Faal watched Lex as he eyed the ring selection carefully. On a whim, Faal had brought him to the same store he'd found the engagemnt ring at, hoping to find their wedding bands as well. They'd been staring at the selection for quite sometime, but the proprieter showed no signs of growing tired of helping them... probably due to the amount of money Faal had spent there just a short while ago.

All the wedding planning was starting to drive Lex just a touch crazy. Every time some one around the office, normally one of the girls, asked how it was going, Lex just sort of blushed and shrugged. It was bad enough with Jasmine and Aiyla trying to take control of everything.

Faal sighed and wrapped his arms around Lex. "Stop thinking about it. " he whispered into Lex's ear with a smirk, causing the redhead to jump. "Relax and enjoy the little moments, Lex... it's just the two of us here doing this part.. no one else... unless we take too long and they manage to track us down.. which i wouldn't put past a couple of them."

"Then I suppose we'd best make a choice soon, shouldn't we?" Lex asked, still looking at the rings and failing to notice they were about to get company...in the form of Tizzy, whod just heard...

Faal chuckled softly as they turned their attention back to the three they'd managed to narrow it down too.

"Ooooo.. lucky day!"

Lex and Faal groaned simultaniously at the voice behind them, and turned to see Tizzy appear beside them peering at the rings.

"Oooo.. ring shopping... the best. Speaking of rings... let me see!!" she said grabbing Lex's hand to inspect his engagement ring.

Tizzy giggled and let go of Lex's hand, while grinning cherfully. "Aiyla just told us all over at the Raven, shame of you for keeping it a secret for so long...well keeping it from everyone but Rue...Althought Doyle wasn't to surprised either..." Tizzy rambled.

Lex let her, actually focusing his attention on the rings, rather then her to get out of there faster. After a moment, he pointed to one set with out Tizzy noticing because of course, she was still rambling on.

"And Aiyla said you hadn't gone shopping for anything to wear yet, so we sorta figured we'd do you a favor and take you, i mean once you're done here and all..." Tizzy paused finally, looking at Lex, who looked back at her.

"Hmm?"

Faal cleared his throat, nodding to the shop owner that they'd take the rings Lex had pointed out, he wrote down the rings sizes and the inscription to be added to the smaller ring, then turned to smile at Tiz. "Actually, Tizabella, we were planning on having a quiet lunch somewhere, and then I believe Clarice and Jasmine were planning on stealing Lex away for the afternoon... weren't they?"

"They were." Lex agreed. "Sorry Tiz." He added.

Tizzy just sort of smiled and shook her head. "Right...well just be sure to let us know if you don't find anything."

"Yeah...sure..." Lex added. Tizzy was already bounding ut of the shop with out another word. Lex shook his head, watching her go. "This is getting slightly scary.."

Faal sighed and patted his hand gentley. "Could be much worse, trust me.. Jasmine had my sisters and Candy competing for her wedding gown..." He smiled at the shop owner as he handed his creit card over and waited to sign the receipt. He glanced around the shop at the other displays. "anything else catch your fancy while we're here?"

"Oh yus...lords, that's going to be fun..." Lex muttered at the fact that he remembed Aiyla saying something about her adopted mother wanting to see Lex as soon as possible. "Besides, that gown of Jasmine's was...poofy.." Lex muttered. He shook his head about not seeing anything else.

Faal signed the receipt and slid his card back int his wallet.

"They'll be ready by next Monday, sir. " the owner said with a smile, and Faal wondered if his face was hurting fomr its intensity.

"Thank you. " Faal nodded and wrapped an arm around Lex's waist, leading them towards the door. "come on, luv.. let's make out escape before someone else spots us."

Two pm sharp, Jasmine appeared to collect Lex. "I hope you don't have anything else planned for the rest of the day." She told him, with a smirk.

Lex eyed her. "Would I have had it easier if I'd gone with Tizzy and Aiyla?" He inquired. Jasmine rolled her eyes.

"Lards no, Tizzy has no fashion sense. Come on, your step mother is waiting." Jasmine grabbed Lex's arm and began dragging him off.

Clarice was waiting outside the first store on Jasmine's check list waiting for the two to show up. She'd agreed to join in for two reasons, number one, she loved Lex and was thrilled to be a part of this, and number two, the boy needed help against Jasmine. She gave a sigh of relief as she saw them approach.

Jasmine was still dragging Lex's along, talking about something, but Lex had long since lost track of what it was. but this was usually for Jasmine when she was in an excellent mood. The shop Lex noticed was a rather expensive one. Jasmine caught his hesitation and clicked her tongue. "Do not worry about the prices. Just find something you like! Ah, there's K." Jasmine continued dragging Lex, right up to Chaos.

Clarice saw the look on Lex's face and knew she'd made the right choice. "Hey Lex! Hi Jasmine..ready to start?"

"Do I have much choice?" Lex asked with a sigh, but slight smirk. "Tizzy cornered earlier...she and Aiyla wanted to do this..."

Jasmine made a face. "I love Aiyla...but when she and Tizabella get together...Lard, watch out..."

"Agreed." Lex said, as Jasmine opened the door to the shop.

"You're lucky Candy didn't beg to be here..." Jasmine said with a grin.

The shop was small, but obviously expensive, racks of white gowns in a showy room with lots of mirrors. A retail clerk was already coming toward them with a book.

"Appointment/" She asked with a slight tone.

"Yes." Jasmine replied calmly. "Under Lexine Mordant." Lex raised an eyebrow, he certianly didn't remember making an appointment.

Clarice rested a hand on Lex's shoulder and leaned down to whisper in his ear. "I'm here to back you up. Let me know if Jasmine comes on too strong for you and I'll see what I can do." she gave his shoulder a pat, then stood back up before Jasmine could notice. "So, Lex... any particular style you'd like to look through first?"

Lex scrunched his nose frowned, looking around at all the confections of satins, silks and laces. "I don't want anything outrageous...I mean...surely they do bridal...pants suits right?" He said softly. Jasmine immediately turned to the retailer.

"We have a FEW styles for that, yes...Will you be trying them on?"

"Oh, indefinitely..." Jasmine replied.

Chaos smiled, giving a silent sigh of relief that Jasmine waasn't going to argue about the pantsuit... she'd heard a ton of talk about the 'perfect wedding DRESS' for Lex and how fabulous he'd look in it... she'd had nightmares about this day... The salewoman led them three quarters of the way through the shop before she stopped and showed them the pant suit selection.

