Page 17

Lou and I spent hours stringing up lanterns, their soft glow now casting a warm, ethereal light over the scene. It's not the grand wedding Pamela deserves, but there's a wild beauty to it that feels right. This is us, unconventional, unexpected, but undeniably real.

My hands, usually so steady, tremble slightly as I adjust my tie. The suit feels foreign on my bulky frame, a reminder of how far I am from my mercenary days. But when I see my reflection in the still water of a nearby pool, I barely recognize myself. The orc staring back at me looks hopeful. Happy, even.

Father Michael's voice breaks through my reverie. "Are you ready, my son?"

Am I ready? To bind myself to Pamela, to promise her my heart, my protection, my very life? The answer comes without hesitation. "Yes, Father. I've never been more ready for anything."

As I take my place at our makeshift altar of a gnarled old cypress stump adorned with candles and flowers, a sense of peace settles over me. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together.

I catch movement from the corner of my eye. My breath catches in my throat as Pamela emerges from between the trees.

She's a vision in white, her dress simple yet elegant, flowing around her like water. She wove wildflowers into her dark hair, creating a crown of blooms that seems to glow in the soft light of the lanterns we've strung up. But it's the love shining in her eyes that truly takes my breath away.

Time seems to slow as she walks towards me. Each step brings her closer to our future, leaving behind the danger and uncertainty of the past weeks. I drink in every detail with the way the fabric of her dress rustles against the grass, the slight tremorin her hands as she clutches her bouquet, the radiant smile that lights up her entire face.

At this moment, I see flashes of our life together. Lazy Sunday mornings in bed, her laughter echoing through our home. Heated arguments that end in passionate reconciliations. Quiet nights spent planning our dreams. A future filled with love, adventure, and the family we'll build together.

As Pamela reaches me I extend my hand. Her fingers, so small and delicate compared to mine, intertwine with my own. The contrast of her soft skin against my calloused green palm is a stark reminder of our differences. But as I look into her eyes, I see only acceptance, only love.

"Hi," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion.

"Hi yourself," I reply, my voice gruff with unshed tears.

Father Michael clears his throat gently. "Shall we begin?"

Pamela and I turn to face him, our hands still clasped tightly together. The weight of the moment settles over us as two souls from different worlds, choosing to forge a life together against all odds.

As Father Michael begins the ceremony, his words fading into the background hum of the bayou, I'm struck by the enormity of what we're doing. This isn't just a wedding. It's a declaration, to ourselves, to the world, that love can bridge any gap, overcome any obstacle.

Father Michael clears his throat, drawing our attention. He looks nervous but determined as he begins the ceremony. "Dearly beloved," he starts, his voice growing stronger with each word. "We are gathered here today in the sight of God and nature to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony."

As he speaks, I tune out the words, lost in Pamela's eyes. I see our journey reflected there, the danger, the fear, but also the love and the strength we've found in each other.

Then it's time for our vows. We speak from the heart, no rehearsed words. Father Michael nods encouragingly, a warm smile on his face.

I take a deep breath, my voice rough with emotion as I begin. "Pamela," I say, squeezing her hands gently, "I never believed in fate until I met you. You've seen me at my worst, at my most dangerous, and you're still here. You make me want to be better, to be worthy of your love. I vow to protect you, to cherish you, to stand by your side no matter what comes. You're my mate, my heart, my home. And I will love you fiercely, completely, for all of my days."

Tears glisten in Pamela's eyes as she speaks, her voice clear and strong despite the emotion I can see on her face. "Koda, my fierce protector, my unexpected love. You crashed into my life like a storm, turning everything upside down. But in the chaos, I found myself. I found strength I never knew I had, and a love I never dreamed possible. I vow to support you, to challenge you, to love every part of you – the warrior and the gentle soul beneath. Whatever battles we face, we'll face them together. You're my safe harbor, my adventure, my forever. I love you, all of you, always."

Father Michael looks between us, a mix of awe and understanding on his face. I can see he's beginning to grasp the depth of our bond, the uniqueness of our union.

We exchange rings of simple bands carved from cypress wood, engraved with symbols meaningful to us both. As I slide the ring onto Pamela's finger, I feel the mating bond between us pulse and strengthen. It's like an electric current running through my body, binding us together in ways that go beyond the physical.

"By the power vested in me by the Holy Church and the state of Louisiana," Father Michael says, his voice ringing out clear and strong, "I now pronounce you husband and wife." Hepauses, a twinkle in his eye as he adds, "You may kiss your bride."

I don't need to be told twice. I pull Pamela close, one hand cupping her face as I kiss her with all the passion and love I possess. She's mine now, in every way that matters. And I'm hers.

As we break apart, breathless and grinning, I see Father Michael dabbing at his eyes with a handkerchief. "In all my years," he says, "I've never seen a love quite like this. May God bless and keep you both."

Lou, standing off to the side as our witness, clears his throat gruffly. "About damn time," he grumbles, but there's no hiding the smile on his face or the suspiciously wet gleam in his eyes.

The world outside our little clearing still exists. Dangers still lurk in the shadows, waiting for a moment of weakness. But at this moment, with my mate in my arms and our bond humming between us, none of that matters.

We've faced death and came out stronger. We've bridged the gap between two worlds as human and orc, and found something beautiful in the middle. Whatever comes next, we'll face it together.

As the night deepens around us, stars twinkling through the canopy of trees, I hold Pamela close. The sounds of the bayou with the chorus of frogs, the rustle of wind through the cypress create a symphony around us. It's not a traditional wedding march, but it's perfect for us.

Let them try to tear us apart now. We're bound by love, by choice, and by a power older than time itself. Pamela and Koda, human and orc, two halves of a whole.