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Into the Moral Darkness: (Now a Completed Story!)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 3286211" data-attributes="member: 35788"><p>The ceremony proceeded quickly once it was underway. In his capacity as temple priest, Brandt officiated the double wedding between the couples with grace and piety. Ausaphaborishan readily accepted the marriage of Rhema to Ischarus and his clan of Drakontai welcomed Rhema as a member of Ausaphaborishan’s people. In many respects they had already done so upon learning of her work with Ischarus in Quehalost several months back when Ausaphaborishan had been summoned to help the party rescue Charis’ people.</p><p></p><p>The same could be said about Semeion and the people of Llywessiar’s clan. With Semeion’s marriage to Charis, the invitation was extended for Semeion to become part of Llywessiar’s people. The separate clans under Llywessiar showed absolutely no distinction in their welcoming Semeion among the unified clan.</p><p></p><p>The couples were married in the eyes of the gods, in the eyes of the two dragon fathers, and in the eyes of the people. The service itself took hardly more than three-quarters of an hour. The gathered Drakontai erupted in a loud cheer as the service concluded with the combined draconic roars of approval. Several of the men of Ausaphaborishan’s clan quickly departed to a nearby pavilion and began bringing out casks of wine and barrels of ale while other men began lighting a giant bonfire. A mighty celebration would follow such a memorable service. It was rare enough for a double wedding to occur. It was even rarer for it to involve separate dragon fathers.</p><p></p><p>As the day passed into night, the foursome began to wind down in their duties of receiving the people. There had been enough talk of congratulations, enough discussion for future plans, enough well-wishing in general. The intermingling of the Drakontai clans began to separate into the more natural cliques according to the clans. Llywessiar’s people would not be leaving until the next morning, but once the sun passed over the horizon the mingling grew less and less. Many people were tired and desired to return to their accommodations. Others in the village enjoyed sipping ale and wine while sitting beside the bonfire. There was plenty of roasted meat to carry the remaining celebrants well into the evening.</p><p></p><p>It was at this time that the foursome found themselves alone. They were standing away from the fire and rapidly growing more and more tired as the night took hold. Each of them had either shaken the hand or joined in dance with nearly everyone from both of the clans. Their minds were exhausted and their bodies ached. Yet it had been a good day.</p><p></p><p>Brandt approached the party for the first time since the celebration had ended. His position among Llywessiar’s people had kept him from officially greeting the newlyweds until now. With the majority of the Drakontai clans beginning to retire, his official duties of office could also be retired for the evening. As he approached the foursome, each of the newlyweds greeted him with a weary smile.</p><p></p><p>Charis stepped forward and met him in an embrace. <span style="color: Orange">“Thank you so much for your willingness to officiate over our marriages. With your tutelage over Ischarus and Semeion I doubt they could’ve found a more meaningful person to do the task. As a fellow member of your clan I don’t think that I could be more proud to have you as one of our leaders.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt returned the hug warmly and deeply. <span style="color: Lime">“It is always a pleasure to serve my people. It is especially meaningful to serve those who have dedicated their lives in service of others as well.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis released Brandt from her hug and stepped back. There were a small amount of tears still left in her tear ducts and her eyes decided that this was an appropriate time to shed them. As Charis stepped back, Semeion and Ischarus each exchanged sturdy handshakes with Brandt in recognition of his service.</p><p></p><p>When the men were finished thanking Brandt, Rhema approached Brandt and embraced him again. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“I agree with Charis and the others. It was an honor to have you serve. Although I have to confess that you caught me off guard when you began the service by whispering and asking us if we were ready for another adventure. I almost imagined us vanishing at that moment into thin air through one of your teleportation spells!”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt and the others chuckled at the thought. <span style="color: Lime">“No, I had nothing so devious planned for that particular moment. The adventure I spoke of is the adventure of marriage. Marriage is one of the most joyful and difficult things that you will encounter in life. I hope that you do not take it too lightly.”</span></p><p></p><p>The foursome simply stood in silence as they listened to the elder Drakontos. They each realized that they had little that they could add that would be meaningful at this point. Sure, they thought they understood what marriage was about, but they weren’t foolish enough to even hint that they knew what to expect. Their chosen careers would make their marriage all the more unique. Most married couples did not voluntarily head into hostile territory several times a year.