Topic: The long-awaited. (Martyr and Val's wedding!)

Martyr · Date: 2013-07-23 03:48 EST

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab290/Ash-OfTheDead/Wedding1_zpsdda47df5.jpg Starring:Martyr- as the bride. Valcroix- as the groom. Katan- as the best man. Minoko- as the maid of honor. Max- as the flower girl. And Emlen- as the giver of the bride. Guest starring: Gregory Kerlitch- as the reverend.

The tippy toddler, having lengthened out, losing the chub around her thighs and sacrificing some of the chubbiness of her fingers looked around awkwardly at the top of the little stone path that lead up to the handcrafted alter. She had been told a million times what to do, but she stood there frozen for a moment. She wanted to cry, but at the end of the path, she had seen her father, her uncle, and her aunt. Though only one out of the trio was actually blood, she'd learned to call them all her family. Max slowly began to creep towards them. Fistfuls of flowers were dropped lazily to the ground near her feet. She held no cadence in her step, with an even smaller amount of grace. The white dress that came to her knees was itchy and when hands that held flowers weren't doing their job, they were picking at fabric and stockings alike. She didn't like it' The uncomfortable child got to the end of the aisle, and once she saw that there were still flowers in her basket, she dumped them all over the ground at her father's feet. She shook the basket violently to assure that all pedals were removed. "Aw done," she mumbled and stomped over to Katan with her arms out.

Val lifted his hand to brim-out the sun. His face was stern and sharp and the fiery ropes of sun that were splintering through the leaves crept along the rigid crests of the man's cheeks and threw triangular shadows away from the light. Tall and stoic, hands now at ease near the midsection, Val turned as Max began her precession and be-pettlement of the path and lonely benches that sat wanting along the path's sides. Max arrived, shook her basket free and Val placed his big hand on her head and smiled. "Good job, kiddo," he said softly. A deep breath pushes his chest free of the cage and he expressed anxiety and some misconstrued dose of impatiences. He was of course not angry, not impatient; Valcroix was nervous. .

The best man struggled not to laugh throughout Max's perfect procession. There was a sort of carelessness that could only be present throughout those early stages of childhood, and the mini-immortal had surely mastered it. When Max indicated that she wanted to be picked up Katan didn't hesitate to lift the girl into his arms. "Are you excited to see mommy?" was whispered over with a grin. He definitely was.

And from behind the pedestal, high on the altar, the greasy head of The Good Reverend Gregory Kerlitch came rising. The man's short black hair was pasted to his brow from sweat, his eyes small and green, his cheeks rotund and pink and glistening. His eyes walk awkwardly across the thin gathering. Supernaturals, or so he thought. The tall man, the groom; red eyes and pious attitude: he was no man of God. And so advertised through his 'demands". "None of that "god" shit, none of that scripture. Marry me and my bride, smile, be happy about it, then be off, Mm?". Who approaches a man of the cloth is such a manner" Gregory snuck in a dirty look to the groom when he turned to the little flower girl. Strange folks, these. But the sight of the little one brings happiness to The Good Reverend's face, full and fat and jovial.

The bouquet of red roses was twisted around in her grip. She recognized the flower as the same type that Emlen had given her that night at the inn. Minoko's lips curved up into a smile. Her only other Rhy'Din wedding had been that of her sister, but the two occasions weren't even comparable. On this lovely day, every member of the wedding party seemed like they actually wanted to be there. Her nose lowered to the arrangement, and she inhaled deeply. Affection had a scent.

Loose waves cascaded over the strapless dress that clung around her rangy figure and accented her sophisticated shoulders. Martyr was naturally beautiful, not a one ever seen wearing make-up. So what happens when those violet eyes are surrounded with an earthly powder, and her already long, batty eyelashes are curled up and crimped to perfection with dark mascara" The immortal was stunning, and nervous, and clinging to the arm that helped her along the aisle of cobblestone. Excitement was rushing through her body, and thankfully the porcelain complexion was aided by a subtle painting of a similar color otherwise her entire face might have been as red as the reverend's bloated cheeks. On the tips of her toes, she walked carefully down the path that led to her future.

