Chapter5: A Double Wedding.

[unedited]

With her wedding coming up in just two weeks and having to do all the planning herself, plus taking care of some things here on Kyoshi, Ty-Lee was very stressed out. She sat alone at her desk writing letters to some of her friends. She'd just finished writing one to Katara and Aang, and was now working on one to Toph and her husband. She sighed as she finished it. Now she had to take it to the post office and it would be sent during the night and arrive at it's destination by morning. As she walked along the road she heard someone running behind her. She intended to just step out of the way but the person slowed as they approached her. She turned to see it was the sister of her fiancé. "Hey Rayseal, what's up?" She said as cheerfully and non-tiredly as possible. Rayseal grinned. "Oh, nothing much, just wanted some advice." As she said this Ty-Lee noticed she was blushing slightly. Rayseal probably thought she couldn't see because it was dusk. Ty-Lee smiled. "Is it, about a boy?" She asked. The young girl gasped. "How did you know?" Rayseal had really grown up in the past few years, she was a teenager now and a beautiful one at that. Whenever Ty-Lee saw her around town boys would be constantly hovering over her and talking to her. There was only one boy, Ty-Lee noticed, that wasn't completely obsessed with her, and respected her. It was her friend Alveras, the mute. "Well, your blush kind of betrayed that part," She said with a grin. Rayseal blushed again but this time looked away. "Oh," She said a smile to her voice. Ty-Lee laughed and put her arm around the girl. "What is it you need to know?" She asked. "Well, first of all, how do you know who the 'right one' is?" She asked hopelessly. "Like, the right one to spend the rest of your life with?" She asked again as Ty-Lee hadn't answered yet. "Well, I know for me it was extremely hard, and I think the best way is to watch, and listen, the right one will be kind and caring, and will go to extremes to make you happy, if he's not the right one, he'll take you for granted, and not treat you completely right," She tried to explain as best she knew how. Rayseal nodded. "So, like how Shang treats you?" She said happily. Now it was Ty-Lee's turn to blush. "Yea," She replied. Rayseal became serious again. "And, what if, how do you tell if they like you?" She asked nervously. "Well, that's harder, but you'll just sort of, know, I don't know, I'm not very good at this," She said honestly. Rayseal smiled. "It's ok," She assured her. "I'm so in love with this boy, and I wish he loved me too, but he doesn't talk much, and I'm not sure he feels the same way, and it makes me sad," Ty-Lee's heart went out to her. She seemed really down. "Alveras?" Rayseal went pale. "How-" Ty-Lee only laughed. "A little too much information, I could easily guess." Ty-Lee stated simply. Rayseal took a deep breath as they approached the town. "Ok, what should I do? He doesn't talk at all, but I just fell in love with him and I don't know how, he hasn't said a word to me, ever," She said confused. Ty-Lee loved the fact that Rayseal felt they could talk about anything. "People don't fall in love with each other by what the other person says, lots of people can lie, so it's not what he says that you fell in love with, it's what he does, the way he looks when he watches, maybe, a bird, or maybe it was the way he looked at you, anything really," Ty-Lee explained. Rayseal began to understand now. Her features lit up with excitement. "He does have beautiful eyes, and when he looks at me I feel-" She quickly became silent. "Shh, don't tell Shang any of this please!" The young woman pleaded. Ty-Lee nodded as Shang walked up to the girls. "Why did you hush up when I got here?" He asked curiously. Ty-Lee kissed his cheek and entered the post office saying, "Girl stuff," Shang nodded understanding a little bit.

