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[Astedia] Family

Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 1:01 am
by Celeste Andaris
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1st Saun, 717

Sitting in front of her mirror, she looked at herself and gave a half smile. Whatever had she become? Celeste Andaris, Baroness of Astedia and first in line to House Andaris was marrying for love. It was the only explanation she had for the events which were about to transpire, for the man that she was to marry this trial, the one whose child grew within her was a Lord of House Krome.

In terms of political allegiances, she was positively slumming it.

Yet, that was not entirely true, Celeste knew. As she looked at Lin, her personal assistant, Celeste smiled but did not speak, simply considered that it would be too easy to underestimate Xander. Ala'ni, her adopted daughter came charging in and Celeste could not hide the smile on her face. Ala'ni looked beautiful in her white dress and head-dress of flowers.

"Celeste! Celeste look! Listen!" Ala'ni said and Celeste, Lin and Louisa, the mistress of the nursery who had walked in behind the little girl all turned, wide eyed. Ala'ni did not speak, not to anyone but Celeste, yet here she was, speaking out in front of the three of them. Celeste smiled and put her hand on the girl's cheek.

"Well, it's nice to see you. You look beautiful," Celeste said and Ala'ni beamed.

"Am I really walking with you?" The young girl asked and Celeste nodded.

"Yes. The flowers in your hair mean you are the most important person there."

Ala'ni beamed and looked at Celeste with a look of excitement, "you look beautiful. Xander always thinks it, but he'll think it two times this trial." Celeste chuckled. The dress was a far cry from what she had thought it would be, when she had envisioned this trial in the previous arcs, but it was right. It was right for her and it was right for them. Plus it rubbed Cassander Renault's nose in it, so even better.

Breathing in she looked at Lin, who nodded her head.

"Is it time?" Ala'ni asked and Celeste nodded, standing and letting Lin fuss. Then, holding on to Ala'ni's hand, Celeste made her way down to the small private beach where they were to married.

Walking with Ala'ni's hand in hers, Celeste came into view for those who were waiting. Lin had arranged it and scooted ahead, then given a signal. Having checked one last time that Ala'ni wanted to do this and was happy to, Celeste handed her the small bag in which was Xander's wedding ring. She and Ala'ni were both wearing white dresses, chosen by the little girl. Celeste's had a strapped white lacy top, elegant and unassuming, cool too in the Saun heat and the skirt was long and fell to the floor in waves of fabric. It wasn't embroidered, it wasn't over the top. It was elegant and simple in the extreme. She wore her hair loose and, in it there were tiny flowers. The slight bulge of her pregnancy was largely hidden by the waves of fabric in the skirt, but Celeste held tight to Ala'ni's hand and she searched out Xander Krome.

Damn him, she thought with a smile as her eyes met his. Unconcerned by the moment, Ala'ni let go of Celeste's hand and ran to Xander. The first words she'd ever spoken to him she said there, with all the confidence of a young child. "I told her you'd think she's beautiful two times, this trial. Do you? I got a new dress too!" She started to do a twirl, but stopped as soon as she saw the people assembled. Looking around, the cherub-looking little girl grabbed hold of Xander's hand and whispered, "Are all these people here to see us all become a family?" Suddenly overcome by shyness, she buried her face in Xander and waited with him for Celeste to join them, which she soon did.

[Astedia] Family

Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 9:57 am
by Xander Andaris
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He stood patiently, his mind somewhat hazy as he waited for his lover to come down to the beach. The guests had already arrived, sitting and standing where they were supposed too, them too waiting for the bride to arrive. He was more than nervous, his heart raced in his chest and his body was running what felt like a fever. However, that could just have been due to the two suns of Saun beating down on them. He remained as still as he could in an attempt to avoid perspiring, even in his simple and thin clothing it was a struggle to remain even vaguely cool.

So he stood, facing the point from which Celeste was supposed to come. His blue linen shirt sat flatteringly over his body, untucked though as it crossed over the top of his beige trousers. Simplistic was the way to describe his outfit, it was clearly well tailored and designed for him. Yet, it was most obviously not incredibly expensive and excessive. To finish off the outfit were a pair of brown shoes, comfortable and practical as he expected to be standing for a long while that trial.

