GSIII Weddings: Kaikeyi and Krackenstar

Kaikeyi and Krakenstar

It happens on occasion that a wedding is so spectacular that it goes down in the annals of lore as one of the most memorable of all time. The wedding of Lady Kaikeyi Krydonis and Lord Krackenstar Avenger, on the 16th of January in the year 99, was just such a wedding. It is an event that those present will never forget, and at which those who were not present will always claim they were.

The bride and groom are two of Elanthia's most illustrious citizens, having been adventurers since before the Lands were called Elanthia. Both are renowned not only for their skill, but their kindness and their intense loyalty to and passion for Elanthia. Lord Krackenstar is a long-time, highly-esteemed Life Member of House Silvergate, and Lady Kaikeyi was one of the founding members of Twilight Hall. Their love has been greeted with great satisfaction and joy; few could think of two people more suited to each other.

On the evening of the 16th, a most illustrious group gathered before the ribbon draped altar in the Forest Glade to witness the nuptials. Among the glittering assemblage were Lady Arwen, Lady Azure, Lady Merry, Lady Dabu, Lord Starsnuffer (who never attends weddings), Lord Dagor, Lord Tvarr and many more famous names. After much good-natured ribbing amongst old friends, the cleric appeared to begin the wedding.

Lord Raphael, one of the oldest clerics in Elanthia and one of the most respected of all adventurers, emerged from semi-retirement to perform the wedding. He was joined at the altar by Lady Mistyrose, who served as Chamberlain. Lady Mistyrose looked stunning as usual in an enchanting gown of gossamer silk trimmed in ermine, and a lovely wreath of trailing ribbons.

Lord Krackenstar entered the Glade first, dashing in a gilded jazeraint shirt and a striking red and gold cloak emblazoned with his crest: a giant sea kracken. Around his neck was a striking golden ship pendant with red sunstones atop its masts and green and white starstones accenting the waves it rides, and he wore a locket etched with the letter 'K'. He took his place at the altar as Lady Mistyrose announced the wedding party.

The first couple to arrive was Lord Celtic and Lady Wanton, followed by Lord Simmer and Lady Myste, and then by Lord Nighthawk and Lady Silkie. The best man and bride's honour attendant, Lord Drakne and Lady Krakii, arrived next. Each of the Ladies in the bridal party wore a lovely keepsake charm, etched with the names of the couple and a message thanking them for their long friendships, as a gift from Kaikeyi and Krackenstar. With the wedding party assembled at the altar, the crowd stood for the arrival of Lady Kaikeyi.

A little elfin girl preceded the bride down the aisle, strewing flower petals in her path. Accompanied by the famed Lord Dartaghan Darkstar, Lady Kaikeyi looked absolutely radiant on her wedding day. Her elegant wedding gown of antique ivory lace was embroidered with a floral pattern along the bodice, and featured a flowing satin train. Plaited into her long black hair were white orchids, from which was suspended a wispy lace veil. Charmingly, she was barefoot.

Lord Drakne, Lady Krakii, and Lord Dartaghan all gave brief and poignant speeches in honour of the couple to open the ceremony. As Lord Raphael began the ceremony, all was going perfectly. Suddenly, the peace of the moment was split by an awful voice.

"I object!" it hissed. "This union will not take place!"

As the voice informed all gathered that Kaikeyi would belong only to it, a glowing ball of light appeared and grew larger. Suddenly, hordes of undead streamed into the Forest Glade and snatched Kaikeyi from the grasp of her groom, who tried desperately to hold onto her. As suddenly as it had begun, Kaikeyi was gone.

Krackenstar had thrown himself through the circle of light before anyone could stop him, and the party was soon girding itself for war. One by one, the adventurers followed the groom, in the hopes of taking Kaikeyi back safe and alive. What happened next is a blur, with everyone's story being slightly different. What is for certain is that the group found itself surrounded by the undead ... ancient mummies and other hideous creatures. Many, many of the group died in the attempt to win Kaikeyi's freedom.

With the help of his friends, Lord Krackenstar rescued his beloved, and returned her to the altar. With so many dead, however, it was necessary for him to return for his friends. A handful (mostly empaths and a sleeping Lord Raphael) had remained behind, including the sweet and innocent Lady Brownyng, who knew she would die immediately in her lovely gown. As she healed those who were brought back, she considered herself perfectly safe. Never did she take into account how truly flustered Lord Krackenstar might be upon nearly losing the love of his life. In his confusion, he mistook an offensive spellsong for a defensive one, and promptly blew up the room, granting Brownyng her first-ever death in her entire life outside of childbirth. This is, as you might imagine, a fact she never intends to let him forget.

After the group was returned safely to the ceremony site, and Krackenstar was given a strong drink or ten to calm him down, Raphael awoke (amazingly, he picked up precisely where he had been in the ceremony when he nodded off), and continued with the vows. Hands still shaking, the couple expressed their love for each other in their own words, with Krackenstar admitting to Kaikeyi that he had only just realized how horrible life without her would be, and swearing he would never let anyone take her from him again.

After the couple exchanged their antique gold wedding bands, they were declared husband and wife, much to the delight (and admitted relief) of the assembled guests. The guests then gathered for much drinking and celebrating and telling of tales of a wedding that will not soon be forgotten.

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Note: I have borrowed copies of the weddings from the Silvergate Inn and other places to preserve memories incase of lost or stolen tomes. If you do not wish for me to have these on my shelves, I will remove them and store them away in my vault.