CHAPTER EIGHT: The WEDDING

Che
Che stood at the tavern entrance, giddy with anticipation as the arrival of the final guests flowed in.

Traveler
“Thank you good sir and sincere congratulations and heartfelt well wishes to the Bride and Groom. I respectfully bear gifts from my homeland. 

“For the happy couple, silver and turquoise bracelets suitable for wearing or display. Wild sage collected on my way to the festivities (hey I didn’t know I was going to wedding; had to get gifts as they presented themselves).

“And for the dinner table Oysters of the Rocky Mountains.” (Grins to self)

“Congratulations to all!” 

Che
Che graciously accepts the gifts from Traveler. The dwarf looks at the oysters fancying a nibble or two, but thinks twice about it.

"Please accept this ceremonial robe to wear. The golden armbands are fer ye to keep. And a please 'elp yerself to food and drink."

Ravenwind
Ravenwind emerged from the seclusion in which she had kept herself, wearing a floor-length blue gown of velvet. Kaltseax, her spell-breaker, was belted at her side once more, but her hair was down. More than one of the men--orcs, elves, humans, and halflings--gave her a second look before realizing that the comely young maiden was in fact the well-known servant of Torm.

Approaching the happy couple, she murmured the words of a ritual blessing, "May the light of Torm and all the gods shine upon you today, and all days," and handed them her gift: two simple silver goblets, inlaid on the inside with mother-of-pearl. "Anything drunk from these goblets will prove healthful and invigorating," she explained. "No poison or illness can survive the purity of the enchantment upon them. Peace and long life, my friends."

With that, she sat down beside Raeython at their usual table, and waited for the festivities to commence.

Che
Thi approached Ravenwind, "Me's glad that yers ok, deary. Me heard o' yer exploits o’ yonder and a being brought back an' all. Yers did give ol' Che a bit o' a belly ache a wee while ago, but 'as passed. Thanks fer the gifts and please enjoy."

With that, Thi arose and approached the entrance again.

Raeython
Raeython was sitting at the table dressed in a tasteful outfit of forest green, with a cape of the same material. There are silver patterns in the material looking of trees and thorns. His ever-present belt of pouches was, for once, not present. He did wear a belt that seemed to be pure silver, with the former Forest Friend, and his other short sword tied up in peace knots. Noticing the exchange of gifts between Ravenwind and Che, he realizes that he forgot something. Thinking fast, Raeython excuses himself from the table and Ravenwind, saying he will be right back. 

A few minutes later, Raeython comes back down the stairs and approaches the couple.

"For the lady, soil from our most sacred grove. Anything that you may plant in your herb garden, sprinkle a few grains of this on it, and it will grow no matter the conditions. For the lad, I have this."

Raeython pulls out a beautifully inlaid throwing axe. The blade made out of pure adamantine, the whole axe glowing with a soft blue aura.

"I 'acquired' this from an orc chieftain on the Spine of the World. I believe he called it 'Fangtooth.’ I hope you never have cause to use it, but if you do it won't let you down."

Raeython then returns to his seat next to the lovely Ravenwind.

Che
Muriel and Hack kindly thanked Raeython for his generous offering. Hack looked at the axe with wnderment and began to show it off to his brethren orcs. Che leaned in to offer himself a closer gander.  With a bit of jealously Che thought to himself if he should take a seventh wife today, since the gifts were so grand indeed. Reality of the day soon set in, and the elder dwarf succumbed to the fact that a half dozen strong females was more than enough for the veteran fighter. Che then gently kissed Muriel on the forehead, "Soon, me dear lovely, soon."

Mendoza
I'm honoured to be invited to such a special event.

My gift is from my brief trip to Ten Towns - a branch from the great Kulduhar tree gifted to me by the archdruid, Arundel. It is as tough as iron, and by touching another tree will allow passage through any forest, no matter how dense the foliage.

Once again, thank you for your kind invitation.

 Che
"Me's thanks yer, Mendoza, fer yer great offering. Me's will tag the gift as such. Can't let me orcish minions mistake this fine prize as a piece o' kindlin'."

Ravenwind
Ravenwind and Raeython made room for Mendoza at the table. Ravenwind had long since resigned herself to living in a world dominated by rangers, such as Mendoza, and indeed, rather enjoyed it. Pouring Mendoza a cup of tequila, the three began to chat about their respective adventures to pass the time until the ceremony.

Figaro
*Throws back his cloak as he enters* 
I thank you for your kind hospitality and the invitation. For my gift I bring security, protection, and love. 

*Opens a satchel* 
The pick of litter. All the pups for this line have all been known to be both especially brave and cunning. But be warned, at the first mistreatment he will vanish in the shadows, never to return. I trust that you will be able to handle the responsibility.

pure_ultima
"I am sorry, Che but the road has been rocky and bumpy, and therefore slow-going so I have not yet changed for the wedding! However I have brought gifts of this Enchanted Heavy Crossbow. I put through my foot with it once due to a lack of knowledge of how to use it. I hope Hack likes it! And for the bride, an amulet of protection!"

Utima took a seat next to the now-resurrected Ravenwind.

Ravenwind
*In the meantime, the puppy had encountered the kitten left as a gift by ArchMage Alex and his familiar. The two animals looked at each other in surprise and outrage. The kitten arched its back, hissing, trying to look bigger than it was. The puppy wagged its tail, trying to figure out what this strange creature was.
The result was predictable--a scratched puppy nose, a puddle on the floor, and an unhappy kitten perched atop Raeython's head.*

Raeython
Due to the soothing presence of Raeython's nature, the kitten quickly fell asleep on Raeython's head. Patrons gathering for the wedding noticed how striking the ranger looked with said kitten on his head. Raeython was approached by many people asking if they could borrow his kitten/hat. In fact, most people, including a certain nameless paladin, looked quite drab in comparison. In the next few months it became all the rage for people in the know to walk around with charmed cats on their heads.

Ravenwind
Ravenwind relents, and lets the frightened kitten nestle in her lap, strewing white hair all over a dark blue velvet skirt.

Then she waved the ranger, Figaro, to join them at their table. "I think we're going to need more chairs," she muttered, but did not get up, unwilling to disturb the purring cat.

Che
Che thanked pure ultima for the crossbow and amulet. "Me's a sure that they willa comfort the bride and groom greatly."

"And a thanks Figaro, for the, ah er, puppie. Me's always a liked animals around." Che was very hesitant with his response, remembering his encounters with hamsters, turkeys, and pigeons.

Che
Che ordered for the drums to begin. The kobolds aligned themselves in the four corners of the grand room. Each creature was equipped with a massive cylindrical tympanic instrument that was laid upon its side. Their mallets were short in length but hefty in girth, the ends of which were covered with Tethyrian sheepskin. As one percussionist lay mallet to his dried calf hide, the next would follow a second later, then the next, and next. The booming pulsation echoed and circled throughout making the wine and tequila in the crystal goblets dance and ripple. Thi, the proud father, continued to greet guests and show them to their seats. The Calling to the Anvil was about to begin.

Quietus
Quietus walks in carrying a nicely wrapped package. 

He whispers to Che, "I hope they don't already have a teapot. It's a really nice silver one..." He trails off in embarrassment at his lousy gift.

Che
"Ah, a 'onderful teapot ‘tis. There's not a bad time fer a wee drop o' tea, especially if a dab o' tequila is added to give it kick."

Raeython
Che stares with some confusion at the gift Quietus gave. Why would somebody give a dusty old teapot? As Che rubs the teapot to clear away some of the dust, a cloud of smoke comes out of the spout. The cloud coalesced into the form of a genie. The genie then stated:

I am obligated to give the owner of this teapot three wishes. Who is the rightful owner?

Che desperately wanted the wishes for himself, but being a man of honor, and this being his daughter's wedding, Che told the genie that he was a wedding present for his daughter and her husband. The genie nodded his head, and disappeared back into the lamp to await the wishes of the married couple.

Che was astounded at the unimaginable gift Quietus gave the couple, and gave him an honorary room at the Rusty Sword.

Che
Che noticed that pure ultima has taken a seat twice. First beside Ravenwind and then elsewhere. He wonders if cleanliness of his guests is becoming a problem due to the waiting. 

Ravenwind
Ravenwind picked up a small pouch, one of several stacked at the center of their table, and opened it, peering inside curiously. She poured some of the contents out into her hand.

Tiny gemstones in a rainbow of colors--blue, green, red, yellow--sparkled in her palm, each no bigger than a grain of sand, yet perfectly faceted. "No, no, not yet, me dearie," Che said, catching her wrist. "Them's for throwing at the end of the ceremony."

Ravenwind politely returned the gems and the sack to the center of the table. Seeing Aivanther sneak into the room, Torm's handmaiden closed her eyes and shook her head. This was going to get interesting, fast.

Figaro
*Eyebrows raise slightly at the sight of the jewels*

Raeython
Raeython is amazed at the wealth of Quietus's gift. He gets up from his seat long enough to congratulate him, and buy him a round.

Che
Che grinned to himself as he gazed upon the assembled audience. Continuing the pleasant overture, he blinked twice to the half orc leader. The large creature lumbered throughout the audience offering mild grumbling as he passed by. The other half orcs flexed their brawn while attempting to meet the eyes of each guest. Mild intimidation was always a tactic of Che's to maintain calm. For the dwarf wished no foul deeds to approach the gathering.

With a glancing assurance from the half orc leader, Che broadened his smile.

Mendoza
In response to the half-orc’s grunts, Mendoza coolly looked it in the eyes, and engaged it in a staring competition. He was quickly impressed by its willpower and determination, which rivaled his own. As minutes passed however, he became suspicious, and it slowly dawned on him that the half-orc was oblivious to his presence, and was simply thinking.

Or should that be thinking simply?

Che
Quickly Cheron, one of Che's other daughters, ran out to speak to her father. "Papa, we have a problem."

