Feathers and Fluff

Horses, farm hands, and stories from Rhydin's countryside. Welcome to the less refined side of town... we suggest you kick off your heels and slip on some boots.

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Anjolie Quinn
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Feathers and Fluff

Post by Anjolie Quinn »

The wedding was fast approaching and even though Anjolie intended to get most of her help from Tera, there were still a few extra touches that she knew the Starfare business didn't provide. For these little extras she was able to contact several of the boutiques in town and send out her orders for the more peculiar additions.

This was going to be the second time she would be married to the same wonderful man. She had been feeling extremely sentimental of late especially with Cory's stress over the upcoming challenge and the date interfering with their plans. Leave it to Skyler to upset their nuptuals.

Violet peepers poured over the various trinkets and trappings about five shoppes down from Dorian's Botanicals. Anjolie had already decided on wedding favors which she would be getting on discount from a local artisan. The rest was, unfortunately up to her.

The theme of the wedding would be something magical. There would be twinkling lights all over and Quinn was having macaws of both scarlett and blue/yellow variety brought over to keep things interesting. The make-shift rings were being setup with fun themes and the caller's stand was actually going to be a velvet throne set off to the site attached to the wedding party's platform. Tables with linen and silk toppings were to be situated in circles around the dueling arenas and the typical wards were being replaced with actual healers with wands who would correct things as they went along.

Anjolie had decided to have a children's section as well for any of her guests wishing to bring their little ones. It was, however, mostly for Kallie's pleasure. There was going to be pond of goldfish with take home pets and an area for pony rides from Lester, Kallie's purple pony familiar.

As the final pieces came into place, she was scribbling down numbers and schedules to give to Tera for the final event. Elizabeth was going to be assisting Tera at all times and would, most especially, be incharge of the dinner arrangements. The femme figured the Queen of Westridge might have excellent taste, but probably had no decent understanding of southern food and the way things ought to taste.

At the end of the day all that was left was a trip to the jewelers to get her beau a new ring. This was something she had done especially. Instead of the traditional look, Anjolie had opted for a new spin on things. A yellow gold band was set at the top with four small diamonds in marquis cut with a medium sized marquis emerald in the center. It was her birthstone and this felt more personal than a simple, factory made ring.

The sun had been gone from the sky for quite a while before Quinn headed for the Overlord's Isle. Cory would surely be busy with his own affairs and she needed some time to herself to write her wedding vow.
"Even some stories that seem to have been going for ages must eventually come to an end."
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Post by Cory »

Cory follows the directions into the Old Temple District. He leaves the major avenue into the narrower side streets, he makes the final turn mentioned in the directions, he looks for and sees the iron-gated door up on the right side of the street, it is a two-story building with no exterior windows and only the single large door. Before approaching the tall iron gate Cory took a moment to survey the of the simplistic looking building. He couldn't say he was expecting a grandeur structure for what was considered a dojo. One final check of the card to assure he's in the right place, then he stepped up to the gate. Searching for some kind of knocker or rope to alert those inside of his presence.

As he steps closer, a plaque beside the door bears the sigil of Xenograg there is a bronze knocker on the gate rather than the wooden door behind. He eyed the card again and matches the plaque with the symbol on the slip of parchment. "Yessir, this is it." He lifts the bronze knocker and lets it wrap against iron bars. Surely that would garner some attention.

A spy hole opens in the wooden door "Yes?"

Cory positioned himself in front of the spyhole. "I'm here t'speak wit' Xenograg." As instructed the night before Cory displayed the card he had been given.

"Name, please?" The voice is female, and has a thick accent but is understandable.

"Overlord Johnathan Havoick." He smiles at the pair of peers peering out at him.

"Card, please?"

"Right right. Thick fingers squeezed through the iron bars to pass the card along.

The card is taken "You are...expected, Over...lord. One moment." The spy hole closes. the sound of a deadbolt being thrown is then heard. Then the large wooden door swings inward and a short female with turkic features steps forward to open the iron gate. The gate swings outward on its hinges. Cory stepped away from the gate and shoved his hands into his pockets while waiting.

"Welcome to Dojo Darelir."

"Thank ya much." Cory sidestepped his way around the gate and advances past.

Another female guard stands just inside, the smell of a stable is immediate, over to the right. The second guard gestures for Cory to follow her, she turns around and walks straight away into the sunlight. The dojo has an open center with a garden on the first floor and railed open hallways around the second floor. The smell seemed to roll off Cory without notice. Being that Anjolie shares ownership of her own stables Cory is around the fine animals all day. Quick steps to catch up the female guard. They didn't even ask for him to remove his arms. Seemed a bit out of place for the security he's faced thus far. A shrug as he followed.

