Through many ordeals and trials, particularly in the apparent death of his future mother in law, but Kaiser and Nerezza were able to plan out the major details of the ceremony. Raeguel, Melina and Angela, along with the other queens and her brother (though he wasn’t as thrilled with it) helped them greatly in hammering out the details. The date was eventually planned and before he knew it, the time was upon them. The Terra season was soon at its end, which was where they were celebrate their union. Nature seemed to lend them a hand as well; the constant rainy days gave way for now with the sun high in the sky.

The greta palace’s courtyard had been transformed and decorated to fit the occasion. The Rosenite matriarch was to marry them and Iva was decided to be the flower girl. Raeguel, as expected, was to walk his daughter down the aisle. Every had seemed to be set in stone until he had recently heard unexpected news. His family had indeed crossed over and still kept their loyalties to the former Shiran leader, regardless of his alignment in this world. Above all, they were absolutely ecstatic over the news of the marriage and made the journey to Arri. Even with his perky, annoying sister, Kaiser had never been so happy to see his kin once more and now the two houses could be united as intended after all.

The guest were slowly gathering down the aisles and taking seats. Already he could see Nerezza’s extended family coming together, for better or worse. Her Toya, in particular, would have to be sure to be on her best behavior, and it looked as though her husband had a few words with her before exchanging a look of sympathy to the young groom. Taking a deep breath, he could already see Blair taking her seat, a mischievous grin across her face and her big brother merely grimaced at what she was planning. She was nothing better than a troublemaker. He could see his other sister arriving with their parents and the rest of their flock arriving as well.

Lucian’s arrival calmed him even more as he was chosen to be the best man since their relationship was that of a friendly one. Still he couldn’t help but to feel a slight nervous over how all this would play out. Cold feet was hitting him yet he kept himself firmly at the spot in front of all of their guest as he stood in front of the podium. “You okay?”, Lucian asked, placing a hand on his shoulder. It took some time to gather his thoughts, but Kaiser silently nodded. “Hope so. Can’t run now, especially if my father catches you.” He looked to the lad and gave a small laugh though he knew such joking words couldn’t be closer to the truth. Not that he would have ran anyway, but all of this was hitting him at once now that it was finally happening.

"I'll be fine. These things usually take too long, but it will be worth it", Kaiser said, knowing that it was true. They both had been waiting for this moment for ages and now it was all coming together.

Angela had helped her daughter with a lot of the planning. Melina even got to chip in and it made the girl feel more like she was Rezza’s step mother than she ever had before, not that her and Raeguel were married but it made Melina feel like family. She made sure not to step on Angela’s toes even though the goddess had told Melina that it was fine. Nerezza loved having both of them around. Angela was her mother and Melina made her father happy. In a way there were things only Melina could give advice on especially since Angela had forgotten just how to take life one step at a time. Nerezza used Melina to figure out how to slow down on life. Though Melina was always never far away from Raeguel, not by choice, it did mean that Raeguel had to be very close for her to help. Nerezza was thankful for her father being kind like that as she needed both Melina and Angela in that moment.

The planning didn’t take years but with things happening especially when it came to Cyprus, Nerezza realized that it had been a bad time so she had asked Kaiser to put up with her for a bit longer as they courted. It was a long engagement but it had been worth it. With Cyprus gone there was a revitalized peace in Sularia and it made the wedding day feel lighter and happier. They didn’t need to worry about the crazy Rosenite that had haunted them for so long.

Nerezza was inside one of the castle rooms. She was almost heaving breaths as she tried to calm herself down. She was trying to pace back and forth but Aaryona stopped her. “Please stop you’ll move the pins,” Aaryona was about ready to paralyze the poor thing. She was making final adjustments on her dress and she smirked as she realized her mother despite how powerful she was now, was still the same. She couldn’t sew to save her life.

“What if he doesn’t like it?” Nerezza stuttered out and turned her head to her sister.

“Why wouldn’t he like it?” Aaryona looked up at Rezza and smiled. “If he doesn’t like it just rip a piece off and strangle him with it?” Rezza laughed a bit and a little bit of the nervousness came off at a joke like that. “You’ll be fine.”

Her dress was gorgeous, it looked more like it had been made completely out of gold than anything. It was a shade a bit deeper than her golden eyes and it was edged in lace. The sleeves were off her shoulders and cut short barely making it down to her elbow. The bodice was a sweetheart design and her red rose necklace was around her neck as always. Gold eyes watched as her older sister used her teeth to break the thread. “Isn’t there a better way to do that?”