"Wha'! Me's can't hears ye, 'cause o' the drummin'"

Grabbing her father's arm she directs Che into the kitchen.

"I said father, that we have a problem."

"Oh no, what be it, me dear?"

"The tequila is getting low, and the batch that you have brewing isn't ready yet."

"Hmmmm. Is a Giselle Moonwitch here?"

"No, papa."

“Well there be a large trunk o' special tequila that a me saves fer Giselle. If she be no here, then that will be a plenty fer all. Go and open that batch."

"With all haste me Dada."

Che's body relaxes as the supposed emergency passes.

Figaro
*Chuckles quietly at the sight of the orcs* "Overt intimidation always makes me smile." the Stalker thinks to himself.

Aivanther
Aivanther surveys the crowd at the wedding. Seeing ArchMage Alexander he walks over to him and shares a drink with his friend. 

Ravenwind
Ravenwind was busily petting the kitten, when a large orc loomed over her. Partially distracted, she looked up. "Yes, is there anything I can do to help you?" she asked the orc pleasantly enough.

Meeting the cool blue eyes of the servant of Torm seemed to be a bit difficult for the orc. "Er, no, sorry to bother you, ma'am," he said, and stepped back.

Ravenwind pulled a length of string out of a hidden pocket, and dangled it for the entertainment of the kitten.

Raeython
Raeython muses to himself. Hmm, three wishes for the married couple. Remembering what it was like to be young and in love, he hopes they choose them wisely.

Quietus
Quietus: "It is a pleasure to meet you, Raeython. You are something of a legend where I come from."

Ravenwind
Ravenwind offers Quietus her hand and smiles. "Your name is also not unknown here, friend Quietus," she says, gracefully covering Raeython's silence. "How do you know the happy couple?"

Figaro
 *Muses thoughtfully about the hazards of making foolish wishes and the consequences.* I would humbly suggest having a chat with your loremaster before making any wishs... The results could be... unfortunate.
Che
With most of the guests seated, things began to procede.

Marur, the dwarven priest, took his position behind the altar of the anvil. The anvil was a masterfully and intricately adorned artifact constructed of solid silver. It was obvious that this was used only for ceremonial forging. Two dwarves stood behind Marur to assist him. The priest stood silent for a moment, and briefly looked toward the heavens. Lowering his head, he sighed, and glanced an approving nod to Che.

Amuud, the orcish representative, then approached the anvil in a swaggering manner. His face presented itself with all seriousness, but with a slight grin to one side. He gave a cold stare in the direction of the groom, Hack. The priest's eyes seemed to emanate a painful resolve. Hack bowed to his priest, straightened himself, and then was led by his brother, Slash, into the kitchen. Silence filled the room, as the guests comforted themselves into their seats. Suddenly a high pitched scream sliced through the air, cutting through the pounding of the kobold drums. Amuud smiled, and raised an eyebrow to Marur, then took his position beside the dwarf priest. After the guests calmed themselves, Amuud took his right hand and touched his own forehead, then outstretched his arm with open palm towards the bride's father. 

The priests were ready. 

Che
With a crash the shutters on the windows slammed closed. The darkness was momentary, as a fiery flame leaped upward from the silver anvil. The halflings within the crowd scrambled and lit the numerous torches aligning the walls of the tavern, making sure no tapestries nor tequila were near flame. The warmth from the surrounding flames quickly raised the temperature within the interior of the bar. Shadows from the torches danced along the walls emulating the innards of a furnace. 

"Hmmm. Me's a kinda empathizin' with the roast pig me's 'ad fer dinner last night," whispered Thi to his brother Tho.

"Aye, tis true it be warm in 'ere, little brother, but faith in the priests lad, faith in the priests. By the way, the warmth be a good fer me bagpipes to bellow sweet merriment."

"Truth be spoken there, Tho, but do remember that yers high pitch notes on yer pipes, may be a wee bit much fer the sensitive ears o' our elven folk 'ere."

"Me's will try an' halter me enthusiam." 

As the flames continued to paint their orange and yellow hues everywhere, the drums of the kobolds beat even faster anticipating the arrival of the bride.

Mendoza
Mendoza counts the guests seated around the table. He then looks over at the pile of empty tequila bottles against the wall. Turning back to the guests, he says

"Well don't look at me."

Che
At the top of the stairway leading to the tavern's guestrooms stood Muriel. Her eight sisters crowded behind her, each wearing her own red and black gown. The bride contrasted nicely to her bridesmaids as she wore a long ceremonious smith's apron made of supple white leather. Being of human/dwarf in blood, her height towered above her pure dwarven sisters. Around her neck and hips were strands of pearls that reflected pinpoint sparkles as the torchlights shone upon.

Two of the guest dwarfs in the audience began whispering to each other. "They's be pearls around the girl. Pearls aren't true gemstones o' the dwarven."

"Aye, maybe Thi has a lost his way from the dwarven totally."

Thi gave a piercing look towards the two dwarfs after overhearing the rudeness of their comments. Tho joined in with staring disapproval. Embarrassed and regretful for questioning Thi's honor, the dwarfs attempted to rectify their discomfort. "Aye, beautiful pearls they be. Matchin' nicely with the beauty o' the dress."

The apron was indeed beautiful, whose pure ivory color was matched with a crowning halo of white lilies
upon Muriel’s blonde hair. As all looked upon her, many didn't even recognize her. There atop the stairwell was not the wenching barmaid they had all known, but a fair young woman whose ocean blue eyes were wide and twinkling.

Tho whispered to his brother with astonishment, "That beautiful creature is Muriel, your daughter Thi?"

As Thi tried to hold back a tear, "Aye, she is. A lot 'as to do 'ith her mother. But Muriel a gots me brains."

"Well all I can say, brother, is thank the gods for her mother."

Thi continued to stare at his daughter, unperturbed by his brother's comment.

Quietus
Quietus is struck dumb by the great honor of meeting Ravenwind. He stammers, "I, uh, ... I tried to kill the groom. A case of mistaken identity. He was very...uh...gracious about the situation. He injured me badly, but helped me get healed. He taught me a lot...It was all my fault really... Wow. It's just such an honor to meet you, Ms. Ravenwind..."

Quietus gathers his courage, "I find the ceremony kind of confusing. Do you know what's going on?"

Ravenwind
 “Well, I’m not really up on orcish religious traditions,” Torm’s handmaiden demurred, whispering to keep from interrupting the ceremony.“ And dwarves are secretive at best. As I understand it, Moradin the Soulforger, and Dumathoin, Keeper of Secrets Under the Mountain, will probably be called on to forge the souls of these youngsters together—hence the anvil. She wears the apron to show her workman’s heritage, and would usually be decked out in minerals and gold. She’s probably choosing to wear pearls, sign of purity, to honor her human heritage.”

She made room for Quietus at the table she shared with the rangers and one dozing, rather contented cat, and returned her attention to the ceremony.

Figaro
*Saunters up next to Ravenwind* I don't want to disturb you, but I was wondering about the security of this installation. According to my calculations, if something is going to disturb the proceedings in should happen soon.

Ravenwind
Ravenwind acknowledged Figaro's well-thought question, while trying not to lose track of the symbolic gestures and hammer-thumping at the front of the room. "We can hope that everything will go well; I don't see any of the usual suspects in here, except Aivanther, but he's okay. At least, I'm hoping to redeem him," she whispered with a smile. "If you wouldn't mind keeping an eye on the gift table, I think Che might appreciate it. He and his orcs are a little busy to keep track of everything at once."

Figaro nodded, and edged his chair nearer to the groaning table, stacked high with magical and costly gifts. His stance was not overtly threatening, but several of the more acquisitive halflings and kobolds now edged away from the table. Ravenwind smiled, and returned her attanetion to the ceremony.

pure_ultima
Ultima sat watching the proceedings when he felt a tugging at his belt. Looking down he saw a kobold gradually trying to ease his gem pouch away from his belt. The Kobold grinnned at him innocently and coughed: *ahem*

"I'm er...just... erm...I'll be going now..." said the Kobold.

"Hang on, why can you talk?" Ultima said suspiciously. He lifted the Kobold up by the torn tunic it was wearing.

"You're not part of the proceedings!"

"Well...not quite..." The kobold trailed off sheepishly and squirmed weakly.

"What’s stopping me from turning you over to Che's orcs? I hear they make a very good kobold stew." The kobold looked at him nervously.

"Hang on... Well...I know...I have thiefly skills... I could accompany you in quests! Yes, that’s it! but only if I get 60% of the profit" Ultima put the kobold down. 

"It’s a deal... but make that 20% of the profit" The kobold looked up and realised that it stood no chance.

"Okay, then," it said despondatly.

A hush came other the tavern; the proceedings were close to starting.

Ravenwind
Ravenwind looked suspiciously at the kobold as it approached their table. Most of the rangers stiffened a bit as well. It settled on its haunches near them, and began to pant, an ingratiating grin on its face.

The kitten, probably smelling the odor of wet dog that kobolds carried with them everywhere, awakened from its doze. After one look at the kobold, it leaped off Ravenwind's lap and hid under her skirt.

"Keep an eye on that one," Ravenwind murmured to Figaro.

Raeython
Raeython is having a quiet, polite conversation with Ravenwind and Quietus about the joys and hardships of 'streaking' through the forest, while waiting for the wedding to proceed. Raeython began:

"I do agree with you Ravenwind, it can be quite exhilarating, but you have to watch out for the thistles."

Ravenwind responded:  "Thistles are troublesome, but the real danger is the poison ivy and poison oak."

Where Quietus interjected:  "I have to agree with Ravenwind. One day, while innocently 'streaking' through the forest, I was surprised by a huge rabbit...er bear, yeah a huge bear. Well, I started running in the opposite direction, when my foot got caught in a tree root, and I fell on my arse. Thinking nothing of it, I got back up and continued running till I was out of the forest. Come to find out, that I must have fallen in poison oak, because my arse broke out into a rash so fierce, I was unable to sit down for a week!"

