“Oh sister. I don’t know if I can go through with this”, the man in the golden mask comments.
“Nonsense brother, you will do fine. Just allow me straighten this out…” the woman in the purple robes lined with gold said as she fixes his medals.
“What if I don’t like her?”
“Brother. Really? You sound like someone who isn’t about to marry the princess of our closest ally on Enkon.”
“But what if I don’t like her?”
“You’ll like her brother. She is a fine young woman, a gentle soul. You two will go together perfectly.”
“Her father horrifies me.”
“Says the soon to be Emperor of Caisus and Galgistan. You really need to cease worrying brother. You have dealt with so much more than this. We traveled millions of kilometers to arrive on Enkon. We survived the landing, the flu epidemic fifty years ago, even the War of the Shattered Mask.”
“Thousands of people died sister… I should have been among them.”
“Now don’t be like that. The people need you to be strong, and think of it this way: there is no way to go but up. The music has started, it is time.”
----------------------------------
“Wuh?” the man in the silver half masked said as he removed the paper stuck to his face. The banging on the door that had woke him up reaches a crescendo as the door slams open.
“Dmitri!” the man in the purple robes with silver filigree shouts.
“Oh. Morning Grant.” Dmitri said with a tired grin on his face. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“It’s the wedding day.”
“Wha… What??” Dmitri shot up from his desk. “Its… 9. I have three hours.”
“Your clock is slow Dmitri. It is 11.”
“Eleven???”
“Thirty.”
“THIRTY?!?!?!, oh Host, I need to get ready.” Dmitri said as he stumbled from behind his desk, knocking over a large stack of construction reports, the scrolls rolling to the sides of the room.
“Hehheh. Calm down Dmitri, I brought you your outfit”, the man in the purple robes said as he held up a set of sky-blue robes with rolling hills along the bottom trim.
“Even after all the fights we have had you still look out for me? Thank you Grant”, Dmitri said as they both walk into the hallway to the restroom.
“I have been the advisor to the leaders of Caisus for the last century and a half. I have never met one I haven’t liked, of course you have been the most argumentative. Now hurry up and change, we need to be at the palace in ten minutes. We can’t have the Speaker of the Grand Representation be late.”
“Uhg. What a horrid week. I’ve been swamped with paperwork, my car’s engine failed, and there was that thing with the nuclear attack on Aldercester. The world these days, utter chaos. It is like someone put a sphere of annihilation in a bag of devouring.”
“You play far too much of that game Dmitri.”
“Hey! Dungeons & Dragons is a centuries old classic.”
“So is Candyland.”
“Oh please Grant, Candyland is a torture technique, not a game.”
“Are you done in there yet?”
“Yes, be out in a minute.”
Coming out of the restroom, the Speaker stands with a smile on his face. “I do very much enjoy these robes, perfect for dancing as well.”
“Then let us be off. We may not yet be late.”
--------------------------------------------------------
The silver sedan screeches as it took a sharp turn down a narrow road.
“Host Dmitri! I’d rather get there late than dead!”
“Oh hush. I didn’t hit that silver dragon.”
“But you did hit that mailbox.”
“Which is why all Caisan-made cars are bombproof. There is the palace.”
Coming out of the narrow road onto a crowded boulevard, hundreds of people stood for as far as the eye could see down it. The palace cathedral is draped in white banners with green starbursts upon them, a sign of a new beginning. The crowd was orderly, many sitting in folding chairs idly chatting with those around them. The advisor in purple and the Speaker in blue exit their vehicle, slowly making their ways to the side entrance. Many in the crowd recognized them, making way and exchanging pleasantries. A little girl in orange roads and a silver mask engraved with a unicorn held out a yellow rose to him. Stopping for a minute, Dmitri knelt down and accepted the rose, uttering a thank you and smiling at her. She giggled as she ran back into the crowd.
“Dmitri! The bells are tolling. The music is about to begin!”
