Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonlance or any of its subsidiaries. Unless this story is considered a subsidiary in which case I own one. Take that Wizards of the Coast! Um...Anyway...
Author's Note: The Wedding Yay! Very, very long chapter.
Ahn-Li Steffraini: Hehe I totally agree. I got mine whipped. When he reads this he'll have a fit. I sorta did what you said about Mrs. Tarinius. Very amusing.
Guan: Thank you very much.
Calli-Kurama: You're right about Aurelia. This should hopefully satisfy your wedding excitement.
ChildlikeEmpress: I agree about Tas, I wouldn't invite him to my wedding. I hope you like this chapter.
crazzymonkey: Thank you very much. I hope you enjoy the wedding .
Chapter 17: The Wedding
Crysania sat in her chamber in the Temple of Mishakal getting ready for her wedding. Initially she had been extremely disappointed that her own church wouldn't grant her permission to have the wedding there. But she finally gave up. Elistan was still going to do the sermon. And that was all that really mattered to her. She knew Paladine was with her no matter where she was. Besides Raistlin seemed much more comfortable with the idea of getting married here. Though he had not been involved with the planning of the wedding, he had still wanted things to be comfortable for him. Right now Laurana, Tika, and Alhana were pampering her. Laurana did her hair in to elegant twist leaving a few pieces down in gentle curls. Tika crushed berries for her blush while Alhana applied her own glossy black eye makeup to Crysania. It enhanced the brightness of her warm gray eyes and lengthened her eyelashes dramatically. Tika who was extremely impressed with it asked Alhana where she found it, and upon hearing that it was made with magic gasped. Crysania laughed slightly. Tika seemed terrified of magic completely. On the other side of the room Goldmoon prepared all the children her twin daughters were dressed lovely. Gilthas who was looking slightly healthier was in a light green hose and rich velvety dark green tunic. He had a small gold and green cape to match his hat he wore as well. Aidan was dressed in the gold court outfit Laurana had given them as well. His auburn hair gently waved around his face. Aurelia wore a powder blue dress that puffed out at the bottom. It was adorned with ivory lace and pearls. Her blonde hair was curled and she wore half of it pulled back in a light blue ribbon. Now that everything else was done it was time for them to get Crysania's dress on. Tika looking at all the ties and latches sighed. This was going to take a while.
"Stop touching my hair!" Raistlin shrieked at Porthios the only one of the men who had any experience in grooming. Tanis, Caramon, and Riverwind on the other hand all sat back laughing.
Porthios made a disgusted face. "Don't you human's ever brush your hair." He slid a golden brush through Raistlin's hair. Raistlin cringed and swatted it away with his hand.
"Give me that god forsaken thing before I turn you into a kender you evil elf." Raistlin said snatching the brush from Porthios. On cue Tas stepped into the room.
"Hey Raistlin I brought you guys a wedding gift." A moment later Tanis who had been scratching his beard confused took the package from Tas.
"I knew it." He declared. "Look." he said pointing at the tag where, From: Tanis and Laurana had been replaced with Tasselhoff Burfoot.
"Why that is strange..." Tasselhoff said with a puzzled expression on his face. "Someone must have switched the names on the tags to confuse us." Tas said innocently. "Probably Dalamar. I saw him by the gift table."
They all laughed at while Raistlin managed to escape and went off in the corner and tied the black silk ribbon around his hair himself. He looked at his appearance. He was please to see his eyes their normal self and not the hideous hourglass ones he had been forced to live with after the test. The he had loudly argued against it, he had to admit that the tinted powder Porthios used had made his skin seem somewhat less metallic, and eliminated his dark shadows under his eyes. He had been angered when he even suggested using any cosmetic agents, however Dalamar and Tanis both assured him that it was an actual customary thing they did in elven ceremonies. When Porthios had suggested a light berry juice to brighten his pale lips he drew the line. Sarcastically he said, "Oh yes wouldn't that be lovely, I'd be wearing more makeup than the bride."
Caramon replied to this quickly. "Oh no Raist, I saw Crysania they put a lot of gunk on her." Tanis burst out laughing and Raistlin rubbed his temples slightly.
"Brother..." but he gave up deciding it wouldn't even be worth it.