At which point Ravenwind can't withold a loud snort, which draws a dirty look from Che. Raeython winces in understanding at Quietus's plight and is about to comment when he notices the kobold by Ultima. Raeython watches the kobold approach the table, and can't help but think that he recognizes it from somewhere.

ArchMage Alexander
After speaking a while with Aivanther about his adventures in the Abyss, the ArchMage begins looking around for another glass of wine. Finding one of the serving girls, the ArchMage is given a new glass. As he circulates among the crowd he notices the Kobold, a very familiar-looking Kobold. "He stole a wand of yours once and you cursed him with stuttering. You know, you really are a softy, most mages would come up with something big and horrible, but you make him stutter," said the cat.

"Ah, now I remember him."

Aivanther
Aivanther slips away from the table and circulates through the crowd. Smiling at Ravenwind, the elf refrains from any theft. After all, there's a time and a place, and the wedding of the daughter of his good friend is not either. Noticing the ever-increasing amount of empty bottles, Aivanther corners a girl and inquires into Che's stock. Hearing about the ever-decreasing stock, Aivanther slips out of the tavern. He returns a few minutes later with a crate of tequila. "I purchased this before we left, but seeing a noble cause," he stops to smile at the irony, "I'll donate this back to your stores."
Ravenwind
Aivanther's entrance with the tequila sparked a mass surge towards the bar--a surge that restrained itself among the guests as soon as the elf turned and gave those who would crowd him a long, steady look. In a corner of the room, Ravenwind's sister Ranna appeared to be taking notes.

The various rangers stood, and assumed the responsibility of guarding the precious tequila supply; Che and his daughters and the orcs were all a bit busy.

Unfortunately, the opening ceremonies, the blessing of the anvil, the roaring flames, the robust wail of the bagpipes, had begun to wear on some of the guests. Some of the elves were actually perspiring, and most were mumbling something about how a wedding without dancing would never stand the test of time. The halflings were muttering about all sitting and no eating making them dull boys and girls. The kobolds—those not engaged in pounding the drums--were sniffing at the kitchen door and making whining noises.

Che
 Hack returned inside the great-room, holding his mouth as he strode. He stopped by the altar, and turned to the stairs and saw his future bride. With a look of awe, his mouth dropped open from which a small trickle of blood drained. Slash promptly wiped his brother's chin and elbowed him to manner his appearance. Hack was draped in black ring mail with a lavender slash accented across his chest. These were the colors of his birth village. The groom then looked at Amuud for guidance. The priest looked at the bride and then back to the groom. A nod was given. Hack grinned eagerly, and presented open arms to Muriel.

Muriel was about to walk down, but realized that the drums were still pounding. The kobolds, lost in their adrenaline, hadn't noticed the presence of the bride. They continued beating upon their percussion instruments, gathering a frenzy that many had not realized kobolds were capable of. With apparent insight to the dilemma of the situation, one of the half orcs kicked one of the kobolds. The cessation of one caused the others to awaken to the disturbed rythym. Finally the mallets lay on the floor, and once the final reverberations finished their echoing, all that could be heard were the panting of kobolds.

Content on procedure, Muriel slowly began down the stairs. There was such grace as she cascaded along the handrail that it appeared that she had no legs and wasn't walking. She seemed to float along the red carpet while her sisters bobbed in behind. Making her way beside her future husband, this was the time to offer gifts to the guests. Muriel and Hack proceeded to a table where there were many pairs of small pouches. Each pair was to be given to each guest. One of the pouches contained sand like gemstones akin to the ones Ravenwind held. These were to be showered upon all at the end of the ceremony. The other pouch would contain a firmly sized gemstone of garnet, jacinth, opal, or red spinal. These were the gift stones crafted by Che's hand himself. They were not to be opened until leaving the tavern itself.

Muriel and Hack quickly and quietly handed out the gifts, while accepting congratulations and offering thanks for their own received gifts. Once finished the two to be wed aligned themselves in front of the silver anvil, across from the priests.

Che
Marur stepped forward to address the audience. Amuud quickly grabbed the dwarf priest's shoulder and firmly whispered, "Don't you think that the groom's representative should speak first?"

"I thought that we had discussed this already."

"Obviously not enough. Hmph." Amuud reluctantly stepped back and allowed his dwarven counterpart to continue.

"Ladies and gentlemen. Friends and foes. To the dwarves, the orcs, the halflings, the kobolds, the humans, the elvenkind, the half orcs, and various animals, we welcome you here today?' The cat, upon Ravenwind's lap perked its ears and asked, "What did he call me?" After being told to relax, the cat calmed itself and resumed listening to the oration.

“Today I bear witness for the dwarven god Moradin, the Soul Forger to give blessing upon Muriel, daughter of the dwarven fighter Thi, alias Che, on her day of marriage." Amuud hears his cue and steps forward. In a louder tonation he speaks, "And I, bring a watchful and protective eye from Gruumsh, He-Who-Never-Sleeps, chief god of the orcs, for the Orc named Hack on his triumphant day of union."

Tho addresses his brother in a disturbed tone, "Thi, what were you thinking? Moradin and Gruumsh, enemies of each other represented in the same room."

"Aye, but the lovers 'ave found common ground. Besides, both o' the priest are me friends."

"’Tis may be true, brother, but ye must realize that religious fervor can a overcome friendship."

pure_ultima
Ultima sat watching the proceedings next to Ravenwind and Raeython. He then felt another tug at his belt. He looked down and saw the kobold grinning.

"You've got to give me something for persistance" it boldly announced.

"Okay, if you just shut up and stop trying or I will do something unpleasant which have not even begun to think about yet" Ultima whispered. He reached into his gem bag and produced a garnet gem, purple in color. The kobold took it reverently and gazed into it for a few minutes, tears forming at the corners of its eyes.

"By the way, what is your name?" Ultima inquired.

The kobold looked up, tears streaming. It sniffed: "Bobbibbleargleargleekeekef'tangkurplunkkurpluk the third!"

Ultima looked down.  "Can I call you Bob, then?"

"Suits me," muttered the kobold.

Quietus
Quietus can hardly believe the story he has shared with Raeython and Ravenwind. He thinks to himself, "Man, I've got to lay off the alcohol. I'm just glad I said bear and not rabbit...or did I...hmmm..." Realizing that he has no idea what is going on in the (to him) extremely long ceremony, he decides that it is not a bad thing to be drunk.

"Hmmmm. I wonder if anybody would mind if I just closed my eyes for a second..." Quietus stifles a yawn.

Che
Marur continued. "And who will speak on this day for the bride? Please step forward."

Che briefly sighed as his anticipation of his presence in the ceremony ended. "Me's will do the talkin' for me daughter." One of Che's orcs timingly brought in a small crate and placed it behind Muriel. Che climbed upon to raise his stature amongst all present. With chest sticking out and impish grin projecting, he seemingly brushed invisible dust away from his velvet blue cuffs. A proud dwarf he was there.

Amuud, not very impressed with the garish display of the dwarf announced, "And who shall represent the true nature of the orc groom, Hack." The groom looked towards his best man, Dravin. The young wizard was still beside him, but not moving. A gesture must be made. The orcs were sure that they had tied the ropes correctly to animate Dravin and puppet him into proper actions. Two orcs in the rafters were arguing.

"No you pull that one to raise his arm."

“No, that's the leg, give me that one."

The orcs in their attempt to properly handle the ropes, entangled them and began randomly pulling on the cords. The once-stationary Dravin did begin to move, but with unconventional twitches. His hips seemed to lurch forward a couple of times, as his ankles circled counterclockwise. His left arm collapsed beside his knee, and slowly slunk its way past his hips to his side where it remained still, in a bent state. A couple more lurches of the hips. The two orcs began rolling along the rafters, bringing Dravin closer to the audience. The wizard uncontrollably positioned himself in front of Ravenwind's sisters, Mazea, Kasura, and Ranna, and continued the lewd performance. There the gyrations of Dravin continued, something of an amusement for all. Many have not seen such innovative dancing since the days of the legendary elven song and dance man, Rickyus Martina.

Finally the orcs gained control of their reins. They positioned Dravin in his proper place and raised his right arm in accordance to orcish acceptance. Amuud shook his head in disgust and stepped back.

Marur, then presented Hack with a pair of scissors directing the orc to cut a long lock of hair from the head of Muriel. This was to be used in the next part of the ceremony. Hack grabbed the scissors and reached upward to cut his bride's hair. Murial wished to lower herself down, to help the diminutive Hack, but didn't want the lilies to fall. Being a little frustrated with the situation, Hack loudly commented, "It is times like this that I wish I was taller."

Raeython
Raeython notices Quietus's stifled yawn, and decides since the ceremony is dragging on, a little polite conversation, quiet of course, couldn't hurt. 

"It's good to see you in our neck of the woods. What are you doing hanging around here? And exactly what was the incident between you and Hack, if it is repeatable, of course. Nice gift, btw. 

Ravenwind
Ravenwind's full sister, Ranna, observed Dravin's most intriguing modern dance performance, pulled a few coins from her beltpouch, and reached up to slide them into the best man's belt. Kasura, their monkish half sister, caught her wrist and forced her back into her seat with a deftly controlled flick of her arm.

Ravenwind, in the meantime, was on the verge of needing to pray for healing, for she had almost hemorrhaged herself trying not to laugh aloud at the Dravin-puppet's antics.

Quietus
Quietus speaks softly, "Well, I guess it can't be any worse than the streaking story. . . . Back when I was young," Raeython notes that Quietus looks all of about 25, "and foolish... well that is more foolish than I am now... I was travelling down the road to Amnesty. I saw a young woman lying on the side of the road moaning in pain. I noticed this orc-looking character standing over her, and I made an assumption...you know what happens when you make assumptions...Anyway, I acted before I thought, and attacked him with my trusty spear. Despite having the advantage of my opponent being unaware, it didn't take long for him to disarm and thrash me. It turned out he was merely helping the poor girl find her horse. She had fallen off and twisted her knee quite badly. After I regained consciousness..."

