That night on top of the world I would have the most restful sleep of my life. When I woke with my beloved lupa in my arms I felt whole, refreshed as if I had basked in the Waters of Life.

  Provence shared that she felt the same as we had our breakfast. A rather simple morning meal by the standards of most, but an ample one consisting of: a big loaf of brown bread made of whole grain, butter, cheese, salt, milk and some local variety of black tea as well as a jam made out of a rare berry that only grew in the mountains inside of Kjerag.

  We enjoyed our meal until there was barely anything left on the wooden plate. And we couldn't have felt more content by the simplicity of the menu which was in contrast rich with natural flavour. The window besides the table gave off a sharp, cold white light. Blooming through most of the room. Gazing out as we munched we could enjoy the splendour of Kjerag. Mighty mountains all around like pillars of eternity, perpetually wrapped in pure white snow. The lands spread vastly below us. It was a sight that felt empowering and uplifting to the soul.

  As we left to meet with our host, walking through the stone hallways, Ensia had appeared. Jumping onto Provence exuberantly. They mingled like two lovely animals and were obviously close friends by it. She was surprised herself that we beat her to the sacred sanctuary. Her having arrived just a few hours short after we went to sleep this very early morning.

  -Hello there Ensia.

  -Hey space cowboy!

  -''Space cowboy?'' Inquired Provence, curious of this nickname she gave me.

  -He's a hot shot cowboy in battle. And when he's not, he looks like he's meditating with his mind lost deep in space.

  -''Ah, well, you kinda nailed it spot on then.'' Concurred Provence with an amused smile at me.

  -Speaking of. I heard you nailed this cowboy into marriage, congrats you both!

  -Heheh, thank you. I hope you'll be attending today.

  -I would be your maid of honour if you'd let me!

  -Is there such a thing in the Kjeragian custom of marriage?

  -Mmmm no, but something close enough to it.

  -''We'd like to have your company in this ceremony Ensia. Are there any other friends that are supposed to appear?'' I interjected.

  -You're referring to my brother? No. In fact, I only found out when I arrived that you were here.

  -I see.

  -Were you hoping for a bigger attendance?

  -No. I'd prefer it small and private.

  The morning came and passed. The sun was high up in the sky as noon was coming closer. We were given a set of ceremonial clothes to wear each. They were beautifully ornamental with many details. Along with attached beads, feathers and a few Kjeragian talismans that only the locals could have known their meaning. Kjerr herself came to see us properly dressed. She inducted us into some of the details on how the ceremony would proceed.

  -''Just so you don't feel too out of the setting.'' Added Kjerr.

  -''We're glad for your help, but aren't we robbing you of time better spent on helping our great priestess prepare?'' Asked Provence as Kjerr was tending to her like a diligent mother almost.

  -I wouldn't worry about it. There's not much to prepare on her end. Besides, Ensia is with her. It's good to let them have some private sister time between themselves now and then. Especially since it's seldom they reunite.

  -Well, your help is appreciated. I don't think I could ever get the hang of tying this winter dress around my back as it should be.

  -''Let me help you. You know, would you mind if I asked how you two got together? I think we skipped on that part yesterday.'' Asked Kjerr.

  -Ah, well. It happened... after I woke up from my coma. Tacet had saved my life, brought me back to the landship. And when I did wake he couldn't hide what he felt anymore. Not after so close to losing me.

  -A story worth putting into the scriptures I would say. He struck you then with his deed?

  -He struck my liking even before. It was just... after that I couldn't hold back anymore.

  -''Sounds like life gave you a rough nudge in the right direction.'' Said Kjerr.

  -Heh, you can say that. Though it was too close for comfort.

  -Something tells me it broke down the last barrier of apprehension that he might have had.

  I looked at Kjerr curiously. Having the strong sensation that she knew much more than she let go of. Yet how could she be aware of such things that were never spoken except between me and Provence? I was possibly reading too much with my paranoia. Even so, I felt an odd sensation about this strange and seemingly all wise maid.

