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Gain His Trust
- Thread starter Wizardteepot
- Start date
If i rememeber correctly Hypnotickrazy was also in this fight sad that there is no mention as he was the one that killed me. VROOM VROOM. btw I know these comments are super old but eh I'm only catching up now.
[A/N: Well, this took too long to get out. Hopefully it won't take me so long next time. Anyways, Questions, Comments, Concerns are always appreciated. Enjoy!]
Chapter 14: A New Aurulian Era
Jed had trouble sleeping well on the nights leading up to her wedding. Her dreams shifted all over the place, and although she couldn’t pick up good or bad omens from them, they always left her drenched in a cold sweat when she awoke the following morning. One dream, however, was always recurring: first she was standing on the Southern Aurulian Battlements, surrounded by soldiers with bows and arrows drawn, the newly constructed cannons and ballistas primed and ready. Below her, dispersed amongst the giant trees of the Mega Taiga, was an army that seemed to be twice the size of Auru itself. Between them, however, was a shadowy figure, adorned with black wings and a blue halo. Once, during this dream, she caught a closer glimpse of the wings and halo, and realized they were made of flames: Tee’s flames.
The Wolf Mother woke up once more, after one of these such dreams, and found Bambi, the former Aurulian Mining Guild Leader, and now her Maid of Honor, standing at the edge of the bed. “Are you ready for the happiest day of your life, Your Majesty,” the girl gleamed.
Auru’s High King sat up, rubbing the bags out of her eyes. “As ready as I’ll ever be, Lady Bambi.”
***
Had it been a month since Asymphir’s arrival? Tee had lost track of time after he discharged the Rune Wielder from the Alchemy Guild. Fairly healed, the young wizard sent Asy to DeroTurtle at the War Guild, figuring the Jarl could use all the help he could get. Besides, Asy was still looking for the next Rune Member to train, and who better than Auru’s best warrior? While lost in his thoughts, Tee was aimlessly wandering around Auru; he was vaguely aware that today was his wedding day, yet, instead of excitement and joy like most would feel, he was filled only with anxiety. Now Tee could relate to Bacchus in a sense, but then again, Bacchus didn’t have some kind of Destroyer of Worlds just lounging in his head.
The young wizard wasn’t quite sure where his feet were leading him, but he obediently followed them. He passed the Merchant Row, plucking a fruit off of one of the stalls, tossing a few power shards to the short man behind the counter. A light frost had begun to coat over Auru, so Tee swiftly ducked within The Spire to keep warm. Again, his feet traveled while his mind wandered, and he found himself on the elevator headed down towards the Council Hall, deep beneath the Spire. Tee recounted the few times he had been down here, the seats filled to the brim with Asmundians all shouting something about defeating the Covenant.
He shook his head, feeling the ghostly weight of Jed’s blade on his shoulders, as she had made him a Lord of Auru. To this day, he was concerned she made the wrong choice, that she had put too much trust in him, too quick. Something forced him to keep walking, crossing the floor of the giant hall, and down another flight of steps. Below the Council Hall was a small room with dusty bookshelves in one corner, decrepit crates in another, and a strange, circular structure in the center. Jed had explained to him once that, in a time before Town Generators, towns had more primitive generators that protected them. This was one such Generator. Why they had never removed it, he would never understand, but Tee supposed it was to preserve history.
The room was poorly lit, save for two torches set deep into a side wall, and a bunch of flickering redstone lamps. Tee was about to turn around and head back up the steps, when it dawned on him that the torches were lit. That meant someone had been down here recently enough to light them.
The young wizard strode over to the torches set deep into stone sconces. Examining the wood that was lit, he figured they must’ve been lit within the past hour or so. Even stranger, one of the sconces appeared to have an intricate system of gears and springs set into it. Curious, Tee gripped the torch, and slowly tugged at it, jumping as the sconce swiveled with his pull, and a creaking sound was made from deep within the walls. A large portion of the stone fell away, creating a tight and drafty entry way. Tee grasped at a pocket watch, figuring he had enough time before the wedding, and stepped within the mysterious tunnel.
Inside, there was a small hallway with four sets of double doors, two on either side, and freshly lit torches lining the whole path. As Tee further examined the doors, he realized most of them were locked, save one of them tucked into the end of the hallway. As he scrutinized the door, before entering the room beyond, he caught sight of a golden plaque reading out a name that sent shivers down his spine: Xovious. What was this place? And why did Xov have a room in it?
Entering the room, the young wizard suddenly felt claustrophobic, as it was packed to the short ceiling with dusty old crates precariously stacked on top of each other. Most of them were marked Draekonfell across them, supposedly supplies that had never made it to the town? He was also surprised to find some labeled with the name Feronin, the town that Xovious first came from, or at least, so Jed had told him. And isn’t that where Asy had come from as well? Were these boxes supplies from the old town that Xovious had saved in Auru, or was he intending to send the supplies back?
