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Daemonorel felt his shoulder blade begin to burn, Araxmarr was ready and he and his 'best' man were coming down the stairs. Daemon had been rather relieved he'd not been asked to do that duty. Gods, he hated pomp and circumstance, but still, the First Captain felt a measure of pride and something close to wonder as he looked at the dragon that had been his friend, his hunting companion, his General...and now, his Emperor, dressed in full dress blacks and all the trappings of an overstuffed political leader.
Stifling a smirk, Daemon watched Callan and Glory wait at the base of the stairs. "Your crown is crooked, m'lord Emperor..."
The sound of booted feet rang sharp through the near silent Chapel, the Black and Silver Guard as one assembled on either side of the stairwell and waited.
"Don't make me kick your arse right here Daemon..."Callan nudged the band back into place then grinned at Glory, "Well, they know we're here...I guess its too late to elope?"
Topaz eyes turned back to the enormous crowed and with a quick, serious nod of his head, Callan took the first step to becoming An'Thaya's husband...and the first step to starting traditions. The music paused, the Black Guard fell to the right side behind the Emperor and his friend, the Silver Guard fell to the left, Black and Silver wings flared slightly, then snapped tight against their backs. Callan and Glory marched right up the center aisle, the half-elf a half pace back and to Callan's left...Callan was right handed...Glory was on his left to symbolically protect his weak side, a position of absolute trust and honor...their heads held high. The guard followed, hands on the hilts of the blades strapped at their hip and looked straight ahead, their line of sight never wavering.
As the Emperor progressed to the altar, a Silver and a Black would stop at set increments, stomp their heels as they went into a parade rest stance and continued to stare straight ahead, now at each other as they flanked the wide aisle. By the time Callan and Glory had reached the altar and Glory dropped back to take up the customary position of best man, there were only two guardsmen left, Daemonorel, First Captain of the Black Guard and Elandriil, First Captain of the Silver Guard and from the back of the aisle to the front, a balanced line of Silver and Blacks lined the path the bride was to take.
They to stood at parade rest...and waited.
Glory just grinned back at Callan. How had they arrived at this point?!
Yup, way too late. So let's get stepping. Afterward we're doing a duet right? No, not singing. Glory took his place to the Emperor's left and then stepped aside, noting the Silvers and Blacks he led. The Gold just kept his eyes on the bridegroom.
“Ok,” Tay said a little breathlessly, “Callan is at the altar… we can go out now.” Somewhat glazed emerald eyes looked to Shadow, who would be going down the aisle first.
All those people… the Amazon was beginning to panic, the first vestiges of hyperventilation starting to hit.
She probably needed a good slap…
“Right… just out the door, around the corner, and there we will be… in a big room… full of people… lots… and lots… of people…”
Maybe they should have eloped…
Shadow put her hands on her hips and glared up at Drake. “Respect your elders, I have, at least, two thousand years on you, and if you so much as raise a hand to me, I will helpfully do more than change the colour of that bush that hides your upper lip.” The forest elf snorted comically and rolled her eyes towards An’Thaya, “Human males, they always think they are better than everyone else, don’t they.” Of course she was teasing, but her stance and tone suggested otherwise.
Drake, of course, didn’t know her long enough to realize it and she waited until his imagination had taken over before she grinned impishly.
“Oh, I dance, I dance beautifully, its just poor old human males can’t seem to cut it, which comes in handy with my line of work.” Shadow winked back, a dangerous gleam mingling with the impishness. “And Delanna is someone that has to be experienced to fully enjoy, besides, I didn’t know she was going show, I’m not well versed on Elen mythos or if those that pass beyond the veil are able to return.”
Tay was in hysterical giggles now and had snagged Drake, looping her arm though his. “Good! She dances beautifully! Now… show me, and dance your fine self down the aisle Ad’Vere.”
Emerald eyes that were about as wide as saucers blinked at the Knight, “Alright, get me to Callan before I fall over. These laces are really tight.”
Right… it was the laces… sure…
On the bright side, Cat's gift was helping... a little... maybe...
Breathe... breathe... breathe...
Shadow snickered madly, threw open the door and, in a random act of giddiness, started out the door, her rear swinging from one way to the other. A swift mental kick from her twin had her behaving herself, well more than a mental kick as he decided to intervene and make her walk the way she usually did.