Dalamar walked into the room carrying the newly made silken black hoodless robe that Raistlin would wear. It had silver runes still around the shoulders, hand openings, bottom, and neck opening. On the chest in an even darker black and silver thread was depicted the Platinum Dragon sleeping peacefully under the black moon Nuitari. This had been his idea. Crysania had not seen it yet, but the rest of them assured her she would like it, Tika had nearly cried seeing it and yelled at Caramon for not doing anything like that. He was slightly embarrassed, he hadn't been trying to be sentimental it was just the most appropriate design he could think of. After he was ready he looked in the mirror one final time. It was funny he almost felt nervous, almost. Probably just because everyone kept asking him if he was. It was as if they wanted him to break down and cry for them. Happy with his presentation he looked over his groomsmen. Unlike Crysania he hadn't specified what they were to wear. Caramon wore his finest long blue tunic with gold stitching and bluish gray pants. Tanis wore an outfit Laurana had picked out for him; it was lavender, silver and dark purple to match her dress. He was obviously completely humiliated by it. He had been referred to as the flower boy all day long by Caramon and nearly fought him over it, fortunately Riverwind stepped in to calm both men down. Riverwind himself wore his Royal Tribal Ceremony clothing, richly embroidered leather and a beaded cape. Dalamar wore a slightly nicer version of his normal black robes. Tasselhoff wore bright yellow leggings, a red and orange tunic, and a purple hat with a spotted tan and black feather with a stripe of blue down the middle that looked very similar to the ones on the birds in the Temple's aviary. All and all they were quite the mismatched group, but somehow in it's own strange way it worked.
"I can't breathe." Crysania exclaimed.
"Maybe you shouldn't have picked a dress with a corset." Tika said laughing.
Alhana frowned, "Your joking right? I'm not even done tying. You spend too much time in those flowy cleric robes."
Crysania took a deep breath and relaxed, "That's better, it just takes practice."
"Half of it is nerves." Laurana said smiling. "Don't take this the wrong way but I never expected to see him of all people getting married. Especially to someone like you."
Crysania smiled slightly; "There are many who would say the same of me."
"Alright you're done Alhana said pulling the last time then tying the white ribbons into bows.
Crysania appraised herself in the mirror. Her hair was perfect the twists were elegant and the small pieces of hair that hung down curled slightly. Her makeup was perfect, her cheeks were rosy, her eyes were bright and enhanced, warm and gray with just a hint of blue from excitement. Her lips were pink, a light delicate shade, Alhana had done a perfect job with the makeup. Her dress... was magnificent. Laurana had taken a sketch she did to an Elven seamstress. It was better than she ever imagined. The back was a corset with white ribbon and platinum trim. Each latch was decorated with one diamond. It dipped low down her back and had no straps attached to the back. Instead the to front straps attached around her neck in a style that was developed in Qualnesti and called a halter neck. It was very flattering on her; it complimented her elegant neck and slim figure. The sides of the straps were lined with pearls as well as the neck, which dipped into a dangerously low v. Elistan who had seen the dress earlier had strongly disapproved. Though she made the point that anything that didn't cover all her skin would have been too risky for him. It fit tightly around her waste and was adorned with pearls at the waste line as well. The bottom of the dress slightly puffed out though not much; the white silk shimmered slightly with a silvery glow. It had a train as well that Aurelia and Gilthas would carry. Tika, Laurana, Alhana, and Goldmoon were dressed in their bridesmaid dresses. They were made of lavender silk with a powdery purple lace around the neckline and shoulders. They all looked beautiful in it. Her mother came in wearing a rich purple dress and an amethyst necklace. She smiled at the group filled with mirth.
"You look absolutely stunning daughter." She said hugging Crysania lightly. Appraising the rest of them her smile grew, "You all look fantastic."
Aurelia ran carrying Aidan. She set him down next to her. "Hello Grandmother." She said happily hugging her.
"Grama." Aidan said reaching his arms out towards her.
She picked him up and laughed. "Children you look absolutely splendid."
"Well are you ready to go?" Caramon called from the hall. "I think Raistlin is getting nervous." A moment later she heard Raistlin yell shut up, "Ouch Raist I was just kidding." He said rubbing his arm.
"I'm ready." Crysania called smiling. "You have the ring right Aurelia?"
"Yep." She said holding out a silvery ring that was braided with night black, smooth shining obsidian.
