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Tales of the Legacy - Concluded
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<blockquote data-quote="Delemental" data-source="post: 2919782" data-attributes="member: 5203"><p><strong>The Wedding</strong></p><p></p><p>So, filled with glee at discovering a new reader, I bring you an update. Although I feel like I've overwhelmed you recently with extra-long posts (especially the fiction pieces that came after "Price of Victory"), this one really works best as a whole, and it's not that long.</p><p></p><p>-------------------------------------------</p><p></p><p> The footsteps of the two men echoed off the stone walls of the enormous hallway, making it sound like the approach of a squadron of men. Each of them carried a large golden urn in their arms, their muscles straining with their weight.</p><p></p><p> The two men walked up to a large iron-shod door, which was opened by one of two guards standing outside. The two walked straight to the middle of the room, where a large golden basin sat waist-high on a marble pedestal. Two other figures stood near the basin, waiting.</p><p></p><p> Slowly, one of the two men with the urns approached, and bowed his head to the two already at the basin. After a slight answering nod from the taller of the figures, the man upended the urn slowly into the basin. A thick, silvery liquid splashed into the basin.</p><p></p><p> “Carefully,” the shorter figure said. “We mustn’t waste any.”</p><p></p><p> As the last drops ran into the basin, the servant withdrew, and his companion took his place, repeating the same procedure. When he finished, the silvery liquid came right up to the rim of the basin. After a wave of dismissal from the taller figure, the two servants left, and the guards outside pulled the doors closed. The short man walked over and barred the door from the inside.</p><p></p><p> “Are you ready?” the shorter man asked, looking up at his companion.</p><p></p><p> “I am. Thank you for assisting me in this. I expect it will take several hours.”</p><p></p><p> “I am here to serve, as always. But I am curious…”</p><p></p><p> “Speak.”</p><p></p><p> “It’s more a curiosity than a concern, as I said,” the shorter man said. “Why do this now, on this day? Surely observing them at a time when we might study their tactics, their resourcefulness…”</p><p></p><p> The tall man smiled, showing the barest hint of white teeth through thin lips. “There will be plenty of time for that. It’s moments like these that are much more rare for those of their profession. You can learn as much about a person by watching their actions in times of peace as you can in times of war.”</p><p></p><p> “Very wise,” the shorter man said, nodding in approval.</p><p></p><p> “I had a wise teacher,” the other replied. Then, turning his attention back to the basin, he waved his hand over the smooth silvery surface and concentrated. Ripples appeared in the quicksilver, spreading out in concentric rings as if a pebble had been dropped in the center. Despite the disturbance, however, none of the liquid spilled from the basin. The ripples increased in frequency and intensity, and slowly the silver was replaced by color and motion, and sounds began to echo in the small stone room as the scene unfolded before the two men.*</p><p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center">* * *</p><p></p><p> Spots swam before Xu’s eyes as the maids behind her yanked on the strings of her corset, cinching it tightly across her torso. The monk gripped the bedpost she was leaning against for support as the servants tied off the corset.</p><p></p><p> Xu looked around the room. Autumn, Arrie, Maddie, and Lanara were there, arranged all around the room, along with a bevy of female servants. The five adventuring women were arrayed in corsets and frilly undergarments, awaiting the arrival of their dresses. None of them looked very comfortable.</p><p></p><p> “I cannot see how you can stand this,” Xu complained to Autumn, who was sitting in an upholstered chair by the window. “I can barely breathe.”</p><p></p><p> Autumn smiled. “I guess I’ve just become used to it by now,” she said. She withheld the real reason for her lack of discomfort. That morning, when she’d awoken, there had been a silk-wrapped package on the bed next to her where Kyle usually slept. Inside had been a new corset, along with a note from Kyle – <em>Try it on before you think bad things about me</em>. Autumn had discovered to her delight that Kyle must have magically altered the garment, because when she did don it, it seemed that no matter how hard her valet had pulled, it didn’t feel at all constraining or painful, even though she could see it was performing its function.</p><p></p><p> “That is well for you,” Xu said, “but if there is trouble at the ceremony, this garment will render me nearly incapable of fighting.”</p><p></p><p> Arrie and Autumn looked at each other. “Should we let her in on the secret?” Arrie asked, winking.</p><p></p><p> “I think so,” Autumn said. She looked over at her valet. “Please give us a few minutes alone, Aleria. You may return when the seamstresses bring the dresses up.”</p><p></p><p> “Of course, Your Grace,” Aleria said, bowing. She ushered the other handmaids out of the room, shutting the door behind her. As soon as the servants were gone, Arrie walked over to Xu, turned her around, and untied the corset. Giving the monk a few moments to gasp for air, she then retied the corset so it was much less constraining.</p><p></p><p> “This is how you get through a day wearing a corset,” Arrie said.</p><p></p><p> The women spent a few minutes adjusting each other’s corsets, except for Autumn, who politely declined. Then they sat down and nibbled at plates of sweet breads while waiting for the seamstresses.</p><p></p><p> “So,” Maddie said, “do you think Kyle’s gone insane yet with having all those servants getting him ready for the wedding?”</p><p></p><p> “Well, I haven’t heard any explosions in the manor,” Autumn said, “so I guess he’s holding up.”</p><p></p><p> Lanara chortled at the thought of Kyle chasing away servants, flailing a wand at them. “I hope Tolly has those <em>dispels </em>ready like he talked about. By the time Kyle gets to the reception he might snap and try to <em>disintegrate </em>the ambassador from Targeth and start a war.”</p><p></p><p> Autumn suddenly became very quiet, nibbling at a honey bun.</p><p></p><p> “Hey, I was kidding,” Lanara said. “I’m sure it’ll be nothing more than a minor border skirmish.”</p><p></p><p> “Oh, I know,” Autumn said. “I was just feeling a little sorry for Kyle for a moment. He’s going to spend the whole reception feeling out of place.”</p><p></p><p> “Well, he’s got his family here,” Arrie pointed out, “and Osborn’s family too. And really, if he puts his mind to it he does fine. I’m sure he’s handling the whole thing better than we think.”</p><p></p><p> On the other side of the manor, a loud groan emanated from one of the guest rooms.</p><p></p><p> “I can’t believe I’m going to be a Duke,” Kyle said, staring up at the ceiling. He was in the room he’d appropriated to sleep in the night before the wedding, in order to respect the Bailite custom that the groom not see each the bride in her wedding garb before the ceremony. Tolly and Osborn were in the room with him. The hin was sitting on the floor, playing with a small puppy. The puppy, which had been sired by Osborn’s dog Rupert, had been given to Kyle and Autumn as a wedding gift.</p><p></p><p> Tolly looked up from where he was sitting, going over Kyle’s formal robes looking for loose threads. “Well, actually, you’re going to be a Duke-Consort. It’s not quite the same thing.”</p><p></p><p> Osborn looked puzzled. “I thought you got over this whole being uncomfortable with nobility thing,” he said, fending off a licking attack from the puppy.</p><p></p><p> “Dealing with them, yes. Being one, no. I mean, my brother and sister are going to be sitting across the aisle from Prince Herion and the Serenity of Erito! I mean, what are they supposed to say to each other at the reception? ‘Hi there, I’m the Imperial Prince. I noticed that the buttons on my tunic cost more than you made on your farm last year’.”</p><p></p><p> “Uh huh,” said Osborn, “because Herion’s just the kind of oaf who would rub your family’s faces in his prosperity at your wedding.”</p><p></p><p> “Hey, it’s my wedding,” Kyle said. “I’m allowed occasional lapses of blind, unreasoning panic. You try getting married and see what kind of thoughts run through your head.”</p><p></p><p> “Get married?” Osborn scoffed. “No thanks! I’d have to disappoint too many of your chambermaids if I did that!”</p><p></p><p> “Though I’m not as opposed to the idea of matrimony as Osborn,” Tolly said, “unfortunately my best prospect in recent memory was stolen out from under my nose by an upstart wizard who was toying with forbidden powers.”</p><p></p><p> Kyle smiled. There was no malice in Tolly’s comment; they’d resolved those issues a few weeks ago. “Okay, fine, I know I’m overreacting. I’m just off-balance right now. I’m not used to having other people shave me, cut my hair, and trim my nails.”</p><p></p><p> “You should just be glad the Royal Wiper was sick this morning,” Osborn joked.</p><p></p><p> “That’s disgusting,” Kyle said, laughing. He sat up on the bed. “All right, then, panic over. What’s next?”</p><p></p><p> “Now, you put this on,” Tolly said, tossing him the robe, “and we call the servants back in and they spend another hour or so in a desperate but ultimately futile effort to make you look presentable. Then we go stand in a field for a couple of hours, surrounded by the best and brightest souls on the face of Affon – as well as all the gathered nobles and ambassadors – so we can listen to you and Autumn say what we already know; that you love each other and will be together for the rest of your lives.”</p><p></p><p> Kyle grinned. “Sounds good to me.”