The fiery-eyed girl made her way back to the carriage with a wide grin on her face. One could attribute that to the bags she held in her hand which contained sweets that the [Arch Priestess] had no intention of sharing.
Mika: "La! La! La! Hm! Hm! Hm!"
She skipped so gracefully that she looked like a child, skipping her way back to her parents after the last day of school. As she skipped she laid her eyes on Rowan who was sitting in the carriage with makeup bags in between his legs.
Mika: "Oh hey Rowan! I got some sweets! It looks like you've been busy though! You went to the makeup store? I hope you didn't buy anything girly!"
Rowan eyes slightly fluttered at Mika but quickly stared at the bags beneath his feet once again. He didn't seem to acknowledge that she was there, despite that though he found his mouth stringing together words.
Rowan: "Mika...why didn't you tell me Prince Gelderan and Elara were getting married?"
The Arch Priestess found herself at a loss for words. She must've lost all control over her body as she dropped the bag of sweets she'd been holding ever so tightly. Her fiery orange eyes swirling up as if there was a raging fire taking place in her eyelids. Mika quickly clutched her clothes as she started to think of a lie to tell the [Weapon Holder.] but as she looked in his eyes she quickly decided against it as she could see the man known as [Rowan Agoul] had a look in his eyes that dare not be tested at the moment.
Truly she could have told him that she didn't know, and the thought flashed her mind. But, in truth Elara Fey and Mika Faelan the [Arch Priestess] and the [Hero] were the first ones to learn what the summoning was about. Elara, of course learned this through the king who'd facilitated Gelderan's proposal to Elara. And Elara, who couldn't contain this secret told Mika who'd she sworn to secrecy about the entire thing. Of course Mika had jokes about the scenario happening but didn't actually tell anyone though it seemed the announcement had made its way to the [Weapon Holder], Rowan Agoul anyways.
Mika: "I..."
Rowan: "Don't try to deny it, I heard about it while waking through town and I thought I'd ask. Is it true?"
Mika: "Rowan...I..."
Rowan: "It's okay Mika I just need the truth, is it true?"
She looked into Rowan's eyes and immediately ascertained what would and what wouldn't be best for her to say to him here. Of course one half of that was the possibility of lying to him and saying that it wasn't true and this was indeed the option Mika Faelan had considered. That was, until she looked into Rowan's eyes again and saw something desperate inside of them—-something intense. In all her years of knowing the [Weapon Holder] the look on his face now had never been present. It was something Rowan Agoul had never shown and something Mika Faelan knew would be wrong to disrespect.
Mika: "Yes, it is Rowan. I'm sorry."
Rowan Agoul's eyes lost the life in them and the thing that Mika had seen inside of him had completely taken over his demeanor. That feeling what was it you ask? It was despair.
Rowan: "I see…"
Mika: "Rowan I-"
Rowan: "Let's just head to the castle, we wouldn't want to be late on Elara's big day would we?"
Mika: "Rowan but-"
Rowan: "It's okay Mika,just...…leave me alone."
Rowan turned his body away from Mika as he faced the other window on the carriage. Mika wanting to say something, stopped herself as she knew better. She simply sat on the carriage respecting the boundaries that Rowan had set. Of course she didn't want to leave him this way but she knew her assistance wasn't something that could help here. So the girl simply did what she knew best...
Mika: "Let's go."
Wilhelm:"Yes mistress."
She moved on from the situation and the carriage once again started to move. Looking from the outside in one could perceive this action to be cold but for Mika Faelan this action meant precisely the opposite. It may have seemed like moving on from it meant that she didn't care about the situation anymore but that couldn't be further from the truth. She'd wanted to continue on for Rowan's sake and coming to that conclusion she did what the [Arch Priestess] of the [Hero's Party] did best. And that was simply moving on and keeping her comrades together.
The rest of the [Hero's Party] found themselves staring down a peculiar sight. Though staring down a "peculiar sight" was something they'd begun to get used to, the display in front of hadn't been the same as the ones they were faced with in the past. Needless to say this one was extremely different though not because it was extremely weird or even out of the ordinary but because of what it had involved. Or in the case of the [Hero's Party] who it had involved. That would be a much more potent question for the ones beholding what stood before them now.
Leo: "Man who'd have thought this would happen?"
Tarran: "Yeah, I must say this is a bit unexpected."
Elara: "Well, he is the most sensible so I guess it makes sense."
