"Nervous Artorias?" Ornstein mockingly asked, already knowing the answer.

"Nervous? What would I be nervous about? I mean I'm only getting married to the love of my life in front of the Lords and everybody." I said sarcastically, brushing of my dress clothes. "I never did like being in front of crowds. Too much pressure, too many judgmental eyes."

"That's right, you always stood in the background during the big speeches Gwyn used to give during the Dragon War." Ornstein reminisced.

"I'll just have to keep my eyes on Ciaran and try not to say the words wrong." I stated, looking myself over in the mirror. Then came a knock on my door.

"Who is it?" Ornstein yelled over his shoulder.

"Apologies sir," a shaky voice replied. "I was asked to come and get you two. We are almost ready to start the ceremony."

"No more stalling I guess," I rubbed my neck with a sigh.

"That's right, time to get hitched!" Ornstein exclaimed, clapping my shoulder with his hand. I nodded and we headed for the door. When we opened it, whoever was previously at the door, had left. Ornstein and I looked at each other, and then shrugged. We made our way to the main hall where we were surprised by the incredible decorations.

"Well the decorators did one hell of a job," I said in wonder.

"No kidding, and it looks like the guests are starting to fill in now." Ornstein pointed towards the door. I looked to see quite a few people filing in. Many of them were Knights not on guard duty for the day. There were also quite a few Humans, many of which I saw on my early patrol routes. Of course there was Ciaran's guests as well, most of them Lord's Blades. I made my way through the guests, waving to and greeting those I passed by. I took my place standing in the front, waiting to get the show on the road. As I was waiting, a large hand came down on my shoulder. I turned around to see Lord Gwyn's soft eyes and beard covered smile.

"My Lord," I saluted.

"Artorias," he shook his head. "Today is your day, if anything I should be saluting you!" Gwyn gave a hearty chuckle. "And I hope you don't mind, but I thought I would conduct the ceremony today."

"Of course not my Lord. Ciaran and I wouldn't have it any other way." I smiled. I looked down the aisle to see the Bride's maids pairing up with the groomsmen. That meant only one thing, this ceremony was getting underway. I looked around for Ornstein and Gough but I could not find them. I turned to Gwyn and asked,

"My Lord, where are the other two Knights?"

"They should be here shortly," he laughed. I looked at him, confused by his laughter, and then I saw Ornstein accompanied by Gough. Ornstein filed in behind me and Gough stood across from me.

"Hello Artorias," Gough waved.

"Hey Gough, what are you doing over there?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Ciaran asked me to be her Maid of Honor." He said slightly dipping his head. I held my hand over my mouth to stifle off laughter.

"I see, so that's why you and Ornstein won't be coming down the aisle with the others." I said trying to keep a straight face.

"Correct, plus it felt right. All four Knights together, to celebrate the union of you and Ciaran." Gough gave a slight smile.

"Well I'm just glad to have you here, both of you." I admitted, looking at Gough and then to Ornstein. While I was turning my head, I caught a glimpse of Gwynevere. She was giving Gwyn the thumbs up, the wedding was about to start. The musicians started to play a wedding theme as one of Gwynevere's handmaidens walked up the aisle, dropping flower petals. When she took a seat at the front bench I looked back down the aisle to see Ciaran's approach. She started her walk down the aisle, a bouquet in hand, and a smile on her face. She was absolutely stunning to look at. Her gorgeous blue eyes were brought out perfectly by her dress. Her flowing black hair accentuating her beauty even more. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on, and I was about to make her mine. She took her place in front of me and locked her eyes with mine.

"Welcome to all guests, who have come to witness the union between these two." Gwyn announced with his deep voice. "As you all may know, I am the Lord of Sunlight, Gwyn. Today I have been given the pleasure of uniting two of my faithful Knights in the bond of Matrimony. Lord's Blade Ciaran, Knight Artorias, you may now exchange your vows." Gwyn motioned with his hand. I nodded to Ciaran, letting her go first. She smiled and gave a content sigh.

"My dear Artorias, we have been side by side for a long time. From the war with the Dragons, to the war with the Witch. We have been at each others side, as friends, for all of it. But you and I always had a special connection, and one night you admitted your deep feelings of love towards me. I had always felt it, but you were the first to say it. You are the only person I have ever felt attached to this way. If you'll have me, I will spend the rest of my life by your side, returning all the love you have given me." Ciaran said her vows, her eyes locked on mine the entire time. Her incredible smile never fell from her face. I returned her smile and attempted to clear my throat slyly.

"My lovely Ciaran, from the moment I first fought at your side, I had strong feelings towards you. For the longest time I had no idea what those feelings where. But the more time we spent together the more I figured them out. You became my Best Friend, my confidant, the one person I could go to with anything. The one person I could trust above all else. Our many battles together are a true testament to that. But now my love, the battles are over, and you are still the one person I need at my side. I cannot see myself happier with anyone but you, and if you will have me, I will try my damnedest to make you as happy as you make me." I said, taking her hands in mine.

"Very well," Gwyn said clearing his throat. "Now do you, Ciaran, take this man to be your Husband?"

"I do," she smiled with barely contained excitement.

