Making Vows

**Date Started:** January 27th, 2022
 **Date Completed**: TBA
**Previous Role-Play**
**Next Role-Play:** TBA
**Users Involved:** User:Blackdagger01 & User:HoloArc
**Setting:** Tasya Vineyard, Doma'Khane
**Characters Involved:** Izar Tasya, Ashley Tasya.

The sun had begun to set over the vineyard, it's orange hue casting long shadows over the grapevines as Izar stared out the window of the kitchen toward the old country road where he knew his beloved would arrive from. Her return was long awaited, nearly from the moment she departed did he long for her return and today was to be the day if her letter had been correct and he most certainly hoped it was. Turning his attention toward the dining table now where he'd made a fine dinner to celebrate her return, knowing she would no doubt be hungry. Sure, field rations and the occasional successful hunt was fine and dandy, no doubt filling every now and again. But Ashley was his fiancee and in his mind she only deserved the best and that was exactly what he would give her. The table was lined with freshly made food and baked breads. Garlic herb roasted rack of lamb, medium rare steak on the bone, yams, mashed potatoes, green beans, and more. He clapped his hands together in satisfaction at the creation, surely she would enjoy it were she indeed to return tonight.

Trees creaked and leaves flew in the wind as the creature whisked through the air. This wolf-like being ran on all fours with all haste, applying her chi to amplify her strength and speed to obscene degrees. This blue 'warg' ran towards the location of her home. Her strong sense of smell could sense the scent of the food in the distance, and it almost caused her to drool. Picking up the pace, she ran even faster than before. She had longed to come back here. To the food. The comfort of the house. The wonderful sights. To her fiance and beloved. Her home.

The building came into view, and with one mighty leap did she fly through the air and landed surprisingly softly on the roof of teh building as she slid over the tiles and down to the entrance door. She wanted to be able to cause more of a surprise, but in her excitement she had forgotten all about that. She had been gone for months and couldn't bear to wait even a second longer. Stepping inside, she hurried over to the smells of the food, knowing full well that it would be there she could find him. Seeing him, she hurried over and tackled him to the floor, nuzzling against his chest with her paw-like hands around his neck. She forgot to speak in the moment of it, sometimes still forgetting that she could these days. Her affectionate display would have to do for now as she looked up at him before reaching up and kissing him square on the lips.

Though he'd heard the sound of something large hitting the roof he had not the speed nor reflexes to react before he'd been tackled to the floor, feeling the affectionate nuzzling against his chest before the more surprising but oh so welcome warmth of her lips against his own. He wasted not a single moment returning the kiss, wrapping his arms around his beloved Fiancee and hugging her tightly before he broke that kiss and began to peck all across her face. "Oh my sweet girl how I've missed you so. Without you at my side the only thing that keeps me going some days is knowing you'll be back sooner each and every day." He lovingly spoke before pressing more kisses to her cheeks and forehead. "By the fact you couldn't resist taking me down I assume you missed me too?" He asked, teasing the girl in hopes to hear she'd missed him as well.

Nuzzling him under his chin, she snuggled up close to him and whined happily, like a puppy who had patiently waited for its master to come home. She hugged him closer with her mighty limbs, until she realized what it probably was that he wanted from her. Holding herself up with her hands on his chest, legs around his waist, she smiled softly down at him. He was an enamoring sight to her. "Yes... I missed you. Very much." She whispered soft and lovingly. She had only had ever so much time to get around to learning the noble's proper use of words, so while her word choice was rather short and straight to the point, she still meant a world of longing and happiness to be back with them. She knew he would realize this as well.

Ashley's blue hair, ears, tail, and fur ruffled as she felt so happy. Like a joyful tingle up her spine that gave her shivers. Or it was just the result of the cooling air as she had ran forth with barely more than a 'sportsbra' and a short-cut shorts, leaving little to the imagination at a look. She was not concerned much for appearances with others, especially not with him, for she knew he loved her all the same. The only time she wore more than this was when it was needed for more prestigious events. She hated those. But she loved his man even more, so she endured such circumstances gladly for him. "Missed you so much!" She almost shouted as she leaned down to kiss his lips repeatedly before parting from him, backing off to allow him to rise up. Once he was up, she acted a bit like a cat and rubbed against and up along him before standing striaght and tall before beside him. "How have you been? Lonely?"