Matthew: "Those are all good points but..."
The all-around and face of the party Matthew Charton spun around to reveal a highly tailored suit. It fit his body perfectly as if it had been custom made for him—-of course it has so this was to be expected. It was a sharp navy blue apparel with gold linings in it, and even golden cuffs that shined so bright they could've blinded the one meant to wear them. That wasn't all to his appearance though as his hair had been slicked back and combed to perfection as there wasn't a speck of hair out of place. He'd also been giving white gloves to go around his hands, though his slicked backed hair highlighted the sharp slant of his eyes, and the defining features of his face which looked quite handsome as faint traces of a chiseled jawline and groomed beard were there.
Even his shoes seemed to come from a line of nobility as they were of the navy blue sort as well. His white pants also called to his appearance as well, popping due to the rest of the outfit. Though that still wasn't the issue...
Mathew: "I FEEL LIKE WE'RE ALL IGNORING THE MAIN THING! HOW DID I END UP BEING THE PRINCE'S BEST MAN?! AND WHAT'S WITH THIS FANCY GET UP?!"
Elara: "It's the best man's clothes. It's customary for the best man to be the best dressed besides the groom, didn't ya know that?"
Elara seemed to be tasting cakes as she said that as she gave a thumbs up to a servant as she tasted one. They quickly scurried away as Elara's cheeks began to fill.
Matthew: "Of course I did! But why are you acting so nonchalant about it?!"
Leo: "Matthew man relax, is it really so bad being the prince's best man? I bet you'll be first to get served! And you even get to give a big speech!"
Tarran: "Being the prince's best man is a huge honor, you should be delighted at the prospect not frightened!"
Matthew: "That's exactly it! It's a huge honor! I don't know how to handle something like that! Fighting monsters and dealing with merchants are more my thing. But public speaking? You'd be better off letting a cow speak."
It truly wasn't something he was horrendously bad at, it was simply just a fact that most people feared public speaking. And although Matthew was the face of the [Hero's Party] he'd been able to do his job more effectively when thinking of himself as just that...a member of the [Hero's Party.] The key difference here was that he was speaking not only for the dignity of his party but as a friend of the [Hero] of Geonosia and for a member of the royal family. A royal family that he served no less. Of course he'd spoke on large scales before but never did he feel the weight of importance more.
Elara: "Oh relax, I'm sure you'll do great! Besides I'm pretty nervous too, so I'm counting on you to lighten the mood! So do your best okay?"
Elara Fey the [Hero] smiled as Matthew. And in that smile was the quality that raised her to the status of the [Hero] in the first place. Of course the quality of her warrior-like abilities was exceptional and her sword skills were second to none. But that wasn't what created the persona of a [Hero] for Elara Fey, nor was it the thing that turned her into the [Hero] that she'd turned out to be. It was simply a facet of her character that had grown but what really made her a hero was her unrelenting power. The power to put others at ease.
Matthew: "Elara..."
Elara: "And maybe after it's over we can all eat some cake! I made sure to pick the best one! Just make it a good speech okay?"
Matthew smiled as the tension started to leave his body.
Matthew: "Right I'll make sure I give you and the prince a good speech, though most of it will be directed at you. I don't know that much about the prince now that I think about it, which is kinda bad for the best man."
Elara: "It's fine, I was expecting most of it to be about me anyways, since his father will be giving a speech as well. That one will probably be more aimed at Gelderan."
Elara walked over to the door of the room they'd been in. It seemed to be a dressing room specifically for Matthew. Since he was the best man, something like this was needed after all.
Elara: "Well I need to start getting ready, Queen Seraphina and the stylist are waiting for me and I don't want to keep them waiting. I'll see you guys when I get back."
Leo: "Don't keep us waiting! We already know you'll make a blushing bride!"
Matthew: "Yeah when Mika and Rowan get here they won't be able to take their eyes off you! I'm sure you'll look stunning as always!"
At Rowan's name Elara stopped in her tracks.
Elara: "Rowan—-I...…tell Rowan I'm...…"
Elara's gaze became downcast and those ocean blue eyes, lost their shine for a moment.
Elara: "Tell Rowan I'm sorry. For everything."
