peerless_thayet | (no subject)

Word spreads quickly through the city.

It was, the people say, an absolutely splendid ceremony, and a union obviously blessed by the gods. King Jonathan smiled upon his bride as if he could see no other, and indeed, Queen Thayet surely must be the most beautiful woman who ever lived.

There's no doubt it is a love match, young girls whisper and sigh.

The King's Champion, the Lioness, held her head high and grinned throughout the vows, kneeling and offering her sword and services to both King and Queen before the bells rang. Before the kiss.

Matrons huff and opine that the kiss had gone on a little too long for propriety, but they say so with a smile.

Nearly the entire city had turned out for the parade, and a good number had followed their rulers back through the imposing City Gate, eager to hear what they could of the evening’s festivities.

There's to be a feast, the men state, but nothing truly extravagant. Not during these times, with our current situation. But no one begrudges the newlyweds a banquet of sorts.

It's not hard to imagine: the King and Queen at the head table, the Lioness and her mysterious husband (she's married now, did you hear?) at the King's right hand, and all the nobles of the court raising their wine goblets in toast after toast.

And maybe, at the end of the night, carts laden with roast meat and bread will go out into the city. The people of Corus will sleep with full bellies and hope this evening.

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Alanna quirks an eyebrow, studying her friend with a smile. It never fails to amuse her what George picks up as bartender.

Lifting her glass, she winks at him.

"It's about time you put in an appearance."

"Quite," the Queen agrees, gaze warm as she takes a dainty sip. "You've been missed, Baron. Join us?"

He winks right back at Alanna.

"I've been here all along -" he says, grinning, " -it's no fault of mine that you failed to see me."

He bows low to Thayet. After all, proprieties must be observed.

"I had to be here. This is history in the making. You look radiant, your Majesty."

And much less audibly he adds:

"As though I would miss the marriage of two friends such as you and Jon..."

Gracefully inclining her head, Thayet smiles and leans forward.

"Thank you, my friend. We are both well aware that neither of us would be here without your help."

He shakes his head.

"I did what needed to be done. Nothing more. I'm just glad I was able to play my part."

He smiles.

"And it's good that Jon finally saw what the rest of us saw from the beginning.."

Curiously, "and what was that?"

She looks more than a little amused.

"That you're the best thing that's ever happened to him." he says, without any shame whatsoever.

"I certainly won't argue with that," she replies, brightly.

"Hang on. I will!"

A mischievous smile plays about Alanna's lips.

"She might be the most attractive thing that ever happened to him, but I'm clearly the best. After all, I saved his life and brought her here."

"Alright, see now this is where I promptly bite my tongue and say nothing, else she - " he points to Alanna, "- skewers me, either verbally or with her sword. And at this juncture, I'm not sure which is worse.Likely the words.."

He laughs.

"Besides, Alanna of Trebond - you're my best friend. I'm biased if I say it's you."

He smiles at Thayet.

"But in all seriousness, Congratulations to you. May your reign be long, prosperous and may you have many children ~~so that Jon will go gray young~~.. to carry on the Conte name."

Thayet laughs.

"It depends largely on who is going to be carrying these many, many children." She pats Jon's hand. "Perhaps we shall settle for a few. Thank you, George."

"Hmph. I suppose I shall let you live."

She smiles and seconds the toast.

Jon grins at Thayet. "I like the idea of lots of children running about. And we can always get Alanna and Adam to babysit." He gives Alanna an evil grin.

Looking more serious, he raises his glass towards George. "Thank you, my friend. I owe you more than I can possibly ever repay."

"Be a good King, kind and fair to your lower subjects as well as the Nobles and the Highborn and I assure you - that's the reward I crave most."

He grins.

"Though, the monetary reward was quite welcome too.." he drawls, eyes laughing.

"After seeing that world through 'Johnny's' eyes, there's no need to worry. Thayet and I have many ideas to improve the lives of all our people, regardless of station."

Jon grins back. "It's the least I could do. Besides, nobility seems to be sitting well with you."

"And 'Johnny' will always be welcome in the lower city - I can promise that. Should he ever decide to visit again. And should any of the Rogue be so careless as to even attempt at meddling.. well.. they'll learn the error of their ways." his eyes narrow for a moment, then is replaced entirely by a smile.

"I can't complain overmuch. The perks generally outweigh the cons."

He bows to his new monarchs.

"Your majesties..."

Having watched the exchange with interest, Thayet nods to George with a smile and turns to Jon.

"I think I should very much like to hear more stories about Johnny."

Alanna hears this and immediately launches into one of her favorites, cheerfully ignoring the look Jon gives her. It's an entertaining story (even if it is greatly exaggerated), and even Jon laughs at the end.

The feast does indeed continue into the small hours of the night, but the new king and queen take their leave after a few hours, and their friends aren't very far behind. It had been a good day, but an exhausting one.

But definitely good.