Nick stood on the dais and watched as Rebecca was brought up the aisle by Irene. His future wife wore a beautiful white dress with gold trim. Her smile was radiant as she walked up the steps, her bountiful cleavage covered by a thin veil, her wedding gown trailing behind her.

She looked like a goddess with her perfect skin and the long golden hair cascading past her shoulders in ringlets. Her hourglass shape was easy to see, her body as beautiful as it was fit.

His current wives stood at his side, dressed in their pretty blue dresses. On the bride’s side stood the priestesses closest to Rebecca, Chastity and Veronica, as well as a few others Nick had seen in blue dresses.

In Seraphara’s marriage ceremonies, it was the closest friends and family that would stand up on the dais, but there was no Maid of Honor or Best Man.

All of the rest of the priests and priestesses could be seen lining the outskirts of the ceremony, with hundreds of Seraphara’s Faithful present in the stands. Nearly all the former people of Zura were here, with the numerous new adherents and training clergy from the pilgrimage were also in attendance.

A small section held monsterfolk, Nick’s many Followers here to watch the spectacle. Seeing his many original wolflings present becoming Wolfen and numerous others within the other races having evolved, Nick was filled with pride in how far they’d come in such a short time.

Lothar and Agatha, Renzou and his family, Andross, Sharon, and Indrid, and many of those he saved from slavery were also present, having quickly become his devout Followers, and sat in a section near the front.

Rebecca arriving, she stood next to Nick under the ornate arch. The construction was a lot like the Ordeal portals and gateways, but decorated with Seraphara’s imagery. Books, clasped hands and sparks of light like stars glittered on the white and gold stone, with small statues of angels wearing habits and scholarly robes.

Marissa stood behind the altar, and she smiled at Nick and Rebecca, before looking to the large audience behind them. “We are gathered here today, for the first time in many years, to witness one of our vaunted clergy to be wed. Lord Noblefrost and Rebecca Zura are here to be joined in Holy Matrimony, under Seraphara’s Gaze. A tremendous occasion, one of love and joy.”

She continued, “The two have followed Seraphara’s Tenets, seeking wisdom and harmony among each other and their respective families, pursuing a wonderful period of courtship where many among us witnessed their tender meetings and moments of joy together. Today they have their first Trial of their Marriage together: finding Seraphara’s Acceptance. When they kiss under the arch, they must envision each other’s happiness and success, earnestly wishing it from the bottom of their hearts. If it is clouded by selfishness and greed, Seraphara will reject their pairing.”

“But those that seek Seraphara’s Acceptance must have the intent to be together forever as loving partners, before they seek it. Let us bear witness to your vows, and should Seraphara accept, your kiss will seal the Oath. The groom will begin.”

Nick smiled at Rebecca. “Since I met you, I’ve been in awe of your pure spirit and your strength. As we faced Orion’s Tests and Trials, you showed me your determination and your character. In addition to your strength, you are an amazing, desirable woman with much wisdom, compassion and love, exemplifying the values and tenets of Seraphara as her Faithful. As a Lord of Orion, I’d be honored for a woman as special as you to be my wife and partner, to strive toward Eternity together as one.”

Nick’s eyes went white, and he scanned Rebecca’s soul for a wish or dream he could carry out. However, he understood that her biggest wish was not really something that was easily quantified.

The seeking of wisdom was never ending, and the biggest thing he could do to aid her in that, he was already going to do–the Ancestral Archives would be purchased soon enough.

“My beloved Rebecca, I offer you a Soul Pact to become my Wife. Should we earn Seraphara’s Acceptance, I will love and cherish you as my wife, help your dreams come true, and protect you and all Seraphara’s Faithful as my own Followers and subjects.”

Rebecca smiled, the magic of his Soul Pact washing over her. Even though not every word was spoken, she understood the unspoken words, the requirements of an Archaen Wife.

