The wedding wasn’t the only planning I wound up locked out of, however. In light of the upcoming event, Evans and my Ministers saw to the oversight of everything within the Empire, from the preparations for the war to even the most minor of details; virtually relieving both Líann and me of all our duties for a time. Considering the fact that we’d be marching off to invade the Dark Lands almost immediately after our wedding, they considered the time as a sort of honeymoon for us, and once they’d explained their reasoning to me, I resented it a great deal less.
With so much free time on our hands, Líann and I toured the valley together most days. Even though the reprieve from my responsibilities was only temporary, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to simply wander among my people again. Reacquainting myself with many of those I hadn’t seen in so long and seeing how far they’d come from our humble beginnings served as a reminder of all that we’d accomplished together.
Our rounds often took us past my secluded training spot, and we’d frequently stop to practice our talents when we did. Although we sparred at times and Líann was able to wield not only her Short Sword of Proficiency but also the Defender’s Spike I’d finally given her, most of our time was spent in ranged combat.
Not only had Líann become quite deadly with the Bow of Impact, but her repertoire of Spells had also grown. After I’d given Eryn the Inferno Garb, she’d shown her appreciation by teaching Líann a Spell called Firespray. When cast, the magic sent forth a fan-shaped blaze of flames from her fingertips, immolating anything caught within its burning flames. Not to be outdone, Aaden had also imparted her with some magic, teaching Líann the Lore skill as well. Although it was not useful in combat, it was still a very good talent for her to have, and we both appreciated his gesture.
In spite of my advisors’ best attempt to keep me out of things, I still had one good source of information about how things were progressing with our war efforts—Bane.
In order to make our deception more believable, Bane had been scouting both the road to Olóra and the area around the fortress we’d constructed on the border with the Dark Lands. Seeing him flying high overhead had to seem like a clear indication of our intentions to any observer. The regular patrols that were conducted on the route to the fortress and into the area around it only added to the impression we made.
In response to our obvious intentions, forces of the Dark Lands had been gathering across the border from us. Hidden in a remote valley of their own, tens of thousands of orcs, goblins, ogres, trolls, and other monstrosities massed together, waiting for our arrival so they could put an end to us. Even with Bane on our side, we stood little chance against those numbers; less than that, considering the preparations they’d made for my beloved dragon.
Scattered among their troops were dozens of ballistae—crude imitations of the weapons Dellon had made for us. But unlike our siege engines, these were all trained skyward, specifically aimed to bring Bane down from overhead. So long as those deadly machines remained in place, Bane’s only role would be limited to scouting the enemy’s forces from far above. The odds seemed to be stacked almost impossibly high against us, yet we continued making our preparations as the weeks went on. Those weeks seemed to drag on forever until finally, the day we’d all been waiting for arrived.
Thelmé had practically dragged Líann away from me, kicking and screaming the day before the wedding so that we wouldn’t see each other until it was time for the ceremony to begin. Even while I made my way downstairs to the pavilion where I’d be getting ready, I still had no idea what I’d be wearing—Birt had kept me from seeing the gown he’d made for me as well. All I knew was that Rhia and Wenda would be waiting for me, ready to tend to my hair and makeup once again.
I arrived several hours early, both to be in place before the guests arrived and to allow the women ample time to do their work. Still, as early as I was, I saw that many of the tables set out in the open field were already occupied. Literally everyone who resided in the entire Imperial District had been invited—thousands of individuals. While there were many early arrivals, they were scattered among the hundreds of tables, making them seem relatively few in number.
Aiva led me towards the brightly colored pavilion where Rhia and Wenda were waiting for me. I’d thought that I was ready for this day, but as we drew closer, I felt the first butterflies begin fluttering around inside me; my anxiety triggered by both my anticipation over finally seeing what I’d be wearing and the momentous day ahead of me.
Inside my dressing tent, several plush chairs and even a soft couch were arranged for our comfort during the long wait ahead. Rhia and Wenda were seated on a pair of those chairs and rose to meet me when I entered. With a quick glance around the room, I located my dress hanging in one of the corners. Unfortunately, it was covered in a layer of protective fabric, and when I moved towards it, Wenda stepped in front of me.
“Not just yet,” she admonished me gently as she redirected me towards one of the chairs.
Reluctantly, I let her guide me away, although I couldn’t help glancing over my shoulder at the shrouded garment one last time before I sat down.
Rhia took over immediately, gently combing out my hair before beginning her elaborate arrangement. While Rhia tended to my locks, Wenda did her best to occupy my mind with anything other than the wedding itself. I’d seen right through it of course, but her efforts were far more successful than I thought they would be. Before I knew it, Rhia was done, and Wenda took over as she began applying her subtle pigments to my skin.
My guardswoman’s attempt at distraction far less delicate than Wenda’s. Rhia instantly began to engage me with a litany of tales, mostly regarding the exploits of her fellow guards. Many of them had led quite interesting lives prior to joining my service, and while they’d been quite open with me regarding such things, Rhia was able to tell me a number of stories I hadn’t heard before. Despite how obvious her distraction was to me, the tactic worked once more, and I was surprised by how quickly Wenda seemed to finish. Once the two were done, I stood up and began walking towards the corner where my gown was waiting for me, but Wenda stopped me yet again.
