Outside the building, people stared at the group of men dressed in black loose pants; the lapeled, long-sleeved shirt was divided in red on the right, embroidered with white vines while the left side was made with white fabric and had some sort of bird embroidered in red. The hems of the lapels were detailed with stripes of black fabric, and the pants were held with a red belt.
Overall, they looked like a group of guards from a wealthy house, very dashing and imposing. The young ladies tittered, whispered, and batted their eyelashes, trying to catch the eye of one of them. However, the four ignored the attempts, as they stared at a specific direction, from where a carriage slowly approached.
Immediately after the carriage stopped, they moved and formed two rows at the door.
The display made even the workers inside the offices stand up from their seats and take a look through the windows.
The door from the carriage opened to show… Mr. Dodds. The audience deflated in disappointment. The man paused at the gathered crowd, then his gaze stopped at the four uniformed guys and his eyes glinted. He reminded himself it was not the time for his ideas, so he hurriedly helped his wife down. Jean was buzzing with excitement after seeing the four men Isabelle was going to marry.
They look so dashing with their clothes! Oh, it's like a fairy tale! Jean inwardly gushed.
The onlookers were a bit confused. All that fanfare for the couple who ran one of the most popular restaurants in town? Sure, they were a bit known around and got along with lots of people, mainly because they did not put on airs like the other restaurant owners, so it was confusing to see them performing such act at the Civil Affairs Offices.
The mystery was unveiled when one of the four men stepped up to the carriage and helped yet another woman down.
Many gaped at the woman who was obviously going to marry, what with the full attire and make-up. But who was she? Some daughter of a lord? The sister of a renowned merchant? She could not be a nobody with her disposition and gait. Uncommon was her beauty, but she was a beauty nonetheless. Eyes followed her figure as she was led into the building with the four men walking around her.
Then, another question popped up in their minds: who was going to marry such a beautiful woman?
Inside the Civil Affairs Office, the group of seven purposefully headed to the area in charge of registering marriages. The workers immediately stood before such a prominent group and were unsure on how to treat them.
Commonly, the marrying couple would invite the Head of the Civil Affairs Office to officiate the marriage in their own homes or at any other place. For the people themselves to arrive at the office was not a first, but none had looked as dressed up as this group.
One of the attendants, a rather young man, was elbowed. He came out of his shocked stupor and stuttered out his question, "G-good morning. May… may I help you?" He was unable to look away from the woman dressed in white.
"We want to start the marriage procedure." Ethan spoke up.
"Huh?" The young man squeaked, then caught himself. "Oh, of course!... sure… Um, who are the people getting married?" He looked among the group. One was obvious, but the lucky partner remained unknown.
"Isabelle, Ethan Edris, Lucas Edris, Joseph Edris and Felix Edris." Ethan calmly replied, though his voice was tinted with pride and smugness. Yes, the beautiful woman these men could not stop staring at was going to be their Wife!
The small office fell silent. Did they hear wrong?
"You're still not starting? Why has the process become so slow lately?" Mr. Dodds admonished, seeing as no one responded for too long. That startled the people in the office out of their stupor to start moving.
The marriage process was simple. The Head of the Civil Affairs Office had to say the marriage vows and read the marriage document, then the involved people had to sign said document. Then, the celebration would begin, but since this was a different ceremony, the big group was led towards the office at the end of the hallway, where the Head already expected them.
"Boy, oh boy! I heard it was an impressive group, but this!" A jolly old man jumped in his seat, his pot belly bouncing with the move.
The Head of the Civil Affairs Office had an impressive moustache, somehow compensating the lack of hair on his head. His eyes sparkled as he eyed the ones who were obviously going to marry. He, of course, had seen his fair share of couples getting married, has officiated the ceremonies, yet there were just a handful of them that had such an astonishing presence.
As soon as the group announced their identities, the employers hurriedly searched for the respective documentation, which was then placed on his desk before the group was led to his office.
What he read made his eyebrows rise high in forehead. Villagers! If he had not read it, then he would not have believed that the bride and grooms came from Yellow Leaf Village. It seemed even humble people still had ways to surprise him.
"Sit, sit, sit…" He wildly gestured at the chairs in front of his desk. "Alright, the bride in here in the middle. Very beautiful, yes." The compliment came out very sincere and enthusiastic that it made Isabelle smile delighted. Not out of vanity, but happiness. "Oh, how I would love to be younger and unmarried to court you." The Head sighed wistfully, ignoring the pointed gazes from the brothers.
