Topic: Wedding Bells, Faithful Tells

LadyAjaBird

Date: 2012-06-05 03:57 EST
Aja opened her eyes slowly and stretched slowly. Her legs hurt a little cause of those torture devices they called shoes that she had to wear for the ball. At least today would be the last day she'd have to wear them for a while she thought with a sigh before she turned slightly to see Padriq laying there next to her. Or at least what she could of his face, as he had a pillow over his head. She grinned as she lifted the pillow up slowly from the corner.

"Paaaaadriq." She called softly. "It's time ta come away from dreamland." she stifled a snicker when he grabbed for the pillow in his sleep. "So cute." she smiled and got out of bed yawning slightly.

She shuffled to the bathroom and started the shower to start getting ready for the day. She had to get all foo foo'd up again, this time for Rachael's wedding where she was Maid of Honor.

Once in the shower she stood silently under the spray, listening for sounds of life coming from the bedroom and thinking of the nature of weddings.

She had attended a few in her time. Some were simple, others were elaborate. Each differing in content and style, all supposed to be about the couple, the central theme of love and a couple binding their lives together. Aja had only given thought to what she'd want for her own once, but most arrangements had been made for her by Tanner who had a specific vision for his 'daughters" wedding.

She had loved and respected Tanner so much, she didn't mind him making the plans. It wasn't the ceremony that was important to her anyway.

Still not hearing anything coming from the bedroom, she washed her hair quickly and then shut off the water. Getting out, she wrapped a towel around her and went into the bedroom.

"Padriq...ya should wake up now." she called a little louder as she went towards the dresser. "Or I'll have ta do it for ya."

A billowing snore left him as he rolled, legs sprawling over the bed, his large frame moving to hog it. Snoring ensued, growing louder and louder by the minute.

In the mirror, she could see him turn over, the bed covers being drug along with him revealing his backside. She smirked as she thought of many different ways to wake him. Of course, she couldn't pass up a chance for a little mischief and went to that side of the bed, she gathered her still damp hair and then flipped her head down, making the water droplets fall over his back. Whipping her hair back, she stepped away to see if that was going to do it or not.

?"oly mo"er of mar're"! Aja!" That did it all right. His arms reached out as he rolled over, the whole of the blankets slipping from his frame. The pirate wasn't accustomed to sleeping in much, so his nude figure was usually the first thing Aja saw in the morning, this morning was no exception. He continued to grab for her while he cursed and did what he could with his other hand to wipe off his back. "Do ye knae wut ye jus" wo"e me from"!"

She was giggling and she watched him battling the blankets. "Uh, a dream?" she said with a wide grin as she went towards the dresser again and started pulling out clothes for them both. "A naked one about us knowin you."

He grunted and stood, his body moving after her. Once he had caught up to her he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed along her neck. "Aye, ye knae me so well." He grinned.

Aja tossed some clothes at his head with a grin. "Go get that sexy butt into the shower. We have to go to Rachael's wedding today." Aja turned in his arms, and looked at him.

"Aye luv, aye." He kissed her lips before turning for the shower, he merely paused to shake his bottom at her before resuming his foot falls.

Aja whistled at him and laughed. She really did adore that pirate. He made her life more fun.

The sound of the shower came shortly after he entered the bathroom. Soon the sound of his voice came, he was singing while he was cleaning. Shower time for the pirate, he enjoyed making her laugh with the strange songs he sang.

Aja listened to his 'singing" as she threw on a pair of shorts and a shirt, and laughed a little. "I'm going down for breakfast!" she poked her head into the bathroom. "I'll get yer plate set up."

"Ah!" He gave a fake squeal as she poked her head in and covered his parts with a wash cloth. "I be naked "n "ere!" His head poked out of the shower to grin to her.

"Stop tempting me with a good time, or we'll be late ta Rachael's shindig ya scamp."

"Aye! I'll be down "n a minu"e." He went back to showering and singing after he mused," Ye will nae be la"e on me wa"ch."

"I have no doubts of that." she smiled and blew him a kiss. "See ya breakfast." she gave him a quick waggle of her brows and whistled at him before scooting out of the room.

Breakfast—

Aja wandered downstairs into the kitchen. Maria had the breakfast nook table set for her and Padriq and was bustling around the kitchen, cleaning this and that.

"Maria, ya fuss to much." Aja said as she passed the portly housekeeper and kissed her cheek. "Ya can let the other help get some of this stuff."

