The Ceremony of Handfasting - Chryil 22nd Early ET

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Wed May 16, 2007 1:22 am

It would take a lot to make Andolin uncomfortable in Ulder's presence. He was careful to not appear flustered in any way in front of the man.

"But of course, Ulder," he declared politely. "I would enjoy meeting your parents." That was a white lie of course, but what could he do? "Oh, congratulations by the way. You have quite a lady there, and she will have quite a husband." It never hurt to be polite. The new Andolin planned to be a diplomatic man who seemed a friend of everyone. He turned to greet Ulder's parents and smiled.

"A pleasure to meet you both."

Becca Acerbi · Post by **Becca Acerbi** » Wed May 16, 2007 8:34 am

"Ah - sorry." Becca waited until Elaine had hold of her staff, then lead the way out of the tent. The crowd had grown since they'd arrived - she'd only seen Thavia and her troops setting the place up before, and now there were -

'Forget it. The only person she's interested in right now is Ulder. So Gods help Mister MotricÃ© if he tries anything now...'

Becca smiled at Thavia, saying hello so Elaine knew she was there if she wanted anything. She would have paid more attention to her, but there was something she wanted to see - namely the look on Ulder's face when he saw Elaine. She wasn't disappointed

"I think you've just struck your husband dumb," Becca murmured, sounding a little awed. "I mean, he's staring at you like..." She shook her head and touched the hand on her arm. "You know what, I'm gonna leave the poetics to Ulder." She waved to Ulder, grinning, although her face fell when someone appeared to hijack him. 'Don't mention that, he'll be gone by the time you -'

"Something going on?" Becca asked, glancing back at Thavia, inviting her to educate her, before looking back to Elaine. "They must be important guests. I wonder if they're -"

The woman in green was bounding over. "I think, Lainey, we're about to be ambushed by one of your guests -" And ambushed was apparantly the right word for it, considering the woman's first action was to hug Elaine without even warning her who it was. 'Family then?' She lost Elaine's hand at some point, but Becca squeezed Elaine's shoulder gently to let her know she was still there - even if she was going to retreat a few steps to give the women space.

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Thu May 17, 2007 11:21 am

Rosalie's amber eyes traveled over to where Hagen was arranging his wedding gift, neatly reminding Ulder, and all the wedding guests, of his ties with the Western Kingdom. I wonder if they would consider holding his family hostage should it ever come to hostilities again. Certainly it should give Imperial politicians cause for pause to see such strong ties with the Western Embassy, she thought.

Her eyes then rested upon the familiar form of Ciccone. I knew the fat corporal would be trouble. So, you've gone over to the other side, have you? Of course the situation could not have been better. Ciccone had just handed her the perfect excuse to see to his removal. "Ignore the defector," Rosalie told the soldier coldly with a nod in the mans direction, "This is not the occasion to address the problem. Make sure you make note of this to Smataggio though." There was only one solution for a traitor in the Mouth and it was a discreet one at that. If he was hiding in the Western Embassy it might prove difficult, but not impossible. It was a pity that Ciccone knew of the entries Kaspari had used, making her lose a distinct advantage. Ah, must I do everything myself? Why has Smataggio not caught his before? We must talk about our network of contacts.

Rose gave no thought to the fact Marcada might have overheard her softly spoken instructions to the Condotierre. Rosalie gave her intended a sunny innocent smile "Does not the bride look radiant?" They remained seated as Ulder introduced his parents to the Caesar, losing no opportunity apparently to impress his folks. A fault which could be forgiven. She idly wondered if she should introduce Papa to her political enemies on the morrow. It might prove amusing. A pity she had not thought to invite them.

Raevyn D`Altamooriana · Tue May 22, 2007 4:50 pm

Raevyn watched as Ulder parted ways with her and this other adhiel to go do things that grooms do at their weddings. It was fine with her and she didn't want to do anything to ruin this happy day for him. There was an awkward moment of silence as she stood there next to the Elvin which was broken by her speaking.