As much as his curiosity was gnawing at him, he knew better than to riffle through Xov’s stuff. The young wizard, however, couldn’t help but examine the shimmering blade that sat in one corner. He picked up the blade, and stared in awe at the flawless dark steel, and dark leather that bound the hilt. Dark red etching, set just above the cross-guard spelled out the word Deathrune. Deathrune? Wasn’t that supposed to be the blade that Xovious trained Thanatos with? Why did he leave it here in Auru?
Tee heard someone cough behind him, interrupting his thoughts. He spun on his heel, gripping the blade in his hand, and widened his eyes in surprise at the man who stood within the doorway.
“It’s dangerous to play with things that you don’t understand, Alduin,” the intruder stated.
Tee dropped the blade, drinking in the man’s stature, large golden shoulder pads, and the large red blade strapped behind his back. “Xovious?”
***
“Ouch!” Jed yelped, as Bambi pulled the strap to her dress too tight.
“Sorry, your Majesty.”
“Bambi, enough of that. I’ve known you for too long for you to be referring to me by a royal title.”
“Of course, my liege.”
“Bambi, seriously,” Jed said, turning her head to face the woman behind her.
Bambi weakly smiled, “yeah, I get it Jed. Sorry, my mind is elsewhere today.”
Jed turned back to the mirror in front of her. “You and me both; what’s up.”
Jed’s Maid of Honor finished up a final strap on Jed’s dress before taking a step back, examining Auru’s High King from head to toe. “It’s not that important. Come on, we’ve got other preparations to make before the reception.” Bambi turned to find a brush to sort out Jed’s mane of hair, but Jed firmly gripped her wrist.
“It’s not healthy to keep it trapped up inside. Come on, Bambi, what’s wrong?”
The old Miners Guild Leader exhaled deeply, dropping her shoulders. “I’m worried. Since the fall of Draekonfell, we’ve all been rushing back here to Auru, and although I enjoy being home, I can’t help but fear what will happen in the future.” Bambi pushed past Jedoi and stopped at a nearby window, overlooking the docks far below. Again, an exasperated sigh escaped her lips. “Draekonfell is gone, and with the disappearance of Xovious, Nokia, and Stampen, so is the last line of assault against the Covenant. I just hate what that means for Kalros, especially for Auru.”
The Wolf Mother put a reassuring hand on Bambi’s shoulder. “Auru has stood the test of time on several occasions in the past: Ajaxan and Grubul disappeared and Trev took over. Hilo betrayed Vanaheimr, and we still stood strong. Hell, even the Battle of South Gate cost us several lives, and we still came back from it.” She swept her arm across the view, examining the busy lives of her subjects. “My point is, whether Auru can actually unite Kalros, or is bound to only her town territory, she’s not going anywhere. Of all the things to worry about, Bambi, Auru isn’t one of them.”
Bambi smiled, as a tear rolled down her cheek. “Thank Jed, I didn’t realize how much I needed that.”
“Neither did I,” Jed thought. “Now come on,” she continued, out loud. “You hair is just as a mess as mine is.”
***
Blood pumped in Tee’s ears, screaming what he could only assume was, “he’s not real, he’s not real!” His grip on Deathrune got tighter, as he prepared to strike down the figure before him...if it came to that. Xovious took a step forward, but Tee raised Deathrune, making the Draekonfell King step backwards.
“Tee, it’s me, damnit.”
Tee shook his head, “sorry Xov, but I don’t know that anymore.”
Xov closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “You have a scar on your left arm from where my blade sunk into it, while you were protecting Jed as I was moving out of Auru.” Pain seared up and down Tee’s arm as the memory of the attack came back to him. Xov took a step towards the young wizard, who unflinchingly held the blade level with his neck. “Your blade is called Arcanus Oblivio, gifted to you by Cryptite, when Kallious and Bat stormed our ramparts.” Another step forward, and Tee’s heartbeat quickened. “You’re marrying Jed today, and I know you’ll be a great husband.”
Tee blew air out of his nose of a breath he didn’t realize he was holding in. He lowered the blade, allowing Xov to take another step towards him. Quickly, Tee side stepped his ex-High King, and kicked behind the knee of his left leg, forcing him to kneel to the ground. He set the blade to base of Xov’s neck, watching for any sudden movements.
“Tee, come on man,” Xov said, keeping his voice steady. “You know it’s me.”
“You’re absolutely right, I trust that it’s you, Xov,” Tee started. “Now, why the hell are you back? Where the hell have you been? There are just too many questions for me to allow you to come back to Auru without some suspicions.”
Xov let his head drop to the floor. “I suppose that’s fair: I never really did give you nor Jed a proper explanation.”