  Surprisingly the sky was filled with an ocean of white clouds, however they were all at a far distance in the south, west and north. As if giving this region a wide berth to be basked fully in the weak but warming rays of the summer sun. The wind blew gently. The air it brought was fresh, invigorating. And it was pleasant a day as could be in this time of year, as Enya would tell us.

  -Kjeragandr must be beholding upon your union, for the weather is seldom unexpectedly tame as it is today.

  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  We were at a wide mountain terrace where I was reunited with Provence after she'd been taken for a maiden's final preparations. Including a long and warm bath from their special hot spring. Not gonna lie, I wish the tradition demanded the man take one of those as well, but I wouldn't complain. Things were going well, and I liked it that way. She was now coming forth accompanied by Kjerr and Ensia. Bedecked in a traditional but in a way still fashionable attire that made her look majestic... pure, and almost unworthy of a man such as myself. I pushed that last thought aside as she came by my side. Her hair was beautifully braided in two lines that threaded into one.

  -''The wind is kind, and caresses you both.'' Said Kjerr.

  -''The last rays of summer engulfs in the light that clears the souls of darkness and doubt. In this day of Friday you were fortuitous to arrive Provence, Tacet.'' Picked up Enya before she continued.

  -So let us commence this binding of two souls in good will.

  For some reason I haven't found it awkward as I would have expected of such ceremonies. Past experiences with some of my more religious kin when I was younger were always queer to me. Yet here I felt at ease, at peace even. The air of it all just felt right, and the intimate number of people avoided it being overbearing.

  Enya recited the rites of her religion, invoking her deity's blessing. She rang the bell as she spoke. And as she did so a gentle breeze stronger than the others blew onto us. Engulfing us in a sense of freshness.

  I guess Kjeragandr spoke to Enya's calling. And at that thought I found it heartening that there were still truly benevolent higher beings on Terra. Surrounded as we were by the uncaring and chaotic void of beyond. The priestess came to us and asked our names. Provence was beckoned first and she answered. Enya's gaze then turned to me.

  -Who would you be, to be granted the willing bond with her soul?

  -That would be I, Cassiel of the Avenarius.

  -A strong name, may she bear it well.

  The ceremony proceeded thus, and we were bonded in ancient Kjeragian tradition. As it neared its finale we were handed each a small, decoratively carved talisman on a leather armband and an intricately crafted ring as proof of our bonding. I took my lupa's arm and saw her looking at me, expectantly, lovingly. As I held her hand and wrapped the talisman around it I could feel her pulse. Her excitement palpable under that calm and collected demeanour as I slid onto her the wedding ring. She would be, the same as I at this moment of happening in our lives.

  It was not expected of us to hold onto them if we didn't want, as Enya later told us. ''Since the ceremony itself and your willing love was what truly was needed for Kjeragandr to bond your souls.'' as Enya had said. Even so, they were special to us. And we took to wearing them as a normality of our everyday life. Provence was more than gratified at the event. Shortly after we all took to a small private feast for the occasion on the same terrace, as the weather continued to hold with us.

  A large, massive wooden table was brought by temple serfs, along with everything else quite swiftly at the beckoning of the Karlan Saintess's personal aid. The table was filled with native delicacies such as salmon dish, sweet rolls, brown bread baked with herbs, honey-glazed root vegetables, salted caramel apples, dried fruits, blod kaker cakes and Elderflower pancakes with assorted wild berries. I ate heartily as we all basked in the sun. The girls talking eagerly between themselves and coming up to date with everything they knew of. Including the matter of how my relationship with Provence kickstarted which we told Kjerr first hand. Not that I minded. It was a stream that flowed well, and I didn't mind it being now known.

  -''Where are you planning on setting towards from here?'' Asked Ensia.

  -There are a few places I researched beforehand. But since you know this land like the back of your palm maybe you'd have a few suggestions?

  -Hmmm. Depends, are you into mountain climbing?

  -More into mountain hiking, but we won't be deterred if it involves only a bit of climbing as well.

  -''Then maybe I have something in mind.'' Ensia spoke before pointing at a nondescript mountain far out in the east.

  -''It's named the Glittering Warden. Few dared to try to overcome it. Only two had reached to conquer its peak. One being yours truly.'' Puffed out a proud Ensia.

