The wedding reception of Islandbabe and Malion

Chandrea slipped into the reception hall, brushing the sawdust and curls of wood from her hair. She cursed gently under her breath, "Why didn't I pay better attention to the time? Why was I working on that stupid boat for so long?" She sighed and as she looked around the room at all the beauty, she could see that her clothes are a bit rougher than the gowns on the other women in the room. Ducking behind one of the other guests, Chandrea tried to make her way over to the wall where she can observe everyone, hopefully without being observed herself.

Mfe winces as he realizes Malion had seen him eating cake. He quickly gulps down the rest of it before wiping off his mouth and making sure his clothes are clean. He looked about the room as he walked to his chair, spotting a very familiar figure from his hometown. He stands behind his chair and calls for attention by rapping his spoon against his glass. The glass shatters in his hands as he rapped a little too hard. He looks about to see if anyone had seen him break the glass, then realizes that he had been calling for attention when he had broken the glass so therefore everyone had seen him break it. He laughs as he sets what was left of the glass on an empty tray, Sorry to whoever these belong too. They're good at getting people's attention. Mumbles under his breath, I have got to lay off of the push-ups.

Mfe composes himself and clears his throat, finding the words to say. Today we witnessed one of the greatest events in life, the joining together of a man and a woman in holy matrimony. I have the great honor of being able to call both of these wonderful people friends. Mfe laughs and winks at Babe, You might even call me a matchmaker. Kidding, just kidding. Anyways, we are now here to celebrate their marriage. So eat, drink, and be merry………for tomorrow we may die! Oops wrong speech. Eat, drink and be merry even though we probably won’t die tomorrow. He finds a full glass of ale and raises it into the air. A toast to the happy couple! May their days be long and full of happiness.

He claps Malion on his back and then hugs Babe. Congratulations to both of you. I brought some gifts for you two. He hands a small box to Babe, This is a necklace I had made for you from the best silversmith in England. It is made of two hearts linked together; if you destroy one of the hearts the necklace is worthless. This is to remind you both that you need each other. The hearts represent you two. In marriage two hearts are linked together for life, they become one. If one of these hearts is destroyed, the marriage is destroyed. You have both vowed to love each other through sickness and health, hardships and good times, and many other things. This necklace is also to remind you of your vows.

He turns to Malion and hands him a sheathed knife, this is a knife I have carried in my travels for many years. With it I have protected myself from danger. I am giving it to you to remind you of your duty to Babe. You are her protector; you must be willing to protect her no matter what the cost.

Mfe laughs, All right, enough with the serious stuff. You two don’t stay around too long. I know you must be dying to get some alone time. I’ll handle the mob….I mean people….whenever you want to leave. He hugs them both before walking over to the figure he had spotted earlier. Hey Chandrea, I see you brought some decorations. Though I’m not sure wood shavings is exactly what they had in mind.

Chandrea slipped along the wall until she ran into...another wall. Figuring the corner would be the best place to hide and watch everyone else, she snuggled herself so far into the corner she was practically flat against the wall. Everyone looked like they were having fun, which was a good sign at a wedding. She was just getting comfortable, ready to spend the rest of the reception right there, when she heard someone tapping on a glass. She looked around for the person demanding their attention, but couldn't see anyone tapping on a glass. Then she heard it shatter, and a familar voice began to speak. Mfe was here! After thinking about it for a moment, Chandrea realized that of course he was here, Malion was one of his good friends. As she looked the direction everyone else was looking, she unconsiously moved away from her corner. She didn't notice she had strayed until Mfe was finished speaking, when everyone went back to dancing and enjoying themselves. Turning back to her corner, she was about to slip back when she heard the voice of her friend much closer than before. She turned back a bit sheepishly, trying to hide it, "I don't know what you're talking about...Good to see you, though. Nice speech."

With the music purring in her ears only other sound could be of her heart beating steadily faster…

Thump… Thump… Thump… Thump Thump Thump THUMP THUMP THUMP

As their bodies moved so fluently and masterly matched her eyes shown her building affection for this man. His restraint proving to be beyond her wildest imagination. His self control unmatched by any man she had ever previously met. An his knowledge impeccable even to her own. He was her yang and was already beginning to have a calming effect over her entire self.