So she was mentally arguing with Argent as she headed down the aisle, luckily, both had learned long ago how to keep any hint of such heated discussions from their faces. Luckily for both of them, the whole thing was intercepted by their baby brother and were told to cool it and pick it back up later.
You know, they are people you have met at one point or another and their families, Aya, and its only a formality…besides, if Ro could make it through his wedding, why can’t you?
Drake gave Shadow a look before his lips curled up into a smile before he winked. "You may be older than me my dear, but I will still turn you over my knee. I'll bet if I ask around I can get plenty of help too! You're never to old for a good spanking."
An’Thaya burst out laughing and had to stop for a moment, gasping for air. “Oh, can I go down the aisle like that?” she asked, swinging her hips and knocking Drake to the side a step or two.
“Ok… maybe not. Come on you… stop shirking your duty.”
Laughing while trying not to act to nervous, he was all but knocked off his feet by Taya's swaying hips. "You know it's to late to run, don't you," he whispered as he heard music playing.
"Oh yes dear! There will be lots and lots of people, probably more than any other wedding ever presented. Now breathe slowly, if you can breathe at all in that dress, and we'll make it through this time together."
Smoothing down her skirts and patting around for a dagger or two the Amazon cleared her throat, then tucked her arm back through Drake’s and followed Shadow.
It felt like they were walking a million steps, but at last they came to the top of the aisle.
"It's show time!"
Tay stopped dead and nearly gibbered aloud when she took in the sheer number of people. OH GODS! Sure I’ve met them before! But the last time I saw this many people it was on a battlefield! She was hyperventilating again, her wide emerald gaze traveling over the guard before she found herself grounded in topaz.
A smile lit her features at that moment, and her little bare feet moved on their own accord, carrying her down the aisle, pulling Drake along.
"Remember to breathe," Drake whispered as he lead her down the aisle. "I'm here to give you away, not carry you down the aisle draped over my shoulder..."
He was having a hard time keeping a straight face.
In the moments that preceded An'Thaya's appearance, Enkara had come to stand beside Y'Roden D'Riel, King of S'Hea. Ever-blue eyes studied the Dragon Emperor. A soft, but almost hidden smile twitched the corners of her mouth as she remembered the first day she'd laid eyes on him in this form. She would never forget the child of Dawn Emberlight, a fellow priestess of Brighid, being brought to her in the form of a long dead half-Elven youth telling tales of the Black Prince slowly killing his family for pleasure.
She'd made a silent promise to Dawn long after her death...that if the Fates should put Araxmarr in her path, she would kill him if he proved useless and unable to turn him to his Silver blood. She'd taken him in as the orphan he claimed to be, knowing him for what he was and his purpose for being there. She'd finished raising him...for despite his many years, Araxmarr had a lot to learn about living in the light.
Now? Now he was a creature as far from what he was in his youth as the mighty oak was from an acorn. She was impressed, though not necessarily surprised. Lorelei had sown the seed of light and love, honor and understanding, Task had nurtured it, coaxed it to life in ground that was barren and full of stones...and An'Thaya had offered the infant seedling the final thing required for growth...unconditional love for what he was, what he had been...what he might yet become.
She was proud of this one...this dragon once called Araxmarr...who had become an Emperor named Callan, who's soul was now forever one with his An'Thaya as well as the child he'd slaughtered so long ago. He'd worn Callan's form too long...the two had become one. And well he had, for now his soul was the perfect balance for An'Thaya's, he was dragon and half-elf, as was she. They had both walked dark paths, loved and lost in painful ways, had lived through agony and death and in the end, had found each other as had been meant to happen from the day they drew their first breath.
She was proud indeed.
Topaz eyes lifted to her everblue, in Callan's hands was the velvet wrapped band of polished adamantine set with onyx, the crown of the First Empress. Solemn, Enkara leaned slightly forward, took the cloth and crown and held it for him, as had been the original role of a Priestess of the Flame at a coronation, then flicked her eyes in the direction of the bride who had just made her grand appearance.
Seeing Enkara's eyes focus elsewhere, Callan shifted his own eyes and understood exactly how a Man born on a world that denied the existence of magic could suddenly become a believer. A quote from a book he'd once read came suddenly to mind: "A man may fight the greatest enemy, take the longest journey, survive the most grievous wound -- and still be helpless in the hands of the woman he loves."
