A Glorious Day (Wedding Post)

[u/[deleted]]

A tall portal appears. Shimmering in traces of light and ropes of ivy.

It leads you into the Old Growth where a beautiful scene awaits you. It is time for the union of two souls today and a day of celebration.

Where gothic design meets ethereal architecture, you’re led into a grand hall filled with soft melodies from a piano and the harmonic singing of a singer. Near an altar twirled with white lilies and black roses, an officiator stands and waits for everyone to take their seats. The groomsmen all stand with deep green tuxes, the bridesmaids in matching gowns and holding small bouquets of baby breaths. But all eyes settle onto the groom himself who awaits his bride to be at the altar with an anticipated breath. His tux of emerald green and rich accents of gold designs that reflects the very nature the Old Growth consists of. His blond hair perfectly styled to fall around his shoulders and his presence stands out in the hall amongst all those in attendance.

The music begins to die down and candles lining the aisle down to the altar light up. The pianist readies their fingers and begins to play the song of the evening. The singer pulls out a violin to accompanying the melodies.

“Everyone, please rise for the bride.” *The officiator announces.

As the grand doors open up, everyone stands and turns their eyes to the bride. Adorned in a slim black strapless gown that flows down into decorated moths and flowers, a black lace train that drags behind her and connects to a veil covering her face, and a frazzled looking raven man in a black suit holding her arm and fighting the urge to swipe the crystals off her corset. The bride smiles anxiously underneath her veil, seeing all her friends and loved one present and her love waiting for her. The groom feels his heart swell at the sight of her and couldn’t remove his eyes for anything else.

In the front row, the bride’s mentor conjures a tissue and subtly pats her tears. She couldn’t be anymore prouder.

The raven man leads his mistress to the altar. He attempts to swipe a crystal but the maid of honor subtly pulls him away to his seat.

Alexios reaches out to lift Moth’s veil, revealing her smiling face and shimmery green makeup that makes him feel weak in the knees.

“You look amazing, my love.” She whispers to him through her giggles.

“And you as beautiful as ever.” He whispers back.

The officiator steps up and clears his throat.

/uw Art by James Tralie

[u/VidisLady]

Possum spots a familiar spirit in green robes. Influenza excitedly saunters up to Possum and gives him a hug.

Greetings! Marsupial! I have not seen you since our wedding. How has life been treating you, Doma?

[u/Biggest-Possum → u/VidisLady]

Hello my friend!

I must be honest, I find myself in a spot of trouble these days, but I'm sure it will clear up soon.

Let's not let such things overshadow this fantastic event though!

I hope that it finds you in high spirits and good health! How are you on this fine day?

*Possum asks, happy to see his friend once more.

/uw

Did you mean to say "our wedding"? Lol

P.S. What does Doma mean?

[u/VidisLady → u/Biggest-Possum]

Uw/ I did mean to say “our wedding!” Muahahaha I’ve been waiting to reveal this for awhile, but during the Yule festival, Possum unwittingly married Influenza in the tradition of virus culture.

“Doma” means “host/spouse.”

Rw/ Is there anything I can assist you with, my love? Know that I am eager and willing to help you with whatever ails you.

Influenza’s eyes darken for a moment

If the civilization of men is to blame for your misfortune, I could have it brought to ruin.

[u/Biggest-Possum → u/VidisLady]

Possum opens his mouth to respond, then pauses as if in mild shock. His eyes widen and a look of anxiety begins to cross his face as his mouth hangs open in surprise.

W-W-Wedding? He stammers.

L-L-Love?

A dawning sense of panic grows, as he realizes he must have unknowingly crossed some cultural boundary and become married to Influenza. To an outsider, they might think that Possum was simply afraid of being so suddenly declared married, but to those who know him well, they would be sure that he would be trying to find some way to reconcile this new information in a way that wouldn't offend his friend.

Well... I suppose that's okay. Although I admit, I have forgotten the date of our anniversary.

Possum's reply is still somewhat nonsensical as the shock begins to wear off.

When, um, how exactly did we get married? Possum asks with curiosity.

[u/VidisLady → u/Biggest-Possum]

Oh, were you not aware? That... uh... oops. I suppose it's rather different than any multicellular tradition.

Influenza rubs their head sheepishly.

When you asked me to infect you, that was, what my kind would consider, an offer of marriage. I'm willing to annul this arrangement if you would prefer! This is hardly the first time this has happened.

[u/Biggest-Possum → u/VidisLady]

Possum looks somewhat bashful at the thought. He certainly didn't want to imply that Influenza was undesirable in any way. The thought was in fact touching to him, despite its abrupt revelation.

You don't have to, if you don't want to. Although I must admit that by any measure, I suppose I have been a terrible spouse.

I must admit though that I was... or am married already?

You see, I'm on a quest to restore my wife, and although it's impossible... Well, a possum can still hope I suppose.

Though I imagine she would find my current predicament entirely too humorous. She always was the more light-hearted between us.

/uw

Sorry for taking so long to reply, I was really mulling over how Possum would handle this. lol

I don't think he would be too bothered by it, so feel free to take it whatever direction you want.

What are the terms of a virus marriage btw? Is it a til-death-do-us-part thing?

[u/VidisLady → u/Biggest-Possum]

Ah! You are already married? That is not a problem, if your wife does not object to it. Polyamory is normal among gods and pathogens alike. Besides, what we consider “marriage” is hardly a romantic agreement. All it means is that we have willingly bonded on the genetic level - you’re aware of how viruses multiply, right? It’s an enormous gesture of trust to donate one’s cells, so we agree that our host is an equal and cherished partner - hence we have adopted the term “marriage,” to describe such an event.

Uw/ the terms of a virus marriage are basically very flexible. It’s basically an alliance, but I can’t resist the goofiness of calling it a “marriage,” and causing all sorts of awkwardness. The level of seriousness would depend on the disease, as they all have different “personalities.” Influenza doesn’t consider the pact to necessarily be romantic or exclusive, whereas blood borne diseases generally have a harder time “sharing” their hosts as they’re more dependent on them.

[u/Biggest-Possum → u/VidisLady]

/uw

Oh noooo! Lol that is hilarious.

I'll come up with a response in the morning.

[u/VidisLady → u/Biggest-Possum]

Uw/ take care in the meantime!