The time had come for the two places to join as one for a single evening. The wedding was taking place in the deep of Faradrim Village. It was two days before the big wedding when the caravan started to come in. At the front rode three of the queens and the recently crowned king. His mother wasn’t far behind him and she was mostly responsible for the decorating and the ceremony.

The village seemed overwhelmed as everyone poured in. Nymph was watching from a tall balcony with Cole since this was a rare sight to see. She was wondering where Toya was when she spotted the end of the caravan. The mighty White Queen was leading the back and possibly making sure they were safe. There was a whistle from her lips and it was only then that Nymph noticed that two giant dragons had been following her. The dragons landed on top of the mountains on either side and it appeared like she was barking orders in their direction. They wouldn’t dare defy their master. It was clear from the way they bowed their heads.

Toya had a young boy in the saddle of her horse with her. Her had blonde curls and was most likely Sparrow who Nymph hadn’t seen for a very long time. There were wagons of wine, food, and gods knew what else. Nymph looked up at Cole and smirked. “You ready for this? Rosenites party a little hard when one of their own get married.”

It didn’t take long for the caravan to stop and soon a whole bunch of children were out running and screaming. They were tackling each other and otherwise just being kids. They had probably been kept in carriages unless they had stopped and Nymph knew that they were way too spirited for that.

All of the preparations had been made that could have been. The meeting of two great houses was to happen for the first time in Jiyu Clan history. Elders of the War Council were not pleased about the ‘invasion’ as they had called it of the Rosenites, but Uial would hear nothing of it. Her twin brother, and heir to the Seat was to be married blissfully. Faradrim Village would be opened to the procession of royalty that was known as Nymph’s family. Cole had felt comfortable enough to propose marriage to his beloved once the village had become accustomed and even come to love their new addition. Objections had become a minimum. The most excited were the merchants that would have new patrons as well as those to trade with.

Gray gaze watched carefully as the long line of caravan made it safely into the Village domain. Cole had set up a higher level of patrols as well as guards along the route. All potential threats had been planned for, and it was good to see that the trip had come to a safe conclusion. Now, there was the hope and needed blessing to make sure that the Rosenites did not destroy Faradrim in their celebrations. This was quite an event for the Jiyu since few were ever invited into their domain.

He stood on the balcony hands resting on the railing on either side of Nymph while behind her. The pair watched quietly for a moment as they took in the sight. Cole knew that they were there for the wedding to pair the two together, but it still felt unreal to him. Never had he imagined that he would get married, let alone to someone like Nymph. The demon hunter leaned down his head to rest upon her shoulder on the right side to continue watching the caravan. They had begun to unload themselves, as well as two dragons landed on the mountain peaks.

As Nymph looked up, he shifted his head to look at her from the side. There was a smile on his face as he placed a kiss on her cheek. ”I am as ready as I possibly could be. The plans have been put in place, but I doubt there is much else that can be done. There will be many unknown elements that will come into play.” A small nod was made towards her large family. ”I have one Matriarch…you have quite a few more.” Cole stood up to wrap his arms around his future bride from behind while they continued to watch. ”The banquet tonight should be quite a spectacle. Uial was able to arrange for a large kill to be brought in and should feed all of our guests.”

With another kiss placed on the top of her head, Cole turned back to their room in order to get his daggers before heading down. Jedrek was not going to be pleased with the large procession, even though he offered to help over the next couple of days. Since he had returned from some of his travels there was an uplift in his mood.

”Shall we go meet our guests? Or do I have permission to continue hiding up here…while Uial has to make the greetings?”

Nymph leaned back into her soon to be husband. “You are lucky I will put up with this for you.” There was a laugh from the small half Rosenite in his arms. “Rosenites like their food and alcohol… That much is for certain. It looks like Angela brought quite the haul as well from her own gardens.” The families were doing their parts to provide for this place.

Nymph watched him leave her side. “I think I would rather hide up here with you and leave the greeting to Uial.” It was in that second that there was a face in hers and Nymph let out a surprised shriek.