Accompanying the blushing bride arm-in-arm was the big brother himself. The man was dressed a suit of black, with a white button-down shirt beneath, and a red tie tucked beneath the thick jacket that was unsuitable for the weather, but one could believe that he'd taken out the extra lining of it. Even his hair was tame, and his face was clear of stubble. Despite his discomfort, he held a smile on his face. "You look amazing," he whispered as he shepherded her down the path.

The flower girl clung to Katan with arms and legs. Her face was red and puffy, but his words were a proven distraction to the child. "Yeah, is her wedding day?" Max was sure to whisper the too obvious statement as her legs wrapped around him as tight as they could, white Mary Janes scuffing against his suit. Then her head turned as the two figures caught her eye and she practically bounced with excitement. "Oh!" The girl yelped out, but remembered her manners and shrunk down with a look as if she'd be scolded. ?"There's Mommy?" Max whispered giving Katan a few rough pats to his jacket. "Daddy"!" Her excitement held underneath a whisper's cloak, "There's Mommy"!"

Martyr · Date: 2013-07-23 04:07 EST

Max didn't need to tell him twice. When Martyr stepped into view there simply wasn't anything else to look at. Solaris could have been walking her down the aisle, and Katan wouldn't have noticed. The man had been to a decent number of weddings in his time, but it wasn't until now that he understood all that crap about how beautiful a bride was on her wedding day. Bride....The tainted word triggered something in Katan. His stormy orbs darted to the area behind the preacher, as if Neth would pop out of nowhere to steal the show.

Val's ears were not keen enough to pluck Emlen's whisper from the air, but if he had, the man would have loaded a scathing frown: Martyr did not look amazing, she looked completely flawless. Val was captivated, hypnotized by her every angle, for what was being lead towards him was a beauty, a fathomless paradox; the girl was always stunning, but this was just ridiculous. And all at once, Val shuffled on his polished loafers as a sudden fit of grotesqueness became him—he would look like an oaf at her side. But this passes and Val lifts his chin. His suit was black, his vest was black, slacks conforming with the crisp shirt below. And all is contradicted by the stark red tie and the paired corsage that was pinned precisely to his suit coat. For Martyr, a thin smile. "Yeah baby," he answered softly. "There. She. Is."

Eyes widened, and features softened. There she was. Minoko wanted to take the delicate moment and ruin it with a cheer. She hadn't known the couple for very long, but their engagement seemed to have lasted for years and years. They had made it! Her gaze briefly shifted to the dapper brother before she looked to Val. It was then that all the fuzzy wedding feelings washed over her. The groom's reaction was priceless, and Minoko could feel tears forming in her eyes. Her tears were no good, though. If Martyr saw then she'd probably take the time to see what was wrong. Minoko's head bowed down to the roses once again. Tears were blinked away. They would fall down to mingle with the reddest of petals. Blame it on the sun.

Phoenix had been waiting in the wings if Nazareth tried anything"mostly because if her wedding was destroyed, Martyr would never stop thinking about it which meant Phoenix would never stop thinking about it. As her eyes met up to the party waiting on the other side of the stretch which felt like miles to the anxious immortal the nervous air about her faded. Her face lit up, a smile crept across her off-ruby painted lips. She met the eyes of everyone, and all at once the girl practically bounced like the child Katan was holding. She remembered her place, her environment, and she took in a breath and tried her best to look serious. "Thank y-you," the girl whispered to her brother and gave his arm a gentle tug a bride's hug. Finally, after felt like forever they stopped in front of the alter.

Emlen held her arm and waited as they halted in front of the stand. He waited for the priest's words and swallowed hard. His eyes drifted over to Minoko just in time to catch those tears, and he smiled softly. He'd cry, too, but he was a man, and he got his tear ducts removed. Those bright blue eyes trailed to Martyr soon after. He gave her arm a squeeze with the cuff of his own and rocked up onto his toes for a minute. Was anyone else hot' He was burning up"

Max seemed more than content that everyone had heard her and took the time out to look at her mother. The little child was filled with pride. "That's my pwetty Mommy." The girl announced. "Mommy and Daddy are gonna get married and make me a bwother or sister?" Where was she getting this stuff" Still, it was loud enough for her father to hear, so if he wasn't nervous enough, that was for him. Max wanted siblings, that is all.

