Chaotic Matrimony (Nilika)

[Annalisa Marin]

78th of Spring, 514 AV

The robes looked rather ostentatious in her opinion, and considering whom it was that had the opinion that was certainly saying something. Billowing purple wreathed a tall body, trimmed in gold with a golden sash running down her shoulder to bind the whole thing together. Upon the sash twinkled a golden broach with rubies gleaming in the magelight, in the shape of a burning scroll much like the golden ring upon her right ring finger. Upon her brow was a circlet of gold as well, another ruby gleaming in the front. Further crimson gems gleamed upon the sandals upon her feet, completing the entire image of the wealthy and powerful sorceress.

They had cost quite a bit in and of themselves, however Annalisa Marin was hardly one to concern herself over such expenditures. Her research afforded her much in the way of resources, enough to where she could afford to spend the excess funds on things she liked. Today’s little gathering outside of the room and in the Elements Sanctum proper was proof of that, as well as the rather frivolous thing to take place here. It had taken a bit of string pulling but she had managed it at the very least, a little bit of joy upon Sahova was within her grasp.

Marriage, it had been something the sorceress had never exactly pondered over too much as she had never met anyone to warrant such affection from her. Though she had most recently, a non-human as well which was surprising enough though the sorceress supposed fate was interesting like that. Or rather Cheva apparently, as blasphemous as that likely sounded it was more or less the truth that Rhysol had not entered into the equation. Anna sighed again as she looked upon herself in the mirror, pondering something simpler before shrugging.

Perhaps her bride to be could offer an opinion on this; then again Sahova in general was likely still rather strange to her no doubt. As was the conduct of binding two people together, Anna herself considered it rather strange though she supposed different cultures practiced such things differently. Just arranging the affair had been a nightmare storm of documents and signatures for the young Sahovan Master, the Citadel did love its petching paperwork. Still she had endured the whole thing for this thing to be done, so she could at last defy Amaryllis and those that declared her fated to die alone and forsaken.

The sorceress turned away from the mirror and moved to a small desk nearby, drawing a glass of crimson liquid to her lips and sipping at it. The room, her personal quarters, was a large affair of that there was no real doubt. A few closets and passageways leading out of it into small side rooms and a closet, this was where they were both to prepare before the whole thing went down. Her gaze flitted over the massive bed, another thing she had clawed her way into earning from her first day as an Apprentice onwards. The whole room was a representation of blood, sweat, tears, and suffering that had earned it.

Anna walked to a small side room and cleared her throat as she rapped lightly upon the door, her stomach feeling a little strange. The tall human took a deep breath, attempting to calm her nerves and just mentally prepare herself as best she was able though that was far easier thought than it was done. There was so much that could go wrong, so much that could snatch this away from her and she most certainly did not want that. She did not want to lose this chance to be happy or at least have one thing that brought joy to her in this existence of hers.

“My dear, are you ready? Its nearly time and I would appreciate your opinion on this robe of mine, I think it’s a bit… much.” The sorceress said from behind the door, her tone a little off from its normal smoothness and sounding just a touch nervous.

[Ricky Maze]

Where was he again? Oh right. He was on the road to the one place that would be his only hope, even so he didn't recall winding up here within the halls of this.... was this a dungeon he'd never been to? If so then how would he be here now? He couldn't rightfully question it as the place seemed more or less a reality he lived within, that was the way life seemed to be nowadays anyway. A reality that he wanted to escape at times, only because of how it was by far different from what he truly wanted out of it.

Yet even so the fact is this place and life in general were both never really "normal" as the definition seemed to hold little meaning, as Ricky Maze who was Zeltiva's finest Wave Guard not only stood proud at the door that contained the lovely bride to be, but did so knowing he was upholding a sacred duty in the name of Cheva. On her behalf he would no doubt see that this wedding went off without a hitch, considering his own coppery mark seemed to hold a faint sort of glow in this dim place. He could easily recall the oaths taken that day when he swore his love to his wife last summer, and of course now on this day, or was it night?, Ricky would help another couple receive theirs as they professed their love to the very Goddess that would bless them with her mark of promise.

