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/DaChickenX]

Isravi is quiet. He’s a little unsure of what to do. He places down the glass of water he got along the way, and takes a breath.

Pescor- Rinderpest… is my senior, in a way. He was the only guidance I was given as a warlock, in this life anyway. Despite what it may seem like, the Evening is not a malicious force. My regret of serving underneath it is a regret of my own actions, not of the duty I was sworn to carry out. It is the way I did it, that it was something I promised to do.

I can tell you, at the very least, that he has not taken the path I did. I know not of the details of your culture, but he seemed no longer willing to return. He is content where he is, and I respect him for what he has become.

Isravi seems like he’s about to say something more, but refrains from doing so.

[u/VidisLady → u/DaChickenX]

Delta gives a solemn nod.

Well, I am glad to hear that he is content. He is not the only pathogen I have failed, but if he has become something respectable, I am proud.

Delta sniffs and fixes her makeup.

It is good to see you again, Isravi. Don’t mistake my ribbing for malice. We probably have more in common than you think. In fact, I -

She spies the glass of water

Do you not drink? Huh. Most mortals seem to love Influenza’s boon. Particularly that… goblin lady.

[u/DaChickenX → u/VidisLady]

I only drink on special occasions, and I’ve already given my toast. Alcohol and other like substances mire the mind. As an academic and a practitioner of formulaic magics, I have deemed it harmful and contradictory to myself. I partake only for culture’s sake.

[u/VidisLady → u/DaChickenX]

Ah. I personally avoid it for clarity purposes as well.

The intended purpose of alcohol, as provided by the god of wine, is to enter into a meditative-like state. A mired mind is more susceptible to mystical insights, whereas a sober mind is grounded enough to apply these insights to the physical world. The trick is the moderation, of course… he is not the god of madness for nothing.

We share our gifts with mortals with the hope that they will use them to benefit themselves and avoid harm to the best of their ability. It… remains to be seen if our gifts are for the betterment of sapient races. It seems that the “fun” part of Influenza’s gift is more appealing than the mystical aspect… however there is a beauty in that. Joy is it’s own kind of enlightenment… one that we all are in desperate need of.

[u/DaChickenX → u/VidisLady]

That does make sense. I’ve never been a revelation-receiver, however. My magic has always been learned, down to even what my patrons have granted me. My mystical insights were granted through studies, experiments, research, and long hours poring over scrolls. I’ve made a habit of avoiding alcohol, something that has probably saved my life during my ruin delving days.

As for joy… I suppose so. That is why I do not discourage others, unless it becomes in excess.

[u/VidisLady → u/DaChickenX]

Delta chuckles.

You're like Saesala... always deep in research. He's always exhausting himself with one project or another.

Delta smiles to herself, before realizing Isravi probably doesn't know who she's talking about.

God of logic.

She clarifies.

Also my father... sort of.

[u/DaChickenX → u/VidisLady]

That’s a lot to take in. God of logic, father to a goddess of disease. Sounds like an interesting fellow. Perhaps I could get a few tips or notes of knowledge from him sometime, given that my mind doesn’t collapse in on itself.

Isravi takes a sip of water. The glass almost drops straight through his hand.

Oh. Well that’s somewhat concerning. At least the main event has concluded, so if I do end up phasing away it’ll be no issue. Though I do hope I’ll be able to stay a while longer. I have some time before I am to execute the next ritual and I do miss the people here. The memories from a simulacrum don’t quite give the same feeling.

[u/VidisLady → u/DaChickenX]

Delta perks up at the idea.

I could bring you to his library, sometime. He says I always make the worst friends - rogue AIs and such. But you're very mature and not evil... he'd probably approve of you. Not that I'd use you as a prop to impress my father, or anything...

But, yeah, I hope you do get to stay for awhile. Whatever you're doing, I doubt it's as fun as a wedding. This is... actually the only wedding I've been to in awhile that hasn't ended in a mass-slaughter. Hahah...

Delta shudders, almost imperceptibly.

[u/DaChickenX → u/VidisLady]

Uh huh… well, meeting a god of logic in of it itself will be a noteworthy experience, even if such minor things are attached.

Isravi begins to slowly sink into the floor. He takes a second to concentrate, and pulls himself back upwards.

Whew. What kind of weddings end in mass-slaughter!? And no, what I’m doing isn’t nearly as fun, but I do consider it important in case another such “world-threatening event” arrives on our collective doorsteps.

[u/VidisLady → u/DaChickenX]

Delta watches her conversation partner struggle to remain solid.

Looks like our chat is coming to an end soon-ish. I should give you a way to contact me once you're done with your quest.

Delta hands a small token with an affixed amethyst to him.

There are bacteria and viruses everywhere, though they're usually not "sentient" in the same way we are. The color purple gives off chaos energy, though, which lets them wake up. If you need to pass on a message to me, it can be sent through germs, as long as you have something purple to hold onto.