The next day, as Ty-Lee was at home washing dishes, Rayseal sat on a stool and talked with her more about the whole being in love with Alveras thing. "If he does like me, how is he going to say it? He can't talk," Rayseal argued pointedly. "I believe he can talk, but he chooses not to, he'll figure out a way to tell you, or show you, that he loves you," Ty-Lee countered with a smile. "But if he doesn't like me-" She stopped short as someone entered the kitchen. "What?" Ty-Lee wasn't facing the doorway so she didn't see the person enter. "We have company," Rayseal said quietly. Ty-Lee turned around. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," Ty-Lee smiled and ran to hug Katara. "You're here!" She exclaimed with a squeal. "Hi," Katara said with a laugh. Then a nine year old boy ran in. "Wow! Look at this big house!" He yelled. "Is that Bumi?" Ty-Lee asked. Katara shook her head. "Tenzin," She replied. Ty-Lee gasped. "Wow, he's gotten so big," She said. Katara smiled just as Aang entered with twelve year old Kya and eleven year old Bumi. "I'm so happy for you, you're getting married!" Katara exclaimed. Ty-Lee nodded with a blush. "Who's your friend?" Aang asked nodding towards Rayseal. "Oh! My fiancées sister, her name is Rayseal," She explained. "Rayseal, this is Avatar Aang and his family," She said with a broad smile. Rayseal wasn't very happy that she didn't get to finish her talk with Ty-Lee, but seeing how happy Ty-Lee was, she smiled anyways and made an excuse to leave.

Shang was just on his way to his brides house when he saw Alveras sitting alone by the shoreline. He looked really sad. "Hey Alveras," He said with a smile. Alveras waved and let out a sigh. "You ok?" Shang asked. Alveras shook his head slowly. "What's wrong," He asked strait and to the point. Alveras took a stick and wrote in the sand. Shang read it aloud, "'I'm in love with a girl, but she's beautiful and I have no chance, '" He erased it and wrote what he had to say next. "'All the guys like her and I'm afraid she'll fall for one of them,'" He erased it again. "'She's so amazing, but since I don't talk well, I don't think she feels the same.'" Shang understood now. Poor kid. "Well, why don't you just show her how you feel, take a chance, maybe she likes you and is afraid of the same thing," He explained. Alveras wiped away his writings and quickly replied. "'But what if she doesn't?'" Shang nodded solemnly. "Spend some more time with her, try and figure out if she likes you," He said to the young man. Alveras hurriedly wrote again in the sand. "'But how will I know she likes me?'" Shang chuckled and laid a hand on his shoulder. "She'll be the one who can't stop smiling when she sees you." Alveras grinned and nodded. "'Bye, and thanks,'" He wrote before running off. Shang laughed. "Ah, young love," He said to himself. Then he remembered his reason for coming this way. He got up and walked to Ty-Lee's place.

As he entered the room he saw a small child playing in the living room by the hearth. "Ty-Lee?" He called out hoping for an explanation. She came out from behind the corner a smile lighting up her face. "Hey, who's kid-" Before he could finish Ty-Lee threw her arms around his neck and placed a sweet kiss on his lips. Forgetting entirely about the child he wrapped his arms around her bare waist and pulled her in closer kissing her deeper. He kissed her and kissed her until he heard someone clear their throat. He pulled back looking in the direction the sound had come from. There stood a woman with dark skin and brown hair, her hair was in a single braid down her back and draped across her shoulder, she also had two little hair loopies. Shang didn't know what else to call them. Ty-Lee turned around. "Oh, hi Katara, this is Shang, my fiancé," She explained. Katara smiled mischievously. "Hello Shang," She said with a slight bow. Shang bowed respectfully and gave her a warm smile. "Is that your kid by the hearth? " He asked pointing toward the living room. Katara shook her head upon seeing the little boy. "No, that's my brothers child," She said and looked around for her brother or sister in law. Then she saw Suki sitting in a rocking chair holding a baby. "I just needed to ask where your salt is," Katara asked innocently. Ty-Lee nodded saying, "I'll show you," She led her to the kitchen where a stew was cooking on the stove. "So, is he as nice as he is handsome?" Katara asked as Ty-Lee was digging through the cupboards. "Yes," Ty-Lee answered with a giggle. "Well, congratulations then," Katara said with a happy smile. She was glad her friend found a nice guy for a husband.