“When we met, you felt dangerous and perhaps a little brash, but I quickly learned your strength and kindness were in equal measure. You protected even my feelings, and while you deceived me, it was only to protect others, an honorable task.”

She continued, “It is thanks to you that I learned many terrible lessons, but still breathe untarnished and strengthened. You have shown me the heroism, strength, and determination worthy of a Lord of Orion, but tender love and compassion to match. I cannot imagine my life without you and your loving family any longer. I vow to love and cherish you as my husband, compromising and sacrificing to aid and honor my lord and husband, remaining faithful to you and those you call your wives. Should we find Seraphara’s Acceptance, I accept your Soul Pact.”

Marissa said, “You have spoken your vows. Now, you may kiss the bride, and it is her faithful’s wish that should your hearts be true to each other, that you find Seraphara’s Acceptance.”

Nick lifted her veil. Seeing her smile and her loving, yet determined smile, made him have to give a smile of his own. “You’re beautiful, Becca.”

Her smile grew wider. “You look mighty and handsome as well, Nicholas. But we must face our Trial as partners.”

“Yes. But I’m confident we’ll crush it, and all the Trials and Tribulations that come next.”

Nick leaned forward, and Rebecca did as well. With her eyes closed and her lips bowed, she was as eager for the kiss as he was.

Inching forward, his thoughts the same as when Rebecca had practiced with him. Seeing her smiling, beautiful face while her wings fluttered behind her made his heart soar. He did his best to do as he had done before, imagining their bright future together as he leaned in.

He pressed his lips into her bowed lips, and warmth and light filled him. As he enjoyed the kiss with his bride, a weight descended upon him, and it was like all those times where Orion evaluated something in the area around him–but he knew it was Seraphara instead.

Nick’s own imagination shifted, and it was as if it were giving him other scenarios within his imagination. Dozens appeared, but they drifted by quickly.

There was one where Rebecca decided to stop adventuring–climbing the Ordeal–to follow her passion, the pursuit of knowledge and teaching at Seraphara’s Cathedral.

Another where Rebecca was found to be unable to carry Heirs.

Rebecca wanting to go on more pilgrimages, taking her far away from Frosthaven.

Nick diving deep in the Ordeals, and Rebecca not having the talent to continue, holding him back.

Rebecca coming to great danger, one where Nick had to risk his life to save her.

There were countless more, but in each, it was as if Nick’s mind and heart ran on autopilot, and the outcome was generated. In all, Nick did all he could to support her, as a loving partner should, making the appropriate compromises and concessions, or displaying great bravery, taking on powerful foes.

These choices were important to her enough for her to make her choice. Or, they were not her fault at all, and he would love her just the same, fight for her as he would any of his wives, whether for her happiness or for her safety. Even when her wishes somewhat conflicted with his desires for her or himself.

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Rebecca was to be his partner and wife, and was not just a prize to be won, a puppet to do as he directed. She had desires and dreams of her own, and sometimes people changed. He was far from a perfect, selfless partner–after all, he couldn’t be devoted to any singular woman.

As a Lord of Orion with many wives, he had countless responsibilities and burdens to them and his subjects and Followers. But just as he had many burdens, he had countless resources as a Lord of Frosthaven that he didn’t hesitate to use to help make her and his wives or future wives’ dreams come true.

His Pact was a part of this, but in each case Seraphara presented, Nick always went above and beyond the mere requirement.

Then, Nick was shown Rebecca’s scenarios. She was faced with Nick’s number of wives growing to ridiculous heights, where they really only had time together once a month at most, outside of Kingdom related activities.

She was also provided the same scenario where Nick had to leave her behind, and one where his Soul Core was damaged, and he became too weak to continue as Lord.

In each, Rebecca made the sacrifices necessary to support her eternal partner, loving him and being there for him no matter what.

Despite these scenarios clearly being unreal as details didn’t match up with his current situation much, Nick could feel that they were grounded in his own and Rebecca’s spirit. It truly felt like this was a preview of what it was like to have Rebecca as his wife. That her actions and motivations matched her as a person.