"And let them mess it up?" Maria huffed. "Bad enough your man has midnight cooking sessions."

"Stop fussin." Aja grinned to Maria and sat at the table. "I smell..." she said as she reached for the covered dish on the table. "your famous french toast." she lifted the cover and smiled. "You spoil me, Maria."

"Where is that man of yours?" Maria asked looking behind her. Padriq did like to sneak up on Maria and scare her if he could.

"He'll be down in a moment." Aja said getting a plate ready for him then started on her own. "He was almost done in the shower..so shouldn't be too much longer."

"Someon' order a frisky pira"e?" Padriq was stepping into the kitchen, his green eyes dazzling with mischief. A broad grin formed on his lips when he spoted Maria. "Iffin i" nae be un o' me favori"e ladies!"

Maria swatted at him with the dish towel lightly. "You're trying to kiss up to me after you made a mess the other night." Maria scolded him lightly but couldn't help but smile at him. "Go. Get to your breakfast before it gets cold."

Aja just shook her head at them both and poured herself a glass of milk. She looked out the window to the lagoon thoughtfully.

"Yes, ma"am.? He gave her a kiss to her cheek before moving away, quickly, he was already racing for the table and the meal that awaited.

Aja pulled herself from her wandering thoughts to turn and smile at Padriq when he joined her at the table. His hair was still wet from the shower and uncombed, so it had that tousled sexy look. Aja put her elbow on the table and leaned on her hand for a moment, just storing the picture he made away in her head. She'd need it to hold onto in days to come.

Padriq Kidd

Date: 2012-06-05 03:59 EST
Getting Gussied up: Or Trying.

Aja stood in the bathroom, in her undergarments, fussing with her hair and sighed. She could never get it to look glamorous like the lady in the salon did.

"Alright. Enough." Aja put the brush down. "Let Diane mess with it." She muttered as she gave up on it. She knew she'd be stopping by the salon before heading to the wedding. She wondered if Padriq would be going with her as the other stylist, Heather, always tried to convince him to let her cut it. Something both were against as she liked his hair a little longer. She thought he looked sexy as he was.

She quickly did her make up and then spritzed the air with the jasmine perfume she favored, doing a little twirl in the mist of it before going into the bedroom.

The dress was laid out on the bed. A blue silk and chiffon number that flowed nicely in a breeze. She was trying to zip it up when Padriq came into the room.

"Babe, get this for me."

"I" goes agains" me na"ure t' zip thin's up." he smirked and Aja sighed with a grin.

"I know baby, but you don't want me to go parading out of the house in my underwear do you?"

"Nae." he admitted and begrudging zipped up the dress.

"Thank you." she sat on the bed and put her shoes on while taking a look at him in his wedding outfit. "You look nice." she got up and went over to put on the sapphire and diamond jewelry that would accompany the outfit.

Padriq gave her that smile she loved so much and then promptly took a picture of her with the camera Rico had given him. She shook her head at him.

"Come on, Shutterbug. I have to go see Diane so she can fix this mop on my head."

"I luv this mo"." Padriq said as he ran his fingers through her hair. She smiled up at him.

"Ya keep it up, and yer gonna have ta explain ta a very unhappy bride why we're late." Aja scolded him playfully.

"I wud nae ta'e the blame luv, ye wud, 'cause I'd say ye distra'ed me." Padriq grinned, leaning forwards to kiss at his neck softly before murmuring," Bu' ye be righ' we shoul' ge' goin'."

Not that Aja minded his distractions, but today was not the day for that. She gathered her purse and headed out of the house with Padriq.

After the salon stop- on the way to the wedding.

Padriq picked her up outside the salon and then drove them into RhyDin City and towards the Glen. As Padriq drove, Aja looked out the window focusing her mind on the day and its events. She couldn't let her thoughts wander too much today. Rachael deserved her full attention.

She reached across the truck bench seat and took his hand in hers. It was just the tiniest bit rough from working, but those hands were so strong. And yet, soft enough to feel like silk against her skin at night.

When she took his hand, he smiled, chancing a glance to her before turning his eyes back to the trail the truck rode on. Every now and then he'd hum or muse a soft tune, but he never let go of that hand. His fingers laced with hers and his thumb stroked over the soft skin of her hand as now and then the wheel turned.