"Well I guess we should go find a place to sit," she said speaking again in her native dialect. It was much easier for her than trying to bludgeon her way through the human language. Yet she was determined to learn and would use it as often as she could until she felt that she was fluent enough in it.

The assassins eyes scoured the growing mass of people. What she was looking for wasn't quite known to her at the time. She took notice of what appeared to be a few important looking people. People so important that they needed armed guards. Raevyn found that to be rather interesting. Perhaps fate was again guiding her footsteps. She turned to Elvin and spoke once more.

"Perhaps we shall meet again cousin."

Raevyn then went towards the back rows of chairs. She wasn't to comfortable with the idea of having her back completely exposed but at least from the back, she could keep almost everyone in front of her.

Raevyn would watch, as she was happy for her old comrade Ulder. She would also listen, not just to whatever the person doing the ceremony said. No, she would listen to see if she could overhear anything that she would find interesting.

Elaine · Post by **Elaine** » Tue May 22, 2007 5:26 pm

There came the moment to be nervous. To meet head on with all these people was a very strange feeling, especially because appearantly they all had come for their ceremony! Naturally there would be the usual feather-preening and mask-showing that these social occasions implicitly invited, but overall there was hope in the blind woman that people were here to enjoy and share in a special moment

In a way she did not need this confirmation of her love for Ulder. That deal had been settled a long time ago in the Burpin Dragon. Yet in another way it was nice to show their family and friends how they felt and what they planned for their future.

Her hand steady on Becca's arm the young woman followed her friend into the crowd. A happy giggle escaped at Bec's description of her husband to be. "What does he look like? I mean...well...what do you think?"

Before she could get an answer other things happened. "Important guests? Who do you...OOF!"

Without warning Elaine was ambushed by one of Ulder's sisters. As soon as she spoke, she recognized the voice and te hug was returned. "Serah! You're here! Is everyone here? That's wonderful! And as for keeping him safe...I'll try not to draw him into trouble, although I think he's quite capable of that himself. Too restless to disappear into mundane life, I fear." A chuckle followed.

"So who are the important guests then? I hardly think anything can beat the fact that both Ulder and me are already here." It was a comment made in jest. Part of Elaine already longed to stand with him, but it would be very impolite to just cut everything off right now. Besides, from the sound of it Ulder was being ambushed as well!

Mairi Armstrong · Post by **Mairi Armstrong** » Tue May 22, 2007 11:27 pm

Mairi was late, but it seemed that the ceremony was not yet over - at this she breathed a sigh of relief. She had only just remembered her invitation, and had dashed from the Dort Embassy.

Stepping from the coach she looked around for any familiar faces. Of course she had seen many of these people around during her time in the Citadel so far - the upper circles were only so large - but she had no particular accquaintance with any of them. Rosalie Lo Russo and the Caesar were perhaps the people she knew best, although she knew that to get close to either of them would be a challenge.

She clutched in her hand a small gift that she had purchased on the way. It wasn't much, but then again she didn't know the couple well. She hadn't been to many weddings either - or at least, weddings like this one. Clan ceremonies were usually a lot more 'rustic', with large quantities of whiskey involved.

She took a seat, unsure as to what to do with her gift. The bride and groom looked occupied for the time being - there were plenty to congratulate them.

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Wed May 23, 2007 9:34 pm

The white clad guards surrounding the Caesar stiffened for a flicker when Ulder approached, but they did not bar the groom's way to Andolin. Sofia showed better manners, managing a rather good curtsey for a woman of her age, while Kercher flashed a glance at his son, seeking for any signs of a grin that would indicate he was joking. Finding nothing of the sort for a few flickers, the old man quickly smoothed his hair back and bowed stiffly. "Is a pleasure to meet you, m'lord. Love the way you are runnin' this place. Pity you had to slaughter all them Western lads to win the war. Not yer fault of course. Damned oily haired Mouthie. Motherf...." Receiving a sharp jab in the rib by his wife, Kercher coughed and looked aside shyly. "Pardon me dwarven, m'lord.