</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">* * *</p><p></p><p> <em>From the Imperial Archives in Noxolt, as dutifully committed to memory-crystal by Loremaster Wexlen, archived under ‘Notable Social/Political Events in Reign of Emperor Haxtha, Years 1-50’:</em></p><p></p><p> The ceremony marking the marriage of Autumn Verahannen – Duchess of Vargex, Lady Mayor of Vargas; bearer of the title of Vigilant in the Order of Sentinels – to Kyle Goodson, wizard from Targeth, took place on the tenth day of Lutros in the third year of Emperor Haxtha’s reign. The ceremony began at the second bell past midday, and was held in the open country just outside the city of Vargas. It was a traditional Bailite wedding ceremony, officiated by the ranking cleric of Bail in the duchy of Vargex, High Priest Brom Unthwe.</p><p></p><p>Serving as maid of honor was Princess Ariadne Verahannen, wife to Imperial Prince Herion and ward-sister to Duchess Autumn. Also in attendance to the bride were Lanara Rahila, whose skills as a bard have already been noted by the Imperial Court; Madrone, a Favored of Erito; and Xu Dhii Ngao, of the Xhintai Empire. Phanuel, planetar in the service of Krûsh, escorted the bride to the altar as proxy to Zanich Verahannen, the bride’s ward-father.</p><p></p><p>Serving as best man was Osborn Greenbottle, hin from the Khag Steppes and member of the performing troupe known as the Amazing Traveling Circus. Also in attendance to the groom were Tolly Nightsleaving, Inquisitor Primus of Ardara; Bryant Goodson, brother of the groom; and Togusa, also of the Xhintai Empire. Pella Stovich, sister of the groom, escorted the groom to the altar as proxy to Anjele Goodson, the groom’s mother.</p><p></p><p> A number of dignitaries were in attendance as well; their presence is noted so that the scope of this event may be properly reflected. Representing the Imperial Family was Imperial Prince Herion, who was accompanied by Imperial Princess Aralda, as his spouse was serving as maid of honor. Also in attendance as representatives of the Empire were Vernys, Grand Duke of Mypos; Tanach, King of Erumian; Sorene, Princess of Telluria; and Damen and Lysanne Coviere, King and Queen of Merlion. Representing the vassal lords of the Duchy of Vargex were Baron Guilford, Baron Per'ani, Baroness Estia, Count Carfex Alexos, Count Achall, Countess Nalad, Count At-kal, and Count Helaku. Representing the Verahannen family was Aiden Verahannen, ward-brother to Autumn and current lord of the Verahannen estate; and Auror Verahannen, ward-mother to Autumn and widow of Zanich Verahannen.</p><p></p><p>Representing the spiritual community, aside from the aforementioned Bailite High Priest Unthwe and the Ardaran Inquisitor Primus Nightsleaving, were the Serenity of Erito; Tolarray, a Marshall of Tor who has recently been appointed the Marshall of Vargas; and Erkonne, the High Mother of Bles in Vargex.</p><p></p><p> A number of foreign ambassadors were also in attendance. From the Empire of Targeth came Ambassador Dohne, an instructor of conjuration at The Tower in Trageon. From the Peca Provinces came Ambassador Nissa, and the Dwarven Confederates sent Ambassador Kektor on their behalf. The Theocracy of Medos was represented by Ambassador Ohn, Exalted of Paccë, while the Kingdoms of the Red Archipelago were represented by Prince Mu’ara, son of King Bali. The Xhintai Empire, though they did not send an official ambassador, was nonetheless represented in the person of Lord Hungai…</p><p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center">* * *</p><p></p><p> As soon as they saw him approaching, everyone in the Legacy stiffened.</p><p></p><p> “What is he doing here?” Autumn hissed to Kyle. They’d been standing for several hours after the ceremony, officially greeting their guests and receiving their well wishes. The ordeal had been dull, but necessary, and there were occasional highlights. Like when the Princess of Telluria, a wizened old gnomish woman, had grasped Kyle firmly by the buttocks and then proclaimed loudly that he’d be a good husband because he was obviously ‘a man who doesn’t sit on his duff all day’. Autumn’s mirth had changed to shock when she received a similar groping from the old gnome, who had then announced that she’d make a good wife because she had ‘good birthing hips’.</p><p></p><p> Kyle was about to shrug his ignorance, when the herald made the next announcement.</p><p></p><p> “Representing the Eternal Empire of Xhintai, Lord Hungai!”</p><p></p><p> It was difficult for the party to remain composed. They were all assembled on the wooden platform that had been set up for them to stand on as they received their guests at the celebration after the wedding. Only Maddie was absent; when the Serenity had come through to offer congratulations and some advice, she had requested to speak to Madrone and Razael privately. The three of them were still talking on the other side of the pavilion tents. Xu immediately stepped to the back of the group, trying to stay out of sight; Arrie immediately stepped in front of her to help hide her.</p><p></p><p> Kyle leaned over to Autumn. “Be polite,” he whispered. “Personal problems aside, you can’t attack a foreign ambassador in front of every other noble and dignitary in Affon.”</p><p></p><p> “Since when do you give advice on diplomacy?” she whispered back, but she knew he was right. Glancing around, she saw that the rest of the party was straining to remain composed. As Hungai approached, Autumn plastered her best gracious smile on her face. It was an expression she’d mastered in the past several months dealing with the politics of Vargas.</p><p></p><p> Hungai walked up the short steps to the platform, the wooden stairs creaking under the weight of the massive warlord. He was accompanied by a young elf-touched woman, obviously an escort of some sort as she had not been announced by the herald. The woman’s features seemed familiar to the party, but difficult to place; only Osborn was able to place the face, and his eyes grew huge with the realization, though he didn’t have time to share his insight with the others.</p><p></p><p> The Xhintai warlord and his escort stopped in front of Autumn and Kyle at a respectful distance, and bowed. “My congratulations to both of you,” Hungai said. “May you have as much success in your marriage as I have in mine.” Hungai’s eyes flicked up to take in Xu’s pale face, and then without further delay he left the platform and made his way to where the other guests were mingling.</p><p></p><p> Tolly leaned over to Kyle. “Why would he say that?”</p><p></p><p> “He’s referring to his ‘marriage’ to Xu,” Kyle said.</p><p></p><p> “Ah.”</p><p></p><p> Osborn’s gaze followed Hungai’s escort as she walked next to the warlord.</p><p></p><p> “I think our hin friend knows something,” Lanara said, “and he’d better spill it before his eyes pop out of his head.”</p><p></p><p> “That woman,” he said, “it’s Marrek.”</p><p></p><p> Everyone stared at Osborn, and then turned to stare at the elf-touched woman on Hungai’s arm.</p><p></p><p> “I’m really glad,” Kyle said at last, “that Maddie wasn’t here to find that out.”</p><p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center">* * *</p><p></p><p> <em>Overheard at the Midsummer Ball in Vargas, from Verda Mohere, the wife of Tazlin Mohere, Master of the Guild of Magic:</em></p><p> </p><p></p><p> “Well, of <em>course </em>we were there for the wedding! It was only the social event of the year, you know. And of course they simply <em>had </em>to invite my dear Tazzie and I, seeing at his guild was <em>so </em>vital in the security for the event. He was the one who came up with the idea of having those extra-dimensional holes over the heads of the audience as hiding places should something go wrong, you know!</p><p></p><p> “What’s that, dear? Oh, you’d heard that it was the Duke-Consort’s idea? Well, dear, I’m never one to gossip, you know, but I’ve met the man, and I can tell you he’s <em>not </em>our sort of people, you know? I’d hardly expect something so ingenious from <em>him</em>. I mean, Duchess Autumn’s a dear woman, believe me, but if you ask me she’s simply gone too far in living out her adolescent ‘burly stable-hand’ fantasies in marrying him. I mean, other that a few minutes he spent talking with Prince Herion, I think that Duke-Consort Kyle spent the evening hanging about with his sharecropping relatives and those… circus hin. Passed up a perfectly good opportunity to better himself by conversing with some people of quality such as you or I. Why, I could almost swear he was deliberately avoiding me at the celebration!</p><p></p><p> “But goodness! There I go, off the subject again! Anyway, we were mingling in the crowd; after all, it’s not every day we get to spend time with the Serenity of Erito or with Prince Herion. Let me tell you, it was <em>quite </em>the evening. I’d never known until that night how much both Princess Ariadne and Princess Aralda enjoy their spirits, if you take my meaning. I’m sure they’ll make <em>quite </em>the pair once Princess Ariadne decides to settle down and head back to Noxolt with her husband like she should. Honestly, why Herion tolerates such willfulness… it’s beyond me. And I noticed that the Duchess was spending <em>quite </em>a bit of time talking to Prince Mu’ara from the Archipelago. Oh, I know what you’re going to say – two holy warriors, why wouldn’t they have something in common… well, be that as it may, I’m sure that our Duchess is well aware of the, well, let’s say <em>casual </em>attitude toward fidelity in the island kingdom. After all, her sister Princess Ariadne was there herself not too long ago. I won’t say any more, but I wouldn’t be <em>terribly </em>surprised if we see the Duchess make a sudden ‘diplomatic’ trip up to the Archipelago, perhaps without a certain Duke-Consort?</p><p></p><p> “Oh, we really <em>must </em>stop this wicked talk, you know. After all, the Duchess and Duke-Consort weren’t the only ones acting scandalously. That Ardaran priest that was there, the Inquisitor Primus? Well, he apparently had some words for the Xhintai ambassador and his escort for the evening. He and that bard with the pink hair – you know, the one that Princess Aralda dotes on so? Well, <em>apparently </em>they took offense at something the ambassador said to the bride and groom, and without even a <em>hint </em>of decorum they challenged him about it right in the middle of the reception! At least they had the decency to keep their voices down. I wasn’t close enough to hear it all – it was some sort of dispute over someone in the Duchesses’ adventuring group, that the ambassador apparently knows; something to do with her citizenship, or her marital status. But what really caught my attention was when the Inquisitor Primus referred to the ambassador’s escort as an <em>animal</em>! To her face! I mean, I have no idea who she was – some lovely young elf-touched I’ve never seen before – but the audacity! At least the ambassador and his escort had the class to keep their composure, although from the size of the Xhintai ambassador, I’d say that Ardaran would have been in a tough spot if things had gotten violent. Fortunately, he and the bard walked away from the whole thing. The last I saw of them, the Ardaran was chasing guests out of the bushes, and the bard was going home with Prince Mu’ara – I suppose she was trading up from that Imperial Huntsman she’s been sleeping with.