“I think… You have been invited downstairs by your mother Nymphaea Rose.” It was Bryony leader of the oracles. She was crouching on the balcony looking into Nymph’s eyes. “I was told you might try to avoid your family.”

“Bry-Bry Bryony.” She stuttered as she fell back and sat on the floor looking up. There was a heavy heave from her lungs as she remembered what the less experienced Dahlia had done to her.

“Yo.” Age and wisdom was radiating from the Oracle. “Your mother kindly asked me to tell you that she wants to see you downstairs and that I should tell you myself. Also to thank you for letting my Dahlia explore this city… It was a good learning experience for her. Your Jedrek seems to have left a good impression on her.” It wasn’t long and she was gone just as quickly and quietly as she had showed up. She was below on the ground with Dahlia and another Oracle with brown hair.

Nymph jumped up and looked over the balcony to see her mother waving up at her. “Nymphaea bring Cole down here and say hello. We’ve traveled so long to see you and your soon to be husband.” Once the two of them were down Lily hugged Cole and Nymphaea to her. “I’m so happy for the both of you. Also I brought some people for you.” Obviously, Nymph thought but her mouth dropped as a golden haired man stepped out of a carriage. She practically shoved her mother mother and Cole.

“ROWAN!” She jumped into the man’s arms and he spun her around.

Lily was laughing and shaking her head. “She will forever be her brother’s little girl. Come… Come Cole.” Yeva got out of the carriage and she had gotten a bit bigger all these years. She had long golden hair to her little hips and bright blue eyes. However, Rowan looked a lot like Lily though with the same green eyes. “Cole my love this is my eldest son and heir Rowan… Rowan this is Cole. I’ve told him a lot about you so you’ll have to excuse if he might know more than he should.”

“I don’t tend to pry like the rest of our kind.” He extended his hand for Cole after setting Nymph down. “I prefer the quiet life over…” He waved his hand as the screaming and fighting started. “This.” Toya came over with a pipe in her mouth and knocked the heads of two teenagers together. It was a girl who looked too much like Toya and a boy with golden hair.

“GRANDMA THAT HURT!” The twins yelled up at Toya.

Taking a long drag of the pipe Toya looked the twins over. “Quit being idiots and behave before I tie you to the dragons and don’t let you down until we leave. Go dig a hole or howl at the moon.” She took a dig at them being half werewolves and the twins sat on the ground pouting. “Jayden can you look after your niece and nephew so they don’t destroy the place?” Jayden was a familiar name as Belle and himself got out of their own carriage. He nodded and Belle waved to both Cole and Nymph.

“Hello again.” Toya sauntered over and tapped her pipe on the bottom of her boot. “I’m sorry in advance. They didn’t do well traveling in the carriage. Half the time they shifted and ran along side us and that didn’t even get a quarter of their energy out. OH. New plan.” She turned on her heel. “WINTERCRESTS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN LINE UP IN FRONT OF ME! YOU HAVE TEN SECONDS.” A whole bunch of kids ran in front of her. They ranged from teenagers down to a very tender age of what looked like three. A very tiny angel made her way over and pulled at Toya’s pant leg.

“Auntie? Can I be a Wintercrest too?” Her voice was so small and adorable. She had long white hair with black tips. Toya bent down and scooped her up.

“You can be a Wintercrest all you want Angelette. You just can’t hurt yourself. I have a very special job for you.” Toya kissed the top of her head and brought over to Cole and Nymph. “You need to keep an eye on the bride and groom and make sure they don’t get into any trouble.” Toya winked up to Cole and Nymph. “Here,” she handed Angelette off to Nymphaea. “She is Colden and Crystaline’s little girl. They got married and everything.” Nymph was surprised but took the little girl and held onto her gently.

“Hello,” Angelette said up to the two she would be watching. “Be good for me and don’t cause any trouble or I’m gonna tell Auntie. She'll whoop your butt and that will hurt.” She nodded and Nymph did everything she could not to laugh.

“I promise Angelette… we’ll be good.” Nymph looked up to see Toya getting all of the younger Wintercrest to put their energy into work as they unloaded everything from the caravan.