With only a week left until her wedding day Ty-Lee was extremely busy, she didn't really have time to talk to Rayseal at the moment but she made time anyways. "What's up?" She asked hurriedly as she helped Rayseal stack up some library books. Rayseal had gotten a summer job working at Kyohi Island's library. Now it was closed and Rayseal had to put away all the books and scrolls people left out. She talked while they worked. "You remember how I told you I'm in love with Alveras?" The girl asked a bit hesitantly. "Yes," Ty-Lee answered cautiously. "Well,-"She sighed. "It isn't going to work out after all," She said disheartened at the words. Ty-Lee gasped silently. "Why?" She asked with confidence. "Because, I'm pretty sure he likes my friend Kinade," With each word she grew more and more saddened by the feeling. Ty-Lee actually thought she was taking it very well until, a tear rolled off her cheek. As it hit the book she held out in front of her she quickly dried it off and wiped away the others that gathered in her ember eyes. As soon as Ty-Lee place her hand on her shoulder comfortingly she let it out. "I didn't know it would hurt this much," She sobbed. Ty-Lee flinched. Rayseal had never cried like this before. "I thought I'd be ok if he loved someone else, but I'm not," She continued between sobs. "He's my best friend, and maybe that's all I am to him, but I can't help it, I love him so much." She leaned her head on Ty-Lee's shoulder and just let the tears fall down her face staining her clothes with the moisture. "Why am I crying? I shouldn't, but, I just don't know what else to do," Ty-Lee tried to quiet her down. "Shh, hey, it's ok, go ahead and cry, you need to let it all out." She assured her. Rayseal wiped her eyes trying to dry them but she was unsuccessful. "But it's ridiculous, I shouldn't cry over him," She argued. Ty-Lee chuckled sadly. "Oh, Rayseal, it's not ridiculous, I cry over sillier things than this," Rayseal nodded and took a deep breath. A floor board creaked. She jolted up to find none other than Alveras. He was smiling but it quickly faded as he saw her face tear streaked. He looked at her with a hurt questioning look. "I'm fine Alveras," She quickly said wiping away the tears. "I'm ok, don't worry," He gave her a bewildered look. Ty-Lee had no idea what he was trying to ask but Rayseal did. She knew him that well, she could tell exactly what he was thinking. "I know, you wanna know why I'm crying, but you don't need to, I'm alright," She assured him. He softened a little bit but he still had a look of pain in his eyes. Neither of the girls knew how badly it hurt him to see her crying. Rayseal stood up. "I gotta go now, you do too Ty-Lee, I have to lock up the library," Ty-Lee stood as well. "Ok, I have more wedding plans anyway." She said with a smile. They walked out and Rayseal locked the doors.

Rayseal woke up with a jolt. She smelled smoke. Something was burning. At first she'd thought Shang was cooking something but he was a good cook she reminded herself. And he wasn't home. He'd gone out early to help Sokka with his boat. She sniffed the air. It was strange. It stank of smoke but none was visible. She stood up and walked to the door. As she slid it open she was consumed in smoke. It poisoned her lungs. She coughed and stumbled backwards on instinct to get away from it. The house was on fire! She opened her eyes to see if maybe she could make it out but she couldn't get through the flames. She hurriedly scanned the room unsure what to do. She felt completely helpless. She ran to her window. She was on the second floor but thought she could probably make it. But as she tugged at the window it wouldn't budge. She struggled but to no avail. She screamed in frustration. Her eyes darted around the room again. Then an idea came to her. She took a blanket and wrapped it around her fist. She punched the glass and it shattered. She stuck her face close to it and yelled out for help. No answer. She screamed for help until her voice became hoarse. Her voice finally gave out. She felt a warm liquid fall down her face. Wiping at it she brought her hand back to find blood smothering it. She sank to the floor below the window in exhaustion. She watched as the flames made their way to her bed only two feet away. Her vision began to blur. She choked on the smoke that covered her whole room. Is this how it ends? Am I gonna go out, like this? Maybe.... It's for the... Best. Her eyes drooped as she slipped into unconsciousness. She toppled onto her side and just before her eyes closed she saw a black figure with a blanket wrapped around them running towards her. Blackout.