</p><p></p><p>Brandt continued with his advice. <span style="color: Lime">“Although, I do have a bit of a wedding gift for you that you might consider an adventure.”</span> </p><p></p><p>The Drakontos priest removed a small thin box from an inside pocket of his robes. The box was ornate in the carvings along the outside. Two Celtic Knot designs had been engraved into the wooden box so that the Celtic Knots appeared as ribbon tied around a package. The box was made from solid oak so that even in its thin condition it was quite sturdy.</p><p></p><p>As Brandt held the thin box in his right hand he reached over the box with his left hand and gripped the top. The box emitted a small creaking noise as Brandt slid the lid of the box to the left. The lid slipped off completely, revealing small interlocking grooves that had been cut in both the top and the bottom of the box so that the box would remain securely closed. As the box slid open the light cast from the bonfire flickered and cast shadows along the rich blue velvet used to line the inside.</p><p></p><p>Semeion smiled as his eyes moved past the rich fabric and onto the contents. Lying inside the box were four simple gold rings. One of the rings had a small oak leaf that had been twisted around its circle as some sort of identification. Brandt offered the three unmarked rings to Rhema, Charis, and Semeion respectively. The fourth ring he placed in his own left palm and undid the leaf binding. As he undid the oak leaf wrapping around the ring, he offered a simple explanation. <span style="color: Lime">“These are a simple gift, really. Do not value them any more than you ought. It is expected that the four of you will go anyplace that you desire in celebration of your marriage. When that time of celebration is up, it is also expected that you will begin another trip from the villa in Huetown to the land of Quehalost. These rings will aid you in that journey. Within each of the three rings that I have already handed out is the latent energy of one single teleportation spell. It will take you from wherever you are in this world and transport you back to your own bedrooms within Rhema’s father’s villa. This ring, which I will give to Ischarus, has the magic of two spells inside. I’ll use it to demonstrate the magic.”</span></p><p></p><p>He slipped the ring onto his finger and gave it a single twist. Immediately his body wavered as if the ground under his feet emitted a great heat. His body vanished immediately. The foursome smiled in delight.</p><p></p><p>Semeion carried a look of awe on his face. <span style="color: Plum">“I have got to learn that spell someday.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis placed her firm had on his shoulder and smiled. <span style="color: Orange">“Not until Brandt confirms that you are ready to handle the magical energies, of course. I’ll not have my new husband teleporting himself into a wall or something more dangerous because you can’t handle the magic.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion’s expression reduced from awe to that of simple pleasure. He spoke in a teasingly sarcastic tone. <span style="color: Plum">“Yes, dear.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus coughed in reaction to Semeion’s comment and placed his left arm around Rhema’s shoulders. <span style="color: LightBlue">“By the gods, they’ve started already.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion laughed as he immediately understood the meaning of Ischarus’ words. Charis gave Ischarus and Rhema a questioning glance. <span style="color: Orange">“Started already?”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema smiled at Charis and laughed. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“A commentary on Semeion’s subservience.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis gave a polite smile to Ischarus and spoke with a tone mocking Ischarus’ earlier sarcasm. <span style="color: Orange">“Darn right.”</span></p><p></p><p>The foursome shared a hearty laugh. During the laugh, the air beside Semeion wavered again as Brandt returned via another teleportation spell. His face revealed deep concern, however. The foursome picked up on his expression and looked on with interest.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus spoke for the group. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Brandt? What’s wrong? Didn’t the ring work as you expected?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt slowly shook his head, obviously in disbelief. He quickly took off the ring and tossed it to Ischarus. <span style="color: Lime">“No, the rings work perfectly. Put them on and use them to follow me. Rhema, the villa has been destroyed! It’s been completely destroyed!”</span></p><p></p><p>The foursome gasped in a unison sense of shock and Rhema exclaimed in surprise. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Destroyed? But, destroyed how?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt only shook his head side to side. <span style="color: Lime">“I didn’t take long enough to investigate it. It’s been leveled. Come and see!”