The day of the wedding has finally arrived and I find myself excited for the happy couple. Rhia and Ana are amongst my dearest friends, and to see them grow close and fall in love has been a joy to watch. I hurry and dress for the wedding, or as hurried as I can be with the babe so close to coming. Grabbing my harp and coin pouch, I make my way from the home of my husband, Komatsu, to Trestlebridge where the ceremony will take place.
Arriving before the ceremony, I see several familiar faces, as well as a couple I do not recognize and they give me pause. I cannot help but think of Caithrin, and the troubles she has had recently with a madman who seems bent on killing her. No one seems particulary concerned though, and I am relieved to find that Cait is being well guarded by a man I do not know, but who appears to take his job quite seriously. After making the rounds of people, Cait shows me what we will be doing for the wedding.
As we wait, a newcomer arrives and to my surprise and delight it is my friend Altheric. However, he is acting strangely, and seems to be rather distant and cold. I flinch, finding myself hurt and offended by his curt greeting. Maybe it is just the stress leading up to the wedding, or the stress of being pregnant while my own husband is away, but I clasp my arms around my belly to fend off the sudden chill in the air.
The wedding itself was beautiful, with the bride and groom practically shining like the stars above as they declared their love for one another. Relaxing a bit, I watched, nostalgic for my own wedding, and my husband. Afterwards, Altheric played a song, a lovely tune I did not recognize right away. But almost immediately after, he collapsed and, forgetting aught but the fact he was a dear friend, I raced to see what was wrong. From my cursory inspection, I could find no wounds, however he appeared haggard and underfed, as though he had been through much in recent days. His steed was called for, and I implored Rothrian to bring him to his home, for some much needed sleep. She did so, herself looking quite worried about him.
Were that the end of the woes for the night, but that Martie the Magpie came, in the guise of an old man, and proceeded to harass another friend, Seia, quite mercilessly. The two of them ended up fighting with each other, and not even poor Priya could stop their shenanigans. I am quite furious with the Magpie and vow I shall never speak with him again.
My head pounding, I find myself much more exhausted than I thought I would be. I hugged Rhia, begging off the reception and headed home to rest. Sleep seems so perfect, after this tiresome day.