“It’s still not time for that,” she chided, guiding me to sit down on the couch this time. “You have a while yet, Empress. Let me see if I can get you something to eat.”
Wenda quickly ducked outside, and Rhia pointedly took a seat in one of the chairs that lay between me and the covered form of my dress while we waited for her to return. Although I glared at my guardian meaningfully, she only shook her head slowly in response.
Before long, Wenda returned with Aiva, both bearing trays of food and drink with them. The two set their burdens down on the table in front of me before Aiva returned to join the rest of the guards outside.
“Where are Ella and Saibra?” I asked Rhia when I realized that I’d seen neither of them that morning. An unusual occurrence, especially in Saibra’s case since she was my dedicated bodyguard.
“They’re both on… special assignments,” she replied cryptically, and despite my prodding, neither of them would elaborate any further.
The mystery of my absent Tári only lent additional wings to the growing swarm of butterflies fluttering inside my chest, and even though I was quite hungry, I could only manage to pick sparingly at the food that was set in front of me. Rhia and Wenda both did their best to distract me once again, but their efforts were much less successful.
Time passed by at an almost agonizingly slow pace until finally, a knock came on the post outside the tent walls. It was the signal that it was time for me to get ready, and I practically leapt from my seat before dashing towards my dress. Wenda seemed to anticipate this moment and managed to beat me there by half a step, halting me from ripping off the shroud over my gown.
“One step at a time,” Wenda interceded yet again.
My sense of frustration came out in a deep sigh, and both women smiled broadly in amusement. They knew me not only as their Empress but also as a wo
man who’d fought and killed in their presence. It must have seemed quite odd for them to see me so thoroughly undone by these more lighthearted circumstances.
Wenda took down the covered gown and then draped it carefully over the back of one of the chairs. Only after I began shedding the casual outfit I’d worn that day did she start removing the fabric that had hidden the gown from me all morning, but my furtive glances only revealed its light blue color as the many folds concealed its true form.
Rhia seemed quite pleased to note that I’d chosen to keep myself well protected, looking on with approval at the blades I’d strapped to my thighs. With the Essence Blade on one side and my Dagger of Laceration on the other, I was as well-armed as circumstances would allow. Even without them, I still had my Shadow Armor, not to mention my orbs and Spells to rely on, but having the weapons within reach provided an added level of comfort to me. Wenda helped pull the fabric around me as I stepped into the dress, and while she fastened the first few buttons up its back, I took in the gown for the first time.
I may have been Sintári, but the traditions of my people had been lost in the ravages of time. So, at Birt’s suggestion, I’d chosen the color in deference to my human origins. The pale blue was a tribute to the sky above, an homage to the Gods who’d created this world, and the only aspect of the gown I’d been permitted to know beforehand.
The long, flowing bottom tapered at my waist where the silk yielded to an intricately embroidered fabric that followed my figure closely. The gown’s open yet modest neckline was trimmed with delicate lace and covered my shoulders in a pair of short, cap-like sleeves, leaving my arms almost entirely bare. In many ways, the dress was a rather simple outfit, but Birt had so exquisitely tailored it, and the overall effect was quite incredible.
A second knock rapped against the pole outside, rousing me from my astonishment and signaling that we only had a few more moments before it would be time for the ceremony to begin. Wenda left to take her place outside, while Rhia remained with me for those last few minutes.
When the third knock came, Rhia took my trembling hand in hers and walked me towards the tent flaps. When she parted them, I stepped outside and was surprised to see only a pair of curtains completely surrounding me.
“Follow where they lead you, Empress,” Rhia whispered to me helpfully, although her mischievous smile also made me a bit uneasy as well.
The tall cloth barriers prevented me from seeing anything other than the ground beneath my feet. Here and there, I caught glimpses of shiny metal boots to my left, recognizing them as the armored feet of my own personal guards. I walked ahead almost blindly, following the path that the bearers of the curtains led me along until they finally drew to a halt. Hushed voices came to me in the still silence as I stood waiting for what would come next, and the cloth ahead of me parted, revealing Líann standing only a step away from me.
I’d grown accustomed to her grace and beauty, but seeing her that morning dressed in the gown Birt had made for her took my breath away. The dress was not in her own forest green, but a far lighter shade, evoking the promise of spring, as was the elven tradition. Intricate patterns of vines and leaves traced across the outline of her figure and a scattering of small green gemstones had been worked into the fabric. The delicate features of Líann’s face were softly highlighted with slight traces of color, and her pale blond hair draped elegantly over her bare shoulders.
My trembling hands covered my mouth reflexively as I fought to rein in my emotions; the sight of Líann in all her beauty and the thought of what was about to happen between us threatened to overcome the last shred of composure I’d been clinging to.