While the rest of her family was engaged in diplomacy, Serah loosened her hug a fraction, no longer threatening to suffocate Elaine, though she still refused to let go completely. "It's mom, dad and me. The others could not come. They promised to visit later. When we go back." Tightening her hug, she released the blind bard from her arms, taking her hand and holding almost possessively. "You look beautiful today. All but shining like the sun. You'll make quite a pair side by side."

The soldier nodded silently, Baron making no comment of Rosalie's whispered command. "I think that girl is some relative of the groom. See how similar their brow is?" And I have to say the two will make quite a pair once they are side by side. Almost like we will tomorrow, my dear." It seemed Rosalie wish came through, another of her Condotierre escorts making his way towards the petite Madam Ambassador. The Sergeant walked with the sure step of a seasoned warrior, limping only slightly, probably due to some old injury he had suffered. The wide brim of his hat hid his face, the man stopping about half way to Rosalie and raising his eyes, to look into hers. Anger was clear on Kaspar Verducci's face, though his eyes hinted at profound sadness, the Mouthie Sergenat simply standing there in silence.

OOC: None, but Rosalie can see Kaspar for now.

Elvin Motricé · Post by **Elvin Motricé** » Wed May 23, 2007 11:07 pm

Elvin replied in the Adhiel tongue: "Well met, Raevyn. I'm El... No, ArlÃºviÃ¨l," he smiled apolegetically, "I'm still getting used to using my own name again. Most people here know me as Elvin."

He nodded when Ulder spoke his greeting, chosing not to respond as his friend seemed to be preoccupied enough already. "There's time for talk on another day. Let them be happy for now."

When Raevyn mentioned that they should take their seats the Professor nodded: "Yes, I'ld like to talk to you later... I have some questions to ask you, if you won't mind. It has been a while since I met someone with whom I can converse in my own language."

The sorcerer searched for a seat at the front. He wouldn't want to miss anything and he had a small surprise in mind. Before he sat down he cupped his hand in front of his mouth and worked a small magic. Sending words entangled in strands of air to Elaine. "Luck in all things, little sister, enjoy this day...."

Raevyn D`Altamooriana · Fri May 25, 2007 3:38 pm

Raevyn smiled at Elvin as she went to take a seat. It was done out of courtesy of course as Raevyn hardly ever smiled. Although it would be nice for her to speak to someone more like herself, that being adhiel instead of human, she was curious about the questions he might have. As long as the questions weren't about her there wasn't really a problem with that.

Besides, that was the other reason why the assassin was here to begin with. Her main reason of course was to attend the ceremony of her old comrade, but also to meet people. People that could possible be of importance or power. People of influence. By the looks of the adhiel she had just spoken with he could be what she was looking for, or could point her in the direction that she needed to go. Yet this was a big ceremony, and even Raevyn herself had spared no expense to make sure she presented herself in grand fashion. Who's to say he wasn't doing the same. For all that she knew, he could be some common thief that had came across some hapless victim that was well dressed.

Morg · Post by **Morg** » Fri May 25, 2007 4:54 pm

Morgan appeared on the scene wearing exactly the same outfit as he had for the party at the Embassy of Dort: doublet and hose in imperial purple, cradling a pleasantly floppy hat of black felt in his hands. His brown-black hair was open to the air, and his skeletal hands occasionally drifted up to it, trying to prevent the breeze from undoing his meticulous combing. The former event had done much to inure him to the discomfort he'd previously felt at social events, and he only looked marginally out of place in the gathering - and less so for moving purposefully and having particular targets in mind.

