Eternal Vows [Burhan]

Elyna is the witness to the binding of Veljorn and Zvezdana.

48th of Ymiden 716

The seven Duchies of Central Rynmere and their respective baronies, cities, towns, villages, and landmarks each overseen by a Duke of one of the seven noble families and ultimately controlled by the King of Rynmere.
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Zvezdana Venora
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48th of Ymiden, Arc 716
Zvezdana sat at the small vanity in her room at the inn. She was wearing the green dress she had met him in, the soft silk running like water across her freshly scrubbed body. Several Burhan house servants had come to her small room to make sure she was treated as true nobility. The bath had been hot, the scrubs were sugary and soft against her travel worn body, and the lotions were filled with flowery smells of Venora. Her hair was dried by their talented hands and then twisted up into a half-up/half-down do. Her forehead was barren of jewelry. She had tried to have them place a delicate chain with green crystal on it, but they refused. They did not say why, but the more she pressed, the harder they fought. Finally someone had mentioned that Veljorn had insisted that she wear nothing in her hair. It was an odd request, but she could not deny her future husband of his wishes.

They left her once she was dressed. It would be some time for her to sit here. The wedding was to take place downstairs in a private room. It was not the wedding she wanted. As a little girl, just like most other young female nobles, she had imagined a grand ceremony with family, friends, and beggars surrounding them. Flowers, music, dancing – it was all supposed to be hers. Yet, to have something like that, a husband was needed and she had not been able trap one earlier in her life.

Veljorn was quite the catch. He was worth throwing out her dreams of a big wedding. He had significantly bigger fish to fry. He wanted all of Rynmere. He had plans to lead a revolution and sack Cassander and his sad wife. Then, together, they would sit on the throne of Rynmere. Together they would rule and rebuild Rynmere into a greater country than it had been before. Beneath a boy king, it would stagnate. Underneath a true king, other cities would fear them.

Zvezdana lifted her gaze from her lap and towards the mirror. She looked so strange with a painted face. She had worn make-up before, when she lived at home. It was common at that point in her life. Now, she was building her own life. Fine dresses cost a lot and she had to work very hard for each fine thing she got. Marrying Veljorn, a hopeful king, would make that easier on her. She would be respected; and she could afford new dresses all the time.

It was supposed to be a happy day for her, but she didn’t feel happy. She was anxious. It was all happening so fast and the weight of a rebellion was about to fall on her shoulders. She thought back to the tournament. How naïve Lazuli was about Veljorn’s bigger plans. He would have eaten her alive with these ambitions. She would have lost herself. Zvezdana smiled. Even though she did what she did out of jealousy, she hoped that Lazuli would see it as a gift. Maybe they would be able to one day be able to see past this harsh transgression to allow their houses to be aligned once more. Under different circumstance, she was sure that Lazuli – and possibly Vivian – would be standing alongside her. Afterall, they were the closest things that she could call friends.

There was a polite knock at the door that pulled her from her thoughts. Zvezdana had been told that someone would be accompanying her as her witness to this binding. Since everything had been quickly prepared for the occasion, she could not even invite her own family. Not that she wanted them here, but still, it was a formality that was not normally overlooked. She was sure she would get a reprimand from her mother down the road. Then again, she would be queen. Then maybe she could see her father hanged for his transgressions against her early in life.

Now that would be a great wedding present.

“Come in,” Zvezdana state firmly while she picked herself up. She moved to the center of the room to welcome her witness, whomever it may be.
Last edited by Zvezdana Venora on Fri Nov 25, 2016 2:49 am, edited 1 time in total. word count: 711
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There had simply been no time. Summoned back to Burhan, Elyna had taken the opportunity to fly via Volarean and enjoyed the trip more than she should have. The woman couldn’t help the twinge of guilt whenever she thought of Malcolm though, and his opinion of her current activities. Still, she sat with determination and enjoyed the wind rushing through her hair as it was likely to be her last flight in a while. Or so she hoped. Upon her arrival, the Volerean had promptly departed again, summoned home by means she did not understand. She had been fortunate that the flight had been allowed, before an embargo had been placed on flights to and from Burhan, excepting official business of course. Which this was not.