</p><p></p><p> “Well, despite the scandal, it really was a <em>lovely </em>event. But let me tell you, when it came time for the speeches and gifts…”</p><p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center">* * *</p><p></p><p> Lanara stood and tapped on a glass with a fork to get the crowd’s attention, but the conversations going on under the wide pavilion tent were too noisy. Lanara frowned, then summoned up a little bardic magic. This time, when she hit the glass, the crystalline sound rang much louder, catching everyone’s attention.</p><p></p><p> “It’s time for those of us who know the new couple best with their gifts and words of wisdom. Or, as close to wisdom as some of us can manage after a few glasses of Baron Guilford’s best.” There were a few laughs and many shouts of approval as Lanara tipped her own glass to the baron.</p><p></p><p> “But first,” Lanara said, holding the glass high now, “a toast, to Kyle and Autumn Goodson, the happy couple. May the Ten Paragons watch over you both.”</p><p></p><p> There was the briefest of pauses before the audience cheered and raised their glasses. After all, the cansin had gotten the traditional opening toast wrong; she was supposed to say ‘may the Eleven Paragons watch over you’. For the most part, however, the audience simply assumed she had misspoke. Lanara, and her fellows in the Legacy, knew better. Ever since they’d learned the truth about the eleventh ‘Paragon’, Silko, they’d had a bit more trouble invoking his name for good fortune.</p><p></p><p> Lanara turned to Autumn and Kyle. “I’m getting my gift out of the way first,” she said. She handed them a small bundle wrapped in colored paper. Opening it, they saw it was a leatherbound book.</p><p></p><p> “It’s a collection of poems I’ve written about our travels and adventures,” Lanara said. “To remind you of how you came to be where you are today, and to inspire you wherever you end up tomorrow.”</p><p></p><p> “Thank you, Lanara,” Kyle said.</p><p></p><p> “Yes, thank you,” Autumn repeated.</p><p></p><p> Osborn was the next to rise, though in order to be seen and heard over the crowd he had to sit on his mother’s shoulders. “A few years ago,” he began, “we all got together as a group. Or, to be more accurate, a man named Shilsen Brandovich put us all in the same class, and we kind of stuck together. Well, except for that druid fellow, but that’s another story. After many adventures, these two young folk here found they liked each other’s company maybe just a little bit more than the others. They had their ups and downs, of course, and for a while it looked like maybe things wouldn’t work out between them. But there’s something about a crazed, foaming Ravager with a greataxe that tends to give one perspective on a few things, I guess. Now, they’ve made it official, and thrown a great party to boot. So, here’s to you, Kyle and Autumn, and as my grandpa used to say, ‘May there be a road’.”</p><p></p><p> There were cheers and more drinks. Then, getting off his mother’s shoulders, Osborn walked up and presented Autumn with a long, narrow box.</p><p></p><p> “I had to give Kyle his gift earlier today,” Osborn explained. “It was a puppy, sired by my own dog Rupert. I’m afraid he wouldn’t have lasted in a box all night.” When the titters of laughter died down, Osborn opened the box. Inside was an ornate mithral dagger, stamped with the symbol of Bail. “It’s been blessed by High Priest Unthwe,” he said. “I know it’s not quite the same as the one that was stolen from you,” Osborn flicked an accusatory gaze at Marrek, whose expression didn’t change, “but I hope you like it.”</p><p></p><p> Autumn bent down and hugged Osborn, and gave the hin a kiss on the cheek. After he sat down, Arrie got to her feet.</p><p></p><p> “For centuries, House Verahannen have been the guardians of the throne and people of Merlion through skill at arms and diplomacy. As a child, Autumn came to live with us and was adopted into our home. She has excelled in all the qualities that make the house great. She is more than any parent could hope for in a child, perfect and humble. She is more than any sibling could hope for, accepting of any fault and capable of counterfeiting faults to keep Aiden and I from looking too flawed in comparison. What more could one hope for in a sister or friend?”</p><p></p><p>Arrie gave her sister a graceful bow. “And so, what is my wish for Autumn? Happiness, prosperity and love. These are the things that I desire for the woman who means so much to me. This is why I am full of joy today. Autumn has found a companion in Kyle who compliments her strengths and excels in those qualities and tasks where she is less than her usual, spectacular self. I wish you both almost everything you desire from life. If you got everything then things would get boring and we all know I’m the last person to endorse a boring existence.”</p><p></p><p> As the applause died down, Arrie gave a small ring box to Kyle, and a larger box to Autumn. “The meaning behind these gifts will be obvious to Kyle and Autumn,” she said, “so I won’t bore everyone else with the details. But in addition to this, I’ve been in touch with Count Helaku, and in your stables you will find two new horses, the finest in his herd. I hope they’ll remind you of the importance of getting away from it all from time to time.”</p><p></p><p> Arrie exchanged hugs with both Autumn and Kyle, whispering something in Kyle’s ear before sitting down which made him smile. Then Bryant, Kyle’s brother, rose.</p><p></p><p> “Pa couldn’t be here, and all,” Bryant said, “so I guess I’ll have to say a few words on his behalf. I suppose he’d say something along the lines of, oh… these two are a good couple, and, well, may they…” he paused, searching for the right words.</p><p></p><p> “Plow many furrows?” Lanara suggested loudly. There were a few laughs, and Autumn looked slightly shocked. Bryant, however, grinned.</p><p></p><p> “That’s better’n what I was thinking of. Nastier, but better. I’ll go with what she said. May you plow the furrow, and get a good crop.”</p><p></p><p> There were several loud hoots and laughter, and Autumn turned beet red.</p><p></p><p> Autumn’s father, Phanuel, was next to rise, and he kept rising. Dropping his <em>polymorph</em>, he resumed his natural form, which caused the audience to grow very quiet.</p><p></p><p> “This is my daughter, with whom I am well pleased. And this is now my son, with whom I am also well pleased. My benevolence is upon them, as will be my watchful eye. From when the sun rises to when it sets, and when it rises again, until the stars fade from the sky, this long will I watch over them.”</p><p></p><p> As Phanuel sat down, resuming his human form, the audience sat, stunned into silence, until someone start a loud, slow clapping. Everyone looked up to see Tolly, standing near the front, clapping loudly until everyone broke out of their awestruck state to join in. In the rear of the area, Ambassador Dohne from Targeth grumbled and barely acknowledged the speech; since he was a tiefling, this was hardly a surprise.</p><p></p><p> Maddie was the next to stand. “I’m afraid that I have been forced to bring a note of melancholy to this day of joy. I have been asked by the Serenity to continue Erito’s work in Medos, and thus I will soon have to say goodbye to my dear friends among the Legacy. Because of this, I will keep my gift to you private for now, and give it to you at a more appropriate time. For now, I would extend to you Erito’s blessings of a long life together. I will rest easier knowing that you, and the rest of the Legacy, will carry on to do what needs to be done.” As Osborn had before, Maddie flicked the briefest glance at Marrek, making it clear what ‘needed to be done’. This time, Marrek smiled sweetly at the look.</p><p></p><p> Xu was the next to rise. “In my homeland, there is a saying,” she began. “It is, ‘Love cannot be written; it must be sung’. This is meant to remind us that true affection, true companionship, cannot be forced by custom or law or tradition,” Xu’s gaze also flickered to the audience, though this time it fell on Marrek’s ‘date’, Warlord Hungai. “In the two of you, I see a song that the angels will sing when they are asked what love is.” Xu stood silently while the audience applauded her words; Hungai did not clap. “As for a gift, I fear that in the Xhintai Empire our customs are different, and I was not prepared as are my friends with an offering to present. My apologies to you both.”</p><p></p><p> “No need, Xu,” Autumn said. “your words were gift enough for us.”</p><p></p><p> Xu leaned over to Autumn before sitting down. “To tell the truth, I did purchase a garment for you to wear this evening. However, I did not wish to present it to you here; it leaves little to the imagination.”</p><p></p><p> Autumn’s eyes widened a little. “Xu?”</p><p></p><p> She smiled. “I am a monk, Autumn, but I am still a woman. There is no harm in wearing something that will stir your husband’s blood on occasion.”</p><p></p><p> Lanara leaned in as well. “I’ve seen what she got, Autumn,” the bard said. “It’s going to stir more than Kyle’s blood, I promise you.”</p><p></p><p> “Is it that bad?” Autumn asked, getting a little flustered.</p><p></p><p> “Let me put it this way,” Lanara said, “if I saw you wearing this thing, <em>I’d </em>probably sleep with you.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly was the last to rise. “Forgive me if I’m both brief and direct,” he said, “but those who know me know to expect this. I was honored and gladdened when I received the invitation to the wedding of two of my dearest friends, who I can honestly say were meant to be together. For their love to have blossomed out of the adversity we have faced, there could be no other explanation.