Not all of her though not yet. Ever so often as he led her around she would make a slightly large encircling of her hips to add some flair to their movements.

Mfe laughs, Right, you don't know anything about these? He points at some shavings she missed. Anyways, it's good to see you too. Especially since this doesn't involve any push-ups. Thank you for the complement, I try to spice up my speech's when I can.

Heinrich grinned as he saw Marz’s stunning smile. The movement of her hips made his knees weak, but he kept his composure… Perhaps nobody would notice his wobbliness?

The two continued to slowly dance across the ballroom, oblivious to everything around them. While in the middle of the dance, he speaks to her…

I have had a wonderful time so far this evening, my Lady. I am glad that I decided to come…

He continues to leisurely lead her through the dance, swaying back and forth to the music.

His grin cut straight threw her as her eyes fell slightly almost turning a slight shade of rose. She herself hadn’t notice his legs wobble. His strength apparently unbreakable with in her eyes. With her eyes softly gazing on him. Burning with the air around them a near tear of love forming, but quickly dismissed she smiled oblivious to time. Hoping for this merest of moments that this night would never end. As he spoke her heart fluttered nearly out of her chest.

Stepping with a twist and flaring her gown with a simple kick of her leg. Some would say likely show boating, but simply she was releasing her excitement from the moment. “Aye I am happy too.” with a grin she knew then. They were meant for more as the continued to spin and whirl around the floor hardly had she noticed that the music had long changed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaXuyGSd_vw

As the song broke finally into her deaf ears she let out a chuckle, and began lightly singing the words to Hein as his warm grip on her melted her every defense. With this man any thing would be possible, at least this is how she had been feeling at this moment the moment of pure innocents that he gave her again.

Lerendus stood outside the reception hall. He had a present for the newlywed, but he did not know if he was invited. He did not know if he was welcome. So he stood in the doorway uncertain if he should enter, reluctant to leave. He looked down at his present. Certainly it was worth nothing compared to what others had to give. Paused a moment, slowly knelt and laid gently on the floor a single white rose


attached to it a crumpled spare piece of parchment upon which he had written

Quote :

May your happiness be forever

He stood up slowly. A slight pain. The old wounds from Cornwall never quite healed. He turned and looked at the stars. Wandered how many times he had stood alone under a night sky with the stars winking down at him. He began to count them, lost count. Tried again, lost his place in the sky. Gave it another shot, got to 78 and gave up.

A change in the music. He glanced inside. They all looked so happy. Why couldn't he be happy? He had been happy once, but things happened, circumstances changed. Not quite what he had planned. Not quite able to accept them. Realized too late, the truth...too late. But they said it's never too late.
They lied.

It used to be simple. He went where they told him to go, killed who they told him to kill. His was not to question why, just to do or die. Twelve years a soldier, since he was fourteen, when he ran from his grandmother's care in Sussex to Cornwall. Multitudes of patrols, dozens of revolts, two campaigns and never seen combat. He wondered if it was as glorious as all the songs and poems. Found it hard to see glory in the slaughter of a fellow man. It was not our fight. We didn't start it, we didn't want it. But they said it was for the people, for England, so we went. Funny thing to be thinking. Unpatriotic. A pacifist soldier. He smiled. A poor combination. He sat down unconsciously against a wall. The party continued on inside. So he sat alone in the dark looking up at the stars with these things in mind, happy for the newlywed, a smile for those celebrating the union. And in the cool night breeze he dozed off to sleep.

Someone pulling at his arm. Lerendus opened his eyes, came awake slowly. Saw Islandbabe tugging on his arm excitedly. His instincts screamed something was wrong. Words became slowly coherent. Nothing was wrong. She was excited and happy. Good. He rose slowly to his feet, favored one leg over another. Some pain, but not bad. He looked past Islandbabe and glanced inside. A flash of red and he knew it was her. A spasm in his chest, passed a breathless moment, and stared at the ground. He looked at Islandbabe, saw the delight in her face. Couldn't bear to ruin her joy, but was reluctant to join them. He looked at himself and found an excuse, "But I'm not properly dressed."