Barely landed she was hustled into the tavern, a place she would have preferred to avoid all together. But at least there was time to quickly wash and change into what she assumed was a more pleasing outfit. The same green dress. It was getting a good work out and it suited her body well. Although it wasn’t her favorite colour, it did the trick. Servants traipsed in and helped to fix her hair up. Bemused, the Skyrider remained quiet and let them. All she knew, was that her Uncle had summoned her with all haste, home.

Pulling herself together, Elyna was summoned across the floorboards to the door. Beyond, was none other than Marcus Krome. She wanted to punch the man so badly that she had to loop her arms behind her back to restrain herself. But she couldn’t stop the streaks of red that crossed her cheeks.
“My Lady,” he dipped into a bow, blue eyes almost mischievous.
“Marcus,” she forced herself to smile, though it felt wooden. This was not how she expected a jilted man to behave. Why was he being kind to her? Courteous?
“I suspect you’re wondering why we’ve asked you to return home so promptly?” He offered his arm.
She nodded, silent and wracking her brains for any answer that made sense. There was none. Elyna slid her fingers over his arm, keeping her other arm behind her back, fingers clenching and unclenching as she resisted every desire to beat him into a pulp. Her mind screamed that he had tried to kill his own father, kill Malcolm. Yet, on the surface she endeavored to exude calm, peace, quiet…happiness. She could have spat. Or happily stabbed him. What on Idalos was going on?
“I have…questions,” she opted for uncharacteristic diplomacy.
“Your Uncle is going to be married, today.”
Now that was a surprise! Elyna glanced at the tall sailor behind her, stunned speechless. Did Lazuli know she was going to get married today? The Skyrider was certain she’d seen something, or heard something about their engagement, and it wasn’t Sa’un…maybe it was a family thing to ignore tradition.
Marcus smiled and stopped leading the way, “this isn’t…quite the wedding you are probably expecting of him. Nor the Bride. However, we learnt that you and Lady Venora had become somewhat close over the last few seasons. He hoped that a friendly face as a witness would welcome her to your family.”
Elyna choked on the words and bit her bottom lip, hard. Finally she nodded. What could be said. Lady Venora? Marrying Veljorn? Not Lazuli Warrick, not in Sa’un. She didn’t have the heart to tell him he wasn’t quite accurate, and anyway, if she was going to tell him that she and Zvezdana Venora weren’t exactly friends, she may was well remind him that their betrothal was well and truly over…seeing as she’d married his father. But she kept her mouth shut and smiled. Marcus excused himself and she turned.

Nothing made the sense. The world was insane. No longer drowning, but frantically trying to keep her head above water. Elyna straightened the dress at her hips and raised a hand to knock on the door.
The Skyrider ducked under the low frame before straightening. She swallowed again, hard before smiling, “you look beautiful,” it was the truth. But then the Lady Venora would always be a beauty with wide eyes and high cheekbones. Elyna curtsied low as she had been taught by Zvezdana herself.
“I hear congratulations are to be in order?”
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The woman that came sweeping in was not someone that she had originally expected – yet the familiar face was appreciate it. There stood the tall, Burhan beauty. Elyna was there, her very own pupil whom she had not seen in a good amount of time. She had flowered into quite the young woman during that time. The curtsy was almost flawless. Almost. With a critical eye, Zvezdana probably would have found something wrong with it, but she was not committed to looking at this time. Instead, she offered her own deep courtesy. Her fingers plucked up the green fabric, fanning it as she tucked her heel behind the other. It was deep, and surprisingly warm. Zvezdana stood up after a short time, pulling her shoulders back and lifting her chin up to stand at her tallest. She was still shorter than the other woman, but at least there was effort put into decreasing that difference.

”Thank you Lady Burhan. I am sure that this may come as a shock to you, but trust me when I saw this,” Zvezdana hesitated, biting her lip like an adolescent school girl. ”I love your uncle. I have actually been taken with him since the moment I met him. I hope you do not look down on me for wanting a taken man – and stealing him for that matter – as he is more than just a prize to be had.”

Although, he was quite the prize to be had. Her eyes grew distant for a moment as she thought about her betrothed and soon-to-be husband. He was an older man, wisdom built over his many years. The dark, brooding nature that he hid so well was warmed by the sight of his bride-to-be and that made her melt. To know that she made a man feel something was a achievement in itself. Most men looked at her as a possible trophy. His gaze saw past that and saw her as a person. He saw a woman capable of being beside him in the revolution, supporting him in his endeavors.

