Donnor and Aasha's Unholy Union

[Aasha]

Aasha looked around the room, almost in a panic. Moving, then settling into a new place had kept her distracted enough that she'd put off thoughts of the actual ceremony itself. Even realizing she had to find a maid of honor at the last minute had given her something else to concentrate on. The clearing they'd found in the forest was perfect, they'd already had DarkLotus carry more than enough cases of whiskey, carefully spiked with Donnor's special brew out to the clearing. They had set up two bonfires, one on each side of the path leading in. All that was needed was a flame to get them started, easily lit before the ceremony began. Now, there was nothing else to occupy her mind.

The package lying on the bed from Athorgate didn't help. She reread the card and sighed. Damn him, maybe having him play so many roles in the wedding wasn't such a good idea after all. The note had said something about proper wedding attire. She coulda sworn Donnor said she could wear what she wanted. The plainly wrapped package mocked that thought. Obviously her 'brother' thought differently.

Sighing, the girl perched on the edge of the bed and unwrapped the paper, blanching when she saw what was inside. She didn't even have to pull it out to see that his idea of proper was scary. Doing it anyway, she shook the dress out. Eyes widening, she felt a sudden urge to go find him and show him her appreciation, with a dagger. Damn him! Canna believe he thinks I'd be wearin' that! If'n he was here rights now, I'd be makin' him wears it 'stead of me!

In a fit of anger, she began searching for her dagger, totally forgetting she'd not strapped it on since taking a bath. In fact, the only thing she'd managed to get on so far was the chemise she'd decided to surprise Donnor with, and a pair of very short braies. Frustrated, she ripped the horrid bow off, vowing to make Athor wear it, then threw the rest of the dress into the fire. Collapsing onto the bed, she watched it burn, feeling a grim satisfaction until she realized she had no idea what she was going to wear.




OOC: I have started this RP as if it was the day of the wedding. Invited guests are welcome to RP their arrival at any point. Aasha is not at the clearing yet, she will be traveling there closer to time. There are red ribbons marking the path through the forest to the clearing to make it easier for guests to find their way, though the path is a bit overgrown. :wink: Aasha and Donnor prefer simplicity, so the ONLY things in the clearing are the cases of alcohol, the bonfires, and maybe a few fallen logs. No chairs, no buildings, no tents.

The wedding will take place after reset 11 PM EST May 1... 4AM GMT +0 May 2

[Aasha]

Black boots, black shirt, black pants. He had his clothes ready, all that was left to do was panic about everything else. The day came a lot quicker than he imagined it would and he had been trying to make sure everything was in order. Just as he was sitting down he heard the door close behind him, DarkLotus had just returned from dropping off the beverages and he had one last item to discuss with him before he sent him on his way.

”My friend, you have been loyal to me for so long that I consider you a brother. I know you have the tendency to get violent and I know life has dealt you a rather bad hand at times which is why today, if any unwelcome guests arrive, you have my permission to dispose of them in any way you should choose.” Placing his hand on the man’s shoulder he offered him a wink and sent him on his way. That was one less thing to worry about, now to go check on Aasha. As he began his climb up the stairs he could hear her cursing and stomping around about something. With a sigh he wondered what was wrong and began moving faster towards the room, entering just in time to see her toss a horrid pink dress into the fire. Ready to ask what the dress was for, her state of dress caught his eye and with a grin, he closed the door behind him.

”Perhaps now would be a good time to….relax?" He said as he moved closer to her. Pulling his dagger from its sheath at his hip he let it glide against the laces of the chemise until they were all cut. With all the stress lately, they both could use some time together alone.

[Aasha]

She laughed at the thought of relaxation as Donnor cut her stays. Stimulating yes, relaxing...perhaps not. The couple spent a few enjoyable hours together, doing much to make her forget her nervousness. The bath he coaxed Aasha into sharing with him soothed her further, though the distractions of his wandering hands did little to help wash. Both forgot time completely, until Ellie knocked, reminding them the time to leave was fast approaching.

She couldn't hide the sigh of disappointment as she watched him dress then walk out. Absently picking up the chemise, she shook her head. There would be no wearing it now...she had no laces to replace the ones he'd ruined. The girl walked to the wardrobe, grabbing one of her love's shirts before allowing Ellie to walk in. Ignoring the tsk she got at her choice of attire, she sat, slowly brushing the tangled strands of wet hair.