Trisalene notices the bride sweep toward the entrance. Her curiosity peaks and she slowly stands and wanders over to see where she has gone. Standing with a still watchfulness in the doorway, peering out, she sees Babe talking to a familiar figure outside and smiles to herself. Noticing his hesitance, Tris shifts her dress and walks out slowly into the open air.

"Lerendus!"

Her voice rings out into the night, and she recoils slightly at its volume... "Welcome my friend... you're late!" lowering it as she walks out toward them carefully, she wobbles slightly on her heels on the stone path and curses lowly under her breath, blushes, and hurries over the rest of the way.

Coming to stand before them, still flushed, she smiles warmly to Lerendus. "Won't you join us inside?" She glances to Babe and then looks above at the blanket of stars. "Oh but I must say it is a lovely night tonight..... I don't blame you for lingering out here." She breathes in the air fully, a gentle breeze coming to move the dark curls about her face and smiles. She then glances at the single white rose that Babe holds delicately in her hand. "My isn't that beautiful... a gift of nature's loveliness... little can compare to that."

Tris looks to Leren, hesitating slightly. "Why don't you esport the bride back inside hmm? I'll make sure she doesn't trip on the the way in." She looks and winks to Babe, then moves to help her shift the flowing fabric of her exquisite dress.

Spinning around and around the floor with Hein laughter quickly bubbling up in her lips. This purest of moments with one who had grown so quickly to mean so much to her seemed never ending. Although she was truly happy about it. The joy they felt together only kept multiplying to an end she couldn’t even count to.

Growing slightly tired now she turned her head laying it on his shoulder. Blinking slowly with opening eyes noting a disturbance at the door. It was him being his usual shyness at gatherings. A slight smile curled again as the familiar returned. With a soft chuckle she raised two fingers from her hand to wave to him. Hoping he would realize he was welcomed here as well. True the thought in the back of her mind brought worry, but he deserved to have fun and enjoy friends as well. Hopefully he would be able to once again learn to be friends with her again.

Returning her eyes to closed she just listened to Heinrich’s breaths filling and emptying his chest. Her own heart now calming to the comfort now shared. Her fingers now curl back over his hand as she enjoys the moment of solitude with Hein, and the celebration for her friends.

Heinrich slowly danced around the ballroom with Lady Marzena, trying to tame the broad smile on his face and the burning in his heart while her head lay softly on his shoulder. His jaw already ached from the large amount of grinning that he had experienced while being with her throughout the evening, but still he could not quell his heart’s happiness and the beam stayed on his face.

As they danced he noticed her face turn towards the entrance and her small wave, looking at the quiet man who was sitting in the hall. He smiles, knowing who it is, and lifts her head up, looking into her eyes…

Why don’t we go invite him in, my lady? He doesn’t need to stay out there.

Looking to Hein as he lifted her head. The tiredness showing slightly in her eyes. Taking in a very deep breath she fills her lungs. Rejuvinating her energy slightly. Nodding to him, "Yes let's go invite him in."

Marzy follows Hein over to Lerendus smiling at Lerendus. "Well hello there... Come in and have some wine, Ler. Enjoy the music and eat some cake." a small grins as she recalls a piece of her history. She stands with her arm wrapped in Hein's while picking up a passing glass of wine from some strange tray. She hadn't noted, so didn't mind.

Heinrich bows to Lerendus…

It is a pleasure to see you again, sir. Please, come in and enjoy yourself! No need to sit out here alone when all of the food and drink are in there!

He laughs as he opens the ballroom door for Lady Marzena and Lerendus, motioning with his hand for them both to enter…

Lerendus smiled. A real smile. The invitations, he hadn't expected them. He had half expected them to hate him. There was a whirl of emotions, a tightness in his chest . He lowered his face, hid it from them. Passed a short moment alone, in the company of solitude. Withdrew within himself, cried to himself in silence. "My friend..." They considered you their friend. Why? What have you done for them? Why would they stoop for someone like you? Because they know everyone needs to feel accepted...even you. He looked up at all the bright faces, and there she was, inviting him in. How could she after everything he's done, after everything he's said? He began to step backwards, moving away from her. He looked at the man she was with. Clean, calm, polite. Everything he wasn't. Stopped. He glanced inside. They all looked so happy. He wanted what they had. He wanted to be happy. Looked at each one of them, and stepped forward, over the threshold. The music washed over him. And it felt good to finally belong, somewhere, even if he didn't know where "somewhere" was.

