Marital Preparations

[Darion McNair]

Darion was enjoying the partying full well. He grabbed himself a mug of ale but tried to keep some space between himself and the crazy gypsies, and tried to keep himself between Ken-Dall and the gypsies. The two walked over to the newly married couple, weaving their way through the ever growing crowd.

"Congratulations you two!" Darion said with a cheerful smile. He gave Meekal a hearty handshake and Moon a big hug. "This was certainly worth waiting for."

"The ceremony or the party?" Moon asked. Darion thought for a moment.

"Both" he finally replied as he finished off the last drops of ale in his mug. "So," he started, looking at his love and back at the married couple. "Shall the four of us grab some food? I'm starving."

[Willow]

Willow was so relieved. Moon had actually done it.....she had made a committment and gotten married. And, she actually loved the man she married. It was nothing short of a miracle. Willow approached Moon and Meekal and hugged them both warmly. Moon was flushed with happiness, it appeared. Leaning in to Moon where no one else could here her, Willow whispered, "Well, enjoy your wedding night. At least more can happen on yoru wedding night than what happened on my wedding night."

[Moonitic]

"Me too," Moon mumbled, distracted at all that was going on. In fact, she felt beyond starved. It certainly beat feeling nauseated!

Ken-Dall gave her sister a look as they began to make their way to the buffet, then said, "Maybe you should go sit down, Buff. This is your wedding. Let someone serve you for a change." Ken-Dall knew that, unlike her, her sister hated to be waited upon. Even as children, Buffy would retrieve her own food from the kitchen. And now, with all Buffy had been through, it was time for her to relax a little & enjoy the moment.

"I suppose you're right," Moon said in a tired voice, then walked away. Well wishers walked up to hug her, or comment on her attire. The ladies paid special attention to the gorgeous ring that now seemed to weigh her hand down. She finally made it to her seat at the front of the room & found Dr. Abernathy standing there. He gave her a regarding look, more like a doctor than an old friend. Then, he smiled. "Hello, Dr. Abernathy. So nice of you to come."

"I would not miss this moment for the world," he said in a fatherly tone, gathering her into a hug. When he released her, he said in a low voice, "And how are you doing?" His eyes flickered downward. "Both of you?"

Moon felt her cheeks warm as he held her seat out for her. She sat, & considered the question. In all the excitement, she forgot that she had a brand new little life growing inside her. A new life that grew bigger every day. "Fine, I suppose. I'm hungry. My stomach never seems to be settled, though."

"How so?"

"It seems to be fluttering at times," she replied, a discreet hand on her middle. "There it goes again."

"May I?" Dr. Abernathy gestured. When Moon nodded, he quickly placed his hand on her belly, then he paused. Then, he smiled. He removed his hand & straightened. "My dear lady, your stomach is fine. And so is that baby. What you're feeling is movement."

"What?" She could hardly believe her ears.

"He or she is moving within. And from what I can tell, he or she appears to be quite active," returned the doctor.

"Oh!" The realization hit her like a box of rocks. "Oh, my!" She returned her hand to her middle & felt the child too. "What a strange feeling." Then, she frowned, & lowered her voice even more. "Dr. Abernathy, about tonight." Her eyes dropped briefly. "Is it...safe?"

He took her hand & smiled at her. "Yes it is. Go right ahead and enjoy yourself tonight." He glanced up at Meekal who waved at them from the buffet table as he stood waiting his turn with Ken-Dall & Darion. The doctor leaned forward & whispered into her ear. "Enjoy Meekal as well. He deserves it." Then, Dr. Abernathy straightened & walked away, leaving a red faced bride to stare at his back.

[Swordsman]

Nækos stepped up on a table, raising a glass of wine in the air, slowly turning about the room. It took a few minutes, but soon enough the various party-goers had all noticed, and quieted to hear what the dark Swordsman had to say.

"Princess Buffy of Schoolcraftia," he began, "and Prince Meekal the Daft, of Muu. Now, Queen Buffy and King Meekal of Muu. The two of you have followed some very twisted paths, leading you both apart and together, and have shared some less-than-cordial relations with each other. But now, at the end, you are together. I extend to you both my best wishes, and regrets that I don't know embarassing stories of your youth. Take care of each other, and stick together. Dark times lay ahead, as you both know." This comment caused some questioning looks and whispers from some of the guests. "While it is an unfortunate time to be forging a family, it is far worse a time to go forth alone."

As the crowd echoed their hesitant approval of the toast, the Swordsman downed the glass of wine, jumped down from the table, and made an immediate exit.

[Moonitic]

Some of the guests cast an eye on Moon, who attempted to smile in the wake of the toast, waving at those who looked her way. Those who did know what Nækos meant offered her a slight nod & reassuring smile. It will all work out somehow, she told herself, willing herself not to cry.

Meekal excused himself from the buffet table, hurrying from the room to catch up to Nækos. "Wait!" he called to the man's back. The man ahead of him did not stop, but that did not deter Meekal. So, Meekal tried again. "Nækos, please. I want to talk to you."