When Ellie asked her where her wedding dress was, Aasha grimaced, having forgotten the now burned monstrosity completely. Ain't wearin' no dress...if'n I was makin' Donnor happy, we'd be havin' a nekkid weddin' anyhows. A glimmer of an idea reached her then, she'd been adamant that they weren't marrying naked, but that didn't mean she couldn't compromise. Aasha shooed Ellie out, then began rummaging through the wardrobe. A mischievous grin lighting her face, she quickly changed, then sat back on the bed until others arrived to escort her to the clearing.

[Aasha]

And so the day had arrived. Aasha was roping in, he shakes his head, no marrying Donnor but how in Loki's name did h end up where he was today. Not going to the Grooms area, nooo. He was making his way over to the Brides side! The Bride!!!

A dark scowl dances quickly across his face as he peers over his shoulder at where the groom would be getting ready. Most likely with a bottle of whiskey and a few pipes. He sighed as he approaches the door, his shoulders slumped as his hand wrapped around the handle of the door. Suddenly his face took on a bright, sinister smile as he straightened out.

If he had to stand on her side with the women, she'd at least have to wear a dress, and that pink number would be just enough to make her mad enough to spit. His mood was suddenly brighter, not that he really expected her to wear it, but he was sure she would be savage about his choice of dresses. He even shuddered at the sight of it, but it was good for a laugh.

Looking over his shoulder he tosses Scarlet a wink as he turns the knob and calls, "Hey there lil sis, you got that lovely little dress on yet?"

[Aasha]

She heard Athorgate's voice as the knob turned. Jumping up quickly, she rushed over to grab a cloak, pulling it around her slight frame. It was one of Donnors, easy to tell as it came almost to her feet, enveloping her completely. Grabbing the horrible pink bow and slipping it into the sleeve of the cloak, she pulled the door open, hoping to knock him off balance.

Nice fer ya to be gettin' here Athor. If'n I'm late to my own weddin', Donnor'll think I ran...an' I prom'sed I wouldna do that.

Ya knows...I was talkin' to some'o the ladies in the tav'rn, an' they was tellin' me that mos' maids o' honour is 'posed to be wearin' somethin' frilly. Since ya was nice 'nuff to be gettin' me a dress to be wearin', I did somethin' fer ya too.

Double checking to see that the cloak was covering her outfit, she grinned and hugged him. Slipping the bow from the cloak's sleeve, she quickly pinned it to the back of his shirt before letting go. Couple o' the ladies from Inis is 'posed to be comin' here to goes wit' us...dun wants sheepie folk to be gettin' lost ya knows. Hopes yer nae in a huge rush. Necta said she was bringin' me somethin'...

[Aasha]

One of the few things Necta had carried with her, right from her childhood, was a small box that had belonged to her mother. Through all her struggles, all the places she’d been she’d always taken the box. It held memories, in a sense the box held Necta’s life – bits and pieces of it anyway. She sighed, running her fingers over a little wisp of lace and silk and coloured blue ribbon.

Firmly shutting the box, Necta cradled the small item in her hand. She really would have to come to terms with the rest of it one day – but today wasn’t that day, not by any means.

Necta knocked on the door, sticking her head around to see how Aasha was doing with her preparations. For some reason there was a very large man – wearing an extremely pink bow. Blinking twice, Necta realised it was Aasha’s brother who was going to be the bridal attendant for the wedding. She couldn’t help grinning, that lurid shade of pink really was his ideal colour.

“Hi there – umm, Aasha – umm,” Necta couldn’t help blushing. Suddenly what she wanted to do seemed very silly. In many ways Aasha was a strange girl – so grown and yet so young by turns. So independent, so vital and strong – a lot of the things that Necta struggled with seemed to come easily to Aasha.

And yet . . . . . Necta felt an affinity for the girl. The struggle to shape a positive life, to find something good to hang onto – they’d both lived it, everyday and in their own ways, that struggle had marked them both.

“I umm . . . I was wondering if you needed a hand to get ready?” Necta bit her lip, then making her decision, finished in a rush. “And I have something for you. It’s a sort of bridal gift – its just something small.”

[Aasha]

She heard the knock, right as a familiar head poked around the door. The timing was perfect, she'd just mentioned her friend to Athor, and here she was. Please...comes in Necta. This is Athorgate...my brother an' maid o' honour. I'd be happy to be havin' yer helps...though I'm thinkin' I'm ready as I'm gonna be.

