Disclaimer: Yeah, yeah, you know they aren't mine. Tamora Pierce is the author of The Protector of The Small books, and was the one who created Tortall in general.

The inspiration for this fic came from a thread discussing weddings in Tortall on the Shero's board. There's a link to the forum from the official site of Tamora Pierce (www.tamora-pierce.com)

This chapter was written before reading Lady Knight. And please review. I love feedback.

Unforgettable Wedding

Chapter One: Envisioning

            Musicians concentrated on their flutes and harps, and delicate tunes wove through the air, mingling with the warm scent of coriander surrounding the many guests. Bright sunlight filled the hall, and red candles blazed upon four ornate chandeliers for effect.

All the finery didn't impress Sir Keladry. "What a waste of money," she muttered to the tall green-eyed friend leaning against the wall beside her. His normally sharp gaze slid down to her face and softened a fraction.

"Do you want me to find Cleon for you?" he queried carefully. 

"No!" She took a deep breath, and composed her face. 'Stone,' she thought. 'I am a Unmovable Stone.'

Neal raised his eyebrows with a Players grace. He was dressed in a simple but elegant silk and velvet tunic, all in understated pine green that matched his moss eyes. His shoulder length hair shone under the firelight. 'Yuki must have dressed him again,' thought Kel, 'but she's made him look even more a trickster.' With a sigh, she remembered why they were here, and some of her Yamani calm evaporated. "We always knew this had to happen. Besides, no one's supposed to see the groom yet."

"And Goddess forbid we of all people break tradition." His comment brought the intended smile to Kel's lips. "I'm going to go see Yuki. She's hates big gatherings like this, they still don't make much sense to her."

"Go find your wife then." Kel couldn't see Yuki, but knew that all Yamani ladies would be too polite to interrupt conversations to ask for assistance. They would consider it their responsibility to know the customs of Tortallan weddings, and their own fault if they couldn't remember what the many little rituals were. Yuki was no different, and Kel didn't want her friend to be embarrassed. 

"Right." He turned as if to leave, then swivelled back and rested his large hand on her left shoulder. "Take it from me, you need to get drunk tonight." And with that piece of advice, Neal dived into a group of chattering nobles, and the crowds beyond them. Tall as he was, he still managed to disappear from her sight.

Keladry sighed again, and retreated from the celebration to an even greater degree. A tapestry hung from the wall, not entirely covering a space half hidden behind. The window seat she had found was removed from the main party, and resting on a velvety pillow; wishfully her thoughts drifting to the wedding party she would have. Someday.

It would start like this one had, though the before party would be less ornate. Then a Priest of Mithros would take out a golden bell and hold it high above his head, and ring it once: a high clear note that signalled the beginning of the actual ceremony. She could see herself, dressed in all her knight regalia, having her hands bound in love… She lifted her gaze to her lover, but it wasn't Cleon's handsome face that peered back at her.

A sharp sound resonated within the room. Confused, Keladry wondered, 'Again?' Then a female voice jarred though her head, and with a jolt she was thrown out of her dream. Yuki, beautiful in a deep blue kimono shimmering with gold, helped her up with impassive face; Neal features were marred by a frown.

"We can leave if you want."

"I'm okay, Neal, I'm fine."

He glared at her fiercely. "I don't believe you." Low and intense, his voice crackled slightly. "Cleons not worth this, he's just a big oaf. We can go. Now."

"It's not Cleon. I was just thinking of our camp."

"We're going."

No, I'm staying. Even if I am worried about their safety."

"What? You! You…" Neal's voice rose as high as the bell had a moment before. Yuki flicked a smile over at Kel, and laid one hand over Neal's franticly waving arms. The other she used to gesture towards the crowd slowly moving into the adjoining room.

Stopping only for a moment to check her hair in a glass pane, Kel joined the back of a finely clad group of noble womyn, presumably friends of the heiress Cleon was almost betrothed to.

"I can do this," she reminded herself, running her hazel eyes over different the wooden chairs, each carved with complicated hunting scenes and dark forest glades. To the left of the mahogany doors Lord Raoul lent over Buri, each of them in Goldenlake colours and fine silken tunics. A spare seat stood by them. Thankfully she slid into it, allowing only for a brief greeting to the couple that obviously desired to continue their conversation.

A Priestess of the Goddess stood in the middle of the room, dressed only in a white shift, her hair unbound and falling to the bottom of her lower back. The Priest stood behind her slightly, still clutching the golden bell as if it might fly out the window if he loosened his grip. He had thick black hair that curled over his head and ears like a crown, and diamonds sparkled from the collar and hems of his orange robe.

He lifted the bell again, and silence fell across the room like a blanket.