  -''Sounds like a challenge if only two managed to reach its summit so far in history.'' I added.

  -Not really. It's a challenge only for the last few hundred meters. You can see how wide it is even from here. It has no trail, but most of that length is hikeable instead of climbable.

  -''Why is it named the Glittering Warden? Sounds like a colourful name for a mighty mountain.'' Inquired Provence.

  -''That mountain is close to the border of our realm. One at its peak would have a vast view before them to keep a watch on the mountain chain of our eastern border. And even be able to see some of the land beyond Kjerag.

  -As for the glittering part, it is said that the first hiker who conquered its peak on his way down found a blue glittering jewel. Though that part is more myth that truth.'' Ended Ensia.

  -''It is truth.'' Enya suddenly interjected, gathering all of our attention. ''That same man eighty years ago came back from that mountain to this temple. To gift that same jewel to the high priestess then.

  -''Wow. Did he impress her?'' Asked an interested Provence.

  -''From what was passed as gossip from the Saintess's maid then to the next one the rumour would say yes, though that would be scandalous.'' Answered Kjerr with a light air of grandmotherly-like amusement towards youngsters.

  -''Sounds like quite a story behind this name. Though I'm surprised that people haven't flocked to the place to dig the mountain up for more.'' Said Provence.

  -''The Saintess then convinced the man to keep the tale of the jewel secret. Leaving the rumours without a certain base of truth. Besides that, all the mountains which surround Mount Kjerag are considered sacred and untouchable by holy edict against any mining enterprises.'' Answered Enya.

  -''It's a nice mountain as far as it comes to try to overcome. Especially since there's a prize at the top of it.'' Ensia spoke.

  -''Oh?'' Inquired a curious Provence.

  -Enciodes heard me speak highly of the mountain peak when I returned from it. I guess I left such an impression that he decided to enact an expensive project.

  -At the top of the mountain now lies a modern lodge, perked securely into the rock. I think I am still the only one who visited it so far after it's been placed there.

  -''Wow, your praise sure goes a long way. Must have been expensive. But doesn't that defeat what you said earlier? That only two people in its history conquered the mountain peak.'' Inquired Provence.

  -They didn't conquer it, none of the technicians climbed there. They were all airlifted along with the cabin itself. And then they flew off as well.

  -''I rectify my words, it must have been madly expensive then.'' Said an amazed Provence.

  -''So if you take up the challenge you will have a comfy place to rest and stay awhile to listen to the echoes at the top of the world!'' Spoke Ensia enthusiastically.

  -Hmm, sounds like something we'd like to see. We'll talk the details tomorrow before we decide.

  ---Later that day---

  Time flew surprisingly fast, and before we knew it we were back in our room. Outside the window the sea of clouds finally approached the mountain top. About to engulf the sky completely. Yet the sun still beamed its summer rays through our window, the last rays of the day. And the first of our married one. Provence was laying seductively on the bed, hungry for my touch. She spoke as I approached.

  -''How far does your fondness for your kind's enemy go? It wasn't enough that you owned me. But you had to claim this beast girl in holy marriage as well?'' Provence said playfully in a role-playish manner.

  -How does it feel to be soul bonded with a lupa, my fallen human~?

  -''Exhilarating.'' I said as came upon her. Her tail losing no time in wrapping around my waist.

  -''You've fallen completely for me, haven't you?'' She asked, pleased.

  -''I have.'' I realised I spoke with a voice so serious that it gave her a slight pause.

  She brought her bare hand that had still the marriage talisman tied as a bracelet around her wrist, along with the ring. Caressing my cheek tenderly, grasping it as she sat face to face with me.

  -Now you own this lupa in every possible way. You have my unbending commitment, and I will be by your side no matter what, my mate. Even if death takes us both.

  I kissed her passionately as we ended on that heavy note which reverberated how deeply we cared for each other. My arms wrapped around her and I felt overtaken to have such an incredible lupa yearning for me.

  She suavely unwrapped her shoulders of the traditional nightgown, and it fell around her. Exposing herself to tempt me further. Her smile delicious and genuine in her own desire for me.

  -''Let's consummate our marriage in full~.'' She beckoned.