Argor stared into his reflection with a wry smile. He recalled the times as a child, being bullied, beaten, humiliated, and tormented by other children at the orphanage. The elation he felt when he mastered his first spell and put his harassers in their proper place, revealing the true depths of their cowardice. The power he felt when he finally conquered the serum.
Who would have thought, that I, an orphan of Ostenso, would be able to one day rise up to achieve all that I have, and marry into one of the most prestigious Houses in all of Golarion? Not to mention the fact that my betrothed genuinely cares for me, and I for her? And to think...most of these accomplishments have taken place in just the past year or so...
He reaches up to his brow and adjusts his headband, the jewel flashing a radiant light. A sinister smile paints itself on his lips.
And I'm just getting started...
__________
Argor made his way from his private chambers towards the back of the house, avoiding his guests so as to not risk showing favoritism to anyone in particular. The time would come to work the circuit and properly speak with each and every one of them, but now was not that time. He found Reginald precisely where he asked him to wait at the door to the gardens.
"Have all the guests arrived?" Argor asks his butler.
"Not yet, m'Lord. But many have, as you can see. You look splendid, by the way, Sir," the aged man answers. Reginald reaches up and adjusts the emerald pendant around Argor's neck so that it is properly centered on his sternum.
"Thank you, Reginald," Argor replies as he stands still to allow his butler to make any further adjustments to his wedding garments: a fine white suit trimmed with gold. The emerald pendant around his neck was worth more than some families earned in a year of hard labor, not to mention the Onyx ring on his right hand. Argor looked down to his left hand, bearing the signet ring of House Constantine: a house he never truly belonged to, yet claimed thanks to the kindness of his former Master.
"Reginald," Argor says as he slips the ring off his finger, "see that this is properly disposed of, it is a relic of a bygone age." He reaches out to hand the ring to his butler.
"Master," Rutai's small voice speaks out as he too appears in the garden, wearing his own white suit. "If you don't mind...could I, perhaps, have that? I've been a servant to two of the Constantines in my time on this plane, and, well...I would be honored to have a token of the Old Man's."
Reginald looked to Argor inquisitively, wondering what the mage chose to do with the ring. Argor looked at it for a moment, then says, "Certainly. Reginald, tomorrow take this and have it resized so that Rutai here can wear it, if he so chooses. It will likely need to be fitted as a bracelet or arm band of some sort, but I trust a jeweler can make it work."
Reginald nods and takes the ring and places it carefully within the interior pocket of his jacket. "Thanks, boss," Rutai says with a smile.
"I would say you clean up rather nice, but you are always so damned particular about how you look," a voice calls out from behind Argor. The mage turns to find Arryn Giles approaching with a sly smile on his face, closely followed by Damian Blakros, Mettera, Maven Vithrax, and a very anxious looking William Lightstaff, all wearing matching suits except for Damian, who is wearing an elegantly decorated suit of full plate armor.
"Thank you, gentlemen, for joining me for this ceremony," Argor says to his groomsmen.
"A pleasure, certainly, Maven Argor. Or do you prefer Varlokkur? It's getting so damned confusing," Maven Vithrax teases his colleague.
"Argor is fine, for today only," Argor returns in jest.
"Argor, sir...I d-don't think I'm quite p-prepared for all this, sir," William says, beads of sweat forming on his brow from anxiety.
Argor resists the reflex to reprimand his apprentice for not calling him Master, particularly considering the comment he himself just made. He quickly calms himself, "Consider this a very, VERY important lesson in the life of a Mage, young Lightstaff. Given the vast knowledge we have at our disposal, we are often sought out by members of the elite for counsel and guidance, and as such, often find ourselves invited to social events such as this. It is important that you become not only comfortable with them, but well versed in their intricacies."
A very distinctly feminine giggle can be heard from one of the chambers above, drawing Damian's keen eye upward for a moment, but he only manages to catch a glimpse of a closing curtain...
__________
"Oh! They look so handsome! Especially my Damian," Michelia says to the rest of the bridal party as she peeks out the window over the garden at the groom and groomsmen. Emilia and Samara, two more cousins and "Blakros Daughters" rush over to join Michelia and sneak a peek at the men below. Eleanir crosses her arms and scoffs defiantly at the mention of how handsome Damian is. Michelia rolls her eyes and says, "Oh let it go, sis."
"Whatever," is all Eleanir can muster in reply.
"Mmmm, that Mettera is so exotic...and strong! Stronger than any Tian I've ever met," Emilia says approvingly.
"Whatever. I plan on breaking in that other wizard out there," Samara says bluntly.
"Samara!" Emilia whispers with a shock. "Are you not...saving yourself?"
"Pfffft, that ship sailed years ago, hun," Samara answers.
"Imri, you wanna come get a glimpse of your future husband? He's looking rather fine today!" Michelia asks.
"Not until the ceremony," Imrizade replies as an attendant works on her hair. "I don't wanna spoil anything."
"Which one you even talking about, Samara?" Emilia asks quietly. "There are three other wizards out there!"
"The young one. The one that looks like a deer about to bolt," Samara replies, "I bet you ten gold measures I'd be the woman to make a man out of him."
"You're on," Emilia says as she shakes Samara's hand.
Samara smiles playfully, "I'm gonna show him some real magic, tonight!" The pair of women laugh loudly at Samara's joke, drawing the attention of the men in the garden. Michelia quickly shuts the curtain and shushes her cousins.
Cladissa listened to the Blakros ladies chatter while she stared at her reflection and the attendant working arcane wonders with her hair. Already luxuriantly voluminous and with a radiant sheen, the stylist works sweeping curls into it and piles it up around gemstones and flowers. Another attendant accents her already gorgeous face with paints and powders into a heart-melting vision of beauty.
Her heart thuds heavily in her chest as she knows that she'll have to cover the beautiful artwork over in her illusory fur. She pays close attention to the brushstrokes and color palettes, to make sure that she can replicate some of it in her disguise.
She had wavered between going in her new appearance, and had received some support from Imrizade and her cousins. However, with all the august personages in attendance, she truly did not want to reveal her changes. Ultimately, it was decided that she make a few alterations to her catlike appearance -- more curves, a more pronounced bustline, and a face much closer to her current one.
