TAYLAN AND ALICE WED
On the 17th of Gozran The Flowers gathered to celebrate their Taylan’s nuptials, and a grand spectacle it was! Taylan, a literal rags-to-riches story, had captured the hearts of Korvosans with how he'd come out of the gutter to save the town. They turned out in droves to cluster the road around the main Bank of Abadar and catch glimpses of those attending. It had taken a lot of work, and no few coins, but The Flowers had it to spare.
The grand hall of the Bank of Abadar was ablaze with golden light, chandeliers shimmering overhead as the sounds of laughter and music filled the air. A few children ran past laughing together, and it surprised more than a few to see the young Mikayla Endrin, youngest daughter of Commandant Marcus Endrin of Sable Company, and one of her noble playmates playing tag with some of the street children Taylan had invited in for the festivities. Those who had been nonplussed by his inviting noble and street children alike now wondered if maybe he was more clever than he let on. Some had been trying to find ways to heal class divides, and here he was bypassing them all together. Even if The Flowers can't win over the old guard, the kids are alright.
They ran between Taylan's mentor Master Roshi and Portia, one of the women of Ruby's Rest. Judging by the irritated look on her face, it seemed the tiny pervert had said something inappropriate, and she took the interruption as opportunity to make a get-away. The wizened little man wore a simple magenta dress shirt over some khaki shorts and a strange pair of rubbery sandals. He watched Portia retreat in her figure-hugging violet gown for a bit too long, and then went to join Gale and Taylan at the front.
Nightingale was dashing in a trademark black suit and tails, but heavily embellished with gold filligree across the waistcoat, lapels, and cuffs. He had had a wonderful time helping Taylan find his own wedding look. The groom stood proudly near the alter in an all-white tuxedo, with squared tails in contrast to Nightingale's swallow tail preference. It had more intricate gold detailing, a high stand-up collar, and gold buttons. Finished with a white cravat, the young Half-Elf looked almost princely, and no stranger would suspect he'd been sleeping rough for years. He had never looked so clean—or so happy. His hair, usually wild from days spent casting spells and delving into arcane mysteries, was neatly combed, and his face was relaxed into his usual wide, genuine smile.
All the orphans from Old Korvosa, dressed in their finest borrowed clothes, filled the seats closest to the front, their faces alight with excitement. Madame Devlin’s people, elegant and refined in their evening gowns and suits, stood in a cluster, whispering and giggling to each other as they admired the spectacle. Captain Perith and Field Marshal Cressida Kroft were also exchanging friendly banter while waiting for the ceremony to begin.
Katrina Brown, better known as The Flame, Korvosa’s famous fire performer- and secretly infamous elusive thief - sat proudly with Pennydew the juggler among the crowd, her fiery presence muted but still unmistakable. Next to her were Nightingale’s parents, Adam and Clara, looking both astonished and delighted at the grand occasion. The room was packed with everyone Taylan had met and charmed over the past few weeks: the Soldados, Sirius, Otto, and more. Everyone happy to support a bit of happiness after so much darkness.
Even Shiv, who rarely attended such gatherings, had shown up. He lingered near the back, feeling a bit out of place in his leather coat and a hastily donned shirt that was too small for his broad frame. He had even changed his hairstyle which made it more punk-like. The end result struck others as a cool and sleek counter-fashion, though Shiv would never realise it, himself.
One of the priests of Abadar caught Calli’s eye and gave her the signal that it was time. She whistled to Gale, who began directing people to their seats, and then gathered her ample dress to take her own place towards the back with a few other musicians. Although not something she normally felt comfortable in, she'd opted to wear a full skirted gown. It was a soft spring green from the sweetheart neckline, down through the corsetted bodice, and nearly to the floor, where the fabric faded into a pastel pink. Layers and layers of fabric gave the impression of petals, as if she wore a large blossom turned on end. Scattered across the gown were fabric flowers of different sizes, in case anyone somehow missed what she'd been going for. Her pink hair, magically toned down to be only slightly brighter than the pink of the dress, was pulled back and half pinned up to ensure her wild mass of curls wouldn't interrupt her performance. There could be no mistakes for Taylan’s big day. She counted in the sextet with her new harp, and they began a wedding march.
A cheer was heard from outside just before the grand double doors of the entrance were opened. First through was Ishani, the priest who had been their clerical aide all through the plague, ensuring as many of their people made it through as possible. He had championed their efforts to the strict beaurocracy that passes for religion in the Bank of Abadar, and ensured they had what assistance was needed. He was draped in expensive velvet robes and wearing golden stations of office, and though trying to look pious it was obvious how pleased he was to be officiating the wedding.
Behind him came the Bride, young Alice, looking an absolute vision of sweetness. She'd come to Calli for help finding a dress, as the normally tomboyish night worker didn't have a lot of experience with weddings or fine dresses. She was honoured to be consulted, and spent hours making sure they'd found something that suited her, but more importantly, that she was comfortable in. Alice had found a thin, lacy dress in a muted light blue that brought out her eyes. It fell only to her calves, leaving her delicate ankles visible above white lambskin slippers with a low heel. She wore a structured linen jacket of the same blue mirroring the modest V of the neckline, and her blonde hair tumbled in gentle waves just past her shoulders. Alice carried a bouquet of white flowers, peonies and snapdragons, and leading her down the aisle was one of the bouncers from Ruby's Rest: Their own Korvosan Bear, Byron.