Finally she approached and as he saw her he felt a wave of joy and excitement wash over him. He was almost stunned into silence as the stunning figure in white approached. The corners of his lips lifted into smile and as he saw the small ward beside Celeste he smiled again, this time to her as she ran over to him. Xander was caught of guard by the girls sudden onset confidence, speaking to him was a new accomplishment. "Oh, so you are talking to me now?" He teased and then leaned forward and smile to Ala'ni. "You were right, she is beautiful. As are you in that new dress." Suddenly she again became shy as she noticed the crowd around them and he chuckled. He raised her up onto his hip and held her there as she hid against him. "Don't worry about them, they are just here to watch." Xander remained facing Celeste as she walked down towards them, the girl in his arms as he smiled yet again at his bride.

As she arrived he lowered Ala'ni down to the ground again, and she returned to Celeste. She seemed to be hiding from the crowd with Celeste as the cover. So she stood before him and he before her, he was rarely speechless but at that moment he was happy just to take it all in.

"Are you ready?" His words were soft and warm, filled with love and happiness as he prepared for the ceremony to begin. His hand extended to her and his eyes seemed bluer than ever, happier than ever.

[Astedia] Family

Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2017 9:50 am
by Velaine Krome
Once she had left Celeste to continue with her preparations, Velaine had immediately headed back to her room and spent the better part of the break pacing in front of a mirror. It had been so long since she pretended to be Titania, the daughter her parents believed she was. From what she could tell after her talk with Xander, her parents had not changed much – in fact, they might just have taken a worse turn. Hopefully they would react to her the way she expected them.

Before she knew it, servant knocked on her door, announcing that Jersey and Sophia Krome would be arriving soon. No doubt they would expect her to wait on them, so Velaine set out to stand in front of the porch. Xander wasn’t wrong, their parents were nearly late when their carriage finally rolled in. Their house’s emblem, the lone wolf, was engraved on the door, reminding her that she had finally returned to reality.

Velaine took a deep breath and twisted her mouth into the most charming smile she could manage. She walked up to her mother first and embraced her tightly. “Mother! Father! Oh how I have missed you!” She pretended not to notice how Sophia pulled away a bit too quickly and turned to her father. It was difficult not to notice how their faces wrinkled as they smiled or the snowy white of their hair. “It’s been far too long!”

“My Titania, you’ve become even more beautiful after all these arcs. My, my how the noblemen of Rynmere will beg for your hand in marriage,” her father said as he reached for her face. Velaine knew how she looked in Jersey’s eyes. She was another bargaining chip to get whatever he wanted. In his mind, the baron probably thought he had succeeded in gaining power by marrying off Xander to an Andaris – probably not even realizing that his son would not support him – and now he needed to plan what to do with his daughter next.

The young woman pouted as she linked her arm with her mother’s. A servant recognized them and hurriedly guided them to the reception room. “How could you let me stay there for so long then? You promised me that I’ll return soon!”

“And my classes,” she whined, recalling every little lie she had ever fed her parents over the arcs – not that she believed that her parents would pay attention too such details. Still, it was better to be safe than sorry. “They’re so boring.”

Jersey simply grunted at her remark. As she spared her father another look, Velaine was sure that he had gained even more weight. “It’s fortunate that we sent you to study. I don’t need a foolish girl taking your brother’s place.”

Velaine hid her scowl behind an innocent smile. “Of course, father. I’ll try not to let you down.”

“I see the dress I picked fits you well,” Sophia claimed proudly as she scanned her daughter up and down. “This will be the first time you appear back in our society and I wanted to make sure you get all the attention you deserve.” Her mother then continued her rambling by pointing out eligible bachelors as they made their way to their places. Velaine faked her excitement with ease, asking each of the man’s title or pointing out if the men were unattractive.

Fortunately, she did not have to bother herself with the small talk for too long. A hush fell over the room as her eyes sought her brother. Xander was handsomely clad in a suit, perhaps looking nobler than she had ever seen him before. A pretty child made her way to him and though she could not hear their conversation, she could tell that Xander cared for the child. Celeste soon came up to them, beautiful and graceful in every way.

They were lucky, both of them. So so lucky.

[Astedia] Family

Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2017 11:52 am
by Tristan Venora
Tristan had been invited to a wedding. Normally he loved going to weddings because you got free food and drinks, and there was a lot of dancing, but this wedding … this wedding was going to be really weird. The bride and the groom had informed their guests that they didn’t want any gifts. Instead they were supposed to donate money to charity. They had been told not to buy any new clothes, and apparently there would be no feast either. What kind of wedding was that?