The guard takes the left path around the small pond in the center of the dojo. The left "building" has a single closed door and opened double doors down a little further. The sound of wood striking wood can be heard clearly. The guard steps into the double-doorway and calls inside. This was undoubtedly the dojo proper. The outer wall certainly did the interior no justice. Intricate metalwork and stainless woodpaneling made up the walls. Keeping close to the guard's path, but the sounds behind closed doors did perk his curiosity.

Xenograg halts the sparring pass with a young teenage girl. "Hail, Overlord. Welcome to Dojo Darelir. Come in."

He took position behind the guard. The brim of his stetson pushed higher. "It's an honor 'n pleasure, sir." With all due respect he tilted in a bow before entering. The female guard then leaves in the direction of the front gate.
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Post by Cory »

"Allow me to introduce my daughter and apprentice, Amanda." Xenograg gestured to the teen he was training. In turn, Amanda salutes Cory with the wooden sword she holds, then smiles. She is petite and her looks favor her father more than Amaltea.

"Pleased t'meet ya, Amanda." Cory plucked the hat from his head. It was afterall, the gentlemanly thing to do. He then notices two others in the dojo, seated at a table in the rear, both are girls, and one is Mystic. The youngster smiles and waves to Cory. Of course he recognizes Mystic. Smiles brightly and wiggles his fingers at the young girl. The other girl turns to look. She is the oldest and is clearly an elf. Xenograg smiles. "You already know Mystic." The elven girl stands and gracefully walks over to Amanda. "And lastly, may I present Her Highness, Princess Erwyn of Eldicor."

"Tha' I do. I could nev'ah f'get our pillow fight from the Arena." Attention shifted to the other, now announced as a princess. Cory bowed his head. "Yer Highness."

"Good day to you, Overlord." Erwyn spoke softly. Xeno turns to Amanda. "My guest is here, so back to your studies."

"Yes, father." She then salutes him with her weapon, and Xenograg returns the salute, then hands over the wooden sword to Amanda, who takes them over to a rack on the wall for storage. Now he turns back to Cory. "Come, we will talk in my library." At that he heads for a door behind him. Sliding open the door he steps through, leaving it open.

"Lead t'way." In passing Cory smiles the lovely ladies then moves to join Xenograg. Carefully slipping the door closed behind him.Cory sees the expected door on the left wall that leads out to the courtyard. "Girls are the bes', are they not?" Making a bit of idle conversation for the brief stroll through the courtyard. On the heels on Xenograg he follows into the libraray. Once there he sees the shelves lined with books of all shapes, thickness and color. He also took note of a small couch and high-backed chair positioned to his right.

Xenograg smiled. "Yes, indeed. I cannot deny that I favor my daughter. Daughters, now." Spoken as he sits down in the chair.

"Mmm. I love our l'il "princess" Kallie." Again, the hat his removed and laid to rest over a knee. Fingers sent to comb through his hair.

"I finally have the hang of fatherhood." Xeno said with a some confidence. "Everything I know, I learned by screwing it up the first time." Smiles but his eyes show he is serious.

"I may hav'ta ask ya fo' some tips then." Cory gave a light-hearted chuckle. "Bu' tha's not why I'm here."

"Quite."

"It's like I said las' night. Anjolie 'n I would like t'be wed." He didn't say this would be the second time. Xenograg never asked. "She's insisted on havin' ya preceed over the ceremony. We've heard from friends the wonderful event ya put on fo' The Lord 'n Queen of Westridge. She also holds ya wit' the highest regard. As do I."

"Thank you, again. I have done four weddings to date. How much planning is already done?"

"All tha' experience means ya gettin' bett'ah 'n bett'ah. 'N surely know wha'cha doin'. Cory clears his throat. "Quinn is handlin' mos' of the work, from wha' I understand she'll be workin' wit' Tera. She asked me t' come t'ya."

Xenograg nodded as he listend. "So, the basics right now. Any religious aspects or difficulties?"

Cory also nodded when the topic of religion came about. "I come from a Christian upbringin'. We've never really talked much 'bout her past --" Xeno might understand a woman's unwillingness to divulge too much. "..but I'm fairly certain she came from a Catholic family."

"One of my four prior services included one Christian. If you have no objection to a "pagan" invoking that deity, He seemed not to." Trademark smile.

"I do no'. I'm an open-hearted 'n open-minded soul. We all exsist to share one land."

"So start from a traditional Christian ceremony. She is Catholic -- Roman? -- but you are not." Xenograg continued to nod as he began piecing things together.