Rising from the ground he felt the beating of his heart, no, its pounding in his chest at the realization that she was indeed back and at his side. Looking to the shorter woman he nodded his head in response to her question. "Ever so lonely, Love. Kept at bay only by the knowledge you would return. I counted the days and grew more excited as the day you were set to return grew closer. But fret not, Ashley, I know what you do is important. Just as important as anything I do. Don't let that passion falter just because it means leaving me here now and again. It only makes our time together more special when you return." He said, placing a hand upon her shoulder and motioning toward the table.

"Which is why I saw it fit to celebrate your return with a special dinner, cooked by yours truly of course. I've no doubt the roads are long are exhausting, rations are tasteless and dull. So tonight eat your fill, I've made some of your favorites." He explained, placing a kiss at the top of her head directly between her ears. To know that she had missed him as much as he had missed her was joyus though he wished deeply in his heart that neither should have to feel the pain of parting he knew their work was far too different to hold them both together at all times. "Tell me all about your adventures over dinner, my sweet. And I shall tell you mine." He moved away from her, pulling out her chair and waiting for her to be seated. Though he'd rather spend the next some odd hours hugging and kissing her into submission he knew should the food grow cold his celebratory dinner would be ruined.

She made a small bow before sitting herself down in her seat. She liked getting pampered by the man. He was the first one to have shown her benevolence and kindness. True kindness. And then, that kindness shifted and grew from a friendship and mercy to affection and love. Once Izar had sat himself down and presented the dinner, Ashley was quick to dig in. She was no slob by any measure, but she was currently very hungry, so she was more than grateful that it was only Izar present. Then she didn't have to keep up appearances. With food on the plate, she was quick to dig in.

"Not much to tell this time. Went sout west to defend a regal house from a Khaan's army. It didn't take long. I think my party is getting a bit more respect abroad!" She said cheerfully, happy that her reputation was growing, and by extension, the fear she puts into the nation's enemies, and by extension, she makes a name for herself before the nation itself. "Our enemies are getting scared of us. They prefer to not try and attack at all when they find out we are around. There was a pretty interesting incident with a chimera though. We defeated it, but it was a rough fight." She said as she continued with the story, retelling the events that unfurled at the time.

Izar sat, with elbow on the table and his cheek resting comfortably in his palm as she ate and recounted the tales of her adventures. Frankly, and to be perfectly honest, he didn't like her stories. Not because he did not care to hear of her work or the things she enjoyed, but because of the danger they entailed. A fight, a battle, killing, death. Every story she told made him fear that one day she wouldn't be here to tell them to him anymore. That one day she would be in someone else's story, a death, a fallen comrade. He knew Ashley was strong, powerful, quick, and smarter than one might believe, but even so the fear ate at him. Still, he listened to her, never missing a beat, he'd be able to recount the whole thing if she'd asked him to. He loved her, more than life itself, he didn't have the heart to tell her of those worries and fears. He knew she loved her job, making a name for herself and her comrades, defending Doma from the western raiders from Khalahai. To tell her would only be a burden on her mind and the less of those she had on the battlefield the better, he would support her.

Reaching out with a wet rag he wiped away some of the remnants of food that remained on the corners of her lips and cheek, a warm and loving smile on his face. "Like always your time away from here sounds so full of heart pumping excitment. I can only hope your days spent home aren't boring by comparison." He chuckled lightly, taking a bite out of a piece of bread as he sat the rag down onto the table. "Things around here haven't been quite so lively, the grapes are growning well and as always the wine is selling. However, I recently took a trip to Lubbock to meet a man looking for someone to invest in an invention of his. I don't know if you'll believe me or not but the man said he'd invented a box that could make pictures move!" He let out an amused huff from his nose as though he'd just told a joke he himself could help but resist the urge to laugh at.

"I know, right? It sounded ridiculous, so ridiculous that I had to see if it was true. I met him in Lubbock's capital, Liberio and lo and behold the man had a box that could make pictures move. It was incredible, Ashley, how I wish you'd been there to see it. It was like I was sitting and watching a train go by with my own eyes. Well, if I were colorblind and deaf that is. As in, it was in black and white and lacked sound. But still, the picture moved!" He explained to her excitedly of his recent business ventures. "We signed up a contract and I gave the man a good lump sum to start getting these boxes into production. We plan to reveal them at the world festival next year. Maybe someday in the near future people will even be able to watch the moving pictures in their own homes, it'd call it unbelieavble if I'd been asked about it only two months ago. I wish we could get our wedding filmed but it doesn't seem like that'll be possible, a real shame. But it isn't like that'll be a day I forget anyway, huh?" He continued, running his hand through her hair. "You're excited too, right? Future Mrs. Tasya?"