"Okay." Crysania said taking a deep breath. She heard the traditional wedding music of Panathalas being played on the large temple organ. Her bridesmaids left first and were accompanied by their respective husbands. Caramon was the best man so he stood in front accompanied by Tika her maid of honor. Next was Tanis and Laurana followed by Goldmoon and Riverwind, Alhana and Porthios followed last. Tas could be heard clapping and whistling in the audience until Dalamar cast a silencing spell on him. Next walked out Raistlin alone unaided by his staff, he looked straight ahead until he reached the front and when he looked at his left he saw Par Salian accompanied by another old man whose white beard covered most of his face besides his intelligent, yet wild blue eyes. He smiled at Raistlin and winked, Raistlin realized it was Antimodes the man who had originally gotten him started in magic. He wanted to talk to him now, but he realized that probably wouldn't be appropriate. He heard many gasps and quickly turned his head to see Crysania walk down the aisle accompanied by her father in his full honorary armor of a Solamnic knight, besides his helmet of course. Raistlin simply stared at her amazed. Even when Caramon nudged him to turn around he was unfazed. She smiled radiantly at him. She looked like the epitome of pure beauty. Even Alhana and Laurana both highly regarded for their looks even in an elven society of perfection seemed dull compared to Crysania in this moment. Her creamy skin was blushed, her black hair sharply contrasted it while at the same time complimenting it. Her eyes glowed with warmth. He smiled slightly seeing his daughter following Crysania with Tanis' son. He looked much better now, not like his father, or even as strong as other elven boys his age but he looked better and that was always an improvement. His hair was much like Aurelia's they looked quite adorable, and many "awes" and "oos" could be heard from the guests. His eyes met Crysania's for a moment. He smiled slightly and she smiled back at him excitedly. When she finally met him before Elistan her father gave her away and Raistlin could've swore he saw Paladine standing next to him for a moment. A small tear trickled down the strong knight's face getting caught by his mustache. He kissed Crysania on the cheek and then took a seat next to her mother. She examined the design on his robes for a moment with a loving teary-eyed look. The ceremony was long and filled with talk about Paladine bringing them together, at one point Dalamar actually laughed out loud but was silenced by a look like daggers from Crysania, Raistlin merely smirked at his apprentice. When they were asked to make their vows Aurelia brought forth Raistlin ring and handed it to Crysania. Raistlin turned towards Caramon who was frantically looking through all of his pockets.
"Caramon..." Raistlin whispered lethally.
"One sec Raist I know it's in here somewhere." Caramon said searching.
Raistlin glanced in the audience at Tasselhoff. He gave him a look that could kill and the kender shrugged back at him.
"Oh here it is." He said laughing nervously. Fell through a hole in my pocket. Raistlin gave him a look that said you'll be dead in five minutes then turned back to Crysania.
Elistan turned to Crysania first. "Put the ring on his finger." After she did that he continued. "Repeat the words I say that are the binding vows of marriage under our gods. With this ring."
"With this ring." Crysania said shakily. Then repeating after Elistan she continued. "I do promise to always love you...care for you...put you before myself...in sickness and in health...until my life is done...and when we meet again in Paladine's glory."
Now Raistlin put his ring on her finger, it was similar to hers except it had a diamond surrounded by two black shimmering stones. When she gave him a curious look while trying to figure out what they were he whispered in response. "Magic..." Now Elistan began to speak and Raistlin repeated after him his voice so soft that only Crysania could hear him completely, "With this ring I do promise to always" he paused for a moment and cleared his throat with a tinge of apprehension, "Love you." He said in a strange voice as if puzzled at hearing the words come from his mouth. "In sickness and in health, until my life is done...and when we meet again in the gods glory." Elistan smiled slightly at this but continued anyway.
"With the power vested in me by the Church and Paladine, I know pronounce you man and wife." In the crowd of guests tears filled many eyes. Including Caramon, Crysania's parents, Tasselhoff Burfoot who sobbed so loudly Dalamar considered putting another silencing spell on him. And in the very back of the church an old man with a flowing white beard in mouse colored robes with a hat that just would stay still; cried slightly. He then whispered to the teary eyed woman next to him with a beautiful intelligent face wearing red robes, "Weddings always make me cry." Next to her in robes blacker than night itself was a handsome young man who simply shook his head at the to of them and clapped slightly as Elistan said you may now kiss the bride.
Raistlin and Crysania looked at each other for a moment before he tilted his head down and his lips gently met hers. The kiss was quick, neither of them wanted to make a spectacle of it, but it held more emotion than anyone watching probably realized.