</span> Brandt waited until he saw that each of the foursome had their rings. Once he was sure that the rings were in the right hands he spoke his magical command. <span style="color: Lime">“Placilicuhn ul-Tactum.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt vanished once more in a waver as if hit by a great source of heat. Rhema, Charis, and Semeion each twisted their rings and vanished in a similar effect. Ischarus was left alone for a brief moment of time.</p><p></p><p>Rhema’s new husband paused for a moment and looked around. He breathed in deeply and sighed. By this time in the celebration most of the Drakontai wouldn’t even notice that they were gone. He spoke to himself before twisting the ring that Brandt had given to him. <span style="color: LightBlue">“They say that there is no rest for the weary. After this day, I am weary. But apparently there is also no time to enjoy the first night of marriage for the weary, either.”</span> With another sigh he twisted the small gold ring on his finger and vanished.</p><p></p><p>[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]</p><p>The ceremony proceeded quickly once it was underway. In his capacity as temple priest, Brandt officiated the double wedding between the couples with grace and piety. Ausaphaborishan readily accepted the marriage of Rhema to Ischarus and his clan of Drakontai welcomed Rhema as a member of Ausaphaborishan’s people. In many respects they had already done so upon learning of her work with Ischarus in Quehalost several months back when Ausaphaborishan had been summoned to help the party rescue Charis’ people.</p><p></p><p>The same could be said about Semeion and the people of Llywessiar’s clan. With Semeion’s marriage to Charis, the invitation was extended for Semeion to become part of Llywessiar’s people. The separate clans under Llywessiar showed absolutely no distinction in their welcoming Semeion among the unified clan.</p><p></p><p>The couples were married in the eyes of the gods, in the eyes of the two dragon fathers, and in the eyes of the people. The service itself took hardly more than three-quarters of an hour. The gathered Drakontai erupted in a loud cheer as the service concluded with the combined draconic roars of approval. Several of the men of Ausaphaborishan’s clan quickly departed to a nearby pavilion and began bringing out casks of wine and barrels of ale while other men began lighting a giant bonfire. A mighty celebration would follow such a memorable service. It was rare enough for a double wedding to occur. It was even rarer for it to involve separate dragon fathers.</p><p></p><p>As the day passed into night, the foursome began to wind down in their duties of receiving the people. There had been enough talk of congratulations, enough discussion for future plans, enough well-wishing in general. The intermingling of the Drakontai clans began to separate into the more natural cliques according to the clans. Llywessiar’s people would not be leaving until the next morning, but once the sun passed over the horizon the mingling grew less and less. Many people were tired and desired to return to their accommodations. Others in the village enjoyed sipping ale and wine while sitting beside the bonfire. There was plenty of roasted meat to carry the remaining celebrants well into the evening.</p><p></p><p>It was at this time that the foursome found themselves alone. They were standing away from the fire and rapidly growing more and more tired as the night took hold. Each of them had either shaken the hand or joined in dance with nearly everyone from both of the clans. Their minds were exhausted and their bodies ached. Yet it had been a good day.</p><p></p><p>Brandt approached the party for the first time since the celebration had ended. His position among Llywessiar’s people had kept him from officially greeting the newlyweds until now. With the majority of the Drakontai clans beginning to retire, his official duties of office could also be retired for the evening. As he approached the foursome, each of the newlyweds greeted him with a weary smile.</p><p></p><p>Charis stepped forward and met him in an embrace. “Thank you so much for your willingness to officiate over our marriages. With your tutelage over Ischarus and Semeion I doubt they could’ve found a more meaningful person to do the task. As a fellow member of your clan I don’t think that I could be more proud to have you as one of our leaders.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt returned the hug warmly and deeply. “It is always a pleasure to serve my people. It is especially meaningful to serve those who have dedicated their lives in service of others as well.”</p><p></p><p>Charis released Brandt from her hug and stepped back. There were a small amount of tears still left in her tear ducts and her eyes decided that this was an appropriate time to shed them. As Charis stepped back, Semeion and Ischarus each exchanged sturdy handshakes with Brandt in recognition of his service.</p><p></p><p>When the men were finished thanking Brandt, Rhema approached Brandt and embraced him again. “I agree with Charis and the others. It was an honor to have you serve. Although I have to confess that you caught me off guard when you began the service by whispering and asking us if we were ready for another adventure. I almost imagined us vanishing at that moment into thin air through one of your teleportation spells!”