Ashley giggled, finding the idea of a image-moving box ludicrous. Yet when Izar never broke face regarding it was a joke or not, she could only assume it to be the truth. "Never. It is never boring here. I have you. My favorite woods. Good drinks and very tasty food. Keep pampering me and I won't lose interest ever." She joked. He did not need to go so far as he always did, and he knew this well, and yet he still did it. "You make my life an adventure no matter where I am with you." She said sweetly. Then she was struck by the idea of marriage. A part of her felt a bit uneasy about it. Dating a Vart'hya was one thing, but to marry one was a different matter entirely. She was scared. Not for the wedding itself. She was just concerned whether she could be the wife he deserved. They loved eachother, tis be true. But is love enough in a society like Doma'Khanes? She was still plagued by these thoughts even though theoretically, the wedding wasn't too far off. But her smile still remained. "I can't wait! It is gonna be so much fun! Your family, my closest members in the Blue Burrow, and whoever else should get an invitation... Mrs Tasya... To have a last name feels almost strange. But it is gonna be great!"

"It will, won't it? I'll be having the Blue Wyvern cater the wedding and the wine will come from our vineyard here. Not because I'm cheap of course, only because our wedding deserves the best of the best. We'll need to go dress shopping soon too or well, I'll pay for the dress. I can't very well see you in it until the wedding day. That said, we can still go shopping for things we'll need for the honeymoon." He explained, knowing that the time leading up to the date would no doubt have its share of busy days. "I can imagine it now, a cute dress or two for when we're out and about, maybe even some lingere if you're feeling bold." He teased with a toothy smile on his face though as his eyes looked her up and down for a moment the teasing seemed a bit less like a joke and more a fantasy playing out in his mind. Though he caught himself, bringing up a closed fist to his mouth and clearing his throat. "Only if you'd want to of course... I got us a private spring booked in Hino by the way. The trip there will be long but the mineral springs there are said to be compareable to a fountain of youth so I'm sure it'll be well worth the trip. That and we'll be free to walk around and do whatever we'd like as husband and wife without question. That does sound nice, right, Ash?" He explained, not wanting to outright bring up the issues they might face having their honeymoon here in Doma but sure she would understand the freedom that Hino would provide them.

Moving his hand to take her large hairy one into his own he looked at the large engagment ring on her finger and how it shined beauifully in the light of their kitchen. "I just can't wait until I can call you my wife. Saying fiancce is wonderful and all but then people ask all these questions about the wedding date and all that. No, I just want to show them the pictures of you I keep in my wallet and proudly say, 'Look, this is my wife. Isn't she beautiful, she makes me the happiest man in the world.' Oh how I look forward to that day." He spoke to her with sincerity and affection in his voice. His eyes staring at her as though looking at everything the world possible could offer him and in a way that was exactly as he saw her.

Ashley smiled softly, her paw-like hand holding onto his own. "I would like that. All of it. I don't know what would fit, but... I'm sure I can work something out about lingerie." She spoke with a playful wink. "And I look forward to saying that I have a husband who will always be there for me and love me. Doma, Hino, Ogon, it does not really matter to me. I just want to be somewhere where I know I can have you for myself whenever I want and need to." She spoke, and if it were not for the slightly more innocent part of her speaking, those words may very well have sounded sultry.

Once the meal was finished, she rose up from the chair and walked over to her beloved, pulling him out a bit so that she could sit in his lap. She nuzzled up against him, hands on his chest. "Can I have a treat? For being such a good and loving girl?" She said, lips pouting slightly as if to beg for a kiss.

When she sat in his lap he wrapped his arms around her waist, welcoming her into the seat with glee. Feeling her head against his chest, her large canine-like ears folding every time she moved her head from down to up only to pop back into place again when she moved the other way. It was warm, her head and the pressure in his lap. "Of course, You needn't even ask, Sweetie. My kisses exist only for you," He responded to her pouting for his kiss, following it up by leaning down to place his lips against her own. A small peck at first, simply pressing his lips against her own but he soon began to tease into a deeper kiss. Holding her in his arms as their tongues danced in their mouths. Breaking the kiss he let out a satisfied sigh as though having just drank from the well of knowledge itself to quinch his thirst, the taste of their dinner lingering one in his mouth from their shared kiss. Pressing a peck to her forehead he smiled gently at his beloved. "Any time, you've always been a good girl, Ashley." His affectionate tone overflowing from his voice with every word.