"And do you, Artorias, take this woman to be your Wife?" Gwyn looked to me.

"I do, now and forever." I said, making Ciaran giggle slightly.

"Then by my power, I declare you two officially wed. You may kiss the bride." Ciaran and I embraced each other as we shared a passionate kiss. There in front of the Lords and everybody, we were married. Everyone stood and cheered for us, as Ornstein gave me a pat on the back. We ended our kiss and I swept Ciaran off her feet and into my arms. I carried her down the Aisle and to the dining hall where the reception was to be held. As I carried her, we kept our eyes locked, never missing a sparkle in her brilliant blue eyes. I could not believe it, I had just married the woman of my dreams. I gave an exhausted sigh, which caused Ciaran to burst out in laughter. We would be very happy together, I could tell.

"Isn't it beautiful my love?" I smiled looking out over the Oolacile Gorge. I had my arm draped over Ciaran's shoulder, holding her tightly to my side.

"I love it, Artorias. It's breathtaking." She said in amazement with her arm across my lower back.

"I knew you'd love it. I know the river isn't quite that high yet but with a little more rain, it will be." I speculated, rubbing my thumb up and down her shoulder. I looked over to our side yard to see Sif running in circles, chasing local wildlife. "Seems like Sif is enjoying the place as well." Ciaran gave a giggle and shook her head at Sif. As we were enjoying the view we heard a knock at the door.

"Wonder who that could be?" Ciaran looked at me with a cocked eyebrow.

"No idea," I shrugged. We turned around and headed back in the house. We opened the front door to see Ornstein standing there waiting.

"Ornstein!" I exclaimed.

"Hey, how's my favorite family doing?" He asked, as we shook forearms.

"We're fantastic, Ornstein." Ciaran replied with a smile.

"Good to hear. This is quite the abode you two have put together. Last time I was here it wasn't even a house yet. Sorry for being such a stranger by the way. With you two out of commission I had to pick up more patrols." Ornstein jokingly jabbed.

"They still make you run patrols?" I asked.

"Yeah, and it's still boring. When are you coming back?" He asked raising his eyebrows.

"Well I'm not coming back actually. I wanted to be more of a family man now, have a job closer to home. I actually have taken up an apprenticeship with a local craftsman. I haul logs to his shop in the morning, then I do iron working and assist him with anything else. But he'll soon be retiring and handing the shop over to me." I said with pride and excitement.

"No kidding? Congratulations Artorias, I'm happy for you." He patted my shoulder and nodded. "How about you Ciaran?"

"Well I don't plan on returning either. I stay at home, tend to our small farm for most of our food. Oh and take care of our baby of course." She replied with her radiant smile.

"Of course!" Ornstein chuckled. "Speaking of which, where is little Anastacia?"

"She's down for her nap right now. But she should be up soon I'd imagine." Ciaran offered.

"No that's okay, I really only had a few minutes to pop in and see how my two best friends were. It's been so long since we've seen each other, Anastacia barely knows her Uncle Ornstein." He half smiled.

"It has been about...a month..." I pondered. "Since Anastacia was born actually."

"Yeah, we really should get together more often." Ciaran patted Ornstein's arm.

"Don't worry about it you two." He gave a dismissive wave. "You two have a baby and jobs, it's understandable. But seeing each other more often wouldn't be bad."

"You're right. How about once a week, we all go out for dinner or drinks or something together. Get the Knights of Gwyn back together." Ciaran offered.

"Sounds good." Ornstein nodded. "I'll drop by your shop Artorias to hammer out the details. Until then I'll see you later." Ornstein said with a nod as he turned to leave.

"Goodbye Ornstein!" Ciaran and I both waved to him. He waved over his shoulder and headed away from our house.

"It was nice to see him again." I said still smiling, watching Ornstein's silhouette fade in the trees.

"It was, we really do need to see him and Gough more often." Ciaran said somberly. I gave her a loving hug and smile to let her know everything would be fine. She returned the smile, improving her mood.

"Well I'm going to go feed the animals. Might as well get something done on my day off." I laughed.

"You never stop going my love." she chuckled. "Have fun, It should be about time for me to wake Anastacia and feed her anyway." She replied, reaching up for a kiss. I returned the kiss and headed out the door. I grabbed a shovel and the barrel full of feed and began making my rounds. It was crazy to think only ten months before we were at war with the Witch of Izalith and her Demons. Then came a beautiful wife, precious daughter, a great house with a gorgeous view, and even a small farm. All of that on top of a great and stable job, that was the life. As I continued on my feed run I looked back at my house to see Ciaran standing on the front porch, with our daughter in her arms. At that moment I realized I was easily the luckiest man in the world. With a life like that, I could be happy until the day I die.

Well that's all folks! The conclusion to my first somewhat lengthy story. I had a great time writing it and I appreciate all of your feedback, favorites, and follows. You guys have been great to me, so thank you for making my first fanfiction experience a great one. This is the last thing I'll write for a few months but hopefully after that I will return with another story. Maybe a Sequel, maybe another dark souls story, maybe a brand new story all together in a different universe/genre. Praise the Sun! \[T]/