“Sure, but I don’t really think it will matter. I’ve gotten good at fixing things over the years since Mother can’t do it.” The thought made them both laugh again. “She would probably butcher it knowing her. Or try to magic it and not get the seam right… sewing has never been her thing.” Aaryona mused as she took the bottom of Rezza’s gown and fluffed it out and over. “There, all done.” She looked at her hidden stitches and nodded. “I would say it is a well done effort.” Rezza couldn’t even tell that the dress had been ripped, which had been her fault anyways.

Her white hair was half pinned back. The front had been pulled back and pinned using gemstone hairpins and the back had been brushed and curled again. Her hair had gotten long at least she thought so since not she wore it at her waist. “When do we know to go?” Nerezza stuttered just a bit more.

“When Raeguel comes to get you silly. I imagine they are issuing threats right now.” Aaryona teased but it couldn’t have been more closer to the truth.

Toya was crossing her arms and huffing at her husband and Angela was glaring at her youngest sister. “You even think of causing problems and I’ll make sure the next few years of your life are hell.” Angela’s voice was stern and Toya’s arms got tighter at her chest as she began to mockingly copy Angela’s words.

“Fine, fine. It’s bad enough I had to be forced into a damn dress.” Blaine took Toya’s arm and practically dragged her over.

Angela looked over at Kaiser and winked softly. Rohan was running around and the rings for the wedding were literally tied to the boy so he didn’t lose them, though Ang thought her youngest son was more like a dragon protecting his hoard since he had been tasked with holding onto the rings for both Nerezza and Kaiser.

Episcia looked a little awkward as she stood near Lucian and Kaiser. She was dressed just as fancy and it made her feel weird, she was so used to her armor and her training clothes but Nerezza had asked her to walk alongside her. She supposed since Lucian was with Kaiser that it made a bit of sense but when she thought about it more she realized that Rezza didn’t have anyone other than her sisters so it was probably best it was her.

Iva was running around towards the castle doors throwing flowers and petals. Every once in a while Angela would swish her finger and the basket would become full once more for the girl to enjoy herself. “Thank goodness I can do that… or we would be out a flower girl.” Angela chuckled at Kaiser. “Are you ready?”

“Isn’t that supposed to be my decision?” Willow looked as stunning as the rest of the Rosenites and Angela chuckled softly. “When you’re ready we stashed Nerezza up in the castle. Poor thing was pacing so bad I thought she was going to wear the floor out.” Willow spoke to Raeguel and smiled. “You can go get her now and we can start.”

Raeguel was torn with his feelings on this matter. On one hand, he was sure that it was the right call for Nerezza and Kaiser to join together since they seemed intent on being with one another. He trusted the young man as he was capable of keeping himself in check time and time again and knew that he would be a suitable love for his only daughter. On the other hand, she was his only daughter and a part of him hated that they hadn’t spent much time together when she was little. His dark past had been the main reason for his visits being few and far before coming to Revaliir. Afterwards, he tried to spend as much time with her and Lucian but it didn’t seem like it had been enough. And before he knew, she was getting married now. As he stood by, watching the guests gather to the courtyard, he was dressed in fine robes of white and gold. As always, Raeguel looked magnificent though that was the least of the worries on his mind. He knew that not only Nerezza’s family would be here, but also Kaiser’s as well. They had been good allies and had their son came to see his daughter to teach her in the first place before feeling bloomed.

There was also the matter of his brother coming to see his niece for the first time, at her wedding no less. The hatchet had long since been buried between himself and Reaver. Speaking of the devil, gold eyes loomed over to his kin watching from the shadows, it was merely Reaver’s way he supposed. Their eyes met and no words were needed with their mutual understanding. Kaiser still looked like a nervous mess as he had been the last few days and Lucian was trying to speak with him to ease everything over.

Blaine, having been dreading the sisters coming together again, could be heard groaning at their banter. “Can’t this wait until after the wedding, you two?” Raeguel didn’t envy the lycan’s position right now and went over to the small group of Lucian, Episcia and Kaiser. The groom was dressed in fine ceremonial robes of black and silver. His raven hair was pulled back into a single tail behind him and the father could plainly see his fingers fidgeting about. “Relax. You act as if you’re about to be executed”, he spoke plainly. Whether it eased Kaiser remained to be seen but when Angela asked him if he was ready, he was able to cough out a “yes”.