"What do you say we take a bath? Nothing to sooth the muscles and help bring an end to the day than a nice hot bath."

She giggled at his small gesture of affection, and then seemingly falling into a state of teasing pondering. She then turned to him with a small grin. "I'd love to. A bath sounds like a great way to cap off a dinner and reunion like this." She said as she got off him and extended a hand towards him to help him up. Once he was up, she went to the bathroom to see everything prepared. She would start heating up the water for their bath, ensuring that it would be a most pleasant experience. She had heard of the ways dogs smell when they get wet. She couldn't smell it herself if such was the case, and her fiancé would never be so bold as to tell her if she was, so she was a bit concerned that she might excude such a smell when her fur gets wet. She pondered this as she set everything to a properly prepared state.

Izar entered the bathroom with a towel tied tightly around his waist, the smell of the bath salts wafting through the air caught his nose and cause him to breath in a deep breath of the steamy air. The smell of lavander filled his nose and he let out a content sigh as he closed the door behind him and walked into the large room, attached to the wall was a large circular tub surrounded on two sides by counters which held a variety of plants. Some were real though those he found pretty but could not survive in this environment were made of plastic. Above the tub was a skylight through which the plants would recieve their sun, through it could be seen the stars that litered the sky blocked out only a bit by the reflection of the bathroom lights off the glass. Making sure their soaps, conditioners and shampoos were sat neatly upon the counterspace not occupied by the plants he tested the water, still just a bit off given the size of the tub but they would be able to enter soon. Getting down onto a knee he stoked the fire under the tub heating the water before sitting aside the poker and turning to Ashley. She was beautiful as she always was, growing more so with every day that passed. "Been a long time since we've gotten to do this, not since the night before you left last. You'd be surprised just how empty the tub feels with just one person inside it though the same could be said for the bed." He explained before reaching up and helping her to get undressed.

Though his eyes did wonder what those eyes held within them was not lust or craving, he did not look at her as though looking at an object or piece of meat. No, even as his eyes wondered the look of pure love and loyalty never left his gaze. Once she was undressed his eyes rose once more to meet hers and he smiled a most loving smile at her before rising to his feet again. *"No new scars, cuts, or bruises on her front... Thank Goodness."* He thought to himself as he tested the water again to find it warm enough. Removing his towel and sitting it down somewhere it wouldn't get wet he stepped over the bath and got in, offering his shorter fiancee a hand to help her get in.

Ashley felt a bit bashful to have his eyes on her. Even now, she often so did. She knew well enough the desire men had in them to touch a woman. Especially one they held dear. It always made her wonder if this would be the time he would make a move. She wouldn't really object if he had such wants. She knew he didn't want to overstep or claim her before she truly wanted to, but she was always wondering. So many around her sowed doubts in her head, but her heart always prevailed. She took his hand and let him guide her into the tub. Slowly settling herself into the waters, she sighed a relief as the warmth washed over her and worked its magic. She looked up to her submerged husband-to-be. His every feature was an intoxicating sight. She had been infatuated with the man ever since he started to show genuine kindness towards her. But the day he set her free was the day, she now realized, that she had truly fallen for him. He was her everything. And even if she was a bit uneasy with the prospect, if he asked for her, she was gonna give him everything. "You are right. It feels much better to share these moments with someone else."

"Especially with someone you love." He responded, feeling the stress melting out of him. The warmth of their bath only playing a subtle part in this though, in reality what allowed him to forget about his worries for now was the reappearance of his beloved. To see her safe and sound in their home again brought him indescribable relief. To not worry whether she were on some battlefield far away, if she were hurt or worse. No, to see her here before him now was the greatest gift he could be given. Moving a bit closer to her came to find himself at her side, placing and arm around her and planting a kiss to her cheek. "You are truly a sight for sore eyes, a sight I weep at the thought the blind will never see. But more than that I'm glad I get to see more of your beauty than anyone else. I've often wondered if that makes me selfish but then I realize I don't really care about that. I want to be the only man you show everything to and I mean more than your body of course. The way you tackle me to the ground in excitement, the way you nuzzle your face against my chest, how sweet you can be when we're alone..." He leaned back against the side of the tub and letting out a loud sigh of content. "Sometimes I wonder what in the world I've done to have been blessed so much. Do the Gods truly favor my wine that much?" He asked rethorical questions, a grin on his face as he turned his head to face his beloved again.