Finally, Cladissa's curiosity gets the better of her, and she takes a break from the makeup chair and lets Michelia take a seat. She peeks through the curtains that Samara and Emilia can't stay away from.
"Is your knight in shining armor here yet?" Samara asks, brazenly running a hand along Cladissa's wing.
"I don't see him, no."
"Well, maybe we can share young William! One look at you and you'll have the poor boy's soul in your hands! Along with other parts of him..."
Cladissa shudders and her wings flap as Samara and the others laugh in glee. "Girls!" Imri shouts. "Stop teasing Cladissa like that! She can't help that she's repressed!" The bride's laugh is cut short by her attendant sternly turning her head back to her.
"But she makes it so fun!" Emilia pouts. Then she grabs Cladissa's shoulders and whispers into her ear, "Go get him, tiger! I have faith in you!"
"Don't listen to her! I don't plan to lose my bet," Samara says, pulling her cousin away from her.
Cladissa endures the teasing, being well-versed in the difference between good natured and actually cruel mocking. She smiles, but can't keep her cheeks from heating up.
Eleanir again peeks through the curtains. "I wonder where the gate will take us? Sargava? Jalmeray?"
Cladissa shakes her head. "It's not a gate. It's a demiplane."
All the heads turn to her. "A demi-what?" Michelia asks.
"A pocket dimension. You've heard of bags of holding? Kind of like that, but nice inside. And much, much bigger."
Emelia runs over to the curtains and peeks again. "So what'll it be like inside?"
Cladissa shrugs. "No idea. It's Argor's surprise. But it could be anything he wants. A huge mansion. A giant chessboard. A desert oasis. Or a world with nothing but shrimp."
She shifts her feet at the blank stares. "I don't think it'll be that."
Imrizade breaks the silence with a giggle. Then the others chime in and soon they're all laughing.
The ladies of the bridal party settle down a bit and put the finishing touches on their make up. Cladissa again peeks out and spots her stepsister arriving with a dashingly handsome man. Emelia squeaks when she spies Auronee's date. "That's Autair! Only the greatest thespian and singer in all the Inner Sea! How did she snag him?"
Cladissa swallows a pang of jealousy and withdraws from the curtain. She still hadn't seen Sir Preston amongst the crowd. She sits down and lets the attendant put the final touches on her face.
Imrizade spots the dampened mood of Cladissa and puts a hand on her knee. "Just wait until your dresses arrive. They're something truly special. Argor's not the only one who has connections."
As if on cue, a shimmering gateway opens up and a strange blue-skinned humanoid in flowing robes steps into the ladies' dressing room. "Greetings, Madame Blakros," it says in an otherworldly cadence. "Your special items are here and ready."
"Prompt as ever, T'kenv'r," she says. "I can't wait to see them."
The blue alien waves a hand over a simple chest sitting in the room and it opens with a burst of incense-scented smoke. He draws out five exquisite orchid-colored dresses and passes them out to the bridesmaids.
"As requested, these were woven from silk native to the plane of fire. They are magically linked to the bridal gown, and will change color to reflect your emotions, ranging from a vibrant fuchsia to a somber purpureus. Lastly, they have a glamor on them to emphasize beauty and grace."
Imri claps her hands as the Blakros ladies squeal in delight. Cladissa marvels quietly as she touches her gown, noticing that the fabric is so smooth that water feels rough and coarse in comparison. Stepping into the dress is effortless, as the enchanted material flows up her skin and caresses her shapes almost as it were a living thing.
Cladissa spins and laughs as the enchanted fabric parts to allow her tail to slide free. "This is the most wonderful dress I've ever owned!" she exclaims.
"And lest the bride be upstaged," says T'Kenv'r as he reaches into the chest. The ladies gasp and ooh simultaneously in delight.
|
After finding the formal procedure for giving wedding presents, Sabrina slips hers and a note to Argor into the pile.
Not really caring what other people think of new appearance, Yig's Champion decides to attend as her lovely two-headed self. She dresses in her dashing tuxedo because she feels that a dress would look rather silly on her current form. Adorned with a small bowtie, tophat, and monocle, Bentley also attends the wedding.
The duo largely keep to themselves.
The ladies of the bridal party settle down a bit and put the finishing touches on their make up. Cladissa again peeks out and spots her stepsister arriving with a dashingly handsome man. Emelia squeaks when she spies Auronee's date. "That's Autair! Only the greatest thespian and singer in all the Inner Sea! How did she snag him?"
Cladissa swallows a pang of jealousy and withdraws from the curtain. She still hadn't seen Sir Preston amongst the crowd. She sits down and lets the attendant put the final touches on her face.
Imrizade spots the dampened mood of Cladissa and puts a hand on her knee. "Just wait until your dresses arrive. They're something truly special. Argor's not the only one who has connections."
As if on cue, a shimmering gateway opens up and a strange blue-skinned humanoid in flowing robes steps into the ladies' dressing room. "Greetings, Madame Blakros," it says in an otherworldly cadence. "Your special items are here and ready."
"Prompt as ever, T'kenv'r," she says. "I can't wait to see them."
The blue alien waves a hand over a simple chest sitting in the room and it opens with a burst of incense-scented smoke. He draws out five exquisite orchid-colored dresses and passes them out to the bridesmaids.
"As requested, these were woven from silk native to the plane of fire. They are magically linked to the bridal gown, and will change color to reflect your emotions, ranging from a vibrant fuchsia to a somber purpureus. Lastly, they have a glamor on them to emphasize beauty and grace."
Imri claps her hands as the Blakros ladies squeal in delight. Cladissa marvels quietly as she touches her gown, noticing that the fabric is so smooth that water...
Cole slinks through the crowds of people, picking up on the all-too-common anxiety of his witch. He spies Auronee and walks stiffly past her, tail proudly in the air, as she flits about effortlessly comfortable in high society.
He dashes through the legs of several esteemed Pathfinders and sees Sabrina off to the side. Then the Lady Farwynd steps over next to her, offering to clink their glasses together.
Lastly, Cole spots the subject of Cladissa's nervousness. Sir Preston lingers in the doorway, engaged in a deep conversation with the Lady Dacilane. He sends a pulse of relief for Cladissa to sense, and quickly feels a loosening of the knots of anxiousness in response.
