Author: Dusk, Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:23 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

Xeik couldn’t help but feel slightly embarrassed at Mia’s behavior when it came to the bouquet, and sheepishly put his head into his hand. Mia seemed proud of herself, though, and excited, though he wondered if she knew what it meant to catch the bouquet. With the way that Raine was, he didn’t doubt that she knew. If anything, he wondered if the phoenix was the one egging it on the most.

Lewis was happy at the way the whole thing turned out. Simone was glowing with happiness, and everything seemed right in the world. He was happy that he was able to make things work this time around, and do things proper. Even the few people he considered friends were here and present, enjoying themselves.

Llywellyn had proven himself to love Simone enough to only ensure her happiness, and that was something that Lewis could begrudgingly accept. He had passed her over like a father or brother would, and that was enough in his mind to signify where he stood to Simone. Rhenakos, the idiot who seemed nigh invincible, was always there, and always willing to jump in at a moment’s notice to help his friends no matter the cost. And Xeik…

Xeik was no longer the weak fool that he had been. He had grown into one of the best healers in the realm, and even better, grown into a fine man who not only held to his ideals, but had the strength and willpower to back those ideals up. He had come so far, and though they still had their differences, Lewis was proud to call him a friend.

Lewis took ahold of Simone, and brought her in for another passionate kiss. He started to twirl her around. “You’re beautiful, you know…and I realize that you don’t think so, but…you should see yourself from my eyes. You’re the brightest thing in this room..stunning, brilliant… I can’t take my eyes off of you.” He smiled.

“I love you, Simone…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 6:57 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

Simone almost screamed as he nipped her and let out a laugh. “You did that on purpose.” She ran her fingers through his hair after he was done. “I sure as fuck hope not.” She laughed with Lewis before she pulled him up and kissed him.

Lewis kissed her back with a full bunch of passion, “Hey Rhen I got a trick for you.” He hiked up her dress just enough to get her legs around his waist and kissed her more. Simone broke it and was laughing at him.

“You are a show-off.”

“He started it.”

Simone let out a squeal as he spun her around and she pulled up the train on her dress. “You are going to rip this dress.” She clung to him and hugged him tightly as he set her down. Still Lewis kept his arm around her as the others congratulated him for being so skilled.

“Alright, my turn.” She got her bouquet and all of the single women gathered. She turned around.

“Lewis, You have to close your eyes or else this is cheating,” Leilah yelled out.

“Oh, now we’re concerned about what’s considered a cheat and what isn’t. Lewis give the woman what she wants.” Simone was a bit sassy as Llywellyn couldn’t hide his laughter behind his wife.

Once Lewis had his eyes shut Simone threw it and Lewis opened it to watch with Simone as Mia shoved someone out of the way to catch it. She did a dance and clapped waving it at Xeik.

"That's one hundred percent your lycanthrope," Simone pointed at Mia who was celebrating and running up to Xeik jumping on him kissing him, and wrapping her legs around his waist. "Huh, you learned something new Xeik?"

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 6:41 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

Once Lewis learned what the ‘event’ was, he turned a bright red. It was one of the few times that he had been caught off guard, and the way Osiria was talking wasn’t helping much. He doubted that Lady Angela would let them off the hook, and knew that he had to take the garter, otherwise they would never get to leave.

And so, Simone was sat in a chair in the middle of a crowd of single men. Of those, Rex was at the front, cheering Lewis on. Lewis rolled his eyes, “Kids shouldn’t be here, you know.”

“I’m old enough!” Rex complained, smirking. “Besides, I need to know how it’s done.”

Xeik was off the side, watching with his arms crossed. The smirk across his face was that of amusement. Rhenakos, however, was watching with great interest, even with Osiria there. Hell, even Osiria was watching, though probably not for the same reason as Rhenakos.

And so, with the skill that only could have been cultivated in their sex life, Lewis moved up her leg, looking up at her. His hazel eyes glistened as they met her grays, and he playfully nibbled just under the garter on ‘accident’, before taking it in his teeth and pulling it down. There were cheers as Simone extended her leg, letting him take it fully before tossing it.

It soared through the air, and to everyone’s surprise, it seemed to almost float into Rex’s hands. He stared for a moment before raising it high. “Looks like I win!”