It was definitely hot. The world was a significantly hotter place when you were in a three piece. Max's comment had the man bending down and letting out a stifled laugh against the girl's back. Katan quickly regained his composure and straightened up. When the violets of the blushing bride shifted his way he flashed those pearly whites. It wasn't a difficult task. Despite all the talk concerning the worst fianc" and the worst best man, the two seemed to be doing alright for themselves.

Val's lips slanted with shock when Max blurted that out for the crowd. Then the slant curled and a filthy smirk appeared. He shakes his head because that little girl was just too much—-but boy did it do wonders for his constitution and poise, for the man was sinking into anxiety once his gorgeous fiance was presented at the alter. Val beams to Martyr, folds his arms behind his back and looks up to The Good Reverend. And The Good Reverend presided over the approach like a conductor, his smile luminant and his big cheeks were buoyant, full and wet. Per that lanky blokes request, Gregory had tucked his crucifix into the folds of his cloak—-but did not remove it completely. Much of him wished to decline the offer once the strange Mr. Val unrolled his rulebook. But to no one's surprise, Christianity was not making any comebacks in Rhy"Din, so a fat, aging reverend had to take what he could get, and that pious gentleman seemed to have crowns to burn. Putting this aside, Gregory lifted his arms ceremoniously and smiled to the scant gathering and cleared his throat. "Hello," Gregory began in a wise, cheerful way. "Welcome friends of Mr Val," Gregory tips his head at the man, "and Miss Caia Slane." The Reverend brings his hands together slowly and rests the tied knuckles onto the face of the Alter. Yeah, he had a tiny bible hidden there. "I was told, and quite firmly I might add," he say with a lifted finger. "to keep this straightforward, to keep it professional and respectful of both the Bride and Groom's wishes. And boy, did this man have a list of wants." Once he had slipped the joke in at Val's expense, Gregory instantly regretted it, but held up stoically, showing no fear. He smiles warmly at the man. "But I know Mr. Val is a warm man, and though we have not known one-another very long, I know that all these requests were pieced together out of a deep and powerful love for his beautiful bride." Gregory shifts his obese smile to Martyr and lifts his hands.

Despite what he thought, Emlen's tear ducts were present and accounted for. Praying that the little makeup she was wearing hadn't been smeared, Minoko's head lifted, and her dark eyes focused on the reverend that presided over the ceremony. A small amount of bewilderment appeared in the woman's eyes at the mention of Miss Caia, as the immortal would always be Martyr to her. She smiled faintly when Val was spoken of. It was hard to keep still, to not fidget with the red sash that adorned her violet dress or toy with the flowers in her hand, but Minoko did her best to look proper for the nonexistent crowd.

"And a main point was to keep it very short, and very sweet," chirps the florid Reverend as bold arrows of perspiration crossed around, over and down the bulbous waves of flesh boldening his brow. "So without another delay, the couple has written personal Vows." Gregory dips his head to Val, cueing him.

The bride did laugh at the priest's joke, a dainty hand covering up the smile as the girlish titters spilled from her. "O-oh?" The girl corrected herself, and as the man addressed her, she felt as if she was shrinking. As if in that moment, the sun concentrated all of its heat on her. She would not sweat, could not burn in the heat or light. That didn't necessarily mean that she wouldn't cling closer to Emlen and avert her eyes to her feet which wiggled beneath the silver heels that matched the necklace that wrapped around her elegant neck. Steps were taken, and the immortal was attempting to hide behind her big brother in a fit of pure anxiety.

As Minoko cleaned up her expression, Emlen relaxed. That was of course, until Martyr was on the move. Grunts and groans came from him as Martyr used him as a meat-shield. If he had a nickel for every time he had assumed that position, he'd be a rich man. There was a quick annoyance painted on his expression, and all at once, he side-stepped, gripped Martyr's arm tighter, and pulled her out into the open. When she'd try to flee once more, he'd preform the same invasive maneuvers until the girl stayed put. When the reverend spoke up once more, he pushed Martyr forward and watched her take her place next to the man. Then he'd be dipping out of sight, to stand near Katan.

