Chapter Text
It truly was a beautiful wedding. Although Jasnah had initially proposed the courtship between Shallan and Adolin so many months ago, she could not have imagined the journey to get here. Considering the inexperienced, wild youth that showed up in Kharbranth seeking to rob her, emotion welled inside her at the sight of Shallan today: strong, beautiful, radiant. In her blue and gold gown embedded with dozens of infused gems. On her right wrist, Shallan wore a simple golden bracelet, the gift that Jasnah gave Shallan as a wedding present. She had already come to consider Shallan part of her family; today would simply make it official.
As the ceremony proceeded, Jasnah took a moment to look around at the gathered guests. Lighteyes and royalty from across Roshar were represented, along with many members of Bridge Four. Kaladin even wore an uncharacteristic smile. Where was Wit? Surely he wouldn’t miss such a large gathering of royalty - the opportunity to taunt and tease was far too great to pass up.
The room, at the very top of Urithiru, was lined entirely with windows, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. As the ceremony ended, the sun was just setting over the mountain peaks, bathing the entire room in warm golden light. Adolin and Shallan shared their first kiss as husband and wife to raucous applause, thanks in large part to a loud Herdazian from Bridge Four. A flurry of spren, mostly joyspren and gloryspren, joined the celebration.
As the reception began, Jasnah, in her new capacity as Queen of Alethkar, made the rounds to visit with the many wedding guests. She eventually found her way to Shallan and Adolin, hugging each of them in turn before leaving them to the other guests.
Jasnah needed a moment's reprieve, so she slipped away, up the winding stair that led up to the rooftop of Urithiru. Before reaching the top, Jasnah heard a soft song playing on the wind. She stepped out on to the open rooftop, lit by bright moonlight, to find Wit leaning against the railing, playing a flute. Wrapping her hands around herself to shield from the cold air, she walked to stand beside Wit. She savored the chance to sit quietly and simply listen to Wit play. There was something distinctly magical about his music - the wind almost seemed to respond to the song.
Eventually, Wit finished his song and looked to Jasnah. “Your majesty.”
Jasnah huffed a small laugh. “No interest in insulting the wedding guests tonight?”
Wit casually shrugged. “In truth, I am quite fond of those two, and it was a rather full house. Besides, I never miss a good opportunity to play in near freezing conditions to my favorite audience.”
Jasnah raised her eyebrow in question.
“The wind of course! The only audience who ever offers to play a duet with me.”
They both fell quiet, listening to the wind. Faint sounds from the celebration downstairs floating up.
“I suppose I have not yet inquired if the new Queen of Alethkar still wishes to employ me as her official Wit.” He looked to Jasnah, waiting.
“Obviously. Although, advisor or the Althei equivalent of an Azish vizer seems a more appropriate title for our relationship.”
“Nonsense, with a grander title comes greater expectations and I wouldn’t want anyone counting on me too much, or worse, fearing that I was potentially capable. A Wit I shall remain, if you will have me.”
“Done.”
He turned to face her fully. “I do wish to be of service to you. I am truly sorry for the path that has led you to the throne, but I do believe you are the most capable for the job. This world will need you, Jasnah. And let us continue our scholarly partnership as we did before.”
“Most certainly.” She paused for a moment, seeming to search for her next words. “Despite years being a scholar and doing my best to anticipate and prepare for the current storm, I feel woefully unprepared to lead. Like a child, wandering in the night.” She tightened her grip around herself to shield from more than just the cold.
Wit unbuttoned his black cloak and carefully placed it around her shoulders. “Jasnah, you feel unprepared because we all are. It is a failing of most mortals, many demigods, and even a few gods. You are simply more aware than most of this failing. Althekar is in remarkably capable hands.”
Jasnah took a deep breath and thought on his words for several minutes, as she looked to the moonlit mountain tops.
“You look beautiful this evening.”
She turned at his words and he gave her a kind smile. “I would have gone with a much larger crown, but that’s just me. Would you care to dance, your majesty?”
“Wit, you’re joking. It’s freezing and the world is practically falling apart!”
“But that is precisely why we should dance. Even though the world may be falling apart, hope thrives where joy can be found and treasured.” He gestured towards the wedding below. He raised the flute to his lips and played a few notes before returning the flute to his pocket. Shockingly, the music seemed to continue on the wind. He extended his hand towards her.
Tentatively, she took his hand. He drew her in, placing his left hand lightly on the small of her back while she rested her right hand on his shoulder. Then slowly, he began to lead. They moved together, flowing with the song, dancing with the wind itself. The chill in the air even seemed to ease a bit. Wit had a twinkle in his eye as he increased their speed. He spun her so his cloak billowed out spectacularly. Always the showman. Jasnah couldn’t stop the smile from reaching her face. As they stepped and spun across the rooftop, windspren and joyspren danced with them.
Dancing with Wit and the lingering thoughts of Adolin and Shallan taking their wedding vows eased a tightness in her chest. Life was never going to be easy, but she could do this. For Alethkar, for Elhokar, Adolin, Shallan, and the rest of her family. They would find and protect these moments.
The song began to slow to the last few lingering notes. Wit gently pulled her in close enough that their cheeks nearly met as their steps slowed to a stop. She quietly whispered, “thank you Hoid.”
In an answering whisper, he said “the pleasure is entirely mine, Jasnah” before lightly brushing his lips across her cheek.
Heat flooded Jasnah’s face where his lips had touched her, and she simply stared dumbstruck as he took a step back.
Wit gave her a winning smile and a wink before proffering an arm. “Your majesty, I really must insist on escorting you back to the party before I lose my job by allowing the queen to freeze to death.”