“Neither us nor the people you left behind in Draekonfell. The best thing you left us is some guy named Asymphir.”
Xovious’ eyes lit up. “Asymphir made it here? Perfect!”
“Xov! Don’t change the subject.”
Xovious stood up, placing his hands up in defeat as the blade in Tee’s hands followed him. “I know, I know, I haven’t been fair to either of you.”
“That’s hardly an understatement.”
“What you have to realize, Tee, is that I couldn’t tell you. It’d be easier for me to just slip away unannounced, rather than convince you of what I did.”
“And what exactly would that be? Training more Rune Council members? Bullshit.”
Xovious sighed, “I will never be able to make you understand.”
“No. No you won’t. And now I want you gone.”
Xov looked up at Tee, eyes locking with the young wizard, trying to read his emotions. He found an empty void glaring back at him. “Tee, you don’t truly mean that.”
“Xov, why did you come back here, really? I would bet a million shards that it’s not for my wedding.”
Xov shook his head, and once again looked down to the floor. “I came for Deathrune. One of my disciples needs it.”
“Of course that’s what you came for.” Tee threw the blade, where it stuck into the floor beside Xov’s feet. It wiggled from the force of impact. “You better hope this training method of yours isn’t for naught.” Tee turned on his heel and began to walk out the door.
“Tee!” Xov called after him. The young wizard stopped in the doorway. “Good luck with your wedding. You and Jed will make a great married couple.”
The young wizard turned around and struck Xov hard in the face, hearing a satisfying crunch beneath his fist. Xov staggered back, grasping for his bleeding nose, before crashing into the back wall. “Burn in hell,” were Tee’s last words, before he left Xovious alone in the underground vault.
The warrior slumped to the ground, his head in his hands. Xov opened his eyes, and glared at the blade in the floor before him. A small smile spread across his face.
***
Asymphir woke up, vaguely aware of where he was: after Tee had discharged him from the Alchemy Guild, he had been sent to DeroTurtle, the head of the War Guild. There, Asy had been non-stop sparring with the Jarl, still believing that he might be the one Xov wanted Asy to train.
As he got up, a sharp pain shot through his shoulder. Dero had bashed a shield into his left shoulder while they were sparring yesterday, and it had nearly reopened the wound where he was shot with the arrow. It had required a bandage wrap, an ice pack, and a good night sleep...along with a Strong Absinthe.
Asy glanced around his small room. Dero had put him up in one of the War Guild’s Quarters: a place to rest his head, and also store his equipment. He got dressed in a simple white cotton T-Shirt and trousers before remembering that it was the wedding day. He instead dressed up in a long green sleeve shirt, a thin, leather vest, and a plain red tie. He also found a pair of leather leggings, and figured it would have to do. He clipped his scabbard to his belt, and approached the door. When he turned the doorknob, he saw a letter slip beneath his door.
Reaching down to pick up the letter, he heard the quick shuffling of feet outside his door. Asy stepped out into the hallway, trying to find the origin of the noise, but whoever had delivered the paper in his hand had already disappeared. Asy stepped back inside and closed the door once again. Scrutinizing the letter, he saw the royal blue seal of Xovious, sent from Feronin. Excited to hear from his master once again, he tore open the letter, but was disappointed, and confused, to find that it only bore one phrase, in large and fancy script:
“He’s passed his first test.”
***
Tee ascended the Spire elevator, when he was met with an Aurulian Guard. “I’m sorry to bother you, sir, but we have a situation at the North Gate.”
Tee closed his eyes, trying to maintain his composure. He lightly rubbed his fist, aware of the blood that was probably splattered over it and the front of his shirt. He took a deep breath before opening his eyes and smiling. “Lead the way.”
The guard led Tee through the street headed towards the Northern Gate, away from the Spire. Tee observed just how many people lined the streets, adorned with their best clothing, from nobles to peasants, all headed towards the wedding. As they approached the Northern Gate, Tee saw what had garnered the concern of the watchman: just outside the gate were nearly a hundred Hiloans, some bearing the lime green flags of Hilo, heavily adorned in armor, while others, like the two figures in the front of the group, were more prepared for the wedding.
Tee looked up to the gatehouse keepers. “Open up the gate,” he bellowed.
“Your Majesty,” the guard before him said as patiently as possible. “Are you sure about that? Those are Hiloans.”
“I know exactly who they are, but if you looked closer, you’d see they also had wedding invites.” The guard gawked as Tee stepped past him, waiting for the gate to open fully. “Opyc and Lottaine! A pleasant surprise if I must say so myself; Jed wasn’t sure if those invitations were ever going to get to you, or if you guys would even come.”
“Of course! It’s the least we could do for our neighbor across the lake,” Opyc started, with a short bow.
Lottaine punched her brother in the arm. “Any event serving alcohol, he’ll make sure he shows up to.”