“Don’t,” Líann’s voice quivered as she whispered to me and took hold of my hands. “If you start, I won’t be able to hold back either, and we’ll both wind up a total mess.”
While she was trying her best to rein in her emotions, just as I was, there was a slight trace of humor in her words as well—just enough to help me regain control of myself.
I just stared at her for a long moment, or perhaps it was several… I couldn’t say. But finally, after a quick nod which I returned, Líann let one of my hands go and gave a soft tug on the curtain beside her.
The fabric that had been shielding us from view quickly vanished, and I found myself standing before a small dais. Venna stood at its center, resplendent in the fine robes of her Order; brilliant blue trimmed in bright gold. I couldn’t help but smile seeing her there, knowing that she’d be the one to sanctify the union between Líann and me. Talína had kept every last detail from me, but Venna’s presence wasn’t the only pleasant surprise. When the curtains were drawn away, I was finally able to see who’d born them alongside us.
Standing beside me were Broda and Saibra. I’d seen Broda in formal outfits on occasion, but this was the first time I’d ever known Saibra to wear anything other than her armor or some casual outfit. Although she’d chosen a dress with a high neckline and full sleeves to conceal her scars, the deep blue gown softened her appearance so drastically that I almost didn’t recognize her at first. She smiled back at me as I practically gawked at her, knowing full well my reason for doing so. Líann’s gentle tug on my hand brought my attention back towards her, where Thelmé and Ella stood by her side, both looking quite elegant in the gowns that Birt had crafted for them.
I had no idea what would come next; none of this had been explained to me. Fortunately, Líann gently coaxed me along, and we approached the dais where Venna waited patiently for us. Venna greeted us both with a warm smile as we came to stand before her, while Saibra and Broda stayed at my side as Thelmé and Ella continued to escort Líann.
“Few words are needed to recognize the commitment you have made to each other,” Venna began reverently. “And it is my honor to speak those words for you.”
“Líann of Íforn,” Venna continued, addressing my intended directly. “Have you come here this day of your own free will, under the light of the Gods above, to take this woman into your heart for the rest of your days?”
“Yes, Curate, I have,” Líann whispered back solemnly as she gazed at me.
“Dreya Sintári, daughter of Nentai, Goddess above,” Venna surprised me with how she’d chosen to address me. “Have you come here this day of your own free will, under the light of the Gods above, to take this woman into your heart for the rest of your days?”
“Yes, I have, Curate,” I replied, still holding Líann’s gaze.
“Then let the oaths you have taken this day and the love that you hold in your hearts guide you to many years of happiness together.”
Líann had held onto my hand the entire time, but when Venna spoke those final words, she let my fingers slip from her grasp and melted into me as she wrapped her arms around me. I took in a deep breath as I held Líann close, taking in the light floral scent of her hair and basking in her warmth as she pressed against me.
When we finally drew apart, Venna was right beside us, and she guided Líann and me to the large raised platform where we were to be seated. Set slightly apart from the other tables, the dais not only allowed us to see but also to be seen, while still providing enough room for one very special guest behind it.
‘Bane!’ I called to him as I saw him lying beyond the large platform.
I’d already spotted my other friends and companions as they made their way towards the dais to sit beside us, and I’d feared that Talína might have overlooked him in making her preparations. I really should have known better than that.
Congratulations, my Sintári, he offered in a mixture of both sincerity and amusement.
Líann and I both hugged Bane, managing to almost wrap our arms around his huge head as we gripped him on opposite sides. With him there, our special day was complete; everyone I cared about was there for us.
Once Líann and I took our seats at the center of the long table atop the dais, the festivities began in earnest. With the actual ceremony over and the celebration in full swing, my appetit
e returned, and I was finally able to eat when the first course of the feast was served.
Many succulent dishes followed, each accompanied by a well-matched glass of wine or ale. Music played, and people danced happily for hours as the day went on, with no sign of an end in sight. Nearly all my people stopped by to offer us their best wishes. When they did, I was happy to see that Talína had honored my one request—no one presented us with any gifts. Between us, Líann and I had everything we needed; I wasn’t going to take advantage of my people’s generosity by making them feel obligated to present me with things we neither wanted nor needed.
As the day turned into evening, I discovered that my people were not the only ones in attendance. Due to the short time frame involved, Talína had sent out announcements of our wedding to the Realms, not invitations. Even so, many of the monarchs sent representatives on their behalf, while several of the rest had come in person. But it was only after the daylight began to fade and the first torches had been lit that the visiting dignitaries began to offer their congratulations as well.
I’d met nearly all of the monarchs in attendance before; installing a few of them on their thrones myself. However, amid the flurry of activity and excitement of the day, most of the brief discussions I had with them passed by in a blur that I could only vaguely recall afterwards.
I remember speaking with Nerec, although not a word of what we talked about—only that it seemed much easier for him to maintain eye contact with me than the last time we spoke.
My reunion with Nadiel, the halfling Queen, was a happy one, as we’d always gotten along quite well. At some point during our talk, Líann was distracted by another dignitary, and Nadiel took the opportunity to whisper in my ear.
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