At that the Speaker tucks the rose into his robes and started to make their way faster through the crowd. Recognizing them, many in the crowd parted, allowing them to reach the side entrance. Slipping in quietly, Dmitri and Grant took their seats near the front, a place reserved for world leaders and friends of the couple. The large cathedral was beautiful and ancient, its stained glass windows showing not the beauty of the gods, but simple acts of kindness and mercy. One a soldier staying his blade on a defeated opponent, another a small series of pictures showing a beggar being picked up and led to success by a kind soul. No two people in the glass are alike, meant to show that goodness can come from anywhere. The sanctuary was slightly raised, its white carpet in stark contrast to the blue of the aisle. Atop the granite alter sits two golden chalices with a clear liquid within, part of the Caisan ceremony. Next to them sit a large red ribbon, part of the Galgi ceremony. The pews are of silvered wood with cushions. A company of musicians sit in the balcony behind the pews. Many cameras are set up around the room, each manned by a member of the Caisan National News Network. The wedding was to be broadcast throughout the world, though it wasn’t thought that many outside of Caisus and Galgistan would watch.
“We made it in perfect time!” Dmitri whispered as he and Grant slid into their seats. On Dmitri’s left sits a short woman with sharp feature. Her black, smooth hair was braided in the front. An intricate silver tiara adorns her head. A tattoo of a mountain and small Daeedic script adorn the right side of her jaw. Her piercing eyes bring Dmitri’s stomach into his throat. They had always disturbed him slightly.
“Queen Alexia. So glad you could make it, how are you today?”
Turning to Dmitri with a smile, she responds “It was a pleasant trip, though we did hit a storm coming up. Hopefully it won’t make an appearance.”
Almost as if on cue, thunder roared in the distance.
“Pleasant.” Dmitri said with a grimace.
“I hope those people outside get themselves inside somewhere. The storm is a nasty one”, the Queen commented, a slightly worried look on her face.
“I wouldn’t worry about it. They will get themselves to safety before the storm hits. Hopefully some will still manage to attend the banquet”, Dmitri replied with a smile.
“A banquet for the people? Sounds fun!”, the Queen said, grasping her hands together.
“It sounds unsafe”, the voice coming from over the Queen’s left shoulder.
“Sir Percival! I didn’t see you there.” Dmitri said as he extended his hand to the man with very sharp features, equally piercing eyes, and a looping celtic tattoo with a Sword of Andreka around his left eye.
Placing his rosewood cane at his feed, the Prime Minister takes Dmitri’s hand.
“I trust security precautions have been taken in their fullest?”
“Of course, Sir Percival, of course. Nothing bad will occur, I promise you that. It is merely a few rooms of the palace are opened up for whoever wants to come. The palace can hold a great many people. I hope the storm doesn’t interfere with that.”
Turning back to the Queen, but speaking to both of them, Dmitri continued, “This will be welcome respite from the occurrences of the last year. A war and an attempted nuclear attack would worry anybody. And even better, this is not just a wedding, but a joining of two peoples. The future is looking up for once.” Dmitri leans back in his seat with a wide smile on his face.
“It looks like it is time to start.” The Speaker comments as the music begins. It is simple and calm, a traditional Caisan piece. The melody is being played on the piano.
As the music starts, the Emperor and a Curator emerge from a door to the left of the sanctuary, followed by the High General, the Emperor’s sister, who takes her seat. A Galgi priest also emerges, wearing vestments of green and blue. The priest’s beard was well trimmed, and the lines on his face were many from a lifetime of smiles. He is wearing one now. The Emperor stood before the altar, hands grasped behind his back. His gold mask is polished to perfection. Instead of his regular purple robes he wore a military uniform on request of the King of Galgistan. His moves his gloved hands to adjust one of the medals adorning his chest.
“Heh. I can tell he is nervous.” Dmitri whispered to Grant.
“I am sure he will do fine.” Grant replied.
Down the aisle, the large gilded mahogany doors open silently, a duo of young Galgi girls in crimson dresses emerge, scattering red rose petals from large wicker baskets. Behind them, King Balbitos of Galgistan, a large man in royal attire with a gilded cape, walks arm in arm with the Princess. His bearded face shows little emotion, though his eyes betray him. A look of pride is seen within them, a happiness that can only be brought by seeing his daughter married to a good man. The Princess is wearing a simple wedding gown, the silk a bright white in color. The veil held scenes weaved into the lace of a happy couple holding hands. The sleeves of the dress are of multiple layers of thin lace, slightly obscuring her arms. She looks beautiful, though a slight nervousness can be seen past her smile.