“THAT should keep them out of trouble. I apologize for our pack in advance though. They are rambunctious.” Toya chuckled a bit as she loaded and lit her pipe once more.

”Put up with it for me?! This is your family that is descending upon the quiet of Faradrim. We could have done a small and quiet ceremony.” His face was nuzzled against the side of her’s while lightly laughing at the chaos they were about to endure. ”I am sure we can fix anything that your family brings on. They certainly brought enough to help feed all of the guests.” Cole nuzzled against her once more before moving into the quarters to get himself situated. He was not one for the public eye despite having to grow up within it for the Clan. ”Sister Uial would have our heads before she would ever allow that,” he joked.

Brows furrowed at the sound of Nymph’s shriek. Moving into the doorway frame he saw the oracle known as Bryony. Though he had not met the woman before there had been accurate descriptions made that fit her perfectly. Cole glanced down at Nymph as she was upon the ground looking up at Bryony. The hunter shook his head before bowing his head slightly out of respect for the culture of his fiancée. When the mention of Jedrek was made Cole nodded his head. It had been good for Jedrek to learn how to better interact with those outside of his usual social scope. He knew his friend rarely liked to do such things but he had done it for the twins.

”We will be down.” The couple moved arm in arm down to the main level. They were still a distance away since the head residence was behind protective walls. It took a slight bit for the couple to reach the main area of the village where all of the caravan had come together to unload. Heartily Cole returned the hug to Lily as the met again. There was no denying the excitement of Nymph to see her brother. The hunter took his future mother-in-law’s arm to escort her after her daughter. While the chaos began to unroll, he couldn’t help but search for Uial. Eyes lifted up to the height of the Grand Hall to see if she was there watching down.

Little opportunity was allowed as he shook the hand of Rowan. ”Good day to you. Thank you for coming to this celebration. If you are family, then you are welcome to know.” White haired head tilted to the side while looking at the others that came in relatively quickly to interact. Many children of varying ages ran about or hollered with energy. Cole looked passed the brood to see the children of Jiyu standing quietly while they watched in curiosity. He could tell that the ones in the front were the children who had recently become hunters. Their looks were of curiosity, and yet distrust. The Jiyu people were not ones to trust easily, and it was instilled to them at a young age.

A small gesture was made to the oldest ones for them to disperse the onlookers for the moment. Nymph was now with a young toddler named Angelette. He had no time to react as Uial arrived with her escort of the War Council flanking each side of her. Subconsciously, his brow lifted as the newcomer Michael walked beside her. Michael was in golden armor that portrayed the angelic power he maintained. Cole turned to make his way with Nymph to the bottom of the Hall’s stairs to meet his sister. A low bow was made out of respect for her position before she joined them on the ground level. ”Well, hello to your entire family, Nymph!” she said with outstretched arms and a laugh. ”I did not realize how many of them would be coming. What a fun celebration this shall be!.”

Uial had a broad smile upon her face as she leaned against Michael in a playful like nudge. It took everything in Cole not to let out a heavy sigh towards the antics of his sister. There were literally three queens and a king in his sister’s dominion, and yet she acted no different than her childish self. The demon hunter still was unfamiliar with this new man that was becoming more of a regular in Faradrim, but it was the first time in a while he saw Uial genuinely happy. ”Come Rosenites! There is a building of the barracks that have been vacated…and cleaned, for your use! The stables are there as well for your steeds and any other uses necessary. Dear Queens and King of the established Court, what is it you all feel would be best for this time? Would you like to rest? Or would you like to discuss the celebration up in the Great Hall?” Cole shifted his gaze to Nymph as she held Angelette. There was no stopping the schedule for the next couple of days. They were going to be exhausted.

He had literally no idea why he was here.