" Choose which ever one's you'd like to try on and I'll take them into the dressing room for you, and when you're done looking around out here, you can just come back." She said and pulled aside a curtain to show a room with a mirrored area and chairs, with a curtained alcove to one side. There was an empty rack waiting for Lex's choices. She let the curtain fall back in place. "If you need any help, I would more then happy."

Lex took a deep breath, turning his attention to the outfits, which Jasmine at once began going through,

"Oh, I like this one..." She said, finding one with a halter style top, lightly embroidered with red flowers.

Lex saw the rather stiff high collar and made a face. "Yeah, if you're wantting to look like a gothic punk."

"You WERE a gothic punk..." Jasmine replied with a look.

Lex did his best to ignore her. He found one suit that had an embroidered thin strapped top that he quiet liked, but he also liked the mandarin collar. "These two..." He decided. It was worth a shot to try them both on.

"You really should go with a dress, Lexi..." Jasmine said, although there may have been a hint of teasing in her tone.

Chaos rolled her eyes, but motioned for the saleswoman to take the two from Lex. "Are these your only pantsuits?"

the sales woman smiled apologetically. "Yes I'm afraid so. We don't have much call for them... most women want the big, fancy gowns and all the trimmings..."

"Oh yes, and some insist on the bigger the better..." Jasmine said, rolling her eyes at the thought of both her sister in laws and Candy and the constant argument that raged over her own gown. "Go try them on Lexi, we'll be here, but you do know...for the 'bigger' wedding, you will have to wear a gown."

Lex waved her off "Yes, I know..."

"Good, because we'll be seeing a good friend of mine about it." Jasmine said with a grin.

Lex followed the woman back to the changing room, and assured her he'd be fine on his own. Jasmine took a seat in one of the chairs out side the changing room to wait, and glanced at Chaos.

Clarice shook her head in amusement as she took another chair. "You guys are really going to make Lex wear a gown, aren't you?"

Jasmine gave her a half smile, her eyes twinkling as she leaned close to answer. " It's nessacary... the prince is getting married... the people need to see the 'princess'..."

"Besides," Jasmine said, taking her nail file from her purse. "I rather promised myself I'd take care of the gown, before the sister in laws could...I'm sure you remember mine...that was only after I demanded it be less...poofy..."

Lex tried on the one with the mandrian collar first and was examining his reflection, biting his lip.

Chaos rolled her eyes at the memory. "Well... look you did look fabulous in it, but then you look fabulous in everything. But then, that was before you gained the royal veto... it is good to be queen and overrule the inlaws..."

"Oh yes, definitely. " Jasmine said with a wicked grin. "I'm rather increasingly fond of Lexi. I shall do my best to keep the sisters away...especially Aerieth... Lexi, hun, how's it coming?" She called.

"Er..." Came a soft answer.

"Step out here and let us see..." Lex did and Jasmine raised an eyebrow. "I don't think that one's entirely your style luv." She said, over the mandarin collar.

Clarice looked him over. �It�s a gorgeous outfit, but I agree.. I think it�s the neckline�� She gave him a smile. "Let's see the other one." As Lex vanished back behind the curtain, Clarice turned back to Jasmine. "Between the sisters, Candy, Aiyla and Tizzy.. we need to give Lex some serious defense. If we don't keep them at bay...."

"The sisters are all just thrilled their little brother has been found. I don't know how they could have EVER doubted Estehl had given up looking..." Jasmine said, pausing in her filing to roll her eyes. "Really, they had no faith in Estehl what so ever...Aiyla and Tizzy we can handle...Candy might be persistant, but leave her to me..."

Clarice chuckled softly, leaning back in the chair and stretching out her legs. She'd noticed that more and more often lately she wore the softer outfits in her closet, even going so far as to buy more. the leather was now strictly battle wear... At the office she wore slacks , skirts or the occasional pair of jeans if she thought she could away with it under Sylvie's scrutinizing eye... but outside work, she tended to find her self in casual dresses or skirts... or jeans if she was in the mood. Auron was just having way to much of an effect on her. She smiled thinking that she'd trade even her jeans in if he asked, she was that happy being with him. Her gaze wandered down to the rings on her finger again.

"So, I take it things are well with Auron?" Jasmine asked softly dropping her nail file in her bag and taking out a compact and lipstick. "Lexi, having trouble?"

"No..." Came the quick reply.

"I've never known a more nervous bride..." Jasmine remarked softly, with a grin.

Clarice snorted softly."That boy deserves to have the best wedding ever. he's been through hell and back numerous times in his short life. I just pray everything goes well. " She tossed a smirk at Jasmine. "And yes, Auron and I are good..."She chuckled, and a hand flew up to hide her mouth. "I'm sorry.. I just keep seeing Saffron at the dinner..."

"That poor boy..." Jasmine said on the mention of Saffron. "I don't think Regan is letting him live it down." She glanced at the changing room. "Oh I don't think there's any way any of us would LET something happen at this wedding, because as you said, Lex deserves it..." At that moment, Lex stepped out of the changing room in the last pants suit.

Clarice and Jasmine both turned at the same time. They both looked him over quietly. "Lex, hun.. turn around for us.." Chaos asked softly, and whistled softly as he did a slow pirouette. She turned to look at Jasmine. "Look at how fabulous that is... and you want a dress instead??"

"Okay, okay!" Jasmine said holding up a hand. "THAT is definitely the one, Lex." She told him.

"You think so?" Lex asked, biting his lip.

"Oh most definitely!" Jasmine replied with a brilliant smile, that became quiet warm as she saw Lex blush slightly.

Clarice smiled brightly and found herself blinking away a sudden wetness in her eyes. "Damn.." She said, wiping at her eyes. "I can believe this is getting to me like this.." she chuckled softly. "Alright.. so one outfit almost done.. we need shoes and accessories now to go with it..."

"Accessories? What kind of..." Lex started to ask.

Jasmine chuckled. "I love his naiveness some times." She turned to Lex, "Well, do you want to carry a bouquet, or nothing at all, then there's jewelry...I think I have a lovely pearl chocker..." She said thoughtful. Lex blinked at her. He hadn't realized there was this much involved. "Go change, K and I'll look at the shoes, then we'll pay for everything and be off about the gown." Jasmine said brightly.

Clarice chuckled at the stunned look on Lex's face as he vanished back behind the curtain. "You forgot to mention the garter belt..." clarice said as they headed out to the main showroom.

"Did I? Shame..." Jasmine wondered over to the shoes. "Although, I don't think he's unfamiliar with them..." She said, eyes sparkling as she looked over the shoes, trying to find the perfect pair. "He'll be lucky not to end up in a corset with the gown..."

