Whimsey’s Story Event! I do, My Love- Kennyo Pt. 2 The Wedding

After Kennyo’s oh so sweet and romantic proposal, our wedding preparations began. SInce the ceremony didn’t have to be religious, it actually gave us a lot of freedom to make it just about us and our love for each other and our desire to commit our lives to one another.

Kennyo was also being so very sweet with all of it, telling me he wanted the wedding to be everything I had ever dreamed of. “It’s not just about me.” I told him, as we sat with our friends who had become our unofficial planning committee. “It’s about both of us. We should make sure the wedding is the way you want, too.”

Kennyo gave me a warm smile. “Just the fact that you even want to dedicate your love and your life to me is more than enough.” Kennyo assured me.

“Kennyo…” I said, feeling so happy at his sweet words.

“Awe, there truly is nothing more beautiful than love.” Shingen said from his place across from us.

“Master Kennyo and Lady Ava are so great together.” Ranmaru agreed.

I felt my cheeks redden at the words from our friends. “You guys…”

“So, since this is going to be a wedding that reflects you guys, are you planning to follow some of the traditions from our…hometown?” Sasuke asked, looking at me.

“I was thinking of a few.” I answered smiling.

“That will be fun to see.” Ranmaru said, smiling brightly. “What kinds of things were you thinking?”

Kennyo and I had already discussed most of this stuff on our own. “Well, there were a few we decided we wanted to do. One of them is exchanging rings as an outward symbol of our commitment to each other.” I then went on to explain some of the other traditions. “Oh and one of the last traditions, Yoshimoto, I’m really going to need your help with in finding just the right fabrics, since you have such an eye for these kinds of things.”

Yoshimoto smiled. “I’d be more than happy to help you create your next masterpiece.” He said.

“So, you are making a wedding dress?” Sasuke asked, already knowing.

I nodded. “Yes.” I then turned to Yoshimoto. “I’ll show you the design when we go out shopping later.”

“Why not show me right now?” Yoshimoto asked.

“Because she has already forbidden me from seeing it until the wedding.” Kennyo answered. “Another tradition we will be following.”

“It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her dress before the ceremony.” Sasuke said knowingly.

“I don’t believe in that.” I said. “But I like the idea of a surprise.”

“Does this mean you will be having a more Western style wedding?” Sasuke asked. “And would you be having anyone give you away?”

I laughed. “I suppose it will be a little more of a Western style.” I agreed. “But I don’t think I’ll be having anyone give me away. My father isn’t available for that after all.”

“Giving the bride away?” Shingen asked.

Sasuke gave a quick explanation of the tradition. Once he had finished the explanation, we heard a voice that I had not expected. At least not for a few more days when the official visit would be. “If anyone is to give the bride away, being that you are a princess of the Oda Forces, I shall gladly take that honor. You are my lucky charm after all.”

We all looked up, surprised. “Nobunaga?” I asked.

“What are you doing here, Devil?” Shingen asked, all mirth gone from his eyes.

“I have reached peace with Kennyo and his disiples.” Nobunaga explained. “And then of course, I received word of a wedding to take place between my lucky charm and the man she has chosen to live her life with.”

“This is a happy occasion.” Kennyo said to Shingen. Though I knew Kennyo still had a hard time dealing with Nobunaga, even knowing that Kicho had acted alone all those years ago and started everything…there had been a lot of hurt. I was proud of him for working so hard to move past that. “And this temple is neutral territory.”

Shingen sighed. “I suppose it would make sense for you to attend…nor would I want to cause problems for my friend or the beautiful goddess he is marrying.”

I looked up at Nobunaga. “But…you really want to give me away?” I asked him.

Nobunaga smirked. “It is only right.”

I was surprised by the touch of warmth I saw in those red eyes. There were times that I never understood the man, times I still didn’t but he could be surprisingly warm at times. “I would appreciate that.”

Nobunaga then came to join us. There was clearly still tension in the air, but as we all focused on discussing and planning the wedding, that tension slowly began to ease. It was nice that everyone could put aside their differences for the sake of mine and Kennyo’s wedding. I just hoped that this would continue and be the same on the day of our wedding…which would be in three months.

