Chapter 283: The Wedding
The village positively glowed with excitement. Colorful ribbons, streamers, and banners flapped in the icy breeze, strung from every house and fixture. Children ran to and fro, laughing and playing together, ignoring the irate calls of their parents in the energy of the day. Even the adults’ eyes shone with enthusiasm, each dressed in their finest. Over it all, the church bell continued to ring, summoning the village to its halls.
It was shocking to see so many out in such a remote village, it must have been over half the town, several hundred at least! Weddings and other similar celebrations were always community events in rural areas, but this felt much more than that. But, after some thought, it became obvious such a reaction was only natural in the face of our accomplishments. The Glory Chasers had saved this town time and time again, and were responsible for personally freeing and escorting many of the beastkin from the Circle’s clutches. But, judging from the sincerity of the smiles and enthusiasm, their enthusiasm went deeper than a simple act of gratitude. These people were genuinely happy for Sorrin and Tana, going to great lengths to make this an occasion to celebrate and remember them.
"Come on!" Korra said, grabbing my hand. "It’s going to start soon!"
Wide-eyed and feeling more than a little nervous, I allowed her to drag me through the streams of people, many of whom parted respectfully to let us pass. Before long, we ran into Rasce and Dyson, standing patiently before the church’s closed doors. Sorrin and Tana were nowhere to be seen, but a Rabbitkin girl stood beside the thief, nestled against his side with her arm laced through his.
Rasce noticed us first, turning to greet me. "Ah, Starlight, It’s been awhi–" As his eyes fell upon me, his voice died in his throat. He stared at me until I flushed in embarrassment, only then coughing awkwardly and looking at his feet. "You’re...looking nice."
Dyson had a similar reaction, earning him a glare from the girl on his arm, but quickly deflected it by asking, "And who is this fair lady at your side?"
Still blushing, I flinched, startled by the sudden question. "T-this is Korra. My friend."
"Friend?" Rasce raised his eyebrow, then, still bitter about being caught staring, muttered under his breath, "I didn’t know you knew that word."
"It’s a pleasure to meet you," Korra said, dropping a polite, if shallow, curtsey. "I’ve heard a lot about you. Thank you for looking after Xiviyah all this time. I know it can’t have been easy."