"Thinking of Snagging a Dragon?"
Britiana convinced Sariya to at least attend Chrystianna and Elias' ceremony. Sariya didn't really have a reason to reject it. She liked Chrystianna and what little she'd seen from Elias. She agreed. Britiana helped her dress in a pleasant yellow and put up her hair.
The ceremony was taking place at ten morning. It was a small intimate ceremony, with just their family and members of the Dracosenati. Sariya and Delaney were welcome as well, because Chrystianna genuinely saw them as their life savers.
So, the guests gathered in a smallish guest sitting room that opened out into a lovely garden. Seating had been set up, and an arch was set up draped in the branches of moonsong trees. A small altar set under it draped with several ribbons and a crystal. Behind the altar stood a woman draped in slightly glowing silver robes, with several stoles draped around her neck, signifying her status within the Temples of the Sisters of the Moons.
Belana Mysticmoon was a tall, serene woman with silver eyes, pale creamy skin, and long flaxen blonde hair braided intricately. She was the High Priestess of the Mystic Temple. Few people could personally have her preside over their wedding. The Grand Duchess was one such person. She also presided over her sister's, but she wasn't the High Priestess at that time.
There was a musician playing a woodwind instrument while everyone settled into the guest seats. Darius and Britiana stood outside with their parents. Chrystianna wore an heirloom wedding gown of wispy lavender and silver. Her hair was pulled into an ornate bun and draped with silvery jewelry. Elias wore his father's old dress uniform, just with the rankings removed as he had no right to wear them. Darius was wearing simple but nice dress boots, pants, and a subtle brocade tunic with some nice silvery buttons. Britiana wore a pure lavender dress to match her mother.
They waited for the music to change, and when it did, it changed to a haunting, magical sound. Britiana and Darius stepped into the room first. They reached the altar and stepped aside as Elias and Chrystianna followed behind. They walked side by side without touching each other.
They stepped up to the altar and the violin music stopped. Belana tapped the crystal with a small metal stylus a number of times rhythmically and hummed along, her voice and the toned mixing together to make sound like three voices. When she spoke, she seemed to be speaking with three voices. "You, Chrystianna Silvermoon, and you, Elias Morningstar, seek to unite in the name of the Sisters of the Moons; Una, Ianna, and Armus; forever singing your fates as one," she announced.
"Please join your hands."
Chrystianna and Elias joined hands over the altar. Belana picked up a ribbon and wrapped it around their hands. "The past builds you," she said in the three voices. She picked another ribbon and wrapped it around their hands. "The present binds you." Picked up a final ribbon and wrapped it around their hands. "The future is limitless before you." she intoned solemnly and bowed slightly.
Chrystianna and Elias bowed toward the Priestess. "Thanks to the grace of the Singers of Fate," they stated together.
After a moment of solemnity, Belana began tapping the crystal again. She hummed again until there was only one voice. Once the last note cleared, Chrystianna and Elias straightened. The audience began to clap.
Sariya and Delaney had never seen a Dragon wedding and weren't sure what to expect. Sariya had married her husband in an Eoduun ceremony, while simple, was still more involved with vows and the like. Delaney was also used to longer winded weddings with vows of 'in sickness and in health' and 'until they part'. They applauded along with everyone else.
After the ceremony, they went to a small buffet style brunch in another dining room. Britianna and Darius joined them at a small table while people took turns congratulating the bride and bridegroom.
"The wedding wasn't quite what I was expecting," Delaney admitted. "I liked it. It felt less fake than some I've been to before. I always found saying vows no one intended to keep vaguely hypocritical," she said.
Britiana was nibbling on a piece of cake. Weddings on Thelessia were similar to what they were describing, so she understood that sentiment. "I suppose it depends on society. Vowing to stay together forever no matter what happens is easy when you don't have a choice," she said. "A Dragon ceremony is just seeking the blessing of the gods. Mom and Dad's wedding is unique. It isn't normal for the Sisters to speak through the Priestess. So, that's a good sign for them," she said with a smile.