===============
"Sabrina! And Sabrina! Love the tuxedo!" Auronee chimes as she brings a small number of Pathfinders and other esteemed guests to be introduced.
Her radiant smile becomes more forced when she spots Tessida standing next to Sabrina, and curtsies politely. "Hello, Stepmother. How is Father these days?"
"Very well. His weight is back up after that bout with the red ache. He appreciated your letters, and wonders when you will be back to Taldor."
"Maybe I'll sail back with you for a visit?" she replies with her saccharine smile. "When are you planning on returning?"
The Lady Farwynd arches her brow in surprise. "That would be nice, but I haven't yet decided. Cladissa may need some further assistance."
Auronee laughs in delight. "Doesn't she always?"
================
Cladissa breathes a sigh of relief thanks to Cole's scouting. Then she turns to the mirror and focuses on her appearance. The illusion comes into place, but the work of the stylists remains visible. All right. Eight hours. Clock is ticking, she reminds herself as she takes her place among the other bridesmaids. She can't help but let the excitement get to her; she was wearing an exquisite dress among the most eligible bachelorettes in Absalom. She even felt happy for Argor and Imrizade. She wears the brightest smile she'd ever felt and her dress made her sparkle.
I don't even care that Auronee's out there. For a while at least, I'm a princess.
|
|
"...Oh! Hello, Tessie Lady Farwynd!" Sabrina Left says with mild but pleasant surprise. "It's a pleasure to see you again!"
When offered to tap glasses, Sabrina happily does. Despite the giant woman using a glass more akin to a bottle, the process is somehow not too awkward.
"Windy! You look wonderful as well!" both Sabrina heads coo happily.
They cannot help but notice Auronee's saccharine shift in demeanor; that said, it does not seem mutual for some reason; Tessida comes across as surprisingly neutral toward her stepdaughter.
Despite wanting to say something when Auronee bashes Cladissa, Sabrina Left suddenly turns her attention elsewhere.
"What has you so distracted?" Sabrina Right asks her sister head.
One of Sabrina's meaty hands turns SR to face Cladissa.
"...Oh. I see."
Their dark grey scales do an excellent job of hiding their blush.
A four stallion coach arrives at the Verde Heights. The footmen first assist a heavily muscled, teen-age half-orc who nobly stands well above six feet tall with broad shoulders and a small waist. His orcish physical traits of grayish skin and large canine teeth are subdued by meticulous grooming and high fashion. His left pointed ear holds a ruby cabochon, and he wears a noble outfit with a dazzling, ruby-encrusted amulet and matching ring.
He moves to the other side of the coach and assists a stunningly beautiful young lady who bears a striking resemblance to (and younger version of) Michellia Blakros from the coach. Ebony lace roses cover her crimson silk dress. When the half-orc escorts her to the door with princely manners, it becomes clear their tailor is the same. Standing alongside her, subtle matte roses on his black silk garments that cover his fine chainmail are revealed.
At the door, the half-orc hands his invitation to Reginald. The butler studies the card for a polite moment and then announces the couple to the collection of guests,
Three hours pass as the last of the guests begin to trickle into the manor, Reginald steps forward and rings a bell to garner everyone's attention. "The ceremony will begin shortly. Please make your way to the Gardens to find your seats, m'Lords and Ladies," he finishes with a bow. Simultaneously, a pair of servants open the double doors leading to the garden of Verde Heights, revealing the elegant marble archway surrounding a shimmering portal. On either side of the portal stand a pair of Ulfen men, their armor gleaming in the afternoon sun, the mark of the Blakros family emblazoned proudly across their breastplates.
As the guests begin to file into the portal, they are each greeted with the shocking beauty of a tropical paradise. The sand is a perfectly majestic white, soft and warm to the touch. The water serenely laps against the beach, and tropical flowers in full bloom creating a lovely aroma. The soft sound of a waterfall trickling down into a pool of water opposite the beachfront, surrounded by palm trees, tropical flowers, and other fitting vegetation. The picturesque landscape is completed by large, awe-inspiring mountains in the distance, and large boulders resting lazily in the water off shore that the beach follows around and out of sight.
A white wooden podium sits in the middle of the beach atop a small platform, with rows of chairs arrayed before it. A series of attendants guides the guests to their assigned seats as musicians play melodious tunes from a nearby stage. Standing at the podium is Vroclaw of Brevoy, the same man that oversaw the wedding of Damian and Michelia. To his left stands Argor, patiently waiting for his guests and bride to arrive.
It takes nearly an hour, but once all the guests are seated, the musicians change their tune to a formal wedding ballad, and the wedding party begins to make their way from the portal and towards the altar. First are Cladissa and a very anxious looking William Lightstaff, Argor's apprentice. Behind them are Samara Blakros and Vithrax, another Maven of the Arcanamirium. Then comes Emilia Blakros and Mettera, followed by Eleanir Blakros and Argor's business partner, Arryn Giles. Finally, Michelia and Damian Blakros make their way to the altar and take their positions.
Then, the portal shimmers as Imrizade makes her way into the venue, Lady Hamaria acting as her escort. Imrizade is clearly shocked by what she sees, clearly not expecting anything like this for her wedding. The pair of women make their way to the alter, the crowd rising to their feet in respect as she passes.
The priest then goes through the various rites and rituals of an Abadaran wedding. As Argor and Imrizade kiss and complete the ceremony, the crowd cheers and claps for the young couple.
The attention of the crowd is then ushered towards the treeline, which seems to move and bend of it's own accord, moving aside and revealing a large clearing prepared with tables and chairs for the guests as well as a large dance floor. Servants begin coming through the portal carrying a vast array of foods for the feast, including the finest wines, drinks, and foodstuffs imaginable.
The reception of Argor and Imrizade Blakros is officially underway...
As the various guests mingle and talk, laugh, eat, and dance, Argor and Imrizade slowly begin making their rounds through the crowd, thanking each of their guests personally for coming. He had just finished thanking Grand Osirion Ambassador Dremdhet Salhar for the honor of their company when he noticed the tall, well-dressed half-orc.
"Who is that, my dear?" Argor asks curiously.