There is a loud sound from the front of the room. Quietus stops for a second and looks back at the ceremony.

Raeython
Raeython was about to tell Quietus that it could have happened to anybody, when they both heard the noise. Raython looks towards the front of the room where Dravin had been standing. Apparently, one of the orcs in the rafters had dropped their strings, and poor Dravin was huddled in a contorted pile on the floor of the taproom.

Quietus
Quietus is starting to feel a little queasy. Maybe being drunk isn't such a good thing. "Raeython, I think I'm going to go check out the bathroom facilities. I think I have to throw...er...that is...I'm going to make sure there aren't any enemies back there."

Clutching his stomach, he rushes out.

Ravenwind
Ravenwind was torn between offering Quietus a healing potion, scolding her younger sister, and staring at Dravin, who now lay in a crumpled heap beside the altar.

Che appeared to be twitching violently, but was in fact signaling to his various orcs to get Dravin back on his feet. With a distinct lack of success. Hack, the most intelligent of the troupe, was gesturing one-handedly behind his back at his brother--and Slash stared blankly back at him. Sudden comprehension dawned in Slash's eyes, and all the orcs hauled on their ropes once more.

Dravin appeared to levitate over the crowd, swaying slightly. Some of the more impressionable kobolds knelt, yipping and barking that a new god had arrived.

Until the central rope, frayed by all the friction of going back and forth over the beams of the ceiling, snapped.

Dravin fell to the ground with a THUMP.

As if on cue, Quietus began to retch, not having made it to the facilities he'd so ardently sought. . . .

Che
The teapot on the gift table began to shake. One of the half-orcs guarding the table noticed the noise, but paid no attention. The silver pot then began to glow, when the genie within emerged.

"Hmmm. A call for my services, I dooo believe." With a whirling rush the genie flew from the pot and immediately joined Hack. The groom was impervious to the presence of the genie as he still struggled to grasp at a good length of Muriel's hair. "Dooo you wish that you could reach for what you grasp for? Hmmmm?"

Hack strained with his left hand and trying to position the scissors with his right, "If only I could reach this lock of hair."

"It be said then." The genie circled around Muriel and Hack, creating an eerie mist. A second later there was a blinding flash. The genie was gone. The teapot was back to its silver shine. And Muriel was a foot shorter.

"There, got it." Hack turned to Marur, donning the prize of his struggle. "Will this do?"

Muriel looked at Hack, wondering why he didn't notice her stature being reduced. Plus the fact that her dress was now sweeping the floor.

Quick alterations were done on the dress by the nearby sisters. The half orcs brought out pole arms and reinforced the rafters. The other orcs tethered Dravin back up, and a group of halflings surrounded Quietus, each holding buckets unsure what he was going to do.

Che had to be helped up back upon his crate, for during the commotion, for the dwarven fighter had apparently fainted.

Ravenwind
"Mazea, Alex--someone with skill in the magical arts!" Ravenwind called over the hubbub. Alex tried to push his way through the crowd, then gave up and dimension-doored his way over. Mazea, sharing some of her half-sister's strength, managed to wedge her way through a dense cluster of orcs.

"Is there anything you can do to restore Muriel's height?" Ravenwind asked somewhat urgently, seeing tears forming in the bride's eyes.

Mazea spread her hands. "Alteration spells are not my specialty, sister. You, great ArchMage?" she asked, looking at the wizard.

Alexander coughed a bit, and considered the problem. "If all else fails," Mazea added, "I can always hop inside the teapot and discuss things with the genie."

Ravenwind did not like the woman's tone. "It's just doing its job, taking things literally; it's in their nature--and why in the name of Torm am I defending the creature?" she added rhetorically. "Do whatever you two have to do, we can't have her crying; dwarves believe it's bad luck!"

Quietus
Quietus, unaware of the other commotion, makes it quite clear what he is going to do. He continues tossing his cookies. 

“Ohhhhhhhhhh...Ughhhhhhh...I think someone poisoned the wine...Sorry everybody" [Hurl] "I think you should just drag me" [Vomit] "outside so that I don't" [puke] "further disturb the ceremony... so sorry..."

Mendoza
Stepping carefully through the crowd of kobolds that had gathered to clear the mess around Quietus' feet, Mendoza pulled him up and helped him to the door. In thanks, Quietus managed to vomit over Mendoza's chest. He was sure he saw a slight grin on the face of his horse and animal companion, Wildfire. "Well, one more expensive tunic wasted," he said, sitting Quietus down. “Fortunately, I was expecting you to come, so I brought a spare.

Quickly changing and leaving Quietus outside to recover, Mendoza hurried back inside where he could see Mazea and Alex arguing over how best to restore Muriel’s height.

Figaro
*Sighs at the wasted and foolish wish* Ahh the young ones never seem to listen. *Frowns at the figure being hoisted around the room.* Hardly seems appropriate for a wedding, but since I have been to so few outside of the glade... Ravenwind does this happen at most orc weddings?

Quietus
"Sorry about that, Mendoza."  Quietus looks around and notices that Mendoza has already gone inside. "Dang, did I doze off. What the heck is going on...Oh man, I don't feel too well. I'd better go back inside and help clean up some of the mess I've created."

Quietus brushes himself and notices that, miraculously, with all the retching he has done, he has managed to stay clean himself. "Better lucky than good, I guess."

He steps back into the tavern.

Ravenwind
Most of the more conservative dwarves were loudly approving Muriel's new height. "Eh, an’ if she grew her beard out proper-like, she'd be right fetching!" one bellowed, obviously having dipped into the dwarven
 holy water (mead) a bit too much. Muriel's lower lip wobbled.

Preoccupied by the problem of getting Muriel's height back up to where it used to be before the blushing bride's face turned any stormier, Ravenwind at first did not hear Figaro's question. "Er, no, not as such," she replied absently. "Actually, I think the only reason they're puppeting Dravin is that he's basically been entranced for a month. Not sure what did it; it was either that last plate of grog or reading that scroll. . . ." She trailed off and snapped her fingers. "Alex, did you ever get a look at that scroll? It's obviously powerful; he conjured Noobers out of thin air with it."

Alex shook his head fervently. "Not me," he said. "Especially not after seeing him covered in the dust that's been settling on him."

"Where is the Muse when we need her?" Ravenwind asked rhetorically. "Back on her home plane for the nonce, I suppose." With a sigh, she looked at the mages. "Mazea, you're not going into that teapot after that genie. You're hardly more than an apprentice. ArchMage, if you can't think of any way to stretch her back out to proper size, you'd better get in there before the fights start. Can you take anyone else with you?" She glanced at the rangers, wondering if the archmage could fit any of them into the teapot with him, should they volunteer.

"I wish," Muriel began to say, but one of her sisters slapped a hand over her mouth before the fatal words could be uttered.

  "Please hurry," Ravenwind implored. She pulled a tiny book of Torm out of her hidden pocket, and began leafing through to see if she had access to any prayers of growth. Although that was really not Torm's speciality. . . .

Raeython
Why must things always be difficult, Raeython thinks to himself. He walks over to Ravenwind. 

"Do not send anyone down the lamp. The genie fulfilled his first wish, there is nothing more to discuss. To go down into the lamp after him would accomplish nothing, not to mention it would be just a tad bit cramped. The way I see it, there are four choices. One, we can throw her on the rack, but I hear that is bad on the joints.  Two, we can help them put together a second wish which would rectify the situation, though that would waste another of their wishes (which may be a good thing). Three, we can find a mage with suitable powers to restore the lass."

Ravenwind then asked: "What's the fourth option?"

Raeython responded:"She can learn to live with her new height."

Ravenwind
Ravenwind contented herself with a long look at the ranger. "Learn to live with the effects of a deliberately misinterpreted wish--one which, in fact, was not even spoken by herself? Live with something wished upon her by someone else? I find your sense of justice most disturbing."

The tense moment between ranger and paladin broke as Che hurried the ceremony along, doubtless trying to finish before anything else could go wrong.

Raeython
Raeython gives Ravenwind a steady look.

"I only listed the options available, I never expressed an opinion for her to stay that way. Personally, I feel if we put our heads together, gently for all of you non-humans, we can figure something out."

Ravenwind
"Point taken," Ravenwind acknowledged, nodding. Glancing through the prayers she had ability for at this time, she noted, "I can petition Torm, if worst comes to worst, to either raise her size by half again, or reduce his by half. Unfortunately, the effect is not permanent, and I much fear it would not only affect her height, but all her dimensions. Faerun is not yet ready for a giant half-dwarf, I fear."

"Anyone else have any suggestions?"

ArchMage Alexander
"Although Alteration is not my specialty I believe I have a scroll that will do the trick" muttered Alex as he searched through a sack at his waste. "Dang it! Where's that scroll!" As he searches the bag, his cat appears out of the crowd with a scroll in its mouth. "I retrieved it from your desk where you left it yesterday." "Ah, that's where I left it. Here goes nothing!" Alex begins to go through the motions and chants of the scroll. As he complete's the spell, the girl's body begins soften. "QUICK! Stretch her! Her body's been made highly pliable for a few seconds!" Ravenwind, Che, and Raytheon grab the girl, who is wide-eyed in fright, and stretch her back to her right size right before the spell where's out. "HA! I did it! Told you there'd be a use for this spell, cat!"

Ravenwind
With a sigh of relief, Ravenwind tucked the Book of Torm back into her pocket. She was just as glad not to have had to experiment.

Pouring the archmage another glass of wine, she offered him her seat at the table, while she took a seat on the floor to continue to watch the proceedings.

Of course, the mountain dwarves began to grumble again. "Ayuh, damned longshanks, always messing always doing harm to them that's smaller than they are. She were right lovely before they went and stretched her out."