But just who was he guarding? Who exactly was he suppose to watch and protect? He stood there unmoved as he heard the voice of the woman come out the door, yet she remained hidden as to avoid revealing the no doubt georgous dress she would be wearing at the ceremony. The bride. He smiled as he kept his arms cross and his posture proud, though he still failed to figure out exactly who the person was he was guarding here and now. Petch.... Oi know dat voice fr'm somewhere.... He could only wonder just where that was exactly. Zeltiva? That would be likely since most he met were there to begin with, but even then just who exactly would it be? He'd met so many people and practically saw a thousand faces everyday.

He felt bad though, should he answer for the one she spoke to. Was he even here yet or did was he to approach? Was it even a he? Ricky didn't know these things yet here he was.... it was a complex situation he all the same shrugged off, as he felt it unnecessary to be puzzled with such matters. Today, or tonight, was about the celebration of unity! "Beg pardon lass but Oi might be able t' 'elp if ye like." He shyly offered be he turned to look at the door, deep blue eyes curiously engaged on it while the slightly shimmering mark under his left ear would become noticeable.

[Nilika]

Common | Kontinese

So many things were going in and out of head all at once. The main subject that always somehow came to the front of her mind was, was she ready. Being married seemed like a big thing to the Konti. She was going to spend her incredibly long existence with this person. They were a mere human though; her lover’s life could be a second in her long life. It saddened to think about that fact. Having to see them grow old, but she plastered on a smile. It didn’t matter right now. Nilika was getting married. Everything had kind of moved faster than she thought. Turning her head slowly around the room, the interior and the designs of room was not that of her homeland. The room was but one stranger to her. Soon she will be spending her life here in Sahova. A thing of glee arose from the pit of stomach. Soon she would be able to learn a thing or two about magic.

Nilika stood up from the dresser and looked over to the wall where a dress was hanging up. The designer had done a beautiful job on it. It was a simple white dress that faded into a pale blue. Flowers adorned hip area a little lower and the mid bicep gloves were also adorn with flowers. A giggle swarmed from her mouth remembering the argument about the dress. The designer was anger that the Konti wanted just a plan dress but the person wanted to go all out. With back and forth insults and threatening, the teen finally got what she wanted.

Hesitantly she moved over to where the dress was. The silk milky, white glided over her skin as she started to get prepare for the ceremony. She swept her across the dress getting out imaginary wrinkles. Her stomach flip flopped as she stood there. Pulling the gloves on slowly, she let out a thank you for the designer once again. She had put grooves in the gloves to accommodate her webbed hands more comfortably. Nilika moved over to the mirror. The dress looked stunning against her scales. Her sapphire eyes stood more out from the pale color dress. Now all she had to do next was her hair which was a chore of itself.

She brushed her hair into two parts. Taking one part, a flower pin kept it in a ponytail. The other side was down the same way. With a smile Nilika twirled around the dress that touched the floor. A knock resounded about the room. Is it time already? She hurried and put on the pearl necklace that her mother had sent and the anklet that went with it. She slipped on the heals and tapped them on the floor. With a deep breath, she opened the door and started.

The woman at the door looked stunning. The robes looked perfect adorn her body. Nilika could never have pulled the Sahovan look off. Nilika looked up at the woman who towered over her about a foot. If it was anyone else she would have been annoyed by the person. The Konti walked out of the room a little and stared Annalisa. Shaking her head momentarily, she tried to focus on what the woman had said earlier. “You look fine sweetie, tp be honest you look gorgeous,” the teen hugged the woman. She smiled up to her trying to rest her to-be’s concerns. “If anything I look a little put off,” Nilika joked hoping to see a smile grace the other’s face.
OOCI so happened to find my dress

[Annalisa Marin]

A voice came from another door, the one that housed a guard that was to escort them safely to the Sanctum as a whole and hopefully prevent anything untoward from happening. She knew that voice strangely enough; it stirred at her memories slightly but was brushed aside just as easily. She did need opinions after all, a common guard was hardly the best source of information she could get but she would be more than willing to get another to tell her if she looked ridiculous. So she sighed slightly and, despite reservations, figured it would at least do for the guard to know whom to guard during these events.

“Very well sir, gods know I need some advice.” The sorceress muttered.