</p><p></p><p>Brandt and the others chuckled at the thought. “No, I had nothing so devious planned for that particular moment. The adventure I spoke of is the adventure of marriage. Marriage is one of the most joyful and difficult things that you will encounter in life. I hope that you do not take it too lightly.”</p><p></p><p>The foursome simply stood in silence as they listened to the elder Drakontos. They each realized that they had little that they could add that would be meaningful at this point. Sure, they thought they understood what marriage was about, but they weren’t foolish enough to even hint that they knew what to expect. Their chosen careers would make their marriage all the more unique. Most married couples did not voluntarily head into hostile territory several times a year.</p><p></p><p>Brandt continued with his advice. “Although, I do have a bit of a wedding gift for you that you might consider an adventure.” </p><p></p><p>The Drakontos priest removed a small thin box from an inside pocket of his robes. The box was ornate in the carvings along the outside. Two Celtic Knot designs had been engraved into the wooden box so that the Celtic Knots appeared as ribbon tied around a package. The box was made from solid oak so that even in its thin condition it was quite sturdy.</p><p></p><p>As Brandt held the thin box in his right hand he reached over the box with his left hand and gripped the top. The box emitted a small creaking noise as Brandt slid the lid of the box to the left. The lid slipped off completely, revealing small interlocking grooves that had been cut in both the top and the bottom of the box so that the box would remain securely closed. As the box slid open the light cast from the bonfire flickered and cast shadows along the rich blue velvet used to line the inside.</p><p></p><p>Semeion smiled as his eyes moved past the rich fabric and onto the contents. Lying inside the box were four simple gold rings. One of the rings had a small oak leaf that had been twisted around its circle as some sort of identification. Brandt offered the three unmarked rings to Rhema, Charis, and Semeion respectively. The fourth ring he placed in his own left palm and undid the leaf binding. As he undid the oak leaf wrapping around the ring, he offered a simple explanation. “These are a simple gift, really. Do not value them any more than you ought. It is expected that the four of you will go anyplace that you desire in celebration of your marriage. When that time of celebration is up, it is also expected that you will begin another trip from the villa in Huetown to the land of Quehalost. These rings will aid you in that journey. Within each of the three rings that I have already handed out is the latent energy of one single teleportation spell. It will take you from wherever you are in this world and transport you back to your own bedrooms within Rhema’s father’s villa. This ring, which I will give to Ischarus, has the magic of two spells inside. I’ll use it to demonstrate the magic.”</p><p></p><p>He slipped the ring onto his finger and gave it a single twist. Immediately his body wavered as if the ground under his feet emitted a great heat. His body vanished immediately. The foursome smiled in delight.</p><p></p><p>Semeion carried a look of awe on his face. “I have got to learn that spell someday.”</p><p></p><p>Charis placed her firm had on his shoulder and smiled. “Not until Brandt confirms that you are ready to handle the magical energies, of course. I’ll not have my new husband teleporting himself into a wall or something more dangerous because you can’t handle the magic.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion’s expression reduced from awe to that of simple pleasure. He spoke in a teasingly sarcastic tone. “Yes, dear.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus coughed in reaction to Semeion’s comment and placed his left arm around Rhema’s shoulders. “By the gods, they’ve started already.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion laughed as he immediately understood the meaning of Ischarus’ words. Charis gave Ischarus and Rhema a questioning glance. “Started already?”</p><p></p><p>Rhema smiled at Charis and laughed. “A commentary on Semeion’s subservience.”</p><p></p><p>Charis gave a polite smile to Ischarus and spoke with a tone mocking Ischarus’ earlier sarcasm. “Darn right.”</p><p></p><p>The foursome shared a hearty laugh. During the laugh, the air beside Semeion wavered again as Brandt returned via another teleportation spell. His face revealed deep concern, however. The foursome picked up on his expression and looked on with interest.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus spoke for the group. “Brandt? What’s wrong? Didn’t the ring work as you expected?”</p><p></p><p>Brandt slowly shook his head, obviously in disbelief. He quickly took off the ring and tossed it to Ischarus. “No, the rings work perfectly. Put them on and use them to follow me. Rhema, the villa has been destroyed! It’s been completely destroyed!”</p><p></p><p>The foursome gasped in a unison sense of shock and Rhema exclaimed in surprise. “Destroyed? But, destroyed how?”</p><p></p><p>Brandt only shook his head side to side. “I didn’t take long enough to investigate it. It’s been leveled. Come and see!” Brandt waited until he saw that each of the foursome had their rings. Once he was sure that the rings were in the right hands he spoke his magical command. “Placilicuhn ul-Tactum.