Willow appeared next and informed him to retrieve his daughter. “Of course, I’ll be right back.” It was a recurring thought that played in his head when Nerezza and him had rehearsed this part over and over. Now it was the real thing and he navigated through the castle to find her room. He knew he found the right one when he spotted Eirik standing guard, likely to make sure Kaiser didn’t come in there before the ceremony. Seeing her father, he gave a knock on the door so that they could hear. “Your father is here.” When it was good for him to come in, Eirik let Raeguel towards the door. “Darling, are you ready? Everyone’s outside waiting for your entrance.”  

Melina stood with Raeguel never actually far from where he was. Most thought of her as clingy but here in the Rose Courts they knew better. She was small and lithe, wearing a beautiful silver weaved dress. It was a halter style dress but it didn’t swoop down much in the front. Her brown hair was pinned up with silver pins. Her hazel eyes were glued to everyone around them. She hadn’t noticed Reaver like Raeguel did but that only made sense considering how she was human.

She tilted her head at Toya and Angela. “Oh, I’m very well behaved. I’m just making sure Toya stays that way.” Toya stuck her tongue out and was hurried off to where she couldn’t cause any trouble.

“Knowing Rezza I wouldn’t put it past her,” Episcia joked with Kaiser. “She’s probably sharpening a hatchet.” After her words, Episcia laughed a bit. “I’m only joking. At least I don’t think she would do that.” Episcia looked over at Lucian with the question lingering on her lips if Nerezza would actually do it. Probably under the right circumstances, Episcia thought.

The others waited for Raeguel to return and Melina got fidgety. It itched the farther he got away but Angela smiled at her and patted her shoulder. “It will only be a short time until he comes back. I think I can stabilize you until then. Let him have this moment… or at least try.” Melina nodded and laughed nervously.

“You aren’t the one who will die if he gets too far away.” Melina reminded Angela as the goddess who frowned only for a moment. She could tell Melina was also nervous. The young priestess had put a lot of work into decorating the courtyard and she wanted to make sure that Nerezza and Kaiser both liked it.

“You relax as well… They love it. You did a good job picking out all the flowers and such. I hardly did a thing.” Melina blushed a bit at her goddess and nodded.

Back in the castle, Aaryona was fixing a few out of place strands when Eirik knocked. “We’re decent,” Aaryona was quick to answer as Raeguel came in. “Your daughter is something else. Only she could possibly fall off the pedestal the seamstress had.” Nerezza blushed a bit. “I got it fixed though. Damn shame the seamstress left, couldn’t handle the pressure after watching it get ripped. Gods know that Melina spent a long time picking out the fabric and everything for the dress.” Aaryona knew that Angela had moved over to let Melina help out a lot. Melina had an eye for things that Angela did not and vice versa. They had been a good team.

“It was an accident,” Nerezza squeezed out as she did another deep breath. “She moved her hand and I didn’t know so I leaned back since I thought she was supporting me… It is tiresome getting fitted for a dress Papa.”

Aaryona shook her head and laughed. “I used to fix all of Aelwen’s clothes so something like this was no problem at all. If we let Mother try to fix it she would just botch it.” There was a visible shiver down her back. “She used to try to repair our clothes when Nathaniel and I were younger… She can stitch a body together flawlessly but when it comes to clothes? I don’t know who the hell taught her.” Nerezza finally laughed and it sounded like the nerves were starting to die down.

The redhead took her sister’s arm and helped her down off the pedestal so that Nerezza could link arms with her father. Nezzie looked up at Raeguel and smiled at him. “I’ll say it again Papa. Just because I’m getting married doesn’t mean I’m not your little girl… we can spend lots of time together still.” She knew that the thought made them both sad but they had all the time in the world to be around each other. “Kaiser wouldn’t get in the middle of it… because he knows I would choose you over him if it ever came down to it… Not that he would ever do that anyways. I’ve just been very clear with him.” She nodded at her father.

