Anything

[Taelian Edevane]

2nd of Glade, Year 4622

It was... for once, in so long, pleasant.

The Lord had elected that they marry at the Heilige Hanstknecht, a cathedral on the very southwestern most point of Kastran, by the coast. He'd very excitably told Thomas that he'd rented a cabin out there, for the coming week after: a place for them to share in one another, their honeymoon. Unlike nearly all the rest of Lorien, the region they were in now actually had seasons, to the shock of any Rien man unexposed to that reality. Warmth touched his cheeks as they walked, the sun feeling pleasant upon his skin. It had to be nearly twenty Celsius, and no more satisfied could he be. Taelian longed for warmth.

After a short walk from the site of their portal, the man caught sight of the parish, attached to the larger body of the building. The Omen was no longer legal in the territories held by the rebellion, so the man was no Bishop or Lector. He was, instead, a faithful of the Path, something the Knight had ensured as he'd planned their wedding. He wanted to be married under the eyes of the true Gods, not the heretical beasts that roamed the skies of Lorien. In so many ways, things were coming together.

"Latham!" Miranda exclaimed, calling out to him. The short, wavy brown-haired woman wore a long green dress, fit for a ball. She was elegant, the texture of her outfit a sleek satin, diamonds adorning her. Miranda's style was always impeccable -- and expensive.

"Miranda," the man smiled, greeting the woman with widened arms, an embrace. Not long after they began to hug, he felt a sudden collision as Regis threw his arms around the both of him, the greying mage alight as he greeted his fellow Thespian.

Regis was tall, with salt and pepper hair and a blue and white suit. Behind him, easily viewable due to the fact that Taelian could sort of... see over everyone, was Eloise; poised, with her hands clasped together before her, an ivory and beige gown running to her ankles. For a short while, they shared in ongoings and discussion about Taelian's wedding; the wonderful weather, the beautiful venue, which lied in a clearing surrounded by pines. All was green, sunny, and vibrant.

Until Wendell appeared, perhaps, at least judging by the passive stares from Miranda and Regis. Taelian did not respond in the same way, though, greeting the man with a gentleman's bow, and extending his arms all the same. Wendell appeared hesitant for a moment, until Regis chimed in: "Well, lads, you used to fuck once a night for two years, think you can hug?"

Chuckling, the two embraced indeed, Taelian even picking the man up and squeezing him against his abdomen, before letting him down, Wendell laughing lightly as he saw stars.

"Let's go get divorced," the stoic man declared triumphantly, to everyone's laughter.

"Let's," replied Taelian. "You silly, handsome man."

[Thomas]

In this scenario, as in many, Thomas was content to be smiling arm candy. He knew the names of all of the important people present. Eloise, Regis, and Miranda were all important people, both to Taelian, and in general, so Thomas had committed their names, faces, titles, holdings, and other basic facts about them to memory. It was a simple way to ensure one did not commit a faux pas; he was surprised more people did not bother to make the effort. Then, there was Wendell, who needed no introduction. While Taelian and Wendell seemed to reconcile, Thomas let his eyes slide down and to the side. He didn't dare look away or turn, as that would be an actual snub and he meant the man no insult, but it hurt to see him thawing toward Taelian on this temperate, sunny day, when he'd had nothing but scorn and invective for Thomas since the incident.

Not that Thomas blamed him, entirely -- it was Wendell's prerogative to decide what happened next as the injured party, and he'd made his decision. Or at least, Thomas had thought this was the case, until he was approached by the man himself. Despite himself, he tensed up a bit. He knew Wendell wouldn't hit him. If nothing else, he and Taelian were about to be wed, so if he demanded some kind of satisfaction for what he'd done, Thomas would be within his rights to name Taelian as a champion in his stead, and Wendell knew Taelian too well to gamble that the man wouldn't put him in the ground over Thomas, if it came to it. He was already getting divorced, after all. It quickly became apparent that wasn't what the gentleman had in mind, however. He was wearing long black boots with enough heel that he looked impossibly tall from Thomas' vantage point, a fine black suit with charcoal pinstripes, a white silk shirt and a red pocket square as the sole pop of color. The effect was dramatic, and to Thomas' eyes made it look almost like an artful interpretation of being shot through the heart. He didn't need to wonder if that was on purpose; it was Wendell, and the man did not do anything by accident.