Marzy smiled going back into the ball room. Seeing people laughing and chattering all over with in. Placing the glass softly on her lip she began to slowly draw in the fluid. Letting it roll down the back of her throat, as it eventually went into her gut.

Coughing lightly she lunges her head forward catching a droplet of wine from her lip. This wine had a funny kick to it. She froze for a moment slightly embarrased. By Jah this isn't difficult enough, but now you make more a fool of yourself? she turned to Hein hoping for some protection from her own humiliation.

Holding his arm tightly with her own. Smiling she held herself up. Noticing only slightly a sweat building upon her brow. A slight blurr in her eyes. She held on to Hein trying to mask all that was happening. Throwing different smiles to different blurred figures around her. She knew two forms though two very important forms to her, and would stick close to them both.

He watched everything with a distant eye and seeing Marzy pick up the glass and drink it, pain flooded his soul. Moving silently he slipped outside unnoticed, hoping to see his friend again.

Heinrich held Marz on his arm as she started to lean heavier and heavier on him, almost causing him to put a serious effort into holding her up.

Are you alright, my Lady? Come on, let’s go over and here and sit down for a bit…

He led her over to a secluded area of the ballroom where he gently lowered her onto a couch, sitting down beside her.

What’s the matter, my lady? You seem woozy.

His voice sounded like an echo as she followed his familiar blurred frame to the seat. Flashing a smile and still holding her head up she looked towards the pressure beside her. "I am quite fine."she smiles as a burning grew with in her stomach.

Placing a hand upon his to rest assure him all was fine. Noting the blurrs thining out she looked at Hein. "Why we leave?" She noted her hand suddenly on fire and pulls it back, but then pushes it quickly back to save off alarm of Hein. "What a night." she blinked a few times holding her gaze.

Heinrich crouched down on the ground and looked into her eyes, smiling as she replied…

My Lady, I wanted to ask you something really important tonight… something that I am not sure you are ready for… and if you are not, it is fine. I will understand… But I have wanted to ask it for a while now… So I guess I will…

His hand nervously reaches into his pocket…

Marz, ever since I met you when I traveled to Bridgewater for that short visit my life has been full of joy, and I have loved every minute of it. I want us to be like Sir Malion and Lady Islandbabe… I… I want you to marry me… if you find me acceptable, that is…

He pulls his lightly trembling hand out of his pocket, revealing a small ring…



Staring into her eyes again, his heart seems like it might soon explode out of his chest…

As he crouched down in front of her his blur became much worse. Her hearing went away and then came back with growing sweats she blinks now more wildly. Her heart racing, but not for the same reasons as before. Not like when they were dancing, or in the gardens. Her frame begins to waver as her veins pop with strain.

Fighting, fighting she did as she forced her attentions on Hein before her. Seeing a red blur she knew something was going on., something important. Reaching her hand to his she couldn’t feel anything but shots of pain. Her eyes now filling with bright red veins, “Oh love I.. I..” she wavers loosing her control. Grabbing the ring in her fist along with his hand.

With a loud exasperated breath nearly a screech of pain. She clamped on to his hand and fell forward onto him. Pain now evident as her knees slam to the flooring with a loud bang. Her body twists to the side and she falls. Twitching in painful agony. “D..D..d..Vu” barely escapes as her eyes close. Her veins now pump the painful poison threw her body. The last blurs she witnesses are Hein following her rigid body to the floor, and as her head slumps slightly the faded blur of Lerendus not far away.

Her blue veins beating with in her skin, as the world becomes black. Her hand still clamped to Hein’s but a pained expression on her face. Her other hand releases the odd wine glass now as it rolls across the floor. Wine trailing along the floor with it.

Heinrich watches as his love drifts away and falls onto him. He doesn’t even move, his eyes following her as she falls limp… A cold chill comes over him…

Marz!? What is the matter, dear? Are you alright?