Opyc laughed, before confessing that it was only partly true.
Tee hid a giggle behind his hand. “Well, there will be plenty of alcoholic beverages and other refreshments at the top of the Spire after the reception. Please, make your way up there and make yourself comfortable.”
Lottaine curtsied as she passed the Lord of Auru. “Thank you for your hospitality, Tee. I’m sure this will be a good wedding.”
Opyc shook his hand as he followed his sister. “Go get ‘em, tiger! May the slime guide you.”
Tee beckoned the rest of the Hiloan entourage towards the Spire, before being pulled to the side by his Best Man for the wedding, “Ahh, Andy, glad to see you.”
“Yeah, to you too...look, Tee, we have a problem.”
“Another one? God, I’m not going to get a break today, am I?” Tee sighed, rolling his neck, and looking at the Commander. “What’s wrong?”
“You.”
“Me?” Tee queried.
“Yeah,” Andy started. “Have you even seen yourself today? You look awful. Come on, we’ve got to get you dressed.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Tee yelped, as Andy dragged him across the street. “Andy, I’ve already got an outfit for today.”
“You mean the vest you wore to Arvik? Look, I agree it was nice if you’re going to a formal event, but not for your own wedding. You need a tuxedo.”
“A tuxedo? Andy, where are we going to get a tuxedo right about now, with so little time before the wedding?”
“Don’t worry,” he reassured Tee. “I’ve already taken care of it.”
“You....did?”
“What else is a Best Man for?” he smiled, looking at Tee. “Now come on, you said it yourself: we don’t have that much more time to get you looking halfway presentable.”
***
Ben was a light sleeper, nearly keeping one eye and ear open at all times, as was customary amongst the Aurulian Thieves. Despite this, however, he was surprised to find a hand over his mouth when he opened his eyes. Only one man was so quiet that even Ben couldn’t hear him: Iyo.
Startled awake, thinking something was wrong, the master of the skies glanced up at the thieflord, expecting a debriefing of sorts. He didn’t wait long.
“Nothing is wrong just yet, but we should be careful today. I’ve heard that Tee and Jed are letting some Hiloans into the walls, plus, we both know how close we came to disaster with the Arvik wedding.”
Ben nodded his head, as Iyo removed his hand. “What would you ask of me?”
“The same as always, as we do with most of these events: help me gather some of the guild members and place them around the city. The more eyes, the better, but we’ll need to move fast. The ceremony is starting shortly.”
Ben rolled out of bed, grabbing a change of clothes off the bedside table, before turning back to Iyo once more. “Can you teach me how to do that? Creep up on people who are expecting people to creep up on them?”
Iyo gave him a toothy, wicked grin as he stepped out the door. With one hand, he threw the cowl of his cloak up over his head, the shadow of the hood masking his features. “A magician never reveals his trick.”
The door slammed shut, leaving Ben standing in his house confused. “But you’re not magic.”
***
[A/N: Chapter 14 Part 2]
As Bambi and Jed reemerged from the High King’s house, Jed felt a sudden tug on her shoulder. She turned quickly, but saw no one there. Perhaps she had imagined it? Bambi went to lead her towards the Spire, but a gut feeling told Jed to turn around.
The High King placed a hand up. “Just a moment, Bambi.”
“What’s wrong?”
She shook her head, “I’m not quite sure, to be honest, but something tells me I have to travel this way.”
Bambi narrowed her eyes, watching the bride waltz off away from her wedding. “Are you running away? Tee’s probably waiting!”
“No, no,” she said in response. “I’ll only be a couple of minutes, I promise!”
Jed took off, running past the nearly empty tavern, before making a sharp left. Heat began flooding her cheeks, and the twisting in her gut grew stronger. She still couldn’t tell why she felt she had to travel this way, but even the usually bitterly cold wind blew a warm breeze behind her, seemingly encouraging her trek this way. She passed some of the older houses in Auru: Lazuli’s house, Xovious’ old abode before he moved into the War Guild Hall, and Tee’s home, taken over by a new Aurulian recruit. She stepped between Dero’s and Bambi’s buildings, walking towards the lumber mill industry building. The lumberjack on duty gave a quick wave and nod of approval, before wiping his forehead of sweat and turning back to his chopping block, lifting his axe off his shoulder.
Looking at the open portion of the bustling city around her, she found the familiar cave entrance of the Wolves Den. The invisible hand seemed to push her towards it, and she prayed that whatever Ancients were out there watching over her would prevent her pristine wedding dress from becoming stained or tattered. Entering into the cove she was met with hundreds of wolves going about their own business: some were grouped up in one corner of the multiple outcroppings sleeping the day away, others resided near the natural forming freshwater spring, drinking the clear liquid, and yet others ran around, chasing after each others tails. What caught Jedoi off guard, however, was the group of wolves who had curiously huddled around a humanoid figure.