When Uial had sent him the invitation to be her escort for her brother’s wedding he had accepted readily; it was not in his nature to decline an invitation from anyone unless he had good reason to - and since he still had the distinct feeling that Kieran was uncomfortable with his continual presence around Teu he had thought it best to get out of their way for a bit again and at least this gave him a purpose.
Teu had been more than happy to help get him ready and Michael had a feeling that his beloved friend and the woman who held his heart was more excited at the prospect of him being out as someone’s escort than he was. With his formal armour polished to perfection and a new cloak procured she had helped him to fit the armour and tighten the straps, attaching the cloak and finishing the look. He had to admit he looked the part - all gleaming armour, golden wings and pure white cloak lined in gold with his personal crest (a pair of wings with a sword between them and a sun behind the lot) embroidered in ornate gold thread in the middle. Once Teu was satisfied she had sent him on his way with a grin, telling him to have fun - not that he really understood what was going on.

If he had been overwhelmed and confused as to why he was there before then he was more so when the Rosenites began to arrive; with Uial upon his arm Michael held himself at his full height, golden wings half furled in such a way as to almost protect the Lady he was escorting as much as to put on something of a show - Michael might be oblivious to most social situations but he knew his etiquette and given Uial’s position in the Jiyu clan he might as well look like he belonged beside her, after all he had enjoyed her company last time he had been to Faradrim… and he had a feeling that part of his invitation had been a political ploy to annoy her War Council… and if that was the case he was even happier to be here as Uial’s escort. Given the political climate of his own family he knew that anything that could get one up on them or annoy them was worth doing.
As Uial spoke to the bride and her guests Michael bowed with a flourish to greet them, his armour and wings catching the light and almost glowing as he moved. When she returned to him he smiled; he rather enjoyed Uial’s company and the last time they had been together they had enjoyed a laugh or two. She did not act like many in her position might but he rather enjoyed that about her; for all his own stiffness and formality Uial had none of that. He gently took Uial’s hand with his own and linked her arm around his own, smiling at the woman as he nodded to her brother and the guests. For now he would play his part as the silent escort - he was out of his depth and had no idea who anyone was so why not just be the pretty boy for the moment?

Lily had told him her eldest daughter was going to have her wedding in a few days' time in the Bohar Plains. The name of the location wasn't familiar, and he could hardly imagine what it would be like–being one who preferred to flock to major cities. It was supposed to be a quieter affair, as it wasn't being held in the royal pomp and regalia that would follow if it were in Arri. Since the queen of the Yellow Court was going it was natural for him to go also, however he wasn't going by himself. Knowing Shiloh, convincing her to go anywhere outside of Antikythera except for work was an uphill battle. No amount of sweet words or promises would lure her out and the deity hissed like a cat crawling into small spaces out of his reach. It was only when he threatened to have her husband get involved that she reluctantly agreed to act like a human being. She still staunchly refused to go, as she voiced an extreme dislike of crowded places. Not surprisingly she also objected to wearing a dress, but Auron had given up on that already. He only had a very short time frame to get her to change her mind, and pull her there before she changed it again.

"…You're literally plastered in gold. You're going to melt once you get to the plains." Shiloh remarked, peering at him from underneath his desk while he selected his attire. "It's a wedding, you're supposed to wear the fanciest things you have." He shot back, rolling his eyes. "You'll be baked alive out there, you'll see. I've traveled on the plains several times during this time of year." Came her reply, to which he let out a sigh. He didn't know how Cymbel managed to get his wife to attend the yearly ball in Zets'Ki. All that left his mind once he was present along with Lily's family. As Yeva came out of the carriage, he took her hand and helped her down. The little girl had grown on him, and he was delighted to finally have someone who appreciated his handiwork (unlike a certain barbaric woman) and eye for design. Lily had told him of her three children in their time together and he was more than slightly apprehensive when it came to her eldest daughter Nymphaea. Though his infernal blood was gone, the thought of having a stepdaughter who was a demon hunter by profession did nothing to console his nerves. 

