Chapter 514: The Wedding I

Chapter 514: The Wedding I

Time had passed, both too slowly and too quickly. Too slowly, in that the three phoenixes kept finding new and interesting ways to give us all grey hairs, and too quickly in the sheer excitement and anticipation of getting married!

It was like I blinked, and my wedding was going to be the next day.

I couldnt sleep a wink. I spent the first half of the night with my Phoenix party, sipping wine, nibbling on cheese, and playing stupid games with my friends. Then I headed off to bed for the big day, put my head on my pillow, closed my eyes, and willed sleep to take me.

It. Would. Not.

Theres nothing more frustrating than wanting to sleep, needing to sleep, knowing sleep was critical for the next day, and being completely, totally, and utterly denied it. It was so unfair! I was doing everything right! Good sleep hygiene, going to bed at the right time, leaving enough hours in the night to be well rested - everything. And I was betrayed by my overexcited brain that refused to let me sleep!

Iona was far luckier than I was. She staggered back home from her Wyvern party with a number of other Valkyries, muttered love you, flopped into bed and was out like a light.

I tapped her with [Universal Cure] so she wouldnt be hungover, and continued to stare at the back of my eyelids as the hours dragged by.

Then it was the day! The big day!

Our wedding day!

I was brimming with too much nervous energy, and a liberal application of [Zenith Everlasting] didnt help in the slightest. Auri was already up and about, baking a few quick things before making her way back over to her industrial-scaled operation in the city.

She had initially wanted to do all the baking for the wedding, but the cruel realities of math and logistics had reared their ugly heads. Shes settled for doing only some of the wedding baking, including the prized centerpiece - the wedding cake itself.

Oh! Youre up! Amber popped out of the kitchen, her hands smeared with flour. She was my maid of honor, and her long hair was done up in a braid as always, glittering with dozens upon dozens of gemstones woven into it. Give me a moment to fix you breakfast.

No need, I can- I started to say before the woman interrupted me.

No no no, this is your big day. Sit! She commanded.

I wasnt going to argue. I sat down, and a sleepy Iona joined me a minute later, yawning the whole way.

Isnt it supposed to be bad luck for us to see each other before the event? I asked. Iona popped something in her back.

Ooooh, that hit the spot. She slumped down into a chair. It is, but then again, Im supposed to kidnap you back to right here, so its not like were bending a few traditions already.

More like the two of you are making everything up wholesale. Amber came back into the breakfast room with a tray for me. A cup of tea, a cup of milk, a slice of heavily buttered bread and slices of a half-dozen fruits, mangos included. Iona, can I get you the same? She asked.

Iona accepted with good grace.

I know I sprang my wedding present on you a little last minute, I said. Iona snorted and interrupted me.

You gave it to me three days before the wedding, in nobodys world is that last minute. She said.

Yeah, but Im just checking. It fits well? No issues? Youre comfortable with it? Im just a little worried here.

Iona put her hand over mine and lightly squeezed.

Its fine. I love it. Everythings going to be alright. She said.

Amber came out a moment later with a little tray for Iona.

Wheres Goblin Slayer? She asked. We need to coordinate, and make sure everything is set.

I think my maid of honor is still sleeping off last night. Iona said.

Amber tsked and vanished back into the kitchen. Auri passed her in the doorway.

BRRPT! Brrrpt? Brpt? Brpt? Brpt??? She asked rapid-fire. Iona held up her hands.

Were fine, were fine, thank you. She said. Good idea though, Ill ask Goblin Slayer to help you with moving the cake.

Auri! Were going! I shouted through the house, my little hummingbird friend zipping over a moment later.

The three of us headed over to Sanguino, where I had my first appointment with a [Hairdresser]. One so good, shed been turned into a vampire for it, and it turned out we hadnt started making plans a minute too soon - shed been booked for months, and it was only thanks to a generous payment that wed gotten squeezed in for a quick five minutes for the lovely Sentinel instead of ending up years down the waiting list.

We walked into the salon.

Hi- Id barely gotten the word out before a finger with a long nail was pointed at me.

Elaine. Waist-long hair, modest curls, volume on top. Preserved for a day. She snapped her fingers, and my hair morphed and changed all around me to the predetermined hairstyle. A wall flipped around, revealing a full length mirror.

Thank you, come again. The woman said before I even got a word out, turning back to another client of hers, one that she was spending excessive amounts of time and chatter on.

I didnt mind - it was the difference between being a regular slotted in permanently, and someone whod taken the back door for a quick session. The lady knew her work well - it was absolutely perfect. I bounced the curls around a bit, the System-enforced vanity from my companion bond finding it just right.

Ill never get over how fast some people can use their skills. Amber said with a shake of her head. Come on, lets get your makeup done.

Brrrpt! Auri was equally impressed with the speed and skill used.

Shouldnt you be at your bakery by now? I asked her.

Brrrpt, brrrpt. Auri protested. This had been on the way, and she wanted to see the cool skills and support me on my big day. The few minutes now was worth it.

Need you back before Im done with my makeup, remember?

I supposed it wasnt that much different from my healing. I had the longer sessions where I teased out the issue and educated my patient about what was going on, what I was doing, and why - often to help train someone else - and when I just needed someone healed and to move on.

Makeup! Amber decreed next. Lets go!

The makeup was slightly less fancy, and I sat down in a chair, letting the couple - a man and a woman - fuss over me and apply everything needed for the big day. Foundation first, and I was secretly pleased that I needed no concealer. Permanently running healing on myself left my skin absolutely flawless. Some artful blush helped highlight my cheeks, and only the slightest touch of primer was needed. I was almost certain they did that just because they felt the need to do something. Setting powder helped lock everything in - it was going to be a long day - then mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow were applied.

I briefly debated going fancy with the lipstick - either some combination of blue and gold for the Moon Goddesses, a single red streak down the middle, or some other fancy pattern, but elected for only red. I kept a stick in my bag - Id apply it later, there was no keeping it on easily all day, and no sense putting it all on now.

A number of skills were used the entire time, giving it all a mystical look. It was good. I approved!

We half-walked, half-hustled - Skills or not, I didnt want to ruin any of my prep work - over to the temple where the wedding ceremony was going to be held.

There was a little chapel-like house just across the street from the temple, and thats where we were headed.

It felt weird. So many people were moving and organizing on our behalf, and I was mostly oblivious to it all, having been hustled away by Amber to get ready. I bumped into Julius and Artemis on the way in, but they seemed to be having their own issues.

We are going to be late! Julius hissed at Artemis.

Weve got plenty of time! She retorted.

Not if we need to go all the way back!

I smiled and waved at the two bickering like an old married - wait.

They were an old married couple.

We were guided into a little room where I got ready, and one of the key items of the ceremony was there - The Dress.

You ready? I asked Auri as I got changed into my under-dress outfit and asbestos shoes.

Brrrpt! She confirmed.

Starting at my head, then slowly flowing down, Auri dressed me in flames.

The door opened.