Now he understood what the author had meant...
"Sweet Mother Brighid...just when I think I've grown used to your beauty, I find myself lost all over again..."
Daemon's eyes flicked across the aisle to Elandriil, gave the other First Captain a short nod, and as one, the Black and Silver Guard drew their swords. Blades hissed free of scabbards and spun in expert hands until they angled over An'Thaya, Shadow and Drake's heads in a gleaming arch.
Walking Taya down the long aisle, Drake could not help but feel honored. With so many people to choose from she had chosen him to give her away. The smile he had plastered on his face would take weeks to undo, and he would relive each step in his writing.
Coming to a sudden stop, he looked up and found himself standing before the altar, the Black and Silver guard behind them. How they made it without bursting out in laughter was beyond him. Yet he knew. It had been the sight of the honor guard that had stilled his laughter and focused him on the seriousness of the moment. Taking Taya's hand in his he brought it up to his lips, kissing it before placing it on Callan's outstretched hand. Nodding to Callan, Drake whispered, "Remember to breathe," as he winked at her before taking a step back.
Watching as Taya stepped up to stand before Ro and the woman with Callan, Drake quickly turned and found his seat, slipping between Sierra and his wife. Wrapping his arm around Sierra, he leaned over and kissed Willow, his soul brushing his children and wife in a warm caress of love. Looking over at Aran he reached out and ruffled his hair then focused back on the ceremony before them.
A sense of profound relief went through An’Thaya when Drake placed her hand within Callan’s. The warmth of her Dragon’s fingers closing around her own was reassuring, making the world around them disappear. Tay was already blushing slightly in reaction to his silent words, her smile lighting delicate features with an ethereal glow.
Threads of spirit interlaced and several tattoos flared, carving and burning on sensitive skin. Crimson lashes lifted and she peeked up at Callan with something close to a shy expression, the last vestige of nerves settling. For a moment her gaze lingered on his, till Y’Roden softly cleared his throat, drawing both their attention towards the altar.
As An'Thaya paused at the altar, the assembled Guard as one swept their blades back, the sound a mere whisper in the air, brought the points in an upright position and stood, their faces stone as the King of S'Hea and Enkara, Messenger of Brighid stepped forward and their Emperor took the Queen of the Amazons' hand.
How many times had Y’Roden done this now? He had quite lost count. Each ceremony had been different, sacred in its own fashion and the half-elf had been honored each and every time he had been asked to officiate over an event that celebrated love and unity. This occasion was no different, although there was an added element of satisfaction here, in seeing his little sister bind herself heart and soul to the man that had reawakened the fire of her spirit.
"Family, friends, allies and subjects,” it was the King of S’Hea speaking now, not the sibling, and the tone reflected as much. “All have gathered here today to witness this most sacred of occasions, the joining of a man and woman in marriage. Yet this ceremony stands for more this day, it stands for the continued unity of S'Hea, Corin and The Diirlathe giving strength to the bond between the Elven, Dragon and human races. It is a further step towards peace, and the promise of the future. Gods grant them the wisdom and strength to do right by their people."
"Now let us begin where all life begins, igniting the spark that breathes life into the flame." Stepping slightly to the side Ro made way for Enkara, Priestess of the Flame.
The flame haired woman in saffron robes stepped forward, she had her own words to add, she doubted anyone would mind really. Her goddess had been well aware that Callan had felt at a loss for bringing any traditions of the Diirlathe to the ceremony that would bind him publicly to the woman he'd fallen so deeply in love with and had prompted her to add words that would make this wedding both S'Hean and Dragon.
Enkara looked out over the crowd, her eyes traveling first to Brighid, then Xraden, then to Arminiea and Jaran, the Silver Guard on one side of the aisle, the Black on the other. Two daughters stood nearby, Mira and Anelain, both of them half-Elven, both dragon as well.
"The Flame that is lit today represents not only the source of life, but reveals the paths of Chaos with Light and dispels the shadows of uncertainty." Enkara's eyes shifted to the triad of Light on the bride's side, then to Flame and Chaos on the groom's side, of which she was the third point.
