(Circa 10/31/99 ? It is a minor miracle that I still have a majority of the SN?s that attended. Of all the players involved, only Lucius is active to this day. ~ Nat?s player.)

The Joyous occasion was to take place at the House of Rook. Natolii stands in her chamber's preparing as the guests start to arrive. She had chosen the rose garden for the ceremony. She is very nervous, this being the first time she has been truly wed to any.

Shailyn moves into the garden. She looks at the decorations and the lovely garden in itself. Her azure orbs complimented by her dress. A smile of delight upon her lips in this occasion. She seats herself, while looking around. Looks like she is early. Better before than after, she contemplates. Settling into one of the chairs, she smiles and waits.

Ryu (XRyu Groucid) slips his way in, his head buried in a book as he walks very slowly. He pauses for a moment as he looks up, first taking at the one closest to him. He smiles as he realizes it is Shai. He glides his way over to her and takes a seat with a poke. Lucius (Lucius DeAuster) arrives with his usual silence, eyes taking in everything with a glance. He waits silently near the arch.

With a final tug on the hem of his brocaded formal jacket, he turns to the mirror. He runs his fingers through his hair, trying to put the stubborn locks in place. He places one foot on the chair and brushes at his black slacks trying to keep the dust off. Then once more polishes the black boots. He walks over to the peg on the wall, pulling down the intricate belt that he slides around his waist. He attached the ceremonial sword to the belt, settling it into place with a tug.

Meanwhile, Natolii stands in the next room trying to dress in the formal gown and not having much luck. She manages to slip into her gown. The gown has been altered to accommodate her waistline at the moment.

Shailyn just realizes she's been poked and smiles over at Ryu. She pokes back a shining love within her gaze. Ryu jumps at the poke. Outside, Cyric (NPC) paces back and forth as he keeps a lookout for Pagan.

Marc (MarcDrkTan) speaks quietly to himself, ?Haven't worn this in almost two hundred years.? He then smiles, ?I'm surprised it still fits.?

Natolii pauses to glance out of the window. She chews on her lip nervously noting how many guests have arrived.

The shadows unfurl, and the Mistress is spewed forth. Lissome obsidian contours are bound in the frothy embrace of silver fabric, the robes of a Priestess given to service. Silver orbs rake a glittering glance over the assemblage, as bare sable soles dance Pagan (XlaVenereX) to the front of the assembly.

Marc takes a deep breath and runs his fingers through his moustache. ?Why so nervous, boyo? Why so nervous?? He mutters quietly as he moves from his room to the garden.

Shailyn giggles, her eyes dancing as she looks around. In her head, getting ideas for her own wedding. She shifts as she gets excited.

?Vendui'.? This uttered as Pagan comes to a halt beside Marcus. A smile is given to Cyric, her escort of the evening, as she pulls some strands from her faceted eyes.

The extremely well dressed Abomination that is Cyric comes complete with tails. He breathes a sigh of relief. Soft steps carry Soleil (Soleil McCade) in. Her dark almond eyes flickering over the grounds. She waves to Shai and Ryu, then gives a soft grin to Marc. Marc gives a half-bow to Soleil.

Pagan raises a brow to Cyric's sigh, ?Burden lifted, eh??

Marc nods at Cyric, who takes up a position near the outer doors, waiting to intercept anyone who might try to cause trouble. Duke lets his hair down before drawing out a pen and book of ledger paper from the guitar case. He opens it and sets it on his lap. Duke bides his time by working on his most recent transcription.
Marc then shakes his head to Pagan?s question. He chuckles, ?Nau. That's your job. As you can tell, neither of us are big fans of churches.?

?Join the club,? A mock-shudder rumbles over her frame, as she grins. ?Although - well, half of me is light - and ? ? She laughs before continuing, ?I shall infuse plenty of darkness into this. Have nau fear.?

Marc nods as he takes another deep breath, lest he hyperventilates and falls on his - er - face. Drake turns his head from side to side trying to find a Lap to sit in while the ceremony takes place, binding Marc to a very pleasant hell.

Pagan grinned at Marc, ?Calm down, it will be fine. I have never done this myself ? but - I have heard rumors.? She laughs.

Drake snickers to himself at the thought.

Meanwhile upstairs, Soleil winks to Shai and steps back a pace from the bride, checking her garment. Natolii spins slowly for the inspection.

Shailyn inhales then exhales slowly, ?Beautiful.? Her smile is bright and cheery.

Soleil nods approvingly, ?perfect.? Her slow grin is turned back up.

Natolii smiles hugging them both.