He picks her limp body up and opens her eyelids, noticing the severe bloodshot in her once twinkling, clear, beautiful eyes. He feels of her pulse; slowly beating, but beating none the less. His eyes dart towards the wine glass that had fallen down to the floor…

Jah, Marz. What have you gotten into?

Heinrich gets up off the floor quickly, lays Marz down on the couch and then dips his finger into the wine, tasting a small drop of it. Almost immediately he feels a minor tingling in his mouth, his lungs contract, and his depth of field becomes slightly off focus. He knew immediately that the wine was spiked with something very deadly. He mutters to himself…

Neurotoxins?... That is conium, no doubt… How in the world did hemlock get into your drink?

Heinrich looks around to see the smoke of fine Arabian incense coming from several locations in the ballroom, so he quickly dashes to one of the directors…

You there! Sir! Lead me to the palace’s supply of incense. And hurry, please! The love of my life has been poisoned over there and the only possible cure that can save her in time is going to be found where the incense is kept!

The two men run down the halls to a cellar where the worker hastily unlocks the door. Heinrich runs in and starts looking through label after label, his hands shaking almost uncontrollably, until he finds the one he is looking for… Frankincense – a luxurious fragrant but also the primary antidote for conium poisoning. He lets out a sigh of relief as he spots it…

His heart beats heavily as he sprints back down the hall, flying past the servers and attracting many looks. He arrives back at the couch where a crowd has gathered, shrieking in panic. Pushing his way past them, he grabs some water and forces the frankincense down Marz’s throat. After making sure it was swallowed, he places his hand on her forehead and begins to see some color return to her face. She lets out heavy gasps, her veins being to return to normal, and her eyes open a bit as Heinrich smiles, happy and relieved to see her coming back to him. He picks up the ring, slowly slips it on to her finger and then holds her hand tightly. His other hand gently strokes her hair and forehead as she comes back to her sense.

As his voice cracks and he tries to hide a tear that had formed in his eye, he whispers to her…

Are you alright now, my Lady?

Lerendus looked around. He wasn't quite sure what to do. Began to feel a slight panic. Strange. It never happened on the battlefield. He always knew what to do there. Always a slight fear before getting there, but once there it faded away, the training kicked in and everything was just instinct. The training removed the fear, but he received no training for formal events. Didn't know how to talk, didn't know how to eat or drink, didn't even know how to walk. He stood there. Stupid. He turned to Marz for some sort of hint. Saw Heinrich kneel instead. Saw him present a ring and propose. He froze. Looked away. Couldn't quite accept what was happening. It was hard enough watching her with someone else, and now he was proposing. A clatter behind him. His instinct began screaming like they used to, like when you made a bad move in chess but didn't know why. He turned around again and she was lying on the ground. He became scared. Suddenly remembered what his sergeant had told him once, "You will be afraid. There can be no courage without fear. The difference between you and them is you know how to control your fears. I will teach you."
You sure have sar'nt.
He pushed everything from his mind, focused on the one thing that mattered: save her life. He rushed forward. Knelt beside her. Watched Heinrich run off. Funny. Didn't figure him for a coward. No. Probably just gone to find help. A doctor maybe? Good. Turned back to her. Was afraid again. Focus. Is she still alive? Leaned in close and listened for breathing. Slow and shallow but still breathing, still alive. He didn't know what else to do. Began to panic. Knew nothing about poisons. He reached out and took her hand in his, squeezed, didn't know what else to do. Felt completely helpless, began to cry. No. Not now. Remembered the time they shared, just the good ones. Just the good ones. Not ready to let go yet. Heard footsteps. Saw him running back his way. Got pushed aside. Watched him hold something under her nose. No idea what he was doing, just watched. Amazed as she slowly returns. Watched a tender moment between them. Watched him slip the ring on her finger. Couldn't watch. Backed away. Turned away. Headed for the balcony. Passed by the stage along the way. Left the musicians a song he had been saving. It was no more use to him anyways. He leaned against the rail as he reached the balcony. Looked up at the sky. Where did the stars go? Too much light. They were his best friends. Always there for him, every night. And now they were gone. Now when he needed them the most, they forsake him.