A woman that was capable of becoming Queen of Rynmere.

She shook her head of the brief daydream she had, but she could not shake the smile or feeling of happiness. Veljorn was offering her a lifetime of love, support, and power. Everything that she ever wanted was within his grasp, and he was willing to share it with her.

”I hear that there are congratulations in order for you as well. You are to be wed to Marcus Krome if I recall correctly. He is a fine young man. Both families must be proud of that pairing.” Zvezdana purred again, moving forward. She reached for Elyna’s hands, hoping to grasp them. If she were allowed, she would look the woman in the eyes. If not, she would pretend she had not been hoping to share a sisterly moment. ”As your soon-to-be sister, I hope you know I wish you all the happiness in your marriage to Lord Krome. I certainly hope he completes you as much as Veljorn completes me.”
Last edited by Zvezdana Venora on Fri Nov 25, 2016 2:49 am, edited 2 times in total. word count: 523
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The curtsey that was given in return, was perfect. Elyna knew it, Zvezdana knew it and the Skyrider felt incredibly grateful once more, that so far her life had not revolved around the court. Standing like a fool in the centre of the room, the young woman was stunned into silence by the girlish confession. Zvezdana was in love. The Venora was in love with Veljorn. But how? Why? He wasn’t exactly…attractive. Or was that just because he was her Uncle. But he was ancient, old. Elyna bit her the inside of her cheek. Hypocrite, she reminded herself. Malcolm was over four hundred years old. If that wasn’t ancient then what was, but it was different, a tiny voice argued. Malcolm was a young soul, Veljorn was…we he was her Uncle. An arranged marriage to Lazuli Warrick for political gain she could understand but…imagining a romantic entanglement between Zvezdana and Veljorn made her stomach flip.

Elyna took care to keep her expression blank and neutral as she processed her surprise. Stealing him, yes she supposed Zvezdana was. But she couldn’t help but think that if Veljorn was so flippant with his political alliances that Lazuli was better off away. Who would she be, to judge the happiness of someone else? Who was she to question the power of love? Hadn’t she been in the same position? She’d usurped Malcolm’s affection for Vanessa long before the woman had died.

Suddenly, the Skyrider smiled. A cautious expression, but a genuine one. Maybe, of all people in the world Zvezdana would understand. Maybe she could understand one day just how Elyna had fallen in love with the wrong person, and hell fire and high water couldn’t change that. Before she could open her mouth to speak, Zvez continued and the expression faltered. Congratulations for her engagement to Marcus. Elyna swallowed and so the deception began.

Fingers curled around Zvez’s fingers the woman looked up, “thank you Zvezdana.” She let out a slow breath, “if you have found happiness and love in this world, then I can only offer my congratulations and hope that the future brings you joy.”
Moments passed before Elyna dropped her sincere gaze. There were impatient steps on the stairs and the woman offered another smile, “Are you ready for the ceremony?” She gestured to the door, “shall we?”
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Zvezdana wanted to talk with Elyna some more. She felt a bond with the young woman during this day of celebration. It connected them. Having Elyna beside her made her more comfortable and more sure of her decision to wed into the Burhan family. She didn’t need her family’s approval. She was marrying because it was her decision. She was in love, and that was all that mattered. No one could take her happiness away today. Zvezdana could tell that Elyna was sincere in her wishes. The future could only hold joy for her. She and Veljorn would live a long and happy life. It would be difficult with the civil war looming, but every happy ended had a few tumultuous issues along the way. It wouldn’t be a thrilling romance story without troubles and a happy ending, right?

Nothing could possibly go wrong today. Zvezdana squeezed Elyna’s hands happily, her smile widening. “We shall. I’m glad to have you with me, Lady Elyna. You may be a tough Skyrider, but I am glad to have a friend in you.”