Delaney and Sariya, just from their few trips through the city, knew that the Dragons, and most races, believed in the Dragon Gods, and each Dragon race had a patron god. "Are the wedding ceremonies of other Dragon races different?" Delaney asked curiously.
"The ribbon binding is standard, but the words are different," Darius answered. They nodded.
"In the case of two different races marrying, how to decide which ceremony?" Sariya asked.
"Usually, the bride chooses. Sometimes they have two priests presiding and they combine the two," Britiana answered.
"What about with a non-Dragon partner?" Delaney asked.
"That depends on the people, I think. I don't really know. There wasn't a lot of information about that in our educational materials," Britiana asked with confusion.
"I can answer that. May we join?" Phaedra and Ophelia approached their table with little sweets on little plates with little forks. Phaedra was the one who spoke.
"Please," Britiana said in a friendly manner. As the two seated themselves, Britiana introduced them to Sariya.
Delaney waited for them to get settled.
Ophelia took a bite of one of her sweets. Phaedra began to answer the question. "Usually, it depends on the Dragon partner. Sometimes, they'll have a separate ceremony celebrating the non-Dragon's beliefs," she explained.
Ophelia nodded. "We attended a wedding a couple years ago where an Earthborn married an Onyx Dragon. They first had a binding ritual of Elaides, then an elder Earthborn presided over a vow taking ritual," she added.
"Is divorce a thing here?" Delaney wondered.
"Absolutely. It's rare with Dragon couples, but it happens. Some people believe in soul mates, but it's such a murky feeling, it's hard to tell if it's a real feeling or hopefulness. There are no explicit teachings from the Gods that such a state exists. Free will was always an important thing for them," Ophelia answered. She was interested in history and culture. She was very interested in the First Age when the Gods walked the face of Emphyralis. It was just a shame that writings from then were few and far between.
Phaedra was quiet. "There are also situations where the wrong people marry each other due to external circumstances, such as arrangements and parental pressure," she added. Ophelia looked at her then ate their sweets at the same time.
Delaney didn't think any of it. She just nodded lightly.
"Why the curiosity? Thinking of snagging a Dragon?" Britiana asked her teasingly.
Delaney shrugged. "I'm not planning on it, but who knows what could happen in the future?" she said. She delicately ate a pastry on her plate.
Britiana snickered. Darius flicked her forehead. She rubbed her head with a pout. Then she flicked him back.
The small reception lasted for a couple of hours when attendants came to tell Chrystianna that guests for the banquet were beginning to arrive. These guests referred to members of the Conclave of Scales that had their own spaces to get ready in the Keep and rest for the night before leaving. Most other guests were people that lived or had residences in Silvermoon.
The reception ended when Chrystianna dismissed everyone to rest and prepare for the banquet later that evening. After a few more congratulations to the couple, everyone vacated. Chrystianna and Elias returned to their Residence with their children and special guests.
--
The Grand Hall of Silvermoon Keep was indeed grand. Enormously high vaulted ceilings, painted with depictions of the Gods, and beautiful vista. Large arched windows spread around in a semi-circular wall overlooking the same beautiful gardens as the reception room from earlier. It was called there was a long table on a dais, and smaller round tables.
Attendants seated the guests and began to serve them food and pouring drinks. A small orchestra was playing in one area.
Just before everyone began to eat, the hosts finally came to the table of the dais. Delaney wasn't with them. She'd, fortunately, insisted on sitting with Raven, ZsaZsa, and their family since she was familiar with the two mages. The main table seated only the four of the Silvermoon family.
They remained standing. Chrystianna tapped a crystal glass, and the music stopped. "Hello, everyone. Thank you for coming to the welcome home banquet for my children. Darius and Britiana were sent away twenty years ago for their safety. Earlier this week, I brought them home," she announced. The guests clapped for her good fortune. When the applause calmed down, Chrystianna spoke again. "I'll also introduce my new Grand Duchess Consort, Elias Morningstar," she said, gesturing to Elias. "The father of my children. All four of them," she added. "Okay, everyone eat then we can mingle," she said hurriedly and sat.