LadyAjaBird

Date: 2012-06-05 04:01 EST
Arriving & Greeting the Bride and guests:

Outdoors. In the Glen. Aja whimpered quietly as she looked at the uneven ground and then those shoes she was wearing. "Someone has a sick idea of fun." she muttered about the outdoor affair.

"Aye' Wut wud ye change luv?" Leaning into her while grinning. He knew she was going to have trouble with those shoes. Wrapped at his wrist was that camera he'd gotten from Rico, the strap holding it firmly in place.

"There would be a paved path or something." she looked at him and took his hand. "I'll be lucky not to twist an ankle." She cursed Sivanna in her head for insisting that all fashion included these types of shoes.

Aja could hear the muffled sounds of people gathered up ahead and started hurrying. When they reached the clearing she stopped and looked around. "Brides tent..." then she saw it. "Aha." she caught the sound of his light snicker and shoot him a look. "Do not get used ta this look, pirate...it's only for the weekend." she pointed at him and his smirk.

"Been un 'ellofa weekend luv." Grinning from ear to ear to her, "'ave plenty of pictures."

"Oy to the vey." she thought of all the pictures he had been taking and sighed. "Never should've had Rikki teach ya how ta use a camera."

"I' wus a well learned teachin' luv." He was still grinning. He patted her on the bottom merrily. "Go fin' Rachael."

Aja just gave up on that discussion about the camera then motioned her hand to indicate her outfit. "Dress still unwrinkled?" her hand brushed her hair back over her shoulder. Careful not to dislodge the sparkles and little flowers in it. "Hair ok?"

He looked her over, giving her a little spin. "Ye look stunnin' luv." It was true, she took his breath away.

"K." she giving a quick wave to Yeardley then a one wave around the wedding site to all that were gathered before looking back to Padriq and raising a brow at him. "Yer biased. But I love ya for saying it." she leaned in and kissed his cheek, he turned his head then, and kissed her lips still grinning at her fussing.

Returns the kiss while he muses. "Nae a soul's opinion coun's luv, cept mine." He winked.

She winked at him then heads over to the wedding tent, I'm sensing pretty bride nearby..." She peeked around the corner to the bride within, "Hey, look at that. I found one."

He chuckled, watching her go. Then he moved for the Bride's side and settled in the back. What was that in his hands" The Camera. He was ready for action.

Wedding underway

Aja smiled watching Krusol and Rachael together then stepped out of the tent to have a good look around and see if the groomsmen were in place. She smiled seeing Roderick and yelled into the tent for Rachael. "Oh. I see McHottie." she grinned at the use of his nickname. "He's all spiffy lookin."

Padriq saw Aja outside the tent looking towards the altar, he readied the camera.

It was then that Collie saw Aja outside the tent. "Aja!! Get yerself o'er there!" She pointed to the bride's tent as Aja had stepped to the side to get a good look at the groomsmen. "Yer on maid o' honor duty!!"

Aja hurried back into the tent with a grin given to Collie, calling as she went. "I was just lookin!" Then she just poked her head out of the tent again. "Everyone looks so spiffy!" then she ducked back in before Collie could scold her again.

Aja walked down the aisle, catching sight of Padriq wielding that camera. She made herself a mental note to gleefully kick Padriq later for his mania with that camera. But then, she'd been in its focus for the last three days since he got it.

Not that she completely minded. He looked so happy while taking pictures and his smile was mesmerizing to her. "Wedding march." she thought to herself with a soft smile. "not drool over the man time."

Even though she was doing her best not to drool over him, he certainly wasn't behaving and minding his drool. A few more pictures of her snuck in while the bride was heading down the aisle, he wanted to remember just how beautiful she was, but with a bit of a pout, though it didn't really show outwardly, he turned to the bride and proceeded to take pictures of her as well. Hell, he was hoping someday to be in Roderick's shoes and watching the love of his life take this walk as well.

May as well get a memory for her friends to cherish always.

Aja was smiling at Maggie and Doran. The children were all dressed up looking very adorable. She focused on what she was supposed to do and even managed to look graceful as she turned and took her place at the alter.

Aja smiled across to the groom and his men giving a gentle nod of hello then looked down the aisle awaiting the bride. Collie gave Aja a smile and whispered. "Ye clean up beautifully, lass." "Thank you." she whispered back, managing not to blush. "So do you." the warmest of smiles was given to her oldest friend, who was always beautiful to Aja.

She had to fight hard not to giggle at Maggie who as six years olds are wont to do, was waving at those she knew in the crowd.