Shailyn hugs back. Oh, how hard it is to refrain from poking the schiznit out of both of them. Poking being an act of affection of hers.

Soleil hugs carefully so not to wrinkle anything.

Marc winks, ?I was once at one where the groom fell face first into the wedding cake.?

Pagan laughs merrily, sliding her book into a pocket. ?I have seen one who turned into his cake, when he angered the mother in law.?

?There was another where his knees locked up and he fell backwards, off of the cliff, and into the sea.? Marc chuckles.

Pagan then stops to ask, ?Who is playing the 'wedding march'? One is always needed.? She glances about officiously, as she nods.

Marc grins and points at Ryu.

Ryu blinks, as he's pointed at, ?Okay, what'd I do now?? Something's always wrong when he gets pointed at.

Pagan turns her glittering regard to Ryu, ?Bwael.? She nods once more, as she turns to check the chalice on the altar. ?Now to use blood ? hmm - or just wing it...??

?You?re the boss. Whatever makes it work.? Marc replied.

Pagan murmurs to herself as she adjusts a few things including a long thin dagger. She glances to Marc with a wink; ?I am always the Jabress.?

As Natolii moves into the garden, she stops to greet Lucius. Placing her hand on his arm, she moves towards Pagan. Her gown is made with shimmering, antique white brocade, very elegantly designed.

The notes crescendo over the gardens, heralding the start of the ceremony, at last. Soleil slips into the seat near Atlas, almond eyes watching the front eagerly. Duke reaches over and ruffles Sol's hair gently, his new of way of saying hello to her. Aeryn squeezes Thomas? hand lightly, nodding her head in Nat's direction. Taken in by the sight of the bride.

Lucius walks quietly beside her, one of his gloved hands covering hers as he escorts her to the altar. Before the altar, the Priestess awaits the approach of the ethereal beauty, the bride. Marc?s breathe catches in his throat and he tries not to cough, or pass out as he beholds the beauty of his bride. As they come to the altar he pauses, bringing her hand to his lips, and giving it a squeeze before giving it over to Marc, a nod given to him.

Natolii smiles softly as her eyes center in her beloved, and then she gazes tenderly at her dearest friend. She then returns her gaze onto the handsome groom. Marc takes Natolii's hand and softly squeezes it. Natolii smiles to Marc, she returns the soft squeeze. Lucius silently fades away from the couple, and takes a seat a few rows back.

At the halt of the procession, her hands thrust upwards to the air. Her hands rising as digits sketch a glowing bit of script before the couple. The sign glistens in soft blue before fading. A last glance sent over the shifting crowd, then she begins to speak. ?Infernally beloved, we are gathered here this most hallowed day to join this Lord and Lady in the most Unholy of vows and communions.? Pagan grins at this. ?Or holy to some, ? said as she playfully frowns.

Marc arches an eyebrow as he glances at Pagan.

She whispers, ?I hate churches, sorry. But this is nau less an honored event.?

Shailyn blinks, trying not to giggle. She wonders if she had heard Pagan right. Marc nods briefly. Natolii grins playfully at Pagan.

??Tis a blessed thing. Under the eyes of Gods and Daemons, these two are to be bound to the other.? As Pagan speaks, the dagger is drawn into nimble hands. The silver metal has a burnished glow to the light, ?Any who suffer objections, may speak now or forever hold your peace. I am sure Cyric can aid you in that parting.? Pagan smiles to the Abomination at the back, as a not so playful grin is seen in return.

A glance slashed over the assemblage, as she nods to Marcus first. ?Hold out your wrist and repeat after me.?

Marc stretches out his right wrist and listens.

The blade is lifted to slice cleanly over his right wrist, as blood wells in bright beads in the wake of the cut.

?I, Marcus Tanner, take Natolii in the most sacred bonds of matrimony. To have, to hold and cherish from this day forth. Forever and ever shall we be bound in chains of passion, lust and love. In health and sickness, In life and death, I surrender my heart willingly in keeping to you. Blood to blood, soul to soul, in the timeless, eternal union. The fusion of psyche, from the depths of darkness to the arcing perfection of heaven, we are joined in purest purpose.? His words draw to a silent hush, as she smiles.

?Now the next part of the vow is a short piece of your authoring.? Pagan winks. As she speaks, she draws the chalice to collect the drops of blood from his wound.

Marc blinks and fixes her with a quick glare. He then thinks for a moment, turning to Natolii. ?You have awakened feelings in me that I never thought I'd feel again. I will protect you with the last drop of my ? ? He glances down at the chalice, ?blood.?