"Thomas," he said in his deep, resonant voice, the kind that despite himself, Thomas wanted to listen to, "may I have a word?"

Thomas threw a quick glance to Taelian who looked at him and gave a little shrug. So this wasn't something Wendell had been put up to, presumably. "Ah, of course, Lord Venger. I shall follow you."

As they walked away from the rest of the wedding party, Wendell said, "in less than two hours, you shall be a Lord yourself. Do you think such formality is really so required?" He seemed to be in good humor, but a good mood could sour quickly if one was uncautious.

So Thomas was nothing but polite in his reply. "I would never wish to cause you further offense, my Lord Venger. My rank has no bearing on my desire not to offend you, and so I will address you by your title until you give me leave to do otherwise."

Wendell stopped, and stretched out an arm, clasping Thomas by the shoulder. "I give you leave to do otherwise," he said, still smiling. "I have a bit of a proposition for you, Thomas. To be blunt: you've won, and I've lost. When the sun sets, you will be married to Latham, who is clearly ascendant in Lorien's social set, even if he has some eccentric habits," he said with a bit of a nod to Thomas, "and a penchant for assaulting Celebrants. You will have access to whatever titles or wealth he brings to bear, as well as the man himself, and all the love he can provide. I will have what I walked in to the marriage with, and nothing more. My reputation will be damaged by my association with Latham, and by the scandals that ended it. I will have a difficult time remarrying, and if I do, it will likely be to a man who is nowhere near the caliber of your affianced."

Thomas nodded. "I agree, my Lord. This more than explains any animus you may bear toward me, even if I had not given you personal insult by ransacking your estate. Why then, do you sound as though you are trying to hold in a joyful song?"

"Because," Wendell said, "recently, I realized it does not have to be so. If I am willing to forgive Latham for bringing you to our estate and precipitating the events that caused this current nastiness, I can forgive you for your part in them. And if I can forgive both of you, I can quite clearly see an alternative path forward."

"And," pressed Thomas, "can you forgive me, my Lord, for that insult?"

Wendell sighed. "I -- find it hard to admit to how much it hurt me, to have someone I'd grown fond of stab me in the back with no warning and seemingly no remorse. You were doing it to send a message to my husband, I understand, but you failed to consider me in this action at all. That stung."

Thomas nodded. He'd realized that in hurting Taelian, he was hurting Wendell too, but he'd realized it far too late. Hearing that it had actually bothered the man, and that he'd felt the nascent bond between them too just made it worse. He remained silent, letting Wendell continue.

"Nonetheless," the Lord said after a few beats, "I think it would be churlish of me to forgive Latham and not forgive you, especially because according to my soon-to-be ex-husband, you are making every effort to atone and better yourself. It's frightening for me, to try to trust someone again who hurt me enormously once, but I am willing to do so." He offered his hand, and Thomas gladly shook it.

"I still intend to pay off my debt to you, my Lord." Thomas said. "I have not forgotten that you fed, housed, and clothed me, and I will give you what you are owed."

"While as a matter of principle, that will not be necessary, I would be lying if I said I would not appreciate that," Wendell replied. "Even in the context of what I am about to put forth for your consideration."

"Which is... what, exactly?" Thomas asked, as Wendell bent to one knee, and presented a pin. "Ah -- Lord Venger, this is some kind of joke, surely?"

Wendell shook his head. "No, it isn't. Thomas, I'd like you to marry me. Join House Venger as a Lord. Nothing in Lorien's laws prevent it, and it's unusual but not unheard of. There's no need for me and Latham to be divorced, because you can simply join our household. Please say yes, Ser," he continued, planting a kiss on Thomas' hand, "and help me secure a life of happiness and growth for my house, instead of stagnation and dissipation."