As her eyes slowly opened a white ceiling came into focus. Her first thought was, am I in the spirit world? She soon became aware that her head hurt like crazy. She moaned and turned onto her side. She felt a hand pull her back to her original position. She tried to see who it was but she couldn't see out of her left eye. She moaned again. She could barely see

Someone walk in. As they got closer she could focus more. It was a stranger though. "How are you feeling?" She could only hear out of her right ear. She tried to say she was ok but the words wouldn't form. Instead it came out as a mumble of gibberish. "Mm," Was all the stranger replied. He looked across the bed and motioned for someone to leave. The person however, didn't leave. The stranger shrugged. "Suit yourself," He whispered. Rayseal closed her eyes. She felt tired. "No no, don't close your eyes." The man hurriedly told her. "Why?" She managed to crackle out. "Because, I need to see if you're ok, do you know your name?" He asked. It took her a moment to process what all he said. It was too much information at once. "Ray-el," You could barely understand what she said. Her voice cracked with dryness and it was too much energy to speak. "What?" The man asked straining his ears. "Rayseal!" She crackled out. It was quickly followed by a rage of coughing. She tried to bring her hand up to her face but it was stuck. There was a bandage on it. She brought her other hand up instead. "And what happened last night?" He persisted with the questions. "Fire-" She mumbled. This was ridiculous, she couldn't answer the questions. Too much energy and besides that she was thirsty. "Do you remember what happened last night?" Apparently he didn't hear her previous answer. She closed her eyes in frustration. "Miss?" He asked worriedly. "Water-" She strained. She felt someone on her left help her sit up. The person held out a cup of water and helped her drink. She was upset that she still couldn't see the persons face. Whoever it was, was standing on her left side so she couldn't see out of that eye. After drinking it she turned to look at him with her right eye. It was Alveras! What was he doing here? She wondered. He laid her back down with a smile. "Alveras," She whispered in a raspy voice. He nodded. "Miss, what happened last night?" The doctor asked once again. "A fire," She told him. The doctor nodded and wrote something on a sheet of paper. "I'll be back," He said and left the room. As soon as he was gone Rayseal turned to Alveras. "What are you doing here?" She asked. Alveras shrugged giving her a look that told her exactly what he was doing here. "It was you? You saved me from the fire?" She asked bewildered. He nodded. He slipped her a note that said, 'I couldn't just let you die,' She gasped and smiled her thanks closing her eyes in hopes of finding rest. But in came her older brother and his soon to be wife. "Are you alright?" Shang called immediately by her side. She nodded. She felt too weak to speak right now. "We were so worried," Ty-Lee added. "She may be tired, you have only a few moments." The doctor informed them. Shang nodded and turned back to his little sister who lay on the hospital bed. She looked awful. She had a bandage around her head and one on her left arm, also a patch on her knee was scraped up. She had a little bit of a blood stain on her right hand. He grasped her little hand in his own. "You'll be ok sis, I won't lose you too," He assured her as a tear escaped his eye. "Tell me," Her raspy voice pleaded. "What happened after I blacked out," Shang nodded. "Alveras came and got us, he wrote us a note explaining." He began. "He was coming over to see you and saw the fire, he thought you'd be inside so he ran in. Upon seeing your doorway blocked he grabbed the blanket that's on the chair next to your door, he barged in and picked you up off the floor, he carried you back out but the flames blocked his path and the blanket had caught fire, so he jumped out the hall window and took you here, then came and got us," Rayseal gasped. "How did the fire start?" She asked her voice sort of returning to normal. Shang's eyes dropped. "We don't know, but it might've been the candle I left burning, I'm so, so sorry sis, I didn't mean to hurt-" He sobbed into his hands. Rayseal lay a hand on his head. "It's not your fault," She whispered. "I'm fine," Shang looked up into her peaceful eyes. "I love you sis," He said meaningfully. Rayseal didn't even realize she slowly fell asleep.