He wasn't one of the first to arrive, that was for sure; his arrival had only been a result of circumstance, as he hadn't spoken more than a few words to the couple. Moving through the crowd, though, it was hard not to get caught up in the general contentment and happiness that the guests exuded. Morgan surrendered to the warm atmosphere with relish.

He saw the couple themselves, surrounded by family and well-wishers, and beamed a smile in their direction - not that he expected them to actively catch it. Becca was there too, and his breath caught in his throat, as happened so often when he looked her way. Blushing, he looked down, and noticed Elvin in a bright robe, sitting near the front of the gathering. The student picked his way through the crowd to a place next to the adhiel, seating himself and folding one long leg over his knee. "Professor MotricÃ©!" he greeted Elvin, formally but warmly, offering up the only word of adhiel in his vocabulary. "Namaste. I hope you are well!"

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Sun May 27, 2007 1:50 am

Rosalie beamed at Illish, then turned back to another Condotierre soldier making his way toward her, expecting more reports. It irritated her. For the Aethers sake they were just about to have wedding ceremony, could it not wait?

All color drained from Rosalie's face as she gazed upon the sergeant. For one single flicker her heart leaped up with joy, the love she had felt for this man pouring out of her eyes even though the rest of her body remained absolutely still. Then, with his anger, the dread settled in her bones. Kaspari. No. It couldn't be. She stopped her hand reaching out for him, her hand hanging mid air. Anger started to rise, flushing her cheeks. It was such bad form for dead people to be among the living again. Damn you.

"I do hope they hurry up though," she turned to Illish, somewhat flustered "It is getting chilly. After all it is only Chyril yet. I am glad that we chose trade tide for our ceremony." Rose turned back to see if the sergeant was still there with his accusing eyes. Had she imagined things?

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Sun May 27, 2007 5:40 pm

It was a forced smile that Andolin maintained throughout the exchange with Ulder's parents. It seemed that Ulder came from common stock indeed. His father was ... priceless, sure to be an embarrassment to his son. "Indeed," was all he needed to reply as his father babbled on. "No worries," he assured the man as he sought to apologize.

"Where do you call home?" He asked innocently. "I do hope that you sghall be staying here in the Citadel, at least for a time. There is much to recommend it and it is now safer, in part due to your son's heroics."

Having the man around could be useful if he wanted to gain a hold over Ulder. He did not need it yet, but there might come a day.

Elvin Motricé · Post by **Elvin Motricé** » Mon May 28, 2007 12:16 pm

Elvin almost jumped up when Morgan adressed him. He had been deep in thought, trying to find an answer to the many questions that haunted him. The caution he had trained when he was journying took over. He stood up and carefully surveyed his surroundings, seeing if anyone had reacted to his name.

It took him a few seconds to realize what he was doing. He smiled, amused: "Well, I guess it's like a second nature now... I'll have to watch what I'm doing or others will most certainly think I'm going insane."

He had spotted the Imperial Thaumataurgist, Lord Simon Ginneke, and a sigh of relief escaped him. He hadn't been able to get a hold of the master mage in the last six months and with Manyana's mysterious disappearance he had feared...

He shook his head and focussed on the present. He seated himself once more and smiled at Morgan: "Mister Scrylock, it has been a while. All is well," his smile disappeared, "at least considering the circumstances. I must excuse myself for my strange behaviour. It's something I picked up during my travels. Not all lands are as safe as they used to be."

He repeated the trick he had used to talk to Elaine and swiftly drew a few strands of air together, held it in his cupped hand and softly spoke: "A word with you later, if I may..." With an effort of will he sent the weaving to Ginneke not doubting one bit that the master mage would be able to discern where it had came from.