Slightly taken aback for a moment, the audience paused. Then someone laughed, and more applause broke out. Then the music started again, and everyone ate. "Congratulations, Mom," Britiana said and hugged her mother.
"Congratulations," Darius said and raised a glass to his parents.
Elias grinned and Chrystianna beamed. "Thank you," she murmured.
The dinner lasted for a while, and attendants came in and removed the dinner ware and set up desserts and drinks. The orchestral music changed, and people began to get up to greet Chrystianna and meet the family and mingle amongst each other.
First were the members of the Dracosenati, officially greeting them. Then came the members of the Conclave of Scales. The first to offer greetings was a pale woman with brown hair, and bright, clear aquamarine eyes. "Your Graces. The Viscountess sends her regards and looks forward to more good news in the future," she said with a serene smile.
Chrystianna smiled in acknowledgement and introduced the woman as Astaria Rainsong to her children. Britianna and Darius greeted her politely.
Next, they met a tall, tan woman with bronze-brown eyes and hair the color of terracotta. She didn't wear a dress, but a nice military style suit and her hair was pulled back at her nape. She was trailed by two girls who looked like her, but one had blonde hair. "Congratulations, Chrystianna," she said in a friendly manner. "I'm Sigrunn Stillheart. These are my daughters, Savannah and Sierra. I'm the Baroness of Stillheart," she introduced herself to the children.
They greeted the group. After a brief bit of small talk, the trio moved on and the next member of the Conclave. Maia Dawnweaver was not only a member of the Conclave, but also the High Justice of Silvermoon, meaning she was in charge of the judiciary of Silvermoon. She was a pale woman with an olive hue, with bright violet eyes, a serious expression, and short black hair. She was also a friend of Chrystianna and had been invited to the wedding ceremony. She greeted them and moved on quickly.
The next member of the Conclave that greeted them was Faina Duneseer. She was a pale woman with long black hair, who was sharp eyed and serious. She was the Ruby representative. She was also the head administrator of the Obelisk, a place in Varmur dedicated to technomagical research. When Britiana learned who she was she brightened. "Oh! I have something for you," she said. In light of the days serious events, she didn't wear a skirt of many folds. Instead, she accessed her storage space through a ring. She pulled out the Dragon Hunter spaceship and presented it to her. She also handed her an instruction sheet to undo the spell.
Faina's eyes widened in excitement. "Is it really what I think it is? Oh, every technomage in the Obelisk will simply be thrilled!" she said. She cradled the spaceship and wandered off, already beginning to make observations of it.
"I think you just made her year," Chrystianna whispered with a laugh.
"Looks like it," Britiana agreed.
A beam of light approached them. Well, she was a woman who seemed to be a beam of light. Her dress sparkled in the light. She had short white hair, and pale blue eyes. She had lightly tanned skin. She was Candra Lightmyst, representative of Diamond Dragons, and also lived and worked in Wyntercrest's Library Spire.
After that was a bald woman with kind green eyes, peach blossom eyes, and draped in green robes. She was Lian Greenstone, the Jade Dragon representative. She was also the Sage of the Temple of Eiryu's Way.
The Quartz representative was a short woman with large pale yellow wings. She had short blond hair and gray eyes. Her name was Aeris Wyndewhisper. She was escorted by her brother, a tall man with long blond hair and gray eyes named Erion. They lived in Myrkir and ran a messenger service made up of Quartz Dragons called Inil's Whispers. Whispers utilized the special skills of Quartz Dragons in their services.
The Topaz representative was the youngest of the Conclave, a dark skinned, brown eyed woman with blonde hair. Tempest Earthstorme greeted them cheerfully. Tempest was the Baroness not because her mother died in the Plague, she simply chose not to take on the responsibility. Her mother was even more of a loner than other Topaz Dragons.