Imrizade laughs and says, "I haven't the slightest. You know Hamaria handled most of the invitations for my side of all this."
"You mean you haven't a clue?" Argor replies.
Imrizade looks at him dubiously and answers, "You DO realize just how large of a family we have, don't you? I bet there are a good number of Blakroses that even I haven't met yet! Besides, this is all so much more than I expected...I probably wouldn't recognize Michelia if she came up and started talking to me right now!"
Nyugelle arrives in a colorful Garundi dress and head wrap.
She is as nervous and out of place in social settings as she was back when she was Nyugusk: trying hard to not look as uncomfortable as she is, and failing. The only difference was the presence of her old friend and lover, and she does her best to stand close to Gianluca...and to resist the urge to pull out her papers to scribble new notes and ideas.
Meanwhile, beside her Gianluca arrives to the wedding in a cream and brocade dress in the style of Jalmeray that might have been designed for a woman, but somehow the flowing fabric just looks right on the slender golden giant, who seems to be growing more androgynous in his beauty, even as he continues to grow in height.
After the ceremony Gianluca drifts through the reception, clearly enjoying the social frission. His hand often reaches out to brush Nyugelle's hand or squeeze her shoulder in an effort to help her feel less out of place, but at the same time he's cheerfully flirting with the crowd.
When he sees the handsomely dressed half-orc and hears someone refer to him as a Blakros, his curiosity is piqued.
Gliding toward him, towering above the crowd in his flowing dress, Gianluca extends a hand and winks playfully. "Gianluca, the Honeyed Hand of Arshea, at your service. You're a relation of the bride's?"
Beverages:
Galtan Wine from the year 4630 (ten years before the beginning of the Revolutions)
Chelish Wine
Elven Wine
Mead and Ale from Almas's famous the Two Knight Brewery (which recently burned down)
Taldan Fire Brandy
Menu:
36 varieties of rare cheese from around the Inner Sea, Caviar, Olive Tapenada and Freshly baked bread
Fresh green salad, hand harvest directly to the plate from the demiplane's bespoke herb garden
Fruit picked straight from the tree, magically chilled and served directly
Roasted Partridge with Sage
Baked Pheasant with Nutmeg and Currant stuffing
Steamed Shrimp with Sugar Coconut sprinkles
Boar ham with Honey Glaze
Red braised boar belly with ginger and chili
There was an unfortunate amount of standing around that wasted nearly an hour of her illusion, but at least the time was spent ooh-ing and ah-ing with the other bridesmaids over Imrizade's elegant gown and swishing about in their own dresses.
Finally, the bridal procession began in earnest. Cladissa was paired with the subject of the other bridesmaids' gossip -- Argor's apprentice William Lightstaff. She found it rather surprising that she hadn't been acquainted with the youth and she gave the young wizard a polite smile when he took her hand. His nervousness was painfully apparent and she tried to reassure him. ::Relax. It'll be fine. Just don't lock your knees when you're standing during the ceremony,:: she projects.
The youth nearly jumps out of his skin at the mental missive. ::You can read minds??? Oh, I am so sorry!:: he sends back, panicked.
::Sorry about what?:: Cladissa asks.
William looks straight ahead, wide-eyed. ::...Nothing.::
She looks askance at him, then softly gasps as realization dawns. Oh.
================
Cladissa stands politely with her arm in William Lightstaff's arm until the musical cue signals them to proceed through the portal. The world of Absalom and Verde Heights falls away to reveal the created paradise for this occasion. She cannot help but gawk at the tropical splendor that greets them upon stepping through the archway.
William keeps her moving as they step through the seated audience. Her smile is genuine and full of delight as she catches glimpses of familiar faces among the crowd. She shoots a telepathic ::Hi!!:: to Nyugelle as she passes her former teammate. Sabrina's dual heads are easy to pick out, and she gives the druid a wink. An even bigger feeling of giddiness hits her when she meets the eyes of Sir Preston.
Finally Cladissa and William reach the altar and they separate, moving to stand in their respective positions. As she passes by Argor, she gives him a curtsy and a smile with a swish of her dress. The rest of the bridesmaids and their groomsmen proceed and take their places.
The ceremony gives Cladissa time to let her mind wander a bit, study all the august personages in the crowd, and wonder what her own wedding could be like. She spies her mother sitting in the audience, again exchanges a glance with Sir Preston, and can't help but see the Arshean tower over everyone sitting around him -- the only one rivaling his size being Sabrina.
When the vows are finally spoken and Argor takes on the name Blakros, she applauds politely and files out with the rest of the wedding party, again allowing William to take her hand and guide her to the reception area. She takes her place in line as the guests file past, shaking hands and offering friendly embraces to the newlywed couple and the rest of the wedding party. She accepts all the compliments she gets on her gown, jewelry, hairstyle, makeup and more. She has to endure Lady Dyrianna's brief but brazen flirting once more as she files past.
Then Auronee steps up to her.
"Hello, Cladissa," she says, her arm in the hand of one of the most handsome men of the Inner Sea. "Where's your new teammate? 'Classy,' I think she was called?"
"I'm sure you'll figure it out," she responds, refusing to let her stepsister's presence spoil her mood. "And who's this?" She extends her hand to the man at Auronee's side.
He takes it and brings it up to his lips with a sultry and seductive flourish. "Autair, my dear. Enchanted." He bows deeply.
"The same," Cladissa says, heart fluttering despite her best efforts to resist the man's charm. "Cladissa d'-- I mean, Cladissa Velorryan."
Auronee lingers just long enough for her stepsister to become truly enamored of Autair, then the two of them continue along the reception line.
Cladissa tries to slow her heart as more guests pass her by, offering handshakes and embraces that she accepts but barely registers. She snaps herself out of it by the time a dapper half-orc makes his acquaintance. "Oh, hello! I don't believe we've met! Cladissa," she says as she extends her hand.
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|
When Auronee and Cladissa finally interact with each other, Sabrina keeps one head intently peeled on the conversation. When finds herself both disappointed and relieved when neither of her friends decides to be a drama llama. Then again, it is not like Auronee could openly do anything to her stepsister. Even Argor would probably add her his Dinner List if she did something that took away from his big day.