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt vanished once more in a waver as if hit by a great source of heat. Rhema, Charis, and Semeion each twisted their rings and vanished in a similar effect. Ischarus was left alone for a brief moment of time.</p><p></p><p>Rhema’s new husband paused for a moment and looked around. He breathed in deeply and sighed. By this time in the celebration most of the Drakontai wouldn’t even notice that they were gone. He spoke to himself before twisting the ring that Brandt had given to him. “They say that there is no rest for the weary. After this day, I am weary. But apparently there is also no time to enjoy the first night of marriage for the weary, either.” With another sigh he twisted the small gold ring on his finger and vanished.[/Sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nonlethal Force, post: 3286211, member: 35788"] The ceremony proceeded quickly once it was underway. In his capacity as temple priest, Brandt officiated the double wedding between the couples with grace and piety. Ausaphaborishan readily accepted the marriage of Rhema to Ischarus and his clan of Drakontai welcomed Rhema as a member of Ausaphaborishan’s people. In many respects they had already done so upon learning of her work with Ischarus in Quehalost several months back when Ausaphaborishan had been summoned to help the party rescue Charis’ people. The same could be said about Semeion and the people of Llywessiar’s clan. With Semeion’s marriage to Charis, the invitation was extended for Semeion to become part of Llywessiar’s people. The separate clans under Llywessiar showed absolutely no distinction in their welcoming Semeion among the unified clan. The couples were married in the eyes of the gods, in the eyes of the two dragon fathers, and in the eyes of the people. The service itself took hardly more than three-quarters of an hour. The gathered Drakontai erupted in a loud cheer as the service concluded with the combined draconic roars of approval. Several of the men of Ausaphaborishan’s clan quickly departed to a nearby pavilion and began bringing out casks of wine and barrels of ale while other men began lighting a giant bonfire. A mighty celebration would follow such a memorable service. It was rare enough for a double wedding to occur. It was even rarer for it to involve separate dragon fathers. As the day passed into night, the foursome began to wind down in their duties of receiving the people. There had been enough talk of congratulations, enough discussion for future plans, enough well-wishing in general. The intermingling of the Drakontai clans began to separate into the more natural cliques according to the clans. Llywessiar’s people would not be leaving until the next morning, but once the sun passed over the horizon the mingling grew less and less. Many people were tired and desired to return to their accommodations. Others in the village enjoyed sipping ale and wine while sitting beside the bonfire. There was plenty of roasted meat to carry the remaining celebrants well into the evening. It was at this time that the foursome found themselves alone. They were standing away from the fire and rapidly growing more and more tired as the night took hold. Each of them had either shaken the hand or joined in dance with nearly everyone from both of the clans. Their minds were exhausted and their bodies ached. Yet it had been a good day. Brandt approached the party for the first time since the celebration had ended. His position among Llywessiar’s people had kept him from officially greeting the newlyweds until now. With the majority of the Drakontai clans beginning to retire, his official duties of office could also be retired for the evening. As he approached the foursome, each of the newlyweds greeted him with a weary smile. Charis stepped forward and met him in an embrace. [Color=Orange]“Thank you so much for your willingness to officiate over our marriages. With your tutelage over Ischarus and Semeion I doubt they could’ve found a more meaningful person to do the task. As a fellow member of your clan I don’t think that I could be more proud to have you as one of our leaders.”[/Color] Brandt returned the hug warmly and deeply. [Color=Lime]“It is always a pleasure to serve my people. It is especially meaningful to serve those who have dedicated their lives in service of others as well.”[/Color] Charis released Brandt from her hug and stepped back. There were a small amount of tears still left in her tear ducts and her eyes decided that this was an appropriate time to shed them. As Charis stepped back, Semeion and Ischarus each exchanged sturdy handshakes with Brandt in recognition of his service. When the men were finished thanking Brandt, Rhema approached Brandt and embraced him again. [Color=PaleGreen]“I agree with Charis and the others. It was an honor to have you serve. Although I have to confess that you caught me off guard when you began the service by whispering and asking us if we were ready for another adventure. I almost imagined us vanishing at that moment into thin air through one of your teleportation spells!”[/Color] Brandt and the others chuckled at the thought. [Color=Lime]“No, I had nothing so devious planned for that particular moment. The adventure I spoke of is the adventure of marriage. Marriage is one of the most joyful and difficult things that you will encounter in life. I hope that you do not take it too lightly.”