The dance between siblings would normally have had Katan in stitches. He managed to stay silent, though, and even took the care to hide his smirk behind Max's head. When Emlen moved to stand near him he glanced at Minoko, who didn't seem too happy about the traditional wedding positions. The man's attention then shifted to the groom during his moment of truth.

Val stepped forward with excitement, his smile coruscating with freshly tapped joy, and for the first time in a very long time, Val did not appear old, for his bride's radiance had crisped his bitter edges, and here stood a clean and young man. He extends his hand to Martyr, expecting her own. "Martyr," Val chimed around a handsome smile. "Of all the time I've spent in this world—-no hour, no month nor year could compare to this second. And of all the words I have spoken, no single line has never, nor will ever compare to the importance of those I will say on this day. Our story is not conventional, and on this foundation I find hope. There is no one I hold in higher regard, no one I respect more, no one I admire as much as you." He takes a moment to slide a long and sweet smile to Max. "Except you, darlin"." Hey—the toddler was smart, so he planned ahead to avoid dangerous questions later on tonight. Slowly turning eyes return to his to-be. "You are a beloved young lady, one who finds friends wherever she goes. And despite it all I can say in absolute confidence that they do not see what I see. I see strength and power and a person with so much to offer the world, I often find myself completely humbled beside you, lit in your genuine and good natures. And with your hand in mine, I am again completely humbled. Now, with this very hand, I ask you to be mine forever."

The hand had met his upon request and the bride lit up to every syllable that was uttered from his lips. When he spoke to Max, she nodded and smiled happily. The toddler seemed more than content in knowing she was the second-to-none. She needed a minute, or an hour" Her eyes were overfilled with tears, and luckily she had the super Rhy'din make up on, otherwise they may have had problems. The water ran down her face and despite it, she was smiling like the cat that ate the canary. When his words concluded, she gave his hand a dainty squeeze and began after a few harsh swallows. "V-valc-croix" W-when I f-first met you, I d-didn't even know w-who I was" Y-you b-bought me shoes, b-but m-more importantly, y-you g-gave me life, and s-soon b-became m-my life" Y-you g-gave me the m-most b-beautiful little g-girl in the w-world" If I h-hadn't met you that d-day, I d-don't think I would h-have existed" I love y-you V-val, and I w-would be honored t-to be yours f-forever."

Martyr · Date: 2013-07-23 04:28 EST

Of course she wasn't happy about the standing arrangements. Minoko didn't have anyone to hold on to. She was sober, for once, but that didn't mean she didn't need any support. A simple arm grab would have been appreciated, especially since she was crying again. She hadn't thought that she was the type to cry at a wedding. Emlen was probably to blame for this silliness. That particular immortal wasn't even on her mind, though. She was specifically thinking of the first time she had seen Martyr and Val together. It had been a simple night at the Red Dragon, but their adorable banter and talk of their daughter had warmed her heart. In the land where nothing seemed to last, it was good to know that one thing would.

Sorry, Minoko....It seemed appropriate for him to stand there! The immortal listened to the vows, and he smiled the entire time. They were going to make it—he might not love Val, but he was sure about him the night they talked. He waited for them to put the rings on one another's fingers...The rings....Oh, crap, the rings! Emlen dug around in his pockets, and shuffled forwards awkwardly and supplied the rings. Val's ring went to Martyr, and Martyr's went to Val. "Here," he mumbled and then did a slow backstep to Katan.

While Martyr's final lines sweetly charmed the scant crowd, The Good Reverend had lifted his arms ritualistically, his face shut and distant as he consummated the union with a mysterious, translucent spell. Once Martyr finished, the fat reverend smiled and lowered his arms and cupped his hands. Emlen rushed in with the rings and Reverend Gregory lifts his cupped hand at Val. "Repeat after me," he instructs. Val's smile was large as it had been inspired by Martyr's vow. The man nodded to Emlen hurriedly, secured the ring and delicately took Martyr's hand. He nods understandably. " "With this ring, I be-wed"." "With this ring," he began while slipping the ring on. "I be-wed." And The Good Gregory smiled hugely and tipped his head sagely. Attentions partitioned, wrist down, wrist up, this one to Martyr. He looks to her now. " "With this ring, I be-wed"."