Morg · Post by **Morg** » Mon May 28, 2007 10:24 pm

Sitting next to Elvin, Morgan quickly attuned himself to the Aether as soon as he realised that the adhiel was weaving air. He simply observed the trick and filed it away for future use. Truth be told, he was slightly uncomfortable with the professor using magic for such a minor purpose. In a crowd like this, it must make him stand out like a sore thumb to those who know what to look for. Then he took another look at the professor with his normal sight, and put the thought aside. He has no need or desire to hide his power. Besides, it's likely been a part of his life for countless yahren. Even if the gulf between the two's power wasn't as vast as Morgan imagined, the timespan had to make a difference. Morgan himself had only been acquainted with the Aether for less than half a yahren, although it felt like much longer.

"Ah, yes... did you have any success in your travels?" he asked brightly. Not giving the adhiel the time to answer right away, he pressed on to the topic that was at the front of his mind. "I've actually been wanting to ask you about something else, although not exactly unrelated. The book that we picked up in the temple." Morgan kept his voice level and neutral as he spoke these words, relying on the professor to grasp exactly which book was being referred to where others would have no idea what was being mentioned. "I was wondering if you'd learned anything from it, and if you might be finished with it. I would be interested to take a look."

Ulder · Post by **Ulder** » Wed May 30, 2007 4:53 pm

It seemed Ulder's father acted in a manner most consistent with the man he'd known growing up. Kercher and Ulder rarely saw eye to eye on things, but it was all he could do to suppress the grin that was eating at him to be freed. To be honest, he was never more proud to be his father's son. A fact only enhanced by the way his mother didn't even say anything to argue or go against it. Her silent treatment of the matter only strengthened the fact that she felt the same way, but was too polite to say it out loud.

"Thank you Lord Caesar. We appreciate you time and kind words."

It seemed Caesar Azarin was being polite enough, although meeting a simple farmer from the despised King's Court area and a Mouthie hater to boot was sure to grate on the ruler's nerves before too long. Ulder found yet another reason to just sit back and enjoy.

There was a twinge of suspicion at the Caesar's question of where his parents would be staying. Surely the man who had barely won out in the election wouldn't stoop to endangering the former Captain's family. Azarin more than any other, would know what wrath that would bring should his family come to harm.

Ulder just decided that the Caesar was merely making conversation and so he just continued on as if no cross thoughts had ever entered his mind.

The ceremony would be beginning soon and Ulder watched as the people began to take their seats. Serah had found Elaine, and it seemed the friendship that had started months ago between them, was continuing here and now. He looked for Zimphander, his best man, and listened to his parents speak to Andolin as he watched his bride to be interact with those around her. The warm smile simply would not leave his face.

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Wed May 30, 2007 7:21 pm

Elvin's message got the newly made Professor a few quick glances, and a glare from Thavia who waved her finger threateningly at him. She said nothing, but it was not hard to read her frown as anything but disapproving, before she beckoned a servant over and sent him to Elvin's side. "Please, sir, but could you refrain from using magic until the ceremony is over. We would like to avoid accidents of any kind if at all possible. The day should be perfect. For the happy couple's sake if nothing else." he pulled back to look him in the eyes, with something akin to pleading in his own, and pulled back no matter what the reply was. Simon looked his way and nodded simply, before turning back to conversation at hand.

Raevyn found herself seated next to another adhiel, the blond girl looking almost petite in her pure white robe, sitting near the edge of the crowd and smiling silently, seemingly proud of something or someone. Almost serene, she nodded at a passing man walking with a gait of experienced swordsman and returned his wink with a small chuckle .Her wave revealed calluses upon her palm that made her either a warrior or an artisan, though fragile as she looked, she did not seem the type to be either.

"Oh, I've heard of it already. And we'll stay a couple of days. Ambassador Hagen has been kind to offer we stay at the Embassy and see the city." Flashing a grin and a quick glance towards Ulder, he added before his wife interrupted him with an elbow to the ribs. "We'll take a walk ourselves, since I doubt Ulder here will have much time for us, considering he will be bu..... Owwwwww. Alright, alright, I am shutting up." Sofia smiled apologetically and shook her head. "Excuse my husband, Your Highness, but he gets excited at times. Do you have a suggestion as t what we should see at the Citadel?"