There were plenty of other guests in the procession, faces and names he would familiarize himself with soon enough. Shiloh had come along with enough pestering, though she was nowhere to be seen. Among the guests from the Rose family, there was a particularly dour-faced pair who looked even less willing to be here than the deity who made herself scarce. They were keeping to themselves, scowling but being pleasant towards each other. Another of the more impressionable visitors was a tall angel clad in armor. He seemed genial enough, though he was occupied with other acquaintances. Auron was dressed in his finest: flowing silks and gold thread embroidery, jeweled circlet and rings to adorn the head and fingers, masterwork leather boots saved especially for social events. As the lover of one of Arri's queens he couldn't let Lily lose face in such an important event like this. And unlike the hard labor Shiloh had subjected him to in the Machinarium, socializing and mingling was his element. He'd forget all the bothersome things for a few days; he was going to enjoy himself. No time like the present to learn more of his lady's extended family.

But despite his unwillingness to admit it, Shiloh was right about the weather. That gold cloak of his wasn't especially helping, with its reflective sheen redirecting the strong sunlight. His parasol was open, to shade himself while Yeva was beside him, her little hand in his.

Wherever the main Rosenites went, the Wintercrests associated with them were sure to follow. Along with Toya and the White Rose brood was her consort and escort Blaine. Lucian followed along the rest of the heads of the courts and close by was Jayden and Jordas accompanying as security. Krystopher was accompanying his love Liz as they kept a close eye on their little bundles of joy. It was their duty to follow along and attend this wedding. It was, after all, for family.

Lucian watched on as he followed the queens once their destination was reached and acted accordingly. The new King was still a bit green under the ears, but he was getting the hang of it more and more with each new day. While his Aunt Toya was directing the traffic that was her clan, he kept a low profile and had Episcia near enough to escape with her should things get out of hand. Fortunately, things seemed to be going right and he was happy for his cousin and her soon to be husband. This was a day in the making for a long time now. Blaine had a little flask as his wife made sure that the children were lined up and behaved for once.

He smiled tenderly at the little angel but also had some…concerns. “Surprised that her partner in crime isn’t here”, he said from the side of his mouth, referring to his father. The old man had taken to Angelette as if she was his granddaughter by blood, but no one debated when she called him grandpa. The girl practically had about three grandfathers, but only one by blood. The other one that held such a title was Kyrel and he was escorting Cathrine for the wedding. Sighing, he didn’t give up the thought that Garland could still be arriving, especially when both Angelette and his latest crush, Aja was on guard duty for them.

Lucian bowed his head at Uial, “Thank you for your generosity, on behalf of our family. Perhaps we should go ahead and get the discussions out of the way. What do you all think?” His green eyes went to the Queens, not wanting to overstep considering that he was the least experience in the group. This celebration was another way of him to learn the ins and outs of his position, especially in a foreign land.

The peaceful scene wouldn’t last for too much longer as a howl could be heard from the distance, one that seemed a little slurred. Blaine noticed and held a grimace look on his face. “Gods, he is here…” And of course, he was three sheets to the wind. He ventured outside to see a large timber wolf running, albeit wobbling, towards him with a bag in his maw. Before even coming close to them, he made sure to shift and put on some damn clothes. “Father, what are you…”

“Boy! Where’s the shindig?”, Garland came out and put his hand onto his shoulder. “Everything’s too quiet.”

“The wedding isn’t today, you oaf. And besides, you’re here for Aja again, aren’t you.”

“Her and my precious little grandbaby. Where’s Angelette?”

“In here.” Blaine reluctantly led the former king inside and from there he spotted his sweet pea. “Angelette!, There you are!” Lucian saw Garland and went to warn Nymph but was too late as he met with the couple. “Ah, what a handsome couple you two make. The sight of a little babe completes you. Don’t wait too long now, especially you, mister”, he jokingly warned Cole before laughing and paid attention to Angelette.

The children had taken notice to how odd the children of Jiyu were. Toya reckoned that their brood were the weird ones but it was their wolven natures. Every play move, every nip, every paw, and every other move involved was training them to be fine hunters. That was the way of the wolf after all. “Yeah, we tend to make a spectacle out of everything that happens.” Toya took a drag of her pipe and got a giggle out of her family.

It wasn’t long when two winged women flew down. One looked just like Angela but with white hair and other was smaller with white hair and blue eyes. “MOMMY!” Angelette let out and Crystaline smiled at her. She was quickly greeted by her husband who she kissed. They looked like an odd pair. Colden was a tall man with black hair and white tips. It was clear he had demon blood in him much like Nymphaea had said about the Black Rose Court.