"Right, I believe she is. 'gain, we ain't talked much 'bout it, but I have never really pressed the issue wit' her." His fingers laced together and rested on his belt buckle. Now somewhat ashamed he hadn't pressed the issue with Anjolie. "M'assumptions are all I have t'go on." Frowning.

"Guessing based upon her heritage? I usually have a sacrament of wine or such. I will not be able to have the Bread. Leave that to me. Any "do nots" I should be aware of?"

Cory nodded at the first statement, then paused to consider. "None tha' I can think of."

"Okay, any objection to non-Christian rites? A few additions, not the heart of the ceremony."

"I'm easy t'please. So long as ya word is final and binds us." Smirks

"I can guarantee that with at least one goddess. Xenograg smiled made a small gesture with his hand before his lips. "I seem to be in good standing with a few other Powers, as well. But my devotion is to the Mother-Goddess. Arhis, to my people. Your analogue is the Virgin Mary." Xenograg knows he must be imprecise.
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Post by Cory »

Cory's smirk grew into a full blown smile. He doesn't quite have the fortitude to correct him, but he is correct in a sense. Just then the door slid open and the familiar guard stepped in, behind her was Anjolie. Both men turned thier attention there. "Ah, Quinn! Please, come in!" Xenograg smiled softly to the woman and motioned her in.

"Speak o' the devil..." Cory too brightened upon seeing the femme. It certainly was a surprise to see her here, but a welcome surprise.

"Even' gents. I recieved a page sayin' I was needed here?" Vibrant violent peepers swept over Xeno and returned his welcoming smile, then were sent to her beau.

"Uhmm. I was jus' lettin' ya know where I'd be. Bu' now tha' ya here I think Xenograg has some questions he'd like t'ask ya." Cory patted the only vacant cushion on the couch next to him.

"Indeed I do. We were going over the basics of the upcoming wedding. I understand he is Christian and Cory told me you are Catholic, correct?" Xeno's attention was on Quinn.

"Yes, sir I am. I wasn't exactly thinkin' about havin' a traditional religious weddin'. Somethin' simple, really." The femme smiled sweetly and leaned forward.

"I see, would you have any objection to mention of the Powers that be?" Xenograg asked, keeping his cordial tone. "I am a devotee, not a priest. I do not follow your own deities."

Quinn considered this briefly "No' the gods I'm worried about, love... it's more th' fact that in my church my mom and dad and local clergy would kick my ever-lovin' arse...So... a non-descript sorta Father God having no name but God would prolly be fer th' bes' if you're alrigh' wit' it." Looking at her beau.

Cory nodded in response. "I think tha's wha' Xenograg had in store."

"In a previous wedding I used "the Christian God" then. The groom was French, but that does not mean he was Catholic."

Anjolie gave a thumbs up at both their responses, then as if suddenly reminded. "Would you be able ta call duels tha' nigh' as well or am I pushin' m' limits?"

"Is a Monday.You want dueling in the reception?" Xenograg chuckled at the notion.

"Yeah... was hopin' ta take over for Annex nigh', but th' beau has an' upcomin' challenge. An' I though' Duel of Swords on the Overlord Isle migh' be a treat rather than jus' attendin' a stuffy, ol' weddin'."

"I am game."

"It would make quite t'event fo' those who's first time on Overlord Isle.. I had tha' conversation with Baroness Topaz and she did'na think--" Upon hearing Xenograg accept Cory's mouth clamped shut. The femme was going to ask what Topaz had said, but decided against it.

"So I will keep it simple. Are you going to write your own vows?" Xeno asked them both.

"Well... I think tha's all I need ta know.... dun' suppose I coul' talk Mystic inta bein' a flower girl wit' Kallie, eh? Oh... vows..." She hadn't even crossed her mind and she looked immediately to Cory for a response.

"Mystic helped with Tera's wedding." Xeno added.

"Yeah... she's a cutie an' everybody wants her." A snicker and shrug.

Brown eyes leveled on Anjolie vibrant violets. "I think it could add a certain personal-ness."

Xenograg nodded in agreement. "I strongly suggest personal vows. I am here to help, but it is all about you."
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Post by Cory »

"Dun' worry about it... I've got spellcheck on th' computer." Anjolie also agreed and added in a wink to Xeno.

"Well... actually, this isn't th' first time we've been married." Not sure if Cory had mentioned it.

"Is that a problem?" Xenograg quirked a brow as he learned something new.

"No, jus' makin' sure tha's not a problem wit' you. Isn't gonna mess wit' Karma or nothin'."

