the side.
He set it down as he kissed Airlia's cheek. "I hope the planning is going well Air."
A brilliant smile from Airlia said much – even though she responded, "Yes. We just finished the sketching of my dress. Elsie is happy to make a suit for you of the same color scheme."
Marcello smiled softly as he nodded, "I would like that very much. However, I have a few minor details to see Trode and your uncle about you my dear. Forgive me?" Airlia nodded with a smile as he left her.
Elsie gave her a mysterious smile as the pair set about his measurements. Airlia grinned, "I had one of his suits that fits him perfectly squirreled away over here to ensure that it would fit him perfectly." She got up from their sitting spot and went to her dresser. The bottom drawer held his blue uniform that Airlia knew he would never miss because he had another five of them in his room.
Airlia grinned as she brought it over to Elsie who took her measurements, noted it on a separate paper, and tucked that one away, before pulling out the bridal dress sketch again. She took the woman's measurements, and when she was satisfied she had every measurement she needed, she tucked away the dress schematics into the bag before pulling out Marcello's suit sheet and began to sketch it. "Shall we do a standard jacket, rather than a half jacket like he's always wearing?"
Airlia nodded as she said, "Yes and no tail please."
Elsie nodded with a giggle, "I fully agree. She made the suit silver with white lining, opposite to Airlia, but yet somehow complementary, setting off the white dress shirt beneath it." Elsie smiled as she drew out the suit for him to wear and when Airlia saw it, she nodded in agreement with a light blush gracing her cheeks.
Elsie couldn't help but gush, "I'm so happy Airlia that you're marrying for love. I was afraid that he would never see how to truly love." Airlia nodded in agreement and smiled.

Airlia blinked as she came back to the present on the ship, staring out at the ocean as she lost herself to her memories one more time.

She had been sitting in her room, finishing up the last of her invitations as she heard a knock on her door. "Yes? Who is it?"
She responded as she heard a familiar deep voice. "It's your Uncle Clavius, may I come in?"
Airlia smiled as she responded with pure joy. "Of course Uncle Clavius, I'll be right there!" She got up from her small desk where the pile of invitations sat on the upper right corner of her desk.
Smoothing her simple green dress out, she rushed to the doors to allow her uncle entry. However, he wasn't alone. Airlia smiled as she saw her brother with him. "Hey Air, I know you've been working on the invitations, have you finished them?"
She nodded as she said, "Just finished the last one just now. I've bundled the ones together who are going to the same region or town. I have one for both Raquel and Alistair, if you don't find them in Alexandria, then try Port Prospect."
He nodded as she quickly sifted for the ones to her uncle and cousin, before handing him the small bundle. He grinned as he said, "I'll be back in a few hours, gonna go zip these over to their respective recipients."
Airlia smiled back at her brother, "Thanks Draco. I'll save you the trouble of going to Argonia, as Uncle Clavius is right here."
Nodding, her brother ducked out as she turned to her Uncle and frowned. In the short time that she had known him, he seemed to have visibly age a decade before her eyes. "Uncle, what's the matter?"
She asked, concerned for his wellbeing. He nodded, "I worry my son will never be mature enough, and I don't want to burden you with my woes, especially not as your wedding is drawing so close."
She gave him a small smile, "Uncle, if there is ever anything I can help with, you just ask it of me okay?"
He nodded as she handed him the two envelopes. He frowned, "I will certainly be there, but Charmles will not. I appreciate you trying to do something nice for him when he hasn't been nice to you Airlia."
She nodded as he continued. "I am arranging for the Lord High Priest Rolo to preside over your ceremony, so you don't need to worry about that."
Airlia smiled as she nodded, "Thank you Uncle. I've been trying to get so much done. Elsie helped with the gown and the tux for everyone in the wedding party. Father's going to walk me down the aisle with Munchie in his pocket, my grandfather in the form he has to keep while on earth. Medea will be my Maid of Honor while Jessica is my bridesmaid. Draco was picked to be the groomsman while Angelo is the best man. I've asked in my invitation to Alistair and Raquel to be my ring bearer and flower woman. Normally the role is set for children but Alistair has helped me so much, and Raquel means so much to him." Clavius smiled as he nodded in agreement.
The blond king decided to pull out his surprise for his niece early. "My dear, I've ordered two of my finest sea faring vessels to take everyone from the wedding party to Savella Cathedral. On the way there, the men will be on one ship while the women will be on the other. Your father will take care of Marcello, while I will be on the ship you are on. When the wedding is over, one ship will return everyone save you and your husband back to Trodain while the other will take it's time and give you a honeymoon where it is just the two of you, and a skeletal crew so you can enjoy time to just the two of you." Airlia looked at her uncle in amazement before she rushed to him to give him an embrace. After a moment, he returned the hug as he was unused to affection with his son being as distant and selfish as he was.
With the transport set, the dresses and suits in production, invitations were out; Airlia felt quite accomplished that day. She could only hope that her wedding wouldn't be interrupted.