As the girls reach the altar, they bow to the Emperor and he nods to them. Both turn and giggle slightly as they make their way into one of the pews. The King releases the Princess’s arm as they reach the altar, standing in the aisle for a moment, watching her proceed into the sanctuary. He then takes his seat in the front-most pew.
The curator, obviously a Watcher Upon the Ladder due to his mask bearing a face, opens a large tome. Clearing his throat, he begins.
“We gather here this lovely…*thunder roars and rain is clearly heard on the roof*, semi-lovely day to celebrate the joining of two people into the sacred institution of marriage. May the Host look upon this couple with favor.”
The Galgi priest than begins,” And may the All-Father look with favor as well. We gather within these sacred halls to join these two lovers into one. They will vow, they will promise, and who knows good Emperor, you may even get a chance to kiss the bride.”
A chuckle rises from the crowd.
The curator continues,” Let us implore the Host to watch and protect this couple from the evil in this world. May They allow them to always find common ground, to always find solutions to any issue, and allow them to find happiness with each other.
The priest continues,” And may the All-Father, in his infinite wisdom, grant them the gift of love and understanding. May He allow their home to always be a peaceful one, and may He guide them in the road of life to everlasting love and happiness.”
“And so let us begin the vows. Do you, Emperor Leopold Dawnweaver of Caisus, vow to forever defend this woman and always remain true? Will you cherish her and promise to be patient and understanding in any situation? Will you walk with her through fire and ash, cross sea and space, through any cruelty this world may throw at you?”
“And do you, Princess Roseamund Balbitos of Galgistan, promise to love and keep, to hold and to protect, through any sickness or poverty, any situation of difficulty that may come, this man?
As one, the Emperor and Princess respond “I do.” The priests than turn to the other and repeat the vows.
Once more, they respond, “I do.”
The curator opens the tome to the center page, both are blank. The Emperor removes his glove and presses his hand into the ink pad held out by the Galgi priest and places his hand on the left page. The gesture is repeated by the Princess, placing her inked hand on the right page. Closing the book, the curator proclaims loudly, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
The Galgi priest proclaims energetically, “You may now kiss the bride!”
Turning to the Princess, the Emperor stands motionless for a moment. He removes his mask and they exchange a passionate kiss.
The room was silent for only a moment, their shock evident. The shock was quickly overcome, the room bursting into applause. Across Enkon people of all nations watched as a native people of Enkon join with a foreign people in marriage. In the People’s Assembly in Heim, the Caisan delegates and Galgi legislatures sign the Treaty of Unity moments after the kiss, joining two peoples together in government and common cause.
Clapping, Speaker Bright turns to the queen, a large smile on his face. “I never thought I’d see the Emperor’s real face! I have to say I am slightly jealous of the princess”, he says with a chuckle. Grant hits his shoulder in a good natured way.
The Queen, after a moment of confusion, replies “You are homosexual?”
“Well I guess that is what you would call it. We really don’t have a word for it here. Either you love someone or you don’t.”
“That is a nice philosophy.”
“It is merely life for us here in Caisus. Life can already be so hard, there is no point in denying someone something if it doesn’t have any effect on anyone else. I hope to see you two later at the dance. It should be a fun occasion.”
“Of course Speaker Bright! We will see you there.”
---------------------------------------------------------------
Rain pounds on the roof as the guests move to the palace ballroom. The room is brilliantly designed, panels on the walls moving to allow for a perfectly even distribution of the music being played by the symphony on the floor below. The ceiling is painted with a map of Enkon, the compass rose a phoenix and the edges of the map gilded with mythical creatures.
The wooden floor tiles are each carved with a different scene, the dance floor in the center is one wooden slab, carved with detailed ocean waves. The guests sit at tables on the edge of the dance floor, and many stand around making idle chatter with each other. Traditional Galgi and Caisan foods are set out on a large buffet, though waiters also make their way to the tables to take orders.