”Sorry we are late. There was some trouble on the edge of Bohar. Aja and the two of us took care of it.” Cathrine was a mute so her voice rang out mentally. A large dire wolf in the shade of red came trotting into the village. She began to shift back and took a bag before fully shifted. The red head was exotic with her amethyst eyes and waist length red hair. Werewolves came off naturally feral not really fitting in with the fairer creatures. It was true even for Toya’s little half breeds.

Collectively all five rulers were there now to meet them for the wedding. “I do believe that my sister Toya would say that rest is for the weak and that we would rather discuss it now.” It was Lily who spoke up. Toya snorted a bit and chewed on the pipe in her mouth. Now Lily was perhaps the most beautiful of the queens. She had golden hair to her hips in spiral curls with crystals throughout. A light blue dress adorned her body and it wasn’t very clear she was even Nymphaea’s mother aside from the fact that Nymph had her facial features.

“GRANDPA!” Angelette knew that howl anywhere and soon Aja was literally rolling her eyes and walking away. Toya was highly amused as she wanted her general and second in command stomp away to another building to lean against. They were in the building now for the meeting and Angelette was super excited to see Garland. “I thought you forgot about me Grandpa.”

Nymph blushed greatly up at Garland. “We haven’t had time to talk about kids yet.” Normally it didn’t bother her but with Angelette in her arms it hit her full force for once.

Toya chewed on the pipe some more. “You know Garland. I think I spotted Aja going to get some alcohol… Why don’t you try to get her to be your mate again…” It would end badly like it did every time.

Kirika who was the youngest ruler even with Lucian there chuckled and looked up at Uial. “I’m afraid that our family is as varied as it is large. You’ll have to excuse everyone for how rowdy they are. My name is Kirika, I am the queen of the Black Court. I’m in charge of intelligence and our darker missions. I’ve heard that Cole has met my sister Lotus. I am sorry for any discomfort she might have put you through. She is well behaved today and the days that follow I assure you. If I may introduce our family’s rulers to Uial I would be grateful. Starting with the Red Court we have the newest member Lucian Rose. He is the son of Angela the last queen and is in charge of the healers, public baths, orphanages, and research for new healing techniques. You all know Lily who is Nymphaea’s mother but I do believe this is the first time you are meeting her. Lily is in charge of the port, the brothels, and the night gardens. Toya is the Queen of the White Court and she is our army leader and tactician. Cathrine is the Purple Court Queen and she is in charge of the Academy, the city library, and trade.”

Angela was being quiet since she wasn’t one of the leaders any more but she put her hands on Lucian’s shoulders to give him a bit more courage to discuss. There was a proud smile. “We’re very glad to come all this way to witness this day.” Her words were short and to this point. “I apologize in advance if I have to disappear. The Conclave doesn’t stop just because I have a wedding to attend.” There was a wink from her. "The goal is for me to help conduct the ceremony but I was also hoping to learn about whatever traditions you need for it as well."

The giddiness that filled Uial was at the point of making her burst. Her brother and his bride-to-be was nowhere to be seen at the moment, which made the Matriarch sure that they were off hiding again. Cole was basically anti-social where his appearances were based on the level of force he was under. His twin was quite the opposite. The wedding was an opportunity for Uial to get exposure to the outside world without leaving her Village. She had been grateful that Nymph’s family had been open to the idea of traveling to Faradrim instead of in their own city.

The Matriarch had worn a red formal dress that was adorn in black and gold around the hems. She was not in her fanciest of outfits since the ceremony was still a couple of days away. At the top of the stairs of the Great Hall Michael had joined her before their descent to meet the large gathering. He had been gracious enough to accept her invitation, and he was dressed to the limits. Uial snuck glances at her escort for the next few days and was quite pleased at his sight. Michael was outside of his comfort zone, and yet he was at her side in bright gold armor. She felt honored to have someone like him around to help her feel more confident.