The older man pulled himself together and then turned to the guys. "Now, the grooms. Lucky you, lucky you! Two at each side of her." His hands perfectly indicating which brothers would be in which side to create a harmonious picture. "Perfect!" He clapped as the four brothers took their seats. "No family member accompanying them?" He eyed around, his gaze stopping on the Dodds couple.
"Just us as witness. Friends. We represent the bride." Mr. Dodds piped up, his wife too busy being excited to reply.
The bright smile on the older man dimmed a bit but did not let anyone catch it. He knew very well what it meant for a bride to not have family members with her, especially when she was marrying a group of men. "Marvelous! That's good. Friends are as good as family." He quickly diverted the topic and even threw some encouraging words. Then, he turned to look at the men, expectant.
"Our parents died when we were young. We represent each other." Ethan said, not awkward but still a tad strained.
The Head simply smiled and nodded in understanding, "may they be in peace," and dedicated a moment of silence to honor those who left untimely. "Well, you're still family, so I guess it's fine." The Head concluded and seated himself after he gestured at the only witnesses to approach.
The whole paperwork started when the witnesses signed up a document that certified the bride and the grooms were of sound of mind and were willing to go through the marriage process without coercion or threats in between.
Mr. Dodds and Jean easily wrote their names, vouching and trusting that the Edris brothers were not taking advantage of the lone Isabelle. With their part done, they sat at their prepared chairs. Not too close to the marrying group but close enough to also be included in the whole ceremony.
"Now, let me introduce myself. My name is Ruhe Papalo, and as you know, I'm the Head of the Civil Affairs Office. I'm here to, in simple words, marry you."
Mr. Papalo beamed at the young people about to start a new phase in their lives. Despite his wild guessing on the circumstances that brought them to him, the fact that they still looked willing to do it and radiated happiness just being together relieved him. He had seen different scenarios with the same type of characters after all.
"Right! So, I was told your names are Ethan, Lucas, Joseph and Felix Edris and Isabelle. I assume dear Isabelle here is going to take the surname?" Mr. Papalo asked Isabelle, tilting his head in her direction, making the light coming from the window in the office lit up his bald head.
"That is correct." She confirmed, gracefully ignoring the effect of light. Ethan carefully looked away. Lucas' beard twitched from time to time. Joseph unabashedly stared in awe at the sheen. Felix's eyes unnaturally jumped from here to there to not look.
"Wonderful!" Mr. Papalo quickly nodded, making the moustache wildly jump. Ethan pursed his lips. Lucas suddenly coughed. Joseph just merrily smiled. Felix hardly pinched himself. Isabelle impassively continued looking at the man. "I'm going to write that in here."
On the table, there were several papers with words already on them, and the corresponding writing supplies: pen quill and ink. For a short moment, the quill efficiently moved, making rapid scratching noises over the paper until it was put down.
"And done! Is there anything else you would like to add? Dowry… or a will?" The bald man's voice pitched a bit when suddenly remembering the bride could not possibly have a dowry due to her circumstances.
Well, it was usual procedure, and he could not stop thinking that the group did not look like villagers. Anyway, he expectantly looked at them for an answer. The brothers blinked, having a mini panic attack inwardly at having forgotten such important things!
Isabelle noticed the brother's awkwardness and saved them from any more embarrassment. "The dowry was used in buying fabric for the clothes we are wearing. Moreover, we have not written down our wills, yet. We decided to settle that after marrying."
Her prim and proper way of speaking threw Mr. Papalo in a loop. How was she a villager?! Her speech was better than his! Clearing his throat, he continued, "It makes sense. I also think it's quite unlucky to add wills while marrying. Anyway, when you do so in the future, you have to come to this same building." He reminded. "Then, if you don't want to add anything, I will now read the vows."
Saying so, he grabbed a piece of paper and stood, gesturing at the group to stand too. After everybody solemnly waited for him to start, he cleared his throat and read:
"Today, Isabelle and Ethan, Lucas, Joseph and Felix Edris take this vow for the fulfillment of the committment required to form a family; for they want to develop the physical and spiritual bond so they stay as one in goodness and hardships, to acquire wealth by pure and righteous means and to spend it wisely together, to forge a harmonious relationship and listen to each other, to excel in raising strong and virtuous children, to thrive in their togetherness and compatibility, and because apart from being lovers, they are friends who will remain faithful and support each other in this lifelong adventure."
Mr. Papalo's voice resounded in the room. The vows were simple. He was doing the basic service after all. But he made sure all five understood what they were signing up for and looked at each of them with the seriousness and encouragement young people needed for this precious moment.