Three months later…

I stood in the spare room, looking in the mirror. Hideyoshi, Mitsuhide, and Yoshimoto had surprised me by helping me with my hair and makeup. Nothing too over the top, thankfully. I had honestly thought Yoshimoto would try going really grand and fancy, but he said that would detract from my natural beauty. He’d also said he didn’t want to take away from the masterpiece that was my dress.

With some help from some maids, I had managed to get my dress on. I had combined elements of a modern wedding dress and kimono to make something that was unique to me, but also still modest enough for the time period…and for becoming the wife of an abbot. Granted the monks had all already started referring to me as Abbess, but still…this would make it feel more official.

I smiled as I looked at my white dress, patterned with purple and gold flowers. My obi a solid purple, trimmed in gold, and a gold chord around the middle. I’m not sure how, but Nobunaga and Yoshimoto had managed to find lace for me in order to make a veil. I smiled as I looked at my reflection. As most young girls do, I had been dreaming about my wedding day for a long time. I never imagained it would be like this, and yet I couldn’t think of it being any other way.

“Ava, I’m coming in.”

I turned at the sound of the familiar voice and the door slid open. Nobunaga was walking in, dressed in his finest robes. He smiled at me. “I should have known you would have come up with such a creation. It is very fitting for you, Fireball.”

I could see the warmth in his eyes as he looked at me. “Thanks, Nobunaga.”

“Are you ready? It is almost time.” He asked me.

I nodded with a bright smile. “Yes.”

Nobunaga offered me his arm and I linked mine through his. We exited the room and began to head to the temple gardem, where we decided to hold the ceremony. All of the disiples were gathered, along with all of our friends…including all of the Oda forces and Shingen, Sasuke, and Yoshimoto.

I couldn’t help but to feel an added happiness at seeing all of these people who were enemies, putting that aside for the day. I knew it wasn’t easy for any of them, but they were doing this all for Kennyo and me. Of course, I couldn’t focus on the guests for too long.

Kennyo stood under the very tree he proposed to me under. He looked so handsome in the black kimono I had made for him, with a gold and purple sash. He smiled at me as I walked towards him on Nobunaga’s arm. Once we reached our makeshift alter, Nobunaga was releasing me and then placing my hand in Kennyo’s before taking his seat.

Kennyo and I stood facing each other and joined both of our hands and smiling. Given that this was just about us pledging our lives and our love to each other, we had agreed to write our own vows. Echanging those vows and rings.

“Ava,” Kennyo said my name, reverently as he began his vows, “you have given me so much. Far more than I deserved. You rescued me from myself and showed me that I was still a man. Your pure heart, your kindness, and your love are all gifts to me. Gifts that I treasure above all else. In return, I pledge to you my life and my love. I swear to love you every day and see to your health, safety, and happiness for the rest of my life.”

I could feel the happy tears stinging my eyes at how sweet his words were. I had not imagined just how beautiful his vows would be. Though it made sense, he was a wonderful orator. “How am I supposed to follow that?” I asked, giving him a smile. This also earned a chuckle from Kennyo and everyone in attendance.

“I am sure your words are beautiful.” He replied, giving my hands a squeeze.

I smiled at him and nodded. “Kennyo, you have shown me a love and kindness as I have never known. Even when you didn’t believe yourself kind, I always saw through to the kindness in your heart. I pledge my life and my love to you. I swear that I will love you every day and I will keep and protect that kind heart of yours and make sure you are happy for the rest of my life.”

Ranmaru was then approaching us and handing us the rings. They were simple wooden bands Shingen had carved for us. Inside the bands he had carved the characters for love, life, kindness, and joy. Kennyo took my left hand and slid the band on my ring finger. With trembling hands, I managed to slide his ring on his finger.

We stood looking at each other, smiling. Then from the crowd, Sasuke called out. “You may now kiss the bride!”

“Kiss the bride before I do!” Masamune called.

“Is kissing the bride a tradition? I’d like to participate in that.” Shingen said.

I felt my cheeks reddening, but Kennyo was smiling at me. He pulled me closer and soon our lips were meeting in a sweet kiss, sealing our wedding vows. When we broke apart, we were both smiling. “I love you, Kennyo.” I told him.

He smiled at me. “I love you, Ava…my wife.”

My heart soared at those words and my smile widened. “My husband.”