"I probably shouldn't pry too much into it and just accept the blessings I've been given. A wonderful home, two sucessful businesses, and soon I'll have made the most beautiful woman in Domah my wife. I can only hope the blessings continue when the time comes for us to have kids." He continued, reaching over to grab the soap and luffa from the counter. "I think You'll make a most wonderful mother, Ashley."

Ashley felt an indescribable amount of happiness to hear him talk about his feelings for her the way he did. Then came the remark at the end. Stuttering for just a bit she then quickly snatched the items from Izar. "L-Let me start." She spoke, making him twirl around so his back was exposed to her. She interlocked her legs around his waist as she proceeded to wash his back. "I... I would like that. To be your wife... I mean, obviously I'd love to be your wife. I've been waiting for it for so long!" She immediately tried to rectify herself, realizing that her phrasing might imply that she was not as into the idea as she had previously let on. She knew he would understand her awkwardness and stumbling of words either way, but it didn't hurt to be clear.

She tried to play off her awkward feelings regarding the final topic. She felt that this was a concern she couldn't avoid much longer. It needed to be adressed, but she was afraid to do so. Have been, is now and will be to pull. "My light... I... I am scared to talk about it and... And I think that I might be spooking you with this, and I am sorry, but... Have you... I mean... As the wedder, you... You can't really have bastards, so... I want to be your wife. I want to be the mother of your children some day... But... Maybe a bastard or two wouldn't hurt either?" She asked, realizing a bit too late how what she said might be taken. "Since, you know, my kids wouldn't be able to inherit anything, and-" She finally cut off, figuring that damage might already be done.

Izar sat quiet for a moment, not saying anything as she too had paused in washing his back. She couldn't see his face and he was sure by the silence in the room that wasn't helping the situation. Even so, he needed to gather his thoughts before he could speak. After another few moments he raised a hand from the water and covered his eyes for a moment. Letting out a sigh he then took a deep breath and spoke. "Our children, Ashley. You said you wanted to be the other of my children, they'd be our children. Our flesh and blood made one. Ours." He corrected her though his voice held no anger or malice, only a hint of weariness in them as though he'd waited for this topic to come up yet hoped it never would.

"I found out early on when I was looking into what it would take for a human to marry a Vart'hya that any child we had would not be able to inherit the vineyard. I was sure you knew too but I hoped that you wouldn't bring it up because that tells me that you've been worrying about it. To tell you the truth, so did I. But I came to the conclusion of what I would do some time ago, how I would handle such a situation." He explained, turning his head to show the warm and loving smile on his face. "If by the time our children are old enough to inherit the vineyard the law still won't allow it then I'm ready and willing to pack up every inch of this vineyard and move to a place that will allow our children to inherit their birthright. Be it Hino, Lubbock, even Khalahai Gods forbid, our children will inherit the vineyard passed down from father to son for the last two thosand years. I could never do those things with another woman, only you, and only my wife." He explained, in a hopeful tone, knowing that they would face hardship in the future but it was something they would face together as husband and wife.

"And should all go terribly wrong? The Blue Wyvern? My other investments? That will be theres even should this Vineyard burn to ashes. Our children will not go without, no one in this family will ever go without."

"I..." She wasn't quite sure how to respond to that kind of reply. "I wouldn't want you to uproot everything for... For... You've always been here, and-" She tried to say something, but words failed her. Ultimately there was only one thing left she could say. Or rather, do. She shuffled around the tub until she sat on her knees before him. In a flash, causing the water to splash across the room, she moved forward and hugged her beloved, kissing him firmly and deeply. She held him close and intimately kissed him. She loved him. She loved this man with all her being. Had for a long time, yet it always seemed like he had some magical means to amplify those feelings. Shuffling a bit closer up to his lap, just slightly. After a bit she parted from the kiss and looked at him in the eyes. She held nothing but undying love for the man. Vart'hya could have the tendency to just inherently and fully dedicate their hearts to someone they care about. It goes beyond just being in love. It is the closest most people will ever come to having a soulmate in its most literal sense of the word. "I'm sorry for bringing it up. I... I love you. I love you so much. To hell and back, I will love you." She whispered softly. "I... If there is something in you... A... desire... I am ready to oblige? In fact... I'd welcome the opportunity. I don't want to go too far before 'the night', but... There are other things I can do for you before that?" She asked with the fiercest blush, and it most certainly was not due to the steaming waters. "I would do this for you with nothing short of joy in my heart. Do you... Want me to?"