That is quite an interesting fear we have, Sabs; he invites us to his wedding, and yet we continue to throw around his name and deeds as- mentally chimes Sabrina Right.
Hush, Sabby! We're thinking! counters Sabrina Left.
Having forgot her copy of The Great Old One Champion's Guide to the Blakos Family back at Verde Heights, Sabrina does not pay much mind to the presence of the Half-Orc that most of her teammates seem to be interested in.
As the guests mill around before the reception line forms, a giant of a dapper man approaches and introduces himself as "Gianluca, the Honeyed Hand of Arshea, at your service."
The half-orc politely shakes his hand and replies, "we are Blakros. I am Grommesson, and this Anja. What an amazing wedding. It will be talked about for centuries. I presume you know the groom?"
===============================================
Later in the reception line, Grommesson reaches Cladissa. The noble half-orc politely kisses her proffered hand, "You must be the famous Cladissa of the Pathfinder Society and teammate to Argor Constantine. How delighted I am to meet you. You are even more lovely than the journals describe. Please allow me to introduce myself. Grommesson Blakros, at your service. Do hope that you would save me a dance." The dapper teenager bows and continues along the reception line.
The next young lady following the half-orc introduces herself to Cladissa, "Anja Blakros. I am Hamaria's second cousin. Your dress is absolutely divine. You must introduce me to your tailor."
Cladissa demurs as best she can with the overflowing compliments from Grommesson and Anja Blakros. "I'll be happy to," she says in response to his request for a dance. When Anja asks about her tailor, she grabs the sides of her gown and fingers the exquisite fabric. "This was a gift from your cousin, Imrizade. I will pass along the compliment."
When Sir Preston passes by, she refrains from giving him a glomping hug. Instead, she thrills as he bows deeply but retains smoldering eye contact. "My lady, you are a vision that rivals Shelyn herself," he says.
"Thank you, sir knight," she responds while her stomach does backflips.
As the reception line ends and the mingling begins, she finds Nyugelle and Gianluca standing near the edge of the crowds. She grabs her mother and pulls her over to her former and newest teammate.
"Nyug! You remember my mother, Lady Tessida Farwynd? Mom, this is the new Nyugelle, as I mentioned. And this is Gianluca, our newest member. Gianluca, my mother."
The Lady Farwynd bows her head politely to both. To Nyugelle, she smiles sympathetically. "It is a pleasure to see you again. My condolences on your passing. I hope you are adjusting well to your new life."
Cladissa looks over her shoulder, then turns back around. "I'll let you three get acquainted. I'm going to find Sir Preston." The giddy bridesmaid disappears back into the crowd of mingling guests.
Nyug nods her head to the Lady Farwynd. "It's a, uh, pleasure to meet you too. I mean see, not meet. Again." The former half-orc bites her lip in frustration.
"Lady Farwynd. Cladissa didn't mention how lovely you are, though of course it should come as no surprise." The golden giant bows to kiss her hand.
"I am Gianluca, the Honeyed Hand of Arshea, and I'm honored to serve with Cladissa and her team of pathfinders. She is a rare gem--brave, resourceful, thoughtful, mighty, and possessing a heart of gold...though I'm sure I don't need to tell you that." Gianluca smiles.
The viscountess reaches out and gives Nyugelle's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Reincarnation etiquette is often difficult and always sensitive. Please, do not fret," she tells Nyugelle.
She smiles at Gianluca's praise of her daughter. "She has certainly blossomed here in Absalom. It's certainly a wonderful thing to see, and I'm certain that her friends have been able to give her the support she needed to grow into the woman she is now," she finishes, giving a nod to Nyugelle.
In short order, Cladissa returns on Sir Preston's arm. "Gianluca, I believe you've already met Sir Preston. So Nyugelle, allow me to introduce Sir Preston. We are observing the Rite of Courtship together."
The paladin extends his hand to Gianluca in greeting, then offers to take Nyugelle's with a formal bow. "Ms. Newblossom. Allow me to extend my heartfelt thanks to you for your efforts in securing the aid to the Crusades. Your actions saved my life, and the lives of many others. I am forever in your debt."
Nyugelle appreciates the Lady Farwynd's kindness, though it does little to pierce her self-reproach.
She does her best to smile at the earnest knight's praise. "I...thanks. We...I was glad to help. I...I wish I was still of more help." she grimaces briefly. "But anyway, you're courting Cladissa now. That's sweet. She deserves a nice guy, and I know she's happy about you, so I am too. Good to meet you."
Nyugelle gives Sir Preston a quick smile and then she glances down at her handbag as if considering taking out some of the papers in it, and then thinking better of it.
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Cladissa frowns sympathetically, and steps forward to offer Nyugelle a hug. "You kept us alive. And you're doing great. I need you, you know," she whispers in her ear.
The paladin nods his head to Nyug. "I will try to be worthy of her."
Cladissa and Preston move on to mingle with the crowd until the feast begins, forcing them to separate once more. Cladissa takes her place with the wedding party, sitting next to William Lightstaff and watching with detached interest as Samara flirts with him.
By the end of the meal, Cladissa does a quick calculation and estimates she has almost used up her fourth hour of her illusion. This whole event is moving quickly, she muses. I'll have to excuse myself early. Unless...
Estimating that there will be at least another half hour or more of the meal to go, she excuses herself and steps over to the table her suitor is sitting at.
"Sir Preston? I am thinking of walking along the shoreline, to study more of this tropical paradise Argor has created. Would you care to join me?"
The paladin quickly stands and takes her arm. "That sounds great," he says, and maneuvers her out of the reception area. "Wait," he says after they reach the golden sands of the beach. "Did you say Argor created this place?"
Cladissa pulls her slippers off her feet and steps lightly, wishing she could feel the sand in her toes instead of beneath her hooves. "Yeah, but he really just commissioned it. We're in a demiplane. Powerful magic creating a pocket dimension. When the spell expires, all this goes away." She looks around at the gorgeous view, feeling sad all of a sudden.
"Amazing," he says, looking around as well. "That magic could create such a place."
"It's beautiful, but don't you think it's wasteful? All he's doing is showing off. 'Argor, the great and powerful.'" Don't tell me you can't think of a hundred ways this magic could be used to good in the Worldwound."
