webnovel

The Second Dance of The Dragon And Stag

Volantis, right as Aerion had left.

"So you are truly the Queen Visenya…" Margaery Tyrell took a deep breath as she sat across her. "How strange these times are… I never thought that I would ever meet someone I looked up to so much. It's a great honour. And yet… I can't help but wonder how it came to be?"

"Well, I do not know how Aerion had entered my era but I do know how he left it. It seemed to be a form of magic that opened a door back to his home. A small door but enough space for a wagon to pass through. Anything that passed it would find itself on the other side."

"I see… and did anyone else come with you?"

"Many… do you not know the nature of Aerion's necromancy?"

"I never delved far into it." Margaery Tyrell shook her head. "I suppose there are times when it's better not to."

"Fair enough for a sweet lady like you." Visenya smiled slightly, taking a sip of the wine served to her. "Aerion is not the kindest of souls… sometimes, it is better not to know everything about him. I wonder, how did you find yourself bound to him?"

"I don't believe I have to answer that, do I? It's rather simple…"

"Was it for love or for power?"

"Why not both? One came with the other, I'd say. He is beautiful, like a God… and just as powerful. Even if he were a peasant, I don't believe that I would be able to deny him."

"I see." Visenya Targaryen finished her cup, pushing it forward with her right hand. "And how do you think you are treated among the other queens? Is it equal, does he have a favourite?"

"It would be hard for an Emperor to love all his women equally, would it not?"

"That is to say… that you're lower down on the ladder." Visenya remarked, tilting her head.

"What would you know about it?" Margaery frowned slightly. "Aerion has one heart and though divided, its passion knows no bounds. He would fight the world for his love."

"I know more than you do, lady Tyrell." Visenya stood up and walked across the side of the table until she was behind Margaery. "The rose is pretty yet it needs watering to grow. It withers with time and so does the love others have for it. The dragon… it only grows more powerful regardless of how others feel."

"You're not intent on playing friendly, are you, Queen Visenya?" Margaery did not move her head.

"No… I know your game. You are an ambitious lady, that is for certain. It seems to me that it was not Aerion who sought you out but rather you were the one who chased after him. And, in the end, he obliged." Visenya smiled slightly, brushing Margaery's loose curls back. "No child with Tyrell blood will ever sit the Throne. You upstarts have been watered enough by having a queen but Aerion is not quite like other men. Only dragons may be sired from him. That's something that a rose can't give him, unfortunately."

"I wouldn't be so sure, Queen Visenya."

"I sense the discomfort in your heart, there's no need to hide it." Visenya stepped away. "While I would not wish death on anyone's child, there is some good in the truth that Aerion does not have too many heirs. An Empire so vast and with all the gifts that each of them would have? Too many dragons would simply lead to the world being set afire. It is better this way."

"That's easy enough for you to say… you don't know the pain of losing a child, do you? I couldn't care less if he were to be an Emperor, king or a farmer, that was my son and I would have loved him all the same."

"You know your way with words." Visenya Targaryen turned away, shaking her head. "Why would a lady seek to be queen if not to see one of her children be King? Love fades with time while legacy and blood does not. Surely you are clever enough to know that."

"... I find it strange that you question me and yet you are the newest of his wives. I don't believe you have that right, Queen Visenya. Besides that… what great reason would you have for abandoning your brother in his favour?"

"You were fortunate that your love and duty were more or less the same, my sweet lady." Visenya Targaryen replied, her violet eyes shining with a luminous glow. "... Mine were not initially. Now they are."

"That's wonderful for you, truly. I'll ignore your initial hostility since you are new to this arrangement but it would be best if you were a little friendlier. After all, if all of his queens were in conflict, wouldn't it make matters more difficult for Aerion than they have to be? He has enough to fret about as it is, being the Emperor of the world and all that comes with it. We should all strive to be his pleasure and comfort… for he has known too much grief in his life."

"When I married Aerion, I did not recall marrying the rest of you." Visenya replied, smiling slightly. "I do not like to share… nor do I intend to. If you wish to be second, so be it, but I will not stoop down below any one of you. You are not my equal either so why should I pretend that you are?"