"Step forth, Child of An'Thaya D'Riel, Dragon Child and Half-elf." Blue on blue eyes shifted to Anelain, then to Mira, "Step forth Child of Callan Blackthorn, you whose blood runs the same as the sister you are about to gain."
As the two women stepped forward side by side, Enkara's eyes remained on them, "Today you are witness to a rare event, Anelain...Mira. Today we see balance, a perfection of the sort the gods work daily to maintain. And it is here, that yet one more aspect is to be added to the perfection. Light the Flame, daughters. Breathe life into it, let its Light be seen and witnessed, its presence invited willingly into this marriage.
A white lock of hair fell into Anelain’s bright blue eyes and she brushed it aside lightly before reached for one of the two smaller candles on the altar. A slight dimple dented her cheek as she smiled up at Enkara, then did exactly what she had been instructed to do.
Flame leapt up on the tips of her fingers and she pursed her lips, blowing gently across them. The fire leapt up, then jumped from flesh to candle wick, burning bright as she turned to offer the wax taper to her mother. “Notuile i licuma cale menlya.”
The raven-haired dragon-elf did the same; slender fingers glowed with heat, then yellow flame. A soft breath later, the flame danced from the wick, "Notuile i licuma cale menlya."
The candle passed from Mira's fingers to her father's, her eyes meeting his. Joy illuminated their jade depths and she gave him a soft smile before stepping back.
The barest hint of a nod from the one-time Priestess dismissed the daughters, releasing them to rejoin their husbands.
"An'Thaya D'Riel, Callan Blackthorn. I bid you light the Flame, unify the balance, complete that which your daughters have begun. Two souls that were once separate and apart have become one, let its Light be seen and witnessed, so those gathered here may understand."
An’Thaya’s small finger closed around the candle, her eyes meeting those of her eldest daughter with a silent thanks before the young Elf moved away to rejoin Kalab. Flaming curls danced across the Amazon’s shoulders as she turned to look up at Callan, then moved in step with him to the altar, the tips of their candles meeting above the wick of the larger candle, the resulting flame a brilliant beacon.
Callan's eyes never left An’Thaya; he was spellbound and as the flame lit, felt his whirling soul wind around hers to caress her lovingly.
Soft soprano and warm baritone mingled as the ancient words came forth in unison, “I licuma yanlva kuile.”
Enkara nodded in satisfaction looked down at the two, then at the crowd.
"Behold, the two have become one. The Flames of their lives has been merged, their souls are one. This cannot be denied and shall never again be torn asunder. The flame soars high, like loves first phase. When emotions are new and quicken the blood. This too cannot be denied."
"An'Thaya D'Riel, Callan Blackthorn, the seed of love for one another was sown when the sparks of your souls were first forged. They have waited for this hour, and now find fertile ground. May that seed now complete that which was began by the gods."
Enkara bowed her head and stepped away with a rustle of crisp silk, her part done for now. It was Y'Roden who would deliver the second part of the ceremony...she just hoped someone remembered Callan's heart was on the right side...and it was his right hand upon which his ring was to be placed.
The King of S’Hea stepped forward, reclaiming his place and opening his hand to reveal a small seed.
"The flame soars high, like loves first phase. When emotions are new and quicken the blood. From light comes life…” The tiny vessel of life was placed on Callan’s right palm, directly over the lifeline, and An’Thaya’s hand was placed into that of her mate’s.
A spark of Aethyr ignited, casting forth a soft verdant glow between their fingers. Small tendrils of ivy peeked out, slipping over tanned flesh and wrapping around their wrists, binding the pair firmly together. A shimmering black ribbon tangled in the greenery and small flowers of crimson and silver burst forth in abundance.
"Love blossoms and takes root, binding two souls together with intention and the spoken word." Y’Roden withdrew his hand, having given the cue for the traditional vows that were spoken by the Bride and Groom in unison.
“You cannot possess me for I belong to myself
But while we both wish it,
I give you that which is mine to give
You cannot command me,
for I am a free person
But I shall serve you in those ways you require
and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand"
"I pledge to you that yours will be the name I cry aloud in the night
and the eyes into which I smile in the morning
I pledge to you the first bite of my meat and the first drink from my cup
I pledge to you my living and my dying, each equally in your care
I shall be a shield for your back and you for mine
I shall not slander you, nor you me
I shall honor you above all others,
and when we quarrel we shall do so in private and tell no strangers our grievances"
"This is my wedding vow to you this is the marriage of equals."