The final representative was a dark skinned woman with fiery red hair and amber eyes. Jassani Flamespirit was an Amber Dragon in charge of a territory in Myrkir. Her brother, Jasper, was a large man, who was surprisingly soft spoken with dark hair in braids. He was her sheriff.
Britiana rubbed her temple. Darius noticed. "Do you need a break?" he asked her.
Britiana shook her head. "No, it's fine," she assured.
Elias frowned. "Are you sure?" he asked her. "There's still more people to mingle with but they aren't that important. Go take a walk in the garden for a bit. You can get to know these people slowly," he assured her.
Britiana finally conceded, she slipped away from the crowd and stepped out into the garden. Immediately her headache eased slightly. It was chilly outside. She rubbed her bare arms.
"Can I offer you my jacket?" a voice said from nearby. Britiana wasn't startled. She knew there were other people in the garden. She just wasn't expected to be spoken to. She looked toward the voice. It was a young man, appearing to be in his Changing period like her. He wore a military dress uniform of Silvermoon. He had light brown hair, pointed ears, and icy blue eyes.
She blushed slightly. "Oh. Thank you," she said quietly. She wasn't that cold, but she wasn't going to reject the kind intentions of a handsome stranger.
The young man smiled and removed his jacket and held it out toward her, not invading her personal space. She took it and settled it around her shoulders. She expected it to be warm, but it was unexpectedly cool. It smelled good. She tried not to sniff it. "You have a low body temperature," she observed.
The young man chuckled. "You noticed. My name is Isa Silverstorme. My father is the ambassador to Isaz. My mother is a Frost Giantess. I also have a Platinum ancestor," he explained.
Britiana nodded. "I see. I guess you know who I am. You're a guard? Do you work in Isaz with your father?" she asked curiously.
"For now," he answered.
She smiled at him. She heard the music change inside. "Looks like they're starting to dance. Would you like to dance?" she asked.
Isa returned her smile and held out a hand. "I would be delighted, my lady," he said gallantly. Britiana placed her hand in his. He led her to an empty spot near a fountain and pulled her close without disrupting the jacket draped around her shoulders. They began to sway and shuffled to the sound of the music.
They smiled at each other but didn't feel the need to engage in meaningless small talk. They just felt the music and danced.
--
Nova Aurelea, Terranthea
The Crowley's were sleeping in their underground home when a piercing sound rang out, startling all of them from sleep. It was an alarm they had set up at various important points. They rushed into the living room from their rooms.
The blonde Lysithea ran to a laptop computer and opened it up, logging into a program. She turned off the alarms as the other women stood behind her. "It's the house. There are people at the house," she said, showing them camera footage of several people gathering at the ruins of their old house.
"Wait," red haired Helena said. "I see movement at the mausoleum," she said. Lysithea checked the video, and sure enough people were crowding around it. She checked more and more video feeds. People were beginning to gather at various of their tunnel entrances. The people couldn't find them, but they were still cutting off all their routes.
"How much food do we have?" Amalthea asked.
The brunette Honora bit her lip before answering. "We have some meat in the freezer, but we were already starting to run low on staples. We were planning to go shopping again tomorrow," she said.
"You think it's a siege," Deianira said with a frown. "I have some seeds, I can grow some vegetables and fruit, but we can last a few months at most. Things grown with my power can't propagate," she reminded them. Deianira had the power of wood, or what some referred to as nature. But she would argue that as witchborn, all powers were derived from nature.
Phryne, Honora's daughter, frowned. "Do you think they'll be there that long?" she asked worriedly.
"Yes," Amalthea didn't spare her feelings. "Not every mortal is just some ignorant hick being swayed by their cult leader. Some of them are probably demons in disguise or their demon spawn," she answered.
Lysithea agreed. "They've probably observed our movements when we didn't notice," she guessed. She clenched her fist. "Goddess give us strength and bless Delaney a safe journey home," she murmured.
"Yes. When she comes back, we can't dawdle any longer. We have to leave this place to go anywhere else," Helena said.
Quiet enveloped them as they awaited their salvation, or, perhaps, their doom.