“Oh gods I hope not,” Lewis said as he looked up at Simone with a grin. “I don’t think we need Alice moving in…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 6:32 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

Simone laughed a bunch at the old stories of Lewis and she smiled at him as she took his hand. She gave him a good squeeze. “Thanks for saving Lewis the embarrassment Rhen,” Simone yelled as she got elbowed by Lewis. It got a few laughs out of her.

“Wait, what are we doing.”

“The garter Simone! The blue garter we put on you,” Osiria yelled from the crowd. “Come on Lewis you have to have some kind of skill taking shit off of her. If you didn’t adopt twelve kids and Simone was able to get pregnant you would have had thirty by now and we all know it.” Osiria was holding up some alcohol as she coiled herself around Rhenakos.

Simone had a blush on her face and she immediately went to the bar and downed a drink before going to Lewis pulling him to the dance floor. “They are going to get us killed,” she laughed a bit and danced close to him. Their friends were special.

They enjoyed the food, the drinks, dancing, and especially snuggles with their kids. They danced with their kids even Jules and Corrine danced with them. They had a blast and once the hour passed up Osiria sat Simone down on a chair.

“This is for skipping out on your reception last time doing only gods know what… and I think I have an idea what it was.” Osiria pulled up on Simone’s dress and Simone rolled her eyes. “Everyone this is the prize!” There was a bunch of oo’s and ah’s as they showed off two blue garters. “This lower one. Lewis, you can’t use your hands only your teeth.” She threw the dress back down. “GET TO IT! By the way, in the end, all the men who aren’t married have to gather. It’s like a bouquet toss. One who catches it gets married next!”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 6:17 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

Lewis smirked when she used her full name, and when Angela gave them the go ahead, it was as if they hadn’t seen each other in years. They kissed and embraced, and the crowd started to applaud. The deed was done, and with that, the two were officially married.

Again.

It wasn’t long before everyone was in the reception hall, and Xeik was at the podium, clearing his throat. As best man, he was supposed to make a speech of sorts, and while he had never done a wedding before, he had plenty to say about Lewis. Sure, it might turn into a goofy rant or something, but hey…if he was lucky, maybe he could tell an embarrassing story about Lewis.

“Well, first I want to say…” Xeik said, clearing his throat again. He wasn’t used to giving speeches, and was feeling a bit nervous. “Well, I guess…I’ll start with….Lewis is a dear friend to me, but…we weren’t really always like this. In fact, it wasn’t too long ago that we were at each other’s throats. I’ll save you the boring details, but Lewis wasn’t exactly the smoothest talker. Hell, he still isn’t.” That got a few laughs. “But, Lewis wasn’t doing things the way I thought they needed to be, and…well, Lewis thought I was a fool for thinking the way I did. Turns out, people have different views on the way the world works. Go figure…” Again, it got a bit of a response from the crowd. “So…I have Lady Angela to thank for helping me see that we’re…just on different paths.” He glanced over to Lewis. “Still wish you wouldn’t resort to killing…”

Lewis shrugged. “I’m retired.”

“Good point,” Xeik replied. “Anyway, let’s get on to the fun stuff. So, let’s start with the obvious fun one. So…there was this job we had to do when we were teenagers. It was a hell of a job…raiding an alchemist’s lab. Well, we brought along someone who wasn’t quite used to being a thief. Well, he smacked right into the table, and BAM, both Lewis and I got soaked in potions. We thought nothing of it, and went about our heist. Well, when we woke up the next morning, we were surprised. I ended up two years younger, which is one thing, but Lewis…well, he ended up two years older. I adjusted quick…it was just re-learning. But Lewis got stuck in a lanky body that he had no idea how to control. Teenagers…they grow QUICK. Watching him stumble about for the first few hours was comedy gold. I’ve never seen someone fall on their face so many times.”

The ex assassin rolled his eyes, “You just won’t let me live that one down, will you?”

“No, I won’t,” the healer responded with a grin. “Next, let me tell you about the time he got decked by Lady Angela…”

The stories went on for another twenty or so minutes, until finally Rhenakos pulled Xeik off the podium, “Look…everyone here just wants to eat. You can tell stories later,” the man complained. “It;s a reception…get to it! Eat! Drink! And in about an hour, we have a special event for the bride and groom. Wedding tradition.” He glanced to Lewis with a sly grin. “Be ready, lover boy…”

“What…the hell are you talking about,” Lewis responded.