Padriq was taking pictures of everyone, having a grand time with his camera. Rachael's wedding would have plenty of keepsakes from the day. Not that Aja had any doubt her friend would easily remember every moment of this day. Rachael may be all silent and stern looking out in public, but Aja knew her a little better than most. Behind those smirking lip twitches, was a wicked sense of humor and a good heart. One that had found its mate with Roderick.

Much like Aja in many ways. Rachael may never speak publicly about the dark corners of her life, but they were there with her always. Aja had lived like that for a long time now, she found a way to keep the darkness at bay, allowing her to enjoys moments as they came. But in the coming days, that dark would rise up and unleash its wrath upon those that had created it in the first place.

Nearing the end of the wedding ceremony, she noted that Kruger, Porthos and Krusolis seemed to be plotting something. "Boys will be boys." she thought with a smile at them, that was when Maggie looked up at her and whispered. "They up to mishiff?" "I think so." She whispered back to Maggie with a wink. The normally exuberant Maggie was being good during the wedding ceremony.

And sure enough, as the wedding ended and the guests made their way into the reception tent, the mischief the boys were plotting came to light as a plan to moon everyone and get it on camera.

Aja watched the boys amused then went into the wedding tent, grabbing a drink on her way. She took a seat at the wedding table, allowing her thoughts to drift a little.

The reception tent was beautifully decorated the flowers on the tables releasing their scent into the springtime air. She drank her drink, reminding herself to remain lady like for the rest of the event. She saw Padriq coming over to her, camera at his side.

Padriq Kidd

Date: 2012-06-05 04:03 EST
He made his way over to Aja, scoot his chair over and patted his lap for her to put her feet up. She grinned at Padriq and cooperated wtih him by putting her feet in his lap like he indicated. "You've been quite the shutterbug today." Aja said with a soft smile at him.

"Ye li'e i'." he gave her one of those grins as he rubbed her ankles lightly.

"It keeps ya occupied and out of trouble." Aja grinned at him and lifted the glass to her lips. He continued to rub and massage her ankles. "I shall be glad when this weekend is over. I won't have to dress up anymore." she gave him a grin then.

"Aja, ya better keep that man!!" Collie called out merrily with a large grin once she spotted what Paddy was doing.

"Oh. I am, Collie." Aja gave her long time friend a smile. "He oddly refuses ta give up on me." that made Aja chuckle. Mostly cause it was true and she still didn't fully understand why it was.

Rachel saw Aja and Padriq at the wedding table. "My husband, shall we?" Ring adorned hand reached for his to lead him that way.

"Dunnae kno' 'bou' tha'." Padriq continued their previous conversation with the barest hint of a smile overhearing Collie and Aja speaking. "I wus 'opin' t' take ye t' dinner this wee'."

"Dinner sounds nice." she winked at Padriq, not yet connecting her not needing to dress up comment to what he was saying now. It was then she spied Roderick and Rachael heading over to them both. "Ah, the happy couple is heading this way. I should put my shoes back on."

"Non, mon ami! You are to be comfortable, even in the finery!" Rachael, who had heard the comment said with a smile, regardless, Aja slipped her shoes back on, then stood in order to exchange hugs with the happy couple. Rachael first, then Roderick.

Padriq stood with Aja, after she greeted the bride and groom, and added to their previous conversation by leaning in to whisper to her. "Good, ye 'ave t' loo' nice, i' be on Thursday. N' ye cunnae be la'e."

Aja had then gotten distracted watching Porthos as he drained what cognac remained in his glass and began to lift the bottle up to refill the glass before pausing and looking first at the glass, then the bottle. He harumphed and tossed the glass over his shoulder before lifting the bottle up for a sip. Aja couldn't help herself but to laugh when she saw Porthos toss the glass in favor of drinking straight from the bottle. It was so him.

Her attention was then returned to the bride and groom. She got a bearhug from Roderick. "Canny say as I've e'er seen ye in a dress, but ye look lovely t'night."

Aja grinned at Roderick and kissed his cheek, then smiled at him warmly. "Why thank you, McHottie." she used her favorite nickname for him. "Yer lookin rather fine in the kilt." she gave him a cheeky wink and then, because Aja was a smartass at heart, she twirled Roderick around and dipped him. "Yer lucky yer married, Douglas." She chuckled as she stood him back upright.