He briefly considered bringing a gift anyway because it wouldn’t be a proper wedding without gifts, but then he realized that alienating the heirs to House Andaris and House Krome (although Xander would lose his claim once the ceremony was over) would not be a good idea. He was in a precarious position. His new subjects didn’t like him very much, and he needed allies. So he got a bag full of nels instead. Maybe he would even auction one of his sculptures and then donate the money to Celeste’s and Xander’s favourite charity.

But by Ilaren, he hoped that he would at least get something to drink!

Celeste and Xander had requested that their guests dress in simple clothes. That was a request that Tristan couldn’t comply with – because he didn’t own any simple clothes. The simplest articles of clothing that he owned were a very expensive suit made of dark wool and a silk shirt. So he was wearing that, and he had also put a pair of fine leather shoes on – that he was tempted to just take off again the moment he arrived at the beach, Iemes, one of Sintih’s men in tow, and went where he was supposed to go while Iemes did whatever servants, bodyguards and such did during a wedding.

While he waited for the ceremony to begin, Tristan took a look around. There were a lot of guests there. Had they all agreed to donate to charity as well? Some of those charities were going to get really rich! What did Cassander think of this very unusual wedding by the way? He looked around to see if he could spot his friend – it had been a while since they had talked - but then the bride finally arrived, and he turned around again. His entire attention was on her now. All of a sudden the wedding didn’t seem so weird and pointless to him anymore.

The couple looked as if they were in love which was a rare occurrence among nobles.

Celeste was beautiful, he had to admit that, although he usually preferred redheads (apart from Faith because Faith was special). She also didn’t look anything like her brother Peake, one of his favourite ‘victims’. He didn’t know Xander and her very well – he had only seen them on occasion – so he had been surprised when the couple had asked him to be one of the witnesses.

Maybe it was because of his recent promotion to duke? He thought about that briefly, and then he decided that it didn’t matter and went back to watching Celeste and Xander again.

[Astedia] Family

Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2017 8:59 am
by Alistair
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He was tired. The mage had spent a great deal of time awake this trial, and had arrived here from the world away, zipping across continents with the usage of his telescope-like magical construct, the Sundial. He'd taught students of the need for medicine in Gauthrel, he'd spoken to Finn about his future and the possibility of adoption, he'd been initiated as a Hound of the Jegers... and he'd even begun his first step into mutagenaic amniotic therapy.

Alistair was tired, yes - though equally, he was an enduring man, sending all of the fatigue to the fringes of his body while his mind calmed and relaxed, utilizing what sliver left of energy he had by stretching it a mile long. The mage would last, at least for this moment. Xander had been anticipating his wedding to Celeste for some time, and finally the day had become realized. He determined not to push it forward in an attempt to gather more traction in Krome - instead, his focus would avert towards Andaris, in finality.

This was, for Alistair and their alliance, quite probably a good thing. He made a strong decision, and in all likelihood it was the right one. Now came the very public, very taunting realization of that declaration.

The wedding was not quite a pauper's affair, but it wasn't of the same level of extravagance anyone was used to in their social and economic caste. Alistair had come wearing silk brocade and, a padded white attire and golden embroidered lining... fanciful attire as expected of a Venora, but he was one in few to wear an outfit with such exceptional prestige. Others were stripped down to less, some even wearing outfits as simple as cloth and linen. The noble did not care, however - whilst the wedding did not have a particular reputation to uphold, he did, as an exemplar of Venora's exceptional taste.

There was another, however, that carried that role to a lesser degree. Tristan. The mage made his way over to his regal cousin, seeing him in the flesh for the very first time since he'd become Duke of Oakleigh. The mage smiled brightly at witnessing his relative, opening his arms to take the Duke into a firm hug, if he'd allow it.

"Tristan," he called out, grinning. "You look positively handsome, my friend. Politics haven't decayed you after all - a fortitude few possess," he stated, laughing lightly beneath his breath. "I'd like to thank you in person for agreeing to help me in my... legal endeavors against the Duke and Duchess," he pointed out. "Your help would be invaluable, and... I thank you," the man stated, bowing lightly to his cousin, a sign of respect and gratitude.