Now Elistan with a grandfatherly pride laid a hand on Crysania's shoulder and slightly more carefully on Raistlin. "It is my honor and pleasure to now present to you friends and family, Raistlin and Crysania Majere. Everyone stood to clap besides Dalamar and Nuitari who simply rolled their eyes at this, still slightly confused by Raistlin's decision. Crysania's eyes started to water with happiness and Alhana quickly tapped her and told her to calm down before she ruined her eye makeup. Crysania laughed slightly and took Raistlin's hand. He seemed rather embarrassed by the big deal everyone was making and stared at the floor. Until Caramon grasped him in a huge bear hug causing him to wheeze slightly, Caramon red faced quickly released him.
"Sorry Raist." His twin said embarrassed.
"I ought to turn you into a gully dwarf for nearly losing the ring." Raistlin said with soft menace. Seeing Caramon's frightened look, Raistlin smiled ever so slightly, "Caramon you bafoon, I said I ought to." Caramon laughed slightly but still seemed nervous. Shaking his head Raistlin walked over to meet his new wife and leave to the reception.
(A/N I was going to stop here but...since your all such nice readers I will continue with the reception!)
The reception was held in a grand hall in one of the nicest parts of Panathalas. Crysania's parents had gotten it and their best grand suite reserved for them within the short time they had planned the wedding, which was not an easy thing to do. The finest Elven wine and delicacies were served, courtesy Porthios and Alhana. They also had exotic fruits and breads provided by Raistlin. But the main attraction all of the previous Heroes of the Lance were looking forward to was catering done by Otik himself. He served he spicy potatoes and ale with a mirthful cheer, telling tales of the heroes that he used to entertain his customers with. After a little to much elven wine Mrs. Tarinius was hugging Raistlin saying how happy she was that he was her new son, and that she would do anything for him. Crysania rather embarrassed guided her mother off to talk to Alhana about all the fantastic makeup she had. Raistlin looked at Crysania with a, what to you so long? eye raise. Crysania laughed.
"My mother always had a secret thing for magic users." Crysania replied embarrassed.
"I noticed." He said glancing over at his mother in law who had walked away from Alhana and was now giggling while talking to Antimodes.
"Mother..." Crysania called patiently while walking over to her.
"Hey Raist come over here we want you to open your gifts. Get Crysania." Caramon said smiling holding a cup of juice from all the exotic fruits.
"Crysania, we have to go open gifts." He said gently to Crysania who was trying to tear her mother off Antimodes arm. The two of them who were painfully drunk were seeing a song about Magius and Huma, unfortunately they seemed to completely forget how the song was supposed to sound and made up music as they sang. Sitting on a chair a few feet from them Par Salian and Crysania's father both watched the scene humiliated and unsure of what to do. Giving her mother one final tug Crysania pulled her away and dragged her to the gift table with them. Upon looking at the gifts Crysania laughed to see that each tag had the name Tasselhoff Burfoot written then crossed out on it and replaced with the original name.
Laughing Tanis said, "It seemed our friend had a little bit of trouble remembering which gift was his."
"Ah," Crysania said with amused glance at Tas.
"Open ours first." Caramon said holding out an oddly shaped package. "It was my idea, Tika helped me figure out how to make it."
Crysania opened it as Raistlin watched with a slightly curious look on his face. It was a smooth wooden cup with an attachment inside that had two flat wooden circles the size of the inside of the cup with an inch of space between them. The top circle could come off the stick that kept them attached through the center, so that the herbs for Raistlin's tea could be placed there. There were several large holes in the top circle and even more very small holes in the bottom circle so that hot water could pass through. "You see what it does is make the tea with out the herbs getting in the cup, so it's a smooth cup of tea. That's not the best part though. It doesn't get cold because between the two layers of wood that make up the cup there is a steel...What's the word again Tika?"
"Insulator." Tika said smiling.
"Yeah, there's a steel insulator." Caramon said with a proud smile. "I just know how you need your tea sometimes, and if no ones around you can always have this ready."
"You thought of this yourself brother?" Raistlin said surprised.
"Well yes...I just, I don't know it seemed like a good idea." Caramon stammered.
"It is...you could make a fortune with these things." Crysania said quite impressed.
"Actually if you wouldn't mind Caramon. I think I would like one too." Said Par Salian. "Then I'll never have to leave my study."
Caramon laughed, "Sure I don't mind, its really no big deal."
Laurana and Tanis gave their gift next. It was an iridescent porcelain dinette set. Crysania loved it, but Raistlin rose an eyebrow to Tanis, "How creative Half-Elven." He said sarcastically.
"The wife's idea. I have no say in anything anymore." Tanis said laughing.