As the words faded, the garland glowed with gentle intensity, sinking softly through flesh to embed itself permanently in the form of a delicate black tracery.
"It is customary in both human and Elven culture to trade tokens that signify your bond of marriage. The most common symbol being the ring, for in its unbroken circle it represents eternity. Callan, place the ring on An’Thaya’s left hand and seal the gesture with the words of your heart."
Topaz eyes shifted to Glory, a soft growl of warning echoed along the blood bond between them. They could all play a rousing game of 'who lost the wedding ring' later. As the ring was hastily produced and handed over by a solemn, wide-eyed Glory, Callan lifted An'Thaya's left hand in his right.
"Those are my vows to you, this is the marriage of equals...but I find myself gazing into the eyes of someone who is the most amazing creature I have ever had the good blessings to touch, to hold, to love. I left my home seeking balance and an end to old sorrows, what I found was a woman who can tame the beast that I am...and yet somehow set me free. We have fought side-by-side and fought one another, we have drawn each other's blood both in love and hate. We have opened each other's wounds we long thought scarred shut and permanent...and healed each other anew. Our hearts beat in the same time, our souls are forever one, yet we are still individuals."
Callan's hilt-calloused thumb caressed An'Thaya's fingers and for a moment he paused, studied her tiny hand then angled his head to the side and gazed into those endless depths of emerald green, the crowd forgotten as he dropped to one knee for her as he had her father earlier.
"You have my heart, you have my soul. You possess my thoughts and give me strength when I find myself weak. In this captivity, I have never felt more free and this flame that dances between us will not wane. I will not share you with another, nor ask to be shared.
As the ring of mithril and gold slipped over her middle finger...Callan would not place his ring where Galain's had once been...he repeated the words he'd already spoken as well as those engraved inside the wedding band, "Those are my vows to you, this is a marriage of equals, M'Naeosh, M'Aeosh...M'Tashnae. You are my Life, my Soul...my Treasure and my wife...M'Arandii."
Y’Roden almost felt like an intruder when he spoke up once more, a smile tugging at the edge of his lip as he watched the pair. “An’Thaya, place your ring on Callan’s left hand and seal the gesture with the words of your heart."
“The right,” Tay said softly, “his heart is on the right.” Her eyes, brimming with tears, were still on Callan, lost in the moment and embracing every word, every expression. It took profound effort to turn away, and she was ever grateful to Shadow who pressed the ring into the palm of the Amazon’s hand as Tay used the other to brush lightly at her eyes.
Urging him to stand the redhead tilted her head back, gazing up into clear topaz as she pulled herself together. “Callan… you are the force that drives everything I do. You swept into my life like the winds of a storm at sea and cast everything I knew and believed adrift, yet somehow, in all the chaos, you became my anchor. What was broken, you healed, what was lost, you found and what had died, you coaxed to grow and flourish.”
Small fingers caressed the Dragon’s right hand, Tay’s gaze following the tracery and the D’Riel Dragon that wound around his arm. “We are one in so many ways, you have given me everything I ever desired and more. When I go to sleep at night I run through my dreams, because I know that what is waiting for me when I wake is better than any imagining ever could be. Every day is precious and blessed, and I know in my soul that nothing and no one could ever touch me like you do. I love you, three words that can never express this feeling, but we are truly blessed by the fact that they don’t have too.”
Their soul surged and wound in joyful stars and tendrils, placing the ring Callan had forged in love upon his finger she slid it into place, “My light, my breath, my soul… my husband.”
Callan found himself lost in the embrace of their soul, his topaz eyes seemed to be able to look nowhere else but at her. He'd wondered the necessity of all this, their souls had been merged as one for several months, how could simply repeating vows and rituals make their bond any stronger? Yet somehow, in some inexplicable way, it had.
"Gods...I love you," Callan muttered along their bond as he lowered his head to kiss his bride.
Instead of An’Thaya’s mouth, Callan found himself nearly nose diving into a chalice full of purple wine. The soft sound of Y’Roden clearing his throat brought the pairs attention to the amused looking King.