The door before her opened, the sight flooring her completely and utterly as her breath was stolen by the woman she was to share her life with. A white dress clung to her body, flowers incorporated lovingly into the design as the fabric flutter lightly as she walked. Heels clacked upon the stone floor, adding a bit of extra height to her fiancé but still she was dwarfed by the tall human. Scales gleamed in the mage light, revealing her inhuman nature though the sorceress was hard pressed to care over that at the moment. She was beautiful, desirable in every single way. When she was hugged the dark haired woman gently placed a reciprocating arm around her, breathing deeply to savor this moment.

Compared to the attire Anna felt rather like some clown, done up in her voluminous robes of colors that tried to project power in them. She let out a sharp bark of laughter at the other woman’s words, knowing that was true though only because she was actively trying to appear powerful. Amaryllis had often told her that appearances were everything, they could decide if one succeeded or failed in their goals. So she had opted to appear powerful today, to appear every inch the weaver of the arcane arts that she was. Still, the teen’s words did bring a tiny smile to Anna’s face.

“Would that were so, my little minnow, you though have outshined me by leagues. Hmm… pity I am not a poet, though I fear mere words might not accurately capture your beauty. The curse of words I suppose, inadequate compared to the feelings of the heart.” Anna said at length, releasing her hold upon Nilika and moving off to a small table.

The tall woman poured a glass of glittering ruby wine, holding it up as though inquiring if her bride to be wanted any. If she did the sorceress would pour another glass, if not she would simply set it down on the table and sip at her own wine. It burned nicely down her throat and tingled at her stomach, drawing a pleased sigh from her. To think, this was the woman she was to spend her life with, a famed Konti and a soul far more gentle than her own one so stained with corruption.

Some might have argued she did not deserve such a thing, Anna would then have told them to petch off in more eloquent phrasing. She was a selfish creature by her very nature, Nilika was everything she was not and then some however she was also a chance to hold something beautiful and precious and not see it destroyed. Blasphemy in some ways towards Rhysol, however the Defiler had already staked his claim upon the sorceress. She suspected he knew where her true loyalties would always lie in the very end, despite her choice of lovers.

“So. This is it then; today we are to be married. Gods, I feel odd to steal you away for myself when you are still so young. Though, I suppose by the time I’m growing wrinkles you’ll be as youthful as you are today, minnow. A blessing I suppose. Any second thoughts?” Anna said with a smirk, butterflies fluttering around in her stomach.

[Ricky Maze]

He was rather nervous when he heard the voice at the in the other room, afraid that he would intrude upon them were he to head on inside. He held great respect for boundaries and when it came to weddings and the like, there were just plenty of boundaries you should avoid crossing. Still… she decided she could do with an opinion from someone else, thus his prompt to help out led him to face the music as he opened the door gently to poke inside. There he would see not one but two of them. The bride… and then the… bride? Well whattya know. He raised his eyebrows in amusement towards the recognition, no doubt they were both stunning in their own outfits and all the more deserved the appraisal for their transformation, as today they would both prove to be beautiful souls brought together under the graces of Lhex and Cheva herself.

"Pardon me intrusion, just t’ought Oi’d lend a helpin’ hand- erm… opinion." He corrected after he cleared his throat a bit nervously. He knew not why he felt nervous in the presence of these two, especially when he was here to make sure things went according to plan on the day they were to be married! Perhaps there was just that wonder, that inner worry he may mess up. Do something to ruin the thing as a whole, and therefore shame the one he represented here on this momentous occasion. Then of course moment of truth where he would personally get to see the two for who they were, and openly share with them how they looked in their outfits today. "Put off ain’t even close t’ it lass, yer rat’er radiant’ in dat outfit if Oi may say so me self." He humbly offered with a faint grin on his face, rather stunned by the beauty he saw when the pale dress highlighted the beautiful color of her sapphire eyes. They alone practically but the deep crystal blue hues his carried to shame in terms of beauty, more or less due to the highlights of her hair and dress in the light provided in the room.