"I can see how you earned Aerion's favour…" Margaery stood up, chuckling as she faced Visenya. "Very well, let's say that I am 'inferior' to you. Are you going to make yourself useful other than attempting to offend me? The Visenya I've read all about was legendary in many ways, from ruling to fighting to diplomacy. However, all I've seen so far is a jealous woman who feels that her position is threatened. Surely if you're so much better… a dragon, as you say… you don't need to put any of us down since you are already so high in the sky?"

'The rose has thorns.' Visenya's eyes widened slightly as she remarked to herself. "Very well, I would like to see Valyria as it is now. Aerion spoke of its beauty a great many times, the perfect land as he called it… and the great plans he had for it."

"He did not lie to you, it truly is a paradise. However, I do not see why you would have to ask me for such a thing. Don't you have a dragon.. Vhagar?"

"Vhagar was far larger than a mere wagon and could not arrive in this world whole." Visenya shook her head. "Alas, Vhagar is with Aerion."

"... Then you will have to set sail like most women, my dear dragon queen. I could arrange that for you… if I had the mind to do so."

"You should not test my patience, little rose." Visenya narrowed her eyes, their light turning darker. "It would not end well for you."

Margaery looked down, glancing at Dark Sister resting at Visenya's side. She smiled before nodding.

"We're going to get along just splendidly…"

~

After the funeral of Jaime Lannister was complete, Aerion went out to hunt in the Kingswood on his own. Most royal hunts were lavish and a festival or sorts with many people in attendance… but this one was not one of those. It was eerily silent as Aerion sneaked around the deep forests and hunted game. It was calming, a place where he only had to use his instincts.

Along the way, he discovered a pack of wolves actively attacking a single deer which seemed to be defending something precious. Upon closer observation, it was a white fawn… a very young one. Some of the wolves proceeded to tear apart the deer while the others pounced the little one.

Aerion raised his hand and the wind swept the wolves off their feet.

He gestured towards himself as the wolves united fell down beneath his feet.

The wolves stood frozen, transfixed by the intensity of his gaze. It burned with a fierce heat, capable of melting ice and scorching earth with a single glance. As they locked eyes, the forest grew silent, save for the sound of the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze.

Before Aerion could act, they whimpered and ran as fast as their legs could allow them to.

Aerion turned to the white fawn and the wind brought it to him.

"I thought I'd never see one of you…" Aerion grabbed hold of the white tart, smiling slightly as he softly caressed its back. "Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you."

Aerion delved deeper into the forest alongside his new companion, whom he had yet to give a name. He walked into one of the villages in the Kingswood and his appearance was met with various looks of awe, reverence and even horror. He held his head high and made his way to the centre, dropping his massive bag of game.

"Who would like to feast alongside me?"

He proposed, spreading his arms open.

~

Not only did he bring plenty of meat, he also had some spices to go along with them. Dornish spices which enthralled many of the villagers who rarely ate so well in terms of taste… if ever. He enjoyed his fill, conversing with many of the villagers.

"I never thought I would see the Dragon Emperor of our world… even when you were close to King's Landing, it felt like you were still very far away. Someone unreachable." One of the younger men stated, chuckling as he shared a drink. "It feels like a dream."

"I suppose it is not often that a ruler would visit such a humble village…" Aerion admitted, shrugging his shoulders. "However, I like to be a man of the people. I care about all of you, even if I may not have ever met you. Alas, I have… and I am glad to have done so."

"The years pass by so swiftly… once, it was King Aerys, the Second of His Name… then the Usurper and now the former King's grandson rules the world." The oldest among them spoke. He was a withered old thing yet his words were clear despite some pauses. "If only he had lived to see what would become of his legacy, how House Targaryen would rise from the ashes. It gladdens my heart that I have seen its banners sway in the wind again."

"You lived during my grandfather's reign… how was it?" Aerion tilted his head, curiosity enchanting his words. "All I ever heard growing up was how mad and twisted he was. And yet that was hardly the case for most of his reign, no?"

"His reign was prosperous to the common people." The old man replied, smiling as visions of the past seemed to flash before his eyes. "Though, no good things ever seem to last. It is true that madness seeped into his mind and so, the Usurper saw fit to take the throne for himself. It was Rhaegar who should have been King… but justice prevailed in the end as you, his son, returned. I cannot even begin to imagine the difficult path that you walked. It is surely a path that no one but yourself can ever truly understand."

Aerion lowered his head, nodding. "Yes… in a way, that is true."

