Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

As Aearion enters with yet another armload of pelt blankets, one of the children spies him. "Sissy Meri, it's the pointy ear man agai..." her announcement is cut short with a squeal of delight as another enters, closing the door behind them, "And The Princess!"

The orphans rush out to greet Alison, crowding around her and ignoring the elf as he delivers the bundle of furs to the customary table. Grinning, he selects one and heads to the common room as Alison entertains the group with her customary juggling and magic. A very short time later a makeshift backdrop has been erected alongside one of the trestle tables and he calls out, "Whenever you're ready!"

Alison shepherds the children around the table and scurries alongside Aearion behind the curtain. Within seconds, two marionettes descend onto the table and the show begins. The orphans are enthralled and the puppeteers are having as good a time, evidenced by the spontaneous giggles and chuckles that intersperse the dialog.

The plot is a simple "Elven hero rescues the Princess from the ogre" and most of the script is improvised. Aearion plays the hero puppet, and Alison does most of the other voices, and a multitude of sound effects. The Hero frequently asks the audience what he should do next at each challenge, making it a fun, interactive event for the children.

All too quickly it's over, with the audience clamoring for an encore. As the pair take a bow, Alison winks and whispers, "Performer's first rule: Always leave them wanting more." The stage is quickly dismantled, the puppets carefully wrapped and stored, and the pair exit hand-in-hand, promising more shows to come.

[Meri laughs cheerily at the comotion. She prepares supper against he back drop of laughter and puppets. She thanks both the 'princes and the pointy eared man' with an affectionate bit of teasing, and well wishing hugs.

The day passes in cheery procession of such happenings as the traffic in and out of the temple does not stop until well after sunset. Patient and patron alike abuzz and over joyed at the cheerful roll of the days.]

A package is left at the temple, It is full of hand carved Toys. Some Hand Written books about random things, and some corn. a note is signed
May Eldath bless you and all of the children
Brent Celek, Cleric of Eldath, Guardsman of the Red Field Guard

[A frown crosses Meri's face as she looks for the person who may have let the donation. She goes in frustratedly grumbling about criminals and trouble at the temple doorstep... literally.

... the donation doesn't remain on the temple stoop long...]

[A kindly, older couple arrives at the temple midmorning. Those who've been about the temple in the last couple of months, know the pair as Meri's 'parents'. Brother Dracius and his wife are excited about tomorrow, though maybe not as much as the one they affectionately call their daughter.

The temple is abuzz with the laughter of children, and preparations for the up coming wedding. The normal flow of people in and out will hear Iliara calling after Meri as she busies herself:]

Rosy! Will you quit worrying and sit still a minute! Can't sit still to save her life... [mutters the older woman]

I heard that!

* A young boy comes to the temple with a package wrapped with elegant wrapper with an envelope on top the package addressed to Ms Merri*

[The package is regarded warily at first, and is eventually placed safely in the back, until Meri has time to give it proper attention.]

//
A PM Has been sent...
//

Just in time for Merielle's wedding, a large crate of musical instruments and noisemakers are delivered for the children.

What sort of diabolical mind would supply thirty-three urchins with ninety-nine vuvuzelas and a greater number of harmonicas, tamborines, and kazoos?

[Meri and the sisters spend the rest of the wedding preperations smiling as the children play... the cause of such happiness? Cotton and bees wax. Meri makes note to curse certain bards later...]

[With things as prepared as they can be the night before the wedding, an exhausted Meri makes her way to bed.

People in and out of the temple are chattering about everything from decorations to preperations, plans are made and readied for tomorrow afternoon.]

///
WEDDING IS FRIDAY AUG 27TH AT 4:30 PM CENTRAL STANDARD TIME AT THE TEMPLE OF ILMATER IN BALDUR'S GATE.
OPEN INVITE, WITH THE LOGICAL EXCEPTION OF THOSE WHO WISH TO KILL MERI OR TESSIAN, OR PEOPLE THAT SHOULDN'T BE IN THE CITY.
///

OPEN INVITE, WITH THE LOGICAL EXCEPTION OF THOSE WHO WISH TO KILL MERI OR TESSIAN, OR PEOPLE THAT SHOULDN'T BE IN THE CITY

Meanie! (Meri the Meanie )

//Also, where's Laurk these days?

The temple had been abuzz with many happenings, comings and goings. Cleaned, re-cleaned, re-re-cleaned and would have been re-re-Re-cleaned had the Sisters not hidden broom and mop from the anxious bride to be. Decorated with flowers, whose scent danced through the temple with all the grandeur of a meadow, and smelling of good food, the temple itself seemed to smile. More than once it was said that Mercy smiled on the humble structure, even during the frantic misplacement of the shoes... [No doubt the Sisters would not have -misplaced- them for the blushing bride, if they had not meant to keep her well distracted...]

Finally the bride was ushered away to change, the guests began to arrive. Yes. Long over due to some, all too quickly for others... but to the bride and groom... the Day could not be more perfect. With perfect timing and a nervous smile, Brother Dracius, expert in all things Tomato, went to fetch his 'daughter,' so affectionately called Rosy. The wedding began.