Airlia smiled as she returned to the present, feeling the ocean air caress her cheek as she gazed out at the water. The day had come all too fast as she spared a glance at King Clavius. She could see something troubling him, as she just wished she knew what it was. She went from her place by the rail to King Clavius, on the top part of the ship, where the first mate was controlling the ship. "A gold coin for your thoughts Uncle Clavius?"
He blinked before refocusing on his niece. "Airlia?"
She gave him a smile that reminded him of his brother as he sighed heavily. "Follow me. I don't want it as common word."
She nodded as they went to the Captain's quarters. "May we use your room for a moment Captain?" The man looked at the king before nodding and vacating the small room. He shut the door and made sure it wouldn't open easily. He sat down on the chair with a second heavy sigh.
"I've been thinking of what King Trode asked of me. My son, I know now will never be ready to marry a woman of Princess Medea's caliber. But I know that our parents had promised a match between our children. I just don't know what to do…"
Airlia smiled with a nod. "Uncle Clavius, my brother and I are technically royalty of Argonia as you yourself have admitted – but we don't want the throne. We don't want to upset your people."
He nodded, "I've been giving that a heavy amount of thought. I was going to talk to Trode while you ladies were getting ready for the ceremony about possibly arranging a wedding between Medea and Draco. But they wouldn't be able to rule over the Argonian throne. Do you think your brother would truly be okay with that?"
Airlia's smile brightened, "I got to know him from our travels, regardless of not knowing that he was my brother. With that knowledge I could say with complete certainty… He would actually be quite relieved of that. The people of Trodain know, love and respect him. Medea loves him and he loves her."
The reluctant king nodded, "I suspected that. I will call it off, and arrange for them to marry in the place of my son. Since the ceremony is already set and slated, it would be a short engagement…"
Airlia grinned, "I think they would like that uncle."
She gave him a gentle embrace as he sighed, "You somehow came out with a great head on your shoulders. If my son is ever unable to take the throne because of his immaturity, I may have to call on you my niece. Since of course Princess Medea and Draco will be ruling over Trodain."
She nodded with a smile, "I hope it never comes to that, but I understand uncle."
They heard a knock on the door, "My liege, we are nearing the coast of Savella Cathedral."
King Clavius turned to Airlia, "Please say nothing until I have spoken with Trode."
Airlia nodded to Clavius, "Of course Uncle, however, when Marcello and I are on our honeymoon, I must speak to him of the worry you have for your kingdom. Since it involves us both after all, not just me at that point – I hope you understand."
He nodded as he said, "I would expect no less my niece, just nothing of the other matter."
The pair left the quarters as they watched the horizon approach. Airlia stood next to Medea with a smile, "I'm so glad you're able to be in my wedding Princess Medea."
Medea turned to Airlia with a smile, "After all you did for us, and I'm honored to be asked." The remainder of the ride was silent as the girls were ushered into a tent off to the side to be changed into their dresses. Medea and Jessica were dressed in golden versions of the shimmering dress, without any embellishments.
When everyone was ready, Airlia sighed, agitated and excited to be getting married. Medea placed a calming hand on her shoulder as Jessica smiled. "We've gotten through so much together, and a short time from now, you're going to be Marcello's wife. I know you must be excited!"
Airlia grinned at Jessica with a nod, "Yes, I'm truly thrilled about all of it. I'm just so grateful that everything came out the way that it did. I used to be terrified of him but now; I'm just looking forward to being his wife."
A short time later, Francisco's voice called out, "So, are the ladies in the tent all ready for the ceremony?"
Airlia responded, excited. "Yes father. We're all dressed and ready father."
He came in, looking immaculate in his white tux, with Munchie in his right pocket. "Father of the bride wishes to have a moment with his daughter; you all are welcome to stay here."
She smiled as he embraced her. "I've set about adopting your brother since he is flesh and blood to you. Rolo took care of it in a matter of moments for us."
Airlia smiled as she embraced him tighter still. "Thank you father."
He looked at her and smiled as he set the golden tiara on her head first, then grabbed the veil and tucked it just behind her tiara, bringing it down to cover her face. "My daughter, your veil is to prevent you from looking on your future husband until after the vows are said." The remainder of the veil went behind her, along her hair that had been left untouched by anything more than a mere brush. Once she was set with her veil, the others came in for their bouquets. Medea was a mixture of baby's breath, forget-me-nots and yellow gardenias. Jessica held a bouquet of baby's breath, yellow hibiscus and lilacs. Airlia gathered her bouquet, of lilacs, thorn less red roses – half of which were in full bloom and others were still closed with baby's breath and ivy before leaving for the cathedral. Francisco aided his daughter with knowing where steps were since the veil left it hard to discern. She took a deep breath before the doors opened, revealing the people seated within. When Marcello saw her appear at the doorway, his breath caught in his throat as he stared in awe at her. As father and daughter walked down the aisle, Airlia couldn't make out much, just shadows through the thick veil. When she arrived at the altar, butterflies formed in her stomach as her father gently squeezed her elbow, signaling that she was on her own.
Rolo smiled at Airlia, because she had given up much to save the world and now she was having her dream wedding. He hadn't believed one could change so much, but Marcello had happily proved him wrong, much to Rolo's delight. So he wasn't about to let anyone wreck their wedding. Smiling with pride at the couple, he began the ceremony to unite them forevermore…