"Mai'Tus wine, a symbol of life, love, and prosperity, this chalice has been blessed by Arminiea herself. May drinking of it bring you luck and happiness throughout your years together,” Ro’s baritone was slightly laced with restrained laughter, and he winked at the Dragon Emperor as the Chalice found its way into An’Thaya’s hand.
The Amazon herself was giggling slightly with mirth, and about ready to kill her brother for the interruption, but she was good and followed through on ceremony. Bringing the cup to her lips she drank then placed it in Callan’s hands.
For just a moment...and only a moment, Callan had felt somewhat foolish. He'd forgotten this part and would have gladly throttled Ro himself had there not been this large of a crowd. His own lips twitched with silent laughter as he lifted the Chalice and prayed to Flame and...well to Brighid, he wasn't about to ask for Xraden's help...that he didn't choke on the blessed wine. Gods, what kind of omen would that be?
Callan managed to swallow the mouthful of sweet wine and hand the Chalice back to Y'Roden with a brief nod and look that was intended to remind the King that there was yet one more part of this ceremony to be done.
Enkara, the black velvet wrapped around the crown in hand, stepped forward once more to stand beside Y'Roden at that moment.
It was time to complete the ritual...and crown an Empress.
Y’Roden was at the ready, drawing a small ceremonial dagger from his belt, the self same blade that B’Rodyn had used in the Ceremony that had made Arianne Badb Catha, Princess Arianne D’Riel.
The King of S’Hea paused for a moment, his eyes on Callan’s crown, only now realizing he had never seen in before. He looked about as confused as An’Thaya, who had been expecting only the closing statement that would name them husband and wife.
The Amazon met her brother’s gaze, curiosity in the depths of her eyes as she knelt before her King. With a reassuring smile, Y’Roden gently removed the headpiece that marked An’Thaya as a Princess of S’Hea and placed it on the altar. Bidding her to rise he gestured for her hand, which the redhead willing gave, trusting in him as her sibling turned it palm up and sliced the flesh along her lifeline.
Blood flowed freely from the wound, the scent of Aethyr lingering on the air as Y’Roden repeated the process on Callan’s palm, then joined the couples hands, mingling the crimson liquid. A mist of emerald and silvery black wisped about their fingers for a moment, then faded.
“As your blood joins as one, let our houses join as well.” The two were already allied, the blood bond between Y’Roden and Callan still holding, but it was a necessary part of the ceremony. Releasing his hold the half-elf stepped back, giving way to Enkara.
Black folds of fabric fell open, first one corner, "North, from which the Diirlathe receives respite from the Season of Death," Enkara arched an eyebrow at the curious bride then let another corner fall, "South, from which all rains come," another, "East, from which the twin moons Isis and Osiris rise," the final piece fell away, "West, where the Sun lays golden on the Sand Sea in its final hour." All four points of the compass were represented by the fall of inky velvet and within the center lay the match to the long lost band of adamantine that now sat on Callan's brow.
"Today the Emperor names his Empress to rule side by side with him, her hand shall stretch forth in any direction, and there at her fingers shall lay what is hers."
Enkara lifted the band from its nest of soft material, "Stretch out your hands, An'Thaya Blackthorn."
The soft velvet was placed in An'Thaya's small hands, "This is the Diirlathe. It is now as much yours as it is the Emperor's. We, the Priestesses of the Holy Flame, servants of Mother Brighid command you to Live with Pride, Die with Honor, Rule with Mercy, Fight with Strength and Love without Restraint. Such is the way of ruling the desert and the mountains that rise from it."
This particular ceremony had not been seen since the Nargus I ascended the throne. The Priestesses had hidden the crowns, fearing correctly that Nargus I would profane and pervert that which House Blackthorn had stood for through the first four empresses and two emperors before his rein. With the death of Nargus IV, Callan's sire, it was time to resurrect the honor Callan had fought so hard to restore.
"The Black Dragon Throne and the Royal House D'Riel have been allied for many a year through blood and battle, but today these two houses have been joined in love and passion."
Enkara gently pushed An'Thaya's flame red locks slightly back, then set the band on her brow, pleased that it fit as though made for her.