After she said that the [Hero] known as Elara Fey held her head high. Though that look that was in her eyes still hadn't faded and she carried it with her as she disappeared into the rest of the castle. It didn't seem like it had any plans to disperse at all either as it just sat in her eyes discarding the bright ocean-blue color the one could call the [Hero's] eyes. Of course the mentioning of Rowan Agoul didn't just affect her. And Matthew learned this as a hand hit the back of his neck.
Matthew:"Ouch! Hey what was that for?!"
Leo: "What are you doing bringing up Rowan right now?! I'm sure she feels bad enough!"
Tarran: "Yeah! Why'd you bring him into this? Are you trying to make Elara feel bad?!"
Matthew: "No...it's just..."
He thought back to the look he'd seen in Elara's eyes. How sad she looked but there was something else he'd thought he'd saw.
Matthew: "I thought I saw something else in her eyes."
Leo: "Something else?"
Matthew: "Well it seems I was mistaken, I guess I'm not as sharp as I thought when it comes to people's emotions."
Leo: "And that's a shock to you?"
Matthew: "Anyways you guys should get ready too, I'm sure they'll want you to be fairly dressed up as well."
Tarran and Leo: "Right!"
Matthew: "Elara...…I could've sworn she—-no. I'm thinking too much, there's no way I could've been right. Is there?"
As the man pondered that question he let, it roll out of his mind and focused on his appearance in the mirror. In truth, it wasn't as if the man had been wrong but he was simply too insightful that he'd recognized something no one had. But as soon as he recognized it he cast it out of his mind leaving that thing to be up to chance once more.
Mika and Rowan sat in silence for most of the ride, with Mika shooting Rowan a couple of glances that he didn't return. He seemed to be out of it though as their carriage approached the castle some life seemed to slip back into his eyes. Mika still didn't talk to him though as she saw he wasn't ready to, and if it at all possible she hoped to stop Rowan from seeing Elara altogether. Of course she deemed this was an unrealistic position to take altogether but it was one she intended to stand by as the carriage rolled upon the castle grounds.
Mika: "Well looks like we made it here we should try and find Matthew and the others once we get inside. Sound like a plan?"
Rowan: "Yeah sure, whatever you say."
Mika: "Woah!"
The carriage came to an abrupt stop.
Mika: "Hey what the heck was that about?! You almost threw us out the carriage?! Is this how you always drive?!"
Driver: "Forgive me miss, but it seems we're unable to go any further, as you can see."
He gestured his hands to the front of the carriage and Mika's fiery eyes swirled once again as she seemed to see quite a crowd had gathered at the castle. Though this hadn't only been due to their announcement that the [Hero] would be marrying the [Prince], it was also due to who was standing outside of the castle at the moment. Or more so the woman who was standing outside of the castle, that would've been a more accurate description.
Mika: "Hm?"
Mika stuck her head out of the carriage to see a huge crowd in the courtyard of the castle. They all seemed to be staring at the woman in front of them and seemed ecstatic at her presence. As Mika looked at her this was a woman whose presence she'd surely been acquainted with. It was a presence that took over the world and one that made sure to demand the attention that was equal to such a presence. It didn't demand anything less than what it had been receiving as if it knew it was worth that much.
Mika: "What the heck's going on outside?"
Rowan: "I don't know but it sounds too noisy for me."
Rowan let out that grumble and turned away from the source of the sound. He covered his ears as if he wasn't going to give it any second thought.
Mika: "I'm gonna go check it out."
Rowan: "Wait."
Rowan sat up his eyes having a hint of life in them as he did.
Rowan: "I'll go with you I don't want you going into a crowd alone."
Mika: "Look at you I didn't know you were such a gentleman! Should we be getting you a tux as well?"
Rowan: "Please stop teasing me before I sit back down!"
Mika let out a laugh and her trademark smile flashed across her face. Her orange eyes firing up as if they were responding to the life in Rowan's eyes.
Mika: "Well you heard em mister driver we're leaving! Looks like you're off the clock!"
Wilhelm: " I can't contain my excitement."
Said the driver sarcastically as Rowan and Mika hopped out of the carriage. As they did they stood in front of the crowd, almost blending into it completely. Rowan seemed to have a lot more life in him as he stood in the crowd, of course this was because one needed to have their wits about them in a crowd. One could say it worked as a motivator of sorts, for Rowan's mood sort of forcing him out of the slump he was in. By his expression it was hard to tell if he was happy about this or a bit annoyed though one could guess.
Mika: "Man this crowd is huge, I wonder what all these people are doing here? The wedding hasn't seemed to start yet. Could they be waiting for the festivities?"