Scrutinizing the man between the wolves, Jed recognized his characteristically pink skin, where the sun had left odd splotches of sunburn on it. Along with his unusual skin pigment, and otherwise scrunched in nose, the man before her very much resembled that of a pig. Even when she had met the man before her, she laughed at how strange he looked, but thought about how, amongst the Lokans, she’s often seen weirder.
“Artagan.”
The name escaped her lips, before the pigman caught a glance at its source. “Jed!” he said, returning the call. He leaped over the pack of wolves, and bounded over to the High King. “It’s been too long, girly!”
“Aye...where have you been?”
“Oh, you know,” he responded, placing an awkward hand behind his head. “About. Doing things here and there.”
Jed looked at Artagan, or Art as she had called him for all their years in Asgard, admiring the forest green tunic and dark brown slacks that adorned him. She giggled at the loose golden circlet that sat crooked on one side of the top of his head. “I understand that you’re now the ruler of this town?”
Her eyes grew dark. “Indeed I am.”
Artagan balled his right hand into a fist, placing it above his heart, before dropping to one knee and bowing his head before her. “Then excuse my impoliteness, milady.”
“Now come on, Art. You’ve known me for far too long to be doing any of this formal crap. Stand up.”
Art stood up and shrugged. “Hey, I’m just giving my regards. Against all odds, you’ve made this town run smoothly.”
Jed averted her gaze from her long lost friend. “I’m not so sure about that…”
Art placed a hand on her shoulder, and she instinctively recoiled. “Jed, I’m serious. No one expected Auru to last as long as it has, but I can assure you that, with you at it’s head, whether you want to be or not, Auru will stand the test of time.” He released his grip on her. “Besides, you’ve got some good underlings to do your bidding.” He stuck out his tongue at her. “If only I got that luxury running any of my cities on the old worlds.”
“Hey!” she yelped, realizing it was half an insult at her.
He placed his hands up before him. “I’m just kidding, kiddo.” He stood up tall, his face portraying a serious facade on his everlasting humor. “I’m serious though. I’ve seen your accomplishments recently, and I can assure you that Auru is doing quite fine under your rule. Keep your chin up, Jed, if not for yourself, but for your people.”
Jed raised her head, her eyes sparkling with both determination and moistness. She wiped away a stray tear, as she heard another voice yell out from the distance.
“Jedoi!” the recognizable female voice bellowed out.
“Lea?” Jed asked, turning her head. Down the hallway from the outcropping her and Art stood in, Jed saw Leasaur Istalri running towards her. She wore a sparkling green gown, contrasted with her fiery red hair that was set ablaze by the nearby torchlight reflected off the stone walls. She jumped into Jed’s arms, nearly knocking the Wolf Mother over.
“Sorry, sorry,” Lea said, brushing herself off and checking to make sure Jed was okay. “Yeah, it’s me! We heard you’re getting married to a special someone, and couldn’t help but come check it out.”
Jed shook her head, trying to figure out how her friends stood before her, before she remembered her brief conversation with the goddess Freyjia. Her magic had somehow brought them to her for this day. She smiled, and looked at the ground, breathlessly giving out a small prayer to the Vanir. She felt a wave of warmth wash over her, and knew that Freyjia’s gaze was on her this day.
“So?” Art interposed on Lea’s moment with Jed, wrapping his arm around Lea’s waist. “Shall we?”
Jed looked back at the two of them. “Of course we shall!” She turned on her heels, but stopped dead in her tracks. Leaning up against one of the stone walls was a man adorned in simple travelling clothes, a weapon belt wrapped around his waist and his left shoulder. He had a mop of dark brown, tousled hair with a chinstrap beard encompassing his lightly tanned face. He disinterestedly bit into a ripe red apple, absentmindedly petting the head of a wolf who had come to his side, begging for the apple core.
“Ajax?” Jed whispered silently.
The man took another large bite into the apple, before wiping the rest of the residue off of his chin, and resigning himself to give the apple to the wolf at his side. He smiled as he pushed off to wall. “Jedoi Talongon. It’s been too long.”
Jed took off in a full on sprint, wrapping her arms around The Prophet, the man who helped guide Auru in its infancy, and lead it through most of it’s dark times. “Ajaxan! You came back.” Tears now streamed down the High King’s face.
Ajax smiled, and patted her head, embracing her in his own hug. “Indeed I have. You have Freyjia to thank for that, you know.” He laughed as he felt her nod, head still deeply burrowed into his chest. “Good. I’ve come to facilitate over your wedding.”
She looked up at Ajax. “Really?”
The Prophet smiled, revealing a small book tucked underneath his arm. “I’m no pro at wedding ceremonies, but I’ve been told to study up recently. It’s the least I could do for you, after upholding the glory of my-” he stopped for a second, before scratching his chin. “For upholding the glory of our town.”