"Och!" was all he managed, taken by surprise there. Back upright, he chuckled. "Aye, the luckiest mahn alive." Retaking Rachael's hand once balance was regained. Rachael's words failed her, but the happiness was plain to see.

Aja laughed happily and took her place by Padriq's side. He leaned in again, motioning to the dance floor. "We 'ave t' dance aye?"

"I suppose we should. Only proper and all." She held out her hand out for him to take.

Padriq took hand offered and pulled her towards the floor, one hand resting on her hip. "Gla' I 'ad those lesson. "cunnae judge me fer tha'." He winked to her as he leaned forwards, giving a soft kiss to her lips.

Aja kissed him back and gave him a smile. "Ya know I don't judge you."

"Aye, n' I be lucky fer tha'." Padriq said as he moved them around the dance floor smoothly.

Aja laughed a little at Padriq when he started to hop around as the music got lively. He gave her a wink, Aja just shook her head with a grin, nodding over to Rhi and Eregor who were doing a line dance. "I don't know what the heck that dance is."

"We dunnae 'ave t' dance t' i' luv." He smiled at her. Aja smiled as she leaned against him. "Good thing.." she smiled. "not sure it would look like its suppose to." she laughed a little.

When the music slowed, he hugged her close and pressed a kiss to her brow. Aja smiled at that kiss and hugs his arms that are around her. He kept her close, ignoring all around them so that he could savor the moment.

While enjoying the feel of his arms around her, the boomerang finally caught up to Aja. Dinner. On Thursday. She had that Ut-oh feeling. She managed to keep her expression to that of a happy wedding observer. There was no way to know what would be happening on Thursday. She hoped to be back by then. Luckily for her, Padriq was happily unaware and content holding his Hummingbird.

Aja was a little lost in thought still when her ears caught the strains of the song "All For One and All for Love" played. She knew this song from that movie Padriq had her watch with him. It had been a nice night with him. No big plans, no having to get dressed up, just them in comfortable clothes, hanging out on the couch together.

It was a movie about Musketeers. She cracked a grin remembering Padriq yelling at the screen during the fight scenes. She had laughed. When he asked her why she was laughing, she told him and he told her that he did not yell, he had just spoken intensely. They had a playful argument and ended up in a tickling match.

Even more than just being with him, she had loved the song. With him at that moment.

"Did ye wan' t' sit down luv?" He brushed some hair out of her face gently. Aja turned in his arms and smiled at him.

"I think there is one more dance in these shoes, don't you?"

"Aye, luv." He kept her close and turned, still moving her across the dance floor. Aja was listening to the "You and Me" song with a soft smile.

"This is pretty." she said midway through the song with a soft smile. Padriq glanced at her then, kissed Aja's brow, his fingers still playing through her hair.

"Ye li'e i' hmm?" He asked lightly, as he gave the song some thought. She nodded lightly with a happy smile.

"Yeah. It's a very nice song. Romantic sounding.

"Aye, tha' i' is." he closed his eyes, still swaying with her and keeping her close.

Aja held on to Padriq, resting her head on his shoulder. Enjoying the moment that would be filed away for her to hold to in the next few days.

Padriq sighed and looked down to her. "Stay 'ere fer a second luv, I need t' ask the bride somethin." he kissed her forehead, then stepped away heading towards Rachael then. When he caught her he whispered in her ear. Aja had stepped back allowing Padriq to step away and took the time to look around the reception. She smiled seeing everyone having a grand time.

She saw that Rachael had given Padriq a wink, and curiously watched Padriq. That sneaky pirate was up to something. But then, when wasn't he" He came back to her with a smile.

"Need t' ge' off yer fee' luv?" he asked with a smile to her.

"Oddly, I'm adjusting these torture devices." she said indicating the shoes. "Or my feet have gone numb." she chuckled at him.

"Le's go si' down." Padriq nodded to their previous location. Aja nodded and took his hand. "Ok." She was easy enough about it, she followed along.

Padriq was being a gentleman, escorted her to a set of chairs, and when she sat he kneeled. "I wus savin' this fer the righ' momen' n' such. Bu' seein' ye li'e this n' all. I fin' i' 'ard t' resis'." he fumbled a moment with his pocket, pulling out a silver ring with a set of sapphires on either side of a diamond. "Wud ye marry me luv?" Did he sound nervous, hell yes.