Sir Preston looks at her without saying anything for a while. Then he nods. "I suppose. But, why not let him create something so beautiful if he can? He's sharing it with us all. It's only wasteful if no one has seen it. I think it's a powerful gesture of love."
Cladissa stares back at Sir Preston, amazed. "Maybe for most people, but for him? You know Argor's... well, evil, right?"
He shrugs and continues walking along the beach. "We can't meet people where we'd like them to be. Only where they are."
That statement stuns her. "That doesn't bother you? That we're losing him?"
"Of course, but the more you get fixated on what someone's doing wrong, you lose sight of what they're doing right. You'll never redeem someone that way."
Cladissa's head whirls, and she falls silent. She allows herself to be led around a rocky outcropping where crystal waterfall pours into a verdant lagoon. They were well away from the reception by this point. Her illusion dissipates.
Sir Preston starts, and glances around. "You're... back to..."
She looks down and sighs. "This is temporary. I've got several hours left, but I'm not going to waste them."
He nods, lips tight as his eyes dance around, not fixing on anything.
"You're allowed to look at me," she whispers softly. "If you want to."
He does. It's tentative at first, but he studies her face with her expertly-applied make up and framed by her luxuriant hair. His brow is furrowed, but slowly it relaxes as he drinks her in.
Then he pulls himself back and turns away. "What is it?" she asks.
"I'm sorry!" he says, keeping his back to her. "I don't want to, but I can't help it."
A lump forms in Cladissa's throat and she begins to tremble. "Don't want to what?" she says, dreading the answer.
After a heart-wrenching pause, Sir Preston turns back around to look her in the eye. "I don't want to find you beautiful. This way. I know you hate it, and it was forced upon you, and I'm not supposed to--"
He is cut off by Cladissa's lips pressing hard against his. She reaches around his head and pulls herself close, not daring to break the kiss. For a moment, Sir Preston is frozen in surprise, but then he responds by wrapping his arms around her and drawing her in tight.
They kiss for a long time, but finally Cladissa comes up for air. "How about you meet me where I am, not where you want me to be?"
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Almost an hour later, Cladissa and Preston return to the wedding reception.
After the guests have had plenty of time to mingle and socialize, they gradually are guided to their seats by various attendants, who then begin to serve them the fine delicacies which had been prepared for them. Before the guests become too settled, Damian Blakros taps his table knife against his wine glass as he stands, gathering everyone's attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to stand before you today and congratulate Lord Argor and Lady Imrizade on their glorious wedding. I have not had the pleasure of knowing the groom for long, but I am well aware of the extent in which he and his associates have provided their many services to the Blakros family, all too aware," he says with a knowing look and a nod of appreciation to Argor, to which the mage nods back in kind. "May he and his bride live long, healthy lives, and may they continue to be beacons of honor and hope to their family, friends, and communities," he says as he lifts his glass of Chelish wine, to which the gathered crowd does the same.
Michelia and Eleanir exchange glances to one another. Eleanir folds her arms, to which Michelia rolls her eyes before standing and lifting up her own glass. "Imrizade was always the more...adventurous of our group of cousins. She was never able to stay in one place for long in her youth, always looking for excitement and adventure in one way or another. When we learned that she had finally been betrothed to none other than Mr. Constantine, here, we all knew it was meant to be. Who else but one of the most renowned Pathfinders the city has had to tame her wild spirit? Let alone the fact that he had also managed to save her life, like some knight in a fairy tale," she jokes, eliciting a polite chuckle from the guests. She lifts her glass, "To Argor and Imrizade. May their lives be full of safe adventures."
After the meal taking up nearly an hour to go through the various courses formally and with proper etiquette, the band strikes up a romantic tune, to which Argor and Imrizade share their first dance as husband and wife. Thereafter, the dance floor is opened up to the rest of the guests, and another two hours of dancing is shared before an announcement is made that it is now time for the ritualistic "tossing of the bouquet."
All the single women of the crowd that wished to take part are gathered in the sand below the stage, where Imrizase stands with a playful smile on her face. Of note, Eleanir, Emilia, and Samara are waiting in the sand, along with any others of the guests who wish to join in...
__________
When Cladissa and Sir Preston return hand-in-hand, they see that the dancing has started up. They exchange a smile, then clasp hands and take position on the outskirts of the dance floor. They float among the other couples until the music changes, then accept other partners although they steal quick glances at each other.
Cladissa shares one dance with William, then makes sure that Gianluca and Mettera get some attention, though her tail has to keep swatting at the Arshean's hands.
When the break from the dancing is announced and the bouquet toss is readied, Cladissa is shooed out into the throng of unattached ladies by her mother. She resists the urge to chew on a nail while surveying her "competition," but relaxes when it seems like it's all in good fun. Then Auronee materializes next to her.
Cladissa gulps and avoids looking at her stepsister, focusing on Imrizade. "I noticed you dancing with that Iomedaean," she whispers under her breath. "I hate to break it to you, but I spotted him earlier cavorting with a demoness. So scandalous."
Cladissa turns her head slowly to face Auronee. "Is that so? I'll keep that in mind," she says neutrally. She turns back to watch the bouquet. It figures.
Then Imri flings the bunch of flowers into the air and Cladissa extends her wings out, launching herself into the air.
Auronee, apparently expecting her stepsister's move, grabs hold of Cladissa's tail and pulls her back down to earth. Cladissa hits the ground, stumbles and crashes into Samara, who had found herself directly underneath the arc of the bouquet. With the two bridesmaids tangled up with each other, Auronee deftly plucks the flowers out of the air with one hand, smiling.
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Figuring that she would probably snap someone in two if she bumped into them, Sabrina opts not to participate in catching any flowers.
"...Auronee is going to catch the flowers," her left head predicts as an aside to Bentley.
Naturally, Auronee catches the flowers.
"Called it," Sabrina Left says with a giggle. "We swear, Bentley. When random chance is involved for Windy, reality seems to bend to make her look good... not unlike it does for us."
Sabrina Right is more concerned about how her friend caught the flowers.
As the crowd chuckles, laughs, and claps at the entertaining scene of the ladies clamoring for the bouquet, Damian calls out above the din, "And now, the garter toss, gentlemen!"