Clarice stifled a snort at the corset comment. "Good lord...you couldn't possibley be so cruel..." She said with a small smirk. Her eyes settles on ankle ankle high button up boot with decent heel and she held them out for Jasmine's inspection. "What do you think?"

"Me, I'm never that cruel." Jasmine replied, glancing at the boot. "Hmm...wonder if we could get those in a color..." She was fingering a pair of delicate sandles, and had spotted a charming pair she quiet loved with a low heel, but they were completely clear, like glass slippers. "I rather like those boots though...and probably so would Lex..."

clarice spotted the 'glass slippers' as Jasmine was eyeing them. "We'll set aside the boots and the glas slippers for Lex as our suggestions. "She chuckled and glanced back to see Lex emerge from the curtain, the pantsuit over his arm

Jasmine chuckled softly. "As cute as they might be for the idea...I don't think Lexi would go for it...I'm opt to suggest the sandles for the pants suit...the boots for the gown..." She said, glancing over her shoulder to see the salesperson move forward to take the paints suit and Lex coming toward them.

"I know you're not one for shoe shopping, Lex, but I think we can cover both pairs here..."Jasmine said. "Just go with anything yuo like, but I suggest the sandles, for the pants suit." She added.

Lex decided on the sandles for the pants suit. Jasmine took them and went to the counter to pay for it all. Which left Lex standing with Chaos. "Why does there have to be so much planning for these things? I get the feeling the groom has it easier..." He muttered to Chaos. Chaos slipped an arm over Lex's shoulders.

"They do, for the most part... except for Faal... long lost prince and all... and he doesn't have Jasmine to protect him from his sisters... and Estehl won't be any help at all.." She chuckled, watching Jasmine oversee the packing of the outfit. "This is just the shopping part Lex.. once that's out of the way, you still have the bridal showers, and the 'collection' to put together... you know.. 'something borrowed, something blue.. yada yada"

"Oh god...the bridal showers...yeah...I think every one I know wants to throw one...Shame Regan beat them to it first...i hope...But the whole thing is just...I'd so much rather just elope..." Lex muttered.

"How many times have I told you, you can NOT elope." Jasmine said, with a stern tone as she came over with a dress box and the bag with the shoe box. "have you thought about what you're giong to do with your hair?" She asked, as they started for the door.

"No..." Lex muttered. "Does it really matter?"

Jasmine snorted. "For the bride, you really are quiet passive. You're supposed to find this fun..." Jasmine said with a smirk.

Clarice laughed and gave Lex a squeeze. "Jasmine's right, Lex... This is probably the most important day of your life and it's all up to YOU. Have fun and enjoy it as much as you can. Pick the outfits YOU want.. the food, the colours, the location.. you can name all of it, if you choose. How many times' will you get to over rule an entire royal family if you choose?"

"Most of the royal family...restrictions do apply...hard to over rule the king, of course...but really, I think Estehl could care less. I think he's just happy to see Faal so happy." Jasmine said as they left.

"I just don't think it has to be a HUGE deal..." Lex muttered.

"Well no...the legal one, doesn't...the court wedding on the other hand Lexi...has to be a big deal...it wouldn't be so bad... if you weren't the 'daughter' of the seal...but since you are, and are marrying the king's brother and currently only heir...it's got to be an anmormous fucking deal." Jasmine said with a gesture as she led the way. Lex groaned

"Ah, well, that calls for a bit of magic, it does." Jasmine said, suddenly very mischievious and she turned into an alley way. Once the other two where with her, she checked about, then opened a rift. "Next stop, marry old England, you first Lexi." She gestured. Lex raised an eyebrow. "Go on, go on." Jasmine erged.

Lex did as he was told, stepped through the rift and found himself in a small room of a dusty seamstress shop. He looked about, outside it was night time. But there was stacks ad stacks of wonderful material. and dresses in the making.

Clarice glanced around the shop, then reached out and took the dress and shoe box form Lex. "I'll look after these, Lex.. you're going to need your hand and arms free..." She turned to Jasmine. "Do you alwasy pop in on people without regard to the time?" she asked, a small smile tugging on the corner of her mouth. "Or is this a 'royality' thing.."

"A royal thing...she's expecting us. Madam Mulchen?" Jasmine called out softly.

"Ah, right on time." Came a soft voice. Lex jumped as a rather short and stooped old woman appeared from the shadows. "Good evening, dear Jon." The old lady, obviously Madam Mulchen didn't mind using Jasmine's real name And Jasmine didn't retort. They watched the old lady take a pair of antique glasses from around her neck on a beaded chain and fit them on her nose, which caused her eyes to be greatly maginfied so she looked a bit like an owl with golden hazel colored eyes. "Which one is the bride?" She asked, eyeing both Chaos and Lex.

Clarice nodded to Lex. "The pretty redhead. "she said and could almost feel Lex's blush. "I'm the mother of the bride... and Jasmine is the matron of honor... "

Madam Mulchen stepped closer to Lex, peering up at him, she was much shorter then any of them, including Lex, which said something, because Lex was the shortest. "Hmm, yes...fae...elemental...oh my...daughter of the seal..." Her large eyes sparkled quiet oddly. Jasmine chuckled from her spot. Madam Mulchen took Lex's arm, and began pulling him toward the center of the room were a short stool sat. "Stand on that if you'll please." She told him. Which Lex obeyed and Madam Mulchen took out a tape measure. Which she held up in her hand and snapped the fingers of her other. The tap measure suddenly began taking Lex's measurements as she moved off to all the assorted material. "I do only custome work. I never duplicate my designs. A gown is a one and only original.Unqie for each bride..." She said as she began shifting through the material. Jasmine leaned on a near by shelf, still smirking.

Clarice glanced around and spotted a stool and gently shooed the cat who had claimed it off so she could sit down, the boxes held in her lap. Jasmine she saw had also found a perch, and the two woman sat back to watch. Clarice was rather intrigued at the whole thing, since she didn't have that much experience with fae craftsmen. She watched Madam Mulchen sort through material, holding up one then another until she gave a soft pleased cry and started back towards Lex.

"This, this definitely..." She had two bolts, of deep emerald green material, one was a satin, the other a chiffon. "yes, yes..." She muttered to herself, laying a patch of the satin on Lex's shoulder as the tape measure kept taking measurments. She held the chiffon up to the light. "Indeed. That's enough." She told the tape measure, but the little strip of ribbon kept taking measurements, now attempting to wind it's self around Lex's neck. "I said that's enough!" Madam Mulchen snapped, swatting the tape measure away, which at once flew off to the side table.