Then of course there was the other bride who was much older, old enough to hold a familiar face that Ricky hadn’t recognized from the start. Mostly because the look of her outfit was also a stunning feature to bear witness when he laid eyes on her, the wondrous sparkles of the rubies adorned on her sash and circlet added a sort of luminance to her figure. Yet that proud air that stood about her was what made Ricky feel familiar to begin with and then soon after he figured out just who it was that belonged to that face. "She-Wi- Oi mean… Anna?!" He corrected as he withheld his tongue to choke on the inner thought that nearly became words. Last he knew she was bound to leave somewhere, some other place that provided better opportunities than the University? Did she ever say? He couldn’t remember. Yet here she was now, beautiful in her own strange… demented kind of way! "Yew look- Ch- Ra- Er…" His tongue got caught in several twists that prevented him from finding the right word. "Wow."

He finally managed to get the word out with a bit of relief, yet the awe was still clear in his face as he looked at her mostly. "Just, wow." He repeated with a chuckle, though he felt rather odd and yet again nervous. Now he knew why he was nervous. He was a guardian for Anna’s wedding. The Annalisa Marinn he knew to be quite bold and yet quite… er… well she had her flaws about her too. He couldn’t really look upon the bad though, not when a cause for celebration required so much good. "Oi’ll just uh, remain posted nearby in case ye need me. Wouldn’t want to piss on- Oi mean, ruin yer day by any means." He covered up once more as he tried to find better control in moderation of his mouth, already aware that he was in the presence of a young one who likely didn’t need to hear that kind of language.

[Nilika]

Common | Kontinese

Her smile grew wider at the nickname that she somehow has gotten. A sigh was all that Nilika could get out at the moment. It felt good hugging someone else. The robes helped with the covering the flesh. She did not want her Gift to get in the way of this pleasant moment. Annalisa let go of her and walked off; the Konti didn’t miss a beat. She soon followed after the other.

Nilika smiled and took the glass of wine from her to-be. She swirled the liquid in the clear glass, looking as it hit the sides of the glass. Like mighty waves hitting an island’s shore. A smirk can to her face with analogue that she had made. Her eyes followed her lover as she sipped at her wine. She cupped the glass with both hands. The red elixir teased her from its color. Maybe drinking wine right now isn’t a good idea. One little drop from the alcohol would ruin the appealing white dress. Then Nilika would have a fit and call off the wedding until the dress was. She did not want to go through all of the conflict with rescheduling this wonderful event.

With a sigh, she put the glass of wine on the table. A smile came upon her face at Annalisa’s comments of stealing her away. Perhaps she was, a little thought of mischievous was born after the bride to be asked any second thoughts. What if I pretended to cancel the wedding? Ooo maybe even say no at the altar. So many predicaments came to mind by those three simple words. A soft chuckle forced its way out from an image of her lover standing there at the altar with a shocked face from the Konti’s confession. The teenager settled on shaking her head for her response. Sapphire eyes lowered as the cat like grin spread across her scaled face. Maybe I need to hold off on the pranks until after the marriage. The atmosphere was calm and gentle. It was peaceful if one could say.

The noise of a door opening made Nilika’s ears perk up. A man had walked in, He’s a guard, she concluded from looking at his attire. Turning her body fully around, she got the full view of him. He seemed to be quite taller than the younger bride. Everyone was taller than Nilika anyway so it didn’t faze her so much. A blush came to her face at his comment about her looks. It felt good to be told that she was attractive. Though it took a while to figure out what he was saying, but nonetheless the comment was much appreciated. She watched as his face turned to shock at seeing the other bride. The wheels in the youngster brains started to turn; trying to figure out why the guard was surprised, but that was answered.

Nilika watched between the two, watching as he stumbled over his words. After what seemed like a cover up of words, she turned to her soon to be wife and took her hand softly. “I think it is best that we get on our way,” she suggested with a glint in her eyes.

[Annalisa Marin]

Anna’s eyebrows raised by a few degrees when she looked upon Ricky Maze, a man she knew well enough to consider him at least somewhat of an acquaintance. If she recalled correctly she had taught him the basics of Reimancy when she had still taught in Zeltiva, in that life that felt a lifetime ago. So far removed from the horrors of Sahova she had been, a mere child in the scope of the world and when she had come to Sahova that child had died. In her place stood a woman, a true wizard and a zealous devotee to Rhysol. All she was now she owed to Sahova and Rhysol, she still hated the former but to the latter she had promised it to be delivered unto him.