Xenograg couldn't help but smile at the irony. "Two of my four weddings had the same bride."

"Really?" Quinn's voice reached an unnaturally high in pitch "Who?" The femme perked at the sound of gossip.

"Although I was the father of the bride for one of them. Queen Luthien." Still proud of the fact.

"Oh...." Hoping it was someone more familiar who she thought was tacky... alas, her hopes were dashed.

Hmm.. I can take care o't'rings. And, no he had not mentioned it. Rather than comment on it further he simply nestled in closer and nipped at her ear to whisper. "Y'see? Xenograg knows wha' he's doin'."

"As I said, I am not a priest of any kind. I am there to help you two declare your union."

"An' tha's jus' great wit' me. All I'm lookin' for in a weddin'." Quinn's smile might as well be a permenate fixure on her features. And Xeno smiled, with some relief.

"That bein' said... if ya know of any good churches in th' area I wouldn't complain if ya dropped me an address."

"No, but I can make inquiries."

"Only if it's in topic o' conversation. No sweat, fella." A broad smile and a wink as she glanced over at her extremely quiet beau. He has since fallen slience as Anjolie takes command on the conversation. He.. merely nodded along. Best not to get in the way of progress.

"I presume you have passed on the Knights Templar Church?" Xenograg questioned.

"Uh, yeah... no' sure wha' it means here, but th' Knights Templar didn't have th' best reputation back home..."

"That is your decision. I will let you know if I find others." Xenograg gave an understanding nod and pryed no further.

"Jus' know we thank ya fo' an'athin' ya could do." Cory finally spoke up, and was echoed by Anjolie. "I appreciate th' thought. Thanks, Xeno. Bring th' whole family... plan on havin' food an' birds an' swords.... fun stuff for all ages." Cory nodded in enthusiastic agreement with Quinn's words.

"I usually put them to work. Xenograg smiled as he recalled the prior ceremonies. "They like getting dressed up, of course."

"Even Amal?" A playful grin on Quinn's lips.

"Doubly so!" Xenograg laughed good naturedly.

Chuckling as she shook her head. "I'm gonna tell her you said that, Xeno.." Then Cory joins in with the laughing. "Like tha' would do an'a good."

"She will admit it with pride! Amaltea is not just a queen, she is a princess."

Cory nudged Anjolie, trying to keep that "I told you so" grin from showing. Gestures at Xenograg. "See, love?"

"Aww... that's cute." As she snickered still from the previous comments. "Well, sir... I think we've taken up plenty o' yer time for th' evenin'. Would ya like me ta leave our number jus' in case ya need anymore details?"

"I do not own the necessary equipment, Quinn." He smiled. Xenograg was not one to break from his tradition.

"Hmm... well, then send somethin' to th' corkboard an' I'll check it on m' trips through town."

"Fine. Any written message can be sent here. I can also be summoned back here at need."

"Or, you know there is such a thing as couriers. Wha' ev'a works bes' fo' ya, sir." Cory shrugged as he put that tidbit out in the air.

"Sounds good.." Following Xenogrags lead they stood. Quinn smiled and extended her hand to him "Again, we appreciate ya goin' out on a limb like this fer us... jus' know that I'm very pleased tha' it's you an' not somebody else."

"I am honored that you asked me to officiate. You will get my best."

"She's taken the words right outta m'mouth." Ear to ear grin from Cory.

"We should meet up again once you have your vows written. Go over the order of events. I will walk you out." Xenograg made a motion to the door.

Hand in hand Cory and Quinn followed Xenograg as he escorted them out.
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Post by Anjolie Quinn »

It had been an exhausting weekend. Between keeping things running and her business booming with the Golden Sun and greenhouse she was also trying to prepare herself for the festivities of Monday night and re-marrying her dear, sweet beau. Quinn had originally intended on having some help from Koyliak, but this notion was eventually swept to the wayside with the absence of time. She had procrastinated and she'd be paying for it.

Still, as Anjolie walked through Old Market and into the bridal shoppe on the prettier side of the street, she was pleased to be greeted with a custom tailor and a very pampering experience.

While sitting on a fluffy couch which could easily be used as a pillow nest, Quinn sipped on iced tea and munched on truffles while two young consultants showed her endless pictures and mannequins of possible dresses. They had all decided on something other than white, a detail she had also discussed briefly with Tera, and were now on the right track to getting something accomplished.

Quinn nearly choked on the thick filling of an irish cream truffle whenever she spotted the dress she wanted. It was perfect and it was elegant. It would fit the overall ambience of the Isle and that was precisely what Anjolie had been hoping for.