Glancing outward, his eyes looked toward the bride. This wedding was clearly a political stunt, a message to the Crown. Was it a contained message, though? Or did it lay an assault to the decadence of all nobles, in general? He did not know if their political approach to this was a positive thing. It was difficult to measure. Regardless, Celeste and Xander were fearless individuals, and despite his uncertainty regarding their methods... he was pleased to see them make such an assertive statement.

[Astedia] Family

Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2017 5:46 pm
by Andráska Venora
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Common Xanthea Rakahi Draketh
An armorsmith had traveled to meet him and revealed the leather pieces, buzzing with excitement as he watched the nobleman's face. Andraska had been waiting anxiously, looking to the door as he mentally calculated the time it would take to get to the wedding. As the older man slide the fabric away, his breath caught and a laugh bubbled from his throat.

"Wow," he breathed, circling the mannequin and looking up at the craftsman, "This is..."

"One of my best pieces, my lord."

An eagerness flushed him and Andras retrieved the heavy bag of gold, paying the rest of the debt along with a nice tip. The moment the coins left his hands, the Baron reached out to touch the masterwork craftsmanship, catching a new detail every time he looked at it, and with no warning, began to get dressed. There was no time to waste.

The armorsmith's eyes widened, and with a few words of confusion dying on his lips, quickly scrambled to help the man. It fit like a glove, perfectly tailored for him and him alone, and Andras was pleased to find out how light it felt - and how fast he could move in it. While his Ouroboros plate metal had protected him from a terrible crushing, leather allowed agile movements and quick strikes. He had missed the way it felt.

In fact, it was one of the reasons he had wanted it made for Celeste's wedding day; She had been victim to multiple attacks, and he would be damned if she didn't have royal security detail on her big day. So while the dress code begged for simplicity, this would be the best he could do. Surely she would understand.

The moment he was dressed in his new garb, he took a deep bow of gratitude and smacked the man on the arm affectionately, "The best armorsmith I've ever met." And with that, he exchanged a few pleasantries and left quickly, reaching for the reigns of his horse.
***
Andraska rode like the devil was on his heels, shouting for people to get out of the street, as he headed for the coast. He hadn't realized how much time had passed and knew it would only be a matter of time before things got started. He cursed under his breath, never having been to a wedding - or, at least one he could remember, and felt his sword smack into his back roughly with every thundering of the stallion's hooves.

Bits of sand was beginning to scatter amongst the cobblestone and he saw he was close. He veered down the path to Aestedia's beach, mountains of grit exploding as he raced away from the throws of civilization to a more peaceful scenery. Further and further down the coast, he rode, until he spotted the simplistic, serene set up. He slowed then, allowing his animal to rest and patted the horse on the neck before he dismounted. He could feel the warmth in his leg muscles, but there was no pain or discomfort when he made his way to the group, tying the horse up so it wouldn't be a bother.

It was a lovely affair - simple, but well done. He smiled, but it faded as he noticed his brother. Andras hesitated and then changed his course when he spotted Tristan, perking up slightly when he settled in a seat in the back. He wanted to converse with his cousin, to see how he had been since his time in Oakleigh, but decided against it. This day wasn't about him - and for now, he would wait.

In the meantime, his green eyes roamed the venue, stopping on a number of unfamiliar faces. He noticed a little girl in the aisle and arched a brow. Could it be the famed adopted daughter of Celeste? His future musical prodigy?
An amusing thought and he knew if she was anything like her mother, the girl would be full of surprises. Of course, there was Xander, whom Andras was already familiar with and he lost his attention quickly. What didn't, however,
was the wolf's parents who had apparently decided to attend. Was Xander allowing his father to be here? He frowned and crossed his arms as he watched the fattened figure, only looking away when Sophia Krome turned and looked in his direction. She was whispering into another female's ear, who Andras had yet to identify. Whoever it was was young, with long dark hair, perhaps a niece? Or-

A hush fell over the attendees like a calming wave. Andras turned, mouth opening slightly as he saw Celeste walking forward. He gave barely a small wave and a quick wink for good luck as she stepped forward to her future. Denied a wedding seasons ago, Celeste had gone into hiding. Now, she was getting the celebration she always wanted - and the husband she deserved.

Finally, a happy ending.