"How long have you been...making gowns?" Lex asked as Madam Mulchen moved around him. "

Madam Mulchen lifted her head. "I was cheif seamstress for Elizabeth the first, my dear..."


Clarice raised an eyebrow at that and had a sudden vision of Lex in a 'poofy' victorian gown... then frowned and scrolled back a few more years. The green had been a surprise, but then, the formal wedding wasn't being done according to christian beliefs... so why bother with white? Besides... Lex did look great in green and he was wearing white to the civil wedding...

Madam Mulchen was still fitting material on to him, mutterign to herself. "Yes, yes, that design I think...Your mother was irish, was she not," She didn't wait for Lex's answer. "And who is the groom?" She began shuffling off, carrying the material toward a work bench, before beginning to go through trim and accents. "Celtic, celtic...no, no, not that one...that isn't either...where is it..."

Clarice cleared her throat. " Faal... pardon me...Prince Ellander." she watched the tiny woman, listening to the mutterings.. Celtic? This could be interesting. She glanced back at Lex to see how he was taking it, but he seemed oddly bemused and not at all nervous. The woman could possibly be mad, but in quiet an enduring way.

She turned at Chaos' words, a sparkle in her maginfied eyes. "Ah...so he was found was he..." she chuckled. "Good, good." She went back to her searching. "Ah, there we are!" She pulled out a length of gold woven celtic knot work, which sparkled oddly.

"Good Lards, Madam Mulchen...do you mean to tell me, you've had that since doing Aerieth's wedding gown?" Jasmine asked

"Indeed." Madam Mulchen said with a nod.

"It's real gold thread." Jasmine whisered to Chaos.

Clarice let out a low whistle. "Must have been a bitch to work with..." she said quietly, watching the woman at work. This was promising to be some gown. " Poor Faal is going to be outshone. I have a feeling that nothing he could come up with is going to stand a chance..."

Jasmine chuckled. "Oh, I'm sure he'll still look the part of a prince." She said, watching. Scissors were already flying on their own accord, ancient brass ones, cutting the material.

"Will you be wearing a viel...I think you should..." Madam Mulchen said. "In fact, I insist upon it...Jewels as well...not to much, just a hint of a sparkle I think..." She went on, as she took the gold trim toward the work table, the pattern peices laying themselves in a neat pile beside the trim.

Clarice had a thoughtful look on her face as she watched the gown being made. "I just had a wicked idea for which Faal would surely never forgive..."She said. "What if we did a suit to match Lex's gown? After all.. it's only fair that he should have something custom made too..."

Jasmine looked around at her, and suddenly beamed. "I think that's an absolutely splendid idea...what do you think, Lexi?"

Lex had been allowed to sat down on the stool now and he looked in their direction. "I suppose it would only be fair...more then fair really."

"What's that, what's that? A suit?" Madam Mulchan glanced in their direction as she threaded needle after needle with green thread.

Clarice grinned. "Yes... a suit to match the gown.. can you do it? We can smuggle the groom in after the dress is finished and hidden away so he can't see it...." She was suddenly struck with the image of Faal in head to toe emerald green...

"Of course I can do it!" Madam Mulchan replied with a slightly amused tone. The needles were now sewing up the gown. "Tut tut, not fast enough." She said to them, and at once the needles started working faster, pulling the gown together.

"Madam Mulchan works wonders, doesnt' she. Truly lives up to being a modern fairy godmother." Jasmine said with a grin. Lex watched the gown being made so quickly

Clarice chuckled and rested her chin on her hand, watching the needles so and the gown take shape. She couldn't wait to see Lex in it. The something blue would have to be something hidden.. because with all that green and gold, blue just wouldnt work very well...

Jasmine was already doing a mental survey of the jewels she knew to be in the palace's vault from past queens, trying to remember how much of them were emeralds. SHe'd have to ask Estehl. Madam Mulchen was watching the needles and with in a few minutes, the gown was done, completely done, trim and all, lacing in the back, corseted waist. Madam Mulchen held the gown up, her look telling Lex to stand. "Fitting room through there...You'll need help with the laces..."

"I got it!" Jasmine sprang up from her chair, taking the dress and leading Lex toward the fitting room.

Clarice watched them go with a smile. "You are an amazing woman, Madam Mulchen. I couldn't sew a straight line between two rulers, magic or no and you whip up and entire wedding gown with ease.."

"Tis my job deary." Madam Mulchen peered at Chaos a moment. "Hmm...you seem familar..." She poundered out loud. In the fitting room,

Jasmine quickly helped Lex change into the gown for fitting and laced it up. There was no mirror in this room, Madam Mulchen kept the full length mirror in the main room in a corner. But Jasmine stepped back, eyes slightly wide. "Oh my, Lexine..." She said in an awed whisper.

Chaos was about to comment on Madam Mulchen's statement when she heard Jasmine. "What? Come out come out come out!! No fair hiding!!"clarice stood, setting the packages down.

"What...?!" Lex asked Jasmine with that wide eyed innocent expression.

Jasmine laughed out right. "Oh nothing, darling, nothing at all. Come on, come to the mirror." She took his hand, leading him out of the fitting room, With out the benifit of heels, the gown pooled slightly aroud Lex's feet in a slight train as he walked. He had to hold up one edge with his free hand. "Madam, I think you've out done yourself." Jasmine said seriously as they emerged back in front of her and Chaos.

clarice felt her breath catch as she saw Lex emerge. "Damn... Lex... honey... damn, you look incredible." She glanced over at JAsmine. "If this is the effect with just the gown.. can you imagine once we get the hair, and jewlery and everything done withit??"

"The little brat may just out do MY wedding." Jasmine said, beaming. She let Lex move to the mirror, where he just sort of stared at his reflection wide eyed. Jasmine moved over beside him, touching his shoulder. "Let us hope Estehl reminds Faal to breath, when he sees you." She said softly, getting a nervous giggle from Lex.

Clarice suddenly started to laugh until tears poured form her eyes. After a few rtying she managed toi squeek out an explanation. "I just.. had this ... image. of all the men standing there.. jaws hangin open..."She collasped back into giggles. "And then.. I heard Saffrons voice.. ' go for it.."

Lex had to lean against Jasmine, from the giggles. Jasmine snickered. "Well I can tell you this much, Lex." Jasmine said. "You're going to make QUIET the impression on the court... I imagine they'll be talking about it for some time..."

'You really think it works?" Lex asked softly.

"Of course it works!" Madam Mulchen broken in. "I never make anything that does not fit the person it's made for. and this gown, was made for you."