For once in his his life, Thomas wasn't sure what to say, so he decided to prevaricate: "I assume, of course, you have talked this over with Taelian?"

Wendell shook his head. "It's your acceptance I need more, I think. Do think on it, will you? Hopefully soon, as I believe I am to be divorced within the hour, although if you need more time, I am happy to postpone the dissolution of my marriage for a time that would better suit you." Incredibly, the man was being sincere. Or at least he sounded sincere.

Thomas, too dumbfounded to respond articulately, looked desperately in Taelian's direction and pitched his voice a bit louder. "I think it would be best if I discussed this with my husband-to-be before making any definitive decision, but it is an intriguing proposal nonetheless, and I don't disfavor it at present."

[Taelian Edevane]

While Thomas and Wendell went off to discuss... whatever it was they sought to iron out, Taelian was stuck fraternizing with his fellow Covenant magi, the closest thing he had to a permanent social circle. As pleasant as they were -- and as humorous as Regis was, as always -- the man couldn't help but wonder what his soon-to-be ex-husband, and soon-to-be husband in official capacity were discussing. And so, without much hesitation, he learned. Adjusting the carry of their voices, and adjusting the way their more distant waves of sound met his ear, he tuned in to their conversation, simultaneously dimming the voices of the orators around him, none of them the wiser as he shifted each oscillation only for his own hearing, a feat that only a master like himself could truly do. It was a lot of effort merely to eavesdrop, but Taelian wanted to know what Wendell was up to, and he was quickly glad that he decided to find out.

Throughout the conversation, his features shifted, though perhaps to his fellow Thespians he appeared in a daze. Tense at first, his muscles relaxed as he heard Wendell's intention to accept Thomas' apology; to forgive, and perhaps to move on. He knew that Thomas would be pleased by that fact, and it was something both of them could lift from their shoulders as they proceeded towards their honeymoon. And then -- he stood in shock, eyes widening, as he heard the quiet thud of Wendell's knee meeting the floor, and he gathered from context just what he was proposing. He was offering Thomas his hand in marriage; he was offering that all three of them stay together, that they be married to each other.

He immediately felt his chest tighten, a smile warming his lips.

"Excuse me," he suddenly said, stepping away from whatever... riveting conversation his colleagues were sharing, moving in the direction of Thomas' voice as he made clear that he did not 'disfavor' the offer. As Wendell began to step away, Taelian grabbed his forearm and returned him to the corner of the parish, guiding him back to Thomas with a resolute stare.

"Yes," he said to Thomas, the man's heart thrumming in his chest. "I say yes. Please marry Wendell, Thomas. I am still in love with him -- I want to spend my life with him. With both of you," he added, nodding as his cheeks flushed. The other Thespians gawked, beginning to understand just what was going on.

"Taelian--" Wendell began to interject, only to be thrown into the Knight's embrace, the man squeezing his back and laying kisses along his forehead.

"Let's all get married together, right now. Thomas -- Wendell is a good, loving man. He'll treat you well; I assure you of that."

[Thomas]

One of the things Thomas appreciated about Taelian was his conviction. When the man doubted something, he was forthright, but when he felt strongly that a course of action was correct, he was not shy about saying so. The last time Thomas had seen Taelian seem so unwavering had been in Lord Weissen's torture chamber as he beat the man into unconsciousness. It meant a lot to him that one he trusted enough to give up his old life for, and to marry, was endorsing this course of action.