The old man pat his back.

"You stand here, a brilliant presence in your own right. It's a great shame that you relinquished your crown in favour of your uncle. King's Landing is the true home of House Targaryen, where you rightfully belong. Even if you don't believe it now, I foresee your descendants seeking it out one day, the Iron Throne..."

Aerion's frown deepened as the old man closed his eyes.

"What else do you see?" he asked.

"Visions... ice. Iron will turn to ice. One day, deep snow will fall upon King's Landing, and Winter will spread across the Kingdoms in celebration of its new King."

Aerion let out a chuckle, dismissing the old man's prophecy. "Prophecy is an amusing thing," he remarked as he rose to his feet.

"The Night King was defeated at my hands years ago. Nevertheless, I thank you all for having me. I've had a good time but I cannot stay away from my crown for too long. Terrible things tend to happen…"

Aerion smiled before turning away from the villagers. As he left, his white fawn followed in pursuit and so did a young girl. She ran with haste, grabbing his arm and making him turn to see who it was. She took several quick breaths before looking up to him. He was a man of great stature, towering over her and yet she was not afraid. There was only a look of longing on her face.

"My Emperor…" She lowered her head. "Please take me with you."

Aerion's initially cold gaze turned into a friendly smile. "And why would I do that, sweet thing?"

"I believe you arrived here for that very purpose… we're meant to be."

Aerion raised an eyebrow, glancing away before turning back. "Please, elaborate."

"I've always dreamed of this day that a beautiful Targaryen would arrive in my village for a night. His voice would light the halls and bring joy to everyone. On that day, he would claim a woman and make her his queen…"

'Is everyone a prophet in this village?' Aerion wondered, restraining himself from chuckling. "What is your name?"

"Alysanne. I swear I would love you with all my heart and bear all your burdens… I would not ask much, either. Just your presence alone is enough-"

"Oh, you sweet thing." Aerion made a slight smile as he touched the side of her face. Her eyes lit up as she smiled. He looked back and saw quite a few other girls behind her. "There are many who admire me, who are blinded by the beauty on the outside. Inside is… well, something not so pretty. You're better off finding a man who will truly love you and take care of you."

Aerion pat her shoulder.

"Promise me you will."

"I…"

"You have a simple life, Alysanne. Keep it that way." Aerion turned around and began to walk away, stopping one last time. "It's a blessing that one should cherish, believe me."

"Is that… a white fawn!?" Jocelyn Baratheon's eyes widened as Aerion took his new pet back to the Red keep. "I hear those are magical…"

"Mhm… though, it doesn't seem all that magical past its colours." Aerion shrugged, handing it to Jocelyn. "It reminds me a little of you."

"... Can I have it?"

"Of course. Such rare creatures should be treasured… I know you'll take good care of it, even better than I."

"You can rest assured, Aerion." Jocelyn Baratheon nodded with a smile. "I was thinking… why don't we marry again, here?"

"Did the first time not count?" Aerion raised an eyebrow.

"Well, of course, it did… but no one here bore witness to it and so, the legitimacy of our marriage may very well be questioned in the future. Our wedding would be a great celebration to bring joy to the people after the funeral of Ser Jaime. While you made Jaime's passing seem like a celebration, the death of such a great hero will certainly linger in people's hearts… and not in the best of ways. We ought to give them a reason to be joyful."

"You're a very greedy girl, wanting two weddings." Aerion softly pushed back a loose strand of her black hair. "Though, you do give good reasoning behind it."

"So…"

"It will be held in King's Landing and all will be invited."

~

The Great Sept of Baelor was full of lords, magisters and other figures of great importance. They all had come to this very place for one reason… to bear witness to the most unifying marriage of their time. Those who were initially too far away were transported through Aerion's soul dragons, making this the greatest gathering in living memory.

Aerion, adorned in a colourful garment of the finest silks, proudly displayed the crimson and black colours of House Targaryen. The High Septon stood a few steps ahead of him, wearing a white and gold attire with a crown of crystals. The gilded statue of the Father towered before them, flanked by the banners of House Targaryen and House Martell on the right and left sides, respectively. The banners of House Baratheon and House Stark hung by the statue of the Mother, completing the regal display.