Aaryona smirked just a bit, “Maybe I should have rules with Eirik.” There was a grimace on her face for a moment before laughing. “Maybe not.” Like mother, like daughter. “Come on then.” She took the back of Nerezza’s dress and picked it up so it wasn’t dragging just yet. “Eirik, can you please help me with this damn thing?” Women and their need for long ass dresses made Aaryona sick but this was her baby sister’s first and hopefully only wedding. She did look beautiful in it. Aary herself was in a dress but it was more fit her body, black trimmed with gold. It just barely touched the ground and was easy to move in compared to the contraption her sister wanted.

Aellie wasn’t far away, she sat on a bench with a bouquet of flowers. Red roses mixed with the golden hues of peonies. “Don’t want to forget this,” the small half-elf got up and handed it to her younger sister. “Gods know they would freak if we messed something up even more than we already have,” Aaryona smirked at the middle sister. The stems had ribbon wrapped around them as not to hurt Nerezza if they had missed any of the thorns, though they were sure they did not.

“That’s a good way to get us killed,” Aaryona entertained the thought. “Everything should be fine as long as Nerezza is in capable hands, and that she doesn’t fall anymore.” Nerezza grimaced a bit before laughing nervously as she took the bouquet and walked with her father to the entrance. Iva greeted them with her basket full of petals and flowers.

“I get to go first!” Iva exclaimed wildly with excitement. She had never been to a wedding before.

“Yes, you have a very, very important job.” Aaryona reminded Iva. “You need to make sure that everyone has eyes on Rezza by using the petals. Do you think you can do that?” Iva nodded furiously before the walk started. Iva did as she had promised and made sure everyone was to look at Nerezza.

Kaiser gave Episcia a half hearted laugh, but it was more to due to his nerves about all of this. His father had told him that it was commonplace for both the groom and bride to get anxious and once it was done and over with, it would pass. Honestly he was hoping for all of this to hurry up and pass then. Lucian shook his head, “No, not to Kaiser I’d think. She has killed before though, but there was more to it then that.” The groom knew that she wasn’t completely innocent, but it was another time and reasons beyond her control really. In fact both he and her father were happy that she was trying to find her own path rather than to follow the dark one the latter had taken before.

Raeguel knew not to waste too much time, especially since Melina was here and needed him to be close enough for her safety. Still, he couldn’t help but to look at his daughter in wonder of how beautiful she was today. It was her day and he would make sure that it went as perfect as possible. So far, it seemed to be going swimming until he heard what had happened beforehand. “It’s alright, darling. Aaryona fixed up quite well” He mouthed her sister a thank you before he approached. “Don’t worry, you won’t have to do this again. The worse of the storm is over with”, he chuckled.

He took her arm with his and for a moment he blinked at Nerezza before holding a warm smile. “I know Rezza. I know that it will be true, but the truth is that I’ll still worry about it. It wasn’t too long ago that you were so little and now you’re a woman of your own right. I suppose it's all the time that we missed that concerned me.” He much more worried about that then crossing lines with Kaiser. If anything, the man was honorable and had yet to give him a reason to think otherwise. “We both know he won’t. But don’t forget that there may be a time where I’m in the wrong and he’s right. You two will be partners now and he’ll need your support as much as you need his.” He didn’t want to the the one to drive a wedge between the young couple.

Eirik came over to Aaryona’s side and took hold of the trail of the dress, still unsure as to why it had to be so fancy but it was beyond his understanding of the noble-blooded. “Deep breaths, dearest. And if you feel nervous with everyone looking, then focus straight ahead to Kaiser.” He kissed her on the forehead before leading her out of the castle. Soon as they arrived, Iva was quick to keep up with her job flower girl as she directed the attention onto her older sister. Raeguel kept up his pacing with hers to make sure that she didn’t trip or stumble as she lead him to the equally nervous Kaiser.

The groom’s jaw would have been on the floor if it could; Nerezza was even more stunning than he had ever saw her yet. His knees felt like they were trembling and could break off any given moment. He took a hard gulp and kept himself planted as she came to his side and Raeguel gave the back of her hand a kiss before patting Kaiser’s shoulder and took to his place beside Melina.

Kaiser looked to her and couldn’t help but to smile tenderly at her. Slowly he could feel the tension in him giving way to excitement.   

Aaryona nodded to Raeguel and Nerezza looked relieved. She felt better about everything now that her papa was there. “I know you will Papa,” she smiled at Raeguel and thought about his words. “I know, but I was more so talking if he ever asked me not to spend time with you. I know he won’t ever do that but I still want to comfort you a little.”