Raeython
Raeython seats himself next to Ravenwind on the floor, and wonders what will go wrong next.

Ravenwind
Bob the Kobold sat, admiring the garnet Ultima had given him. He stood up and began to wander around, showing the shiny gem to all the other kobolds, who gnashed their teeth jealously and growled. One of the larger ones snarled and tried to snatch it from his paw. Bob dodged back, and went crashing into the gift table. Already groaning beneath the weight of the gifts, the force with which the kobold hit the table cracked its top, and sent presents flying all over the floor.

Ravenwind looked at Raeython. "You had to ask, didn't you?" she said.

Bob the Kobold squealed and rolled to his feet. Large, jagged splinters from the table protruded from his fur, and he whined with pain. Grabbing items, he threw them at the larger kobold, which was still coming after him for the gem. Flinching away, the larger kobold pulled out its bow, and sent a fiery arrow at Bob. It pinned his tail to the table, and he yelped. Desperate for another missile weapon, Bob grabbed the teapot, whining, "I wish I didn't hurt so much; then I'd show you what for!"

pure_ultima
The Genie appeared from the teapot with a wisp of smoke.

"Seeing as you are the one holding the pot, this wish goes to you!"

At that same moment Ultima leapt in the way of the two kobolds, drawing his sword.  "Looks like I'm going to have to bail you out of this one," Ultima muttered to the kobold.

"You'll do nicely to serve my masters wish," the genie said. A red ray appeared from the genie's hand. It hit Ultima and bounced back to the kobold. He was stealing Utlima's health. Not just for Bob's health, but improving his skills with it. Ultima's face first went ashen, then his whole body spasmed and he crashed to the floor. 

Ravenwind ran over. "He's alive, barely. He's also in stasis. We need a cleric, he will not live long without one!" she yelled.
Bob pulled the arrow out of his tail and threw it at the larger kobold.  It retreated, yelping. Bob ran over and started jumping on Ultima's unmoving chest.

"C'mon! Wakey Wakey. I need you for gems!" 

Ultima remained lying on the floor...

Ravenwind
"Do something!" the kobold implored, grabbing Ravenwind's hand. Oddly, she felt sorry enough for the pathetic little creature that she reached down and patted him awkwardly on the head.

"I'd love to, but I can't," she said sadly. "I can cure poison and heal wounds, but I haven't a prayer to Torm for curing disease or restoring skills framed in my mind.

"I hate to ask it, but is there a cleric in the house?" she asked. "Other than those involved in the ceremony?" she added when Marur glared at her.

Quietus
"This may sound crazy, but I think the best thing to do would be to kill him immediately. This will stop the Ultima/Kobold transfer. We can then raise him from the dead afterwards. If we do nothing, Ultima may be dead forever."

Quietus raises his spear, ready to implement his plan.

Che
As Quietus brought the spear downward, a rusty sword flew through the air impacting with the spear and diverting it away from its intended target. Quietus screamed, "What did you do that for?" looking around for the owner of the sword to reply. When he realized the visible condition of the sword matched the name of the tavern, he calmed his tone. Che walked through the silent crowd over to the body of Ultima. Two of his wives followed. The dwarf sheathed his sword and again hid it under his gown. He looked at Quietus, not in a disapproving manner, but one of indecision. 

"Thi, you know there is another way," commented one of the wives. "It must be done. So swallow that pride of yours and help your friend." Che then picked up the spear and handed it back to Quietus. "Yes, laddie, there be a much less o' a violent way. Violence is fer 'amsters, the little rotten buggers."

Quietus was thankful for the recovery of his spear and the calmness displayed by his host, but didn't really understand Che's dislike for hamsters. Whatever, he thought. If there was another way, let it be done. Che then ordered Slash to go downstairs and retrieve a pouch. Upon his arrival, Che grabbed the small bag and stared inside. "Go on you ol' sot, give him the herbs," ordered one of the wives. Upon hearing the directive Che brought out a small amount of an orange coloured root and placed it on the upper lip of Ultima, and waited. Within a few seconds, Ultima was gasping for air. Che retrieved the root and placed it back into his pocket. The dwarf then raised his friend's head and slapped him of the back, "Ye, will be fine a now. The weakness will a soon pass." Che then let the others help Ultima back into his seat. 

Ravenwind grabbed the arm of Slash and questioned, "Why was Che so reluctant to help?"

"Welllll, my dear paladin, it is known that Sundered dwarves are very adept at scavenging for survival. But what is less known, is that some dwarves so innovative that they’d collect herbs and seeds that grow near temples and other sacred grounds. Those herbs usually have healing properties for physical ailments, and some also for a few magical afflictions. The priests usually don't like others not as wise as they, to use such remedies. But Che has taken the practice of using the herbs one step further. They be the secret ingredient in his tequila. That is why people enjoy it so much. They feel better after drinking it. But now the secret be out. Che may have no more advantage in business. This be the reason for his hesitation."

Che, now satisfied that things could proceed, took his position upon his crate. Muriel was also very relieved that her height was restored, even though her hemline was now raised, something that Hack found very attractive. The two lovers smiled at each other and acknowledged to the priests that they were ready for things to procede.

The heads of the bride and groom were then covered with hoods that only allowed sight to the front. This was to symbolize that from this day forward, Muriel and Hack would not look at any other. With the headgear in place, Marur directed Muriel to take the lock of hair and braid it, and tie the ends together to form a circle. Now was time for the exchanges between the young lovers. Marur announced to the audience, "Now be it, before Moradin, a symbol of dowry to be placed within the Circle of Joining. Speaker Thi, dost ye have the dowry at hand?"

Excitedly Thi perked up and stepped forward, "Aye, indeed me's do." Unfortunately, in his exuberance, Che forgot that he was atop the crate and fell forward rather heavily. More embarrassed than hurt, he quickly arose, "No, me's be alright, no need fer aid." Actually the dwarf noticed that no one really ventured forward to offer assistance, but stood fumbling through a pocket in his robe looking for something. "Ah, 'ere it is. This be a key to a newly constructed house commissioned through me half-orc friends. They 'ave just finished building a fine mansion upon the land o' Hack, right beside his barn. Can't a havin' me daughter be livin' in no barn. It be a fine structure, built to last the years as me new son-in-law goes about strengthening 'is hearth." With gracious appoval, Marur took the key and placed in within the circle of hair. Muriel then gave the offering to Hack. Upon acceptance, Amuud moved forward.

"As the great god Gruumsh had to sacrifice an eye fighting for the love and protection of his people, so to will Hack offer a bodily sacrifice to Muriel. Is the representative for Hack ready?" As all eyes were fixed upon Dravin, they were a bit taken aback for the young wizard began to repeatedly smack the underside of his chin with the back of his right hand. Obviously the re-tethering of the wizard was rushed and was not aligned properly. Rolling his eyes, Amuud confirmed, "I take that as a yes."

Hack reached into a pocket on Dravin's robe and produced a small golden ring. Embedded within the claws of the ring, was not a jewel, but a freshly pulled tooth. Hack presented the odd token to Muriel, and placed it upon her finger. A broad orcish smile met Muriel’s eyes, and she noticed that Hack's usual display of yellow teeth was now interrupted by one area of black emptiness. The source of the earlier scream from the kitchen was now evident.

"The exchanges are done," voiced Amuud. "The final forging will follow."

Quietus
Embarrassed by all of the damage he and his gift have caused, Quietus whispers to those around him, "I'm going to go see if I can't convince the djinn to be less of a jerk for the rest of the wedding... If nothing else, my talking to him will keep he and I out of the way." Deciding that being threatening is not a good idea with a djinn, Quietus sets down his plain wooden spear and strides over to the lamp, eager to make amends.

pure_ultima
Ultima looked around for the little trouble-maker. His eyes scanned around the room and saw a kobold tail appearing out of the spot of the teapot. Ultima stood up woozily and walked over. He grabbed the tail and a muffled "Ouch!" could be heard from within. Ultima pulled the kobold out and he hung there, swinging slightly.

"Sorry?" it ventured.

Ultima snarled "You nearly killed me! You owe me!" Ultima swung around and carried the kobold, by its tail, to the questors table. Plonking down, the kobold happily offered up a half-drunk bottle of tequila. Ultima had not noticed. Taking this to his advantage he hopped down off the table and sat next to Ultima's foot and swigged. 

Quietus
Quietus rubbed the teapot and the djinn appeared. 

"Might we discuss your behavior at this wedding?"

Djinn: "Of course. Please won't you enter my dwelling."

Quietus, wishing to be polite agrees.

Once inside the teapot, the djinn lauged evilly, "MUWAHAHAHAHAHA! Foolish mortal. Now that you have entered my prison, you will take my place for all of eternity."

The djinn shape-changes into the form of Quietus (Quietus can't help but notice how much more handsome the djinn appears) and then [poof] Quietus is alone in the teapot.

"Hmmmmm. This can't be good," he thinks.

Ravenwind
Quietus re-entered the tavern, carrying the teapot. "It's all sorted out," he said, a smile plastered to his face like drying adobe. He put the kettle on a different table, one of the two where everyone had redistributed the gifts. "How about a drink? Feels like it's been eons since I last had one."

Ravenwind looked at him sharply. A dull pounding formed inside her head, and her fingers itched. Torm's servant knew with great certainty that something was not quite right here, but she wasn't sure what. On the other hand, she could be looking in every shadow for a danger that wasn't there.

Resolving to keep her eyes open, but to say nothing until she could pinpoint the source of her sudden unease, she offered Quietus a glass of chilled white wine to stave off the burning heat of the room.

pure_ultima
Ultima stared at the oddly-behaving Quietus, but his head was pounding too much to be able to comment, and all he could hear was the drunken ramblings and hiccuping of Bob the kobold, who sat on his shoulder explaining how he once vanquished a goblin army with a spoon and a small rock.

