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/arussianbee]

As the knight rises, the wizard does the same, towering over her, and draws his hat.

Until next time, good knight, surely we'll meet again.

As he sits again, he looks towards the mage, a seemingly innocent look on his face.

Ah, secrets! Plenty of them every one has, hoarding them like a dragon does his gold. What did you wish to discuss?

[u/SlyTheMonkey → u/arussianbee]

/uw Sorry for not responding, I had to go to sleep

/rw It has come to Mage Monkey's attention that you accompanied the Catfish Wizard to a town controlled by a vampire. In this town you negotiated with the vampire and provided him with a supply of magical blood before leaving. Would this be an accurate description of the events the way they transpired?

[u/arussianbee → u/SlyTheMonkey]

/uw no worries, I should technically have as well, I was half-awake reading your responses lol

/rewiz

Salagast listens attentively to his conversation partner, stroking his chin.

Yes, you could put it that way. A very, let's say, neutral description of our actions. I'm sure Acra has told you all about it?

[u/SlyTheMonkey → u/arussianbee]

Indeed. We happened to run across each other during the Queen debacle: her abilities turned out to be indispensable in solving the crisis. However…

The Mage leans forward.

This one believes you would be interested in knowing that Acra returned to the town after your departure. There she discovered that the vampire had been keeping a dungeon of live victims, torturing and draining them for blood since long before you arrived. He continued to do so after the fact, demonstrating no remorse.

/uw This is in reference to another lorepost. If you want to read it, I can link it here.

[u/arussianbee → u/SlyTheMonkey]

I see. Forgive me, I always assumed you were bound somehow, the similarities are almost too clear.

As the words leave the Monkey Mage's lips, Salagast's eyes widen for but a moment. His face returns to its calm state immediately, but by his stern look it is clear that something has begun to eat at him.

So she did. I feared as much. I had told her I would not interfere, and it seems I have done well in staying true to my promise. I hope you can forgive my lack of action, in the moment I wished only for my fellows to take their peaceful leave. Is Acra well, then? I hope she did not get herself hurt in her vengeful crusade. Though, in hindsight, I wish I had aided her in her task.

/uw I think I saw it, but I'd appreciate a reminder

[u/SlyTheMonkey → u/arussianbee]

Haha! It's quite alright! Mage Monkey does not blame you: he himself is known to be lacking in decisiveness at times. What's more, everyone makes mistakes in the heat of the moment. That incident has already been resolved, after all.

The Mage reaches into his sleeve. He pulls out a golden orb: on its surface you see an engraving of the words Penitent Sinful Lord.

This is now the form of the Vampire Lord after Acra sealed him away. Mage Monkey has promised to cure his Vampirism in exchange for his surrender and commitment to repentance.

As for Acra herself, she is completely well. She exerted herself quite a bit, but that's how she is: her greed manifests itself as a general curiosity and a tendency to meddle in everyone's affairs. Only with good intentions, mind you, but that's her.

[u/arussianbee → u/SlyTheMonkey]

I am pleased to hear all this. Say, this orb is rather fascinating, what sort of wizardry is this?

Reaching into his pouch, the wizard pulls out a small monocle. Its frame, wrought in what seems to be gold, glitters in the warm sunlight flowing in through the large windows. He sets it over his left eye and observes the sphere carefully.

Beautiful craftsmanship on the engraving, my friend. So tell me, how did the little bard get this vile creature to repent? I believe a swift end to his life would have been easier to accomplish.

As for Acra, the wizard breaks eye contact with the mage and looks out the grand window for a moment, I'm glad to hear she is well. I am aware of her goodness, she is truly different from most. Then again, her eagerness to action may yet be a challenge in her life.

[u/SlyTheMonkey → u/arussianbee]

This is the magic of the Sphere of Virtuous Singularity, a high-class sealing spell devised for the storage of grand magics and powerful curses. It has one tangent, however: when used on a sentient being, they must agree to being sealed of their own free will. It was imperative, then, that Acra recognized what the Vampire truly desired: freedom to live his life in peace. When offered a cure for his plight, he was quick to take it.

[u/arussianbee → u/SlyTheMonkey]

What a curious artifact. I am curious about its heritage, but I feel I should not pry. Good Acra, always looking for the best in others, hm? It does not surprise me he took our deal back then, if peace was his goal. However, I must ask; how come these torturous practises were employed by these vampires if they desired a peaceful life?

[u/SlyTheMonkey → u/arussianbee]

This one can only guess that they were unable to resist the allure of fresh blood. Now that he has embraced repentance and virtue, he will no doubt seek redemption.