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 6:04 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

Simone at least smiled more when he placed the ring onto her finger. Maybe it wasn’t so bad he found out her full name and used it so loudly. “Alright, Simone your turn,” Angela repeated it for her to be official.

“I,” she hesitated and rolled her eyes a bit, “Simone Beatrice Monte Auclair take you, Lewis Terrowin, to be my wedded husband until the end of time and beyond death itself.” She slid his ring onto his hand and smiled at him.

“As the authority on marriage itself, I now pronounce you husband and wife for the second time. And let this be a good lesson that when the Goddess of Love tells you to talk to your spouses that you do it.” She smirked a bit, “Lewis you can kiss your wife.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 5:58 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

As Xeik handed Lewis the ring, he couldn’t help but smirk at her reaction to her full name being used.

“I, Lewis Terrowin, take Simone Beatrice Monte Auclair, to be my wedded wife until the end of time, and beyond even death itself.” Sure, it was silly to use her full name, even if it wasn’t official, but there was a part of him that wanted to do it, if only to show that even someone in such a low status could find the woman of his dreams in a noble. Maybe someone was watching on…a princess and a pauper, married by the Goddess of Life and Love. Perhaps that would inspire.

Hell…maybe Rex will impress us, he thought, knowing Simone would be frustrated at the use of a long name.

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 5:53 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

Simone chuckled when she saw Xeik nudge him. She felt silly being so nervous about this. In a way, they were way more nervous about this than they were the first time they did it. His words got laughter out of her as she shook her head. He was right though she could find words easily where he tended to struggle.

Pushing herself up she rubbed her nose against his. Angela rolled her eyes lightly and pushed them apart. “Did I say to do it yet? Xeik’s right you two can’t stay off of each other,” there was laughter from everyone as the goddess spoke. “If anyone objects to this weddin–”

“We’ll seriously slit your throats,” Lewis and Simone said in harmony as Angela snorted.

“What they said.” The goddess waved her hands. “Alright, Lewis… This is what you’ve been excited about.” She motioned for Xeik to give Lewis Simone’s ring. “Repeat after me please. I, Lewis Terrowin, take Simone Beatrice Monte Auclai–”

“Fucking seriously Lewis?” Simone interrupted as she slapped his chest shocked.

“AUCLAIR,” Angela chuckled, “to be my wedded wife until the end of all time and beyond even death itself.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 5:30 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

Seeing Simone come up the aisle was breathtaking. Quite literally, as Xeik nudged Lewis a moment, reminding him to take a breath. He did just that, as as Simone approached the altar, all he could do was stare into her gray eyes. He knew that a lot of this was for Simone, to make her happy and feel loved, but there was a huge part of Lewis that wanted all of this as well. He had never been one for this kind of thing, yet here he was, emotional over the sight of his beautiful bride standing across from him, stunning in all of her glory.

Lewis listened to her words, and smiled as she started to recite the poem. It was something that was near and dear to their hearts, and he hoped that his own vows to Simone would live up to hers.

“And here we have proof that she’s much better at this than I am,” Lewis said with a smirk. “I’ve had all the time in the world to prepare, and here she is showing me up with a moment’s notice.” There was a bit of laughter from the crowd, but it died down as Lewis cleared his throat.

“We’ve come so impossibly far from the day I met you. To me, you were merely another target, one more to knock off the list and move on. When I first met you, I thought nothing of the terrified girl in front of me, only of the baffling curse that held your life. Slowly, day by day, you eroded away what I thought was a frozen heart, and before I knew it…all I wanted to do was set you free.” He glanced at Angela, “And with Angela’s help, I did.” He paused. “What a mistake that was.” There was a look from Lady Angela, and Simone tried not to laugh as the image of the goddess hitting Lewis flashed in her mind. “If only I had known the words you wanted to hear…the ones I wanted to say aloud. Well…I know them know, better than I know anything else. It’s not a fancy poem, but…all the same, they’re my words…”

“I love you with all of my heart and soul. I love the life we’ve built and the children we’ve raised. For you, I would walk to the end of the world..for you, I would wait until the end of time. For you, I would wait even beyond death itself. For you, I would do anything…” He closed his eyes. “For you, and only you…”

Xeik smiled from Lewis’ side. He was proud of how far Lewis had come. Rex had his arms crossed, looking at his adoptive father, impressed at what he had written. Rhenakos was smiling, wiping a tear from his eye.

