Another Cursed Wedding

Bro,

I staggered into the Aalen around noon with a gift, an empty flask, and the delusion that a wedding might be allowed to stay a wedding. The forest looked too perfect, all glittering stream and politely singing birds, which never lasts.

Tu’eras stood at the front looking kingly and tense. Alianna arrived and the whole crowd did that soft, stunned inhale. Ferenthal appeared and the air warmed in that suspiciously wholesome way that makes you briefly forget your grudges. Vows started. I got misty. Someone handed me something spiced and I said yes because grief and alcohol love each other.

And then Mhaldor arrived.

Not quietly. Not politely. They barged in mid ceremony and dragged with them a statue of Tu’eras’ dead mother, presented like a wedding gift. A statue. Of his dead mother. Right there between the vows and the blessing, dropped into the moment like a brick through glass. If you want to understand Mhaldor, picture someone interrupting a kiss to spit on the altar, then calling it tradition.

Tu’eras went so still I thought the trees would flinch. Alianna kept her composure in the way only someone with roots can. Ferenthal kept speaking, somehow, because love has seen worse than drunks and tyrants. Eventually the moment lurched back onto its feet and the ceremony continued, everyone pretending their throats were not full of ash.

They got to the end. They kissed. People cheered too loud, trying to drown out what had just happened. I cheered too, because I am a coward and cheering is easy.

Then Tu’eras reached into his jacket for a ring, and his face did that sharp little change where you can see worry before he swallows it. The ring was missing. Rangers sprinted off.

They came back dragging a waiter from the catering staff and threw him down in front of the newlyweds like this was court. The waiter looked up once, crushed a tiny vial at his throat, and died right there in a flash, black smoke leaking from his eyes. I spilled my drink. Again. The day had a theme.

After that, they dragged the body out, Tu’eras held himself together by pure spite, and Alianna soothed him with one hand and a look that said, “Later.”

Then everyone got shepherded down into the village for food, drink, and a new seed stall, because the Aalen response to horror is planting things and daring the world to choke on flowers.

I bought seeds I do not remember buying. If they grow into a fist, I will consider it appropriate.

See you soon,

“Two Cups”

~~~

Summary: Sapience witnessed the marriage between King Tu’eras of the Aalen and Queen Alianna of Eleusis. During the ceremony, the Queen’s wedding ring was stolen.

Penned by My hand on the 17th of Chronos, in the year 997 AF.