[/Color] The foursome simply stood in silence as they listened to the elder Drakontos. They each realized that they had little that they could add that would be meaningful at this point. Sure, they thought they understood what marriage was about, but they weren’t foolish enough to even hint that they knew what to expect. Their chosen careers would make their marriage all the more unique. Most married couples did not voluntarily head into hostile territory several times a year. Brandt continued with his advice. [Color=Lime]“Although, I do have a bit of a wedding gift for you that you might consider an adventure.”[/Color] The Drakontos priest removed a small thin box from an inside pocket of his robes. The box was ornate in the carvings along the outside. Two Celtic Knot designs had been engraved into the wooden box so that the Celtic Knots appeared as ribbon tied around a package. The box was made from solid oak so that even in its thin condition it was quite sturdy. As Brandt held the thin box in his right hand he reached over the box with his left hand and gripped the top. The box emitted a small creaking noise as Brandt slid the lid of the box to the left. The lid slipped off completely, revealing small interlocking grooves that had been cut in both the top and the bottom of the box so that the box would remain securely closed. As the box slid open the light cast from the bonfire flickered and cast shadows along the rich blue velvet used to line the inside. Semeion smiled as his eyes moved past the rich fabric and onto the contents. Lying inside the box were four simple gold rings. One of the rings had a small oak leaf that had been twisted around its circle as some sort of identification. Brandt offered the three unmarked rings to Rhema, Charis, and Semeion respectively. The fourth ring he placed in his own left palm and undid the leaf binding. As he undid the oak leaf wrapping around the ring, he offered a simple explanation. [Color=Lime]“These are a simple gift, really. Do not value them any more than you ought. It is expected that the four of you will go anyplace that you desire in celebration of your marriage. When that time of celebration is up, it is also expected that you will begin another trip from the villa in Huetown to the land of Quehalost. These rings will aid you in that journey. Within each of the three rings that I have already handed out is the latent energy of one single teleportation spell. It will take you from wherever you are in this world and transport you back to your own bedrooms within Rhema’s father’s villa. This ring, which I will give to Ischarus, has the magic of two spells inside. I’ll use it to demonstrate the magic.”[/Color] He slipped the ring onto his finger and gave it a single twist. Immediately his body wavered as if the ground under his feet emitted a great heat. His body vanished immediately. The foursome smiled in delight. Semeion carried a look of awe on his face. [Color=Plum]“I have got to learn that spell someday.”[/Color] Charis placed her firm had on his shoulder and smiled. [Color=Orange]“Not until Brandt confirms that you are ready to handle the magical energies, of course. I’ll not have my new husband teleporting himself into a wall or something more dangerous because you can’t handle the magic.”[/Color] Semeion’s expression reduced from awe to that of simple pleasure. He spoke in a teasingly sarcastic tone. [Color=Plum]“Yes, dear.”[/Color] Ischarus coughed in reaction to Semeion’s comment and placed his left arm around Rhema’s shoulders. [Color=LightBlue]“By the gods, they’ve started already.”[/Color] Semeion laughed as he immediately understood the meaning of Ischarus’ words. Charis gave Ischarus and Rhema a questioning glance. [Color=Orange]“Started already?”[/Color] Rhema smiled at Charis and laughed. [Color=PaleGreen]“A commentary on Semeion’s subservience.”[/Color] Charis gave a polite smile to Ischarus and spoke with a tone mocking Ischarus’ earlier sarcasm. [Color=Orange]“Darn right.”[/Color] The foursome shared a hearty laugh. During the laugh, the air beside Semeion wavered again as Brandt returned via another teleportation spell. His face revealed deep concern, however. The foursome picked up on his expression and looked on with interest. Ischarus spoke for the group. [Color=LightBlue]“Brandt? What’s wrong? Didn’t the ring work as you expected?”[/Color] Brandt slowly shook his head, obviously in disbelief. He quickly took off the ring and tossed it to Ischarus. [Color=Lime]“No, the rings work perfectly. Put them on and use them to follow me. Rhema, the villa has been destroyed! It’s been completely destroyed!”[/Color] The foursome gasped in a unison sense of shock and Rhema exclaimed in surprise. [Color=PaleGreen]“Destroyed? But, destroyed how?”[/Color] Brandt only shook his head side to side. [Color=Lime]“I didn’t take long enough to investigate it. It’s been leveled. Come and see!”[/Color] Brandt waited until he saw that each of the foursome had their rings. Once he was sure that the rings were in the right hands he spoke his magical command. [Color=Lime]“Placilicuhn ul-Tactum.”