Soon, the grand doors of the Great Sept of Baelor were pushed open as Robert Baratheon escorted Jocelyn to Aerion. She wore a beautiful white dress, as was the Faith's tradition, with a cloak of House Baratheon over it. Once Robert Baratheon reached Aerion, he removed the cloak of House Baratheon and turned to him with a nod.

Aerion smiled slightly, taking off his own Targaryen cloak and draping it across Jocelyn's shoulders.

"It gladdens me to announce that His Magnificence, the Incarnation of the Seven, the Great God-Emperor who united the World has seen fit to take a fifth wife and complete his promise." The High Septon announced with a thundering voice. "Here stands the Holy Valyrian Emperor, the one true Aerion of the House Targaryen, the First of His Name, the ruler of all men and women from East to West, North to South, the protector of the Known World… and Princess, soon to be Queen, Jocelyn of the House Baratheon."

"He forgot a few titles, I'm sure." Jocelyn whispered as she smiled.

Aerion rolled his eyes. "We would be here all day if he did not, my dear."

The High Septon cleared his throat as Aerion turned to him and shook his head. He turned back to Jocelyn and grabbed the side of her face before pressing his lips against hers.

"With this kiss I pledge my love and take you for my Queen and wife."

Aerion announced, his voice loud and clear, brimming with passion.

Jocelyn, in turn, grabbed his face and pulled him down before kissing him on the lips as well.

"With this kiss I pledge my love and take you for my Emperor and husband."

She repeated as Aerion smiled.

"Let it be known that from this moment forward, the Holy Valyrian Emperor, Aerion of the House Targaryen, and Queen Jocelyn of the House Baratheon are husband and wife! One flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever!"

"Now and forever."

Aerion and Jocelyn repeated, taking a third kiss as everyone cheered.

~

"It gladdens me to see your betrothal completed at last." Lyanna Stark stated, taking a look at both Jocelyn and Aerion during the celebration. She couldn't hide her smile. "Looking at you both, it seems as if it was meant to be all along. This is the marriage that will wash away all the scars of the past and bring peace to the Realm for countless years to come."

"At last, I can leave Jocelyn in your care officially… though you've been doing it for far longer than that. Even when you were a boy yourself." Robert Baratheon remarked, patting his shoulder. "Looking at my daughter, you've done a fine job. I am certain that she will make a great Queen. May your marriage be full of joy, happiness and love until the very end."

"The end of time…" Jocelyn grinned slightly. "I don't think either of us plan to ever die."

"If you could bear me for that long, certainly." Aerion chuckled.

"I could never grow tired of you." Jocelyn countered, looking up as her blue eyes lit up with a pleasant, loving glow. "You are my heart and my soul… when I said those words, I meant them."

"Please, dear sister, save it for the bedchamber." Artos Baratheon rolled his eyes. "We don't need to hear all of that."

"I wonder if my dull little brother will ever love a woman… I sincerely doubt it."

"What?" Artos raised an eyebrow. "Little brother?"

"I'm older than you now." Jocelyn chuckled. "I spent several years in the past… while only months passed here."

"That does not change the fact that you were born in 286 AC, little sister." Artos shook his head.

Orys Baratheon, the youngest of the three siblings, joined in with a big smile as he pat Aerion's back.

"Make my big sister very happy!"

"Of course, sweet Orys, I'll be sure to do that." Aerion chuckled, patting his head. He observed the growing boy with amusement. "Look at you, so tall already… I'm certain you'll outgrow even your father!"

Robert laughed. "Aye… he very well might. That means he will tower over you as well!"

"No shame in that… if you ever have the desire, I could take you as my squire and ward." Aerion smiled slightly. He glanced at Lyanna who nodded. "Wouldn't you like that?"

"Would I be a great warrior like you and father?"

"Certainly… we'd all train you to be one."

Orys nodded. "Yes… I want to."

"Splendid."

"So you are Queen Visenya." Daenerys remarked, her violet eyes looking up and down, as she examined Visenya's figure who stood beside her siblings. "I've always admired you from all the stories and books. You are even more beautiful than their words could describe, it seems."

"And you must be Daenerys, Aerion's aunt." Visenya managed a slight smile as she took a sip of her wine. "It's always a pleasure to meet one's descendents… though, you truly descended from my sister, Rhaenys."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Daenerys." Rhaenys smiled, nodding as they exchanged looks.