He'd cared not for the water going everywhere as she'd quickly circled him, the feeling of her hug and kiss overriding all feelings and simply leaving him in a state of pure bliss as the two made out in a physical profession of love for one another. Only when breaking the kiss did Ashley begain to express her love in the more verbal sense only filling his heart with greater joy to hear her love whispered so gently into his ear. However, he didn't expect what came next, the offer of a *Different* expression of love. caught off guard by it at first his face quickly softened and he raised his arms from the water to gently cup her cheeks in his palms. His eyes were filled with affection from the woman as his thumb rubbed gently across her bottom lip. Her bashfulness made his heart melt, the look on her face made his heart skip a beat and though what she offered would get an immediate response from just about any man he couldn't help but admire her a few moments more before he answered, "I... suppose there's no harm in that so long as we keep our wits about us. On one condition though, you allow me to return the favor. You see, I'm rather ready to oblige as well."

**...**
Humming quietly as be buttoned up his pajama shirt he'd felt a great deal of repose after their bath together, his mind made clear, his body relaxed, and the smell of sweet soaps radiating off of him. Feeling something in his mouth his tongue knocked it from side to side before he reached in and pulled out what at first appeared to be hair though he quickly realized it to be fur. A small smile of satisfaction on his face as he flicked the strand of fur away into the air of their cozy bedroom. Looking out the window he could see the moon high in the air, wishing there were more time in the day but alas tomorrow would come all the same regardless of his desire. Looking back toward Ashley as she got ready for bed he found solace in the fact that at least he would awaken with her at his side come the morning. The day would be busy, shopping for a wedding dress was the first thing they needed to do so that any adjustments that needed to be made would have the time to do so. Then next would be shopping for their honeymoon, clothes, towels, and more, she'd even promised to try on lingere for him so as busy as it was at least the day would be fun. He hummed a little louder now, satisfied with his thoughts and more than ready to sleep the night away.

Turning back toward Ashley he called to her, "Ashley, love, are you ready for bed?" He asked her, sitting down on the side of their bed. Black silk sheets and a wine red wool comforter though with them being well into summer they'd surely have no need for such a large blanket, rather using the flat sheet to and each other to keep the warmth in.

Ashley walked shamelessly without any clothes from her drawer, stuffing it with her clothes as she headed for the bed. She was about to walk to her end of it when she heard Izar calling out to her, sitting by the bed and looking right at her. She had a feeling what it was that he wanted, and she would oblige. Walking around the bed, she walked up to him, placing her 'paws' on his chest and pushed him back into the bed with a soft smile on her features. Once laying down on the bed, she nuzzled up to him, head 'neath his chin and resting her body on top of his. Despite all her strength, she was light like nothing else. "I could stay in bed a whole day with you, darling." She whispered lovingly. She truly meant that. To just slumber or lay down together in bed a whole day seemed as close to paradise as she might come as is. "I'm a bit nervous for tomorrow. So much to do. It is almost scarier than walking out to a battlefield... I want this to be perfect. Our day. Our perfect day."

Pulling the thin sheet over the both of them he pulled them under and wrapped his arms around her, stroking down her back he listened to her concerns, understanding them and knowing that he wouldn't be able to fully alleviate them, only supress her worries. "So long as you're the one walking down the aisle, the woman I'm marrying, so long as our vows are read, and we mark the beginning of our unity with a kiss. So long as you are with me on that day no matter what else happens, rain or shine, it will be the perfect day in my eyes." He said, holding her close and feeling the warmth of her pressed down against him. He knew she was strong, stronger than anyone he'd ever met, and yet as she lie on top of him she felt so gentle and innocent, so light it was as though he could pick her up and carry her away without any effort at all.

*"Maybe I should..."* Izar began to think gently petting down the length of her back and feeling her tail moving from side to side under the sheet. *"Carry her somewhere far away from here. Somewhere he worries will find no foundation, somewhere our love will be recognized and encouraged..."* He continued to think, letting out a quiet breath he relaxed a bit more, letting them both settle into this postion comfortably. "No matter what anyone might say, Ashley, I'll love you until time itself ceases to exist and if love can exist in the void then even after that. I know you already know that but I like to remind you now and again, love likes our doesn't fade. It just grows stronger and stronger until even gale force winds feel like the summer breeze. You'll do great tomorrow, Ashley. I know because everything you do in my eyes is awe-inspiring. I'd expect nothing less from my muse..." He trailed off into silence, letting the dark settle into the room and ready them to fade off into sleep.