"Dearly beloved… we are gathered today to celebrate the wedding between Marcello Adon and Airlia Francis. These two have known each other for years. Even though they started out nicely, there were some… bumps in the road…" The group before him chuckled lightly at his words for a moment before he continued, "However, things have seemed to settle down and now they are going down the road to a union of happy matrimony. "
"Now, if anyone sees a reason these two should not be married, may they speak now, or forever hold their peace…"

Airlia and Marcello held their breaths as they waited for the inevitable man or woman to try and step in. After a minute of silence, Rolo continued, much to Airlia's relief.

"Marcello, do you promise to love, to hold, and to cherish Airlia with every fiber of your being?'
Marcello gave Airlia's hand a squeeze, "I do."
"Airlia, do you promise to love, to hold, and to cherish Marcello with every fiber of your being?"
Airlia gave Marcello's hand a squeeze in response. "I do."
"Now Marcello, you may say your vows…"

Marcello stared at what he hoped was Airlia's face, just below the crown of the veil as he began.

"Airlia, we have been through so much together, both good and bad. I am grateful to have a second chance with you. I, Marcello, promise to love you, in sickness and in health, in richness or in poor, until the end of time."

Airlia blushed lightly under the veil as she knew it was her turn to say her vows.

"Marcello, we have been through much, both good and bad. I, too, am grateful for the second chance at life, and with love. I, Airlia, promise to love you, in sickness and in health, in richness and in poor, until the end of time."

They had agreed to not say 'till death do us part…' since they felt their spirits would be together even beyond death.

"Then, by the power vested in me by the Holy Goddess, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride Marcello."