After about an hour of intensive fitting, the sizes were scribbled down on notecards and the tailor and his young assistants began work on preparing her bridal gown for its big debut. They would call her cell phone whenever the dress was ready and it would be rushed over to her ranch home and straight into the arms of Elizabeth for the hiding.

With that large factor out of the way, Quinn was finally starting to feel happy and truly at ease.

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Post by Cory »

The group of men stood outside the small shop, each with their hands in their pockets. A couple of the younger boys grumbled disgustedly as they stared into the shop windows and mannequins dressed up in penguin suits. Hank overheard, and couldn't help but snicker. He turned and brought those faded brown eyes to glare at the kids in his usual manner. "Welp, the sooner we ge' in ther' the sooner we can ge' this ov'ah with. C'mon you babies." As always, Hank had to take charge and lead his troops into battle.

One by one they filed in, not without voicing some opinions. "A'ight, A'ight.. I'll wear a jacket, bu' I still getta wear my jeans. No bow-tie, either." Not even turning to acknowledge Andy, Hank shot that idea down. "Like hell you are. 'Sides, ain't like you gotta wear it all day. Jus' a coupla hours. This ain't 'bout you anyways, this is Cory an' Quinn's weddin'. Now think 'bout tha', do ya want Quinn breathin' down ya neck anymore than she already does?" That ought to shut them up.

Charlie, who had been silently compliant, chimed in. "Don't forget Liz." Hank nodded in agreement. "Certainly not..." A curtain to their right flared and a short man emerged with a length of tailer's rope draped around his neck. "Afternoon, gentlemen! Welcome!" Arms flailed about and gestured at his various wardrobe. "One at a time I'll bring you back for fitting, the rest may have a seat there." He pointed to a row of chairs situated next to the curtain. Then crooked a finger at Dennis. "You first." the shopkeeper had a knack for picking out the most nervous. He could make an example to the others at how painless and simple the procedure was. Dennis trudged past the curtain as the others seated themselves with a sigh.

The bell hung over the door rung, causing a slight jump from a few of the boys. Fashionably late Cory came strolling up the others. "Good t'see y'all actually gettin' fitted fo' ya monkey suits." A light hearted joke from the Southerner as he greeting his comrades. "Good to see you actually showed up." Hank gave no man reprieve, not even Cory as he glared. Voices came from behind the curtain which grabbed their attention away from the current conversation. "You'll need to stand still, sir!" "Watch those hands, bucko!" "This is my job, now quit moving!"

Cory spared a glance back at the Golden Sun boys, noting a few paled. It was extremely difficult not to comment, but it was the look Hank was giving which convinced him to clam up. Seeing an open seat beside the older man Cory dropped heavily into it. Several seconds passed where no one uttered a word. They listened for the enevitable crash of someone being tossed into a mirror. "Nervous?" Hank's voice cut through the silence while he stared straight ahead.

"Who in the right mind would'na be? Bu' I know she's the perfect match fo' me." Cory too stared ahead. "Uh, Hank? There's sum'thin' I been wantin' t'ask ya..."

"Hmm?" Was Hank's rather simple reply. Like the others he wasn't looking forward to being stuck in a tuxedo for hours, but he wasn't as vocal as the rest.

"I was thinkin' 'bout this while I was writin' m'vows for the ceremony. Ya were the first t'really accept me on the ranch, kinda like tha' big broth'a slash father-figure thing... ya'know.." Cory was rambling a bit as he dried his palms on denim. Then scratched his cheek in effort to disguise the deep breath.

"Spit it out, son." In the back of his mind Hank knew something big was coming and did everything to seem uninterested. The kid always did need a stern kick in the pants every now and again.

"I would like fo' ya t'be m'best man at the weddin'." Cory turned to gauge Hank's reaction, which wasn't much of one minus nodding.

"I can do tha' for you." but a small grin did peek through under that bushy mustache. That was until the goofballs struck up in chorus. "Cory and Hank sittin' in a tree--!" Hank's hand soon thwapped the nearest head to quell the singing. "Shaddup!" "Ow, bu I wasn't singin'!" Complained Carl. "You know the drill, pass it down." Down the line it went, each one turning and smacking their neighbor upside the head. By this time Dennis came stomping from behind the curtain and the call for the next in line rang out. An impromptu game of paper-rock-scissors broke out to decide the next victim.
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Post by Anjolie Quinn »

Come and join the Celebration!

AOL/AIM chatroom OverlordIsle

IM for an invite!
"Even some stories that seem to have been going for ages must eventually come to an end."
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