“How are you, Mr. Junigka? And you, Minister Zakarro? It is a pleasure to see you both.”
Speaker Bright sits down along with Advisor Grant on the opposite side of the round table.
“We are doing well, Speaker Bright. The wedding was a delightful ceremony. Sad about the weather though, did the bride’s dress get wet?”
“No actually. We wrapped her in plastic wrap and carried her in. It happens more often than we would admit. The weather off the plains seems random really.”
“Similar to the storms off the sea in Athretvari. Very difficult to foretell.”
The foreign minister speaks up, “The wedding was wonderful though. Hopefully the music will drown out this racket. I fear the rain has turned to hail.”
“I think it already has.”
“I am glad that our nations have come together.”, Speaker Bright continues, “It will be a mutually beneficial relationship, I am sure. Even now oil wells are being dug, and roads are already being paved. Water is flowing in Heim and the Hanging Gardens will soon be a beacon of sustainability. And it is all thanks to generosity of Technocratic Realms.”
“We trust it will be, Speaker”, Junigka replied as he takes a sip of wine.
“Yes. If you will excuse me gentlemen, I have many more people to greet.”
“Of course, Speaker, of course.”
----------------------------------------
“Grant, I will go speak with President Lamar. You should go entertain King Yuri before he scoots off into a side room with those Galgi women. Host, do they forget they are married?” Bright comments as they watch Yuri speak with a small crowd of women near the buffet table.
“No need Dmitri. I see the High General is already making her way over, and I see Geniva is with her.”
“Yes, I see. Then let us be off.”
“King Yuri”, Ambassador Geniva Recart semi-shouted over the chatter of the women crowded around King Yuri, “I see you have no trouble making… friends at such a gathering.”
“Oh Ambassador Recart. It is always a pleasure. Like an overbearing aunt”, Yuri says with a smile, hugging a woman in a red dress to him, “I trust Unibearia hasn’t collapsed in Louis’s care?”
“Your constitution is written and your parliament elected. Your government is set up, though I do admit Louis does need some lessons when it comes to writing bills. I would like to introduce you to someone. This”, gesturing to the woman in the beige long-sleeved gown and golden mask, “is High General Kynira Dawnweaver, sister to the Emperor.”
“It is my greatest pleasure High General”, Yuri says as he kisses the back of one of her gloved hands. “Ladies, would you give us a moment?” The women giggled as they walked back to their tables.
“It is a pleasure to meet you as well King Yuri. I trust you are enjoying the wedding?”
“A grand ceremony, though a little posh for my tastes. Would you care for a drink? And please, call me Yuri.”
“That sounds nice, “Yuri”.”
Yuri takes the High Generals hand and leads her towards his table.
“Host help that girl”, Ambassador Recart said to herself.
-----------------------------------------
“President Lamar! It is an honor meeting you at last!” Speaker Grant said as he approached the dark skinned man in the well-tailored suit.
“Speaker Bright, it is a pleasure to meet you as well! How goes the reconstruction?”
“Very well, actually”, Speaker Bright says as he and Grant takes a seat at the table, “I am pleased to say that Heim has running water and the Hanging Gardens have electricity running for the first time.”
“Well that is good to hear. Caisan cuisine is very similar to the food in Onza. It would seem our peoples share the same palate.”
“Yes, I have thought the same for a while.”
“To change the subject, while it is on my mind, what do you plan to do about education in Galgistan? I have read that they previously had no formal system of education.”
“I have thought long on the issue, and have studied your work on the Right to Free Education Act. The Thrice-Blessed Parliament has been working on a similar bill, but it is bogged down in the Galgi People’s Assembly. It would seem half of them hold traditional lifestyle in high regard and the other wishes to change to a more Caisan lifestyle. Hopefully the issue will be solved soon. I don’t wish the Grand Representation to have to split up a gridlock so early in Galgistan’s history.”
“I wish you luck, Speaker Bright. It seems you have a lot on your plate. The size of your country has double, along with all its issues.”
“Thank you, President Lamar. Enjoy the party.”