She gripped him harder. “It would be an honor to be wed beneath you, Ajax.” Jed released the Prophet before she turned to the two other friends by her side. “Now come on! I think we’re keeping Tee waiting!”
***
Tee had to admit: he was surprised at the efficiency that Andy had in finding him a correctly fitting tuxedo. Not to mention, with a quick combing of the mess of his hair, Tee cleaned up quite nicely. Ever attentive to detail, however, Andy made sure to pin Tee’s Frostfire Flower to his suit jacket’s lapel. Tee welcomed the faint heat that the flower gave off, warding off some of the last bitter winds that swept through Kalros during the late Winter.
Now the two friends stood side by side, each silently reminiscing on the last time they were here, when they were each appointed leaders of their respective guilds. Guests eagerly began to flow into the sitting area, although many showed signs of high strung nerves as they settled next to the Aurulian wolves that Jedoi insisted be at the ceremony. Tee laughed a bit at that: High King of Auru, Guardian, or his wife, Jed would always remain the Wolf Mother at heart. He spotted his own wolf, Tenebris, pacing back and forth in excitement, his tail whipping around in a blur. Tee silently noted the blue bowtie someone had replaced Tenebris’ dog collar with...along with the half eaten flower that was tucked into his side.
Tee also caught a glance of a shift of dark green and black cloth. Slowly, inconspicuously, scrutinizing the movement lead him to see eye to eye with the Thieflord. Iyo and Ben had set up an overhead perch where they could both enjoy the ceremony, and watch over the crowd for nonsense that might take place. For that, Tee was sorrowfully grateful, though he silently cringed as Asymphir also tried to noisily clamber up to their position as well.
With one more sweeping glance of the crowd, Tee caught many other familiar faces, and was happy to see them all: Lottaine and Opyc had settled near the back of the sitting arrangement, flanked by both a set of Hiloan and Aurulian guards, Mars the Glorious and Macus of Vantis stood off in a corner, silently waiting for the refreshment bar to open up, and finally, settling his gaze on the newly wedded couple of Arvik, Tee saw Falksi and Bacchus Markhov. Falksi had a black case placed gingerly next to her, what Tee could only assume was a violin, or a similarly fashioned instrument. Bacchus, on the other hand, had his furry ears perked up in joy, and a slight red tinge on his cheeks and nose. Although Tee knew better, and the flashing of the silver flask between the High King of Arvik and his wife confirmed the young wizard’s suspicions, Bacchus was already two sheets to the wind. Tee shook his head, but smiled all the same.
The crowd suddenly fell silent as a new figure stepped onto the Spire’s roof. Although Tee didn’t recognize him, he walked with purpose and confidence, as if he had been here before. He glanced over to Bambi, who was in place to act as Jed’s Maid of Honor, and she seemed awestruck. The figure walked straight up to the altar, and placed a hand on Tee’s shoulder. “Are you the lucky man?”
The young wizard gave the man before him a confused look. “Yeah, I am.”
The man gave Tee a squeeze on the shoulder, stepping onto the altar, and behind the podium that was prepared for him. He placed a book down, and flipped to a random page. In the silence, ceremonial music began to pick up, as Jedoi also stepped up onto the rooftop, arm-in-arm with Cryptite himself. Technically, Jed didn’t know her biological parents, Tee thought, so having Crypt act as her fatherly figure made the most sense to them. He was just happy to see the the Fallen Vanir could find time in his busy schedule to take place in a wedding ceremony. “We don’t often get to see weddings around here,” Crypt had told him. “Mag and I were both upset that we had to miss Bacchus’ and Falksi’s, so the least we could do is show up to yours!”
The music picked up with every step Jed took down the aisle towards Tee, and the young wizard’s heart jumped into his throat. He was keenly aware of the staring of the crowd, all of the sudden, and began to understand how Bacchus had felt just weeks before. Tee watched as Jed elegantly took her place beside him, her wedding gown simple and yet true to Aurulian form, small crystals were embedded into the cloth, glittering in the midday sun like little snowflakes drifting through the sky. The white dress hugged her form, before meeting a formal animal pelt that draped across her shoulder, emblazoned with golden letters that spelled out TALONGON, her unofficial surname. She was also adorned with a thin veil, but it was already pushed up over her head and slightly crooked.
The man behind the podium cleared his throat, adjusted some notes, and took one last look over the congregation and couple before him. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he started, his voice booming over a rather silent crowd who seemed to, simultaneously, draw in one large breath. “Today is a day to rejoice, for a time of holy matrimony between the High King of Auru, and her lucky husband-to-be! In times like these, we set aside our differences, and learn the true meaning of family: to set down our arms, end the raging wars, and come together for peace and harmony in this moment.”