Two days later she was up and moving around. She no longer needed any of the bandages except the one around her head. She didn't mind it sometimes, but other times she wished it wasn't there. Four more days till her big brothers wedding. It was exciting. She could hardly wait. Also they had discovered the reason for the house being burnt to the ground. Some kids were playing with their fire bending just behind the house. They'd accidentally caught the corner of the house on fire. After that the boys never used fire bending again. Rayseal stood on the balcony of the library she worked at. She closed her eyes as the breeze blew her hair out of her face. Alveras almost hated to interrupt her as she looked so beautiful standing there, wind running through her gorgeous hair. Then he looked to the bandage on her head. He hated to look at it, it made him feel guilty for not coming to her rescue sooner. He stepped forward and tapped Rayseal's shoulder. She jumped slightly and opened her eyes. She smiled upon seeing him standing there in front of her. "What is it?" She asked happily. Alveras held up a note and a box. She took it with a blush. "What is this," She said suspiciously. Alveras shrugged indicating for her to open the letter. "Happy anniversary?" She questioned the writing on the front. Alveras nodded and pointed to the inside where he'd written a small note. 'Five years ago today we met. Remember? It was a cold and rainy day, I was hiding behind a tree just outside of town, you came up to me and asked what I was doing. You were so talkative, whereas I, well, you know I don't talk at all. You took me to your hotel room and gave me something to eat. You didn't have to though. Back then I thought I'd go home to my uncles and you'd forget about me. I never dreamed we'd become such good friends. And yet, here we are, friends for five years strait. Best friends. Oh, and did I ever tell you you have a beautiful smile? Sincerely Alveras ,' She smiled with a blush as she read the note. "Oh Alveras, I remember perfectly the day we met, I'll never forget." She pulled him in for a hug. He'd really gotten tall over the years. He used to be shorter than her, when she hugged him before she'd barely get her arms around his head, now her ear rested perfectly against his chest, right at his heart. She listened to it beat a moment before pulling back. Alveras pointed to the box telling her to open it. "Oh, you didn't have to get me anything, now I feel bad, I didn't write you a note or get you a gift," She said with a pout. Alveras shook his head. He didn't mind. He didn't need anything. She carefully opened the small box. Inside was a neat little necklace made of heart shaped shells. Rayseal gasped as she pulled it out to look at it more fully. It was gorgeous, the shells were obviously hand carved but it was amazing. Then a thought occurred to her. "Did you carve these yourself?" She asked. Alveras nodded proudly. "Wow, you're amazing, I'm so lucky to have you for a best friend," She told him with a smile that made his heart skip a beat. "Well, I'll have to work on getting you a gift," Alveras shook his head letting her know she didn't need to get him anything. She nodded in agreement but secretly made a note to herself to get him something. As he walked away he inwardly kicked himself for not revealing his true purpose in coming to see her. But he just walked on.

The next day, Alveras had finally worked up the nerve to go see Rayseal. He'd wanted to tell her something for some time now, but he'd never worked up the courage to do so. Now, he had, and they both sat happily by the duck pond throwing pieces of bread to the happy little turtle-ducks. Rayseal had a beautiful laugh, Alveras always liked it but now he was in love with it. Although the reason behind her laughing was, at the moment, unknown. "Did you see that baby turtle-duck?" She questioned. Alveras shook his head with a faint smile tugging the corners of his lips. "He flipped upside down trying to catch a piece of bread I threw him," She explained. Alveras' smile grew wider as she spoke. He was glad she was having a good time, but he was even more delighted to know he'd brought her to a place where she could enjoy herself. Lately she seemed a bit downcast and gloomy. He wondered why but never got the chance to ask. "This is a beautiful place," Rayseal's voice broke into his thoughts. He took a look around and noted that it was in fact a beautiful place. But it could not measure up to the beauty of the girl sitting right next to him. She was so radiant, she was perfect. He took a deep breath. "Rayseal," She jumped at hearing her name come from the direction Alveras sat. She laughed it off. "For a second I thought you said my name."