The elder of the Rose sisters was chuckling at her mate as Eirik had been confused about the whole thing. She had told him this was how most noble weddings were. That and weddings were rare in Sularia, to begin with so MOST weddings were like this. They were a special day even more so than usual.

Once they were out the door Aaryona took Eirik and found a spot near her mother and other siblings. Rohan was dressed very nice and was scooted up to where he needed to be now holding the rings, though still tied to him just in case. Nerezza was nervous more than ever as she looked at Kaiser and he stared back at her. Nerezza leaned over and kissed her father’s cheek before he left and smiled up at Kaiser. The tension in her was leaving took as she was instructed to hand off the bouquet to Episcia to hold and she took Kaiser’s hands.

Seeing everything in order Willow nodded a bit to her herself and began. “I’ve lived a long time, I’ve watched many things come and go with the grains of time. Something that has always stuck with me is the bonds that two people can share. Here in Sularia, we don’t have that most of the time. We don’t have that luxury unless we leave these lands or by some miracle, someone falls from the skies or visits. It’s a gift to have the love of another whether family or a future spouse. We’re here today to celebrate Kaiser and Nerezza’s joining.”

Willow brought up a string, something that Nerezza hadn’t practiced and for a moment there was a look of worry on her face. “In Sularia, we have the spirits that guide us. The spirits decide fate, who rules, and we believe that they can choose our loves as well. We don’t believe in a petty thing like marriage until death because love transcends death. We believe that your souls will still mingle in the soul-stream long after you have gone and that if you live a good life and marriage that your souls will come back and find each other once more.”

Nerezza smiled at Kaiser as she listened and she let the nervous look on her face disappear. “We call the things that bind us together fate strings and the string that is in my hand represents such a thing. When a knot is truly well-done one cannot undo it. Live your marriage like that knot. Let no situation loosen that knot and instead focus on your love for one another.” She tied it around their hands but Nerezza noticed it was loose enough for their hands to slip out. “You both are young enough that you are still growing into who you are. Once you become old like me, you become stubborn and less likely to change but being young like you are… You still have the possibility of becoming another person with time. Love your mate’s soul and learn to love the changes that will come with it.”

Willow didn’t struggle for words as they seemed to come to her naturally. “You will both use each other as guideposts for this life and hopefully the ones after this. You will support each other when times are rough and be able to criticize each other when needed. A marriage is a partnership. It means that you don’t have to agree with everything your partner does or even support them in everything but you must be able to tell them when they are doing something wrong. There will be days when you might not like each other and that’s alright. Loving and liking a person are not the same thing and you might not even like each other every day due to situations but it is important that you continue to love each other even when you are angry.” The concept seemed odd to Rezza but she understood it greatly.

“With all of that said… we can now start with the promises that you bring to each other for the lifetime of your marriage. Nerezza you may begin.”

Rezza blushed and she was in deep thought for a moment as she tried to remember everything that she had come up with. “I promise that I will try to be more understanding and less frustrated when things don’t work out the way they should. I will live each and every day trying to accomplish the goals we have and even if we fail I’ll make sure we get back up and try again. I promise to try and be a good wife even if I’m not entirely sure what that means right now. I will love you every day and make sure not to make myself a burden that weighs you down. You are more than my life partner. You are my mentor, my best friend, and one of the people I look up to most. I promise to make sure I get better at healing artes so I can take care of you when you are ill and learn how to cook better for times when we are by ourselves.” These were little things that seemed important to Rezza and it made Melina smile and lean into Raeguel as she listened.

“I promise not to be impulsive, much, and think things through as clearly as I can. I promise to be the best mother that I can to any children we will have and aspire to be like my own mother when it comes to protecting them. You are the sun to my moon. You are my Northern Star. You are my inspiration to being a better person that both my mama and my papa can be proud of. You are the love of my life and have been for a very long time. That’s not ever going to change. There isn’t a force in this world that could change the way I feel. I would storm to my papa every time if it meant having you all over again. On this day I am your wife and I promise to continue to bring honor to all of our bloodlines.”

When she had said everything she could remember she gave Willow a smile and the empress prompted Kaiser for his own vows.