"I accept" Isabelle solemnly replied to the words. It was unnecessary but it still made the mood even more special.
The brothers thought so, too, and one by one, they repeated her words. "I accept," looking at the amazing woman who yet again surprised them with her willingness to tie herself to them.
Seeing the fervent and sincere expressions reflected on the five, together with the vestiges of devotion blooming after such a simple vow, Ruhe Papalo inwardly nodded. Good, good, they will surely live a happy life, he thought. Then, he placed the paper with the vows and proof of their marriage down.
"Your names here, please." He pointed at the blank space dedicated for the bride and groom to write their names on. Once again, it did not occur to him that as villagers, they might not have the ability to write. Catching his mistake, he was about to volunteer in writing their names when the brothers stepped up one by one.
Ethan Edris was written with neat and beautifully connected letters.
Lucas Edris was written with big and strong letters.
Joseph Edris was written with the usual careless and scratchy letters.
Felix Edris was written with small but very round letters.
Finally, they left space for the bride to finish off that part of the process. The one that would seal their futures. Even if uncertain, even if good, even if bad, even if full of hardships, even if prosperous, they were all together in it.
Isabelle Edris was written with her characteristic loopy letters.
Mr. Papalo's gaping expression made the five smirk and grin. It was Jean's giggling that startled the man out of his shock. "Huh, well! Such nice calligraphy you have there!" He immediately complimented. "Oh, yeah, I have good feelings about you all! You have my deepest blessings. Treat each other with respect and love. Communicate! That's important. And, just be happy! I officially declare you wife and husbands!"
The Head finished the marriage process with loud clapping that was followed by the Dodds couple and the other workers outside the office. The marrying group just shared a smile that promised more once they were alone.
But that would not come soon.
The five stood like stones, their faces frozen in a pained smile and their whole bodies screaming at them for the abuse. They were very thankful and really appreciated everything the Dodds couple had done for them. But, is this really necessary? They wondered.
"I can't offer you a banquet or anything as the restaurant is not mine, however Ossy still accepted using one of the private rooms for a quick painting session with a painter I hired. It's so you have this special day immortalized on a canvas!" That was what Jean had said as they made their way out of the Civil Affairs Office.
The now Edris family had displayed equally confused expressions, with none having the time to react when a pair of voices sounded at the entrance of the building.
"Congratulations!" Corey and David stood with wide smiles before throwing some petals at the marrying group with the kids happily laughing while doing the task. That made some onlookers clap and also congratulate them.
"You look so beautiful! I almost didn't recognize you!" Corey excitedly said, holding Isabelle's hand, eyes appreciatively scanning all there was to see on Isabelle and hummed in approval. "My, to be invited to the wedding of such a good-looking group." She ribbed Isabelle, acting like a big sister.
"You were invited…?" Isabelle blinked confused.
"Yes, Belle. I invited them. I know ye said a party wasn't necessary, but we still wanted to do somethin' special. So, we invited a few people who've been of great help ta us. People we consider friends." Felix quickly interjected and explained.
"You have?" The stunned bride gazed at the brothers. "Who else?"
Ethan pointed at the obvious recently added group. "Corey, David and their family. Monthe and his wife, and their child, too. Mrs. Dodds here wasn't allowed to visit our humble abode by Mr. Dodds" Jean pouted and glared at the unrepentant Mr. Dodds. "And..." Ethan's words were interrupted by a rather sharp inhale.
"This dress is so marvelous!" Of course, the last person to be invited had to be Mrs. Attile. "And those suits! Everything about them is perfect! The cut! The colors! The design! Such a well-dressed group!" She gushed, making more and more onlookers gather once again at the entrance.
In the end, Mr. Dodds had been the voice of reason in the group and had herded them to the next destination: Dodds & Doddette; where the Edris' family torture began.
The restaurant was going to open soon, so the whole group was swiftly led upstairs under the surprised gazes of the staff. Some recognized Ethan and called him out, yelling their own congratulations. Ethan waved at his coworkers and kept walking. At the room arranged for the Edris to be painted at, they were received by the waiter who had been Ethan's mentor.
"Congratulations, Edris… all of you. Let your marriage be a happy one, full of blessings." The man, Iniko, solemnly said.
"Thank you." The five replied to him, full of gratitude; Ethan even shook his mentor's hand.
The room, which actually was the one with the panoramic sight of the mountains, was already prepared with three seats placed with the mountains as the background, the sliding doors widely opened. The painter was also already waiting for them. He was a middle-aged man who had the air of a scholar. He kept quiet bar giving instructions as to where the five had to sit.