"Indeed, meeting one's descendants is a blessing that none would even dream of." Aegon agreed. "It's an honour."

"We are all descendants of your wise and prosperous rule." Daenerys countered with a smile. "All three of you created this great House and all the history that came from it should be credited to you."

"The books do not favour me, from what I've witnessed…" Visenya replied, frowning slightly. "My son's reign is frowned upon."

"Queen Visenya, King Aegon and Rhaneys!" Viserys approached with a big smile. "It's always a pleasure to meet other Targaryens, let alone one's ancestors. I am King Viserys, the Third of my name… though, I do not expect any of you to greet me as a King. As far as I am concerned, you are like mother and father to all of us Targaryens."

"A third King named Viserys?" Rhaenys chuckled as she glanced at her sister. "The male counterpart to your name sure is popular here."

"It's a strange coincidence that no Kings would have any semblance to your name." Visenya added, smiling slightly as she teased her sister. "I wonder what that means."

"Aerion's father was called Rhaegar, wasn't he?" Rhaenys stroked her chin. "He came close. There was also Queen Rhaenyra."

"He came close." Visenya chuckled. "Not quite."

"Ah, you are the man I've heard so much about." Aegon smiled, patting his shoulder. "Aerion speaks both highly and fondly of you."

"He does? I'm glad to hear that." Viserys nodded. "You know, I've admired you ever since I could comprehend words. The stories of you and your sister wives atop your mighty dragons always resonated deep within me, through both the easy and hard times. When I was an exile with little hope and hardly anything to my name… those stories kept me believing. Believing that there was light at the end of darkness. It made me proud to be a Targaryen, no matter what the rest of the world thought."

"And so there was light." Aegon nodded, smiling as he took a deeper look at Viserys. "You carry yourself well, King Viserys, and I cannot be more proud of all that you've struggled through and achieved."

"Ah… don't flatter me, Your Grace." Viserys lowered his head slightly, bowing as he gestured to Aerion. "The real deal is right there. That's the man who has done it all."

Aerion joined in on the conversation, wrapping his arm around Viserys' neck.

"What about me, dear uncle?"

"I was just saying how great of an individual you are, bringing us all here together." Viserys replied, smiling as he pushed away his arm. "We should all raise a cup to our great House… the House of the Dragon."

"Agreed… we should!" Aerion raised his cup and glanced at the rest. "Here and now!"

They all raised their cups.

"To the House of the Dragon!"

"To House Targaryen!"

They all drank up, finishing their cups. Afterwards, Viserys glanced at Aegon and Aerion.

"So… how does this work in regards to succession? Shouldn't Aegon be Emperor?" Viserys raised an eyebrow.

Aegon chuckled, shaking his head. "No, no… it is Aerion that built this great Empire and it is he who shall rule it. In that regard, I am only an observer and advisor."

"I see." Viserys nodded, stroking his chin as he took a glance at Visenya and then turned back to Aerion. "Forgive me, but I can't help but be curious… how this arrangement between Aerion and Visenya came to be. In our history, it was you who married both of your sisters."

"The same did happen in my time." Aegon nodded, glancing at Visenya as he took a deep breath. "Alas, Visenya found love in Aerion that I could not provide. I only wished the best for my sister… so they married each other. Neither of us have any regrets as it is what was best for both parties."

'Aerion, you are beyond crazy for stealing your own ancestor's wife… let alone King Aegon's sister. I'm surprised your pants can carry those massive balls of steel.' Viserys gave Aerion a side-eye as he thought to himself.

"I know…" Aerion smiled, hearing the thoughts of Viserys. "In the end, we are all happy with how it turned out."

Aerion glanced to the side as Nymeria and Daemon walked up to them.

"Are you really Queen Visenya?" Nymeria pointed at her with her little fingers and then turned to Rhaenys and Aegon with wide eyes. "And you the First King Aegon… and Queen Rhaenys?"

"Awww… she's so cute, like the radiant sun of Dorne." Rhaenys glanced at Aerion before she knelt down beside Nymeria and pinched her cheeks. "Of course, we are, you sweet girl."

"Daddy always sings beautiful stories about you three…" Nymeria turned to Visenya, beaming with admiration. "When I grow big, can you teach me how to fight like you? I want to be the best warrior like daddy and the Nymeria before me."