---------------------------------------------
“Oh Host, Grant. How much have you had to drink?”
“I am fine Dmitri”, Grant says while sipping a glass of wine through his mask.
“Well it would seem you would fit in with the Tyvenians. I haven’t seen them without a drink in their hand all night. It seems they care more for Galgi liquor than Caisan wine. Let us go greet them.”
The Tyvenia table is covered in empty glasses. They are laughing amongst themselves as Grant and Dmitri approach.
“Speaker Bright and Advisor Grant! It is a pleasure to see you both this fine evening!” Legate Octavian shouted as they approach, raising a glass of wine in their direction.
“The ceremony was beautiful, Speaker Bright. I do enjoy the kindness aspect of the Caisan religion. The emphasis on general goodness rather than holy figures is intriguing. It shows yet another similarity between Tyvenia-Desolaas and Caisus.” Patriarch Aleksei said as he takes another bite out of a Caisan dumpling.
“It is a pleasure to see you all as well. I trust your trip was pleasant?”
“It went very well, though I do fear about getting back. This storm is very large”, Vizier Kray says, speaking more to Octavian and Aleksei than to Bright.
“I do have something for you, Vizier Kray. Something the Lady Archivist found. I think you will find her report interesting.” Speaker Bright reaches into a pocket for a flash drive that he then hands to Kray.
“Thank you, Speaker Bright. I will look at it as soon as I get a chance.”
“Ah. The dance is beginning. Well, I shall speak with you gentlemen later”, Bright says as he gets up from the table.
----------------------------------------
Speaker Bright steps to the middle of the dance floor.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for the dance. I am honored to introduce to you, the Emperor and Empress of Caisus and Galgistan.
Guests look to the center of the room as the now Empress and Emperor make their way onto the dance floor. Some guests make surprised noises as the various wall panels start moving as music floods the room.(
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31nOaXSeqSo)
When the music reaches its first crescendo, other guests join in the waltz.
“Would you care to dance, Speaker Bright?”, Queen Alexia asked as she approaches him.
“It would be an honor, Queen Alexia.”
They locked arms and step onto the dance floor, quickly being swept up in the waltz. Bright leads the dance.
“This is a beautiful piece, Speaker Bright.”
“It is, Queen Alexie. It is the Emperor’s favorite, and mine.” Looking over at the royal couple, Dmitri comments, “They look natural together. Though I am sure their nerves are both wracked. I hear the King of Galgistan is very intimidating. I am sure they will love each other. And you may call me Dmitri, if you wish. It would seem we have known each other for long enough to be on a first name basis.”
“I honestly can say, Dmitri, that throughout the hardships of the past few months, your mood hasn’t changed a bit.”
“Heh. Yes. Since I do not wear a full mask I must work harder to put on a show for the people. They need leaders who can deal with anything the world throws at them.”
“So even the partially-masked Caisans should not be challenged to a game of poker?”
Smiling, Dmitri replied, “Especially the ones without masks, ma’am. We are not a deceitful people, merely a shy one.”
“I am glad that our nations have come together in such a way, and that your nation and Galgistan have come together. Perhaps this will allow for easier recognition of native nations. But I digress. The wedding has been wonderful Dmitri. What comes after the dance?”
“Why the show of course. A theatre production fit for kings. An ancient play, Fiddler on the Roof. A rather sad and yet comical story from Ancient Terra.”
“And it is a traditional part of Caisan weddings?”
“Yes. I know not why the Emperor has chosen that particular musical, but I believe it shall be good.”
“Ah. The music is ending. Shall we adjourn to the theatre?”
“I must sadly go, I have other business to attend to. You and the Prime Minister enjoy yourselves.”
“And good luck with whatever you do, Dmitri.”
“Thank you, Queen Alexia. Enjoy the show.”
----------------------------------------------
“They look good together, don’t they Yuri? My brother has endured so much. He is truly an Emperor of the people", the High General says as she watches her brother from through the crowd of other dancers, straining her next to catch a glimpse as she and Yuri glide through the waltz.
“Have the people of Caisus suffered much?”