The girl was unused to gifts, even if it'd been mentioned before in passing. Curious, she noted the hand clutched around something... - is that ribbon and lace? Another bow? Oh no, I just got rid of one, now I'll be saddled with something I can't burn or pin on someone else? - Doing her best to mask her emotions, she averted her eyes from Necta's hand, raising them to her face.

Aasha couldn't help but notice the grin as she saw Necta's eyes go to the bow pinned to Athor's back. Biting her lip and giving her a look, she hoped her friend would understand and not give away what she'd done. She wanted it to be a surprise, at least until folks started snickering.

It was the wrong thing to think of. Suddenly the reality of what she was about to do hit the girl hard. The feelings of inadequacy she'd carried for so long began to rise up, her cousin's voice telling her how useless she was echoing in her mind, mocking the confidence she'd fought so hard to develop. She hid it well most of the time, bluffing her way through with everyone she met. Bravado, more that than anything else, yet she wanted to believe it was more.

She needed a distraction, anything to take her mind off her thoughts. She was too used to being hidden, blending in, not standing out. Everyone would be watching her, waiting for her to slip up. With Donnor, she'd had to get used to being recognized, but something about his presence made that fade to the background. He wasn't here now though, and she couldn't seem to remember that as a full fledged panic attack gripped her.

- The bow, focus on the bow. - Loosening her teeth from her lip with an effort, she murmured; Ya has a gift fer me?

[Aasha]

Nodding, Necta smiled at Athorgate. She’d seen the look Aasha had given her and carefully held her tongue – oh that bow! This wedding was going to be something special.

At the mention of her gift, Necta held out her hand, opening her fingers to show the twist of lace and ribbon. “I wondered . . “ Necta paused, blushing, still uncertain whether this was something Aasha would appreciate. Perhaps this would be just too girlish, and yet . . . . it wasn’t the item itself, but the meaning that mattered to Necta. She would just have to try her best to explain it properly to Aasha.

“I was married once you know, and we were so happy, so unbelievably happy.”

Taking a deep breath, she continued, her speech growing more disjointed as her nerves increased. “But we had to elope to do it – my father wouldn’t allow us . . . I ran away . . . . I didn’t have my mother with me and I so desperately wanted her there, my sister had been . . . . lost . . . . . when i was only 12 and I, I, I . . .”

Necta stopped a moment, smiling helplessly at Aasha, laughing at her own confusion. “I didn’t have the support you have,” she nodded in the direction of the hulking Maid of Honour. “I was in a foreign country and away from my people. My mother guessed what was afoot and the morning before we ran away she slipped this into the pocket of my coat – I found it, with her note, when we were halfway to England.”

Opening her hand fully, Necta revealed a sweet, silky, lacy, beribboned garter. It was more like fine confectionary than an item of clothing. It was definitely for show, appearing to be unlikely to hold up more than a spider’s web. “She’d sent it with me – something frivolous and silly and special – to remind me of the things we shared, to remind me of her love and support.” Necta grinned, thinking of her mother, her earthy humour, her care for them all, her pure joy in living – no matter how difficult things became.

"When I wore it on my wedding day, I remembered what she’d written to me – that by taking this step I was taking control of my life. I wasn’t a child any longer. I was a woman, an independent woman and the things that had bound me as a child – my father’s expectations, his anger – none of them had power over me any longer. I was myself - simply and entirely myself – and that was a good thing.”

Slowly Necta held the garter out to Aasha. “My sister is lost. I no longer have a daughter. But I would like to share this with you if I may. You are entirely and simply yourself Aasha – and this is a good thing indeed.”

[Aasha]

Lia felt a little queasy as her feet hit soil once again. She wasn't fond of big boats, nor long travels by them. But for today...she would do it again and again. Two good friends were getting married today, and there was no place she would rather be. Getting her legs back under her, Lia looked around. Ireland...what a beautiful place... she thought to herself. Lia was glad she came, but knew as well, there would be many to try to get them to stay. Smiling at Blades over her shoulder, she waited for him to join her. Spying Callista behind him, she smiled at the woman.

Thank you for coming and doing the ceremony for my friends, Lia said warmly. Slipping an arm around Blades she laid her head on his shoulder. Let's go find where we need to be, and we need to let Aasha know Callista made it. The poor girl has enough to worry about, I know how nervous I was on our wedding day, she laughed slightly, leaning up to kiss his cheek.

Remembering that Aasha had sent in her note something about ribbons, Lia spied the path up ahead. Waiting to make sure everyone was ready, Lia began walking to the clearing.