As she looked Kaspar strode towards Rosalie only to fade into thin air long before he reached her side. If anyone noticed her distress, none showed it openly, with the Baron busy watching the exchange between Andolin and Kercher to notice the dead Kaspar's return. "You are quite right, my dear." With a finger he beckoned Deacon over and whispered a few words into the man's ear and with a nod he was gone. "He'll get your cloak in a burn." Only then did he turn to gaze upon her, and raised his brows. "Is something wrong, Rosalie? You look.....distressed?" The pause was there as the Baron struggled to find the right word for a flicker, though his concern for her looked genuine.

Elvin Motricé · Post by **Elvin Motricé** » Wed May 30, 2007 10:20 pm

Elvin didn't care if he stood out or not. As a matter of fact, he wished it to be known that he was a mage. It was all part of the role he tried to create, if he acted carelessly people might actually think he was careless.

A shadow passed over the Adhiel's face when Morgan asked him about his travels and he didn't respond, instead looking pensive at Thavia for a moment and raised a brow. "That woman should know all too well that my control of magic isn't fickle. Seriously, I think this act might start to irritate me before I'm done with it..." When the student mage asked about the book the Professor cast a sharp look at him and the seething rage that flickered in the Adhiel's eyes for a moment was terrible to behold. It took only a few flickers for the sorcerer to gain control over his feelings and the outrage of losing the book faded to the background. He was about to answer Morgan when Thavia's servant approached.

After the poor man had his say the Adhiel almost burst out in laughing, if Morgan hadn't mentioned his travels and the book he actually might have done so. "Good sir, I am quite capable of controlling my magic. I wouldn't be a Professor at the University if I couldn't control my power. Don't worry, this is the wedding of my dear friends and I won't do anything to disturb it," he saw Simon Ginneke nodding and inclined his head slightly before turning back to Morgan.

"I learned many a thing from it," Elvin replied seriously, "The way how to destroy the Changer came from the book. I think the most valuable lesson I learned was that that book is too dangerous to be in the hands of students," he looked Morgan in the eye, "It took me all my training and the experience of the horrors I had already witnessed to withstand it's call and to remain sane. It wouldn't be wise to test my students to that extent," his eyes narrowed slightly, "Unless you think you can win in a battle of wills against me."

The mage shifted his position slightly: "I did copy the parts that were accessible to me and I have no qualms about letting you study those writings. They're devoid of netheric influence and contain valuable information about daemons. Those papers contain all the parts I could read and wanted to read. Some things are too dangerous to expose yourself to, even if you can withstand tremendous strain."

Rosalie Marcada · Post by **Rosalie Marcada** » Wed May 30, 2007 11:05 pm

Kaspar was still there! She opened her mouth and closed it again and a visible shudder ran through her as he approached her and disappeared in thin air. Mio Amore, why? Well, she knew why, but still she would have thought that all would be forgiven. Was his death not the ultimate logic, so very necessary to preserve the purity of it? She at least had rationalized it all away. Now why could Kaspari not be more complacent with his lot in life, or rather, in death?

Slowly indignation was rising again. Could he not have the grace to stay dead? Would he show her jealousy even beyond the grave? Why, this was just typical of the sort of barbaric place the Citadel was. First that beating, then the business with the Aether trapping her, then the demon and now this. Ghosts. Will you believe that?

Her indignation was a ruse of course, trying to keep her fear at bay. Magick in whatever form was something Rose had not control over, could not combat in whatever way. At least in the Mouth it was under some form of control, kept far from every day life.

Still white by the nose Rosalie answered Illish in a whisper, truthfully if not entirely forthcoming or connected "I'm sorry my dear, I just thought I saw a ghost from the past. This place is giving me the creeps due to some unfortunate happenings that occurred her some months ago. When we have a bit more privacy I will tell you how I suffered on the cliffs of this very beach back when I first arrived."