When the scenarios completed, it was like they just faced a series of hardships, and their lover’s actions when the going got tough had only made them love each other more.

Nick was moved by the love, respect, and devotion Rebecca had for him, her willingness to work hard and make sacrifices for his happiness and his success. And he could feel the same for her was true as well, her eyes glimmering with love and affection, her chest heaving as he stood there breathless.

Having passed Seraphara’s Trial, the arch glowed gold, and released silk strips of cloth that wrapped around their joined hands, and Nick’s Soul Pact completed at the same time. Golden light cascaded over them, bathing them in Seraphara’s Essence, much like when Nick had become an Ordained Lord.

Rebecca’s wings grew out just a little more, and her blue eyes took on an otherworldly shimmer as they opened in surprise. Her Soul Core and Mind Core became one, her Faith Core maintaining its connection to the others.

He smiled as Irene handed them the rings, and they placed them on each other’s fingers and kissed again, their souls thrumming as they completed their ceremony. Rebecca had happy tears in her eyes, and Irene did too. It was a pleasant sight, seeing them both so filled with joy.

He then turned to the side and moved closer to Rebecca, facing the audience, then held up his and Rebecca’s silk-bound hands.

Marissa clapped along with much of the audience. “With that, the two have become husband and wife, eternal partners under Seraphara’s Gaze. May their lives be filled with Seraphara’s holy light of wisdom, and eternal joy.”

The crowd cheered, the many clergy and adherents praying to Seraphara, thanking her for her grace. Many stood as they clapped, the crowd moved with emotion.

Irene beamed. “My, your futures were so beautiful! Such a heroic husband! You are so lucky, my Becca.”

Rebecca smiled back at her. “Thanks, Mom.”

Nick arched his brow. “What do you mean? Everyone saw that?”

Irene nodded. “Yes! We could see it in the arch. Your love for Rebecca was so pure and lovely. I like the one where she wanted many children. Our hero is so virile!”

Nick was about to chuckle at that, but his stomach sank, as he realized some of the implications about the ceremony, and who he knew must have gone through it–Irene.

“That means… Samuel…” The horrible man likely even had a method to cheat the ceremony. With that, he understood just why Irene tried so hard to cast aside the darkness within him, and really couldn’t blame her for making her choice in the first place. Her faith was in Seraphara, and that blind trust had truly hurt her.

Rebecca gasped, and Irene shook her head as she hugged her daughter. “Let’s not think about that! This is a happy day! The happiest!”

It was at this moment that he received a prompt, and with how many of the audience’s eyes glazed over, they received one as well.

[Quest Complete: Seraphara’s Divine Concord: Form tight bonds with clergy. Reward: Seraphara’s Approval]

[Seraphara’s Approval - Lord Noblefrost has a unique power, to make a Pact to cherish his wives, respecting Seraphara’s tenets for matrimony. He is also empowered by his wives and empowers them in turn. For the sake of peace and power of the Noblefrost Kingdom and Seraphara’s Faithful within it, Seraphara strongly encourages any number of her Clergy to join him in marriage and love, needing only for him to give his Pact to those that mutually agree. She trusts that in return for their aid and love, he will continue his efforts to protect her faithful in earnest.]

Oh boy.

The many priestesses in the front of the procession and sides blushed as they looked at him, some having shy and demure smiles. While others, especially those he had spent a fair amount of time with, like Marissa, Veronica, and Chastity, looked outright eager, blushing with large smiles.

Even Irene, who was hugging Rebecca from behind, had…an odd expression, but he wasn’t sure what to make of it. It was a smile of triumph, and heavy breathing, and…was she drooling? Surely not.

But he was distracted as Nick received another prompt. It was the full clear.