[Aasha]

Ghost was pleased when the boat docked at the port in Ireland. The voyage across the channel had been pleasant enough and she had found happily that sailing did not pose a problem to her stomach. During the voyage Ghost and Oro had sat quietly together, talking on occasion, but just relaxing with the movement.

Ghost saw Lia and others getting off ahead of her and Oro and slipping her arm through his she walked steadily of the boat to dry land. Smiling she looked around, looking forward to this mini adventure.

What a beautiful place to get married, she said wistfully to her husband.

Looking ahead to where Lia was Ghost just followed her, seeing also the red ribbons marking the path to the clearing they were headed for. Aasha and Donnor lived in a beautiful country she thought as they started walking after Lia and the others.

[Aasha]

Blades folllowed Lia up the path. He had not been on that long of a boat ride before, and he seems to be handingly it better than Lia. He chuckled a little as she seemed uneasy as she stepped off the boat. he quickly walked up to her and waited as she address the Priestest behind him. He waits, looking around at the wonderful rolling scenery around them. Ireland was really a beautiful county. Blades wrapped his arm around her holding her close as they walked up the path together.

[Aasha]

Callista had never been to Ireland, and jumped at the chance when Lia asked if she would perform the ceremony for Donnor and Aasha. The trip over was pleasant enough, but now, stepping onto firm ground, Callista felt out of place. Running a hand through her long black hair, she smooth down her dress and decided it would be best to follow Lia and her husband to where she needed to be.

Going deeper into the wood, Callista was overcome with the powers residing in the old trees. There was a lot of life renewing in this forest, and the location itself was a good choice. The forest was always renewing itself, live, die, be born again.

Closer to the clearing, Callista could see the trees thinning out, and the location was soothing to her. Callista hung back a bit, waiting to see if she would be able to meet the couple before the ceremony.

[Aasha]

Arthur, Lynna, and Tasite were finally in Ireland. The trip had been long, and tiring.. But all of them had informed Donnor and aasha that they would make it to the holy.. err.. unholy union. They arrived at the clearing with a crowd of other guests, and were happy to not have had too much trouble finding the area where the ceremony would be held.

Arthur wished that his brother would have sought Jah, to bless his union with aasha, but.. that was just one of the issues he avoided discussing. To each his own, Arthur thought. If a union under Loki would make him and aasha happy, he would support them. Although his beliefs were different, there was no reason to ruin his brother's wedding. Remembering back to his own wedding, Donnor had appeared drunk with aasha by his side, stumbling in. He shook his head, and decided he would not do the same to his brother, even though he readily deserved him for all the things Donnor had put him through.

He pointed out the barrels of alcohol present to both Lynna and Aunt Tasite. Well, Ladies.. at least alcohol will not be lacking! It's as if my brother is encouraging everyone to get drunk.. He laughed, wrapping his arm around his wife.

[Aasha]

The closer they had gotten to where the ceremony was to be held the further Scarlet had hung back. It wasnt that she was reluctant to go, in fact quite the opposite. But the closer they got, the more she had to try to avoid Athor's eyes, her amusement at the thought of him being a bridesmaid almost too much for her. The fact that Aasha had asked it of him, made it all the funnier. Ducking her head again, trying to not snicker , she hurried to find a place to sit.




*OOC* Unfortunately I am not feeling well right now IRL, and am not sure when I will be able to return. So I am giving Athor the right to godmod as he sees fit. *wonders at the sanity of this but shrugs goodnaturedly anyway*

[Aasha]

The boat docks and Liza slips her hand into the crook of her husband's arm, glad to be on dry land. This was her first trip to Ireland and her excitement was dimmed only by the absence of her children. She looks around in awe at the beautiful countryside and spies the ribbons marking the path. Look love, I take it we go that way. She points them out to Wolf as they begin to make their way down the path.

Reaching the wedding site, they find seats near the back. She slips her hand into Wolf's entwining their fingers and kisses his cheek. This should prove to be an interesting wedding, she whispers to him with a grin. I just need to keep you away from those. She indicates the barrels of ale with a nod of her head, glad he hadn't seen them before they found their seats.

[Aasha]

Lynna followed along the path with Arthur and Tasite as they arrived at the clearing, the trip to Ireland had been rushed to plan, so glad they were able to make it in time for the union. As they got closer Arthur had pointed out the barrels of ale, at least she thought it was ale, knowing Donnor it could be some stronger brew held within, she laughed at her thoughts of the night ahead as her husbands arm wrapped around her waist she leant against his side. I hope they have had time to get things organised Love, maybe we should have gone to see them before the ceremony.