Aja tilted her head at Padriq with a soft smile, she did tell him he could start plotting his proposal. She figured that he'd hold off a while, but this was Padriq. He often did things on whims. So she held out her hand for him to put the ring on it. "Yes, Padriq. I will marry you."

He let out a large sigh of relief and took her hand, kissing at her hand before whispering out to her. "Tha's good." He sat up and pressed a kiss to his lips, he was shaking.

Aja returned that kiss happily, then chuckled at him. "Ya big softie. The weddin done got ta ya."

"Nae, i' wus yer dress." He kissed her again and wrapped her up in a hug.

She laughed at that. "Aha...Now it comes out. Yer a leg man." she teased happily.

He was happy too, he shifted into a chair, pulling her into his lap. Now that she finally said yes he wasn't going to let her go. "Aye, amon' o'her thin's.?

LadyAjaBird

Date: 2012-06-05 04:05 EST
"Congratulations, you two!" Eregor called to Aja and Padriq.

"I'm gettin' an Uncle Paddy!" Maggie said in a sing song tone.

"Than' ye!" Padriq called back to Eregor.

Aja merely lefted her head from Padriq's shoulder to grin over to Rhi, Eregor and Maggie. "Now ya gone and done it. Maggie's already got yer nickname picked out."

"Aye Maggie!" Padriq was beaming, ear to ear.

"Perhaps you should just hand Aja the bouquet, given this new development?" Eregor suggested to Rachael. Aja hoped that Rachael would just do what a bride was supposed to do. Her friend deserved a happy, normal wedding.

Whether or not he'd heard the words, Roderick could guess a few things.

"Guid show, Padriq, Aja!" An arm around Rachael's waist. "See wot we did" Et's contagious!"

"Oui, perhaps so. And oui, as happiness should be!" The cake knife made the first ceremonial cuts. The first piece of cake was offered out to her husband for them to share, and the second, as promised, to Kassy. The caterers would handle distributing the rest of the cake to the guests.

Aja beamed a smile at her family and hugged Padriq.

"I'm good wit' that! But you better be good to Auntie Aja ....or I'll tell Grandpa to eat you!" Maggie waggled a tiny finger at Paddy.

"Nae need t' be eatin' me! I luv this woman." ::Smiling to Aja warmly.::

"Hear that' You've been put on notice too. Magpie's got serious pull with Tass." Aja chuckled, she had no need to worry about Tass. He was a friend and would help her to be sure, if she asked. No such request was needed.

Aja brushed some of Padriq's hair back with a soft smile. Thinking of all his previous proposals, always ill timed. "Feel better now?"

"Aye, I go' me wish come true." His arms tightened around her in a warm hug.

She grinned shaking her head slightly thinking of all the possible reactions. "Now what is Bane going to do' A public proposal like that.". She laughed thinking of Rico reading that in the paper. "He'll just have to take bets on which one of us bails first. Eh?"

"Nae, 'e should know by now tha' dun 'appen." He winked to her.

She smiled at Padriq's assessment and brushed his cheek lightly with her hand. "Not with us anyway. Been a long road ta here."

Off on the dance floor, the bouquet toss was going on. Kassy dove for cover seeing the flowers heading for her, leaving Sarah in their path now. Even Rhi made sure she was out of the way.

Aja had no such need to go catch a bouquet, not that she would even if her and Padriq weren't engaged. It was one of the things in a wedding that she didn't participate in. She was happy to be preoccupied with her pirate anyway. He was sitting there playing with her hair and she loved when he did that. She did lift her hands off her pirate, long enough to applaud Sarah catching the bouquet. Padriq chuckled into her shoulder.

"Alright lads!" Roderick called out meaning the men, stepping back with garter in hand. At this point, Cayden and Keeran could not help but think they were being called to flush out a waterfowl, or something. They both hopped up and began bouncing toward the Scot.

Krusolis was the lone soldier out on the floor. And he laughed. "You might as well just hand it over, friend." The dogs' reaction made Roderick grin, but they heeded Rachael as well as him in almost all things. They sat at once. "Och, only you, Krusol?"

Aja chuckled watching the dogs then looks at Padriq. "Feelin no need to catch the garter, love?"

"Nae. We will ge' married when we do." He nodded to her. Gods, she loved this pirate. He knew she was in no rush to the altar and that made her smile broadly.

"Wut?"

"Nothing. Just smiling at you." she replied with a smile. "We'll get there eventually."