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 5:11 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

Simone couldn’t help but chuckle at her youngest girls. Mira was carrying Lila up who was sporting a cute azure dress. Mira held up a basket and Lila grabbed the flower petals and threw them. Fiori, Corrine, and Alshaya were throwing petals that matched. The boys weren’t too far along. They each were carrying one of the little ones. Jules had Glyn and Everett had Janus. In Glyn’s little hand was the box that carried Simone’s wedding band.

The orchestra was going strong since Angela made sure not to pull any punches this time around. Llywellyn was dressed in the perfect azure suit making sure not to stand out against Simone as he brought her down.

“You look great. Do you like it?” Llywellyn leaned over to talk to her.

“You helped him get it?” She looked up at him.

“Yeah, after all I knew where it would be. I wanted nothing more than to see you in it.” As they walked down what felt like a lifetime of aisle. Simone’s gray eyes connected with Lewis’s hazel. There was a smile on her face. Llywellyn handed her off to Lewis and he kissed her cheek. “Please, for the love of gods take care of her so I don’t have to bury you somewhere,” Llywellyn joked and patted Lewis on the back.

Angela stood up now in her signature purple dress. Jules helped Glyn hand off the ring to Xeik before Mira got all the kids to sit down.

“Didn’t think I would be seeing so many familiar faces for a reunion between these two so soon,” Angela spoke up and it got a laugh. “Not that long ago I wedded these two together until the end of days. Simone was resigned to death’s door but Lewis braved even my anger to bring her back. He transcended death for her. Today we make sure to change these vows for beyond death. A love that we can only dream of having. A love between soulmates and loving parents.”

Angela looked at Simone first, “I’ll ask you first… You who are a beautiful writer and always seem to have words that flow.”

Simone looked down at their hands as they held them and smiled up at Lewis. “This is all so short notice. Did you know I didn’t even know I was getting married until like an hour ago?” More laughs. “Right? I didn’t even have to plan it. Ladies take note.” This was their moment and Simone was loving it. “There’s no one I would rather have for my partner. Now, always, forever, until death, beyond death, until the end of time. The father of my now twelve children. The man I have a red heartstring with that represents the strongest of bonds. Never did I think the man who threatened me with ‘I’m going to cut your leg off’ would be the man that also said ‘I can’t live without you.’ I’m so proud of you Lewis and for the growth you’ve done. I’m proud to be your wife and I suppose your wife again.”

“Stay, I said
to the cut flowers.
They bowed
their heads lower.

Stay, I said to the spider,
who fled…”

She recited it to him and smiled at him as she finished it looking to Angela who nodded to Lewis. “Your turn Lewis.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 4:43 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

As Simone left, Lewis left Roma, Lucas, and Ezili to gather the kids and get them ready. Lewis had a few of his own things to take care of, a few last minute details.

They had decided, in the end, to do the ceremony in the Vilpamolan Coast cathedral, where Lady Angela would be officiating everything. Already, the cathedral was elegant and impressive, but today it was adorned with lavender peonies and azure blue decorations. The flames were a dark purple, illuminating the hall in an unusual, hauntingly beautiful glow. They were, per Angela’s design, to turn a brilliant white once the bride to be entered, signifying her presence.

At the altar was an ornate black and silver archway, scattered with more lavender peonies. It was her favorite flower, after all, and he couldn’t help but let her have her heart's desire. Sitting near the front was Rhenakos, who was already in a stunning white tuxedo. Shortly, Xeik arrived with Rex and Lucas in tow, all of them sporting the same tuxedo, a stark contrast to Lewis’ black.

“I’m nervous,” Lewis said aloud, surprising Rhenakos and Rex.