A chair is brought out for Imrizade to sit in, and as she does so, a nearly scandalous amount of her leg is revealed through a cleverly hidden slit within the folds her bridal gown. The tanned skin of her leg well up her thigh is clearly visible, revealing a red and black garter adorned with a silk black rose.
Argor smirks and takes a step towards his bride, and instead of kneeling, conjures forth a hand of magic that playfully maneuvers up the length of her leg, starting at her ankle, before eventually reaching the garter and slowly pulling it down as Imrizade straightens her leg and laughs as it flutters free of the end of her shoe and floats over to the mage.
As the wizard moves into position, Vithrax, Arryn, and William all whisper to one another secretly. Argor looks at the gathered bachelors before chuckling to himself and turning his back to them and flinging the bit of fabric over his shoulder. The magic users all jokingly float well away from the garter, as if it were cursed. Mettera appears to be distracted by someone in the crowd, and it would appear to be headed directly for Sir Preston...
__________
Anja Blakros assembles with the other single women smiling and joking with the ladies. She deftly manages to be no where near the bouquet clearly blocked out by more enthusiastic ladies. Her almost constant smile breaks when the Auronee pulls Cladissa's tail. She scowls at Auronee and extends a hand to Cladissa to help her to her feet. "Manners of a goat." Anja whispers to Cladissa and guides her away from the throng toward the beverages. "Who is that awful woman?"
===============================================================
Grommesson Blakros joins the bachelors for the garter toss. Following Anja's subtle lead, he positions himself beyond the giant Tian man blocking himself from any unmagicked throw. The Tian realizes the half-orc's strategy just as the garter heads toward the armored Iomedaean.
Gianluca considers letting Preston get it, but then the thrill of the contest takes the better of him and he reaches over the heads of the other fellas and gracefully grabs it.
He leans down and grins, "Sorry, Sir Preston, but I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Auronee yet and her reputation makes me quite curious."
Cladissa disentangles herself from Samara, checking to make sure their dresses are unsullied. By the time she looks to see who actually won the toss, Auronee is smugly sauntering away from the throng of other ladies.
Cladissa apologizes to the Blakros cousin, then turns to Anja. "Oh. That's just my stepsister." She winces as she reaches around and rubs the spot just above where her tail meets her lower back. "It's all right. I probably shouldn't have tried to use my wings in the first place. Sort of unfair."
She cycles through her memory of everyone in the receiving line. "Anja, right? I think I owe the man you were with a dance. Grom-- Grommesson? How are you two related?"
===========================
Auronee curtsies to Gianluca as he approaches with the garter in hand. "Quite the prize we've netted," she says. "It looks like we've both been fortunate."
The band strikes up with Auronee and Gianluca as the centerpiece couple.
Gianluca eyes Auronee with warm, relaxed, flirtatious eyes. He bows low, and then takes her arm. "Well then, let's enjoy ourselves!"
While he has no particular training in dance, that doesn't seem to dampen his enthusiast on the dance floor in the least. He holds himself well and seems to follow the music easily enough, if a bit roughly. He quickly realizes though that Auronee actually knows what she's doing.
As they move across the dancefloor, he bends to her ear and whispers, "Say, can you lead? I'm having a fine time but you've already seen the full extent of my dance training. If you're comfortable leading, I welcome you teaching me a few moves."
At Gianluca's request, Auronee begins a skilled routine that has her whirling around the towering Arshean. She uses his big, outstretched arms to climb, flip and twirl in an impressive display of skill and grace.
After the music fades and the applause begins, she bows deeply to Gianluca and then to the enraptured crowd surrounding them.
When the musicians begin to play their next selection, the guests again pair up to start, though after the previous performance none seemed enthusiastic to follow it directly.
That's my stepsister, Cladissa thinks bitterly, but at least she has cause to thank her teammate for sparing her from watching Auronee dance with Sir Preston.
She glances around for her suitor, but spies the young half-orc who had asked her earlier for a dance.
Cladissa apologizes to the Blakros cousin, then turns to Anja. "Oh. That's just my stepsister." She winces as she reaches around and rubs the spot just above where her tail meets her lower back. "It's all right. I probably shouldn't have tried to use my wings in the first place. Sort of unfair."
She cycles through her memory of everyone in the receiving line. "Anja, right? I think I owe the man you were with a dance. Grom-- Grommesson? How are you two related?"
Anja's perfect smile breaks a bit at the question, and she replies, "He's a-- Grommesson is my stepbrother. My younger stepbrother. A Blakros mother and different fathers." Her perfect smile returns, "evidently, we don't have the same relationship as you and your stepsister. Why would she do that?"
===========================
She glances around for her suitor, but spies the young half-orc who had asked her earlier for a dance.
They lock eyes as if he was waiting for her to find him. Grommesson walks to her deliberately but not quickly, as if she is the only one in the room. He bows and offers his hand for a dance. "Is it now our turn on the dance floor?"
Having long been conditioned to never bad-mouth her stepsister, Cladissa uncertainly glances back and forth between Anja and the triumphant Auronee sauntering away. At her comment about not having the same type of relationship as she, Cladissa nods in agreement. "Oh, we just... don't like each other. At all, really."
==================
Resisting the urge to glance behind her to make sure he's not talking to someone else, Cladissa smiles as Grommesson approaches. She places her hand in his and allows him to lead her to the floor. "Yes, I think so," she says, a little more flustered now that she knows the relationship between him and Anja is purely familial.
As they glide about the dance floor, she recalls his first words to her. "So, you've read the Chronicles? I keep forgetting that they've become very popular."
"Yes, I've collected all of your Chronicles and read them many times each." It is clear that he is not trained to dance and is not as agile as Cladissa. "You dance wonderfully."
Cladissa giggles at the compliments and wants to demur, but she can't help noticing that her movements are unusually graceful and fluid. "Thank you. I think it's the dress. It's magic."
Cladissa enjoys the dance, as she flits about the half-orc in time with the music. Her brief encounter with her stepsister fading in her mind, she turns and spins around the Blakros sibling with a genuine smile.