He stopped for a second, letting his words sink into the crowd. He shuffled his notes once more, before a brisk wind picked up, and scattered half of them over the side of the balcony, and down to the city streets below. The man cursed beneath his breath, and muttered, “Freyjia guide me,” before returning his gaze to the crowd. “I guess I didn’t need those papers after all,” he stated, and got a chuckle from the crowd in return.
“Before me stands Jedoi Talongon, the Wolf Mother as many of you may know her. I myself have known this woman for many of years before I left my home here.” Tee glanced at the man curious, and caught a brief look of recognition and awe in Jed’s eyes. Who was this guy, Tee thought.
“I’ve gotten to know her quite well,” the man continued, “and I will admit that any guy would be lucky to wed her, for she is loyal, and brave, and the greatest leader that I’ve ever known. Jedoi leads with compassion, not with a blade, and that’s why Auru still stands before you all.” Jed began to blush at his words.
“And Tee Alduin,” the man started, finally turning towards him. “The young wizard, and head alchemist of Auru, if I’ve heard correctly. A man who has risen through his ranks for his loyalty to his King and this city, and for that I am personally grateful, for keeping the dream of Auru alive for me...for all of us old-timers.” Tee scanned that man’s face, and slowly put the pieces together. Could this be…?
Tee noticed the man shift his weight between his feet, nervous to figure out what came next. The man snapped his fingers, “right, vows.” He spoke once more to the crowd. “I will now ask the couple to exchange their vows of marriage to one another. Tee, would you like to go first?”
The young wizard took a large, sweeping glance between the man, his fiancee, and the crowd. A deep gulp and a short prayer to whatever gods watched over him in this moment preceded his gaze back to Jedoi, his beloved and High King. He would do anything for her, even if that meant, right now, choking down his nerves to say his vows. He pulled out a small sheet of paper that Andy had neatly tucked inside his tuxedo jacket. He gave a silent look at his Best Man in thanks.
“By the Aurulian Creed,” the young wizard started, “and a drink from Falksi’s flask,” he finished with a wink at the drunken bard’s direction. He turned back to face Jed. “to fulfill your every need is my eternal task. Jedoi my wife, I love you so. My love for you will spread to the afterlife, don’t you know?” Tee paused for a moment, inching closer to Jed. He started once more, addressing the audience this time in a joyous uproar, “to all our friends, gathered here with us today,” giving a half bow before continuing. “It has been a great pleasure, just like my life with her will be every day!”
There was a cheer from the surrounding crowd, before the man behind the podium silenced them once more. “Jedoi, I believe you now have your vow?”
Jed nodded appreciatively at the man, before clearing her throat and moving closer to Tee. In a near singsong voice, Jed’s vow rang across the Spire’s rooftop. Tee could barely hear her delicate words over the pumping of blood in his ears: “In a world filled with strife, you give meaning to my life.” She paused, for a moment, glancing up at him from her own notes, with a look filled with nothing but what he could tell was admiration and love. “Though arrows rain from above, they ricochet off a shield of our love. Conflict is relentlessly long, but with you I am strong.” She took one more step closer to him, before they were nearly chest to chest. “I feel no need for us to hide, as long as you are by my side!”
Jed inhaled a deep breath, reminding Tee that he, too, should breathe, and let loose the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding onto. She took a step back, as one of her wolves presented the rings on a pillow strapped to its head. “Thanks, Apricity,” she said through part of a chuckle.
The man started up once more. “With these vows, I now present the rings that will tie your bond forever.”
Tee bent over and picked up one of the rings from the pillow atop Apricity’s head, and scratched the wolf behind its ears. He turned to Jedoi and slipped the ring onto her finger. “I love you,” he said beneath his breath, so soft that only she could hear him. She smiled, and grabbed the other ring, slipping it onto his finger.
“I know.”
The man nodded at the small exchange between them. “Well, with whatever powers Freyjia vested within me, and in front of the eyes of the Ancients, I now pronounce you husband and wife! Tee, you may now kiss the bride.”
The crowd went wild all around them, but the noise was completely absent for Tee, as he reached in towards his wife, and the two of them sealed the wedding, and their promise to each other.
As Tee pulled away, he laughed a bit. “‘Til death do us part?”
Jed punched him in the arm. “The Blight will take me before that!”
The man at the podium gathered the remainder of his notes. “Good, now that that’s over,” he scanned over the crowd until he found the person of interest: “Bacchus! Open up that damn bar, I’m parched!”
“Aye aye, Ajaxan!” the half-drunken bartender said, before rushing off to start distributing the alcohol of the evening.
In a sort of daze, Tee turned back towards the man. “Ajaxan, like the Prophet?”
“I’ll explain later,” Jed said, before pulling him into another kiss.