“Ahh, don’t worry,” Xeik said as he clapped Lewis’ back. “You’ve done a lot harder. I’m pretty sure you’ve done a lot more dangerous jobs than this…”

“Doesn’t change the fact that I’m nervous,” Lewis replied with a half smirk. “But, I’m here…” The group made their way up to the altar, and took their places. Xeik took the side of his friend, and nodded to him. “I made a good choice…picking you for best man. Much better than last time…”

Rhenakos rolled his eyes, “Even at a wedding, you’re still an ass…”

Roma came in, followed by the children. Slowly, the seats began to fill with people from their lives. Lewis could see former members of Heaven’s Dawn, those who had survived and thrived through the years. In the back, he even thought he saw Jasper, but Lewis was too nervous to take notice if it was truly him. Across from them, at the other side of the altar, Lewis saw Dala waiting. She had changed into a beautiful dress, surely picked out by Raine. And speaking of, the bridesmaids were all accounted for, with Ezili, Raine, and Mia, all standing ready and present.

“All we need now, is the bride,” Xeik said with a smirk. “Are you excited?”

“Sure. Excited,” Lewis replied nervously.

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 4:28 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

“YOUUU!!!” Simone went for another shoe and realized she didn’t have a shoe to throw. “Are lucky I am out of shoes.” Lewis got a smile out of her. “Should have just said it had to get cleaned. I would have given it up willingly.” She flicked his nose softly and giggled. “But you did great with the courtyard.” Lewis kissed her and soon… “What?” He kissed her again. “Right now?!”

She was excited and she could see his face. “But I don’t have anything.”

“Don’t worry,” Xeik smirked now as he came over and took her arm. “Lewis handled it all already. Let's go.”

Simone kissed all of her kids once before she was carted off to where Kite was waiting. Mia and Raine were ready to take over as Mia kissed Xeik and shooed him out with her hands. They changed her into her dress and Simone’s jaw dropped as she got up on the pedestal and stared at herself. “This is gorgeous…”

It was a sweetheart neckline with flowery thin off shoulder straps. The dress itself was an elegant lace made from hundreds of flowers. It was aline and the train must have been at least six feet behind her. “Do you like it?” It was white but it faded into an ethereal blue with copper at the ends. It looks like fire. It was perfect for her.

“Yes…”

“Lewis helped me design it for you.”

Mia threw some hand signs as she brought over a brush and some makeup. “I… I have to wait to put it on why?”

“Because… Lewis got you something special and… Well…” Raine brought over the tiara for her.

“That’s my…” Simone was crying and she let it known through the resonance. Lewis, thank you so much. After all the ugly crying was done and they got her eyes less puffy they started on her hair and make-up. They left her hair down in long curls pulling some of her sides back into an elegant braid. Her veil was almost as long as the train on the dress itself.

Raine was delicate as she placed the tiara on Simone’s head and set up the veil. All of her jewelry was applied and even a garter. Everything that was needed was there. “One more thing.” Raine took off her new wedding ring and put it back into the box. “The kids need it.”

“Of course…”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 4:03 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

It was strange. Lewis knew what her answer would be, yet the moment before she said yes, he was nervous. It had been a long time since he had questioned his emotions, but this was one of those rare times where he just did not understand why human emotions were so complicated and irrational. Of course, when she said yes, he was elated.

When she started to throw her shoes at Xeik, though, Lewis was quick to apologize to Simone. “S-sorry…I asked him to do it. I needed to get your ring in order to have it resized. Sorry…” He looked to Xeik, and apologized to him as well. Once Simone calmed down, Lewis merely smirked.

“You said yes.” At that, Lewis kissed her again, and turned to Xeik. “Can you pass her off to Mia and Raine? It’s their turn.” He looked back to Simone. “No time like the present…I’ll see you soon.” He leaned over and kissed her again. “This time, we’re doing it right.” Was that…excitement across his face? A show of happiness? Elation? It was rare for Lewis to glow, yet now he was shining, matching Simone’s happiness.