Nervously, she touched the necklace with the green crystal as she headed for the door. She simply assumed that Elyna would follow her. With a subtle grace, she pulled the door open. The hem of her dress skirted the ground as her heels clicked lightly against the creaking wood of the inn. Marcus was waiting at the top of the stairs, and he gave a deep bow to the two ladies. It may have been directed at Zvezdana, but she also took it as honoring his future wife. Especially since that is what a good man would do. She allowed Elyna to pass her, Marcus offering his arm to her. Zvezdana did not pay attention to whatever happened next, to enveloped in herself to see if Elyna took Marcus’ arm or not. The two would go down ahead of her leaving the bride to stand alone for a single moment. If there was any moment to turn away, now was the time. A heart beat came and went. Zvezdana moved towards the top of the stairs and began to descend into her future.

The inn had been purposefully cleared out of the normal ruffians that came to drink and carry on. Instead, a long table with a tablecloth in Burhan blue was centered before the fireplace. The other tables had been arranged in a way to create an aisle for the witnesses and the bride-to-be to travel down. Burhan blue decorated the aisle and Venoran roses were set delicately in small vases along the carpet. The reds, pinks, and brilliant yellows reminded her of her home, giving her some comfort. Although her family could not physically be here, their spirits would be present in the perfume from the flowers. Candles were set in between the vases to light the room with additional candelabras along the wall to ensure that the room was well lit. Three candlesticks sat on the long table, one Burhan blue and one Venoran pink standing beside a mixed candle of pink and blue wax. The blue and pink candles burned brightly while the mixed candle remained unlit.

Veljorn stood before the table, off to the side that carried the blue candle. Marcus traveled down the aisle first, bowing before his king before moving to stand beside him. Elyna was next to move down the aisle, taking her place across from Marcus on the bride’s side. Although they were not family, it was presumed that Elyna would represent Zvezdana’s witness. Finally, a third party joined them, one whom Zvezdana did not know. Not that she particularly cared, the witness would end up being . They were sticking to the original idea of Rynmere marriage. Three witnesses would be present at the wedding that would make it their responsibility that the entirety of the kingdom knew of the marriage. One was considered the thinker, head of the bonding ceremony. The second was considered a fighter with the third being a maker. Zvezdana was not personally sure which person was which. She could believe Elyna to be either three, but since she stood off to the side, that prevented her from being the thinker. Of course, she very well could have. She could have been the fighter, being a Skyrider. Everything that could be traditional about this Rynmere wedding was. Most of the flaws were minor, mainly dealing with poor location. The largest flaw was that their marriage was taking place in Ymiden, immediately putting an ill omen on their bond. No one mentioned a word about it, hoping that if it was not talked about, that it would simply go away.

Zvezdana began to make her way down the aisle, her hands clasped between her hips. She kept her head held high as she made her way slowly down the aisle. With each step, her nervousness ebbed away. He made her confidence stronger. He made her believe that she was true Queen of Rynmere material. Everything about him seemed to make her a better person. Or so she believed. Soon the distance was closed and she stood next to Elyna, across from her future husband. Lord Edmund began at that time.

“Lord Krome, Lady Burhan. Thank you for joining us for the union of Lord Veljorn Burhan and Lady Zvezdana Venora. As witnesses, it will be up to the three of us to spread the word of their union throughout the kingdom. Lord Veljorn, as future King and current leader of the Qe’Dreki, would you please start our ceremony.”

Lord Veljorn reached forward, taking Zvezdana’s hands in his own. His thumbs ran over her knuckles, stirring the butterflies in her stomach. He smiled, his freshly shaven face youthful and kind. His eyes were hinting at the love that he now felt, that they had committed to days ago at their second meeting. Her seduction of him had been easy, and Lazuli’s engagement had been called off in a few heated breaths. Zvezdana smiled shyly at him, preparing for the words to follow.

“Zvezdana,” Veljorn did not address her as Lady. They were equals now. “In the short time that we have known each other, you have changed me. I am more with you beside me and I could not imagine a future without you. You are an enchanting, smart, and kind woman from a widely respected family. These are all qualities that the Qe’Dreki wish to see in their Queen. What I ask of you is for your unending commitment to the Qe’Dreki cause. That one day you will help me see Cassander removed from the throne of Rynmere. I ask that you respect and love me until the bitter end, through happiness and illness, the wins and the losses. Together, we will overcome all. I promise to honor and love you for eternity, to provide you a home with a family, and a kingdom with a brighter future.”

