A/N: Now reading The Necromancer. And crying. Why haven't I slowed down a bit? Wow I just want to hurt myself. Well, I'll be adding a few non-canonical historical figures here. Let's see if you can spot them, eh? And yes, I've joined two days into one. This is just how lazy I get. So sorry that I'm not sorry. 8D
It was a mild day, considering the recent too snowy weather. The couple that was married considered it a great omen. Both of them were immortal humans, the man a friend to the Italian. He serves in the Secret Service as well. They were having their wedding in England, though, because of the woman's nationality. There were a wash of immortal humans in the place, at least two Elders, and a few Next Generations.
"I hate being in England," muttered Dr. John Dee lowly, fiddling with his white bow tie in the restroom of the reception. A lot had happened here in England that he was willing to forget.
Niccolo Machiavelli, in the meanwhile, had just finished adjusting his equally white necktie, tucking it under his handmade tuxedo. He found that he wanted to smack the doctor's hands away from his bow tie and just fix it himself. Seeing him messing with it made it irresistible. But he managed to control himself. "Then perhaps you should have asked me for details before agreeing to come with me," He murmured, brushing away the dust that had accumulated at his shoulders. "And besides, I think you'd want to know that Eileithyia is here, along with her twin."
The Magician's head snapped up almost immediately, curiosity painting his blue- and red-speckled gray eyes. "Artemis? And Apollo?" questioned he, disbelieving that the other twins in the legends were here. Artemis liked to call herself by her Cretan name more, thus Eileithyia, but Apollo stayed loyal to his most famous name. The man was indeed quite proud. Why were they here? They rarely showed themselves anymore, even with all the chaos around them. Oftentimes they were wary of their surroundings, and had remained neutral in the wars, only trusting themselves, staying in their own Shadowrealm.
Machiavelli nodded, now proceeding to go outside. "Apollo had Awoken the groom, and Artemis the bride." whispered he to the doctor.
Dee was about to ask how he knew, but instead a sly smile crept up to his face as he followed the taller man out. "I'm betting you got that from your database." said he, his chin lifting to show his arrogance.
The same crowd they had met earlier in the church greeted the immortals, although this time, there was a much more easy environment. Glasses and silverware clinked, laughter and conversations were in the air, and the smell of delicious food engulfed their sense of smell. It was a pity most of the guests didn't take a liking to eating for the pleasure of it.
"And so I've heard you knew about it," Machiavelli said with a clipped tone, feeling a little touchy on the subject. Aten had pointed it out a long time ago, but it was still frustrating how his secret database wasn't even much of a secret anymore.
"You're not the only one who has a vast amount of knowledge," quipped the Magician, smiling politely at a person who greeted them both, and shaking the man's hand. Machiavelli had done the same, and quickly moved along, refusing to reply to that remark.
"Ah, here's the Italian with his Englishman," A deep male voice greeted behind them. When they swiveled around, they discovered him to be the groom, who was a former prime minister of Italy, with his new wife on his arm. The woman looked as if she was about to burst into a fit of laughter.
"Alcide, il mio amico," laughed Niccolo, opening his arms to embrace the other man. They proceeded to converse in Italian. The name sounded pleasant on his tongue, and he seemed genuinely happy. And what was with the possessive term, 'his Englishman'? These were the simple observations of the doctor.
Wanting to keep to his polite streak, Dee had kissed the bride's outstretched hand, and smiled at her. "Congratulations," said he clearly, wondering what she had done for Artemis in her lifetime, and just who she was. Artemis surely wouldn't just be Awakening humans if she was staying inconspicuous. Apollo, too. And where those Elders, anyway?
"…and perhaps you've heard of my companion, Dr. John Dee." introduced Machiavelli, stepping back to allow the Magician to some limelight.
"We are quite aware of your existence, Doctor," mused Mrs. De Gasperi, lips in an amused curl. "You have not exactly a good name on you, but I've always liked good heads on shoulders."
A smile made its way to Machiavelli's face; Dee did indeed have a good head. With immense curiosity like his, nothing was impossible.
Dee smiled himself, feeling a little abashed at the woman's compliment. "Why thank you, milady," said he, happy that someone had finally noticed his brain and not his rotten reputation. It was always the case when it came to him.
Genevieve whispered something in her husband's ear, which caused him to have a huge grin, and he leaned in towards hers to say something back. She playfully smacked his arm and giggled like a little girl.
Machiavelli raised an eyebrow; they were obviously talking about them. It was in their body language. But why the giggles…? Gray eyes flickered towards the shorter man, who was also peering at him. They were thinking the same thing. How immature for the couple… but they were newlyweds after all, it was natural. Before they could properly excuse themselves because it was getting too awkward, new people had arrived.
A woman arm-in-arm with a man with identical features walked - more like floated, what with their grace - towards them, the man's features slightly happy, and the woman's… not so much. "Dee, Machiavelli," The brown-haired Elder greeted, shaking hands with the both of the famous immortals, while the archer regarded them with a cold stare, only noticing the married couple. "Mr. and Mrs. De Gasperi! My sister and I are happy you two have ended up together even after your painful past, dear Alcide."
Genevieve's hand flew up to her husband's back, circling it. His past was painful, and she just wanted him to forget all about it. He did leave with a good reputation, being one of the founding fathers of the European Union. Alcide smiled gently at her, wrinkles clear on his face, and faced the taller man. "Thank you." whispered he, bowing to the Elders. His wife and the two men followed suit. "Now if you'd excuse us; we've to greet the other guests." Then the four were left alone.
Apollo sent a dangerous smile in their way. "A friend of the groom, I presume?" asked he, directing it to the Italian, who nodded.
"We are surprised you are here," Dee remarked. Machiavelli saw something glint in his eyes, and he wondered how much it was taking him to hold back all his of questions for the twin gods.
"Ah, yes. It would indeed be a surprise for anyone. We rarely venture out of our own Shadowrealm…" Apollo started, straightening his maroon-colored velvet tuxedo, and pushing back his hair.
"But this is an important occasion." finished Artemis, her voice cool and collected. Her light blue eyes, however, told another story. She did not like mingling with immortals that had a side. They were often bad news. Her arms were folded over a cocktail dress that matched the color of her brother's suit.
Apollo gestured towards the buffet with an alluring smile, ignoring his twin's tired glare. "Mayhaps we can converse over dinner? It's been long before I've eaten something in a wedding, and I want to be updated on the ongoing events. Alcide doesn't keep up with current affairs."