Raevyn D`Altamooriana · Thu May 31, 2007 3:22 pm

Raevyn took a mental note of the woman and the man as he passed by. It was obvious that the two knew each other. What that relationship between the two was, was anyone's guess. Maybe that would reveal itself in due time. As for Raevyn she was content for the moment, she was content to just watch and observe. This wasn't because Raevyn found the adhiel in white to be of no consequence, it was more because she had saw her again.

Just like the first time Raevyn laid eyes upon the woman, she was again escorted guards. Whoever she was, she was someone of obvious significance. So, it seems that we meet again. What surprised Raevyn the most was the uncanny likeness that the two shared. Aside form the obvious difference that they shared. Raevyn was a dark adhiel, but the woman with the guards was her same height it seemed and same build. The ears were different too naturally.

The assassin turned her attention to the adhiel that sat beside her. Her happy appearance just didn't seem all too comforting. The wink between her and the gentleman that passed them by was equally a cause for concern. Raevyn didn't to jump to conclusions, but something just didn't seem to be the way it should. Finally she decided to speak.

"That woman, there," Raevyn said as she nodded her head in Rosalie's general direction. "Do you know of her?" How the woman reacted could possibly tell the assassin alot about her. It might even help her prove to herself that she was only jumping to the wrong conclusion about this innocent looking woman dress in white, or at the least ease some of her concerns about her. Regardless Raevyn would be on guard while she sat beside her.

Morg · Post by **Morg** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 3:06 pm

Morgan couldn't fail to miss the flash of anger that shot across Elvin's face at his mention of the book. Is he angry that I brought it up? What the Adhiel professor said next didn't seem to support that, though. Other troubles with it, then.

Elvin's mention of a battle of wills also seemed strange and somehow uncharacteristic of the professor. He was tempted to reply with "Is that a challenge?" After all, what was willpower? Was it correlated somehow with magical ability or experience, or even age? As far as Morgan knew, it was something else entirely, and a much more mysterious quality. He had rarely had occasion to test his own will in the past, but he was confident that it would not let him down. Again, he had to conclude that past issues were responsible for the little outburst.

Other than that, the professor's answer to his query was everything that Morgan had expected: reasonable, helpful, sensible and practical. So why do I feel so let down and frustrated by it? Morgan fought off the urge to frown fiercely. "Thank you," he replied. "I think I will take you up on that offer. Perhaps we could arrange a time for a one-on-one class?"

Since they were now speaking candidly, Morgan decided to ask another question that had been puzzling him. "What did you do with the book, then, after you finished... getting what you could from it? If you found that it was that dangerous, I suppose you didn't want to just keep it lying around indefinitely...? Even with the strongest wards in the world, it wouldn't be safe forever." Here, as an advanced student of warding, Morgan felt qualified to speak.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 5:43 am

"Oh, Ambassador Hagen. How nice." He had no love for the paladin. The man had ruined a perfectly good dream in the aether.

"It depends upon what you like," the Caesar to be replied to Ulder's mother. "For me, I find the fine homes of the Inner Circle and the palace to be the most inspiring I should be happy to see your son, when he has a moment away from his lovely bride, give you a private tour of the palace," he offered. "He knows its hallways well."

Andolin pondered the idea of him offering to lead the tour himself, but Ulder would likely suspect something. Of course, it might be fun to do it, just to get Ulder suspicious for no reason. It did have a certain appeal.

Mairi Armstrong · Post by **Mairi Armstrong** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 4:00 pm

Mairi noticed an opportunity to give her small gift to Ulder, and she took it, getting up from her seat and walking over to him swiftly.

"Excuse me, Mr. Synkaaros, I understand that the ceremony will soon be underway, but I felt that I should greet you and give you this," she said politely. "I am Mairi Armstrong, from the Dort Embassy...I don't believe we have met before, but I remember you were at the party the Duke held in Samheen. Many congratulations on this happy occasion."