**...**
Izar sat at the kitchen table with his beloved at his side, holding up a fork to her face on it held a sausage link for her to eat. The smell of breakfast filled the air, bacon, sausage, biscuits, and eggs. A simply yet filling breakfast for the two before their long day ahead of them. "The carriage will be here in just a bit to take us into town. I've got your papers so you don't need worry about that, your mother will be helping you pick out a dress. I asked my own but she's busy with a meeting outside of town. Apparently a large shipment of wine, needs to get a contract signed so we don't get ripped off. After that we can look at travel things for our honeymoon, then I thought it might be nice of us to take your or well, soon to be our mother, out to lunch. Do something nice for her, ya know?"

Ash was quick to munch on the piece of meat. She ever so much enjoyed to be pampered like this, but she still had a bit of a concern. Or not so much a concern as much as it was a feeling that was rather odd. She felt almost weird to bring her mother along. She felt the connection, but she barely even recognize the woman. She had been absent for so long in her life that she hardly knew what to do in terms of socializing with her mom. They both felt somewhat awkward with eachother. It is hard for someone so emotionally driven like Ashley to bond with someone who is supposed to be such a huge part of her life, but haven't seen her before a bit more than half a year prior. Even so, she hoped this event would change that. Her mom would be essential in the matter of picking out a dress without spoiling everything to her husband-to-be. "Agreed. It should be very fun!" She exclaimed both in a mixture of joy from the prospects so well as the taste of the food.

"I'm glad you approve. I didn't know what you'd think about us bringing your mother along, I just thought it would be nice to have her there to help out. Especially with the wedding dress. That and I haven't gotten to talk too much with her either, she's going to be my mother in law soon too. I should get to know her a bit better before the wedding and all." He explained before popping a clump of eggs into his mouth from the same fork he'd used to feed Ashley. Picking up a piece of bacon with it next and offering it to her. "Now once we're in town and you're looking at dresses don't go looking at the price tags or anything like that. Pick what you want, you'll only be getting married once after all. I want you to feel as beautiful as you look in my eyes on our perfect day, don't let price be an obstacle to that. I'm already saving a bunch having everything done by my companies so go wild on the dress so long as it makes you happy." He warned her, knowing full well the when Ashley saw the prices of the wedding dresses she'd try to not burden him by getting something on the lower end if he didn't tell her otherwise.

The sound of a carriage coming down the country road that passed through the vineyard could be heard by the neighing of horses, "The only thing that pains my heart is knowing I won't get to see you wearing it for almost a month longer. What bastard made up this tradition? I just want to see my beautiful wife to be in her wedding gown." He said with a sorrowful sigh before taking a napkin and wiping away a bit of the food that was left in the corne of his beloved's mouth. "Good things come to those who wait I suppose." He chuckled a bit as he rose from his seat and began to clean up the kitchen a bit before it was time to go.

She nodded. "A pity indeed. But I think it will make the surprise all the more... stunning when it is time!" She exclaimed happily as she assisted her beloved in cleaning up, all so that they could head out faster. "Are you going to buy something as well perhaps? Something nice to wear? Maybe a good drink to have prepared for later?" She suggested. "Or maybe a new model to work on? If so, buy one for me as well. I think I am getting the hang of it!"

"I've no doubt you are. Frankly, I've been trying to avoid the store as of late, costly little things they can be and there're far too many for me to just grab on when I'm in there. Still, if you're asking for one I suppose it can't be helped. Either way, I'm sure I'll pick up a few things for our trip," He patted his beloved on her head, using her as an excuse to head into the model shop now that he had to opportunity. Once everything was cleaned and the both were dressed appropriately they headed for the carriage, Izar opening the door and helping his wife-to-be into it before speaking with the driver about where they were going and what they'd be doing that day. Stopping along the way to pick up Ashley's mother, his own soon to be mother-in-law. Like with Ashley helping her up into the carriage before they were one their way once more.

Even from where they were now they could see the town in the distance, vibrant colors splayed out in all directions, plants growing and hanging from the architecture. But Izar paid it no mind, heading into town was more or less a daily occurance for him. Meeting business partners, friends, sorting out shipments and issues with contracts. But he knew for Ashley and her mother the event might be a bit more exciting, "Good morning, Mother. I'm glad you were alright with joining us today, I had no idea what I would do without you. I couldn't very well help her without seeing her in the dress she picks after all and I couldn't bring myself to do anything that might mean bad luck for our perfect day." He explained, leaning lovingly against Ashley like nuzzling against her as she did him.