Zvezdana’s heart overflowed with emotion at these words, the brims of her eyes filling with happy tears. One eye became overwhelmed with the liquid, a single tear sliding down the curve of her cheek. Veljorn reached up, wiping it away. ““Veljorn. I knew from the moment I met you that there was no future worth having without you in it. I do not know how many people I have upset with my decision to marry you, but it is one I would make over again. What I ask of you is for your undying love and protection. I ask that you care for me in a way that no one else ever could. I ask that our children have a strong father with a safe home to grow up in. In return, I promise that I will see you on the throne of Rynmere. I pledge my loyalty to you, your commanders, and the Qe’Dreki cause not only because it is best for Rynmere, but because I love you.”

Edmund allowed the moment to last a few trills before once again taking over and pushing the ceremony forward. “With your vows exchanged, I ask that you light your unity candle.” Zvezdana reached forward to pick up the pink candle while Veljorn picked up the blue candle. “This candle has been specially made for your wedding day. We ask that every year you light this candle for a short time to remember the vows that you made here and to one another. Now, together, light this candle to seal your lives together as one.”

The tips of the candles were tilted towards the mixed blue and white candle. There was a flicker as the fires met and stimulated a baby flame over the untested wick. When the candles were removed, a small flame began to blossom until the candle was burning brightly. Zvezdana blew out her candle at the same time Veljorn blew out his. Their single lives were now over.
Last edited by Zvezdana Venora on Fri Nov 25, 2016 2:49 am, edited 2 times in total. word count: 1506
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The tough Skyrider felt her stomach flip again. A friend? She felt the smile falter and wondered if she truly considered Zvezdana to be the same? A fellow noble woman who had followed her heart. They had poor decisions in common, but other than that…did they share a bond of friendship? The pulse in her neck flickered as she worried. Was it fair to accept a friendship that was not returned? Did she trust Zvezdana? No. The answer came easy and without thought. She didn’t trust Veljorn’s Bride and the thought twisted her insides with uneasy sadness.

“I’m glad to be of some support,” she replied, still honest. Following at Zvezdana’s heels she nearly recoiled as Marcus offered his arm. Instead she was able to offer him a smile. Sliding her hand through the crook of it. Surely he would hear her heart thumping too hard against her chest? Surely they would notice that her face was paler than it should have been. The young woman pushed her shoulders back and lifted her head. There was more riding on this than her own life and so she forced a smile that almost convinced herself.

Flowers covered what felt like every surface, petals littering the floor. Venoran roses were a true natural beauty in the world and the Skyrider was envious of their bloom. The pink and blue candles were a delicate touch and caused a more genuine expression of sweetness to cross her features. Otherwise she stood, stiffly beside Marcus her eyes fixed on her brother. Edmund? On seeing him, she’d wondered if she would faint. How many arcs since she’d met with her brother? Spoken to him, seen him in the flesh? He’d told her Yoreth was dead and she now knew him to be a liar.

The marriage ceremony begun and her heart felt as though it was cracking into pieces. Fragile glass held together with the thinnest of veneers. The words and legal proceedings passed in a blur. The Skyrider unsure if she was really there at all, or if she was watching from a distance. She wanted to throw her arms around her brother. Wanted to demand why and how he’d turned a traitor and why he’d come back without a whisper to her. He’d been her hero. All her childhood dreams had centred on his approval. The gaining of his kind words and affection. What would he say if he knew? Knew she was married to a Mortalborn man and pregnant with his child? What would he think of her, spying on the rebellion?

Would he see her as a traitor to the family, or would he realise the error of his own ways? She wanted to beat him around the head and knock some sense into him. Would it work? No. No it wouldn’t. The woman blinked back tears that she was more willing to blame on her pregnancy. Dabbing a hand to her eyes, Marcus offered her a handkerchief. She played the sympathetic guest well.
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With that, they were married. Zvezdana's heart felt like it could explode with joy. Finally, she felt whole. Someone truly loved her and wanted to be with her, to share everything with her. That, in itself, was more than she had ever received from anyone in her life. The bride and groom paid each of their guests the appropriate wishes. Zvezdana lingered long enough to give Elyna a hung. Had she been in a normal mindset, and not one so high up in the clouds, she might have noticed the ill look on Elyna's face. Of course, this day was about her. Had she noticed anyone else, maybe she would have been able to foretell the future. Maybe she would have seen the end before the story had even begun. Instead, the beginning fell into place, with the future unknown to Zvezdana. Grim or bright, she was far to happy in the moment to care.