[/Color] Brandt vanished once more in a waver as if hit by a great source of heat. Rhema, Charis, and Semeion each twisted their rings and vanished in a similar effect. Ischarus was left alone for a brief moment of time. Rhema’s new husband paused for a moment and looked around. He breathed in deeply and sighed. By this time in the celebration most of the Drakontai wouldn’t even notice that they were gone. He spoke to himself before twisting the ring that Brandt had given to him. [Color=LightBlue]“They say that there is no rest for the weary. After this day, I am weary. But apparently there is also no time to enjoy the first night of marriage for the weary, either.”[/Color] With another sigh he twisted the small gold ring on his finger and vanished. [Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section] The ceremony proceeded quickly once it was underway. In his capacity as temple priest, Brandt officiated the double wedding between the couples with grace and piety. Ausaphaborishan readily accepted the marriage of Rhema to Ischarus and his clan of Drakontai welcomed Rhema as a member of Ausaphaborishan’s people. In many respects they had already done so upon learning of her work with Ischarus in Quehalost several months back when Ausaphaborishan had been summoned to help the party rescue Charis’ people. The same could be said about Semeion and the people of Llywessiar’s clan. With Semeion’s marriage to Charis, the invitation was extended for Semeion to become part of Llywessiar’s people. The separate clans under Llywessiar showed absolutely no distinction in their welcoming Semeion among the unified clan. The couples were married in the eyes of the gods, in the eyes of the two dragon fathers, and in the eyes of the people. The service itself took hardly more than three-quarters of an hour. The gathered Drakontai erupted in a loud cheer as the service concluded with the combined draconic roars of approval. Several of the men of Ausaphaborishan’s clan quickly departed to a nearby pavilion and began bringing out casks of wine and barrels of ale while other men began lighting a giant bonfire. A mighty celebration would follow such a memorable service. It was rare enough for a double wedding to occur. It was even rarer for it to involve separate dragon fathers. As the day passed into night, the foursome began to wind down in their duties of receiving the people. There had been enough talk of congratulations, enough discussion for future plans, enough well-wishing in general. The intermingling of the Drakontai clans began to separate into the more natural cliques according to the clans. Llywessiar’s people would not be leaving until the next morning, but once the sun passed over the horizon the mingling grew less and less. Many people were tired and desired to return to their accommodations. Others in the village enjoyed sipping ale and wine while sitting beside the bonfire. There was plenty of roasted meat to carry the remaining celebrants well into the evening. It was at this time that the foursome found themselves alone. They were standing away from the fire and rapidly growing more and more tired as the night took hold. Each of them had either shaken the hand or joined in dance with nearly everyone from both of the clans. Their minds were exhausted and their bodies ached. Yet it had been a good day. Brandt approached the party for the first time since the celebration had ended. His position among Llywessiar’s people had kept him from officially greeting the newlyweds until now. With the majority of the Drakontai clans beginning to retire, his official duties of office could also be retired for the evening. As he approached the foursome, each of the newlyweds greeted him with a weary smile. Charis stepped forward and met him in an embrace. “Thank you so much for your willingness to officiate over our marriages. With your tutelage over Ischarus and Semeion I doubt they could’ve found a more meaningful person to do the task. As a fellow member of your clan I don’t think that I could be more proud to have you as one of our leaders.” Brandt returned the hug warmly and deeply. “It is always a pleasure to serve my people. It is especially meaningful to serve those who have dedicated their lives in service of others as well.” Charis released Brandt from her hug and stepped back. There were a small amount of tears still left in her tear ducts and her eyes decided that this was an appropriate time to shed them. As Charis stepped back, Semeion and Ischarus each exchanged sturdy handshakes with Brandt in recognition of his service. When the men were finished thanking Brandt, Rhema approached Brandt and embraced him again. “I agree with Charis and the others. It was an honor to have you serve. Although I have to confess that you caught me off guard when you began the service by whispering and asking us if we were ready for another adventure. I almost imagined us vanishing at that moment into thin air through one of your teleportation spells!” Brandt and the others chuckled at the thought. “No, I had nothing so devious planned for that particular moment. The adventure I spoke of is the adventure of marriage. Marriage is one of the most joyful and difficult things that you will encounter in life. I hope that you do not take it too lightly.” The foursome simply stood in silence as they listened to the elder Drakontos. They each realized that they had little that they could add that would be meaningful at this point. Sure, they thought they understood what