Uial and Michael walked down the long set of tall staircase to where the caravan was unloading. War Council followed behind in their designated uniforms, displaying that they were going to be present at all times. She was less than enthused even if she understood their concern with having strangers in their borders for the first time in such a mass. Her golden gaze fell upon Cole first as he and Nymph made their way over to her before she addressed the large group. When the man, Garland, mentioned the topic of children Cole had almost gone white despite his tan complexion. It took much for Uial to hold back a laugh at the expense of her brother. What helped was that Nymph spoke up to handle the situation quickly before Cole vomited from sheer nerves.

Her gaze turned to Lucian who spoke up about getting on with the formalities. ’I like him. He gets things moving,’ she thought with a chuckle. ”Excellent plan, Red Court King. Please follow us up the stairs to the Great Hall. Seating has already been set out for our prestigious guests.” Her hand squeezed Michael’s arm slightly as if it were to give her strength. Despite her outward appearance, she was greatly nervous. Never had she been allowed to be around outsiders especially the amount there were now. Everything had to go smoothly. She would not let Cole or Nymph down on their special day, and had to display the kind of Matriarch she was. This could be an opportunity for the Jiyu Clan to make an established statement in the world despite the generations of working in darkness. Could they be brought into the light?

The procession was lead up the long staircase to the Great Hall. As they all made their way up a white dragon swooped into the valley to drop off his rider before taking a perch on the mountain range high above. Rider jogged across the stone courtyard to join with a man and winged-woman who were keeping off to the side in a hope of avoiding the main chaos. - “Sorry for being late. I had an unexpected delivery.” – Hand clapped the back of the tall man who stood next to the winged woman. - “Did I miss anything good? Did food get served yet? I’m starved. How are you doing, Astrid?” – At the mention of the woman’s name his tone softened just as he placed a kiss on her cheek. ’You are not too late, L’van. We are about to move into their Hall to discuss the procession for the next couple of days. Astrid, it would be better if we could keep out of the main group. There is too much insanity as it is. Your mother can handle most of the discussion with the other Queens.’ Damon shook L’van’s hand as they moved up the stairs in greeting. Things had softened between the suitor and bodyguard of Astrid. An understanding had come together for Astrid to actually enjoy herself without worrying about causing a ruckus with Damon’s guard duty.

With everyone settled in the Great Hall, Uial listened from her throne (which had been moved down from the tall dais) to be level with the other queens and king. Michael stood to her right side as Cole and Nymph took seats on her left. Uial would have them learn more as they continued to move forward with a family. Considering she had no heirs, Cole was it. The Matriarch listened as Kirika spoke of each Court Ruler to help alleviate any confusion…or at least lessen it. ”You are all so wonderful for agreeing to travel to our home. My restrictions are quite intense, and it is more than appreciated that all of you are as flexible as you are on this blessed union we are getting to witness. We of the Jiyu Clan are unaccustomed to the outside world except our hunters. I hope that as our families join together that we can relax some of our old traditions with your help.” She ignored the tongue clicking of her elder in the council. He would have to wait until later.

Cole’s white brow lifted in surprise that his sister would suggest such a change, but was pleased that it was being made it a potential move. ”Yes. I would like to thank all of you for coming to celebrate with Nymph and myself. Truly humbled by the outpouring of support and love.” He was surprised at his own ability to speak out to all of them, but then again he would do whatever was needed for Nymph.

Uial smiled at her brother before moving on. ”We have a few days of feasts planned, which I know that many refreshments have been brought in your caravan. I appreciate the burden of feeding all.” Her words were littered with laughter, hoping that they knew it was no true burden at all. ”The main tradition is the exchanging of weapons. Rings I have been told are traditional in most cultures. Here, we exchange weapons designed from our demon bonds from the rituals when we were children. Cole has his to give to Nymph, but we know that Nymph would not have such a weapon. Cole will devout his weapon to her, and they can do the rings to seal the bond. Other than that, I think our vows are the same as the others from what I have learned.” The Matriarch glanced up at Michael in some hopes of affirmation that she was correct before looking to the rulers of the courts. "Is there anything in particular that you all need from us?"