"I did," Alveras assured her. He'd finally got the courage to speak. And it felt good. Rayseal couldn't believe what just happened. Words came from Alveras' mouth not ten seconds ago. How? Why? Since when? "Alveras, you spoke," She whispered in disbelief. He nodded. "Rayseal, I needed to tell you something," He continued still a little surprised himself that he dared speak a word. "Yes?" She gasped out in shock and excitement. "I love you, I have since the day we met, yesterday on the balcony, I meant to tell you then, but didn't have the nerve, so I'm telling you now," He said with confidence and a hint of worry. Her mouth dropped. Alveras didn't know what to do. He'd never told a girl he loved her before and now he didn't know what she thought and it killed him. "Alveras I-I love you too, I thought you liked my friend Kinade, you really do love me?" She questioned further. Alveras nodded. "I really really do," He said in all honesty. Rayseal threw her arms around his neck. "It's good to hear your voice," She said in excitement. Alveras laughed. "It's good to finally talk after all these years." He announced with pride. As she smiled Alveras got a feeling he'd never had before. He wasn't sure what to think about it. He loved her so much it ached. Rayseal leaned forward. Alveras wasn't sure what she was doing so he pulled back. She laughed slightly. "It's ok," She said looking deeply into his eyes. "Trust me," She urged. Alveras nodded slowly. Rayseal leaned in again until they were inches apart. Her lips brushed his. Alveras had never kissed someone before, he'd never even seen or heard of kissing. This was all new to him. As her lips brushed his a surge of uneasy pleasure swept across him. She leaned closer still pressing her lips firmly against his. He had no idea what she was doing but he liked it. He pushed forward. They sat there kissing for awhile. Alveras didn't want to stop but Rayseal pulled away as she was out of breath. "What was that?" Alveras asked out of breath as well. Rayseal giggled. "Haven't you ever kissed anyone before?" She countered. Alveras shook his head. "Never," He replied shockingly. "Have you ever seen anyone kiss?" She asked again. He shook his head. Rayseal laughed. "Not even on the cheek?" She persisted still. He had to of seen something, she reasoned. But again he shook his head. She laughed again. "Wow, so this is all new to you," She went on. Alveras smiled slightly and scooted closer. "I like new," He said happily. Rayseal smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder with a sigh. "Rayseal?" He said a hint of questioning in his tone. "Yes?" She replied. He seemed kind of nervous. "Can we-" He could barely finish a sentence. "Can we do that again?" He asked a little embarrassed. He didn't make eye contact with her when he asked, he just picked the grass out of the ground. Rayseal giggled and sat up. "Of course we can," She said with a delighted smile. Alveras looked at her hopefully and also, a little unsure what he should do. Rayseal leaned forward and just kissed him. He loved every minute of it, the way her lips pressed against his, the way they'd shift from time to time. Then she did something unexpected. She licked his bottom lip. He wasn't at all familiar with this but it felt good. She licked his lips again. This time pushing into his mouth. He gently opened his mouth and she stuck her tongue inside. He felt a wave of pleasure sweep over him like the wind in the trees. This felt so good, how come he hadn't done this sooner? Her tongue twisted around his own and this time, taking a bold move, Alveras put his tongue inside her mouth. She tasted so good he didn't want to stop here. He explored her mouth, feeling around it with his tongue, licking every inch he could. He subconsciously wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. Even as their body's touched he pulled her closer still. He couldn't get enough of this kissing thing. He'd pull back for a second to catch his breath and then go back for another. Rayseal inwardly laughed at this. She felt so comfortable with it all. She loved Alveras very much. "Rayseal?" He asked excitedly. "Yes?" She replied. He got a strange look on his face all of a sudden. "What is it?" She urged. "I-well-I love you, and I was wondering," He stuttered. "Will you marry me?" He asked suddenly and rather forward. "Well-I-Alveras," She was so shocked she wasn't sure what to say. "It's perfect, we can get married the same day as your brother," He suggested. Rayseal pondered a moment before answering. She smiled slightly, as she wrapped her arms around his neck he blushed a little. "I love you too, and I will marry you, you're so amazing Alveras, we should tell my brother we're having a double wedding." She said with the brightest smile. Alveras smiled and awkwardly wrapped his arms around her waist. "I-I love you more than anything in the world, I love you more than talking even!" He said with a laugh. The couple stood up and left to go tell Shang of their wedding plans. Shang, of course, was ecstatic. His little sister was getting married. And on his wedding too. He could hardly wait.