“More than you know. We may be considered honorless by some, but we only ever seek to survive. Though I enjoy your people’s tradition of honor, I must sadly say we do not share it.”
“Why is that, High General? Your people seem like a kind one, and yet one full of strength.”
“Your kind words honor me and my people, sir” the High General comments as they twirl to the waltz, “My people have suffered much. We lost Paradise, our home planet, to pointless hate and warfare. War does not do anything but bring suffering. I have led troops into battle, I killed men. Each man I killed haunt me. Most disagreements can be solved without violence. I would rather kill a man in his sleep than on the battlefield. It prevents the need for more death. In Caisan culture, honor is good, but too much honor leads to arrogance. A general that brings their army to crush a rebellion is considered more of a hero if the enemy leader is killed before any battle could take place.”
“We have that in Bearish culture. Dueling.”
“I am familiar with dueling. The only problem with that is that there is a chance of losing. That is a chance that cannot be taken. I can say I have killed men in such a fashion, and I feel no shame, only guilt. I despise killing.”
“But were those men not your enemies? Was it not their fault they stood against you? Why do you feel guilt for doing what is right?”
“I know what you say, and I understand your confusion. You think we fought our enemies, but you would be wrong. Caisan culture has no place for hate, only sadness. We never hate our enemies, for an enemy is merely a friend waiting to be made.”
Yuri huffs as they continue their dance. “Enemies deserve death. What you speak of is sentiment, a weakness.”
“Sentiment is what makes us human. You call your soldiers warriors. Caisans are never warriors, only soldiers. We do not live to fight. We only ever fight to live. You must learn what that means if you intend our nations to become closer.”
“I do understand what you say. What was Paradise like?”
“A land of eternal peace. A land where all problems had been abolished. A land where all were friends. Sadly, men were envious. Caisus had defeated and befriended all former enemies. A planet sized empire was our reward. And yet our demise came at the hands of a rot within the other nations of Paradise. Those who somehow thought that taking from others would further themselves, and they turned their gaze to Caisus, the one people who served as the link between all peoples of Paradise. Striking at us led to distrust, distrust led to war even as my people sought to find peace.” The High General’s voice swallows as she relives the horrors. “Atrocities were committed by all sides, yet somehow my people, completely innocent, were condemned for all of them. I watched nations burn. I saw the atmosphere catch fire as we fled the planet. The eternal darkness that always lurked at our borders surged forward across the world, untamed hatred and greed. Even the sun died in the wake of such horrors… I am sorry Yuri. I must sit down.”
Yuri guides her back to her table, a look of shock and surprise evident on his face.
“I am sorry Yuri. I think I must retire for the evening.”
“Of course, High General. I understand. I hope you feel better, I do wish to speak with you again soon.”
“We will Yuri. You enjoy the show, I will contact you soon.”
--------------------------------------------------
The Emperor guides the Empress out onto the open veranda. It is bare, and a small balcony overlooks it.
"It has stopped raining. It is actually a rather nice night", the Emperor says as he looks up at the clear sky. The moon is full and tinted red. Turning to the now Empress he says as he clasps his hands together, "So. We are married.”
“It would seem so, my Emperor.”
“Please, call me Leo.”
“I am Rose.”
“Well Rose, would you care for a private dance?”
“That sounds nice, Leo.”
“I’ve got you, Leo!” Bright says, emerging onto the veranda with a violin. Grant follows closely, pushing a piano.
Chuckling, Leo says, “You always had a grand sense of timing Dmitri. Shall we begin?”
Dmitri and Grant begin playing, not as well as the professional orchestra, but well. (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UckpA9g4y8M)
From atop the balcony, a figure sits watching looking down. King Balbitos swirls wine in a glass as he watches his daughter dance. He smiles.
“Perhaps I did make the right decision. Our nations are one, as are our families. Oh, All-Father. Please watch over my daughter and her new husband. Please bring them happiness. Please help Caisus and Galgistan.” He brings his hand up to his ear as his ear bud-phone began to ring.
“The treaties are signed, my King. Caisus and Galgistan are now one.”
“Good”, he whispers, “All will be well, I am sure of it.” He ends the call, sits back, and watches the dance.