"It's wonderful beyond words." Clarice said, wiping her eyes dry, stuffling further giggles. "Madam Mulchen.. we shall have to stop by before the wedding so you can see the full effect with everything in place... " She turned bacl and started at Lex. "My stars.. I can't believe how fabulous you look. Your father is going to cry his eyes out when he sees you... he may not be able to give you away."

Lex blushed deeply. "Oh I still can't wait for Faal's reaction." Jasmine said. "Although admittedly, Saffron's will be worth it..." She added. Lex laughed softly. "Come on Lex...lets get you out of here, packed up and back to town...because then I'm going to have to convince Faal to leave your side long enough to pop back here..." Jasmine said, the idea obviously appealing greatly to her.

Faal glanced at his watch for the tenth time in the last half hour as he waited for Lex to return. He was sitting in the den of his house, a book open in his lap, and he tried to focus on the page... after a few senteces he realized he'd already read this same page... a couple times. He closed the book with a sigh and set it on the table beside him and leaned his head back.

Jasmine sashayed into the room at that point, calling over her shoulder. "You know the rules, Lexi, the groom isn't supposed to know anything about what the bride is wearing. Oh there you are..." Jasmine beamed at Faal. "Well come along, luv...you've got an appointment to keep." Lex could be heard going up the stairs.

Faal's eyes snapped open and he was half out of the chair when Jasmine placed a hand on his chest to stop him. "Ah ah.. Lex has to take care of his purchases, and YOU have an appointment.. come with me." Fal opened his mouth to object but Jasmine held up a finger. "Ah! I said... come with me." Faal sighed ruefully and with a small smile he followed her.

"Besides, when have I ever given you a reason taht you couldn't trust me?" Jasmine asked sweetly, grabbing Faal's arm. "Don't worry, Lex, we'll be back before you know it..." Jasmine called up the stairs, before grabbing the door, as she did, she opened a rift, and gestured for Faal to go through first. "After you luv..."

Faal rolled his eyes with a groan. "Trusting you, dear sister... is something I never learn from doing. No matter how much trouble you get me into, I always seem to come back for another helping. " He paused at the rift and glanced back at her and she gave him a shove through. when he emerged into the dress makers shop he sighed. "I have a bad feeling about this..."

Jasmine chuckled softly. "You said the same thing back when Faal first met Estehl... and look how everything turned out?"

"It's slightly offensive that you think I lead you into so much trouble...you can do pretty fair on your own when left to your own devices, you know." Jasmine said, poking Faal in the chest to emphizes before turning about to find Madam Mulchan already shuffling toward them, carrying her tape measure.

"This way." She said, snatching Faal's arm and dragging him toward the stool in the center of the crowded shop. Then she nodded to a small shoe box on the table, "I forgot to give those to the bride...be sure to pass them on."

Jasmine lifted the lid in a way Faal couldnt' see and took in the very lovely boots the same color as the gown. "I will." Jasmine said with a grin, replacing the lid.

Faal found himself standing on a stool and not quite sure how he'd gotten there.. or why he was there. "I never said I didn't get into it on my own... merely that when you got me into it I always came back. "He watched warily as the tapemeasure suddenly flew up and began to take his measurements. "What, exactly, am I doing here?"

"Are you going to tell me you had something already planned to wear for the court wedding, darling?" Jasmine asked, leaning on the table near by watching the tapemeasure as Madam Mulchen moved off to collect the material.

"Er.. well.. not as such, no." He said trying to keep an eye on the tape measure as it wound itself this way and that about his body. "Hey now, that tickles!" he said then looked back up at Jasmine's giggle. "I did check out a few tailors today and went over a few styles. I just haven't decided which of the styles I liked best. The civil ceremony is taken care of..."

"Ah, but for the court ceremony, only the best will do." Jasmine said, holding up a finger, then pointign at Madam Mulchen, who was moving back over with the bolt of deep emerald satin.

"Thats enough..." She told the tape measure. The tape measure again, insisted on still measuring and snuck down the back of Faal's shirt collar.

faal twitched at the tickle of the tape scooting down his back, then jerk upright again as Madam Mulchen hissed at the tape a second time and it whipped out of his collar and over to her. He eyed the green material specualtively. " So I take it the decision is out of my hands, then? you've railroaded me into your choice? not that I'm complaining, mind you... I actually believe I trust your taste in this..."

"It's Madam Mulchen who decides the design, but after Lex's gown was finished this afternoon, I don't think you'll complain..." Jasmine said with amusement as she watched the tape disappear into a drawer.

Madam Mulchen put her glasses on, and peered at Faal, before playing a swatch of material across the shoulder, scrutizing it, and went in search of an alternating under color. And trim. "One of my better gowns, if I do say so myself." She said with a chuckle of Lex's dress.

Faal raised an eyebrow at that and turned to JAsmine. "That good? Are we talking pleasantly surprised.... absolutely flabergasted .. or complete drooling idiot...?"

Jasmine suddenly grinned wickedly. "Complete drooling idiot, but it'll be worth it. I'll just have to speak to Estehl about the possible loaning of some jewels..."

Madam Mulchan moved back over with the other material and trim, scrutinized this, then carried off everything to the work table, where once again, the scissors went to work. "Royal weddings always demand a certian specail attention." She said pleasently, to Jasmine and Faal.

Faal stepped down from the stool once he decided it was safe to do so and watched the sewing curious to see what was in store for him. "I don't doubt he'll allow you anything your heart desires, Jasmine. I should sign over permissions for Lex to access my holdings as well... I have no idea what I have any longer... at least not here in the states. I know I have a larger collection in Europe..."

"It'll require just the right peices..." Jasmine said She gave him a look. "Has Estehl denied me anything yet? He might not want to admit it, but I've had him wrapped around my little finger for the moment he met me in court again, after getting out of the box."

Madam Mulchen chuckled. "Some men are fools to never know they've got the whole world before them..." She said, as the needles sewed, and she searched through her material used for gloves. "Hand please." She said to Faal.

Faal held out his hand and watched as she measured then held the other out to her as well. He turned his attention back to Jasmine. "I was there, remember.. I remember quite well how smitten he was. I find it hard to believe you held out waiting for him to come to his senses for so long as you did before taking matters into your own hands,,"

Jasmine sighed. "I had my reasons, Faal...I think he did love Elizabeth for a long time..." She said softly, speaking of Alandra's mother. "And then there was his search for you..." She said, looking at him. Madam Mulchen kept wisely quiet.

He smiled sadly. "I'm sorry I delayed things for you... you were far more patient that I have ever been. My brother was a fool for not loving you completely from the start."