The formalities were still being handled, an unfortunate must with so many important people in one place. By now nothing strange or bothersome had happened, which made him wonder if Shiloh was still even here. Auron took care to note the faces he didn't recognize and their titles–particularly those from the groom's side. The elders were quite the usual austere traditionalists, though the lady who was this clan's leader brushed their disapproving gazes aside. The lady spoke in detail of their marriage customs, and when she mentioned the substitution with an exchange of rings he didn't hide his pride. Her Radiance Lily had asked him personally to make a custom pair of wedding rings for her daughter and future son-in-law, to which he spared no effort and expense. It was a rare moment when he wasn't internally panicking, unraveling question after question on each painstaking detail for mementos of a lifetime. They had to be perfect, especially so since they were for newlyweds. There would be no bland and boring shapeless strips of metal for royalty. Everything from the rings' sizes to the metal down to the precious stones had to be asked. It was refreshing to make something without being contractually obligated for once.

When the rings were presented, he was beaming. They were his best work, bar none. It was then a whisper came from behind, tickling his ear. It nearly made him jump, chills running down his spine before he understood what was being said. "…I've left a present for them, make sure to read this when they open it. Don't miss a single word." Throwing a glance behind he saw no one, then caught sight of a slinking shadow vanishing out of view. Looking to the gifts brought for the soon to be wedded pair, he noticed a rather plain wooden box fastened together with cord. A rather large box, though who knew what was within? You could never tell what sort of things Shiloh had in mind. In his hands a scroll had been thrust, sealed with wax to prevent accidental opening. A stamp of Antikythera was pressed into it. When it was time for everyone to give their blessings to the bride and groom, he would have to carry out the now absent deity's will. As odd and obfuscating she could be, she usually meant well. Her gifts were likely to be more practical than decorative.

Now was the time for Auron to assess Nymphaea's husband-to-be, Cole. This was the first time he had seen him in person as Lily and he shared information about acquaintances and family often. The man's anxiety was plain as day, but he was a good match for the Yellow Queen's eldest daughter. They were compatible, that much he could gather. Auron had yet to come on more familiar terms with Nymphaea, as bridging the distance was a challenge. Even with his infernal blood gone he still could not shake the wariness he felt whenever he and her were in the same room. It was natural, as most children would be vigilant towards their mother taking a new lover. When it was time to present the bridal gifts, he came forward with a broad smile. "Antikythera sends its regards and congratulations for this fortuitous occasion. The Steward of the Machinarium has entrusted me to personally present this to you both." To Cole and Nymphaea he gave the large wooden box. "A gift, from hers truly." 

Once the cord was cut and the box opened, inside was a curious set of items. Side by side on a fine silk cloth was a circular buckler of burnished bronze and an Ataiyan short sword. The buckler's bronze sheen was likely a mere decorative finish, covering a more durable metal. "Eldest daughter of Lily Rose and heir of Faradrim, this is my gift to you;" He recited directly from the scroll. "This buckler bears the face of a lion-dog, a guardian beast whose presence is said to ward off evil influence. As used in Kujishoku, statues of their likeness are placed at the entrances of buildings so the occupants can come and go safely. I have engraved the scripts of a warding talisman about the rim. Instead of a slip of paper that can be torn or burnt, this talisman can be used multiple times over. With it I have made an Ataiyan short sword called a 'tanto'. The length is more like a long dagger, but it has no guard. This sleek and streamlined design grants greater flexibility when gripped in one's hand and the blade is pure lacriamium."

"I've heard you two are demon hunters, so I have given it the name Xi-" He paused, frowning at the letters. He had never seen this sort of name before, not with this foreign spelling. He might as well try to pronounce it, as he doubted anyone else knew if it was right anyway. "…'Xiezhi', after a beast of legend with the body of a scaled lion and a horn on its head. Its form has been incorporated into the hilt, and like the xiezhi–use this weapon to bring justice upon evil." With his task complete, he gave the scroll to them and returned to his place. 'My, what a poetic set of gifts she had made', he mused to himself. Even the laconic misfortune deity could have a way with words when she tried.