"Ah, Eregor tae." Roderick was calling the men to the floor as he chuckled. "Oh be a sport! Get your arse out here. The ladies sure didn't!" Krusol was saying.

"Ready er no, lads!" And with that, Roderick tossed the garter nearly straight up into the air, ensuring it had a long way down. Padriq might even have time to make a play for it!

"Aye, fine." Padriq said to Krusol, then kissed Aja's cheek, settled her to her feet, then stepped onto the floor. Just because he was going out there, didn't mean he had any intentions on catching it.

Aja laughed as Padriq is on the floor with the other men. She took that moment of his distraction to accept another drink from a passing serving lad.

Rhi, who had made a dive for the garter, was helped up by Padriq. He brushed off Rhi before stepping back and making his way to Aja.

Aja watched the garter toss with amusement and then smiled at Padriq as he returned. "Right gentleman like of you." "I nae be some rude pira'e." he gave her a wink.

"Thanks, Paddy." Rhi called out and Padriq gave her a nod.

"I know that:" Standing to give him a kiss. "If ya were, I don't believe Ajay would've told me he liked you."

" 'e told ye 'e liked me?" Padriq had no idea that the siblings had even discussed him yesterday. It had to be later that same night. He returned the kiss and offered his arm. "Are we 'eaded 'ome?"

"He did." she smiled at him warmly. "Not that I cared if he approved or not. It being my life and all." Aja reached up to caress his cheek. "But I will admit it does please me that he does approve." she paused in speaking to wave goodbye to the Illnaren family, who were leaving.

"Aye i' does me t', luv. 'e be yer family, n' soon, mine." Padriq kissed her hand.

She nodded a little then squeezed his hand in hers. "Surprised you want to be a part of that." she chuckled. "Most of the time, I ignore that part of my life. The Princess thing. I know Ajay's a king and all...but to me, he's just Ajay. My big brother."

Padriq then looked to Kassy and then at Roderick, as he caught some conversation Aja had missed while they were talking. ?"Oi, Roderick. We can ta'e 'er 'ome fer ye. Iffin' she need a ride." He motioned to Kassy.

While Padriq was dealing with that, Aja blew kisses to Magpie, then gave a wave to Eregor and Rhi. Then she caught up to what Padriq and Roderick were talking about.

"Aye, McHottie." she grinned using her favorite nickname for Roderick. "We'll see she gets home. You have a honeymoon to get to."

Roderick was grinning toward Aja and Padriq. "Sounds guid then."

"Kassy, were ya tryin ta keep up with Porthos?" Aja asked with a grin, having seen the two of them together earlier.

"Dunno ?" Kassy said seeming to be confused. "who's Porthos?"

"We should ge' 'er 'ome." Padriq said to Aja.

"Merci for sharing our happiness everyone!" Rachael called out to departing quests.

"Even a wee bit's a thin' fer someone who doesna drink much," Roderick said to Aja, a slight grin. "Water's the thin'."

"The Musketeer you were talkin ta, Dear." Aja clarified for Kassy with a grin, then turns a warm smile to Roderick. "Yep."

Aja made her way to Roderick and Rachael. "Well, ya two. Padriq and I are going to see Miss Kassy home." she smiled at them. "Thank you for sharing your day with us." she leaned in to kiss them both on the cheek. "Ya all have a good honeymoon." she gave them a cheeky wink. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Padriq stood and offered Kassy his arm, she seemed to need it.

Roderick reached to grasp Aja's hand and squeeze it, when she leaned for the cheek-kiss. "Thank ye fer everythin', both o' ye. An' we'll be doin' plenty, don't ye fret."

"Congratulations, Madame Aja. Bonsoir, mon amis." Her smile turned wicked at the comment. Cheek kiss was returned.

Aja grinned a little at Rachael, she knew they'd talk later about it. "Ah...thank you." a quick glance to the ring now on her left hand. "I shall see ya when ya return. Not a second before yer scheduled ta return." she gave her friend a wink. "As if I have to worry about you leavin McHottie a second before you have to."

"As ef." Roderick said chuckling.

"I shall enjoy my time with him away from all of this." Rachael answered with a smile.

Kassy just fell quiet, content to let Aja and whoever this guy was take her home.

Aja blew Roderick and Rachael a kiss, then made her way back to Padriq and helps him with Kassy. She smiled at Padriq. "Let's get this young lass home."

There would be time later for celebrating for Aja. Now. All the distractions were out of the way. It was almost time for her plan to move forward.