As the music winds down, she curtsies deeply to her dance partner. She catches Sir Preston out of the corner of her eye. Slightly out of breath from the dance, she explains softly with a fading smile, "I should tell you that I'm observing the rite of courtship. With someone else. But I enjoyed our dance. And Anja was very sweet. You're lucky to have such a nice stepsister."
The smile of Grommesson doesn't falter when Cladissa reveals her rite of courtship. The thought of anything along those lines had not occurred to him. He was just trying to dance with an idol without falling on his face.
On the other hand, her mention of Anja's relationship with him did require some deft to avoid lying. "Thank you. Yes. I'm genuinely lucky to have Anja. Thank you for the dance.". The noble half-orc politely releases her from the dance with a bow.
Cladissa smiles back. "It was my pleasure," she responds, feeling immeasurably better and quite relieved the young half-orc did not seem bothered by her current relationship status.
As the music for the next dance begins, she looks around and her heart sinks as she sees Preston and Auronee paired together. In a fit of jealousy, Cladissa searches for her stepsister's date and spots the bard amidst a throng of giggling Blakros daughters. Shaking herself out of that notion, she scans the crowd for a potential dance partner.
Oh, well, why not? she thinks as she glides up to the man of the hour. "Argor, may I have this dance?" she says, extending her hand to him.
"Of course," Argor says, turning back to Lady Dacilane with whom he had been speaking, "pardon me, Lady Dacilane. I do hope your daughter's condition continues to improve."
He takes Cladissa's hand and walks with her to the dance floor, taking one of her hands in his and placing his other hand on the small of her back. While clearly not formally trained, he is still, surprisingly a capable dancer.
"To what do I owe the honor, Miss d'Levigne le Velorryan?" he asks quietly as he pulls her back close after a twirl. "Where is Sir...ah...I see..." he says, spotting Cladissa's date dancing with her rival.
Cladissa follows Argor's lead, trusting him not to drop her when he lowers her into a dip. When he pulls her back up, she puts her arm back around his shoulder. "I trust him. And I wanted to dance with you, Mr. Blakros."
They glide through the steps of the dance. ::Why did you call me that? Where did you hear that name?::
::You referred to yourself by that name when we found you in your new form. Is there a significance to which I should be aware?::
"Truly?" Argor asks, deftly keeping the two conversations distinct.
"Of course! This wedding is beyond belief, and I am actually having a great time." Even so, she still can't help but spare a glance in Auronee's direction. "I feel truly honored to be a part of it. It really means a lot."
Her smile fades somewhat, and her brow furrows slightly. ::I don't know. I've only heard it... well, it's probably not important. My name's Velorryan::
"I am glad you are enjoying yourself," Argor replies. "Imrizade is very fond of you, she would not have had it any other way than for you to be a part of her bridal party."
Argor extends his arm, his hand sliding down Cladissa's bare arm, noting the distinctly smooth feel of her skin beneath the illusion, before spinning her back towards him in time with the music.
::Very well. Are you concerned about your paramour dancing with your nemesis sibling?::
::Only in the most direct sense,:: she responds, mouth growing tight. Then she tosses her hair with a shake of her head and forces a smile. ::But I am going to pretend it doesn't bother me in the least. Now say something funny::
Clearly caught off guard, Argor looks at Cladissa's quizzically.
"I...hear Aram Zey...is...a gelugon in disguise?" he whispers, trying to conjure a poor attempt at a joke from thin air.
Cladissa's forced smile turns into a genuine one. Then, with the absurdity of the whole situation, allows a slight giggle to escape her throat. "Thank you," she says as she twirls out, pauses, then is drawn back in close.
She studies her dance partner as he guides her around the floor. When the music fades, she leans in and gives him a kiss on the cheek. "Congratulations on your marriage, Argor. I hope it brings you all the happiness in the realms."
Argor bows and watches Cladissa walk away, confused entirely by what had just transpired. His analytical mind tries to decipher what had just happened, but fails to reach any logical conclusion.
He returns to his bride, and resumes chatting with his guests.
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Sabrina opts not to dance. While not exactly a clutz, being about the combined weight of everyone else in the demiplane who isn't Gianluca, a minotaur, or Bentley makes her hesitant try. She instead decides to watch everyone else.
"Hey, Sabs," says Sabrina Right quietly. "We think Cladissa is going to ask Argor to dance."
"Oh, this is going to be wonderful," softly snarks the left head of Sabrina Henderson. "Shall we turn into a llama to celebrate the occasion?"
After watching the events unfold, Sabrina is as still as a statue. After Bentley collects both of their jaws off the floor, the sister heads look at each other in amazement. She remembers Argor saying that he would avoid causing Cladissa any sort of (undo?) stress as well as something about Cladissa making a decision to talk to Argor after learning that he had the wrong impression of her thoughts and feelings regarding him.
Her logical conclusion is that they had talked at some point before the wedding.
And decided not to be drama llamas.
All because of actions she took.
...Did I just somehow resolve the Legendary Argor-Cladissa feud?
As the evening wears on, some of the older guests begin making their goodbyes. Everyone comes to congratulate the new couple before heading home, gushing about how they will never forget the magnificent affair. Imrizade beams, seeming to love all the attention. She leans into Argor's ear and whispers, "Never thought I'd get this after the whole possession and aberrant mutation thing..." She squeezes his bum appreciatively. "I always imagined a Blakros wedding as a little girl. That was all taken from me, but you've given it back...and more. I love you..." She begins to gnaw on his earlobe, until another pair of departing guests approaches and interrupts her.
Meanwhile, Anya seeks out Grommesson, pulling him aside. "It's getting late, dear. People are starting to leave. Do you think you should say something to them? I mean...if anyone would know about or understand your situation it would be them. We might not get another chance like this.."
Grommesson reacts to Anja like a dutiful relationship and follows her to the bride and groom. On their turn, Anja says to Imrizade, "you have had the best Blakros wedding in history. I'm glad that we were able to share it with you. I hope that one day my Blakros wedding could be just as magical, but it would take a miracle."
Then after slight sober pause, she adds quietly, "Argor, now that you are officially in the Blakros family, my Grommesson Blakros needs some confidential family support. When you return from your honeymoon, please seek us out at Hamaria's estate in the city. It's relatively urgent, but I don't want to spoil your first days of marriage."