[Astedia] Family

Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2017 4:35 am
by Basilisk
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When Xander, Celeste, and Ala'ni all arrived at the beach, the conductor of the ceremony, an old priest of the Rynalist religion, was there waiting for them. Once the radiant couple was in position and all the guests had arrived, the old priest called the assemblage to order, his voice carrying the authority of his religious station despite his age. Among the guests were many of high station, the lords and ladies, dukes and duchess's of the realms. However, the highest ranked guests were King Cassander Renault and future Queen Emerson Sands, the former of whom seemed to be trying to contain his emotions, though traces of resignation, irritation, and amusement all flitted across his face.

Once everyone had calmed down, he smiled handed Xander and Celeste a lit torch, stepping aside so that the couple may burn the small boat on the beach, the traditional beginning of the Rynmere wedding ceremony. It was clear that, despite some of the couples changes to the ceremonial status quo, the most important parts of the ceremony would still be taking place, a fact that caused muffled sighs of relief from among the die-hard traditionalists and fundamentalists among the crowd.

After the couple had set the little boat ablaze, signaling the beginning of the ceremony, all in the crowd, no matter the rank, fell silent. "People of Rynmere, descendants of the Sacred Seven, we are gathered here today to bear witness to the sacred union of Xander Krome and Celeste Andaris." he said, his voice neither quavering nor hesitant, firm and steadfast in his delivery of the speech that would bind the two nobles together.

"Xander Krome, Celeste Andaris, as you two travel the bounds of love, may you bring honor to each other, and may you grow in your knowledge of each other. May you live in all justice and mercy, that war never be brought to the household, so that your lives may know peace and prosperity, and that only death itself will ever separate you." The old priests benediction carried a weight to it, as if the holy ancestors of the two who were to be married were giving their own blessing to wedding.

"Xander Krome, Celeste Andaris. Say now unto each other the vows you have chosen, the vows that will forever bind the two of you together in sacred matrimony."

[Astedia] Family

Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2017 5:49 pm
by Celeste Andaris
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"No," she whispered in reply when he asked if she was ready. She was teasing him, though and her brown eyes shone with emotion. She held on to Ala'ni and she looked at Xander. Only him, in fairness, she was not concerned with the guests or the others present, just the little girl who held her hand and the man in front of her who was about to be her husband. Celeste knew that the others were there, yet she couldn't think about them.

As she had walked her way to him, though, she had spotted people. Andraska's familiar eyes had met hers and Celeste smiled at him. Her smile was radiant and she could no more hide her joy than she could her sorrow from the man who was her friend. She saw others, family, other nobles and some she did not recognise. The King and Emerson Sands were there and Celeste had to admit that she was somewhat surprised. They had shown up and yet they had not replied to the letter Xander and Celeste had sent. Frankly, they were the least important guests there as far as she was concerned. Andraska, Verlaine, even Alistair were more important to her than Cassander Renault and Emerson Sands.

Today, of all trials, she would not let them spoil anything.

She looked at Xander as she and he set fire to the boat. Her brown eyes were entirely on him as she whispered, just for his ears. "I love you. Are you alright?" She hoped that his parents had been difficult with him this morning, she wouldn't put anything past them. Once this ceremony was done, they would have no ability to say or do anything to upset him further. They had no place in his life and she was determined that the man who had tried to assault her would have no part in the lives of her children. Looking at Xander, she wondered how it was that such a vile man had brought about such a man as the man she had called in love with.Her smile was just for him as they moved back and then the Rynlist priest spoke.

Vows. Promises. It was time for those and Celeste breathed in. Ala'ni tugged her hand and smiled at her, encouragingly. Celeste had not known what she would say until this moment. She knew that it would come in this moment, she knew that she would say what she needed to say and so, Celeste spoke her vows, unfiltered and straight from her heart.

"My vow to you, Xander Krome is to love and support you as you serve, protect and work for me, our family and all the people of Andaris,Krome and Rynmere. For all our lives and all the people, I am proud to be marrying the man I love and loving the man I am to marry."

She looked at him quizzically, obviously wondering if her words were acceptable.