"But equally important, how've you been? The monthly allowance I've been giving is enough, right? I'd hate to think you might be going without, Mother?"

The very human-like Vart'Hya sat on the opposite side of the carriage, blonde hair reaching down to her waist, all tied back into a braid, clad in a black long dress with white embroidery. She looked out over the cityscape that they were approaching when Izar spoke up to her. Ashley's mother, Seris, jerked her head towards the purple headed man. "Oh! S-Sorry, my mind wandered a little bit there... Um, yes, I-I am happy to join you on this little trip. Gotta make sure my little girl looks her best when the time comes after all." She said, almost overly chipper as if trying to compensate somehow. "I, um, I've been well. The sanctuary that is that building has been most satisfactory. Thank you so much, yet again." She said, feeling a bit awkward with the honorifics. She looked to her daughter, feeling a sinking pit in her gut. "So, how has your morning been... Sweetie?" She asked.

"It's... It's been good. Thanks." Ashley awkwardly replied.

"Good... Good. Yes." Seris said in turn, not quite knowing what to do with that answer. "And... Any idea what kind of dress you want?"

"I... I don't know. I am kind of hoping that you'll help me with that. Since, well, you've been married and all. You certainly have some experien-" She cut herself off when she saw the look on her mother's face, contorted into one of sorrow and regret. "S-Sorry! I just meant that you have a better eye for quality than I do! You, um, you also should, well, join me shopping! Yes! That. I think we can find something nice for both of us." She said gladly, trying to get her mind of the horrors that no doubt played in her head.

"I'd... I'd like that." Seris answered softly, some color returning to her face as she continued to look out the window.

Izar purposely ruffled Ashley's hair for that poor display, watching the two speak to one another like awkward strangers just happening to be heading in the same direction. For Izar, who held family to a particularly high standard it pained him to see mother and daughter act like that. However, he knew there wasn't much he could do right now, out in the open, so he decided to let it be and as they entered the city he joined Seris in looking out the window. Passing by and through archway structures covered in vibrant colored foliage the town was, as all of Doma'Khane, in tune with nature with neither taking up unneeded space from the other. Stopping in front of the store, mannequins dressed in flowing white gowns behind the glass windows that displayed the best brands the store had to offer. Stepping off the carriage and into the bustling sidewalk of the town it didn't take long for people to notice Ashley or rather, the way she and Izar stood with arms intertwined. The looks of dissatisfaction and looks of digust as some even went out of their way to avoid them which sometimes left a small bubble of emptiness around the three of them as though they wore some sort of shield keeping them at bay.

However, Izar seemed to take no notice, or more likely than that, simply did not react to the things they said or did. Looking to his beloved and then to Seris with a warm smile on his face before they entered the store, a ring of a bell followed quickly by the untamed smell of perfumes hit his nose causing him to let out a quiet cough. Looking to the woman behind the register looked him over before noticing Ashley, a look beginning to appear on her face as though she intended to say something was quickly quieted down when Izar spoke up. "I made an appointment for my fiancee to try on some wedding gowns, Izar Tasya is the name it should be under." He explained, the look on her face quickly changinging as he spoke the very recognizable name.

"O-oh, yes, right. Mister Tasya, of course, we'll have you seen immediately." The woman quickly changed her tune, it seemed as far as hatred reached into the hearts of some people money just couldn't be overlooked now matter where it came from.

Izar gave the lady a nod before heading over the the dressing room he'd reserved for them. Opening it up the room was a large cross shape with several chairs in the middle, along the left and right arms of the room were lined what must have been over a hundred gowns of various shapes and sizes. The top of the room held several mirrors so that someone standing between them could see just about every part of their body with just a turn of the head. The hallway they stood in now being lined with trays of snacks and drinks for whoever was part of the dressing party to enjoy though signs hung above forbidding eating and drinking while in a wedding gown. Reaching the center of the room there was a woman in waiting, a human with shoulder length black hair and a clipboard in hand. Though it was clear that her eyes snapped to Ashley first among the group her smile never faded, seemed she knew what she was getting into.

"Hello, my name is Victoria and I'm here as you assistant while you try on our large selection of gowns. I can help you if you're having trouble finding the right size, putting on the dress, or have any questions involving any of our lovely gowns. So... who is the lucky lady?" She asked as Izar took his seat facing away from the fun.