The groom and bride were whisked away to his home in a dark carriage. Just as the wedding had been secretive, so was the location where they would be expected to spend the next three nights. They arrived and were shuttled in by a pair of Qe'Dreki guards. She assumed they were a pair of Veljorn's own 'royal guard' for them to be so close to the newlyweds. Before she could inquire about them, they were inside, and the door was latched shut.

It was a quaint little cottage, somewhere in Burhan territory. There was a feast waiting for them, of which would probably go untouched initially. Veljorn barely got inside the house before he turned around with intent to devour Zvezdana. With thoughts very similar, it took Zvezdana everything she could to hold back. It was necessary, for now. "Wait. I have something for you," Zvezdana purred, slipping around him. She had spotted it in the corner, neatly wrapping in Burhan blue paper. She lifted it, with effort as it was somewhat heavy for the tiny noblewoman, carrying it towards him. "A wedding gift, for my new husband."

"Such a thoughtful wife. What is it?" Veljorn gruffly questioned, somewhat irritated it was not her disrobed on the table for him. She only chuckled in amusement.

"Open it," Zvezdana stated calmly. He ripping into the paper, tearing a strip down the center. The Qe'Dreki emblem gleamed in silver on a black background. He paused, somewhat taken aback by the craftsmen ship before pulling at the rest of the paper. The large tower shield stood there, leather straps fastened to provide a solid grip on the metal. He lifted it up, sliding his arms into the harness, testing the weight of it. "It is to protect my husband, and my King, from his foes. Blades and arrows will be commanded to stop before it, just as you will one day command Cassander's forces to stop before you."

"It is lovely, my Queen. Do not think you have been forgotten. I have something for you as well. Over there, on the table."

While Veljorn busied himself with testing his shield, raising and lowering it, Zvezdana turned to inspect the box on the table. It was wrapped in white paper with a blue bow. She was now a Burhan, and the normal Venoran pink to honor her and been replaced with her husband's color. It was fitting, although she was not fond of blue. Carefully, she lifted it up to find that it had been covering her present. The wrapped lid gave way to a blue pillow with a silver crown on it. The empty lid clattered to the table for she dropped it in shock. Her lips were pushed outward to form an 'O' as she gently ran her fingers over the curly-Qs. The silver was embedded with various blue sapphires, a hint of light pink in between glittering white accent stones. Veljorn set the tower shield aside, moving to wrap Zvezdana in his arms. "A gift fit for a queen - My Queen. I certainly hope you like it."

"I love it," Zvezdana whispered. She wanted to put it on, but with the future activities they had in mind, she didn't want to damage it. She turned around in his arms, placing a gentle kiss on his lips. They savored it for a moment, basking in the glow of one another.

"May I have my other gift now?" Veljorn questioned, a smile playing at his lips as he broke the kiss. He leaned down to scoop Zvezdana into his arms, cradling her against his chest as he headed for the stairs. Zvezdana chuckled. Whether or not she gave permission, he was going to take what he wanted.

"Yes, my King. Anything for you." Up the stairs they went, to do things left up to the imagination.
OOC Note
Large Tower Shield: I am deducting 50 gn from my ledger. I did not know what to charge for the emblem, but felt it needed to be charged for, so I added 10 to the original price of a large tower shield.

The silver crown was gifted by Veljorn with permission from Kingdom. This item is non-sellable.
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Comments: An interesting read! First off, congratulations to Zvezdana for getting married, no matter how long the marriage lasts. v_v

I just have to say that the dynamics here are really intriguing, considering how Elyna is the person who kills Veljorn, and what happens to Zvezdana after that. Elyna's part in this is sort of sad or bitter from an outside perspective, though reading through I don't think she herself seemed too put off by her spying and deceptions; after all, she likely was just doing what she needed to get through it all. The betrayal Zvezdana must feel, however, after everything happens, has to be great: here's someone whom she considers a friend, who attended her wedding as a witness, and who eventually tears all of that apart with the blade of a dagger.