All eyes were on them, and yet he was starting to feel like the only ones there were him, Nerezza, Willow and the few others that were directly around them. It helped to ease his spirits and calm him down even further. His hand came together with Nerezza’s as the silence was broken with her grandmother beginning the ceremony. While he listened to every word spoken to her, he couldn’t help but to hear Blaine snickering quietly when she spoke of the part of having a destined love one falling out of the sky, only to have his wife elbow him. But Willow was right; he had noticed that most women in Sularia weren’t unwed and didn’t have stable lovers. His hand held hers tighter as he couldn’t imagine how lonely she would have felt had he never came to see her in the first place to teach her. But he also came to realize how much different his life could have been had he not met Rezza as well. His eyes fell upon the string and wondered until the end of it of what purpose it had. They had to be there for one another, no matter the good times or bad. He wasn’t the sort that would have turned tail and ran at the first signs of trouble nor would he abandon her. Kaiser wasn’t that sort of man to break his promises and he would see to it that he wouldn’t in the future, near or far.

They would grow and change in time, but he felt as though his love for her wouldn’t. Raeguel must have sensed it as well if he was the one to come up with the whole idea in the first place. Not that either one of them had a problem with it; it only met that they could be together in a proper way. His family also had no qualms about it if not only for his own happiness but also because they would gain powerful allies in the newly gained family. That mattered little to him though, what he wanted was standing right before him. They may have times where they couldn’t stand one another but they had to make sure that they reminded themselves of their love, which was more stronger than any bad day that could come their way.

If he was able to, Kaiser would be blushing completely over Nerezza’s vows. Even for someone as young as she was, she was determined to be the best she could be for him, and in turn he would do the same for her. He loved her and was proud at who she was becoming. When it was his turn, Kaiser took to both her hands and took a deep breath. “I promise to be understanding and willing to grow with you. It will be my honor to be your husband; one that will protect and provide for you. I will be here until my dying day and will continue to love you in the afterlife. You captivated my heart the first day we met, though I hadn’t wanted to admit it at first. But I am proud to say it before everyone around us and to the world that I love you, Nerezza. I promise to be the best man I can be for you and for our children when the time comes. I also promise to put you before all others and be with you through all the hardships that come our way. You are the apple of my eye, the queen of my heart. I hope to never disappoint you and to walk beside you always.”

He held a happy smile before her, “You have also been my teacher, you taught me that I should face my fears and speak my mind no matter who it was. You show me such courage when you told me and your father your feelings. You taught me how to be unselfish when you saved me from the wilderness and you taught me hope when I lost my abilities and I fell into despair. For that I can never thank you enough, but I will try to with each new day we face. On this day, I declare my eternal love for you and come prepared to be your husband in front of all that are important to us.”

He looked to Willow to continue with the next part.

Nerezza could blush unlike Kaiser and she did as she heard his words. She knew when people lied and she could tell that Kaiser meant every word he was saying. She smiled brightly up at him and memorized the words that left his lips. The two really did love each other and their families could see it just by watching and listening. Even Toya decided not to be a brat and leaned into Blaine as if saying ‘hey remind you of something?’

Angela knew that Kaiser was a good pick for their daughter and she gave a satisfied nod to her one-time lover Raeguel. Their daughter would have a good husband and from the looks of it a good life. After all Kaiser’s family seemed pleased with the arrangement as well, though probably more so for their family power. Though maybe they would love Nerezza for more than the power she brought, the goddess was hopeful.

Once Kaiser was done Willow beckoned Rohan over to her and gently cut and took the rings from him. She told him to hold on just for a moment as she slid the hands of the couple out of the string and gave Rohan the knot. “Give them that as a present once we are done here. That is very important.” She pat her grandson on the head who nodded and was finally able to run back to his mother who picked him up and put him on her lap.

“Now we can finish this,” Willow said with a smile as she led the two farther into the ceremony. She gave them their rings and instructed them how to put it on their ring fingers. Nerezza twirled the little ring around in her fingers and nodded before slipping it up onto Kaiser’s finger. She watched as he did the same to her. Once they were done Willow said they could kiss and completely seal the vows of not only their love but also the vow they gave to the soul-stream in accepting each other.

Nerezza bounced a bit with excitement before she jumped up onto Kaiser and wrapped her arms around him. She kissed him deeply with excitement and filled with love. The crowd began to squeal with excitement as finally, Nerezza seemed to be pried away from Kaiser. She held onto her now husband’s hand and took her bouquet from Episcia.