[Swordsman]

The Swordsman stopped and turned slowly. "Very well, then. What do you need?"

[Moonitic]

"I need to thank you," Meekal stated. Nækos simply raised an eyebrow at the young king. Meekal continued. "So...thank you. For everything. I don't think I could have got through this without you." When Nækos still did not respond, he added, "I know if the princess were here, she would say the same thing. Well..almost." He attempted to smile. "So...thank you, from her too."

[Iwant2bafencer]

Rosaline accepted Talmours kercheif, and gave him a small surprised yet thankfull look. She quickly turned her back to most of the guests and dabbed at her eyes.
She found that it didn't take much to make her cry lately. However this occation seemed to strike a little harder, and a little more home. She didn't exactly know why it touched her so much. It was more than just a wedding for some reason, to her it meant something more. She would think on it later. For now she would concentrate on being estatic for Moon and Meekal, not to mention for . . well there was no name yet, but for the baby. Every child deserved loving parents, and so their child would have.

Once she was finished drying her tears, she turned back to Talmour and smiled.
"Thank you Talmour." She said softly. He bowed his head.

"Of course." He replied with a smile.

She couldn't help but look at him funny. The Talmour she had met to her mind had been nothing but a drunk gypsy. Now he seemed changed, more of a gentleman. She hated to admit it, but it shocked her.

They stood for a time, both silent not really knowing what to say to each other.

"If you'll excuse me, I'd like to go speak with Moon." She smiled.

"Naturally." He returned the smile and with a nod went in the other direction towards the buffet.

Rosaline crossed the room to where Moon now sat alone. She smiled warmly down at her friend, and then dropped into a curtsy.

"Rosaline, please." Moon smiled.

Rose stood and grinned at Moon, the tears coming to her eyes yet again.

"You're not crying are you?" Moon asked, a little shocked.

Rosaline bit her lip and shook her head. She then sighed.

"Alright I am. I'm just happy for you is all."

She bent and hugged Moon warmly.

[Moonitic]

Rosaline straightened & Moon tilted her head to give her a look. "So," Moon said, "what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"You're a rotten liar, Rosaline," Moon returned. She folded her arms over her chest & continued. "I've known you far too long. Now what is it?"

It soon became obvious that her old friend would not let Rosaline go without hearing the truth.

[Crin Dalmeiier]

Somehow, Kennt and Lorvas had managed to hold off the guards with promises that they would be well-behaved. A quiet word from Falcour, speaking for two of his top men, was enough to satisfy the guards, as well as a bottle changing hands under the table, who slunk out and away before the queen could notice that they'd been sidetracked.

"Had no idea I'd be attending a wedding today," Crin remarked to Ame as the two sat down after the toast. "And just think, in less than twenty-four hours we'll be on the road chasing dragons." She snickered into her hand.

"This isn't a wedding," Mitch grumbled, leaning forward over his food. "There's only been one song. Proper wedding's supposed to have music, and dancing..."

"Then go dance!" Falcour laughed at his brother-in-law. "There's a big open floor just for that--and you HAVE a wife, so it's not like you need to be nervous about asking anybody to dance."

Mitch laughed in reply. "Want to see me turn that Devlinn fellow's face red? I could just go ask Mir--"

"No!" Crin and Ame both interrupted, and looked at each other in surprise. "Senyik's bigger than you," Crin continued when Ame nudged her.

"Like that's stopped Mitch before?" Shela asked, raising an eyebrow.

"She's got a point," Falcour admitted. Mitch just grinned and leaned back now, obviously not intending to go ask Miri to dance at all. "So should we sing?"

"You know what? Let's just let the couple enjoy marital bliss for a few more moments before we try anything," Crin said hurriedly.

"A few more minutes. No more."

[Swordsman]

Something almost like a half smile flashed across the Swordsman's face, then disappeared again. "Very well. You're quite welcome; enjoy yourselves. And now, if you'll excuse me, I believe your bride is waiting." Nækos sidestepped away and swiveled, disappearing quickly from view and out the door.

[Iwant2bafencer]

Rosaline bit her lip, and glanced around. She then slipped onto a chair next to Moon. Stalling, she smoothed out her dress at ler lap.

"Come on Rosaline, you can talk with me." Moon soothed.

"I know Moon . . Buffy . ." she shook her head. "I just don't want to burden you with my troubles. It's your wedding day."

[Moonitic]

"Please," Moon said, waving a hand. "After all I've been through recently, there's not much you can say to burden me at this point. So spill it."

[Darion McNair]

The room was filled with the sweet sounds of the royal minstrels. Darion put down his fork after taking a bit of the nice roast that lay on his plate and closed his eyes as he chewed. He let the sounds seep into his mind. The musicians were thankfully all on key today and their melodies and harmonies blended beautifully. He opened his eyes slowly and looked next to him where Ken-Dall was staring at him with a quizzical expression on her face. He could see her plate was empty already.