He looked to Wendell, and considered how he'd felt in the man's house. Wendell had been cold to him, but had thawed a bit as the two of them were left to their own devices with Taelian out on Covenant business. The conversation had been taut but thrilling, the repartee sparkling, and the sex positively explosive. Certainly, marriages had been based on less. He'd pried apart many such pairings in his life on the road, so he felt he was something of an expert in that regard. They also had mutual trust and respect for Taelian, who could, at least at first, serve as a bridge until Thomas and Wendell could form a bond independent of the knight they both loved. Also, the part of him that had not quite been ready to give up his life was gleeful at the prospect of entering the nobility in a suitably scandalous manner. While he trusted Wendell when he said it was not illegal and unconventional but not frowned upon, he was also certain that enemies of House Venger would choose not to see it that way, and that thought delighted him. Common enemies to plot against could be another tie that bound him and Wendell together while Taelian was out winning a war.

So while it wasn't an easy decision, it was a simple one. Thomas took Wendell's large hand in both of his own and put it to his chest. "I accept, my Lord Venger. I will gladly marry you." He looked up at Wendell, a small smile on his lips. "Hopefully, this pleases you."

[Taelian Edevane]

Both Taelian and Wendell smiled as Thomas took his hand in his own, pulling it to his chest. It pleased the Lord, indeed, though rather than returning a publicly acceptable gesture, Wendell leaned forward and brought their faces together, at first brushing against the Griscian man's lips before bringing him in to a full kiss, making out with him tongue and all. Taelian pressed his body against Wendell's from behind, wrapping his arms over the Venger's chest, smoothing across his torso as he took in his scent.

"I love you, Wendell," said the Knight, only for Wendell to pull away and kiss him as well. As they broke the kiss, Taelian peered down at Thomas, a soft, loving gleam of a grin bearing down on him. "And I love you, Thomas."

With that, there wasn't much purpose in delay. The acolyte of the Path, a priest of Kyrikain, was informed that he would be marrying both Taelian and Wendell to Thomas, something that strangely did not seem to phase him. The man prepared his words, standing at the end of the altar with a book and a jubilant grin, the few guests standing at the side as they watched Taelian, Thomas and Wendell walk down the aisle. Thomas stood between them, at the center, with each man taking one of his hands in their own, leading him up the small stairwell until the three stood on a short, stone podium, covered in a soft green rug at the center, adorned with the symbol of the Path.

Each of the three men held hands in a circle, the hand that connected Taelian and Wendell tied together in a white, silken band, to signify that they were already wed. They each placed their pin on Thomas' vest, one Venger and one von Klade, to symbolize the joining of their two houses, new and old. Then, the priest began to speak.

"Before all the Gods, from the heavens above to their penitence below, I offer the conjoining of these three souls into one bond: the bond of family. Taelian von Klade, Wendell Venger, and Thomas Starkwayte, you have all been blessed with the gift of Brazim: the gift of love. You have been blessed by Y'shendra with the gift of life, the gift of Venadak, the gift of light, the gift of Izonata, the gift of freedom. Through these gifts, you have found one another, and you have chosen your destiny. No moment could be prouder."

He continued, "Taelian von Klade, will you accept Thomas forever at your side, to be your husband in this life and in Muid?"

"I will accept," he said.

"Wendell Venger, will you accept Thomas forever at your side, to be your husband in this life and in Muid?"

"I accept."

"Taelian -- speak your vows."

"Thomas," the Knight began, nearly choking up as he tried to speak, but ultimately clearing his throat, knowing he needed to get through this. "When I met you all of those years ago, back in Leiden, somehow I always knew you were the one. I looked at you, stars in my stupid, virgin eyes, and just thought -- wow. That's the sort of man I'd like to marry; that... radiance in you, seemingly from nowhere, was something I found so handsome, so lovely. And then, you made me not-a-virgin, and I felt the same thing, only much more resoundingly!" he said, laughing, and Wendell and the guests laughed with him.