Marcello needed no further prompting as he lifted the veil, sitting it behind her head; he felt his breathing stop for a moment as he gazed at her. She had no embellishment on her face, or in her hair, leaving her so much more beautiful than he could have ever painted in his wildest dreams. She gazed at him as he tilted her head up and their lips met in the first kiss they shared as husband and wife.
With their kiss shared, the group before them cheered as Medea and Jessica came to Airlia to congratulate her, while the men were congratulating Marcello.
The rest of the night went by in a blur for Airlia as everyone ate and danced the night away. Airlia smiled as the time came for them to go away for a short time while preparations came for Medea's wedding. Airlia smiled as she found her maid of honor, "Don't fret Medea. You've both gone through too much, I'm sure it will work itself out. Never lose hope. Marcello and I will be there, I promise that."
Medea gave her a tearful smile. "Thanks Airlia, it means everything to me for the both of you to be there." Airlia smiled brightly as Marcello came to sweep her away for the night as the pair went on one ship, leaving the others to the second ship. The captain nodded with a smile as they sailed for their home back at Trodain.
Airlia turned to Marcello, still in her wedding finery as he just gazed at her. "Marcello, can we talk for a moment?"
He smiled and nodded, "My uncle spoke with me, promised me to secrecy with regards to Medea, Trode and Draco. However, I am free to speak with you about another matter after we were married and on our way to our honeymoon."
Marcello raised his eyebrows in surprise as he said, "What is it Airlia? Must be pretty serious."
Airlia nodded before pointing to the cabin. "Let us go inside and talk there my love." He nodded as they went into the cabin before he locked the door. After making sure it wouldn't open, he went to sit down at the table where Airlia was.
Debating about how to go about her uncle's concern – she decided to just launch into the matter. "My Uncle said if my cousin doesn't mature before long – then he wants us to consider taking the throne. He would prefer his own son to run the country, but not at the suffering of his people due to his lack of maturity."
Marcello drew his breath in sharply as he questioned, "Is Prince Charmles that bad?"
She nodded, "When Medea was cursed into a horse, and apparently he whipped her for not allowing his heavy weight on her back. He also called Trode a freak at that time too as I recall."
Marcello frowned, "A prince shouldn't be calling people freaks considering it could be something like what happened to Trode before, or even a birth defect… As for whipping a horse that wasn't his to begin with…"
Airlia nodded as she continued, "I told Uncle Clavius I had to discuss it with you, because I would never ask it of you without at least discussing it first."
He nodded as he looked at her thoughtfully, "If it comes to it, I will be happy to support you. I'm sure I'd be a prince consort to you as you are rightfully a princess."
Airlia's eyes turned misty, "That's why I think he is doing this. I took them to see Eltrio's grave and Charmles was being his usual bratty self, and utterly disrespectful to me, his own cousin in front of their grave."
Marcello looked angry, "He didn't hurt you did he?"
Airlia shook her head negatively, "No, just feelings – nothing that doesn't heal with time."
Marcello calmed himself down because she needed him now, and for him to be there for her it required that he had to remain level headed. "Then let us not speak of this any further. Any bridge we need to cross, we will do so when it is time. Would you like to get some rest beloved?"
Airlia nodded, "Yes, this day has been quite… amazing and it left me unfortunately exhausted." Airlia went to the divider to change into a nightgown, one of pure white silk, covering her modestly going down to just below her knees. She blushed as she saw it had no sleeves, meaning she would be snuggling with her husband for warmth as she giggled softly. "Marcello, are you changed?" She called softly to him, enjoying the idea of lying with him to stay warm.
She heard the bed covers shift as he said, "Yes my love. I don't want you getting cold sweetheart."
Taking a deep breath to steady her, she came from behind the screen as she looked at the bed to see Marcello there. Looking at him Airlia saw her husband was laying on his side, looking at her while he appeared to be barely breathing. "Marcello?" She asked him with worry in her voice.
He merely smiled as a blush tinted his cheeks deep red. Smiling the brunette got into bed and shivered at the thought of being so close to him like this. "Sorry Air… it's just that seeing you just like that has left me breathless simply because you're truly beautiful. We'll go at your pace my love for everything." Airlia smiled as she nuzzled into his embrace. As they slowly showed one another through simple touches and caresses that slowly turned into a romantic night for them both, consummating their marriage.
Night gave way to day as they arrived at Trodain and swept away to their room, which used to be Airlia's room as the townspeople converted it while the pair had been away.
Their honeymoon had lasted a week before the wedding of Medea came, drawing them away from their room. Airlia could only hope that Trode knew the truth, because as each day passed, Medea became more and more ill by the minute thinking of whom she would be marrying.
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Memories