It was a grand affair, possibly the grandest Malkuth had seen in the last century. Some would say it was well warranted; after all it was an occasion that many began to think would never happen. The marriage of Emperor Peony had arrived at last. The ceremony passed without a hitch and now there was feasting, mingling and dancing.
Jade extricated himself from the crowds, avoided the wildly grinning Emperor and found peace out on a balcony. The peace was short-lived however. He didn't turn at the quiet sound of the door and the soft footsteps, letting his intruder come to him.
"Brother?" Nephry stopped beside him, resplendent in her wedding gown.
"Nephry." He replied. "I'm surprised you were able to extract yourself from the crowd."
"You don't approve, do you?"
Aaah, Nephry straight to the point and always quick to assume the worst of him. He straightened and faced her. "From a political standpoint, there are many who oppose it and with good reason. Your marriage does little to strengthen Malkuth's standing."
Nephry looked away her. "I know."
"However," at this she looked back at him "as your brother and his friend, I must say it will be a relief to stop witnessing the forlorn sighs and stolen glances."
She frowned at him. "That's it? Aren't you worried? Or…hap-" she stopped her lips pursing.
"Certainly there are those with concerns for the future, but our dear Emperor is highly skilled at getting his way in the end."
"But…"
"Now Nephry, you used to always be so punctual. Isn't the second-guessing supposed to happen just before the wedding? You're late."
"I thought I did know. I should have known better than to talk to you. You never do give a straight clear answer."
Jade gave a low chuckle before cocking his head. "I do believe I hear your beloved's dulcet tones calling for us. He seems to have a strange notion that I would be best suited to cutting your cake. You would think he'd know better." He added, his eyes glittering.
Nephry frowned again, though the corners of her mouth twitched. "Do try not to cause too much ruckus?"
Jade offered her his arm. "He has spent a long time waiting."
She took it finally feeling a true smile. Jade was right; the Emperor did get his way in the end and she had every belief he would continue to.
They paused at the entrance and spotted Peony waving at them energetically from his position beside an enormous and ornate triple layered cake decorated in fondant and sugar with Malkuth's crest and even some little sugar spun rappigs on the bottom layer.
"Of course the true horror in all of this is that that man is now my brother." Jade murmured.
Nephry laughed and let herself be guided forward to her new groom.
Author's Note: It's been a while since I've written much and even longer since I've played Tales of the Abyss, hopefully not too rusty! I'm not sure what sparked this. For some reason this came to mind while I was lying in bed, not feeling very well...But the dialogue started coming to me, and away it went. I need more scenes like to come to mind when sick, far more entertaining than other blah thoughts :)