Isabelle was put in the middle. Ethan and Joseph were placed on her right and left, respectively, sitting. And the tallest brothers, Lucas and Felix, were place over her right and left shoulder, respectively, standing.
"Do not make big moves. In the case you do, try to go back to your original position." That was the painter's last instruction before he started.
That was how the torture began. They truly did their best to remain as unmoving as possible. But cramps, sore muscles and hungry stomachs were starting to make themselves known. To make things worse, Mrs. Attile bought some nice smelling snacks and shared them with the kids who were whining about being hungry.
"You ok?" Ethan whispered, his head unconsciously moving to look at Isabelle. Catching himself, he returned it to its original position almost immediately.
"I am hungry." Isabelle sincerely said. Her stomach was making loud noises that her husbands had noticed long ago. Plus, she was also despairing on the fact the they still had to go back home to finally eat.
"Want me to buy something?" Joseph interjected.
"What is small enough to be eaten as a snack?" She asked Ethan. As she was unable to see what the others were eating, she had to ask the person who worked at the restaurant and knew the menu.
Ethan's reply did not come right away. "They have this fried potato balls filled with cheese." He eventually said, sure that Isabelle would like those best than what the others were eating. She needed something more filling that the sugary treat.
"Drinks, too." Lucas spoke up. He was sure that everybody was as parched as he felt.
"Water is fine. I am very thirsty." At that point, Isabelle did not even have the energy to think up what to order due to hunger.
Just when Ethan started to move to order what was decided on, the painter put down his brush. The five froze, thinking they would be scolded for moving too much. "I'm done." The painter announced instead. The relief was collective. The family sighed at the same time. But then, they began to move.
Ethan stood up to place the order with Iniko. Felix approached the painter to look at the final product. Joseph laid on the floor to rest, uncaring of what others would say; his back was killing him. Isabelle envied the third brother for what he was able to do. She also wanted to lay down! In the end, she just stretched her legs and softly pounded them. Lucas started kneading her shoulders to dispel some of the tension there.
"Look, Belle! It really looks like us." From the stand, Felix's delighted voice thrilled. Mrs. Attile and Corey, who had gathered to also take a look, nodded in agreement; their faces filled with mild awe. After getting permission from the painter, Felix grabbed the painting and turned it in her direction.
Isabelle had to admit the painter did an amazing job.
The mountains looked very real at the back, the room looked as elegant as the original, and he captured the essence of each of them. Joseph's whole countenance was very sharp. Lucas imposing body held gentleness in it. Felix's expression was very bright and warm. Ethan's aura was full of maturity and cunningness. And Isabelle sat like the country's regent.
"It really is very well done. Perfect. Thank you, master." Isabelle praised the painter.
"You were a challenge to paint, so it's me who has to thank you." He smiled as he started putting away his tools. After that, Jean and her husband saw the painter out, while the other invitees continued appreciating the painting. The food arrived soon and the five did a quick sweeping on the little potato balls.
"Is there a way we can rent a cart or something?" Isabelle asked her husbands as she chewed on her food. The sole thought of walking made her body protest, so she was looking for travelling options. Neither of the brothers replied. "If it is about money, I can pay for it." She whispered, thinking they were unable to afford carts for all the invitees.
"Don't worry 'bout it." Joseph uncaringly waved. Isabelle blinked and slowly nodded. She trusted that they had everything under control so she just focused on eating. Once everybody was ready to leave the restaurant to continue the celebration at the Edris' house, they made their way down.
Outside, a cart waited, simple in design but very comfortable-looking. Isabelle admired it for a moment before turning to continue down the path towards the town's exit; however, Joseph pulled her back and nudged her towards the waiting cart.
"Get in." He said.
"What, why? Is this not…?" Isabelle thought the cart was from a customer.
"It's yours. Get in." Ethan interrupted her.
"My what?" Isabelle thought she was delirious from exhaustion because she was definitely hearing things.
"Your cart." Lucas repeated.
"From us to you!" Felix chirped.
Isabelle opened and closed her mouth, unable to find words to say. The cart was there, the small horse harnessed to it was there, and the brothers were looking at her with proud gazes. They…
Her heart was filled with an indescribable feeling. It was definitely a good start in their marriage! Her wide smile blinded the brothers, punching air out of them from how beautiful she was, and rendering them unable to react when she told them to help her up the cart.
Correction: the marriage still had room to improve.