Jasmine watched him for a moment. "Ah well, it's all worked out for the better in the end, hasn't it..."Still there was a note of sadness in her tone.

Madam Mulchen finished with the grooms atire and hoisted the folded garments into Faal's arms, before getting to work on the glooves. "Fitting room through theire." She pointed.

Faal raised an eyebrow as he accepted the bundle. "Yes, dear sister. "He said, kissing her cheek. "It has." he turned with a grin and headed into the fitting room. He stripped down and began to redress, smiling at the old familar cut.. he hadn't worn this style in a long ime, but it had been one of his favorites... much nicer and way more comfortable that that Elizabethan crap that was all the rage.. he adjusted the tunic, wishing he had a mirror, then turned and headed out into the room.

Jasmine beamed, but nodded to the mirror in the corner. "Clarice is going to love this...her idea originally..." Jasmine shook her head, "This wedding will be worth the wait that's for sure..." She moved over, adjusting the collar and smoothing out the material for him. "Now all you have to do is act like a Prince...instead of a guard..."

"Shall I try to pull off an imitation of Estehl?? I'm not sure I could do him justice..." he chuckled, admiring the the suit in the mirror. He turned to Madam Mulchen. "Madam, you do fantasic work. I don't remember ever having a suit that fit so perfectly and looked so marvelous..."

"Oh Lards no." Jasmine rolled her eyes. "Let me put it this way, Faal." Her tone slipped very seriously. "IF something slips amiss at this wedding, perhaps some one who shouldn't be there, remember it's Lexine that you're doing this for..." She said softly, but seriously.

Madam Mulchen chuckled. "Most welcome." She said.

He turned a curious gaze to Jasmine. "I'm sorry.. you've lost me. Are you suggesting that if something happens at the wedding I should step aside and do nothing? Because if you are, you are wasting your breath..."

She met his gaze. "No, what I'm telling you Faal, is not to spill in unnessasery blood. I'm not saying anything would lead to it, but then, I'm not seer am I?" That was slightly ironic statment, considering Jasmine's intitution had never been wrong.

Faal sighed. "That remains to be proven, although I have my suspicions. "He said with a slight smirk. "I can promise not unessecary bloodshed.. i can even promise no unessecary violence.. but if anyone threatens Lex... I'll take them down, Jasmine. Lex has ben through enough, I will not stand by anylonger."

Jasmine clicked her tongue, shaking her head slightly. "What is it with you two men...You and Estehl...I suppose Lexine and I should consider ourselves lucky...I can't think of many men I've known other then your brother who's threatened ME to march all the way to my father's house just to tell him he's an idiot..."

Faal chuckled. "I agree whole heartedly.. your father is an idiot.. i'll join Estehl in his march." He said, his eyes twinkling. " We simpley can't stand to see such beauty in pain.. of any kind. It tears at our hearts and makes us feel helpless. And you know, we can't stand to feel helpless.."

She shook her head again, and said softly. "There simply aren't enough men like you two in the world." Then she thumped him in the chest. "But needless to say, dear Faal, I expect you have some idea of just what I'll do if you EVER hurt Lex, intentionally or unintentionally...Clarice wont have a chance to get to you first..."

Faal looked into her eyes and with all seriousness said. "Jasmine. if I should ever hurt Lex... there won't be a need for anyone to 'get to me first'... I'll take care of it myself."He kissed her cheek again and turned, heading back into the dressing room to change back into his regular clothing.

Jasmine finished braiding Lex's hair, which they opted for, for the civil ceremony, then smacked his hand away from his mouth aagin, before he could chew on his thumb nail any more. "Will you stop that?" She chasted. "Lards, its the Royal wedding you should be nervous about."

Lex gave a sheepish look. "Do you suppose he's nervous?" He asked her, glancing at the door to see Regan and Chaos enter.

"Faal?"chaos asked, over hearing Lex's question. "Lex honey... you know how he gets around you.. he'll be lucky if he can stand on his own two feet without Saffron and Estehl to prop him up."

Regan laughed. "I'm sure he's pacing the room driving everyone over there insane."

"If you'd like, I can always go and check." Jasmine said. "Actually, I should head that way anyway, because I believe I left your choker with Estehl..." Jasmine wince slightly, before heading toward the door. "Do not touch your hair and do NOT chew on your nails, understand me?"

"Supposed to be her saying that..." Lex muttered, pointing at Chaos.

Chaos raised an eyebrow. "Who me? " she asked and Regan snorted, walking over to stand behind Lex. \

Faal was pacing back and forth in the room the men had claimed form him. Auron and Estehl sat at ease chatting and watching him pace with amusement. Saffron leaned against the door as if needing to be near a close escape. The men had long ago given up trying to calm him down.

He was dressed and ready, so they let him pace and work on the nervous energy.

Jasmine made her way through the hall, passing Rue and Sands, with Lily Rose, Jasmine had to pause to kiss her granddaughter on the head, waved to Eire, Nate and Aiyla who had the twins and Sylvie and Xander, and made way to the room where the men were. Saffron jumped, at least six inches away from the door when Jasmine came through with out knocking, giving a startled yelp, which brought Estehl's attention to her arrival.

"Something we can do for you, my dear?" He asked.

"Yes, I left the choker with you, if you remember correctly." Jasmine replied, watching Faal pace. "Well, at least HE'S not biting his nails..." Jasmine said amused, Auron raised an eyebrow.

"It's silly to be so nervous, it really is..." Lex muttered.

"Yes, Lex." Regan said patiently, trying not to smirk.

"I mean, it's really quiet simple right...just I do...right?" Lex muttered on.

"Yes, Lex." Regan was finding it increasingly more difficult to keep a straight face

chaos sat down and smiled at her step son. "Lex... deep breathes... relax... you just have to walk up to the justice, repeat what he tells you, and sign a piece of paper... you dont even have to exchange rings at this one because you're saving that for the Fae wedding..."

Faal spun in mid pace and practically pounced on Jasmine. "Is everything alright? He hasn't changed his mindhas he?"

Lex settled down in the chair near by, glanced in the near by mirror and realized he must have looked pale. Regan patted his shoulder, glancing at the door at the knock, and Rue came in.

Jasmine fought every fiber in her being NOT to start laughing. "Everything is fine...he's fine, a little nervous but fine, and he most definitely hasn't changed his mind..."

There came a gagging noise from Saffron's area ad Jasmine caught Auron givign his eldest son a dark look.

Estehl chuckled, getting up. "honestly, I don't know why you're nervous now..." He saidt o Faal clapping him on the back.