[Aasha]

Tasite was very thankful when her legs were planted firmly back on solid ground after their long and tiring trip to Ireland. But for family she would go to the end of the world and back. The clearing was marked very well because they and the crowd had no trouble finding it.

Never been to a union done under Loki... this should be very interesting indeed.

Tastie was looking about the clearing when she heard Arthur talking about getting drunk. What? who's drunk? then she giggles when she sees all the barrels of whiskey for the guests. Don't worry nephew, I promise to behave and not get to drunk; then she winks at him.

[Aasha]

Not long after Ghost saw ahead of them a clearing and was glad. It must be the place she thought to herself. Her arm through Oro's she walked out into the clearing and took stock of her surroundings. It was relatively bare with a few bonfires, and she was pleased to see plenty of alcohol.

Looks like we found the party dear, she said turning her head to Oro before continuing to take in their surroundings. There were no chairs, just space. Shrugging Ghost carried on looking round thinking seats can be over rated.

There were people milling around, starting to arrive like them. She looked round for familiar faces, knowing there would be those there today she would know.

[Aasha]

As he walked through the door and his vision of Scarlet became blocked he could have sworn he had seen her shaking, and laughing. So focused on her visible reaction to his duty today, he didn't feel the slight tug on his back when Aasha pinned the bow there. He only turned to see a timid girl enter the room.

He was used to the stares he received, but her blushing was another thing. His brow creased as he thought deeply for a few moments before responding to the girl who had entered, Necta Aasha had called her, "Hello Necta, it's good to meet you."

He nodded back and reached up to scratch an itch at his back and listened to the women as they talked back and forth, his hand dropped as he forgot about the itch when Necta pulled out the lacy garter. He could barely contain his laughter at Aasha as she gazed at the sheer piece of lace.

Ummm *snicker* can you excuse me a moment?*snicker* I just need a.....something I left outside*snicker* he lowers his head a little as he makes his way to the door. As he passed through the door his vision caught a flash of pink to the side...............

[Aasha]

She was concentrating on Necta's story, anything to keep from thinking of the panic. Their histories were different, but both had experienced a lot of pain based on their families decisions for them. Another thing to think about that wasn't helping control her panic. - Focus girl! Stop letting memories haunt you, FOCUS! -

Aasha focused, right on the bit of lacy thing that Necta had in her hand. Her eyes widened, her face paled, and she took a step back. She had no idea what it was, it didn't look big enough to put in her hair, and was too flimsy for her to use to hold her dagger in place. Besides, she'd already strapped it onto her upper arm.

Seeing the look on Necta's face when she finally finished her story, Aasha sighed. There was no way she could refuse to accept it, not after hearing the story behind the bit of whatever it was. Glancing over at Athorgate, she glared menacingly when she saw the laughter he was barely containing. Eyes narrowed even more, fingers itched to wipe it off as he snickered and fled the room. The only thing that checked her movements was the sight of the bow...she'd get her revenge...she would just have to be patient a slight bit longer.

Aasha turned back to Necta, trying to hide her confusion as she accepted the garter. Glancing down, her eyes widened again. Why it looked like just breathing on it would make it fall apart. Once she knew Athorgate was fully out of the room, the door clicking shut behind him, she whispered; Thanks fer the...umm...gart'r...but...umm... Her face clearly showing embarrassment, she held the lace and ribbon awkwardly as she confessed; ...I...I...where...how does I wears it?

[Aasha]

Necta grinned wickedly at Aasha when she heard the girl's confused question.

"I think there's one thing you need to learn about this whole being ladylike concept. Lace and frills aren't just for a pointless outside show of feminity." Necta giggled. "A girl can be ladylike AND shockingly wicked all at the same time."

"See the ribbons? You wear it tied high around your leg. It'll be a hidden thing to remind that you're strong, worthwhile, important - and then when you're alone, you can make Donnor take it off with his teeth," laughing, Necta hugged her impulsively.

"My mother once told me that one good way to keep your man interested was to always wear something in bed. And while long flannel nightgowns have their place in winter, something like this is far more fun."

