Get Married

The world below was wide and limitless, but Shen and Lina stayed locked in an embrace at the cliff's edge, the cool breeze encircling them. There was a thick, but not oppressive, quiet between them. It was a sliver of hope, a thin thread binding their hearts. As they looked into each other's eyes, Shen's feelings for Lina grew more intense than before, and the chaos in his head started to subside.

Shen had doubted himself for a long time, overwhelmed by fear and remorse. Here, however, with Lina at his side, he mustered the bravery to face his inner truth. "Let's go back to the church," he whispered, softly but firmly, as he squeezed her hand. 

She had been holding back for so long, waiting for this moment, for the barriers she had put up around herself to finally come down. She raised a small eyebrow, but she didn't ask him any questions. Rather, she gave a silent nod, her faith in Shen unshaken.

Lina's steps were shaky as they walked hand in hand back, her feelings threatening to take over. Her mind was racing: *Is this it? Will the waiting, the anxiety, and the uncertainty finally come to an end? She felt a sense of security she hadn't had in years as she gazed at Shen's back, his strong, stable figure in front of her.

As they arrived at the church, the stone walls served as a somber reminder of their presence. Long shadows spread across the weathered stones as the sun's fading hues bathed the sky in warm tones. In sharp contrast to the storm raging in Lina's heart, the air inside was calm and cool.

Lina hesitated as Shen walked toward the priest. Tears started to form in her eyes, and her hand shook slightly in his. Her heart felt like it was being ripped open, revealing all she had worked so hard to keep hidden.

“Commander, how can I help you?” the priest said, his kind voice piercing the quiet.

With his hand tightening around Lina's as though to secure her, Shen turned to face her. His next words were modest, but they were filled with a thousand unsaid promises. "We want to marry each other."

The priest's eyes briefly widened before a kind grin appeared on his face. "Of course," he replied in a tone of mild respect. "Offering a sacred ceremony for such a sincere union is always an honor."

When Lina heard what Shen had to say, her knees almost gave way. Her heart ached, a mixture of happiness and grief so strong it almost overcame her. With her voice shaking, she muttered, "I thought I would never have this." "I believed that I would never find someone who could see me and pick me."

Shen turned to face her, the bare vulnerability in her gaze making his own heart ache. Gently, he wiped away her tears with his other hand on her cheek. He murmured quietly, "I'm sorry it took me so long to see you, Lina. You've waited so long." But now I'm here. I'm available to you.

Lina took a trembling breath as the priest lit lights and opened prayer books in preparation for the wedding. Even though she was still crying, it didn't feel heavy. She gave herself permission to hope for the first time, to think that she may have something worthwhile, something tangible.

---

The sanctified silence of the church appeared to envelop them like a veil of protection as they approached the altar. "I know we haven't known each other for long," Lina whispered, turning to Shen as the priest repeated prayers, her voice shaking. There has been a lot of uncertainty and worry in my life. But I want to do something different with you. Her voice broke as she hesitated. "It feels like the barriers I've erected are finally being taken down."

Her remarks struck a deep chord with Shen, who also felt his own walls collapsing. His voice was firm but full of emotion as he continued, "I understand what it's like to be afraid." I've been terrified of my decisions and of myself for a very long time. However, you've shown me that I don't have to let fear rule me. It can help me and motivate me to improve. And I want to create something genuine with you now.

When it came time to trade rings, Shen's hands were shaking as he put the plain gold band on Lina's finger. Knowing that this was the start of a new chapter in their life, his heart grew heavy as he looked at her. With a gentle yet firm touch, Lina put the ring on Shen's finger.

At the end of the service, the priest blessed everyone by raising his hands. In a moment of intense connection, Shen and Lina turned to face one another, their eyes meeting. Despite having endured a great deal of suffering, they found comfort in one another here in this hallowed location.

---

Shen escorted Lina out of the chapel and down a small, peaceful street. Their road was illuminated by the gentle glow of lanterns, and the cool night air filled their lungs. As they got closer to a humble but quaint house, Shen's pulse was pounding with excitement.

Shen took a key out of his pocket and gave it to Lina as they came to a stop in front of the door.
With passion in his voice, he declared, "This is ours." It's your house. Our house.

With her palm shaking as she grasped the key, Lina gazed at the mansion in shock. She was crying uncontrollably as she turned to face Shen. "I... "I didn't have a house," she said. "It wasn't really mine." And now... With anguish choking her voice, she broke off. "I never thought I'd have what you're giving me."

With kind yet steady eyes, Shen put his hand on her shoulder. "Lina, you deserve this. This is something you've always earned.

Lina looked about the compact yet comfortable space as soon as they entered. It felt like a dream because of the warm wooden floors, the basic furnishings, and the subtle scent of freshly cut wood. As sobs raged through her body, she fell to her knees in the center of the room, hiding her face with her hands.

Shen put his arms around her shoulders and crouched next to her. "It's alright," he muttered. "You're secure now. This is your area. It cannot be taken away from you.

Lina's eyes were crimson with appreciation as she glanced up at him. Her voice broke as she said, "Thank you." "For everything."

For a while, they sat with their arms encircling one another in quiet. Shen felt a little less burdened by his duties, while Lina felt a sense of belonging for the first time in years.

Their tranquility, however, was fleeting. The silence was broken by a sharp, abrupt rap on the door. Shen and Lina looked at each other in surprise and then stood up.

The loud, persistent knocking persisted. Shen moved his hand automatically to the hilt of his sword and strode toward the entrance.