"I now name you Empress An'Thaya D'Riel of the Black Dragon Throne. From this moment on, you bow to no one..." An impish grin lit her face, "Especially not him..." Enkara muttered as her eyes cut to Callan. The messenger stepped back and as she did, as one, both the Silver and Black Guard turned to face forward, their booted feet making sharp clicks on the stone floor, then dropped to kneel before their Empress.
An’Thaya, now Empress An’Thaya, looked thunderstruck, and her eyes went rather wide as the entire guard knelt down before her. She exchanged a look with Callan that said she loved him, but she was going to beat the living hell out of him before the honeymoon for not warning her first.
Y’Roden stepped back up beside Enkara, trying not to grin as he winked at the Priestess of Flame. He was fairly sure he was on the Brides butt-kicking list, but it was worth it to see her utterly flabbergasted for once.
“By the power invested in me as King of S’Hea,” Ro’s baritone carried throughout the hall, “I now pronounce you man and wife. Dragon and wife? Callan, you may kiss your Bride. Ladies and gentleman, it is my honor to present to you their Imperial Majesties, The Black Dragon Emperor of the Diirlathe Callan Blackthorn and his Empress, An’Thaya D’Riel Blackthorn.”
Another crisp movement timed to perfection had the Royal Guard on their feet, their swords forming the arch once more
Topaz eyes laughed at his wife...Callan was hoping she WOULD beat the living hell out of him later...after all, that was how they'd met. A quick glance at Y'Roden and Enkara confirmed he could indeed kiss his bride without snorting a lungful of wine. Calloused fingers tangled in An'Thaya's hair as he lowered his head to first nuzzle her ear tenderly, then take a deep breath of her scent and let it flood his system, intoxicating him.
"Did I mention somewhere in all this that I love you, M'Arandii?" Callan muttered softly and before she could answer, kissed her deeply and thoroughly...and the gathered crowd be damned.
A minute passed… and then two…
If Y’Roden had been wearing a watch he would have been staring at it and tapping his foot. Finally, coughing and clearing his throat, he winked at Shady, and then addressed the crowd. “Ladies and Gentleman… I’m sure they will come up for air eventually. In the mean time, please join us for the reception in the dining hall. Out the door and … to your left.”
Indeed, several long minutes went by, but as Callan and An'Thaya had learned early about each other, they both had an amazing lung capacity...and the testing of it had nearly gotten them drowned once. Images of their most intimate moments together flooded his memory...and hers as he slowly brought the kiss to an end and lifted his head.
"Now about that beating the hell out of me?"
Callan caught her hand in his, his thumb rubbing the ring on her finger and began tugging her down the aisle...and they'd not cleared Daemonorel by two feet when the First Captain of the Black Guard swatted An'Thaya on the rear-end with the flat of his blade and grinned madly at her.
"Your wrath may be better spent on the Guard...I think the 'tradition' holds the bride gets smecked on the fanny by every single Captain of both Guards?"
Before she could make good on killing Daemon, Callan swept her up in his arms and carried his An'Thayaru down the aisle under the canopy of arched DragonSteele blades and into the Hall.
OOOOOhhhhh...she was going to kill him...and he was going to love every moment of it.
"Find your wife and come on, Glory...you can sit with us at the dinner table...I may need you to protect my weak side from your mother."
Shadow was being rather good, which meant she was sincerely resisting the urge to pull the dagger from her hair and goosing one of the royal newlyweds with it…after all, Glory and she couldn’t actually move until they did. Protocol stated that no one could move until then anyway…And then things were moving and she missed her chance.
The forest elf put her hands on her hips and watched the two go off with a grin on her face. She looked up at Ro, “Why do I have the feeling that I should say that it’s about damn time that happened?” And she wasn’t meaning the fact that they had finally come up for air.
An’Thaya was still pleasantly fuzzy headed and a tad weak kneed from that kiss when Callan tugged her down the aisle. Which was likely fortunate for Daemon, a tad addled she was a little slow to react, though the shriek of rage was telling.
However, the Amazon was hardly about to argue when she found herself swept up into her husband’s arms. Tay’s laughter was slightly on the evil side as she wrapped her arms around Callan’s neck and nuzzled at his ear, “I think,” she whispered, “you should consider finding a new First Captain. That one only has till just after the honeymoon to live.” Emerald eyes sparked with amusement, “on the other hand, my behind is smarting, which means you are going to have to kiss it better.”
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