Visenya smiled slightly, though she gave no reply.

Rhaenys turned back, shaking her head.

"My big sister tries too hard to be stern all the time… but I promise you, if you keep asking very nicely, she won't say no." Rhaenys smiled, patting her head.

"Okay…" Nymeria pouted slightly.

"I read all the books about the three dragons of House Targaryen." Daemon stated, looking up to all of them. "I hope to learn a lot from you."

"We would not shy away from giving our guidance." Aegon nodded.

All in all, the presence of the Targaryen ancestors brought further vibrance to the court especially to their Targaryen descendents from the eldest Viserys to even the youngest Rhaegar.

"What's this about Queen Visenya, hmm?" Arianne Martell took Aerion to the side. "You should be old enough to control yourself a little. She was married, even…"

"Jealousy is beneath you, my dear." Aerion replied with a slight smile, caressing the side of her face. "Besides, it was her who came to me… not the other way around. Believe me, I did have control over myself but there came a point where it grew straining. She loved me and I loved her… I freed Visenya and myself with her."

"Mhm… and yet, you did not consult me about any of this."

"Thing is, I couldn't… and for a time, my stay there seemed to be permanent-"

"If she was a sweet woman, I could look past it. However, this Visenya… she seems to be as sharp as the blade she carries." Arianne lowered her head. "Though she is fascinating and empowering through the books, I doubt I'll be fond of her as one of your wives. Sometimes… I wish it was just you and me again. One heart, one soul. Don't you remember those days?"

"Of course, I do… nothing will ever change that you were my first." Aerion moved in for a kiss but she turned away. Aerion moved her head back to face him, looking right into her eyes. "And when we are alone… isn't it just you and I? Do we have time to think of others, in our passion?"

"Mayhaps… for a few moments. That feeling fades as they take you away from me."

"Can you imagine how many more hearts would be broken if it had stayed that way?" Aerion questioned.

"Just a few more." Arianne smiled, shrugging her shoulders. "I'm sure you've lost count."

Aerion frowned slightly, shaking his head. "How I would have no son to call my own?"

"That sounds like your problem." Arianne shook her head. "You think our Nymeria can't inherit the Empire of Valyria just because she is a girl?"

"Not at all. She'd be less happier without her brother. They are like two separate halves of a coin… fire and ice… warm and cold. They are both extraordinary and talented in their own ways. Arianne… I know what you want but giving you that would lead to the rest desiring the same thing."

She turned away, closing her eyes. "If you truly loved me, you wouldn't hesitate."

"Who's the one acting immature now?" Aerion patted her head. "Hmmmmmmmmmm?"

"You know, I refuse to go to bed with you until you grant my request."

"Wow… what am I going to do now? The horror!" Aerion questioned with a sarcastic tone. "It's as if I don't have five other beautiful women to accompany me."

"You're a bully."

"You're the one trying to force my hand." Aerion sighed.

"Shouldn't a supposed "God Emperor's" wives have titles that no other women have had in all of time… let alone his first wife?" Arianne pouted. "The more I think about it, the more it seems fitting that I would be named Empress."

There was some sense to it… Aerion took a moment to ponder over it before coming to a decision.

"Very well… if it pleases you, you shall be Queen of Queens, the Empress of Dorne."

"... Really?" Arianne opened her eyes.

Seeing how joyful she was, Aerion couldn't help but smile and nod.

"Mhm… I'll crown you in Sunspear. I'm sure your father would approve."

"That means I outrank the rest of your wives?"

"... Yes, so long as it isn't anything unnecessary, you can tell them what to do. Don't abuse it or I'll crown the rest in the same fashion."

"Then I would have to be the Supreme Empress, the Empress of Empresses." Arianne chuckled.

"That sounds silly."

"Once, the Dragon and Stag of old danced on the field of battle in a ruby ford. Now, the Dragon and Stag of new dance under the sheets of the royal bedchamber. From enemies to lovers, how the Dragon and Stag dance. Who could have ever thought? Not the Dragon, not the Stag, not the Wolf, not their lords and not the smallfolk… but they danced and danced, growing ever so close until they became one. Love triumphs war, so it is sung!"

"May they dance forevermore… in peace, prosperity and love!"

One of the singers sang in King's Landing on the night of the wedding, a song that would become very popular for many years to come.