Quietus
Quietus says (to whomever is sitting next to him) "I think the teapot was too dangerous of a gift. Perhaps I should return it and bring something else. I could leave right now and be back before the wedding is finished."

Che
Che notices Quietus heading for the exit of the tavern, and silently signals to two of the half-orcs. The large sentries halt Quietus where stands and in a grumbling voice,"Nay, will you be leaving until after the forging. Very bad luck to do so. Very bad luck."

"Oh, I had no intention of leaving. Was only trying to find a better view of the forging itself. Ah, over there I think will be better."

With that, Quietus rethinks his plans while still under the watchful eyes of the half-orcs.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example" - MT

Che
The heat within the room was building as many grabbed for the coolness of ale and white wine. After disarming themselves of buckets, the halflings returned from the back carrying armfuls of ornate short swords. Each guest was armed with one, and when signaled, was to raise theirs in the air. Marur stepped forward and announced, "All ye present, point to the gods, for their eyes are needed to bless young Muriel and young Hack, in their day of unification." The audience raised their armaments, and they were bright swords, the flats of their blades swirling with silvery patterns like sheaves of grain blowing in the wind.

Amuud revealed a warhammer, which he promptly handed to Hack, "Take this hammer and with the aid of your bride, ye shall strike down upon the steel of the weapons of the Gods signifying your souls being forged for life." Hack accepted the hammer and brought Muriel's hands along the shaft beside his. They were ready to strike. Amuud then brought out a massive spear, more that seven feet in length. Just below the head of the weapon was a massive ruby representing the one eye of Gruumsh. The priest laid the steel head of the spear on top of the silver anvil.

With the help of his two dwarves, Marur was handed a bejeweled axe. This was a broadaxe, the blade flaring to a foot or more in width. A weapon so stout that a warrior would need both hands to wield it. Marur took the axe and placed its blade atop of the metal of the spear. "With the blessing of Moradin and Gruumsh, let these two souls be forged." The priest then nodded to the young couple to strike.

As Hack and Muriel began to lift their hammer to strike the two weapons upon the anvil, Amuud suddenly withdrew the spear. "Wait, the symbol of the Orc should be atop the dwarven." He repositioned his spear on top of the blade of the axe, and then nodded for the couple to wield. Marur removed his weapon and turned to the orc priest. "The blade of the bride must be atop the orc, to represent strength and fortitude."

"Nay," bantered Amuud, "She will be the first of many wives who will be under the orc named Hack. ‘Tis the way."

"May be the way for the weakness of orc women, but fine Muriel with her strong dwarven blood, will outlive the orc three or four fold."

"How dare ye cast shame upon the fairer sex of orcish kind." Amuud stepped back, this time brandishing the artifact spear in a threatening manner. Marur was quick to align himself in a defensive stance, holding the broadaxe and glaring at the one who threatened.

Hack and Muriel, were beginning to tire under the weight of the warhammer as they held it above their heads. Muriel turned to her father, "What do we do, papa?" Only to see that Che had succumbed to another fainting spell.

Mendoza
"Say, Quietus, you're looking much better now" said Mendoza, trying to improve the rapidly deteriorating mood. "Oh...yes. I...hope I didn't cause to much of a problem" he replied, appearing somewhat distracted. "Excuse me, I'm just going to get a drink."

"Are you sure that's wise?" Mendoza asked. 
"Why not?" said Quietus, walking off. "That was rude" thought Mendoza, "especially after what had happened.” He was beginning to grow a little suspicious of Quietus's motives, with the all the trouble he'd caused (admittedly some indirectly) and now this. 

Ravenwind
Ravenwind glanced around. Swords in every hand, check. One priest with a big axe, check. One priest with a big spear, check. One really bad feeling, (glance at Quietus), definite check. 

"How I wish everyone would just get along," she muttered half-heartedly hoping something would occur.

Nothing did; she wasn't holding the teapot, of course. But Quietus jumped, nonetheless, and then smiled, as if in relief when nothing happened.

With great care, she set her ceremonial shortsword down. She wasn't about to strike the first blow. But she dropped her fingers to the peaceknots binding her spell-breaking sword blade to be ready to defend the peace if she had to.

ArchMage Alexander
Sensing a strange magic appearing in Quietus, Alex and his cat move closer to him. Nodding to Aivanther, the two approach him and join him for a drink. "So, how's the genie?" asks Alex .

"Oh, it's settled down," mumbles Quietus, "Sorry, but I want to be alone." Shrugging, Aivanther and Alex walk away. Leaning close, Aivanther says, "I got the pot, but it doesn't feel as strong magically as it did before."

Quietus
Recognizing that things are not going in his favor, Quietus decides to even up the odds a bit, in case he needs to battle his way out of the tavern.

He wanders over to the kobold clan (who,not surprisingly are mostly grouped together) and asks, "Hey, do you want to have this valuable gem? Oops!"

He drops the gem on the ground. As the kobolds scramble to pick it up, the gem flashes. The kobolds quiet down.

Quietus says, "Now. When the time comes, I want you to follow my lead."

The kobolds nod their heads.

"Now, return to your usual activities."

The kobolds are quiet for a moment, but within minutes they are back to their usual disgusting behavior.

Quietus smiles and sits back down again, an ale in his hand.

Aivanther
Handing the teapot over to Alex, Aivanther heads to his friends Ravenwind and Raytheon. Informing them of the odd behavior and the difference in the teapot, the group confers about what to do. Making a decision, Aivanther walks over to Alex to await what he discovers conveniently putting him at perfect dagger-throwing position for anyone heading towards the door. Meanwhile, Raytheon moves into a position closer to Quietus, while Ravenwind informs a few of the more reliable wedding guests of their suspicions.

Quietus
Quietus wanders about the narrow confines of his new home. He looks at all the junk the djinn has piled up over the eons he has been living in the world. Curiously, there is absolutely no tea anywhere to be found. It is also rather dark.

He decides that, although he should probably keep looking for a way out, there is a rather comfortable looking chair that is calling his name.

"Sleeping off this hangover would be the best thing to do. I'll wake up feeling refreshed, and I'll be thinking much more clearly. I was only getting in the way at the wedding anyway... and I didn't have a clue as to what was going on. Who knows, perhaps someone will rub the teapot and I'll jump right out."

With this little soliloquy out of the way, he climbs into the large overstuffed chair, puts on a blankie and takes a nap. 

Ravenwind
Ravenwind's head was spinning as she tried to keep track of too many things at once.

"Why, ye smarmy, low-down, dim-witted son of an ogre and a goat!" the dwarven priest snarled at the orcish one.

Choking over the insult, the orc was speechless. Instead, he let his actions speak, and drove the hefty spear right at Marur. The dwarf dodged, but the spear nicked Muriel's gown. The offended bride shrieked, and directed the hammer held in both her hand and Hack's at the offending priest.

The room exploded into chaos.

"Right!" Ravenwind said, "first thing's first--Aivanther, rub that teapot!"

The elven thief managed the ambidextrous task of rubbing at the pot and drawing his dagger with the other hand smoothly. A cloud of smoke poured out of the spot. . . .and formed into another Quietus!

Ravenwind looked from Quietus I to Quietus II with the oddest feeling she'd seen this happen before. . . . 

Che
Tho helped his brother Thi to sit up. A rather droggy Che opened his eyes to see the chaos about him.  "Wha.... is it over? Are they dancing? I hear no music."

Quietus
Quietus sees his chance to escape. He jumps up from the table and throws his tankard at one of the dwarves. Then, whirling, he hurls a serving platter at Che. Picking up on his cue, the kobolds explode out of their corner, brandishing knives and short swords. They race to attack the contingent of dwarves in the room. 

Quietus then shouts, "ALL CHANGE!" and performs a spectacular illusion. The form of each of the guests is changed randomly into that of another guest.

Meanwhile, a groggy Quietus (looking cute in his blue blankie) is lying on the floor. A cloud of smoke is swirling above his head. He lifts his weary skull off the ground and mutters something inexplicable. "Mara, is that you?"

Che
Che rights himself beside his brother and peruses the situation. He wondered if his vision was blurring on him for he thought he saw two Quietuses (or is it Quieti?). "Me's knew he be a funny sort, and a probably the cause o' all the trouble." The dwarf hears the incantation 'All Change'.

Che decides that, yes his trusty rusty sword shall come of use again to calm the situation. He reaches under his robe and dawns a cat, "Now yers gonna get it."

The cat looks at Che and says, "Archmage Alexander, I was perfectly warm under your robe there."

"Wha....yers no be me rusty sword," exclaimed Che.

Quickly aware of the circumstance the cat presumes, "Hmmmm, and obviously you aren't truly Alexander. How interesting."

Quietus
Quietus regains his senses a bit and looks at the thief who summoned him.

Somewhat confusedly he says, "Your wish is my command, master...er mistress" he corrects himself as Aivanthar transforms into a plump serving girl.

For reasons unknown, Quietus retains his original form.

Aivanthar shouts, "I wish this wedding had gone off perfectly, without a hitch."

Quietus concentrates, waves his fingers, incants, and stops. Nothing happens. 

Meanwhile, across the room, the archmage (who looks like a disgruntled kobold) is casting a dispel magic in order to make sense of things. Unfortunately, he's bumped by a rampaging dwarf priest and his concentration is ruined. He curses and contemplates what to do next.

pure_ultima
Ultima and Bob the kobold leapt up. The kobold drunkenly fired out arrows in all directions. Ultima made a swipe at Quietus and he turned to him and said 

"What the hell are you doing? I'm the real Quietus!" He  turned around just in time to see the djinn say “All Change!" The world was suddenly a lot smaller. With dread Ultima looked up in to the face of Ultima.

"Oh no..." He muttered as he watched himself delve deeply into his gem bag. "...I'm Bob" Ultima had a stupid grin on his face as he ran gems and coins through his fingers.