[Divine Concord Quests Complete]

[You completed all three Quests, influencing Seraphara’s Faithful and empowering them more in one month than previous Lords on this shard had accomplished in decades. Their future is bright should you overcome all challenges and conflict heading your way, and you shall be rewarded for your successful efforts.]

More golden light and feathers cascaded over him. The energy stirred his Heroic Salvation and Redemption Concept, Nick feeling something within him, and in the essence of the Cathedral itself, shifting.

[Reward: Trait Upgraded to: Divine Concord - Seraphara +2 Body, +2 Soul]

[Additional Effect: Increased affinity with Seraphara’s Faith energy, increased effect from Clergy’s Blessing and Faith Channeling abilities.]

Nick knew that Priestesses received several Blessing or Faith Channeling spells that were meant to empower paladins of Seraphara, or other Clergy. It wasn’t that they couldn’t use them on others, as Rebecca had already shown and mentioned.

It was that the impact was far lower, their affinity and attunement increasing the efficiency and impact. Now, Nick was as good or better than other potential paladins of Seraphara, and without the associated Class, or restrictions on his Class.

He just gained an important tool for being able to face someone much stronger than him, such as Blackthorne. Many priestesses channeling their Faith Essence into Nick would allow him to punch way above his level in defense of his city. He would be especially powerful in the Cathedral of Seraphara, where even adherents could send their essence to empower him. With hundreds, it was easy to imagine how powerful that could be.

But that was for later. Nick smiled and waved at his wives, Rebecca smiling beautifully at them as well, as they all came and greeted her as Nick’s new wife.

Eirwen hugged and welcomed her first. “Welcome to the family! That was beautiful.”

Kaya hugged her next. “Yes, welcome Rebecca. I can see why your people enjoy it. The ceremony was a little stuffy, but it was still magical.”

The Wolfen girls were on her next, crowding and hugging her with happy smiles.

Jasmine towered over the smaller Rebecca, and gave her a hug as well. “Welcome to the family, Rebecca. I did enjoy the many futures. So many little Nicks! It was wonderful.”

Luna’s tail was wagging, a dreamy smile on her face as she sighed. “Yes, I can’t wait to see it. For our Alpha to grow our pack…”

Sable chuckled. “We only got to see Rebecca’s children there, except in the one image. I do ache to see some Wolfen Heirs soon. I know you need us to journey into the Ordeal, but maybe those unattached could bear your children soon? I know they are eager.”

Fang nodded excessively. “Yes, very eager! Super eager! Like those nuns over there. I can smell–” She began to point in Chastity and Veronica’s direction, but Eirwen pushed her finger down and interrupted by clearing her throat.

“Enough of that for now. Today is Rebecca’s special day, after all.”

Rebecca blushed. “It’s okay, Winny. I don’t mind… but thank you. I am…excited to become one with our Lord Husband.”

Jasmine clapped her hands together gently. “The room is ready! Please do let me know if you need anything, and I will be there. The other girls will handle the reception until you arrive.”

They said their goodbyes for now, and the two walked down the steps from the altar, and began to walk down the center toward the entrance. The many priestesses and adherents clapped and began to follow them as they headed out the exit.

Outside, countless people awaited, throwing grains and seeds, cheering for their union, and their utility vehicle was waiting for them. The reception would be later, a large party to take place in the large square in front of, and also within the Adventurer’s Guild.

Nick and Rebecca got into the vehicle, the orc scout happily driving them to their home, as more people spilled out onto the steps of the Cathedral. Holding hands, they kissed in the backseat, but it wasn’t as though the trip was very far. In just two minutes, they arrived at home, Nick carrying her out of the car to a happy laugh.

He marveled at how light she was. Strange. Nick was strong now, but he still had a good feel for how heavy his girls were. As they cultivated, their bodies definitely got denser, even Fang was heavier than most girls on Earth despite her short stature. But Rebecca was lighter than her.

It wasn’t important. He carried her across the threshold, the two having bright smiles. They would consummate their union, Rebecca blushing as her breathing picked up.