3 Years Later
In a clearing on the far side of the Blood Rose Island, Ryan stood in front of a crowd.
In the crowd, Humans, Orcs, Elves and Skeletons were seated together.
Next to him, Eragon, in a massive tuxedo, slapped him on the back.
"You'll do great."
Grizzly gave him a small salute while wearing his leather jacket over a dress shirt.
This didn't motivate Ryan to calm down as he waited.
The music he had waited for almost made him jump.
Even though he was anxious, a smile formed on his face when he saw Bell walk toward him.
She was brought to him by her father, Travis, and his hair was just as red as hers.
She took her place next to him, and Eena took her place as the Priestess.
The half-Orc raised both of her hands.
"Friends, family and those that came before. Thalara is commonly seen as a Goddess of War and Peace. That is a misconception; she is a Goddess of protection, and there is only one way to protect Peace."
She lowered her hands and placed them on their shoulders.
"Both of you have had many battles alone and many as a group. Now, if you take this oath, all your battles will be together as a unit."
Both of them nodded.
"First, I need Ryan to kneel and repeat after me."
He went down on one knee.
"I, Ryan, shall dedicate my life to protect Isabelle, for as long as I live."
He repeated with less force than he had hoped.
"So that she may not go into War and Peace alone."
This time, he felt the words come out more clearly.
"Our children will only lose their father to plague or battle."
At the word 'children', he stole a glance at Bell and saw the tears forming in her eyes.
"Rise, Ryan. The oath you have taken is not only a promise to Thalara. It is also a promise to you and Isabelle."
As Ryan went back to his feet, Eena turned her attention to Bell.
"Next, I shall ask the Bride very important questions."
She took Bell's hands into her own.
"Will you dress his wounds first, even if you are wounded?"
For a moment, all Bell could do was nod.
"Ye-yes."
Eena smiled at her.
"Will you bear his children, and protect them as Ryan will protect you?"
She stole a glance back at him.
"Yes."
Eena placed Bell's hand into Ryan's.
"For the last question. Will you grant him peace?"
This question made her break out in tears.
"I-I will do my best. Yes."
At that moment, Ryan threw out the script and hugged Bell.
The crowd cheered at Ryan's display as Eena raised her hands again.
"By the power given to me by the order of Thalara, you are wed. I wish upon you many peaceful days and many victories in battle."
It was official.
Ryan and Bell were married, and all their loved ones were there.
The portal was closed, and all the Changelings were captured with the help of the Springrain clan.
All that was left to do was start a new life.
As Ryan walked back with his wife, he passed a tombstone.
He gave the tombstone a quick slap as they passed it.
On it was a very simple epitaph.
"Here lies Femur
The man who fought fate and won"
The End