Calli very nearly missed a note. She hadn't seen him that day, yet, and did not know what he'd selected to wear for the occasion. He'd obviously spoken to Cressida Kroft, and as part of accepting the offer to join the Guards, had been issued his very own uniform. The gilt buttons shone, drawing her eyes to the rows of even rope braiding across the chest. Byron's long hair, usually tussled from constant activity, had been neatly combed and was nearly stylish. As she watched them progress, they passed Portia in the seats, and she realised the red-head had noticed where Calli's eyes were focused- the Bear being considerably taller than Alice. Her friend raised her eyebrows in a silent, "Oh?" before refocusing on the bride, leaving Calli blushing invisibly under her glamour.
Standing proud and surveying all in attendance just for him, Taylan’s breath was caught as his soon-to-be bride walked down the aisle. The music swelled, and the room seemed to hold its breath as Alice approached. She was radiant, and her smile was wide as she looked at the man who had stolen her heart.
For a moment, it was as though all the chaos that had gripped Korvosa, all the battles, the bloodshed, the plague, had never happened. Here, in this moment, there was only joy.
The wedding celebration shimmered with the magic of new beginnings and love. The grand hall, adorned with flowers of every colour, glowed under the soft golden light of chandeliers and floating magical orbs that flickered like stars. Tables draped in fine linen were laden with the finest food and drink—roasted meats, delicate pastries, sweet wines, and hearty ales. Laughter and music echoed off the walls, with musicians (sometimes with and sometimes without Calli) playing lively tunes that kept the energy in the room high.
As the evening progressed, the guests began to mingle, sharing stories, laughing over past adventures, and reveling in the rare moment of peace. Madame Devlin’s girls twirled with the orphans, their gowns swishing as they laughed and danced across the floor. Byron took time to dance with Greta, the young Half-Orc girl Gina had rescued. Her bubbly laughter helped ease his worry for his missing comrade, though briefly. Adam Nightingale had managed to get his wife Clara on to the dance floor with him, and Calli smiled with her own Nightingale to see Clara’s usually rigid demeanor relax to the point of laughter. Captain Perith, Sirius, and Master Roshi engaged in a friendly competition over who could drink the most, while Shiv, uncharacteristically relaxed, watched from the sidelines with a indifferent expression, nursing a tankard of ale.
At the heart of the celebration was Taylan, now married and glowing with happiness. He moved through the crowd, shaking hands, sharing moments of quiet gratitude with his friends and found family. His new wife stayed by his side, her smile bright as they both basked in the joy of their union.
In the middle of the hall, the music shifted to a softer tune, a waltz, and couples began to take the floor for the evening’s first slow dance. Taylan and Alice started the dance off, lost in each other’s eyes, less concerned with getting the steps right than just being together in the moment. That was when Byron, towering and muscular even in his formal wear, hesitated near the edge of the dance floor, his usual bravado softened by the occasion. Calli, ever observant, noticed him standing there, uncertain, and a playful smile crept across her face as she recalled a favorite passage in one of her novels. She walked up to him and curtseyed, her eyes twinkling.
"Come on, big guy," she said, holding out her hand. Not one to turn down a challenge, he bowed and accepted her hand with a laugh.
Calli pulled him onto the dance floor, guiding him through the steps with ease. At first, he was stiff, his large frame awkward, but Calli moved with such grace and confidence that it didn’t take long for him to relax. Soon, the two of them were swaying together, the music guiding their steps as they found a rhythm that was all their own.
For those watching, it was a beautiful contrast—the gentle, flowing movements of Calli, soft yet nimble, next to Byron, who was all muscle and power but moving with surprising tenderness. They smiled at each other, Calli occasionally giggling when Byron accidentally stepped on her toes, but there was a warmth between them that grew with each passing moment. For Byron, the dance was more than just movement; it was a connection to a peace he rarely felt in his life. For Calli, it was another chance to see her formidable companion in a softer light, their friendship deepening with every step they took together.
Nightingale followed their progress with his eyes and the corner of his mouth turned up. He was proud of his young protege. He hoped if things went well with them he could worry less about her safety, and worry less about what would become of her if… possibly when… his midnight crusades got the better of him. Byron isn’t who he’d have imagined for her, but he seemed so far to be a decent enough man. His eyes drifted to Taylan and Alice and his heart ached with the absence of his own wife. He remembered Rose on their wedding day all those years ago until it was too painful, and he excused himself to take some air. Katrina had been making her way over to him, so she caught the shadow of loss on his face as he exited, and did not follow.
As the music played on, the evening seemed suspended in time. Taylan was surrounded by laughter and love, accepted and successful. Two months had changed his life forever. And for the first time in a long while, there was no immediate urgency, no nearby danger—just the simple joy of a shared dance in the glow of a beautiful night.