Emlen was flashed a look that quite plainly said 'You suck.' It was in good humor, though. Val had done good. Best fianc" ever good. Katan might not be on the verge of tears, but he was impressed. There was no sort of resentment in his heart. Today, there was only happiness for the family of three. He watched the exchange of rings with a smile on his face. Those rings didn't look too shabby either. Only the best for their Martyr.

Emlen got a sweet smile, and she had mouthed 'thank you' to the boy. As the reverend waved his wrists like a composer at an opera, Martyr felt the anxiety in her chest. The ring had been placed on her dainty digit, and now all they were waiting for was...her. She hesitated, Valcroix's future shackle rolled around in her digits. She looked to Val, the reverend, and finally Katan for support. She looked like she might start crying at that very moment, like she might turn around and run for the hills. Then her eyes fell to her feet, and the poor thing swallowed hard. She communicated with Valcroix in the only way she knew possible. I don't want to stutter it....

The internal strain woven in Martyr's delicacy buttered the man, melted him thereafter. His smile waned, though sweetly, sensitively. His head corked to the side and his buzzing copper eyes marched into her glassing purples. Just let it go, my love. I fell in love with you, and the way you talk. I would have it no other way. You're perfect—don't forget that.

His response to Martyr's look was a slight lift of his right eyebrow. He then glanced over at Val, and from the changes in the man's expression Katan deduced that the two were having one of their extremely annoying blood bond conversations. Oh well. It was their wedding. Max's weight shifted in his arms as he waited patiently for the words that would complete the union. With eyes that lit up to words that went straight to her brain, Martyr nodded. She lifted her brows, cleared her throat and tried to let the words come. She bit into her lip, rolled it around within the clamps of her teeth, and then she dropped her gaze back to her feet. Her hand grabbed his, and careful but trembling digits that held the ring delicately, as if it were made of glass. Violet eyes stuck on his digit, and she sucked in a deep breath. "W-w-with this ring....I b-be-wed..." As the broken words trailed from her lips, she brought a violet gaze to crimson.

With a smile that sung, Val dipped his chin, met Martyr's eyes and mouthed, "perfect". And now, with the union consummated, Val turned his small eyes over the several attendees. They stop at Max and his smile brightens. The Good Reverend lifts his arms. "I am proud to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Valcroix." It came off the corpulent man's oily tongue quick enough, easy enough, but The Good Gregory had spent two hours in bed thinking that one over. What kind of man has no last name" During their meeting, Gregory was going to ask the man if he would take "Slane"—but that lanky man put a fear in him, so he declined, came up with "Mr. and Mrs. Valcroix", and decided it a winner.

The girl was shaky, and unsure. "Um..." The immortal dropped her eyes again, and barely flicked them up to the good reverend. "C-can...p-people still c-call me M-martyr?" The immortal asked, and her head canted lightly to the side. Again, her teeth bit into her lip. One had to admit, it was a good question!

Gregory leaned over his pedestal and peered down at the stumble-tongued beauty with an interrogating and puzzled look. It takes time, but he diagnoses the girl's question. "Oh," he says just before chuckling. "Of course, my dear! It's just a ceremonial thing, your name didn't actually change." A sudden dark and deep and frightened captivation slips onto him. Her name didn't actually change—-did it' Had he forgotten something" Did he just fumble" These bedamned supernaturals—-why would they need a Christian Reverend" He eyed Mr. Valcroix closely, but the man was busy nodding and encouraging his bride and that brought relief to The Good Reverend Gregory Kerlitch's face.

Mrs. Caia Valcroix....Minoko would definitely still be calling the girl Martyr. The bouquet of red roses was tucked under her arm, and Minoko's hands pressed together. Should she be clapping" She felt like it was a good time to clap. Oh, but wasn't there supposed to be a kiss" The Asian smiled nervously and looked to her boyfriend for some sort of a hint.

Emlen wasn't sure, but he had caught the look. His eyes widened and his shoulders came up to touch his earlobes in some awkward shrug. He'd never been to a wedding, and hadn't the chance to plan his own. An almost-marriage destroyed, but he wouldn't dwell.