"I want to marry you," he said, his features calming, a simple smile on his lips. "That's what I should've said those years ago, instead of going away, giving up. I 'need' to marry you; that's what I knew. I squandered my chance before, but I received another one from the Gods above and below, and I'm not squandering it again. I will never abandon you, Thomas. I will always protect you, I will always love you, and I will always, always be your husband. In this life, in the next era of this life, at the end of this life, and then beyond that. You and I were made for each other, I'm convinced, and I'm so glad that I've managed to convince you of that, too. I love you, Thomas," he said. If he could let go of the two hands he held, he would wipe away the little tear that formed in the corner of his eye. "I really love you. And I'm going to remind you of that, so many times until you're sick of it, sick of me, until you defeatedly fall into my lap and lay with me until we sleep. I will marry you now, Thomas. I'd do the same a thousand times."

"Then... Taelian, Thomas, you are husbands," said the clergy. "You have committed to it, and it is done. May your marriage prosper. Wendell -- speak your vows."

"Ah, well, you see," the other man appeared almost coy, smirking as he rolled his shoulders, "I didn't really have anything like this prepared, given that I proposed to the lad not thirty minutes ago, and to be frank, I don't know him very well, either. What I do know is that he's handsome, smart, cunning, a real volcano in the bed, and Gods I'd be keen on waking up to him every day. Thomas -- if you don't mind, I'll be accepting the role of your husband from this day forward. You may not always want to deal with me, but damn if you won't have to tolerate me now, and I you. Platonically, I love you. There you go. Vows concluded."

Taelian could not roll his eyes harder, and he also couldn't hold back a rumbling, snickering laugh.

"Thomas," the priest began, raising a brow judgmentally, "...speak your vows to both Lords, and the marriage will be sealed."

[Thomas]

Thomas had not prioritized writing his vows. He had focused mostly on ensuring that the wedding was really going to happen and on picking out an outfit. This was not out of a desire to shirk the duty of saying something appropriately heartfelt and sincere in public. If anything, he'd been looking forward to this part most of all, hoping that Taelian's heart would be soothed by hearing him aver what he'd said in private again in public in front of people who meant quite a bit to his husband-to-be. The surprising addition of Wendell did not throw him as much as it should have either; if his life to-date had equipped him with one ability in spades, it was that he was an adept improviser. So he thought through the drafts of the vows that littered the floor of his wagon and sought to pull out relevant bits from each failed draft.

"First, I'd like to begin by thanking Wendell for making this possible. Had he not allowed Taelian to indulge his desire to track me down, I would not be standing here today, about to have my life tangibly changed for the better. I'd also like to thank Wendell for his grace in forgiving me, and his courage in giving me another chance. I pledge to be a good husband to you, Wendell. The fact that it is a surprise I am to be a husband to you at all in no way diminishes my intention to be a good one. I cannot say that I have a soul-searing passion for you, as yet, but I admire and am fond of you, and I think in a world where we live together under one roof and are not at each other's throats, my love for you will swell through the seasons."

He accepted a surprisingly tender kiss from Wendell before turning to the man he'd intended to marry.

"As for you, Taelian -- I find myself unsure what to say, exactly. In all my years since first leaving Grisic, I cannot think of a time that I ever fell as deeply as I did for Ser Latham Lange in Radenor, a gallant knight errant charged with hunting down and eradicating dranoch. I expected that to be more the image projected by a man than the man himself, but as I got to know you then, and have been reacquainted with you now, I am struck by your sense of justice, your intense desire to right wrongs, to help the helpless, and to be a voice for the voiceless. I am here today, pledging to be your husband and to further your aims as best I can, to be the best man for you that I can be, partially because I am convinced that if I do so, I will contribute to improving the world, which is something that the world sorely needs. I know I love you ardently, and I hope that my love for you will carry me through the trials that come along with knowing someone with such ambition."

He took a step in to allow Taelian to embrace him, tilting his head up for a kiss. The part of him that always stood outside himself judged it an apt performance for a romantic lead, with the rest of him insisting that this time, it wasn't a performance at all.

[Salen]

Taemas

Lores


Loot: N/A
Injuries: N/A

Points: 8

Comments: As usual, poetry, theatre and fluff. I love it. Let it reign cuteness! Great thread