She offered her gift; if Ulder were to open it then and there he would find enclosed a glass flask, suitable for holding oil or wine.

Elaine · Post by **Elaine** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 8:10 pm

"Thank you." She mumbled at Ulder's sister, squeezing her arm. "It's amazing to have you here. A true gift. Goodness, there's so much noise...how many people are there?"

Elaine tugged Becca's sleeve. "I am completely clueless as to where to go from here. Could you please escort me to where I'm supposed to be?" She chuckled, a quick swill of nerves playing up now that they were going to be in the center of this very private happening.

For once the hubbub wasn't intrusive or threatening. This time it seemed to turn around her instead of touching her. It was a wonderful feeling, almost as if she was floating.

Oh stop that, you hopeless romantic!

There was no reason to hide the broad smile as she was guided towards her husband to be.

Ulder · Post by **Ulder** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 8:35 pm

As Ulder watched the exchange between the Caesar and his parents, he found a young woman that he'd seen before on several occasions, including the election meetings and Erwin's party. When she gave her name it all came back to him in a rush.

He took the gift from her and as her opened it, he marveled at the fine craftsmanship of the thick and heavy glass.

"Thank you Miss Armstrong. It's very lovely and both Elaine and I sincerely appreciate the thought. It's very kind of you to be here today. I'm afraid I haven't been able to keep more informed of your progress with the Duke. How are things faring back on your native island?"

Post by **Grey Wolf** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 5:40 pm

OOC: Gonna assume a bit to get things rolling. I want these two handfasted soon.

Standing near Thavia jumped at Elaine's words, waving her arms frantically to draw Becca's attention and pointing to the spot near where Mother Abeaja stood with her assistants, and then pointing to her chest looked towards Ulder. Meanwhile Serah flashed a quick glance about the beach and whispered into Elaine's ear. "I'd say almost a hundred people. Do you want me to ask then to be less noisy?" She could not truly do anything of the sort, but she was ready to do her best and try.

The woman at Raevyn's side, turned to regard the dark adhiel for a flicker or so before looking in the direction the assassin indicated. It lasted but a few flickers, before she turned towards the other girl and smiled politely, her brow arching. "I know of her. I might even share what I know if I knew who you are. Mind sharing that with me?"

Ulder felt a hand on his elbow and much of Thavia weight pressing against him, urging him to move where the trio of priests stood their preparation almost done. "Come, Captain. It is time. Show that courage you are famous for again." She flashed him a mischievous grin as Elaine approached from the other direction with Becca and Serah at her side. A single nod from Thavia got the mother and her two assistants to hurry up as Zersa moved away in silence.

Baron's hand found its way to Rose's and he gave her a reassuring squeeze. "I understand. And you do not need to tell me if you do not want. I was just wondering if there was something I could do to help." Not far from the pair Kercher sought to make what he thought would be a witty reply to Caesar's question, but his wife tugged his sleeve and pulled him away with a parting bow to Andolin. "Thank you, milord. You have been most kind. Good luck to you and your realm." Kercher got himself another elbow in the ribs as a preemptive measure to stop him from commenting on politics as he was fond of.

"MOTHER!" Abeaja's voice rang over the crowd, causing the conversations to dull to a low hum and the die completely. "You who are eternal. Endless. Everywhere. Focus now on this spot on these two young people." With a smile her assistants came to Ulder and Elaine and drew them together, one girl holding their forearms close as the other wrapped a string of flowers around them. "Watch. See how they stand side by side. Ready to be one. Ready to become three. Four. Many." She smiled warmly, finding nothing awkward in the words she uttered. The assistants took a handful of earth from their bags and put them in the couple's hands, closing their fingers around the dark soil. "Feel how they hold you. Know how they will be part of you. In harmony with nature." The assistants turned Ulder and Elaine] to face each other and Abeaja spoke again, her voice dying to a whisper. "Listen. As they tell you of their love........"