Next the got their gift from Alhana and Porthios gemstone encrusted candelabras and candles that smelled like all different things ranging from the ocean, to a cool winter night, to a home made cookie. "They are all the rage in Silvanesti now Alhana said smiling regally. Crysania smiled graciously while Raistlin simply nodded while giving Dalamar a, you better have gotten me something good look. Riverwind and Goldmoon gave them the Tribal necklaces for a wedding ceremony along with incense that had a rather pleasant scent. Riverwind with a slight, uncommon smile whispered something to Raistlin who had just sniffed the incense. Raistlin face turned bright red for a moment then the Plainsman laughed and patted him on the back. Crysania gave him a curious tilt of the head, but Raistlin simply just replied, "Later." Caramon looked at his brother and smirked.
"The incense?" seeing Raistlin nod he laughed. "I still have some of that stuff, I use it very sparingly. I heard it costs a fortune."
"I'd imagine." Raistlin said with an amused smile.
Dalamar gave them his gift next. Two rings with reddish pink stones one around a silver chain the other left as is. Raistlin recognized them immediately as love stones and rose an eyebrow. "Well Shalafi, I figured there was nothing I could get you that she would like. So this is the best I could think of."
"A rather sentimental gift?" Raistlin said dryly.
"What do they do?" Crysania said looking at them curiously.
"They are a sort of link. As long as both people wear them they communicate they way the other person is feeling, rumor has it in rare cases depending on how strong this link is it can even communicate thoughts."
"That's wonderful." Crysania exclaimed.
"Yes, absolutely wonderful." Raistlin said dryly.
Par Salian laughed. "There goes every bit of privacy you ever had." Raistlin had a slightly aggravated look on his face then turned to Dalamar to see him smirking.
"I should kill you." Raistlin whispered.
Next he got a gift from Par Salian a spell book he already had, and Antimodes gave him the same incense as Riverwind had. Shrugging Antimodes said, "What can I say great minds think alike."
Elistan gave them a statue of the Platinum Dragon that said Paladine blesses this couple. Crysania smiled graciously while Raistlin sighed aggravated. Crysania's parents gave them his and her bathrobes one black silk with a gold "R" embroidered and one white with a silver, "C".
As everyone was saying their good byes and Laurana was getting Aidan and Aurelia prepared to go with her and Tanis and Gilthas to the inn they were staying at for a sleep over. Aurelia was very excited to get to stay with her new best friend Gilthas who was her same age, and Aidan was to sleepy to protest. Before everyone left they were joined by Tasselhoff who had slipped away unnoticed before. In his hands he held a small box that was shaking.
"Tas...What is in there?" Crysania asked nervously. Answering her call was al small bark. Gilthas and Aurelia, and Riverwind and Goldmoon's daughters upon hearing it rushed the box.
"Puppy!" shouted Gilthas.
Aurelia held up a small white and black puppy with one blue eye flecked with gold and one gray eye.
"His name is Pickletoes." Tas said proudly.
"Oh can we keep him?" Aurelia looked up with big doe eyes at Raistlin.
He cut off Crysania who was about to say absolutely not. "Well if you promise you'll take care of him." Raistlin said unable to tell his adorable daughter no.
"Oh yes I promise!" she shouted she then hugged Raistlin and Crysania and ran off with the puppy.
"Thanks a lot muttered Crysania." At Raistlin and Tas. "I'm the one who's going to have to clean up after that cute little thing."
"Well," Tanis said. "It was nice seeing you guys, congratulations."
"Thank you everyone for everything Crysania said hugging and kissing everyone goodbye. Raistlin nodded his good-byes, but was still hugged by pretty much everyone. Including his mother in law who gave him a tight hug and kiss goodbye. Once they all left Crysania turned to Raistlin and asked.
"I'm curious...What's the deal with the incense?" she said with a raised eyebrow.
"I'll tell you if you follow me up to our room." Raistlin said with a smirk.
"I bet I'm going to like it." She said with a slightly naughty smile.
When they entered the room and Raistlin lit the incense he turned around to find Crysania in complete sinfully black lace lingerie. "Bridesmaid's gift." She said with a smirk.
Raistlin who's mouth gaped slightly open took a step towards her. "You look absolutely evil."
"Thank you." Crysania said taking a step closer to him. There lips met slowly the smell of jasmine, and other sweet; spicy scents filled the room. Raistlin blew out the candle and the rest, as Astinus would say, is history.
A/N: Next chapter will be a slight time leap I think...Don't hold me to that though, because I'm only fifty percent sure. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, please review!