Rowan: "I don't think so, they seem too lively for that. Plus there's no sign of Elara or the others anywhere so I think we can rule that out."
Rowan: "It'll be tough trying to get through this crowd we should wait until things settle down a bit."
Mika: "Mmmmmm! No that's boring! I'm going on ahead!"
Rowan: "Hey Mika! Wait!"
The girl ran off into the crowd causing Rowan Agoul the [Weapon Holder] to chase after the [Arch Priestess] who seemed to run much too fast for someone specializing in magic. This was of course just the nature of Mika Faelan and something that Rowan was used to, though it didn't make dealing with her any easier. One had to be a special breed in order to tolerate her in fact, which was why Rowan wondered her and Matthew started to date in the first place. Perhaps it was due to the saying opposites attract since he was so uptight and she was so carefree when they'd met. Regardless Rowan found himself struggling to keep up with the girl.
Guard 1: "Everyone please stay back! The princess is not accepting gifts at this time!"
Guard 2: "We understand your excitement! But please calm yourselves! There's only so much the princess can take!"
Princess Sylphine: Oh get back! I can handle myself!
Guard 2: "B-But princess!"
At the front of the crowd the woman standing there was none other than Princess Sylphine. Her presence in front of the crowd was that of regality and elegance, at least that's what'd be expected of a princess. And while her presence did indeed demand the attention that was upon it, one could say that the behavior she was exhibiting was far from princess like. At least at the moment, that is.
Princess Sylphine: Alright! All of my adoring fans who've come to see me, prepare to see some magic that will blow your socks off!"
The light in her eyes shined brightly as she raised her staff up in the air. She made grand body language as if the spell she'd been set to release would be one of the greatest things known to man. However...
Guard 1: "Princess you can't be seen doing magic! What would the king say!?"
Guard 2: "Yes have you forgotten you're forbidden, and it's your brother's wedding day for Pete's sake! Show some respect!"
Princess Sylphine: "Oh shut up Geralt and you too Omur! You guys are always such big meanies! Why can't I do magic in peace!"
Geralt: "We just said why!"
Sylphine began to pout and hit her servants who were dressed head to toe in battle armor. Though beneath it they also wore clothes fit for a wedding. Although that was the case you could still find swords by their hips if you'd looked there, which seemed ready to be unsheathed at any moment. Though the two men who were to brandish them didn't seem very warrior-like right now as the princess began to hit them with her fists with them exclaiming "hey that hurts stop!" One could've come to the wrong conclusions about them and their relationship with the princess due to this, but it was simply one of light heartedness and a bit of sternness. As seen now though they weren't the only ones with a relationship like that...
Rowan: "Hey! Stop pulling me and would it kill you to be a bit more gentle if you are!"
Mika: "Oh stop complaining I carry Matthew much worse than this!"
Rowan: "And why do you carry Matthew again?! Oof!"
Rowan Agoul had come flying out of the crowd, and landed on his chin in front of Princess Sylphine and her attendants. Behind him came Mika, the green haired orange-eyed [Arch Priestess] of the [Hero's Party] who'd thrown the [Weapon Holder] out of the crowd. Rowan rubbed his head jaw as Mika stepped out from behind him, not seeming to give any care to what'd she'd just done to the man.
Mika: "Jeez stop your whining you're ruining my good mood from the sweets!"
Princess Sylphine: "Mika!"
Mika: "Syl!"
Mika ran towards the princess as she stepped on Rowan's back with him letting out an "ow!" as she did.
Mika: "How've you been?!"
Princess Sylphine: "You know, royal duty this royal duty that same old same old. But who's that? I don't think we've met before."
She pointed to the man known as Rowan Agoul who was being helped up by Geralt and Omur. He rubbed his jaw as he gave Mika a bit of an angry look as he did.
Mika: "Oh him? That's Rowan! He's the [Weapon Holder] of the [Hero's Party] and a good friend of mine! That is when he isn't being a total wimp."
Rowan: "Why does every introduction you give me have to be so demeaning! And in front of the queen of all people!"
Mika: "What? I'm just telling the truth. You've always been pathetic."
Rowan: "That doesn't make it any better! Huh?"