They were the first one’s into the ballroom of the castle for the after party as night was soon to fall. It was a large spacious and beautiful room. It was decorated with all kinds of flowers and decorations that had been picked out by Angela and Melina. The wedding goers all flowed in behind the bride and groom.

As was customary they were sat down at the head of the room and people lined up to give them thanks and gifts if they had them. Rohan was the first as he ran up and hugged his sister and new brother. He gave them the knot and Nerezza laughed as she kissed the top of his head. “Thank you, Ro.” She rubbed his head and he nodded before running off and finding Hazel that was nearby.

Raeguel had very little doubt of his decision when it came down to Nerezza and Kaiser. Fortunately he was proven correct in their arrangement and he ensured that she would be happy. He knew well of Kaiser’s brood and while they were interested in establishing more power for their family, they were noble. It helped to explain his soon to be son-in-law’s demeanor and such. At least Angela hadn’t questioned it when he first pitched her the idea. Heaven knows that if he had been wrong and something went haywire, then she and Nerezza would have likely not forgiven him. Kaiser could see that his love was feeling his words but it was honestly just how he felt on the matter. He would be loyal and loving to her as he was now and forever. He wanted to make her proud of the type of man he was.

Both Angela and Raeguel had been supportive though he knew better than to cross Nerezza or else he would be hunted down by her father and even worse, hunted by her mother and who know what would have happen next. There was one regret he had on this day, and that was that this was the first time that she would be meeting with his family. But it couldn’t be helped and he was sure that once they got to know her better, she would feel at home with them. But such worries were pushed aside as the wedding continued to the next step. He watched with care as Rohan came in with the rings and Willow traded him some of the string she used in her demonstration. He carefully took one of the rings and slipped it onto her finger after she did his. There was little time wasted once her grandmother had given them permission to kiss before he had to catch his new, excited wife into his arms as she leaped onto him and met with her lips. Lucian rolled his eyes and and looked like he would nearly gagged but he was truly happy for his twin sister. Raeguel couldn’t help but to crack a smile and Kaiser’s parents looked rather pleased as well as both his sisters. Everyone there was happy for them and now the newlyweds could celebrate the rest of their day with their loved ones. Together, they made their way into the ballroom for the reception. He held onto her hand as if she would slip away forever if he didn’t. Looking to her, Kaiser couldn’t stop grinning as their souls were finally united as well as their blood. Know matter what, he looked forward to his future with her. He helped her to her seat before taking his and from there they started to receive the gifts from their guests. First up was Rohan as he came to embrace the two. Kaiser waited for his turn before picked the boy up for a hug and settled him down. The knot clearly had sentimental value that Willow had subtly mentioned earlier and he graciously bowed his head. “Thank you, Rohan.”

He smiled as his newly gained little brother left for his own venture and he turned his head to see his parents coming up. His father looked like a older version of him but with shorter dark hair and his mother was had the fairest of hair one could ever see. They bowed and curtsied respectively to the bride and groom and he figured by now they had approved of his wife. “Under short notice, we have to think of something worthwhile to gift to you, Kaiser.” His mother spoken before his father presented him with a silver staff with a sapphire at its end. He recognized it the heirloom that was to be passed down from the the old head of the household to the next and he looked at them with some puzzlement. “Don’t worry, your time is not yet here to take over, dear boy”, his father spoke before patting his shoulder and then turned to Nerezza. “I do apologize for this being our first meeting, but I believe that there would be no better woman for my son than you. I am Melin Ray.” He bowed humbly before taking her hand to kiss it. “And I am Carissa Ray”, his mother introduced herself with warming eyes beaming onto her. “We hope that you too have a wonderful and long marriage. Hopefully in time we will be seeing more of each other, if Kaiser remembers to bring you to our abode.” Kaiser rolled his eyes at the jest before noticing something in his mother’s hands. It was a large black egg. “Mother, what is…”

“You know what it is, darling.” She turned her gaze back to her daughter in law and handed the object to her. “Dragons are creatures that our clan pay much respect to for it said that our line was born thanks to these creatures and we see them as our protectors. With that in mind, we wish to gift you one that will protect you as well, Nerezza.”

He blinked as his sisters came to them as well. Both of them curtsied with the same grace as their mother had and it was easy from their appearance that they were his siblings. “Inari”, he pointed out to the older, raven haired lady and then turned to the younger one that was the spitting image of Carissa. “and…Rosemary, the youngest of our brood” And the most troublesome.