</p><p></p><p> “I hope that Kyle and Autumn will forgive me, for I have no gift to give either. I think they understand that circumstances recently have left me little time to contemplate such things. But I do have something to offer; not only to Kyle and Autumn, but to the Legacy as a whole. When we parted company, there were many things I needed to discover about myself, and about the world we live in. Among those was the fact that when it came to how others see the world, ‘different’ is not always ‘wrong’. It can be a difficult lesson for an Ardaran to learn… for anyone to learn. It’s a lesson I am only beginning to understand. In doing so, I have discovered that rather than striving to be right, it’s better to strive instead to make a difference. I believe that the Legacy is doing just this. If they would accept me, I would be honored to count myself among them again.”</p><p></p><p> There was a long silence throughout the audience. Then, slowly, Kyle stood up, and walked over to Tolly. They stood facing each other for a few moments, and then Kyle put his hands on Tolly’s shoulders.</p><p></p><p> “Tolly,” he said, smiling, “you never left us.”</p><p></p><p> As Kyle and Tolly embraced, the audience erupted into the loudest cheers of the night.**</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">* * *</p><p></p><p> The two men continued to watch scenes unfold before them in the golden basin. Both seemed alert, despite the fact that several hours had gone by. The scenes in the basin flicked back and forth between numerous people, many of whom seemed to be dancing.</p><p></p><p> “Who is Princess Aralda dancing with?” the short man asked.</p><p></p><p> The tall man smiled. “Prince Mu’ara of the Red Archipelago. Prince Herion must be having fits.”</p><p></p><p> “Do you think that they will…”</p><p></p><p> “No. Mu’ara will spend the night with the bard, Lanara. Aralda will pass out in about an hour and be taken discreetly back to her chambers in the ducal manor.” The tall man scanned the shifting scenes again. “Wait,” he said, “I wish to hear that conversation.”</p><p></p><p> The silvery liquid in the bowl rippled, and showed Autumn and Tolly dancing together. Tolly was looking slightly nervous.</p><p></p><p> “So, Tolly,” Autumn was saying, “we have to have a conversation.”</p><p></p><p> “About what?”</p><p></p><p> “About that dance you taught me in the desert,” Autumn said.</p><p></p><p> “What would you want to discuss?” Tolly asked.</p><p></p><p> “Do you remember what you told me that dance was?” she asked.</p><p></p><p> “Can I lie and say no?”</p><p></p><p> Just then, Kyle and Arrie whirled by, enjoying their own dance. “You could, Tolly,” Kyle said, “but you would make Ardara cry.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly turned red as Kyle and Arrie twirled off, laughing. Autumn just looked at Tolly, amused.</p><p></p><p> “It was the Dwarven Ale Toss,” Tolly said at last.</p><p></p><p> “And it’s not women that you’re supposed to be tossing, is it?” she pressed.</p><p></p><p> “No,” he admitted. “You toss barrels of ale.”</p><p></p><p> “So, you were comparing me to a barrel, then?”</p><p></p><p> “No!” Tolly said, blushing again. “I was only…”</p><p></p><p> Autumn laughed. “Relax, Tolly. I’m only having a little fun.”</p><p></p><p> Many leagues away, the short man sighed, as the liquid rippled again and the images on the surface began to flicker again. “Not quite as interesting as you’d hoped, I’d guess.”</p><p></p><p> “Patience. In an event like this, there will be a lot of chaff and very little wheat. And eavesdropping on those two was not entirely without reward.”</p><p></p><p> The short man shook his head, unsure what value there was in knowing that two people once shared a traditional dwarven dance. “What about those <em>rope tricks</em> they conjured for security? I’ve seen a number of people sneaking into those for more personal use.”</p><p></p><p> The tall man shook his head. “I can’t penetrate a dimensional boundary, even with the basin. Besides, I doubt there is much conversation taking place in those spaces.”</p><p></p><p> They watched for another hour. They would frequently stop to observe conversations that various members of the Legacy were having with the wedding guests. They watched as Prince Mu’ara gave Lanara directions to his suite. They listened intently as various ambassadors approached Autumn; Ambassador Kektor, an ancient earth-touched man from the Confederates, offered her advice on keeping peace in the city at night. Dohne, the tiefling conjurer from Targeth, briefly hinted to the Duchess that he knew about a certain cornugon. Both the men watching the basin took careful note of this conversation. They also listened carefully when Kyle spoke with Prince Herion, asking if the prince would look for a particular spell scroll when he returned to Noxolt. They watched as Tolly carried a sleepy Iria back to the manor, as she complained that she wanted the “green man” to leave so that her “head didn’t have to feel funny any more”.</p><p></p><p> After a fireworks show, and more music and dancing, the observers saw that storm clouds were rolling in rapidly, and that the guests were beginning to gather their things and head inside. Storms in western Tlaxan tended to be quite severe and formed rapidly; most blamed the proximity of Targeth’s shield for this. As servants scrambled to gather up decorations and flowers in the growing wind, the two men focused their basin on Arrie, who was conversing with the Grand Duke of Mypos about a recent visit he’d made to Sargia.</p><p></p><p> “I was rather surprised that the Sargian ambassador didn’t attend,” the stately old elf was saying.</p><p></p><p> “None of us have ever been to Sargia,” Arrie explained. “They’d have no reason to know who the Legacy is, at least directly.”</p><p></p><p> “Still, it would have been seemly for them to attend,” he said. “After all, your group has never been to the Red Archipelago, and yet Prince Mu’ara…”</p><p></p><p> Arrie suddenly held up her hand, silencing the Grand Duke. She cocked her head to one side, as if listening for something, and then slowly turned her head, a puzzled look on her face, until she was looking straight up through the surface of the silver liquid in the basin, as if she could see the two men watching her.</p><p></p><p> The tall man waved a hand over the basin, and the image of Arrie’s face disappeared, as the rippling liquid suddenly became dead calm. Then, suddenly, it seemed to evaporate rapidly, turning from a liquid into a few ounces of a dry, silvery powder in the space of a few heartbeats. The tall man carefully brushed the powder into a leather pouch, and tucked it away inside his belt.</p><p></p><p> “She knew,” said the short man. “How did she know?”</p><p></p><p> The tall man shook his head. “She doesn’t know. She sensed something, yes, but Ariadne is too clever to have given herself away like that if she had known what was going on.”</p><p></p><p> “Do we begin again?”</p><p></p><p> “No. There will be little else to see this evening of any value, and I am too drained to continue much longer. We can discuss what we’ve observed in the morning.”</p><p></p><p> The two men walked to the door, and slid open the bar. The two guards outside, different men from the ones who had been there that morning, snapped to attention and fell into step behind the two robed men.</p><p></p><p> Far away, Grand Duke Vernys looked at Arrie. “Is everything all right, dear?”</p><p></p><p> Arrie looked around again. She could have sworn there was someone standing right next to her, but no one was around.</p><p></p><p> “Nothing, nothing,” she said. “The wine’s just going to my head, that’s all.”</p><p></p><p> “Well, nothing wrong with that from time to time, especially on special occasions. Now, what were we talking about?”</p><p></p><p> Arrie looked at the old elf. “Nothing important, I’m sure. I shouldn’t keep you any longer; you and your wife should go inside before it rains.”</p><p></p><p> “You’re probably right, dear. Thank you, and give our congratulations to the bride and groom again.”</p><p></p><p> “I will.”</p><p></p><p> Arrie watched the old elf shuffle away, then started searching for her sister in the crowd. <em>Autumn Goodson</em>, she thought, <em>it’s going to take me a while to get used to that</em>. She finally spotted Autumn with their cousins, Damen and Lysanne Coveire, who were being introduced to Autumn’s father, Phanuel. <em>Something else I need to get used to</em>.</p><p></p><p> “Copper for your thoughts?” Kyle said, coming up behind her.</p><p></p><p> “Oh, the usual melancholy crap people do at weddings,” she said. “Just remembering that my own wedding was held in one of the chapels in the Imperial Palace, and was attended by about a dozen people. And Autumn wasn’t one of them.”</p><p></p><p> “Well, if you’re starting to have regrets about the whole marriage thing,” Kyle said, “I might be able to pick him off from here.” He pointed a finger at Herion, who was on the other side of the pavilion, and squinted as if aiming. “You’d have to do the ‘grieving widow’ thing for a while, but…”</p><p></p><p> Arrie gave Kyle a playful slug on the shoulder. “Knock it off,” she said, grinning. “You know what I meant.”</p><p></p><p> “So, is this where I’m supposed to chime in with the ‘you’re not losing a sister, you’re gaining a brother’ platitudes?”</p><p></p><p> “Something like that.” Arrie put her arms around Kyle and squeezed. “Welcome to the family, Kyle.”</p><p></p><p> “Thanks, Arrie,” he said, returning the hug. “For what it’s worth, though, I’ve thought of you as a sister for a long time before today.”</p><p></p><p> “I know. Same here.”</p><p></p><p> They held the embrace for a while, before Kyle let go. “Wouldn’t want to start any rumors,” he said with a grin.</p><p></p><p> “Who’d start a rumor like that?” Arrie asked.</p><p></p><p> “Clearly, you’ve never met the wife of the master of the Vargas Mage’s Guild.” He wrinkled his nose. “Awful woman. I’d rather deal with a room full of angry mindblades.”</p><p></p><p> “Careful,” Arrie said, “you may get your wish soon enough.”