There were many smiles as father and bride moved from the back of the Sanctum to the alter. Dracius' wife was already in tears as the bride and groom exchanged a pair of smiles that could barely contain the emotion of the moment. Her hand is passed from Father to Future husband as those near and dear smiled on. Finally Brother Marcus spoke, his voice, normally quiet and feeble was lent some strength in the moment. "Friends, Baldurians, and kinsfolk...hearken to my words. We come to marry these youths, and to praise them. The love that we give lives after us. It lives until it is interred with our bones. So let it be with these two. Gentle Ilmater has told you that love is ambitious. Otherwise, it is a grievous fault, and grievously come the consequences. Here, under leave of Ilmater, for Ilmater is a loving god... ...come I to speak at this wedding. Ilmater blesses them, faithful, and just to them. Ilmater says that love is ambitious. ...and Ilmater is a loving god. He has brought many pairs to happiness...whose love did the general welfare aid. Does this not seem ambitious? When the poor hath cried, Ilmater hath wept. When the weak hath stood, Ilmater hath lent them strength. When there is suffering, Ilmater hath suffered for them, with them. Ambition is truly made of sterner stuff. You all shall see that in this wedding, as they promise their vows...their vows are ambitious. I speak not to belittle what these two can do. But here I am to speak what I do know: They both love each other, and not without cause. And that love will one day make one mourn for the other. But in our sacrifices, we are above brutish beasts. We are men, with morals and reason. For even when our hearts are in a coffin with another... ...we will not pause to regret it. Let us then wed these two, lawfully and with blessing."

Bride and groom exchanged a smile. Even in this moment there was a prayer on her lips. He looked as though he might faint, and she was dancing somewhere between uncontrollable tears and laughter. Each looked a bit nervous, both looked very much in love. Brother Marcus looked to Tessian. Bid him repeat the vows as he spoke. Merielle could not help but look at the dainty silver ring with its simply set sapphire. A whisper from the bride and the gem glowed a gentle blue. That simple light seemed to give some steel to the groom's nerves. He held fast to the hand of the woman he loved so, almost as if he feared something yet meant to steal her away. The priest began... So the groom spoke his vows:
Brother Marcus turned to the bride. Many would have said that the woman outshone the saint, and may well have been right. Not that the pair at the alter noticed, for now, they only saw each other. The kindly old priest bid her speak her vows. She did, with trembling voice that was cloyed with joyous tears. Her eyes as pale as jade, shone with tears stubbornly kept at bay.
There was a quiet moment as the words spoken settled around the assembly. The bride reached into the clutch of flowers she held. As the groom had requested, the delicate roses she held, matched her hair in hue. The effect was striking against the blue of her dress. A shaky hand produced a fine silver band, and passed the roses to Selah. Joan stood ready with smelling salts, and to catch the ring if need be. Merielle placed the ring on his finger smiling. The silver of the simple band reflecting the joy of the moment.

In the tradition of the order of Ilmatari that Meri was taught in, a length of red cord was lain upon the alter. It was at this time the gentle priest bid the groom take up the cord. The red cord was snaked around first her left wrist, then his. Hand in hand they stood smiling at the bound wrists. Brother Marcus spoke with a commanding voice that seemed to fill the whole temple and shake the humble walls:

"Let none sunder what mercy hath put together.
I proclaim you to be Mister and Missus Silene.
You may kiss the bride."

The old priest smiled at his final line. The couple beamed at one another. With a swift and gentle hand the veil was lifted. Was it the kiss that shook the heavens in that moment? Or the cheers and applause of those dear? For a moment the world stood still and Mercy Smiled. As Husband released Wife from that momentous first kiss, unshed tears of joy slipped away. As first kisses go, this one would be treasured by the pair. She took a tissue offered and he grinned at her lopsidedly as the pair snuck away from the crowd for a stolen moment. When they joined the guests in the dinning hall of the temple, there was laughter and congratulations aplenty. Drinks and good food. In usual flair and wry wit, the wedding cake was made of layers of pancakes, whipped cream, strawberries and chocolate syrup. There was also rabbit stew for the less breakfast-ly inclined, and rolls. Though most were content to enjoy the 'wedding breakfast' of pancakes and bacon. There were still more jokes and laughter. The joy of the moment barely contained within the walls of the quaint little shrine.

A tall, grim-faced man enters the sanctuary, asking the Sisters present as to the whereabouts of "Saint Williams." Apparently unaware of recent social events within the City, he is told of the recent wedding before he hastily exits again without another word and a look of urgency on his features.

Another package of food in found outside the door step with a note attached
Eldath brings her blessings
- Brent Celek, Cleric of Eldath Maiden of Peace

In the morning, a tall woman wearing a spikey armor is seen walking by the sactuary of Illmater, frowning. She watch the childrens play a moment, then search her pocket. She put two copper pieces near the door, turn back and walks off.

"Eh.. I'm bein' too good lately. I shouldn't give 'em that much. I should do 'em a favor an' kidnap 'em, to drop their little arses in the wild. That way they would learn the hard way of life by themself, like I did."