Author: Dala, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 3:56 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

Dala let out a sigh of relief when Lewis finally proposed to Simone. The week at the spa had been the least relaxing week she'd ever had. Simone had torn that place apart trying to look for the ring while Dala had been doing her best to fix whatever messes Simone made, which wasn't easy. One of the walls got punched through and Dala had worked to make sure their room wasn't scorched by her wrath. The teenager was dressed in a white sweetheart shirt with a carnation pink knee length skirt. She chose a somewhat simple outfit so that Simone would be able to shine in her amazing gown. Fiori had mostly helped out with picking the outfit. That little kid was surprisingly talented in that area. 

"Glad this is finally done." She said, feeling happy for the couple. 

Meanwhile Fiori had been squealing and jumping up and down for the past five minutes. She'd never been around for their first wedding and was excited for the second one. Fiori was excited for the gowns, the glamour, the pretty décor, seeing her parents get married, and getting to see the rest of the family friends. This would be a beautiful occasion and the most amazing thing Fiori would see for a long while. 

"Mommy!" She called out to Simone, "You are beautiful! KISS DADDY AGAIN!!!!"

Fiori loved romance, it was adorable!

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 3:41 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

Simone smiled as he pulled her close and kissed her. She looked him over. “You look charming,” she chuckled a bit. “I haven’t seen you this well put together since we got married.”

She squealed as soon as she saw her ring. “XEIK FOUND IT!” She had torn apart the king suite and even demanded that Xeik came to help her try and track down who did it. She paused though as he put it on the wrong hand. She started to tell him and was left with a look on her face as he shushed her.

Wrapping her arms around him she kissed him back and cuddled close. She supposed that she could wait for an explanation. She tilted her head as she watched him take her left hand this time and finally she froze up. Watching what he was doing. She had seen it thousands of times but yet she never once had it happen to her. It was always… arranged.

“Lewis…” Her voice was a whisper. She couldn’t believe the ring when she saw it. There were two bands. The center band with the blue fire opal that shined might with their resonance and around it with what looked like quartz like the sun’s rays. Her eyes started to tear up as it finally all started to click.

“Yeah. YES! Every time,” she jumped on him and kissed him as he slid the ring on her finger. “Even beyond death,” she whispered as she took his face and kissed him once more this time deeply. However, it was even quicker as she took her heel off and chucked it directly at Xeik.

“IT WAS YOU WASN’T IT?! Do you know how much damage I did to that spa,” she took off the other heel and pelted him with the other. The kids found this hysterical.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 3:29 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

When Simone walked down the pathway and into Lewis’ view, he could only stare for a moment. It had only been seven days, but to both of them, it might as well have been seven years. It was one of the longest times they had gone without resonance, and seeing her as she was now, all he could was stare at her beauty. But, of course, he had things for her. He motioned for her to come over.

Lewis was dressed in an all black tuxedo, and it looked as though he actually put a lot of time and effort into looking good. And, as Simone neared him, he pulled her close and gave her a kiss. It was a quick ‘I missed you,’ and he took a step back, keeping a hold of her right hand. He held it for a moment, smiling.

“I have something for you,” he said, producing the missing band. He slipped it onto the ring finger of her right hand, waiting for her to realize the ‘mistake’ he made. The moment she started to open her mouth, he merely put his finger to her lips. “I’m aware…”

Just wait… He kissed her again, wrapping his arms around her. Seven days was far too long, and he missed Simone. Had it not been for the surprise, he wouldn’t have hesitated to take advantage of being alone, but…

Once more, he broke away the kiss, and once more, he took her hand, this time her left as he kissed it, kneeling down.

“Dearest Simone,” Lewis said, reaching into his pocket with a free hand. “It has come to my attention that we haven’t done this quite right. You see…back then, it wasn’t meant to be long term. At least, that’s how we saw it. It was rushed, and thrown together, and…well…” He produced a small box, and opened it, presenting a beautiful ring with a blue fire opal at the center. As he presented it, it seemed to shine as though it were a part of their resonance, sparkling with energy.

“Simone…will you marry me?” He paused. “Well…again?” It was a little odd the way he was asking. “I want to be with you now, and forever…even beyond death.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 3:16 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

Simone was down in the dumps as she still couldn’t find her wedding band. “Oh, man Lewis is going to be so upset at me.” Her hair and her makeup were done and she was coming home in a beautifully tailored dress. It was a silk navy blue halter dress that fit her just right. If she had to guess it was even made for her but she just assumed Llywellyn’s people were that good. After all, it wasn’t the first time she had clothes made in Sulwal now.