Faal took a deep breath and let it out slowly, running his hands back through his hair, which he'd left down per Lex's request. "I know, I know... save it for the royal version..."He spun on his heels and resumed his pacing.

"Just.. you wren't there.. I was this close to him walking out and everything ending right there... he's always backing out of things at the last minute.. I've always accepted it.. I've even found it endearing. it's just one of those little things he does.. but .... not today...."

Estehl handed Jasmine the box with the choker as she said. "I think he learned his lesson with that, Faal."

"And as I recall," Estehl broke in. "His reasons for wanting to leave, were not intentially to cause you pain."

Rue smiled, coming over. "Just thought I'd pop in and see how you're doing...we all know how nervous the bride gets." She sadi with a slightly teasing tone.

Lex managed a weary smile. "I'm not nervous..." He lied...

Faal sighed and waved his hand ."I didn't mean it like that... never mind.. I'm just terrified that everything is going to fall apart." He stopped in front of the mirror, flipping his hair back over his shoulder, and fiddling with the silver celtic brooch at the base of the open v neckline of his shirt. The four pale blue stones set at the compass points made his eyes seem to glow, and the black velvet of the jacket made his hair look like honey.. "do I look alright? I was going to go for a tux, but then I was told this one was less formal..." He glanced at his fae features in the mirror. "Maybe you should cast a glamour on me for the ceremony..I wish I had my powers back...".

Chaos chuckled. "Yes, with the exception of REgan, we've all got to recently experience the joywedding jitters...."

Jasmine was already heading for the door. "You look FINE." She called over her shoulder, and noticed Saffron's irritated look. She smacked him up side head for it.

"Hey!" Saffron protested, only to have Auron do it. "Oh yes, I see how it is..." Saffron grumbled, heading for the door himself.

"You're fine with out a glamour." Estehl said. "Now relax, you've got fifteen minutes..."

Regan snorted. "I'm not exactly complaining yet, mom." She said trying to bit back the smirk.

Rue chuckled. "I'm rather glad Sheldon and I eloped..."

"Yes well, if I had my way about it..." Lex muttered from his spot.

"Not gonna happen, Lex, so you might as well give in and just go with it. " chaos said with a sad smile. "It's not so bad. It'll be all over before you know it, then you two can slip off for a day by yourselves while the big wedding is preparred... and then when that's over, you guys get to vanish.. just the two of you..."

Faal finally collasped into a chair with a sigh and sat rubbing his forehead. "Saffron... if you choose to get married.. Elope, man... just friggin' elope..."

"Do you know, I don't even know where we have plans for a honeymoon..." Lex said with a nervous giggle.

"I'm sure Faal has something in mind." Rue said with a smirk, checking her watch. Ten minutes left.

"Are you kidding me!?" Saffron asked, turning to look at him incrediously. "Alandra wants this BIG fairy tale wedding...."

"And she'll get it too..." Estehl said with a look. Saffron coughed, not about to say what was on his mind about that. Auron sat chuckling.

Faal waved a hand in the air. "Elope.. run for the hills.. don't let them drag you down too, man. either that or just.. what's the term.. 'shack up'... avoid it all together..."

Chaos was at the point where she was getting ready to bite her nails. she never thought she'd be this nervous at someone elses wedding, but Lex was'nt just someone else.. he was her step son.. no... he was her son. Plain and simple.

Saffron fall back against the door in a silent fit of laughter. "Regrettin' askin' now ain't ya!" He managed to gasp out between laughs. Auron cleared his throat, giving Saffron a look, which slowly quieted Saffron's laughs.

"Eight minutes, Lex." Rue said glancing up from her watch again.

Jasmine entered at that point. "Got it!" She said with a grin, handing the box to Lex. "You haven't been biting your nails have you?" She grabbed a hand, inspecting his nails, which had been done.

Faal looked up at Saffron. "no...no. Lex is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I love him with all my heart and soul. I can't imagine being without him. No, I don't regret asking him to marry me... I regret waiting until this whole long lost prince thing came out and made it all so... complictaed...."

Chaos rolled her eyes. "No Jasmine.. he hasn't.. but I might:
.." she said with a nervous chuckle. "Is auron ready to walk the bride out to the justice? And has Saffron decided whether or not he's going to accompany them? Or is he going to just stand with us and watch...."

Saffron resisted the great urget to roll his eyes. Auron got up, checking his watch and gave Saffron a look.

"You feel the same way about Alandra, so no snide remarks. You staying behind or walking with Lex and I?"

Saffron shrugged.

"Decide now Saffron." Auron said with a strict tone.

Estehl clapped his brother on the shoulder. "Well, we know who to blame for all the lost prince buisness, but he's dead isn't he..." He said softly to Faal.

Jasmine chuckled. "I left them still trying to calm Faal, but I imagine they're about ready..." She said, before finding the five long steam roses, three white, two red, tyed to gether by a satin ribbon that Lex had opted for as a bouquet. He'd just fastened the choker with Regan's help.

"Iv'e got to be aboslutely crazy..." He muttered as Jasmine handed him the flowers. She gave him a stern look.

Estehl stood up. "alright gentlemen. Let's go take our places.

Faal looked over at him with a wry grin. "I don't know exactly why I need a best man today since you won't be holding the rings... and come to think of it... you'll be conducting the rites at the big wedding.. who shall I have as my second then? Auron shall still give the bride away.."

He turned and saw Saffron about to leave. "Saffron..Wait... I know you don't care for me, but i do truely love your brother and I swear I shall never let any harm come to him. It would mean a great deal to both of us if you'd consider standing at my side in Ter Nah nog...."

Saffron turned and looked at Faal, slightly wide eyed, and silent a moment. "Alright, look, it's not that I don't like you, cause that's not entire untrue. I mean I, you're a great guy and all, but it's a big brother thing, ya know." Estehl had to snicker at that. "But yeah, okay, sure, why not..." Saffron said finally with a sigh, after a pause.

Lex smoothed the out fit out for the umtenth time,and lookedi n the mirror. Now that he had the choker the outfit was tied to gether very well.

"You ready for this?" Regan asked softly.

"More ready for this one, then the royal wedding..." Lex muttered.

Regan suddenly hugged her youngest brother. "I'm happy for you, Lex, I really am."

Faal clasped Saffrons shoulder for a moment and smiled. "Thank you. "He reached into an inside pocket and removed a ring box and handed it to him. "I was carrying them today as good luck, but I gues you should have them incase I get carried away. Jasmine will probably kidnap you for an emergency bestman tailoring session, but you'll survive fine.. you can trust her... its the other women in the family you have to watch out for..." he said with a grin then brushed past him and headed for the court room, Estehl on his heels, pausing long enough to pat Auron on the shoulder.