Before she could say anything he grabbed her hand gently in his. “Dance with me.” he suggested with a gentle smile. “It would be a shame to waste such good music.” He watched her return his smile and nod. Then together they rose from their seats and moved to the dance floor and began to dance, as one moving to the music. Several of the partiers stopped to watch the couple dance together. Darion and Ken-Dall moved surprisingly fluidly together.

“You never told me you could dance.” She told him.

“I was nobility in Bosconia, we all had to learn.” He replied as they went. More people began to join them on the dance floor but as far as Darion was concerned Ken-Dall was the only other person on the dance floor, and thankfully she was in his arms.

The music went on and Darion held Ken-Dall tightly . . . and never wanted to let go.

[Zelda]

Zelda sigh. She ws glad the Moon and Meekal had finally married, however it made her own situation even more obvious to her.
As much as she hated to admit it, she missed Arcon. They were a team and completed each other. Without him she felt as if part of her was missing. Smiling at the revellery before her she slipped out of a side door, supposedly to get some fresh air, but actually to think. As she wandered around the rose garden, she spied the young lass they had resuced from Muu talking to a tree. Looking harder she realised it wasnt a tree but Naekos IN a tree, which made almost as much sense.
Zelda decided they deserved their privacy as much as she did, and kept to the other side of the garden. She finally found a quiet alcove and sat down, spreading her skirts out carefully around her. Staring at the sky she sighed again, and a single tear rolled down her cheek. How many times had she sat out here when her and Arcon were courting? The mind booggled. They used to just sit and stare at the stars, Zelda cuddled into the crook of Arcons arm, her head resting on his shoulder. At those times she remembered feeling as if NOTHING could harm her. They used to talk, make big plans for when Arcon would become king. Now where were those plans? Zelda didnt know, she didnt know where Arcon was, what his state of mind was, or even if he was still alive. They had started so well together, forging a safe haven for those who wanted to live their lives the way they wanted, not being dictated to by parents, rulers or other various eejits.
Their lives would have been complete if only they could have had a child. But despite everything, Zelda couldnt carry a child. There had been once, when they had thought, but it turned out to be a false alarm. Thinking back, that was when the problems started she realised. Arcon was devestated by the fact the Arconian Royal Line could not be carried on. He never said so, but that was about the time they moved into seperate chambers.

[Iwant2bafencer]

[This is After both of swordsman's posts in martial prep.]


Rosaline rubbed at her left hand absently in her lap. Moon reached over and gently took Rose’s left hand in her own, particularly her ring finger.

“Is this what’s bothering you?’ She questioned gently.

“More or less.” Rosaline nodded. “Moon, this is your day. I want you to enjoy every moment of it without a single worry. So, enjoy tonight, and in the morning before we leave if you still want to talk then we will.”

Moon sighed knowing that they were both too stubborn to continue.

“Alright Rose, in the morning then.”

Rosaline hugged Moon congratulating her, then stood and when Meekal came up, carrying two plates for him and his bride, she hugged him as well.

“Take care of her and love her all of your days Meekal, and she will do the same for you.” She whispered in his ear.

Meekal nodded with a smile and Rosaline moved off to slip into the garden. She wanted to talk to Nækos and had seen him leave in that direction. She heard Tæbryn’s voice and made her way over to her and Nækos.

“Hello Tæbryn, how are you?” She smiled.

“Fine, thank you. And yourself?” She smiled back.

“Just another day.” Rose winked and then looked over to Nækos offering him a smile.

Tæbryn looked from one to the other. “I’m going to go get a drink.” She stated before moving to leave.

“Tæbryn,” Rosaline called after her to which the girl stopped. “I’m glad you’ve come to Arconia.”

The girl nodded and then left the garden.

“That was a beautiful thing you did in there Nækos. The ring and the toast.” She glanced up over the wall at the rays of the setting sun and then looked back to him. “You may care, you may not care, but either way I wanted to tell you that I’m proud of you.” She was glad suddenly for the coming darkness for she felt her face flush.

[Swordsman]

"I did what was needed," Nækos replied. "What exactly do you mean by being 'proud of' me?"

[Iwant2bafencer]

"aye you did, but you did it very well." She shrugged at his second question. "To be perfectly blunt I'm proud because you're you. All of the time I've known you, you're not really one to share emotions and things of the sort. So I'm proud that you've done that."

Her eyes scanned the garden out of habit for looking for the unusual. They landed on a figure in the opposite corner. Squinting her eyes, she thought it looked ot be Zelda. She placed a hand on Nækos' shoulder.

"Don't go anywhere?" She asked, but did not wait for an answer.

Picking up her skirts, she rushed to the other side of the garden.

"Oh Zelda." She voiced softly. Zelda looked up, quickly trying to dry her tears.

Rosaline bent and quickly pulled her friend into a hug.

"What's wrong?"

[Soldier]

Nækos just shrugged. "Okay," he said aloud to himself, promptly jumping back up into the tree and resuming his position along the branch.

[Swordsman]

Nækos just shrugged. "Okay," he said aloud to himself, promptly jumping back up into the tree and resuming his position along the branch.