She came in with her suitcases and she dropped them as soon as she saw the courtyard. Her eyes went to the purple peonies and she soon she venturied in as she turned her head and looked everywhere. “What the hell?” That was when she felt the resonance snap back in place.

What are you waiting for. Hurry up and come over here. There was a chuckle from Lewis.

She spun in place as the look of wonder was on her face. “You did this?” She found Lewis she was still looking at everything as she turned her attention to the statues. “Lewis… What is going on?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2021 2:56 PM, Post Subject: For You, Beyond Death [P/R]

The adventure that Lewis and Llywellyn went on to get the tiara was just the start of it all. The whole ordeal lasted a single night, and it ended with Lewis going to see Tempest. For her, it was an easy job to fix the tiara and restore it to its former glory, but during the exchange, the semi-insane blacksmith alchemist touted the idea of a new ring. Within days, Lewis, with the help of a few of his friends, drew up the perfect ring for her, one that symbolized who they were and what they had become. Money was never a problem, as usual. During the process, Lewis had an idea, though, and asked Tempest if it was possible. Tempest, being the brilliant woman she was, laughed at the challenge, and went all out to forge the properties requested.

With that part taken care of, Lewis needed to set up the rest of the surprise. His first visit was to Xeik, who agreed almost before the request was out of his mouth. Of course, the second request was one that not even Xeik had seen coming, and on the sidelines, Mia merely laughed at the shocked look that Xeik gave.

“W-wha? Why me?” the healer asked. “There isn’t anyone else?”

“Why would I pick anyone else?” Lewis asked back. “It makes the most sense to choose you.” There was a look of determination on his face, and Xeik knew he had lost the argument before it even began.

“Fine…just let me check with Ange-”

“I already asked her,” Lewis interrupted. “She said yes. And…she’s helping with the set up. It has to be perfect.”

Xeik leaned back in his chair, and smiled. “I’m impressed, Lewis. You’ve really thought this through.”

“Of course I have. Now…I need to borrow Raine.” Lewis stood up from the other side of the table. “Now, where is that bird brain?”

Xeik led Lewis to Raine’s office, and within minutes, Lewis was dragging Raine off to meet with the next person on the list of things to arrange. The portal that Lewis used lead them to a shop called the Crescent Cloth, to meet the brother of Tempest. Kite, who had been informed of Lewis’ arrival, was more than willing to help with the request that the ex-assassin had, and with Raine there to help, the three of them came up with the perfect design for Simone.

“How fast can it be ready?” Lewis asked. Kite gave him an answer, and it all fell in line with his original plan. “Good…now, the stage is almost set…”

The next meeting was easier, and required being home. It was a simple question to ask, and when Dala entered his room and heard the request, she accepted, though not without reservations. To her, it was like asking her to move the moon, but Lewis had the utmost faith in the girl. After all, Dala was Simone’s best friend, and if anyone could distract her for a full seven days, it would be her. And, Llywellyn had already agreed to the plans…all Lewis had to do was give the date.

And so the night had been chosen, and with luck, Dala would keep her word and distract Simone for the full seven days. It had taken so much time and effort to prepare the whole surprise, but in the end it would all be worth it. It all started with a simple wish to see her tiara again, and it snowballed into this grand event that would blow Simone’s whole world.

With her gone, and the resonance cut, Lewis, Roma, Xeik, and the kids went to work. Throughout the week, they had visitors come and go, most to help, but some to watch in awe at the effort that Lewis was putting forth. Others, like Kite and Tempest, merely stepped in to drop of their works, and leave the moment they arrived. In the end, the set up was almost perfect. There were a few finishing touches to be made, but Lewis’ part was done. Now, all he had to do was wait for Simone to return.

Her return point would be the entrance to the courtyard. The courtyard had been transformed, with lavender peonies, a gift from Lady Angela, lining the walkway towards the center. The walls were lined with new torches, sporting the image of the night phoenix, and illuminated the whole area with a low, blue flame. The centerpiece of the courtyard had been replaced, and now held a beautiful statue of two phoenixes intertwined. This, however, was the location for the first stage.

The second, would have to wait…