[Astedia] Family

Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2017 6:32 pm
by Xander Andaris
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He too scanned the audience briefly, his friend and ally Alistair was there. Much to Xander's disappointment the Venoran had not followed the dress code, showing up to a large extent overdressed. It appeared the Baron would not let down his appearance even for one of his closest friends. Apparently it ran in the family though as Tristan, cousin of Ali and newly appointed Duke of Oakleigh, was also wearing finer clothes than Xander had imagined. As for Andráska's clothes, Xander was unsure what to make of them, as a fighter he admired the craftsmanship of the leather armour, however, as a host he was somewhat confused as to why it was necessary. It was unusual to him to find that the Venoran's were not good at following a suggested dress code.

Xander tried not to let it bother him, this was his wedding and he would be damned if he was going to let some clothes ruin it. He was also somewhat taken by surprise at the presence of the King and future Queen of Rynmere, he had not expected them to really come. Still there presence for him was not unwelcome it presented certain possible opportunities, should he wish to act on anything.

Finally the ceremony was started and the boat to be burnt. Xander looked upon the small vessel, unsure what it was truly supposed to signify. Strangely a somewhat sombre expression sneaked into his features as he considered it, a sort of look of brief and momentary loss as they lit the boat a light.

Perhaps this was him finally accepting it, the boat a metaphor for his old life and his name. His plans and the name Krome being burnt in the fire of a dragon as they sail away into the past, lost in time. Still the look was so brief and the sadness passed in militrills. He trusted her though with his life and so as Celeste asked him the question he did not need to lie. "I love you too. I am happy, happier than ever to be with you, but, this makes me strangely sad." He took her hand though, holding it firmly to show he was still sure of this whole event. "The future awaits us my dragon." He smiled and they returned to the Rynlist priest.

As Celeste spoke her vows he smiled, looking into her eyes, his blue hues searching her brown. He understood her vows and for someone who knew of their plans it made more sense. He appreciated them even though they were entirely unnecessary, he knew it without her saying it. Although she had not thought much of hers Xander was, surprisingly, quite the contrary. He had been up at night recently, sometimes due to nightmares and other times because of work but he had been up and his mind had wandered to this.

"My dearest Celeste, there is so much I could vow to you, so much I could offer as a promise but mine is simple. I vow to be honest to you from this day until my last. I will never lie to you, never keep secrets from you and never leave you uninformed." He smiled softly, thinking of the many other things he could promise her, his protection, his support in all endeavours and his love but he had already done all those things. In making this vow he was giving her access now to all of him, allowing her reach into the most dark and also light parts of his life. Ethelynda knew he would protect her and their future children with his life, she had given him the power to protect all he wished to do so and he would make sure that he did when the time came.

Quickly before the priest spoke again Xander added a low warm and soft sentence that only they and the priest would be able to truly hear."I will never stop loving you."

[Astedia] Family

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 5:38 am
by Tristan Venora
Both of Tristan’s cousins were there. Andráska looked quite impressive in his new armor, and Alistair was unusually friendly and helpful. And then there were King Cassander and the Empress. He hadn’t been sure if his friend would come. The young monarch looked just as confused as he had been, Tristan noticed. Was he also wondering what else Celeste and Xander were going to change? Would any part of their wedding be like a normal noble wedding?

Apparently the ceremony itself was going to stay the same, judging by what the priest did next. As the man handed the young couple a lit torch, he could actually hear some of the nobles that stood next to him breathe a sigh of relief. Tristan on the other hand was almost disappointed even though he had disapproved of the lack of expensive clothes and the lack of a feast. He had kind of hoped that they would take things just a little bit further.

Why stop halfway through?

As the priest spoke, Tristan couldn’t help but lose himself in the moment and wonder if he would ever stand on a beach like that and look into the eyes of the woman that he loved. When he had been younger, he had vowed never to get married, but then he had met Faith and Ilaren and changed his mind. If he asked the Immortal of Alcohol to marry him, would she say yes? He really needed to visit Rharne sometimes and find out!

He was so lost in thought that he almost didn’t notice how Celeste and Xander said their vows. They weren’t particularly creative, but they seemed to be sincere, and that was more important than a literary masterpiece. Was that little girl next to Celeste the adopted daughter he had heard about by the way? Maybe he could invite her to play with Ayla sometimes!

Was he supposed to step forward now? While Tristan had occasionally attended a wedding, he had never been a witness, so he made a step towards the couple and looked at the priest for confirmation before he walked to where he was supposed to be.