laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

After two weeks of rest and preparations for the big day, Kailee followed the ladies into the cathedral whose high ceilings echoed the hushed voices of other guests and family. High, bullet shaped windows rose on either side, decorated with scenes from the history of the church as well as the heroes who helped build it. Sunlight from the mid-morning sky filtered down into the stone interior and on the long wooden benches all facing the growing crowd at the front.

“He looks nervous,” Adgertesse’ mentioned as she motioned to Allaster standing beside Lericanin as they spoke to Allaster’s parents.

“He’ll be alright. He’s been waiting for this day for a long time,” Kailee smiled underneath her green velvet scarf. “I’m happy for them.”

“Me too. It’s just weird knowing everyone’s going to be settling down and raising families instead of galavanting across the kingdom.”

“Don’t worry, we won’t be bored,” her glowing white eyes glanced to her dark elven friend, now well dressed in a long, golden dress which Selyria helped pick out. Kailee had to keep to her new set of clothes which were suitable enough for the occasion. Perhaps in time she could have some other varities made.
Once they sat with the rest of the core group, she watched the foyer behind them as guests arrived. Queen Eirianwen, her husband and eight of her children walked in with Selyria’s father. King Jilahd, his wife Anna and Bhatar entered and she eyed the titan in amazement as he had used magic to miniaturize himself to become man-sized, his pipe still hanging from his mouth the key identifier. Elsea arrived with her brother, King Ansham and his wife as well as Lady Nyrellia and her entourage. Thurgen, Rupert and their family led three of the dwarves from the Black Anvil Clan that the group had taken the blood oaths with, loudly proclaiming their appearance as they walked to their seats. Her grandparents and Allaster’s aunt and uncle walked in just as Lynmirri entered, her robes of Elminoir shining in the dim light.
She sat and watched as the ceremony joined the two childhood lovers and a celebration rose into the air as they turned and were announced as husband and wife. Kailee smiled proudly as they walked the center aisle and were then congratulated by everyone who then rode to the baron’s palace. Nyrellia had arranged for the reception to take place in the great hall which was the largest place such an event could be held.

After a few dances and the main course was served, Kailee mentally contacted Lericanin. ‘Isn’t there supposed to be a toast?’

He chuckled and then reluctantly stood, gaining everyone’s attention. “I’d like to toast to the newlyweds. Allaster and I have become good friends over the years, meeting for the first time here eight years ago and when he asked me to be his best man, I was more than honored. As I’ve gotten the opportunity to know Lady Lina, I have to say that she’s garnered my respect and friendship. I just wish the best for both of you and may Arhus bless you with long lives together,” he raised his goblet as everyone in the large room drank in agreement.

Kailee was led to the dance floor after the dinner by the elven king. Honored, she quietly stepped and dipped in time with him and soon noticed Lericanin dancing with Nyrellia. Happily, she admired the moment which had been a long time in coming also. A dream realized, she hoped it would last longer than today. Eventually, she noticed the right time had come to speak her mind also and perhaps send everyone off with a thought to ponder. She stood and walked to the center of the dance floor which centered the long tables.

“I’d like to have everyone’s attention for a moment, if you please,” she announced as the occupants soon turned to her. “I don’t wish in any way to take from today,” she glanced to Allaster and Lina. “But, I couldn’t help but notice how today’s events mirrored the world’s situation. Almost nine years ago a group of four left Purbeck with modest dreams of adventure, not truly knowing where that road would lead them,” her arms outstretched to everyone. “Look around you and notice how large that group’s become.” That said, she moved back to Adgertesse’ and sat down as the quiet room slowly was filled with murmurs followed by music.

As she sat, the approach of Queen Eirianwen prompted her to stand with Tess and face the elven guide who had given her much insights into herself as well as possible reasons for her uniqueness.

“I wanted to thank you for including us in that number. I know I didn’t fight alongside you and your friends. I had very little to do with your destiny but, you’re right, we’re all in this together and had each done our own parts to bring this victory to fruition,” she smiled. “Had we remained divided, his victory would’ve been complete and devastating. Everyone agrees to that, even the dwarves.”

“You gave more than you know, your Highness. For my part, acceptance for who and what I am. I know it hasn’t been easy for you to face the criticism that I’m sure erupted after word got out of my first visit in your palace. If I can help open their eyes on your behalf, just ask.”

A long slender hand touched Kailee’s forearm. “You need not worry about me. Once I explained things to my nobles they accepted my judgements on who I invite to my home. Had I any doubts about either of you,” she glanced to Tess beside her, “then we never would’ve met in the first place.”

* * *

Once guests filtered out for the afternoon, the core group remained in the great hall and enjoyed one another’s company. Allaster and Lina had disappeared some time before and no one argued. They all sat around one table and rested as they reminisced of past adventures as Kailee felt the emotions beyond the closed chapel door behind them. Concentrating, she felt Lericanin and Nyrellia emptying their hearts to one another.

“...has been a dream of mine since that day at the pond and I guess that patience has brought us to this moment,” Lericanin began as she felt him take a knee. Nyrellia’s heart broke and Kailee’s eyes glistened. “Please marry me,” he asked as the baroness answered a heart felt ‘yes’ almost immediately.
She allowed them their moment as Selyria turned to her.

“You alright,” the archmage asked as Kailee glanced up to her.

“You were right, there may be two weddings today,” she smiled. “Lericanin just proposed to Nyrellia and she said yes.”

Everyone at the table eyed them at the news. “Really,” Sceva broadly smiled. “That’s great.”

Soon, the new couple emerged from the chapel as the large oak door opened and the group turned and clapped. Confusedly, Lericanin eyed them.

“What’s going on,” he inquired.

“Congratulations. Kailee told us you two are going to marry,” Sceva mentioned as their large captain turned to her.

“Couldn’t allow me to announce it myself, huh,” he grinned.

“Sorry,” Kailee grinned as she shrugged. “Hard to hide things from a mentalist.”