The tall woman opted to favor the man with a brilliant smile, placing the glass upon the table and inclining her head to the fellow Zeltivan. The compliment was accepted for what it was worth before her attention was given to Nilika once again, a wink being sent her way. It was interesting to see how many individuals from her past ended up upon Sahovan shores; the Citadel did so enjoy reuniting her with such people. It also loved introducing new people to her of course.

“Ricky Maze, a pleasure to see you. I trust your ability has progressed nicely since last we spoke?” The sorceress inquired in a tone of smooth honey, leaving out the name of his talent for his benefit.

Her bride wrapped her fingers around her own, drawing the sorceress’ attention towards her and a soft smile being favored towards her. The Konti was right of course, they should stop stalling as no doubt Bebe was likely to get a little impatient out in the main Sanctum. If they were going to do this, it would be necessary to do this quickly enough to avoid drawing ire. The right strings had been pulled for this whole affair, no need to go out of her way to insult those she had pulled the strings with. That would not be healthy even for one such as herself.

“A good idea, minnow. Let us be off then, do remember there will be a formal signing of documents beforehand. The Nuit do love their petching- I mean, their stupid paperwork.” The tall woman said, curbing her foul tongue as she reminded herself that Nilika was still a bit younger than she.

With that Anna would attempt to lead them out the door, sparring a nod to Ricky on their way out as she pushed open the wooden thing. They would then find themselves in a massive cavern like chamber, the walls and floors that were normally cold stone were richly decorated for the occasion. Arrayed throughout the room were a number of Apprentices and slaves, as well as a few smatterings of others that had opted to join in on the occasion. A couple of imposing looking golems were on guard by the large iron door that made up the main entrance to the Sanctum.

Down the aisle the walked was a Nuit staring at the pair placidly at a desk, shuffling paperwork around and producing a quill and inkwell from within the desk. Once they would arrive there the man would push forward a single document, once filled with line after line of Ancient Tongue that was probably unreadable by the Konti and barely decipherable by Anna. The Nuit seemed to sense this and opted to get started on his part of this little bit of a Sahovan ceremony as was custom.

“Master Annalisa Marin. Miss Nilika. You have made your intentions known to the Citadel that you wish to bind yourselves in a marriage of resources, affection, and whatever else you two might agree upon further down the line. In accordance with Citadel customs, to validate the nature of this marriage you are required to both place your signatures upon the following document. It recognizes your bindings and will be upheld by the Archwizard and Council of Five. Should Miss Nilika ever be formally recognized as a full Wizard her resources and yours will be combined, Master Marin. Once you sign this you are permitted to engage in whatever ceremony is customary to signify your bindings. Is this arrangement satisfactory to the both of you?” The Nuit stated plainly.

Anna did not hesitate in her end of this and took up the quill offered and dipped it deftly in ink and signed her full title and name at the bottom. This done she set the quill down and looked to Nilika, knowing full well the choice was hers to make. Honestly the sorceress would not blame her for backing out at the last possible minute, considering who Anna was it was something expected. The younger woman did not know the full depths of her sins, but could probably guess.

OOCAhhh... Sahova and its infernal paperwork. XD

[Ricky Maze]

He couldn't help but inwardly smile just a little as Anna in turn recognized who he was, no doubt the time they spent being the furthest apart had proven great upon impact, as they both likely looked to be somewhat rather different from their last encounter with one another. Such a time felt like ages ago, before all this change had started to happen to him, and yet even now Ricky could still see that this was indeed the same woman he once knew. Though... she was clearly changed. No longer the same thanks to the effects of time, the transitions of change that carried all within onward to shape into a different outlook of their former selves.

How ironic. To think he would meet her again in a place like this, marrying another who appeared so young in comparison. Yet this hardly the irony behind it, as Ricky knew Anna to be rather different in terms of love and passion. Even now though, he could see that Anna and her bride were happy together. A happiness hardly found in the world, that deserved to be kept alive until the end of time itself. "Aye. It's been gettin' better more 'r less, been t' busy raisin' me son t' apart fr'm me job." He admitted calmly with a state of peace in mind, for some reason he didn't worry as to whether or not Anna would be disappointed or anything of the sort. He was actually rather happy, to see that for once she looked happy. Something like that was hard to not be happy about really.