***
Asymphir had a hard time focusing during the ceremony, constantly scanning the crowd with Iyoforeayo and Benged. Of course, they were scanning the crowds for two different reasons. Asy gripped the paper he had shoved into his pocket; five simple words scrawled in Xovious’ fanciful script. Asy had been searching for answers in that letter, but was only left with more questions. Who was “he”? Who was Asy meant to train?
Before the Rune Wielder had realized it, the ceremony was over, and he was absentmindedly clapping his hands together for the new couple. Asy refused the drinks that were offered to him, and made his way over to Tee to congratulate him. The dialogue between them was short and clipped, before Asy turned on his heel to make his way out of the Spire and back to his quarters in the War Guild.
He felt a hand grab onto his shoulder, and turning to see who it was, saw the young wizard glaring back at him, giving him a curt nod, then releasing his grip. Part of Asy wondered if Tee knew that Xov had visited him that morning.
***
[A/N: Last Part of Chapter 14, I promise]
It wasn’t often that Jed got to see Tee absolutely plastered. The only other time she could remember, on hand, was his acceptance to the Historian’s Guild, where the poor man’s tankard never seemed to run out of ale. Still, as everyone wanted to do shots with her husband, who was she to refuse?
Still, she made sure he was sober enough to still give thanks to the participants of the wedding, and was socially presentable for the presents they were to receive. Jed marveled at the heaps of gifts they received, even from their neighbors across the lake, the Hiloans. She was amazed they came to her wedding, let alone gave her a gift, due to the current political atmosphere. “Jed,” Lottaine told her. “Auru and Hilo might be enemies now, but we’ve been allies before, and potentially allies in the future too.”
“Besides,” Opyc chimed in, “you’re like our little sister! How could we miss this for you?”
Lottaine smiled. “That Tee of yours is a real lucky guy. Take good care of him, you hear?”
Jed laughed, “I’ll try my best, Lottaine. Thank you both again.”
“Of course, kiddo. What are love-hate relationship neighbors for, anyways?” Opyc laughed, grabbing a filled tankard of ale on his way out of the Spire.
Jed laughed and nodded, before noticing Tee scrutinizing Ajax standing in the corner, subtly nursing a glass of rum. She waltzed over to the young wizard, making sure to steady him on his drunken feet, and ushering him towards the Prophet. “Tee, I’d like you to meet-”
“Ajaxan, isn’t it?” Despite how drunk he looked, Tee’s words weren’t as slurred as she thought they’d be.
“Tee Alduin, I suppose?” Ajax said, freeing up one of his hands from his glass, holding it out in front of him.
Tee slapped his hand aside and gripped Ajax’s forearm, in a traditional, Aurulian grip. “It’s been a pleasure, sir.”
Ajax seemed impressed by Tee’s grip, and returned the embrace. “Take good care of her, you hear?”
“Yeah, of course.”
Jed smiled at the exchange the two men were having, cut short by the squealing of a woman and her pigman companion from behind her. Caught unaware, Lea squeezed the air out of Jed’s chest.
“I’m so excited for you, Jeddypoo!”
“Yeah, congrats girly,” Artagan responded.
“Thanks, you guys! I’m really glad that you could be here for my wedding.”
Artagan nodded. “You have Freyjia to thank for that.”
Lea’s face dropped for a moment. “Unfortunately, we can’t stay much longer.” Even as she said it, Jed watched as the edges of Lea’s and Art’s forms flickered in a dull gold color, just as the sun set below the Western walls of Auru.
Art reached out and ruffled Jed’s hair. “We’ll be back soon though, ya hear? We’ve got a few more things to take care of, then maybe we can be a happy family again.”
“Yeah!” Lea exclaimed, poking Jed in the stomach. “With one or two additions maybe, yeah?”
Jed swiped at Lea’s hand and blushed. “Now is not the time for that conversation, Lea.”
Artagan laughed, a sound she didn’t realized she had longed to hear for what seemed like an eternity. “She’s just playing, silly. Still, take care!” Art gave a short wave, as his form dissipated in a cloud of gold dust.
Lea lunged forward and hugged Jed one last time. “We’ll be back lickity split this time, I promise!” Her form too dissipated.
Jed wiped away a tear before turning once more to Ajaxan, just in time to catch him hand a slip of paper off to Tee. Ajax gave her a salute, and thanked her for watching over Auru in his absence. He, too, dissipated before her.
Tee nodded his head in Ajax’s direction before slipping the paper into his pocket. Jed didn’t want to ask, not just yet. He took off his tuxedo jacket and wrapped it around her arms, just as the chilly night winds began to set in.
“Tee?” Jed started, turning to her husband.
“Yes?” he asked, wiping another tear away from her cheek, and wrapping his hand into hers.
“Do you want to have a child?”
https://imgur.com/a/4cne93A
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ModernMozart1787
Active Member
That was a very long chapter.