Ravenwind
Ravenwind was now just that little shade past annoyance that there is no name for, but usually leads to violence. Glancing down at herself, she realized that she'd lost more than a foot of height, and acquired hairy feet. "Great Torm, lend thy handmaiden thy true sight!" she cried out. Glowing light suffused her for an instant, and she could see everyone as they truly were once more. Unfortunately, no one else could.

Striding to the remains of the gift table, she gave one of the legs a solid kick. Instant club, since she didn't really want to hurt anyone except for the djinn who'd started this all. She untied the peaceknots on her spell-breaker, and drew the blade, which glowed furiously blue for an instant, and then dispelled the illusion around her. Of course, she was sure, no one else here would believe her, since they were all trying to figure out who everyone else really was.

Holding her spell-breaker in her right hand and her club in the other, she spotted where the real Quietus lay on the ground, and tracked down the djinn, who, in her eyes at least, had reverted to his true form. "Justice!" she cried out, and waded into the fray, nudging people out of the way with her club and slapping them with the side of her shortsword to break the illusion--one at a time--as she made her way toward the djinn. . . .

pure_ultima
The flat of the blade hit Ultima (or the kobold, whichever way you look at it) there was a flash and Ultima was back to himself again. The loss of gems seemed to have sobered Bob up and he scampered onto Ultima's shoulder and shot fiery arrows at the genie. Ultima ran through Ravenwind's wake of scattered and confused people and readied his grip to attack the djinn 

                                                                                                         IP: Logged
ArchMage Alexander
More than a bit disgruntled at being a kobold, Disgruntled Kobold Alexander casts dispel magic again, successfully changing himself a few around him back to their original form. He was amused to see that the plump serving girl reverted to the slender elven form of Aivanther and that Che, who was pulling money from behind the counter, turned to a halfling. Once again being ArchMage Alexander, he summoned a group of skeletons and placed them in front of the door to block anyone’s exit.

Aivanther
Nodding appreciation to Alex, Aivanther slips through the crowd and comes up to Ultima and says, "You know, we probably don't want to kill this djinn. That is, if we want to get Quietus out of that teapot."

Looking around, Aivanther is amused to see that the two priests are still at it, having switched forms to that of a halfling and an ogre.

Quietus
Quietus is incredibly confused as to what is going on. Bewildered and frightened, he turns invisible and makes for the door.

The skeletons blocking the door are unaware of his presence. As he begins to make his way out of the door, he finds that he cannot leave. Something is holding him back.

The djinn, fending off arrows and various severing implements sends telepathic commands to his kobold horde, and they begin moving toward the door, attacking anyone (and anything) that gets in their way.

Unaffected by Quietus's invisibility spell, the djinn growls, "You're not going anywhere," and punches Quietus in the gut.

Quietus folds over in pain. He just maintains enough awareness to throw himself backwards as the djinn's knee comes arcing towards his head.

He rolls over and sees a tall cleric pounding on a kobold. "Father Sophocles. Help me." 

The cleric-looking fellow, hearing unseen voices, becomes even more bewildered and enraged.

Meanwhile, Ravenwind, Ultima, and Aivanther close in on the raging djinn, throwing kobolds and others aside.

The djinn glances backwards, worried. He aims one last kick at Quietus and ponders his next move, desperate for freedom.

Ravenwind
Raeython, who'd found himself occupying the form of Hack, pulled Forest Friend from its sheath and followed the charge towards the djinn.

Just as he, Ultima, and Ravenwind reached the djinn, it laughed, and a shield of flame formed around it, even as its form flickered into invisibility. Ravenwind called out to Torm once more for true vision, and was rewarded by a glimpse of the djinn behind its curtain of flame. She plunged Kaltseax through the flames, which the sword hungrily ate, and managed a hit on the djinn, which yelped.

Grimly, the fighters hewed away, with Bob the kobold continuing to fire arrows from Ultima's shoulder. Finally, the djinn surrendered, "Please, I beg of you, no more!"

“Back in the teapot now, and release Quietus," Aivanther ordered, cleaning his dagger after having delivered the backstab that had forced the djinn to surrender.

The djinn complied, somewhat reluctantly. The various questors turned back towards the rest of the room, and realized that the chaos was still not over. Muriel had landed a rather solid blow on the orcish priest with the hammer. Dizzied and confused by the blow, he'd retaliated, but had missed her, and wound up hitting Marur, the dwarven priest instead, solidly in the ribs. Marur was beginning his counter attack, even as Hack disarmed his furious bride. . . .

Quietus
The invisibility on Quietus wore off quickly (as always). He looked around at the chaos surrounding him.

"Oh, man. I hope I didn't cause this." 

His ever-fragile memory clearing up, he jumps up on a nearby table. 

He shouts as loudly as he can, "STOP IT EVERYONE. THIS IS A WEDDING, NOT A WAR."

Those nearby stop for a moment and look at the tall, thin figure screaming on the table. Then, a nearby kobold swings his short sword at Quietus's legs, causing him to fall backwards off the table and land in a heap.

"Hmmmm. Well, that didn't work."

pure_ultima
Soon after Queitus’ unfortunate accident with the table, the kobolds started to realize that the djinn was incapacitated and that they were in A LOT of trouble. Seizing the moment of confusion caused by the war between the two priests the majority of kobolds threw themselves towards the kitchen door and shut it, whining could be heard from within. Hack explained the situation to the two priests whilst holding off his furious wife. Everyone began to sit down again nursing bruises.

"Well this certainly is a more entertaining wedding than most" Ultima whispered to Ravenwind. 

Che
Che was in a frantic state. Unaware of some of the dispelling occurring he still inferred that he was a mage. He was rapidly snapping his fingers and yelling, "Time stop! Time stop!," to no avail.

Marur buckled under the blow from Muriel. Amuud paused for a moment, and then aided the dwarven priest to his feet. Looking at the ogre-like Marur and amazed at how easily he fell Amuud commented, "You know, my dear friend, you may be right. The dwarven girl is one of fortitude." With that Amuud lay his spear down. Marur gained his composure and dropped the broad axe. "Yes, Priest of Gruumsh, her orcish groom has taught her well on how to wield a hammer. A little better aim is needed, but the power be there. Ugh! Now some sort or order is needed if we are to continue."

Ravenwind
Ravenwind put her fingers in her mouth and whistled piercingly. The shrill noise cut into the eardrums of everyone, especially the elven folk, and thus all in the bar cringed and stopped their fighting for an instant. "Aivanther, get that bedamned teapot out of here before that djinn makes another appearance!" Raeython shouted into the silence.

Alexander Archmage's dispelling finally took effect, and everyone was able to see their true forms again. Several of the bridesmaids stood up from where they'd been wrestling with various guests, and helped their unfortunate victims to their feet once more. Aivanther picked up the teapot and glided speedily into the kitchen with it, getting it out of range of anyone's voice.

As he entered the kitchen, a halfling ran out of it, barreling into him at full clip. The teapot jarred loose from his hands and shattered on the floor. The djinn exploded forth. "Free!" he cried. "Free at last!" A shower of rose petals fell on the crowd, and fireworks went off in the rafters.

The assembled crowd hit the floorboards. When they looked up once more, the djinn was gone, this time for good. "Now, may we proceed?" Amuud asked a bit irritably.

Che
The room drew silent, except for the dwarven mumblings of one. "Time stop. Time stop." Tho put his hand on his brother's shoulder, "Thi, what yer be doing?" Che opened his eyes to the calm within the room. "Wha..... there be chaos. A genie. Marur was an ogre, and I was Alexander." 

Tho reassured his brother,"’Twas a dream, dear brother. Look around ye, no chaos, no genie, Marur awaits ye to continue, and yers are no mage."

"Aye, me's see that all is well. Me thinks me magical tequila may a 'ave some hallucinogenic properties me's not previously aware of. Very well carry on."

With that, Marur and Amuud again lay their artifact weapons upon the silver anvil, this time aligning them side by side to be struck. Muriel and Hack again reared the head of the forging warhammer back, and delivered their adjoining blow. A great and wonderous flash emerged from the contact, and together the two priests announced, "Before the Gods are Muriel and Hack, forever forged in matrimony."

The newlywed couple embraced each other and kissed passionately, under the rain of tiny gemstones thrown from the crowd.

Ravenwind
Ravenwind dabbed at her face with a small hanky, misty-eyed, while tossing gemstones with abandon.

Mendoza
Everything had seemed to happen so fast. First he was speaking to Quietus, then his hands were all green and around the neck of a furious dwarven warrior. Now...well everything seemed calm again, he heard clapping and cheering, and seeing others do the same, Mendoza threw a handful of tiny gems into the air, all the while glancing suspiciously at the tequila.

He was sure something had just gone on, and doubly sure it involved Quietus, but for now Mendoza just clapped along with everyone.

Che
Che bustled over to Muriel and hugged her. He gave his new son-in-law, Hack, a massive dwarven hug. The host dwarf then handed out honorary guest keys to all of the adventurers. "Please accept these keys, for me rooms upstairs will a be open fer ye any time."

Che then proceded to order more drinks and food for everyone. The shutters were reopened, much to the thanks of the sweating guests. Che then stood atop a table and shouted to all, "Please, everyone, enjoy each others’ company. Drink, eat, and fer this a day ONLY .........ALL GRATUITIES WILL BE REFUSED!"

The audience gave a resounding cheer and began to indulge in the merriment.

Quietus
Amidst the revelry, a downcast Quietus quietly slips out the door. There is a certain matter of a wedding present to attend to.

Che
Che looked around at everyone having much fun. He, himself, was enjoying the festivities and the ample amounts of tequila. But he was looking for Quietus, for the dwarf wished to have a friendly conversation with him. Plus the elder dwarf had a proposition for him.

Quietus
Quietus wanders the streets, looking for an establishment that supports gambling. He was down to his bottom gold piece, and he realized that this would not be nearly enough to buy a present fine enough Hack (and to make up for all the trouble he'd caused).