</p><p></p><p> “I know,” Kyle said. Then he grinned. “I can’t wait, can you?”</p><p></p><p> “Nope.”</p><p></p><p></p><p>-------------------------------------------</p><p></p><p>* Okay, I'm sure you're asking right about now, "Who the hell are these two guys?" The answer is "I don't know". I made them up simply for the purpose of being able to have an outside perspective on the event. Maybe they're powerful psionic seers, maybe they're archmages, maybe they're the high priests of some forgotten cult.</p><p></p><p>** Just to make it clear, yes, Maddie is leaving the party, and Tolly is coming back, but they aren't played by the same person. Tolly's player brought in Razael to take a break from Tolly (because roleplay-wise, there was no way he could have stayed with us - he would have ended up turning against the Legacy the way things were going, but Tolly going off to be Inquisitor Primus for a while gave him a chance to gain a perspective and a tolerance he couldn't have justified as an active party member). So yes, this means that Razael will be going away soon, too. No. Please. No tears.</p><p></p><p>Maddie's player wasn't able to attend games regularly any more, and wasn't having fun always feeling like she was behind everyone else in terms of the plot and events. This is the reason for Maddie's retirement. It's just a coincidence that her announcement came on the same night as Tolly's - though in a way fortuitous, because it gave us an easy explanation for Razael's exit.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Delemental, post: 2919782, member: 5203"] [b]The Wedding[/b] So, filled with glee at discovering a new reader, I bring you an update. Although I feel like I've overwhelmed you recently with extra-long posts (especially the fiction pieces that came after "Price of Victory"), this one really works best as a whole, and it's not that long. ------------------------------------------- The footsteps of the two men echoed off the stone walls of the enormous hallway, making it sound like the approach of a squadron of men. Each of them carried a large golden urn in their arms, their muscles straining with their weight. The two men walked up to a large iron-shod door, which was opened by one of two guards standing outside. The two walked straight to the middle of the room, where a large golden basin sat waist-high on a marble pedestal. Two other figures stood near the basin, waiting. Slowly, one of the two men with the urns approached, and bowed his head to the two already at the basin. After a slight answering nod from the taller of the figures, the man upended the urn slowly into the basin. A thick, silvery liquid splashed into the basin. “Carefully,” the shorter figure said. “We mustn’t waste any.” As the last drops ran into the basin, the servant withdrew, and his companion took his place, repeating the same procedure. When he finished, the silvery liquid came right up to the rim of the basin. After a wave of dismissal from the taller figure, the two servants left, and the guards outside pulled the doors closed. The short man walked over and barred the door from the inside. “Are you ready?” the shorter man asked, looking up at his companion. “I am. Thank you for assisting me in this. I expect it will take several hours.” “I am here to serve, as always. But I am curious…” “Speak.” “It’s more a curiosity than a concern, as I said,” the shorter man said. “Why do this now, on this day? Surely observing them at a time when we might study their tactics, their resourcefulness…” The tall man smiled, showing the barest hint of white teeth through thin lips. “There will be plenty of time for that. It’s moments like these that are much more rare for those of their profession. You can learn as much about a person by watching their actions in times of peace as you can in times of war.” “Very wise,” the shorter man said, nodding in approval. “I had a wise teacher,” the other replied. Then, turning his attention back to the basin, he waved his hand over the smooth silvery surface and concentrated. Ripples appeared in the quicksilver, spreading out in concentric rings as if a pebble had been dropped in the center. Despite the disturbance, however, none of the liquid spilled from the basin. The ripples increased in frequency and intensity, and slowly the silver was replaced by color and motion, and sounds began to echo in the small stone room as the scene unfolded before the two men.* [CENTER] * * *[/CENTER] Spots swam before Xu’s eyes as the maids behind her yanked on the strings of her corset, cinching it tightly across her torso. The monk gripped the bedpost she was leaning against for support as the servants tied off the corset. Xu looked around the room. Autumn, Arrie, Maddie, and Lanara were there, arranged all around the room, along with a bevy of female servants. The five adventuring women were arrayed in corsets and frilly undergarments, awaiting the arrival of their dresses. None of them looked very comfortable. “I cannot see how you can stand this,” Xu complained to Autumn, who was sitting in an upholstered chair by the window. “I can barely breathe.” Autumn smiled. “I guess I’ve just become used to it by now,” she said. She withheld the real reason for her lack of discomfort. That morning, when she’d awoken, there had been a silk-wrapped package on the bed next to her where Kyle usually slept. Inside had been a new corset, along with a note from Kyle – [I]Try it on before you think bad things about me[/I]. Autumn had discovered to her delight that Kyle must have magically altered the garment, because when she did don it, it seemed that no matter how hard her valet had pulled, it didn’t feel at all constraining or painful, even though she could see it was performing its function. “That is well for you,” Xu said, “but if there is trouble at the ceremony, this garment will render me nearly incapable of fighting.” Arrie and Autumn looked at each other. “Should we let her in on the secret?” Arrie asked, winking. “I think so,” Autumn said. She looked over at her valet. “Please give us a few minutes alone, Aleria. You may return when the seamstresses bring the dresses up.” “Of course, Your Grace,” Aleria said, bowing. She ushered the other handmaids out of the room, shutting the door behind her. As soon as the servants were gone, Arrie walked over to Xu, turned her around, and untied the corset. Giving the monk a few moments to gasp for air, she then retied the corset so it was much less constraining. “This is how you get through a day wearing a corset,” Arrie said. The women spent a few minutes adjusting each other’s corsets, except for Autumn, who politely declined. Then they sat down and nibbled at plates of sweet breads while waiting for the seamstresses. “So,” Maddie said, “do you think Kyle’s gone insane yet with having all those servants getting him ready for the wedding?” “Well, I haven’t heard any explosions in the manor,” Autumn said, “so I guess he’s holding up.” Lanara chortled at the thought of Kyle chasing away servants, flailing a wand at them. “I hope Tolly has those [I]dispels [/I]ready like he talked about. By the time Kyle gets to the reception he might snap and try to [I]disintegrate [/I]the ambassador from Targeth and start a war.” Autumn suddenly became very quiet, nibbling at a honey bun. “Hey, I was kidding,” Lanara said. “I’m sure it’ll be nothing more than a minor border skirmish.” “Oh, I know,” Autumn said. “I was just feeling a little sorry for Kyle for a moment. He’s going to spend the whole reception feeling out of place.” “Well, he’s got his family here,” Arrie pointed out, “and Osborn’s family too. And really, if he puts his mind to it he does fine. I’m sure he’s handling the whole thing better than we think.” On the other side of the manor, a loud groan emanated from one of the guest rooms. “I can’t believe I’m going to be a Duke,” Kyle said, staring up at the ceiling. He was in the room he’d appropriated to sleep in the night before the wedding, in order to respect the Bailite custom that the groom not see each the bride in her wedding garb before the ceremony. Tolly and Osborn were in the room with him. The hin was sitting on the floor, playing with a small puppy. The puppy, which had been sired by Osborn’s dog Rupert, had been given to Kyle and Autumn as a wedding gift. Tolly looked up from where he was sitting, going over Kyle’s formal robes looking for loose threads. “Well, actually, you’re going to be a Duke-Consort. It’s not quite the same thing.” Osborn looked puzzled. “I thought you got over this whole being uncomfortable with nobility thing,” he said, fending off a licking attack from the puppy. “Dealing with them, yes. Being one, no. I mean, my brother and sister are going to be sitting across the aisle from Prince Herion and the Serenity of Erito! I mean, what are they supposed to say to each other at the reception? ‘Hi there, I’m the Imperial Prince. I noticed that the buttons on my tunic cost more than you made on your farm last year’.” “Uh huh,” said Osborn, “because Herion’s just the kind of oaf who would rub your family’s faces in his prosperity at your wedding.” “Hey, it’s my wedding,” Kyle said. “I’m allowed occasional lapses of blind, unreasoning panic. You try getting married and see what kind of thoughts run through your head.” “Get married?” Osborn scoffed. “No thanks! I’d have to disappoint too many of your chambermaids if I did that!” “Though I’m not as opposed to the idea of matrimony as Osborn,” Tolly said, “unfortunately my best prospect in recent memory was stolen out from under my nose by an upstart wizard who was toying with forbidden powers.” Kyle smiled. There was no malice in Tolly’s comment; they’d resolved those issues a few weeks ago. “Okay, fine, I know I’m overreacting. I’m just off-balance right now. I’m not used to having other people shave me, cut my hair, and trim my nails.” “You should just be glad the Royal Wiper was sick this morning,” Osborn joked. “That’s disgusting,” Kyle said, laughing. He sat up on the bed. “All right, then, panic over. What’s next?” “Now, you put this on,” Tolly said, tossing him the robe, “and we call the servants back in and they spend another hour or so in a desperate but ultimately futile effort to make you look presentable. Then we go stand in a field for a couple of hours, surrounded by the best and brightest souls on the face