marriage was about, but they weren’t foolish enough to even hint that they knew what to expect. Their chosen careers would make their marriage all the more unique. Most married couples did not voluntarily head into hostile territory several times a year. Brandt continued with his advice. “Although, I do have a bit of a wedding gift for you that you might consider an adventure.” The Drakontos priest removed a small thin box from an inside pocket of his robes. The box was ornate in the carvings along the outside. Two Celtic Knot designs had been engraved into the wooden box so that the Celtic Knots appeared as ribbon tied around a package. The box was made from solid oak so that even in its thin condition it was quite sturdy. As Brandt held the thin box in his right hand he reached over the box with his left hand and gripped the top. The box emitted a small creaking noise as Brandt slid the lid of the box to the left. The lid slipped off completely, revealing small interlocking grooves that had been cut in both the top and the bottom of the box so that the box would remain securely closed. As the box slid open the light cast from the bonfire flickered and cast shadows along the rich blue velvet used to line the inside. Semeion smiled as his eyes moved past the rich fabric and onto the contents. Lying inside the box were four simple gold rings. One of the rings had a small oak leaf that had been twisted around its circle as some sort of identification. Brandt offered the three unmarked rings to Rhema, Charis, and Semeion respectively. The fourth ring he placed in his own left palm and undid the leaf binding. As he undid the oak leaf wrapping around the ring, he offered a simple explanation. “These are a simple gift, really. Do not value them any more than you ought. It is expected that the four of you will go anyplace that you desire in celebration of your marriage. When that time of celebration is up, it is also expected that you will begin another trip from the villa in Huetown to the land of Quehalost. These rings will aid you in that journey. Within each of the three rings that I have already handed out is the latent energy of one single teleportation spell. It will take you from wherever you are in this world and transport you back to your own bedrooms within Rhema’s father’s villa. This ring, which I will give to Ischarus, has the magic of two spells inside. I’ll use it to demonstrate the magic.” He slipped the ring onto his finger and gave it a single twist. Immediately his body wavered as if the ground under his feet emitted a great heat. His body vanished immediately. The foursome smiled in delight. Semeion carried a look of awe on his face. “I have got to learn that spell someday.” Charis placed her firm had on his shoulder and smiled. “Not until Brandt confirms that you are ready to handle the magical energies, of course. I’ll not have my new husband teleporting himself into a wall or something more dangerous because you can’t handle the magic.” Semeion’s expression reduced from awe to that of simple pleasure. He spoke in a teasingly sarcastic tone. “Yes, dear.” Ischarus coughed in reaction to Semeion’s comment and placed his left arm around Rhema’s shoulders. “By the gods, they’ve started already.” Semeion laughed as he immediately understood the meaning of Ischarus’ words. Charis gave Ischarus and Rhema a questioning glance. “Started already?” Rhema smiled at Charis and laughed. “A commentary on Semeion’s subservience.” Charis gave a polite smile to Ischarus and spoke with a tone mocking Ischarus’ earlier sarcasm. “Darn right.” The foursome shared a hearty laugh. During the laugh, the air beside Semeion wavered again as Brandt returned via another teleportation spell. His face revealed deep concern, however. The foursome picked up on his expression and looked on with interest. Ischarus spoke for the group. “Brandt? What’s wrong? Didn’t the ring work as you expected?” Brandt slowly shook his head, obviously in disbelief. He quickly took off the ring and tossed it to Ischarus. “No, the rings work perfectly. Put them on and use them to follow me. Rhema, the villa has been destroyed! It’s been completely destroyed!” The foursome gasped in a unison sense of shock and Rhema exclaimed in surprise. “Destroyed? But, destroyed how?” Brandt only shook his head side to side. “I didn’t take long enough to investigate it. It’s been leveled. Come and see!” Brandt waited until he saw that each of the foursome had their rings. Once he was sure that the rings were in the right hands he spoke his magical command. “Placilicuhn ul-Tactum.” Brandt vanished once more in a waver as if hit by a great source of heat. Rhema, Charis, and Semeion each twisted their rings and vanished in a similar effect. Ischarus was left alone for a brief moment of time. Rhema’s new husband paused for a moment and looked around. He breathed in deeply and sighed. By this time in the celebration most of the Drakontai wouldn’t even notice that they were gone. He spoke to himself before twisting the ring that Brandt had given to him. “They say that there is no rest for the weary. After this day, I am weary. But apparently there is also no time to enjoy the first night of marriage for the weary, either.” With another sigh he twisted the small gold ring on his finger and vanished.[/Sblock] [/QUOTE]
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