Both of them smiled and Rosemary was quick to smirk at her brother. “Where have you been hiding her? I think she’s too good for you, brother of mine.” Again Kaiser rolled his eyes before she waved it off. “I’m sorry. I like to tease him a lot, but it is a pleasure to finally met you Nerezza. I too hope that your marriage continues as strong as it started.”

“As do I”, Inari responded before leading her sister away, likely to scold her.

“They will grow on you”, he sighed while shaking his head. “My little sister, on the other hand…I don’t know about, love.”

Episcia chuckled at Lucian and leaned over to kiss his cheek. Once inside the couple sat down and let her brother gift them their knot and give them hugs. Nerezza gave her little brother a kiss and smiled as he ran off. Next was his parents and Nerezza was a bit shy around them since it was her first time meeting them. Nerezza watched as he received the staff and she smiled at her father in law now. “We do as well.” She watched as the egg be handed over. “Thank you very much.”She took it in her arms. “I grew up on stories about dragons. My sister is the leader of the Draconis… so she had many stories to tell us when we were younger.” Nerezza mused. Then there was her aunt Toya.

“Rosemary is a very Rosenite name.” Nerezza commented and smiled up at them. She blushed at her words and laughed at Kaiser as she had seen his eye roll. “It’s alright.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

All of her siblings were next, and it did look like all of them, Angela was swooning in the back as children she hadn’t seen for decades had made the travels home to see their sister. Word had spread like wildfire and each one had brought them gifts. It was true what her mother had said about each one specializing in something else. Daphne had brought them magic wood from her tree. “Dear sister who I don’t know, I do hope we learn more of each other soon. This wood can craft anything… and it is magic so easily will it craft weapons or… I’ve had cribs made from the wood of my tree.” Daphne leaned over and kissed each of their cheeks. “May your marriage be long.” Though it was sad to see that many didn’t stay as if they couldn’t, like Daphne they disappeared just after. Their duties kept them from staying long.

Even Basselina had traveled from the wastes and she was dressed in her leather and furs. The youngest of the Rose children were overjoyed to see the tall muscular woman as she slung them up on her shoulders. “I bear nothing for the bride and groom but the best furs which you can use for your bed.” She managed to remove her pack without knocking Rohan or Iva off her shoulders. “The bag is full of them. I caught them myself.” Nerezza chuckled a bit at how different Basselina was from the rest of them. “Alright, lad and lass we can go see the others now.” The children let out squeals of joy as Basselina carried them away.

Aaryona approached with Eirik who had been confused about the whole thing. “I don’t have much to offer just wise words. Always live like you’ll die tomorrow and love even after that. My father had a saying about Marriage until final death. Draconis don’t die easily but I think it will fit you both as well. Though for some reason it escapes me now how he phrased it but he said it along the lines of “Love until Final Death and then love some more.” Aaryona kissed her little sister’s forehead. “Sometimes words are better gifts depending.” Nerezza nodded as Aaryona took Eirik’s arm. Eirik looked more like a brute to Nerezza but she didn’t know a lot about him aside from the few times that they had met.

The others came and went and soon Nerezza was lead over to the wide open space in the ballroom. “All of our single women of the family please come here.” Lily was speaking now as she was holding Nerezza’s bouquet. She cut the ribbon and it fell into three smaller ones. Aaryona sighed as she left Eirik’s side and Episcia who had been clinging to Lucian was pried off and forced into the small group. Crystaline, Lotus, and Eldora had somehow gotten mixed up in all of them. They helped the half angel find a spot. They made sure to tell her not to be disappointed if she didn’t catch it.

“The spirits of Arri’s house of Love now resides within these bouquets. The women who catch these flowers will end up married before too long.” Lily let Nerezza take over who had been briefed on how different the tradition was in Arri than the rest of the world. Nerezza flung the flowers one by one.

The first landed promptly to Aaryona who was staring at it with shock. The second had managed to find it’s way to Episcia not long after that who was even more in shock. The third was what had the whole room talking. At first, it was Lotus who had it she threw it yelling “Oh hell no,” it landed to the women next to her who had been Eldora. “NO!” She threw it and finally it was caught by Crystaline who was squealing as she hugged it.

“COLDEN LOOK I CAUGHT IT!” The half angel was so happy as she bounced with it. She couldn't see where he was in the room but the other Black Court sisters were groaning that they in fact had caught the damn thing.