Fortunately, Quietus was a fine gambler, and luckier than anyone had a right to be (although there was a reason for this).

He spots a seedy looking establishment that looks perfect for his purposes. He steps inside, ready to redeem himself.

However, Lady Luck has taken a walk on Quietus tonight. He leaves the tavern dejected. "This just hasn't been my day."

He suddenly recalls a perfect gift. He thinks about it for several minutes, unsure if he is willing to part with it. Resolved, he reenters the Rusty Sword, a beautiful necklace in hand.
Ravenwind
Meanwhile, back in the tavern, the reception has begun. Bob the Jester and Skippy Dumptruck, bard of renown, were the featured entertainment. Between the frenetic music of Skippy and the stand-up comedy (and Juggling Balls of Death Act) of Bob, the guests were not sure whether to be dancing, ducking, or starting a riot. . . .

Che
Muriel and Hack graciously accepted the necklace from Quietus. It was a beautiful piece of jewelry, quite ornately but oddly designed. While Quietus was receiving an accepting hug, from Muriel, followed by a mammoth smooch on the cheek (something that made Quietus blush uncontrollably), Hack was wondering about the necklace. He looked for his father-in-law for him to identify the jewels of the necklace. Not really willing to bother Che with any potential problematic concerns, Hack sought out Archmage Alexander to analyze the necklace to determine if any magical warmth eminated from it.

Meanwhile Che was more concerned with his belly laughing as he watched the great bouncing balls of Bob. Quite amused at the performance, was the dwarf, but a bit miffed at spilling his tequila on his gown as he roared with laughter. Tho walked over to his brother and announced, "Thi, the one called Quietus is back, do you wish to speak to him?"

"HA HA HA! Aye, me's will get to him in a wee bit. Me's want to watch how Bob's performance turns out a first. HA HA HA! Meanwhile, pours a Quietus a drink."

Ravenwind
Ravenwind swayed in her seat to the rhythm of the Skippy's music, and mesmerized by Bob the Jester's scintillating juggling routine. At one particularly impressive moment, Bob skimmed each of the brightly colored balls through a glass of tequila and lit them on fire, never missing a beat. However, his smile grew a little strained when one of the kobolds, fearing that the Juggling Balls of Death routine now posed a fire safety code violation, tried to douse the flames with the nearest liquid to hand--namely, more tequila. 

Ravenwind glanced around idly, wondering if anyone would start dancing soon. It seemed to be that point in a wedding reception where people still wanted to be eating and drinking, but had started getting bored again.

Palladium Muse
*POP!*

Palladium Muse looks around and grumbles. "Bugger, missed the whole durn thing...Ah well. Weddings are boring, anyway. The receptions are the fun part."

She looks around for her fellow questors.

Ravenwind
"Muse!" Ravenwind exclaimed, sitting up bolt upright at the table among all the assorted rangers, and accidentally dumping an annoyed kitten off her lap. "Long time, no see! Those entities must have really run you ragged this time."

She poured her friend a drink, and managed to fit yet another chair at their overcrowded table.

Palladium Muse
"You have no idea," PM tells Ravenwind. "I'm just glad to get two seconds to rub together and have a drink with you guys! Nice resurrection job they did on you, by the way."

Ravenwind
Ravenwind took a deep, long breath, and began to recapitulate the events of the past days for the Muse. In some instances, she glossed over some of the most extraordinary events--at least two gods manifesting in physical avatars, for instance--and skirted around some of the more painful side effects--the price Raeython had paid for her resurrection, for example. 
Brooding a bit, she edged the sleeve of her gown up her left arm, revealing the terrible scar the shield had left there. Then she slid it back down again, and stared into the depths of her tequila. Somehow, she reflected, she was going to have to find a way to balance out the scales a little more evenly. Giving the Flame of Judgment into the keeping of the grove had been a good start to repaying her debts, but the personal costs to her friends needed to be amended as well. Somehow.

Raeython
Raeython is feeling quite happy after a few mugs of 'strong dwavern ale'. He notices all the people just sitting around quickly becoming bored, despite the extraordinary efforts of Skippy and Bob. He decides that it is time to move to the next stage of entertainment. He walks out onto the floor and begins to dance in a different manner. He squats down low to the floor with his legs thrown out way in front. He keeps jumping back and forth between his legs. All of a sudden he lets out a "Hey" and launches himself up into the air, where he does a backward summersault before landing back on his feet again. He then crosses his arms in front of him, and repeats the sequence; this time jumping first onto a nearby table, and sending himself upwards into a double flip before landing on the floor once again. People begin to look at him as if he had lost his mind, but he just can't bring himself to care (must have been something in that 'strong dwarven ale').

Ravenwind
Skippy begins to play "Kalinka," his lute starting to sound suspiciously like a balalaika. Ravenwind claps along enthusiastically.

Quietus
Beginning to get into the festive mood, Quietus decides it's time for a little storytelling. His memory currently clear (at least as clear as it ever is), he gauges his audience to see who will appreciate his tales the most. 

"Hmmmm. The dwarves and orcs would probably prefer a tale of heroics with a burly fighter in the lead. The humans and elves like tales of altruism. Thus, all of those groups are out. Aha! The kobolds will most likely enjoy my tales."

Quietus proceeds to join with a group of kobolds and begins telling of his past exploits.

Che
Muriel walked over to her father and asked, "Papa, would you dance with me?"

"Of course, me's deary, but yers better be a able to keeps up 'ith me."

With that the two began circling in dance around the tavern. "Father, that was such a wonderful gesture, building a house for Hack and me."

"Ach. Thinks nothin' o' it. Nothing but the a best fer any o' me daughters. As a long as the whole lot o' ye don't a git hitched all at once." The two laughed as they continued the intricate dwarven steps. Che noticed a small group of people gathering around Quietus.

"Excuse me, deary, me's have somethin' to attend to."

Muriel released the grasp she had around her father, and watched him proceed down into the cellar. She turned to her sister, Emerith, "Oh, I do hope that father doesn't indulge in the tequila too much."

"Don't worry, sis, I think father has other things on his mind at the moment. And even if he did, I really do think that he would deserve a break after all that has happened."

Quietus
"So then I said, 'I may be immortal, but that doesn't mean I can't be killed!'"

The kobolds howl with laughter at this tale of cunning and cowardice.

Quietus is feeling pretty good at this point. He begins to tell another tale when he notices both Hack and Che approaching the group. "I sure am popular tonight" he thinks.

He pauses in his storytelling for a moment and takes a swig of milk.

Che
Che returns from the cellar carrying a small box and notices the crowd gathering around Quietus. "Hmmmm.
‘Tis likely not the right a time."

Shrugging his shoulders the dwarf grabs one of his wives and continues to dance.

Quietus
As Quietus finishes the condensed verion of his history, he drinks some milk and waves at Che.

"He should probably be informed of the history of the amulet as well. I thought it was a simple dream-thingy. He should know if it might possibly harm his daughter and son-in-law."

Che
As Che continued to dance he noticed the hand of Quietus bobbing in the air. The dwarf excused himself from his wife and approached the motioning limb. On his way Hack drew beside Che and reaccounted the tale he had just heard from Quietus.

"Aye, 'ust as me's thought. An opportunity mays a be 'ere."

Che approached Quietus and leaned to his ear. "Me's a not too worried about any 'arm to befall me daughter or Hack. They a knows not to entrust themselves fully into the magic until its a fully revealed to them. Purty smart are thems two. Gets it a from me's, ye knows."

Quietus silently looked up at the dwarf, and then noticed his glass was empty.

"Get me's friend another round o' milk," bellowed Che. After a hearty slap on Quietus' back Che whispered, "Before yers leaves 'ere, me's wishes a business proposition to offer ye. Only if such an endevor interests ye, of course. If me's peaked any interest, meet me's in the kitchen when yers finished yer milk."

Cheran returned with a full glass of milk and placed it on the table. Quietus eagerly grabbed the refreshment and turned to address Che. But the dwarf was gone.

Quietus
Quietus waits, wondering what Che's proposition is. It would be nice to get a little spare change to gamble with. Trying to appear cool, he calmly sips at his milk. He then realizes that no one looks cool sipping milk...

Ravenwind
The wedding reception was winding down. Dravin still hung suspended from the ceiling, but the guests only occasionally yanked on the tethers now to make him gesture. The occasional bump from a passing bridesmaid caused the silent mage to sway like a pendulum. Che sighed as someone decided to afix a fake moustache to the lad's upper lip. 

Unable to endure the indignities thrust upon his earliest patron any more, Che directed his orcs to put Dravin upstairs in the attic, with a warm blanket over him. He'd store the mage until he either woke up, which no longer seemed likely, or until they ran out of kindling some cold winter. . . .

One of Che's daughters approached Ravenwind. "Sorry to bother you," the girl apologized, "but since Marur and Amuud are still armwrestling" (they had been at a stalemate for the past three hours, with neither willing to quit) "we need someone to go upstairs and bless the bridal bed."

Flushing a little, Ravenwind assented to the request, and went upstairs for a few minutes. When she came back, she had a peculiar expression on her face. "Nice decorations, Che," she managed, sitting back down on the floor near her usual table.

Hack and Muriel said their goodbyes to all the lingering guests, and retreated upstairs to the bridal chamber, to the great hooting and hollering of the drunker guests.

Quietus
Quietus finishes his glass of milk and stands up, making some non-commital sounds to those seated around him.

He approaches one of Che's daughters: "Is there anything I can do to assist in the clean-up. Or should I ask one of those orcs over there?"

Che
Che is in the kitchen barking orders to the staff. "Tis likely he be in a grumpy mood," commented one of his wives.

"Aye, he does have that look though. A longing to unsheathe that rusty sword of his one last time in true battle," replied another.

Che continued his allotting of tasks while equipping himself in his best armor.