Saffron glanced at the rings, slid them in to his inner coat pocket and shrugged, when Auron glanced at him. "What? I'm makin' a bloody effort ain't I?" Auron snorted and pushed Saffron a head of him, out of the room.

Jasmine glanced into the hall to see Auron coming. "Ah, right on time." She turned to Lex, looking him over. "I'll save my long winded congrats for the royal wedding I think." She said with a smirk.

Chaos laughed and pulled Lex to his feet. "I'll be even more of a wreck at that wedding so it's a good thing I've already told you a hundred times how happy I am for you."she said pulling him into a hug. "I'm so happy your my son, Lex. " Chaos broke the hug and stepped back, wiping more tears from her eyes as the men came into the room. She turned a teary eyed but proud and happy smile on auron.

Auron looked at Saffron with a silent encouragement. So while Saffron stepped up to Lex, Auron glanced at Chaos, before moving next to her.

"Sheding tears already and they haven't even gotten to I Do yet..." He said softly, wiping the tears off one of her cheeks.

Lex started to thank Chaos, but Saffron stepped up.

"I just wanted to say," Saffron said softly. "That I'm sorry for being a total and complete ass about all this and," He took a breath, "If Faal makes you happy then you know...go for it..."

Regan rolled her eyes. Jasmine had already slipped from the room with Rue, this wasn't their place.

Lex looked at his brother. "Thank you Saffron...it does mean a lot to me..."

"You know.." Chaos said as Saffron stepped aside. "This makes you and Alandra... sort of related...I mean... Lex is Alandra's uncle.. aunt.. now....." she lost her hold on the grin and laughed at Saffron's outraged look.

Saffron turned around with out a word and marched out. Regan cracked up. "He's just mad cause I brought that up not to long ago..." She said.

"I think what really scars him, is it makes him that much more related to Sands." Lex said with a grin of his own, hiding it behind the roses.

Regan snickered.

Auron looked at his youngest for a long moment, lost in thought a moment. Then he said very softly "For all her faults, Lex, Lillian...would have been proud of you." Lex looked at his father, not exactly sure what to say.

Chaos slipped out of the room and ran after Saffron. "Saffron, wait please."She said and saw him stop and wait for her, his back to her. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have teased you like that.. I know how hard this has been for you to accept, and I am very proud of you for it. I was just trying to lighten the tension a little... I'm not very good at these sort of things... I'm sorry. I never expectedto feel as strongly about you boys as I do. I love you both not as step-sons, but as if you were my own sons. I know thats something esle you've been battling to accept. I'm.. I'm sorry for upsetting you, Saffron,It was very wrong of me." She finsihed speaking and then turned and headed back towards the room to meet with the others.

Faal and Estehl stood by the Justice of the peace and resumed waiting... it wouldn't be too bad, Faal thought.. if they could just eliminate all the damned waiting around....

Saffron sighed, watching Chaos, and resolved to speak to her later. It hadn't really been anything she'd said. He'd had his own reasons for being wound so tight but he refused to let it ruin Lex's day. Regan joined him a moment later. "Saffron..."

"No, I'm fine...lets just...go..." He muttered with another sigh and he and his sister headed into the main room with everyone else.

For a moment, Auron and Lex were silent, then Auron offered his arm. "It's time."

Lex sighed. "Never in a thousand years did I think I'd be doing this..." He took his father's arm.

"You're not regretting this, are you?" Auron asked softly. Lex shook his head.

"No, I just never thought I'd ever...end up in this position."

"Life is funny that way..." Auron said softly. Then he stopped them in the hall. "Actually,I have something for you, I was going to wait until the big wedding, but now is as good as any time." He took a small delicate antique ring from his pocket. "This is the only of Lillian's I have, why she left it, I'll never understand...but I think you should have it."

Chaos stopped in the hall and watched Auron and Lex emerge from the room arm in arm. She smiled and turned, heading back out to the courtroom to join her other children.. and make sure everyone had their cameras ready...

Faal saw REgan and Saffron enter the room and felt a moment of regret that he hadn't chosen to walk his brother down the isle.. but then remembered with a smile that he would stand with them at the next ceremony. He flashed Saffron a nervous smile and turned to watch the door. Chaos slipped in and gave him a smile and he took a deep breath. Someone started some music to playing, but his mind only recognized it as music.... not as any particular tune...Any second now... any second now...

Auron and Lex paused out side the door, Lex slipped the ring on to his right hand. Took a deep breath, smoothed down the outfit again and fought back a nervous giggle. "It's fine, relax." Auron said softly.

And as if on cue, Nate and Eire opened the doors from the other side, giving those in the room, full view of the bride and bride's father and Lex and Auron a view of everyone in the room. However Lex hardly noticed anyone else other then Faal.

Although had it not been for Auron, he would have never been able to get his feet moving.

When the doors opened faal could've sworn his heart stopped beating... His eyes locked on Lex and suddenly he couldn't breath. He couldn't ever remember seeing a more stunning vision then the one slowly walking towards him. "Shit... estehl.. I think i'm going to faint..."

Estehl snickered then pinched Faal hard in the back of the arm. "Still feel like fainting? I'm sure Aiyla's carrying her smelling salts..."

Lex inclined his head, took a deep breath of roses and managed to mutter only loud enough for his father to hear. "I don't think my feet want to walk any more."

Auron chuckled and replied in a whisper. "You're almost there..." Indeed a few more steps and Auron was placing Lex's hand in Faal's.

Faal was only vaguely aware of the justice of the peace speaking and had no clue how he managed to repeat words he wasn't even conciously aware of hearing, but somehow he finished his part and just continued to stare at Lex. He still felt as he were floating away he was so light headed, but Lex's hand in his kept him grounded.

Lex figured if he kept his knees locked any longer, he was going to pass out, and he was only half aware of repeating the vows, but was completely aware when the justice of the peace said, "In as much as Faal, and Lex have consented together in wedlock and have witnessed the same before this company and pledge their vows to each other, by the authority vested in me by the state, I now pronounce legally marred. You may now kiss."

Faal felt his knees almost buckle at the Justice's last words and for a moment all he could do was continue to stare at Lex with a stupid grin on his face. finally Estehl gave him a shove on the back. "The man said ' you may now kiss'.. so KISS already." Faal laughed and suddenly had Lex in his arms, staring down into those beauitful pools of absinthe until he couldn't stand it any longer.

Lex wrapped his arms around Faal's neck, kissing him deeply. There were cheers from the others, but for Lex there really wasn't anyone else in the room.