of Affon – as well as all the gathered nobles and ambassadors – so we can listen to you and Autumn say what we already know; that you love each other and will be together for the rest of your lives.” Kyle grinned. “Sounds good to me.” [CENTER]* * *[/CENTER] [I]From the Imperial Archives in Noxolt, as dutifully committed to memory-crystal by Loremaster Wexlen, archived under ‘Notable Social/Political Events in Reign of Emperor Haxtha, Years 1-50’:[/I] The ceremony marking the marriage of Autumn Verahannen – Duchess of Vargex, Lady Mayor of Vargas; bearer of the title of Vigilant in the Order of Sentinels – to Kyle Goodson, wizard from Targeth, took place on the tenth day of Lutros in the third year of Emperor Haxtha’s reign. The ceremony began at the second bell past midday, and was held in the open country just outside the city of Vargas. It was a traditional Bailite wedding ceremony, officiated by the ranking cleric of Bail in the duchy of Vargex, High Priest Brom Unthwe. Serving as maid of honor was Princess Ariadne Verahannen, wife to Imperial Prince Herion and ward-sister to Duchess Autumn. Also in attendance to the bride were Lanara Rahila, whose skills as a bard have already been noted by the Imperial Court; Madrone, a Favored of Erito; and Xu Dhii Ngao, of the Xhintai Empire. Phanuel, planetar in the service of Krûsh, escorted the bride to the altar as proxy to Zanich Verahannen, the bride’s ward-father. Serving as best man was Osborn Greenbottle, hin from the Khag Steppes and member of the performing troupe known as the Amazing Traveling Circus. Also in attendance to the groom were Tolly Nightsleaving, Inquisitor Primus of Ardara; Bryant Goodson, brother of the groom; and Togusa, also of the Xhintai Empire. Pella Stovich, sister of the groom, escorted the groom to the altar as proxy to Anjele Goodson, the groom’s mother. A number of dignitaries were in attendance as well; their presence is noted so that the scope of this event may be properly reflected. Representing the Imperial Family was Imperial Prince Herion, who was accompanied by Imperial Princess Aralda, as his spouse was serving as maid of honor. Also in attendance as representatives of the Empire were Vernys, Grand Duke of Mypos; Tanach, King of Erumian; Sorene, Princess of Telluria; and Damen and Lysanne Coviere, King and Queen of Merlion. Representing the vassal lords of the Duchy of Vargex were Baron Guilford, Baron Per'ani, Baroness Estia, Count Carfex Alexos, Count Achall, Countess Nalad, Count At-kal, and Count Helaku. Representing the Verahannen family was Aiden Verahannen, ward-brother to Autumn and current lord of the Verahannen estate; and Auror Verahannen, ward-mother to Autumn and widow of Zanich Verahannen. Representing the spiritual community, aside from the aforementioned Bailite High Priest Unthwe and the Ardaran Inquisitor Primus Nightsleaving, were the Serenity of Erito; Tolarray, a Marshall of Tor who has recently been appointed the Marshall of Vargas; and Erkonne, the High Mother of Bles in Vargex. A number of foreign ambassadors were also in attendance. From the Empire of Targeth came Ambassador Dohne, an instructor of conjuration at The Tower in Trageon. From the Peca Provinces came Ambassador Nissa, and the Dwarven Confederates sent Ambassador Kektor on their behalf. The Theocracy of Medos was represented by Ambassador Ohn, Exalted of Paccë, while the Kingdoms of the Red Archipelago were represented by Prince Mu’ara, son of King Bali. The Xhintai Empire, though they did not send an official ambassador, was nonetheless represented in the person of Lord Hungai… [CENTER] * * *[/CENTER] As soon as they saw him approaching, everyone in the Legacy stiffened. “What is he doing here?” Autumn hissed to Kyle. They’d been standing for several hours after the ceremony, officially greeting their guests and receiving their well wishes. The ordeal had been dull, but necessary, and there were occasional highlights. Like when the Princess of Telluria, a wizened old gnomish woman, had grasped Kyle firmly by the buttocks and then proclaimed loudly that he’d be a good husband because he was obviously ‘a man who doesn’t sit on his duff all day’. Autumn’s mirth had changed to shock when she received a similar groping from the old gnome, who had then announced that she’d make a good wife because she had ‘good birthing hips’. Kyle was about to shrug his ignorance, when the herald made the next announcement. “Representing the Eternal Empire of Xhintai, Lord Hungai!” It was difficult for the party to remain composed. They were all assembled on the wooden platform that had been set up for them to stand on as they received their guests at the celebration after the wedding. Only Maddie was absent; when the Serenity had come through to offer congratulations and some advice, she had requested to speak to Madrone and Razael privately. The three of them were still talking on the other side of the pavilion tents. Xu immediately stepped to the back of the group, trying to stay out of sight; Arrie immediately stepped in front of her to help hide her. Kyle leaned over to Autumn. “Be polite,” he whispered. “Personal problems aside, you can’t attack a foreign ambassador in front of every other noble and dignitary in Affon.” “Since when do you give advice on diplomacy?” she whispered back, but she knew he was right. Glancing around, she saw that the rest of the party was straining to remain composed. As Hungai approached, Autumn plastered her best gracious smile on her face. It was an expression she’d mastered in the past several months dealing with the politics of Vargas. Hungai walked up the short steps to the platform, the wooden stairs creaking under the weight of the massive warlord. He was accompanied by a young elf-touched woman, obviously an escort of some sort as she had not been announced by the herald. The woman’s features seemed familiar to the party, but difficult to place; only Osborn was able to place the face, and his eyes grew huge with the realization, though he didn’t have time to share his insight with the others. The Xhintai warlord and his escort stopped in front of Autumn and Kyle at a respectful distance, and bowed. “My congratulations to both of you,” Hungai said. “May you have as much success in your marriage as I have in mine.” Hungai’s eyes flicked up to take in Xu’s pale face, and then without further delay he left the platform and made his way to where the other guests were mingling. Tolly leaned over to Kyle. “Why would he say that?” “He’s referring to his ‘marriage’ to Xu,” Kyle said. “Ah.” Osborn’s gaze followed Hungai’s escort as she walked next to the warlord. “I think our hin friend knows something,” Lanara said, “and he’d better spill it before his eyes pop out of his head.” “That woman,” he said, “it’s Marrek.” Everyone stared at Osborn, and then turned to stare at the elf-touched woman on Hungai’s arm. “I’m really glad,” Kyle said at last, “that Maddie wasn’t here to find that out.” [CENTER] * * *[/CENTER] [I]Overheard at the Midsummer Ball in Vargas, from Verda Mohere, the wife of Tazlin Mohere, Master of the Guild of Magic:[/I] “Well, of [I]course [/I]we were there for the wedding! It was only the social event of the year, you know. And of course they simply [I]had [/I]to invite my dear Tazzie and I, seeing at his guild was [I]so [/I]vital in the security for the event. He was the one who came up with the idea of having those extra-dimensional holes over the heads of the audience as hiding places should something go wrong, you know! “What’s that, dear? Oh, you’d heard that it was the Duke-Consort’s idea? Well, dear, I’m never one to gossip, you know, but I’ve met the man, and I can tell you he’s [I]not [/I]our sort of people, you know? I’d hardly expect something so ingenious from [I]him[/I]. I mean, Duchess Autumn’s a dear woman, believe me, but if you ask me she’s simply gone too far in living out her adolescent ‘burly stable-hand’ fantasies in marrying him. I mean, other that a few minutes he spent talking with Prince Herion, I think that Duke-Consort Kyle spent the evening hanging about with his sharecropping relatives and those… circus hin. Passed up a perfectly good opportunity to better himself by conversing with some people of quality such as you or I. Why, I could almost swear he was deliberately avoiding me at the celebration! “But goodness! There I go, off the subject again! Anyway, we were mingling in the crowd; after all, it’s not every day we get to spend time with the Serenity of Erito or with Prince Herion. Let me tell you, it was [I]quite [/I]the evening. I’d never known until that night how much both Princess Ariadne and Princess Aralda enjoy their spirits, if you take my meaning. I’m sure they’ll make [I]quite [/I]the pair once Princess Ariadne decides to settle down and head back to Noxolt with her husband like she should. Honestly, why Herion tolerates such willfulness… it’s beyond me. And I noticed that the Duchess was spending [I]quite [/I]a bit of time talking to Prince Mu’ara from the Archipelago. Oh, I know what you’re going to say – two holy warriors, why wouldn’t they have something in common… well, be that as it may, I’m sure that our Duchess is well aware of the, well, let’s say [I]casual [/I]attitude toward fidelity in the island kingdom. After all, her sister Princess Ariadne was there herself not too long ago. I won’t say any more, but I wouldn’t be [I]terribly [/I]surprised if we see the Duchess make a sudden ‘diplomatic’ trip up to the Archipelago, perhaps without a certain Duke-Consort? “Oh, we really [I]must [/I]stop this wicked talk, you know. After all, the Duchess and Duke-Consort weren’t the only ones acting scandalously. That Ardaran priest that was there, the Inquisitor Primus? Well, he apparently had some words for the Xhintai ambassador and his escort for the evening. He and that bard with the pink hair – you know, the one that Princess Aralda dotes on so? Well, [I]apparently [/I]they took offense at something the ambassador said to the bride and groom, and without even a [I]hint [/I]of decorum they challenged him about it right in the middle of the reception! At least they had the decency to keep their voices down. I wasn’t close enough to hear it all – it was some sort of dispute over someone in the Duchesses’ adventuring group, that the ambassador apparently knows; something