Not to dog on Elyna, of course; I think her actions are justifiable and even honorable, considering she was doing her job and protecting her king and country. And if I'm not wrong, she has a bunch of crap to go through after this too, so Zvezdana is not the only one left to her misery. That's why I loved this thread so much; there's a lot of political intrigue and a very misty sense of who's right and who's wrong.

Too bad it all ends in turmoil for the both of them.

Story: The story had a good flow and was short and to the point. I really loved Zvezdana's descriptions of the wedding, all the candles and roses and symbolism. Very pretty!

Structure: Elyna, I didn't see a lot of mistakes on your part other than something here and there. Good job! Zvezdana, there were a few more minor mistakes that warranted mention here. I think some of the stuff could have been caught with another reread before posting. Examples are saying courtesy instead of curtsy, having missing or extraneous words (for example, "Not that she particularly cared, the witness would end up being ."), and other small stuff like that. I didn't think it was quite enough to deduct points for, but make sure to watch out for little things like that!

Zvezdana Venora

CS: CS is approved and up-to-date.

Knowledge:
Appraisal: Acknowledging another's beauty
Burhan: The color blue
Cosmetology: Dressing for a wedding
Detection: Recognizing love in a person's eyes
Discipline: Holding back passion
Elyna: Your etiquette student
Elyna: Betrothed to Marcus Krome
Elyna: Your in-law
Elyna: Your friend
Etiquette: Invite your family to a wedding
Etiquette: Attending to your wedding guests
Investigation: Insist until you get your questions answered
Lazuli: Closest thing to a friend
Lazuli: Previously betrothed to Veljorn
Logistics: Managing money to buy nice things
Negotiation: Taking a small loss for a larger gain
Politics: Marriage equalizes a man and wife
Psychology: Standing tall to demonstrate one's importance
Psychology: Symbols of home are a comfort
Rynmere wedding: The ceremony
Rynmere wedding: Three witnesses
Rynmere wedding: A marriage in Ymiden is an ill omen
Rynmere wedding: The unity candle to be relit
Veljorn: Husband
Veljorn: Leader of the Qe'Dreki rebellion
Venora: The color pink
Vivian: Closest thing to a friend
Zvezdana: Married
Zvezdana: In love with Veljorn
Zvezdana: Pledged loyalty to the Qe'Dreki

Loot: -1 shield given to Veljorn, worth 50gn. I see it's already deducted from your ledger. +1 pretty silver crown, dotted with various jewels, Veljorn's wedding gift. Perhaps make a note on your CS that the crown is not sellable.
Injuries: None.
Fame: -3 Opposing a popular cause. I wanted to award you for the wedding itself but apparently you can only be rewarded fame for marriage to a PC. Lame!
Devotion: None.

Story: 5/5
Collaboration: 5/5
Structure: 5/5
Magic: You CANNOT use the XP awarded for magic.

Elyna

CS: CS is approved and up-to-date.

Knowledge:
Appraisal: Acknowledging another's beauty
Appraisal: Knowing when not to judge
Cosmetology: Dressing for a wedding
Deception: Smiling at your enemies
Deception: Appearing calm when you're anything but
Deception: Keeping secrets
Deception: Avoiding a conversation
Detection: Recognizing when someone is in love
Discipline: Restraining violent impulses
Edmund: Brother
Edmund: Traitor in the rebellion
Etiquette: Executing a curtsy
Intelligence: Spying on relatives
Investigation: Being diplomatic to receive answers
Lazuli: Her engagement to Veljorn is broken
Psychology: Convincing yourself to be strong
Rynmere wedding: The ceremony
Rynmere wedding: Three witnesses
Rynmere wedding: The unity candle to be relit
Veljorn: Married to Zvezdana
Venora roses: Extremely beautiful
Volareon: Military volareon are well-trained
Yoreth: Still alive
Zvezdana: Married to Veljorn
Zvezdana: Not precisely a friend?
Zvezdana: Your etiquette teacher
Zvezdana: Your in-law
Zvezdana: Pledged loyalty to the Qe'Dreki

Loot: None.
Injuries: None.
Fame: +3 Supporting a popular cause.
Devotion: None.

Story: 5/5
Collaboration: 5/5
Structure: 5/5
Magic: You CANNOT use the XP awarded for magic.
Feel free to PM if you have any comments, questions, or concerns!
word count: 835
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