Sylphine walked over to Rowan giving him an unprecedented gesture as she stood in front of the man named Rowan Agoul. Her hands—-sleek and soft as they were reached out towards the man named Rowan Agoul. The hands of a [Princess] were attempting to touch a [Weapon Holder's] hands. And while Rowan was the [Hero's Party] [Weapon Holder] he was still simply that, just a [Weapon Holder.] Her bright beautiful eyes stared at him, harboring no hint of deceitfulness in them. They were genuine…
Princess Sylphine: "Rowan was it? It's nice to meet you! I'm Princess Sylphine but you can just call me Syl. it's always nice to meet a member of the [Hero's Party.]"
Rowan slightly blushes mostly out of embarrassment,but regains his composure as he reaches out his hand, and intertwines it with Sylphine's. Her hand was soft and Rowan could scarcely recall anything that'd felt this soft ever in his twenty-one years of life. Maybe had he not been reeling from the recent rejection the [Hero] had given him he'd have started to develop feelings here and there.
Rowan: "L-Likewise, it's an honor to meet a member of the royal family thank you for all you do for our country."
Mika: "Ouooo! Somebody's star struck!"
Rowan: "Would you shut up?! You always find a way to ruin everything!"
Mika: "Hehe!"
Geralt and Omur who had been silent for most of the exchange finally stepped back in.
Geralt: "Well we must say it's a relief you're here Miss Mika. Mister Matthew seemed pretty angry about you slipping off."
Mika: "Oh did he now? Haha…"
Mika started to sweat bullets as this revelation.
Rowan: "Ouoo! You're in trouble!"
Omur: "Anyways speaking off sneaking of...…you're the reason this giant crowd is here! How many times do we have to yell you to stop sneaking off Princess Sylphine!"
Omur yelled at the Princess as if he was disciplining a little kid. One could've seen this exchange as something that was disrespectful on Omur's part but it was simply just a reflection of the close relationship between the two. The giant crowd hadn't seemed to stop squirming as everyone kept trying to get a look at the Princess.
Princess Sylphine: "Well what am
I suppose to do? My dad keeps trying to ship me off, with potential partners for the wedding but I'm not into any of them! Why can't I just do what I want to do! I am the princess after all!"
Geralt: "That's exactly why! You're the princess and you have responsibilities! And that doesn't include running off and doing magic! Now let's get this crowd focused of you and go!"
Princess Sylphine: "Mhmmm fine!"
Sylphine started to pout and wave her arms up and down as she did so. Fake tears started to come to her eyes as well prompting Omur to give her a "oh stop faking!"
Princess Sylphine: "Mika!"
Mika: "I'm on it!"
Mika gave her a smirk and without a word seemed to understand exactly what Sylphine was telling her to do. As she started to walk up to the crowd with an excited grin on her face.
Mika: "Hey everyone! My name is Mika the [Arch priestess] of the [Hero's Party]! The princess has to go but I promise the wedding will be starting soon so please wait diligently!"
Rowan: "There's no way this works right?"
Crowd: "mmmm! Of course Miss Mika! Any member of the [Hero's Party] is someone we could never refuse!"
Rowan: "That worked?!"
Rowan watched in amazement as the crowd started to quiet down in front of Mika. It seemed the pull she had over the crowd was equal to that of Elara the [Hero.]
Crowd: "Come on everyone! Let's make sure we quiet down! I'm sure the wedding will be starting soon!"
The crowd one again became civilized sitting down at the tables that were scattered around the courtyard. It was at this time Rowan took notice of the wedding decorations. He'd barely been able to get a good look at them due to the spectacle he'd just witnessed taking his attention.
Rowan: "Are you kidding me?! They didn't listen to the Princess's guard but listen to her?! You've gotta be shitting me!"
Mika: "What can I say? When you've got it you've got it. Anyways I'm gonna go catch up with Matthew and the others, you coming?"
Rowan: "Yeah let me just-"
As Rowan started to walk towards Mika he felt something pull him back. His eyes quickly moved to the source and he saw a bit of a mellow looking Sylphine staring at him.
Princess Sylphine: "Rowan right? I have a proposition for you."
Rowan: "Hmm?"
Princess Sylphine: "W-Would you, want to be my date for the wedding today?"
As she asked that Rowan's could've sworn she had a slight blush. Though it could've just been him as he felt his body start to grow red hot. Though before he could even say anything his most primal reaction came first.
Rowan: "Eh?"
Rowan Agoul let out that sound as the Princess's offer started to snuff out the flames of rejection.