Martyr · Date: 2013-07-23 05:04 EST

Yeah, Katan didn't know what the hell was going on either. Big surprise. He'd follow along with whatever Max felt like doing. Blue-grays fell to the mini-immortal in his arms, and he gave her a goofy look, complete with wide eyes and a smirk.

Oh boy, all these distractions. Gregory smiled weakly and tried to gather the scant crowd's attention. The weak smile gains ground, curves up and his fat cheeks peak and his sweaty face shone in the hammering sun. "Mr. Val," Gregory says with a knowing nod. "You may now kiss your bride." Val looped one arm around Martyr's neck, mindful of the complicated layers of fabric, took the other, cupped Martyr's cheek and jaw and leaned in for the kiss, pressing in, unionizing, punctuating and officializing his marriage to the Little Fox herself: Caia Slane.

Max's eyes widened, and soon the toddler was laughing out. She had looked extremely bored, but had been well-behaved up until just then. C'mon, Uncle Katan, you're screwing her out of new toys! With fingers that were losing stubbiness rather quickly, the little immortal smooshed his face up.

Martyr's cheeks probably would never pale themselves out, but the kiss remained requited all the same. She threw her arms around him, pulled him close and deepened the kiss. I love you... She whispered nervously into his mind as if someone would come up and stab her, ruining her pretty dress. Martyr really couldn't have nice things! No' No....All was well, and that made her heart skip beats.

They were kissing! All was well! Minoko was about ninety percent sure that now was the proper time to clap, so she did just that. When the kiss was deepened Minoko even allowed herself to let out a cheer. It was okay because Max was laughing. She hoped.

Emlen wasn't sure about the clapping, but since he saw Minoko do it, and for the sake of her possibly feeling weird, Emlen's hands began to smack against one another, too. He even whistled lightly, and just shook his head. If Minoko peed herself, he too, would wet his pants, probably with water, but it was the thought that counted!

At the smooshing of his face Katan burst out laughing as well. Don't worry, Max, he'll buy you toys. Well, Katan's actually running kind of low on money right now....Maybe he'll just 'borrow' some from the McCesney residence. The clapping partially masked his laughter, not that he cared. Behind the girl's back he clapped as well. Was it reception time yet' He needed to get the hell out of this jacket and tie.

Val held the kiss, thought back, And I love you, and the kisses ceased. The applause ROARED and Val, with Martyr still in his arms, turned to their gathering. And boy did his smile run away quick—-were they laughing" Why the fuck were they laughing" And so, for their guests, with his new wife in his arms, Val had a sharp scowl for all them. Because f'ck them. Except Max, she can laugh—-she's a toddler, damn you all.

Martyr's eyes widened and her eyes moved from the group, to the scowl. "T-they w-weren't laughing at us...!" The immortal tried to save it. "W-were you?" She couldn't help but ask. Martyr felt funny in the big dress, which was so much heavier than her usual sundress. Was something on her face" She used lip stain, there was no way it would come off on Val! Still, she checked his lips.

Had Katan ruined everything" Too bad. He was still laughing, mostly because of Val's scowl. "I wasn't laughing at you; I was laughing with Max." The pissed off Dominion was pointed out to his daughter, who would hopefully put a smile back on that damn face.

"Yeah daddy," The little immortal said, in a condescending tone that could only be rivaled by Valcroix. She stuck her nose to the air, popped her bottom lip out and then snubbed both her mother and father.

Val did smile that damned face, his narrow copper eyes glistening in happily. "Yeah, Maxie" You think Mommy and Daddy are funny' Mm?" Val stepped down from the altar with Martyr in his arm and nodded thankfully to the crowd. He was thankful; thankful that Martyr had support, the man could have been married in the woods for all he cared. At the base of the altar, Val snapped back and placed a little kiss on Martyr's cheek.

"Ok-kay..." Martyr said and leaned into the kiss. "Let's g-g-go g-get d-d-drunk!" ....It doesn't sound right coming from you, Martyr...."O-oh....Let's j-just g-go..." Her eyes were closed as she stepped down. "T-thank y-you again!" Chimed for the reverend as she made her way back across the stretch that seemed longer before. Off to the reception they all went!