[Aasha]

This was a side of Necta the girl hadn't seen before. Gone was the timid lady who'd entered the room. In her place stood a self confident woman. Aasha smiled, still uneasy about the bit of nothing in her hand, but maybe this wouldn't be as bad as she feared. I'm good at shockin' folk...an' bein' wicked...nae so good at bein' ladylikes. Tried bein' a lady, ain't good at it. Too many rules an' the likes, it dun suits me to try an' learn somethin' I'd jus' be breakin' anyhows. An' Donnor dun cares, he loves me likes I am, flaws an' all.

She was blushing deeply when she finished, she'd not planned on saying much, but nerves had overtaken her and she'd run off at the mouth. It was a bad habit for her, forgetting her reticence when upset or uncertain. Normally it was only with Donnor, she was shocked she felt comfortable enough to let down her guard with Necta already. Hugging the woman back, she relaxed marginally, deciding to analyze later.

Glancing down at the garter, then over to the door, she quickly locked it, then met Necta's eyes. Umm...please dun be givin' 'way nothin' 'bout whats I gots on...I dun wants to fights wit' anyone tryin' to makes me change...an' I wants Athor to thinks I'm wearin' the dress he sents me.

Not giving the lady a chance to reply, she slipped out of the cloak. The idea of Donnor taking it off with his teeth made her entire body tingle, that thought alone was enough to make her want to wear it. His reaction to her outfit gave her almost the same thrill.

Rib'ns... Almost afraid to do much with the delicate thing in her hand, she propped her boot up on a chair, sliding material out of the way to tie the garter high up on her thigh as instructed. It felt odd, wearing something so overtly feminine, but in an odd way, she felt powerful. Something she knew was there, even if no one else did, and Donnor would enjoy it...she hoped.

She couldn't help but giggle as she put her leg down. Her face was still red as she replied; I dun wears nothin' bed now...less its Donnor's shirt. Wouldna be wearin' no gowns there. I dun likes them when I'm 'wake.

The cloak was back on and the door unlocked as she winked at Necta conspiratorially. We should prolly finds Athor now...an' heads to the clearin'. Dun wants Donnor to be thinkin' I ran... Remembering something, she moves to the bed and kneels, slipping a flask from under the mattress and taking a nip, before concealing it in the pocket of the cloak. I'm thinkin' I'm ready now...

[Aasha]

Lia lead the way to the clearing, looking around for familiar faces. Spying Arthur and Lynna, she waved. She spied Lizabet and Wolfy, and a few others she knew. Looking around the clearing, she seen it was a small affair, but the important people were here, the ones that were like family.

Turning to Callista, she motioned up towards the front. You should be able to set up now, Lia told the other woman. Just as a warning....Aasha and Donnor....well, they are unpredictable sometimes. Giggling she continued, I hope your quick on your feet, and I'm still not sure if this is a naked wedding or not....

Leaving the slightly shocked woman to her duties, Lia wrapped her arm around Blades waist and waited for the ceremony to start.

[Aasha]

Checking the sun he realizes it is almost time for Lord Donnor and Lady Aasha to arrive. He had been given the task of lighting the bonfires but was curious of exactly how he could. Ever since the fire when he was a child he has been deathly afraid of flames. His eyes scanned the area around him, searching for anything that could aid him when he saw a couple of the whiskey bottles. Someone had already opened them but walked away from them for whatever reason. Walking over to the bottles he yanked off the apron he had on from before and with his dagger cut two nice lengths of the fabric. Once the cloths were cut he stuffed a piece into each of the bottles, grabbed a lit candle, and carried them over to the two piles of wood.

Turning around, he noticed that some of the guests had already arrived and he did his best to move them back. He would not be responsible for anyone burning to death if they should catch fire. Setting the first bottle down in front of the pile of wood he moved over to the second pile and backed up. Holding the candle under the cloth he waited until it was ignited then launched it onto the wood, causing it to burst into flames. He then moved over to the second pile of wood and repeated the steps he had taken just seconds ago before quickly walking away.

[Aasha]

Blinking her surprise at the sight of Aasha's unusual outfit, Necta said cautiously, "Well as outfits go, it's certainly you."

"As for being a lady, just say "Pfft!" to the rules and do it your own way. You're right not to let anyone make you do something you don't want to - but don't end up so prejudiced against the lace and frills that you miss out on the fun things too."

When Aasha had finished tying the garter, refastened her cloak and announced she was ready, Necta smiled, nodding encouragingly. "I'll leave you to find your attendant, I'd best find the others and head to the clearing. I can see you're nervous, but you'll do well. You love Donnor, Donnor loves you - and it's all good."

Slipping out of the room, Necta left to join the crowd from Inis who were all making their way to the wedding.

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