The day of the double wedding finally arrived. Ty-Lee looked stunning in her beautiful white dress. Although Alveras thought Rayseal looked even more radiant than she did. As the girls walked down the isle they both had no idea that they thought the same thoughts. They both were upset because neither of their fathers could escort them down this isle. Ty-Lee's parents couldn't be there because she had run away years ago and she never even thought about trying to contact them. Rayseal's father was, well, dead. Even so both were still saddened by the thought. As they approached their grooms they both brightened at the sight of the men. So handsome. Rayseal stole a glance at her brother. He looked magnificent in his suit and tie. So did Alveras, she told herself as she looked back to him. He was so handsome. As Ty-Lee gazed at Shang, she thought about how wonderful all this was. She was finally getting married, and he was so wonderful, just the mention of his name made her melt. He was so kind, and caring, and he was everything to her. They reached the platform as the music stopped. This was great. Matsushita, an old man who'd lived on Kyoshi his entire life, gave the ceremony. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here on this delightful day to join in marriage not two, but four young people in a double wedding," He announced with a wink at the girls and their grooms. "You look wonderful," Shang whispered to Ty-Lee. She blushed and smiled. "Let us begin," Matsushita continued. "Marriage is a sacred thing, not to be broken by any man or woman," He spoke for 20 minutes on marriage and where it originated and all this stuff before they got to the good part. "And now, do you Ty-Lee take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor, and cherish till death do you part?" He asked staring directly into her soul. She nodded with a huge smile. "I do," She said proudly. Shang squeezed her hand lovingly. "And do you Rayseal, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish until death do you part?" He asked the young girl. She smiled as she held Alveras' hand. "I do," She said with the most beautiful smile anyone had ever seen. "And do you Shang, take this lovely woman to be your wife, to love, honor and cherish till death do you part?" He questioned the young man standing before him. He smiled cheerfully. "I do," He announced with pleasure. "And do you Alveras, take this wonderful young lady to be your wife, to love, honor and cherish till death do you part?" He asked for the last time. "I do," He said with the biggest smile he could. "Then is there anyone that has a reason for these young people not to wed let them speak now or forever hold your peace," Ty-Lee took a deep breath, she hoped no one would object. She sighed in relief as no one stood and Matsushita continued with the ceremony. "Then I now pronounce you husband and wife, and you husband and wife, you may kiss your brides," He said and closed the book he held. Ty-Lee turned to Shang. Alveras turned to Rayseal. The men each pulled their brides close and kissed them symbolizing their marriage had been official. Ty-Lee was so happy as they went off on their honeymoon. She was going to spend the rest of her life with the man she loved more than anything. And better yet, she had a double wedding with her new husbands sister. It seemed at this point that it couldn't get any better than this. Little did she know what her future held.