It was then the other one decided to notion that they should move along, and in turn Ricky agreed with the two as he moved aside for them to lead the way. He was by all means a guardian today... or was it tonight? Bah! All that mattered was that he was here, here to make sure that genuine happiness the two shared would reach its completion. Still he smirked at the words Anna chose in order to correct the foul mouth she had, he could definitely relate seeing as how he too had to moderate the language that ran through his mind. Such was the nature of an adult it seems. With the two of them finally off Ricky stayed behind only several feet and followed in silence, the Cheva Mark under his left ear started to shimmer as they finally moved onward to work out the finer details of this arrangement.

Sahova... Did it truly require such works to be done, all in the sake of uniting two souls into a marriage? Surely such a thing didn't have to be so complicated, seeing as Ricky and his own beloved merely took their vows and swore the oath as one. That was all they needed, as they hadn't any need to worry about possessions. Sharing was something they'd already done off and on as friends, so in part their relationship advancing the way it did just more or less brought the two together. Yes. That was practically all that mattered at the end, the unity of two souls bound as one. Such a thing as paperwork was the workings of "formality" in this place, where as the actual ceremony would be its own individual right. Of that he felt sure of.

Upon entrance of the room he felt odd, seeing as how the stone crafted guards stood taller than him, and pondered the reason why this called for his presence. Surely if there were these things to guard these halls, then why did this ceremony call for a simple human to guard these two? It was something he pondered for a few chimes, until at last the Nuit that remained seated spoke. It was a little strange but all the same Ricky watched and waited in silence, hands clasped together behind his back patiently as he stood a proud guardian to the occasion.

[Nilika]

Common | Kontinese

Heels clinked along the stone floors as the wearer made their way down the hall. Nilika looked at the people who came for the event. There weren’t any faces that she knew particularly. Some she had saw before, but they were mere drops in a sea of faces. Slowly, her body started to tremble a little; her body had finally reacted to her mindset. The Konti looked back and noticed Ricky was following them. A feeling of relief washed over her. She didn’t know why, but didn’t really think on it before focusing.

Nervously, the teen took hold of her lover’s robe and looked forward. It was finally time for them to show all that they were to become one. Sweat beaded down her neck and gloved hands. She was tempted to take them off, but refused to. If by pure bad luck she could stumble into one of the slaves and touch them. A little grimace came to her face at the thought of feeling their sorrow. There wouldn’t be anything in or on this world that would her on Sahova after feeling it.

She stopped a little and stared at the golems at the door. That was another of the million things she has not grown used to on Sahova. These Golems were everywhere. Almost like the Syliras Knights. It was interesting to see them from afar but not close up. They continued to walk until they were at the desk of a man. Nilika looked him up and down, deciding that this so called man was actually a Nuit. She didn’t particularly hate them, but mostly disturbed by them. After seeing what most creatures are used for and have gone through, the Konti learned to keep her mouth shut about her displeasure.

He pulled out a document and writing utensils from his desk. She looked over the paper and saw nothing, but gibberish. How the shyke are we supposed to read this? Looking up at Anna then to the paper made her want to say something badly, but stopped at the Nuit’s voice. So it was telling us that we binding with one another. Well that was a waste of paper. She thought sarcastically watching her wife sign the paper.

Was I ready to bind my life with this woman? The question rose from nowhere that it made Nilika take a step back. Am I ready to stay on this undead island in fear? There wasn’t anything to fear with her wife by her side, but what if she does something against the rules. Who would be saving her then? Her wife couldn’t, she would be at the mercy of the council maybe.

She took another step back and looked at everyone in the room. They looked at her expectantly and now, Nilika was able to fully understand the weight of her decision. Is this what I really want? Blue eyes looked into grey eyes for an answer. She found it and took the quill from Anna and signed her name. Placing the quill on the desk, Nilika wrapped her arms around her lover. It didn’t matter right now. It was all the future, what mattered was right now.