to do with her citizenship, or her marital status. But what really caught my attention was when the Inquisitor Primus referred to the ambassador’s escort as an [I]animal[/I]! To her face! I mean, I have no idea who she was – some lovely young elf-touched I’ve never seen before – but the audacity! At least the ambassador and his escort had the class to keep their composure, although from the size of the Xhintai ambassador, I’d say that Ardaran would have been in a tough spot if things had gotten violent. Fortunately, he and the bard walked away from the whole thing. The last I saw of them, the Ardaran was chasing guests out of the bushes, and the bard was going home with Prince Mu’ara – I suppose she was trading up from that Imperial Huntsman she’s been sleeping with. “Well, despite the scandal, it really was a [I]lovely [/I]event. But let me tell you, when it came time for the speeches and gifts…” [CENTER] * * *[/CENTER] Lanara stood and tapped on a glass with a fork to get the crowd’s attention, but the conversations going on under the wide pavilion tent were too noisy. Lanara frowned, then summoned up a little bardic magic. This time, when she hit the glass, the crystalline sound rang much louder, catching everyone’s attention. “It’s time for those of us who know the new couple best with their gifts and words of wisdom. Or, as close to wisdom as some of us can manage after a few glasses of Baron Guilford’s best.” There were a few laughs and many shouts of approval as Lanara tipped her own glass to the baron. “But first,” Lanara said, holding the glass high now, “a toast, to Kyle and Autumn Goodson, the happy couple. May the Ten Paragons watch over you both.” There was the briefest of pauses before the audience cheered and raised their glasses. After all, the cansin had gotten the traditional opening toast wrong; she was supposed to say ‘may the Eleven Paragons watch over you’. For the most part, however, the audience simply assumed she had misspoke. Lanara, and her fellows in the Legacy, knew better. Ever since they’d learned the truth about the eleventh ‘Paragon’, Silko, they’d had a bit more trouble invoking his name for good fortune. Lanara turned to Autumn and Kyle. “I’m getting my gift out of the way first,” she said. She handed them a small bundle wrapped in colored paper. Opening it, they saw it was a leatherbound book. “It’s a collection of poems I’ve written about our travels and adventures,” Lanara said. “To remind you of how you came to be where you are today, and to inspire you wherever you end up tomorrow.” “Thank you, Lanara,” Kyle said. “Yes, thank you,” Autumn repeated. Osborn was the next to rise, though in order to be seen and heard over the crowd he had to sit on his mother’s shoulders. “A few years ago,” he began, “we all got together as a group. Or, to be more accurate, a man named Shilsen Brandovich put us all in the same class, and we kind of stuck together. Well, except for that druid fellow, but that’s another story. After many adventures, these two young folk here found they liked each other’s company maybe just a little bit more than the others. They had their ups and downs, of course, and for a while it looked like maybe things wouldn’t work out between them. But there’s something about a crazed, foaming Ravager with a greataxe that tends to give one perspective on a few things, I guess. Now, they’ve made it official, and thrown a great party to boot. So, here’s to you, Kyle and Autumn, and as my grandpa used to say, ‘May there be a road’.” There were cheers and more drinks. Then, getting off his mother’s shoulders, Osborn walked up and presented Autumn with a long, narrow box. “I had to give Kyle his gift earlier today,” Osborn explained. “It was a puppy, sired by my own dog Rupert. I’m afraid he wouldn’t have lasted in a box all night.” When the titters of laughter died down, Osborn opened the box. Inside was an ornate mithral dagger, stamped with the symbol of Bail. “It’s been blessed by High Priest Unthwe,” he said. “I know it’s not quite the same as the one that was stolen from you,” Osborn flicked an accusatory gaze at Marrek, whose expression didn’t change, “but I hope you like it.” Autumn bent down and hugged Osborn, and gave the hin a kiss on the cheek. After he sat down, Arrie got to her feet. “For centuries, House Verahannen have been the guardians of the throne and people of Merlion through skill at arms and diplomacy. As a child, Autumn came to live with us and was adopted into our home. She has excelled in all the qualities that make the house great. She is more than any parent could hope for in a child, perfect and humble. She is more than any sibling could hope for, accepting of any fault and capable of counterfeiting faults to keep Aiden and I from looking too flawed in comparison. What more could one hope for in a sister or friend?” Arrie gave her sister a graceful bow. “And so, what is my wish for Autumn? Happiness, prosperity and love. These are the things that I desire for the woman who means so much to me. This is why I am full of joy today. Autumn has found a companion in Kyle who compliments her strengths and excels in those qualities and tasks where she is less than her usual, spectacular self. I wish you both almost everything you desire from life. If you got everything then things would get boring and we all know I’m the last person to endorse a boring existence.” As the applause died down, Arrie gave a small ring box to Kyle, and a larger box to Autumn. “The meaning behind these gifts will be obvious to Kyle and Autumn,” she said, “so I won’t bore everyone else with the details. But in addition to this, I’ve been in touch with Count Helaku, and in your stables you will find two new horses, the finest in his herd. I hope they’ll remind you of the importance of getting away from it all from time to time.” Arrie exchanged hugs with both Autumn and Kyle, whispering something in Kyle’s ear before sitting down which made him smile. Then Bryant, Kyle’s brother, rose. “Pa couldn’t be here, and all,” Bryant said, “so I guess I’ll have to say a few words on his behalf. I suppose he’d say something along the lines of, oh… these two are a good couple, and, well, may they…” he paused, searching for the right words. “Plow many furrows?” Lanara suggested loudly. There were a few laughs, and Autumn looked slightly shocked. Bryant, however, grinned. “That’s better’n what I was thinking of. Nastier, but better. I’ll go with what she said. May you plow the furrow, and get a good crop.” There were several loud hoots and laughter, and Autumn turned beet red. Autumn’s father, Phanuel, was next to rise, and he kept rising. Dropping his [I]polymorph[/I], he resumed his natural form, which caused the audience to grow very quiet. “This is my daughter, with whom I am well pleased. And this is now my son, with whom I am also well pleased. My benevolence is upon them, as will be my watchful eye. From when the sun rises to when it sets, and when it rises again, until the stars fade from the sky, this long will I watch over them.” As Phanuel sat down, resuming his human form, the audience sat, stunned into silence, until someone start a loud, slow clapping. Everyone looked up to see Tolly, standing near the front, clapping loudly until everyone broke out of their awestruck state to join in. In the rear of the area, Ambassador Dohne from Targeth grumbled and barely acknowledged the speech; since he was a tiefling, this was hardly a surprise. Maddie was the next to stand. “I’m afraid that I have been forced to bring a note of melancholy to this day of joy. I have been asked by the Serenity to continue Erito’s work in Medos, and thus I will soon have to say goodbye to my dear friends among the Legacy. Because of this, I will keep my gift to you private for now, and give it to you at a more appropriate time. For now, I would extend to you Erito’s blessings of a long life together. I will rest easier knowing that you, and the rest of the Legacy, will carry on to do what needs to be done.” As Osborn had before, Maddie flicked the briefest glance at Marrek, making it clear what ‘needed to be done’. This time, Marrek smiled sweetly at the look. Xu was the next to rise. “In my homeland, there is a saying,” she began. “It is, ‘Love cannot be written; it must be sung’. This is meant to remind us that true affection, true companionship, cannot be forced by custom or law or tradition,” Xu’s gaze also flickered to the audience, though this time it fell on Marrek’s ‘date’, Warlord Hungai. “In the two of you, I see a song that the angels will sing when they are asked what love is.” Xu stood silently while the audience applauded her words; Hungai did not clap. “As for a gift, I fear that in the Xhintai Empire our customs are different, and I was not prepared as are my friends with an offering to present. My apologies to you both.” “No need, Xu,” Autumn said. “your words were gift enough for us.” Xu leaned over to Autumn before sitting down. “To tell the truth, I did purchase a garment for you to wear this evening. However, I did not wish to present it to you here; it leaves little to the imagination.” Autumn’s eyes widened a little. “Xu?” She smiled. “I am a monk, Autumn, but I am still a woman. There is no harm in wearing something that will stir your husband’s blood on occasion.” Lanara leaned in as well. “I’ve seen what she got, Autumn,” the bard said. “It’s going to stir more than Kyle’s blood, I promise you.” “Is it that bad?” Autumn asked, getting a little flustered. “Let me put it this way,” Lanara said, “if I saw you wearing this thing, [I]I’d [/I]probably sleep with you.” Tolly was the last to rise. “Forgive me if I’m both brief and direct,” he said, “but those who know me know to expect this. I was honored and gladdened when I received the invitation to the wedding of two of my dearest friends, who I can honestly say were meant to be together. For their love to have blossomed out of the adversity we have faced, there could be no other explanation. “I hope that Kyle and Autumn will forgive me, for I have no gift to give either. I think they understand that circumstances recently have left me little time to contemplate such things. But I do have something to offer; not only to Kyle and Autumn, but to the Legacy as a whole. When we parted company, there were many things I needed to discover about myself, and about the world we live in. Among those was the fact that when it came to how others see the world, ‘different’ is not always ‘wrong’. It can be a difficult lesson for an Ardaran to learn… for anyone to learn. It’s a lesson I am only beginning to understand. In doing so, I have discovered that rather than striving to be right, it’s better to strive instead to make a difference. I believe that the Legacy is doing just this. If they would accept me, I would be honored to count myself among them again.” There was a long silence throughout the audience. Then, slowly, Kyle stood up, and walked over to Tolly. They stood facing each other for a few moments, and then Kyle put his hands on Tolly’s shoulders. “Tolly,” he said, smiling, “you never left us.” As Kyle and Tolly embraced, the audience erupted into the loudest cheers of the night.** [CENTER]* * *[/CENTER] The two men continued to watch scenes unfold before them in the golden basin. Both seemed alert, despite the fact that several hours had gone by. The scenes in the basin flicked back and forth between numerous people, many of whom seemed to be dancing. “Who is Princess Aralda dancing with?” the short man asked. The tall man smiled. “Prince Mu’ara of the Red Archipelago. Prince Herion must be having fits.” “Do you think that they will…” “No. Mu’ara will spend the night with the bard, Lanara. Aralda will pass out in about an hour and be taken discreetly back to her chambers in the ducal manor.” The tall man scanned the shifting scenes again. “Wait,” he said, “I wish to hear that conversation.” The silvery liquid in the bowl rippled, and showed Autumn and Tolly dancing together. Tolly was looking slightly nervous. “So, Tolly,” Autumn was saying, “we have to have a conversation.” “About what?” “About that dance you taught me in the desert,” Autumn said. “What would you want to discuss?” Tolly asked. “Do you remember what you told me that dance was?” she asked. “Can I lie and say no?” Just then, Kyle and Arrie whirled by, enjoying their own dance. “You could, Tolly,” Kyle said, “but you would make Ardara cry.” Tolly turned red as Kyle and Arrie twirled off, laughing. Autumn just looked at Tolly, amused. “It was the Dwarven Ale Toss,” Tolly said at last. “And it’s not women that you’re supposed to be tossing, is it?” she pressed. “No,” he admitted. “You toss barrels of ale.” “So, you were comparing me to a barrel, then?” “No!” Tolly said, blushing again. “I was only…” Autumn laughed. “Relax, Tolly. I’m only having a little fun.” Many leagues away, the short man sighed, as the liquid rippled again and the images on the surface began to flicker again. “Not quite as interesting as you’d hoped, I’d guess.” “Patience. In an event like this, there will be a lot of chaff and very little wheat. And eavesdropping on those two was not entirely without reward.” The short man shook his head, unsure what value there was in knowing that two people once shared a traditional dwarven dance. “What about those [I]rope tricks[/I] they conjured for security? I’ve seen a number of people sneaking into those for more personal use.” The tall man shook his head. “I can’t penetrate a dimensional boundary, even with the basin. Besides, I doubt there is much conversation taking place in those spaces.” They watched for another hour. They would frequently stop to observe conversations that various members of the Legacy were having with the wedding guests. They watched as Prince Mu’ara gave Lanara directions to his suite. They listened intently as various ambassadors approached Autumn; Ambassador Kektor, an ancient earth-touched man from the Confederates, offered her advice on keeping peace in the city at night. Dohne, the tiefling conjurer from Targeth, briefly hinted to the Duchess that he knew about a certain cornugon. Both the men watching the basin took careful note of this conversation. They also listened carefully when Kyle spoke with Prince Herion, asking if the prince would look for a particular spell scroll when he returned to Noxolt. They watched as Tolly carried a sleepy Iria back to the manor, as she complained that she wanted the “green man” to leave so that her “head didn’t have to feel funny any more”. After a fireworks show, and more music and dancing, the observers saw that storm clouds were rolling in rapidly, and that the guests were beginning to gather their things and head inside. Storms in western Tlaxan tended to be quite severe and formed rapidly; most blamed the proximity of Targeth’s shield for this. As servants scrambled to gather up decorations and flowers in the growing wind, the two men focused their basin on Arrie, who was conversing with the Grand Duke of Mypos about a recent visit he’d made to Sargia. “I was rather surprised that the Sargian ambassador didn’t attend,” the stately old elf was saying. “None of us have ever been to Sargia,” Arrie explained. “They’d have no reason to know who the Legacy is, at least directly.” “Still, it would have been seemly for them to attend,” he said. “After all, your group has never been to the Red Archipelago, and yet Prince Mu’ara…” Arrie suddenly held up her hand, silencing the Grand Duke. She cocked her head to one side, as if listening for something, and then slowly turned her head, a puzzled look on her face, until she was looking straight up through the surface of the silver liquid in the basin, as if she could see the two men watching her. The tall man waved a hand over the basin, and the image of Arrie’s face disappeared, as the rippling liquid suddenly became dead calm. Then, suddenly, it seemed to evaporate rapidly, turning from a liquid into a few ounces of a dry, silvery powder in the space of a few heartbeats. The tall man carefully brushed the powder into a leather pouch, and tucked it away inside his belt. “She knew,” said the short man. “How did she know?” The tall man shook his head. “She doesn’t know. She sensed something, yes, but Ariadne is too clever to have given herself away like that if she had known what was going on.” “Do we begin again?” “No. There will be little else to see this evening of any value, and I am too drained to continue much longer. We can discuss what we’ve observed in the morning.” The two men walked to the door, and slid open the bar. The two guards outside, different men from the ones who had been there that morning, snapped to attention and fell into step behind the two robed men. Far away, Grand Duke Vernys looked at Arrie. “Is everything all right, dear?” Arrie looked around again. She could have sworn there was someone standing right next to her, but no one was around. “Nothing, nothing,” she said. “The wine’s just going to my head, that’s all.” “Well, nothing wrong with that from time to time, especially on special occasions. Now, what were we talking about?” Arrie looked at the old elf. “Nothing important, I’m sure. I shouldn’t keep you any longer; you and your wife should go inside before it rains.” “You’re probably right, dear. Thank you, and give our congratulations to the bride and groom again.” “I will.” Arrie watched the old elf shuffle away, then started searching for her sister in the crowd. [I]Autumn Goodson[/I], she thought, [I]it’s going to take me a while to get used to that[/I]. She finally spotted Autumn with their cousins, Damen and Lysanne Coveire, who were being introduced to Autumn’s father, Phanuel. [I]Something else I need to get used to[/I]. “Copper for your thoughts?” Kyle said, coming up behind her. “Oh, the usual melancholy crap people do at weddings,” she said. “Just remembering that my own wedding was held in one of the chapels in the Imperial Palace, and was attended by about a dozen people. And Autumn wasn’t one of them.” “Well, if you’re starting to have regrets about the whole marriage thing,” Kyle said, “I might be able to pick him off from here.” He pointed a finger at Herion, who was on the other side of the pavilion, and squinted as if aiming. “You’d have to do the ‘grieving widow’ thing for a while, but…” Arrie gave Kyle a playful slug on the shoulder. “Knock it off,” she said, grinning. “You know what I meant.” “So, is this where I’m supposed to chime in with the ‘you’re not losing a sister, you’re gaining a brother’ platitudes?” “Something like that.” Arrie put her arms around Kyle and squeezed. “Welcome to the family, Kyle.” “Thanks, Arrie,” he said, returning the hug. “For what it’s worth, though, I’ve thought of you as a sister for a long time before today.” “I know. Same here.” They held the embrace for a while, before Kyle let go. “Wouldn’t want to start any rumors,” he said with a grin. “Who’d start a rumor like that?” Arrie asked. “Clearly, you’ve never met the wife of the master of the Vargas Mage’s Guild.” He wrinkled his nose. “Awful woman. I’d rather deal with a room full of angry mindblades.” “Careful,” Arrie said, “you may get your wish soon enough.” “I know,” Kyle said. Then he grinned. “I can’t wait, can you?” “Nope.” ------------------------------------------- * Okay, I'm sure you're asking right about now, "Who the hell are these two guys?" The answer is "I don't know". I made them up simply for the purpose of being able to have an outside perspective on the event. Maybe they're powerful psionic seers, maybe they're archmages, maybe they're the high priests of some forgotten cult. ** Just to make it clear, yes, Maddie is leaving the party, and Tolly is coming back, but they aren't played by the same person. Tolly's player brought in Razael to take a break from Tolly (because roleplay-wise, there was no way he could have stayed with us - he would have ended up turning against the Legacy the way things were going, but Tolly going off to be Inquisitor Primus for a while gave him a chance to gain a perspective and a tolerance he couldn't have justified as an active party member). So yes, this means that Razael will be going away soon, too. No. Please. No tears. Maddie's player wasn't able to attend games regularly any more, and wasn't having fun always feeling like she was behind everyone else in terms of the plot and events. This is the reason for Maddie's retirement. It's just a coincidence that her announcement came on the same night as Tolly's - though in a way fortuitous, because it gave us an easy explanation for Razael's exit. [/QUOTE]
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