A Shadow Haunts This Special Night [M] [Daglobster]

[Stardancer]

It had been eight years since that horrible day. Sometimes Plerona could still recall each moment of it as though it were only yesterday. Slowly, ever so slowly, she had recovered from that awful ordeal and she had her betrothed to thank for a lot of it. Lemuel had helped her to get out of that deep despair she had been trapped in, helping her to get her hope and zest in life back to where it had been. There were still scars of course, but they were healed wounds. Her family had also been a major support for Plerona to lean on, both her parents and brother Orion. As well as seeking counsel from the community elders just about every day since then. Her hair had also fully grown back to its lush purple hue and all physical wounds were now non-existent.

Still some days Plerona felt uneasy, as though the horror wasn't truly over yet. That a shadow still lingered. A shadow of doubt and fear. Yet Plerona kept trying to tell herself it was just nerves and that she no longer had anything to fear. She was to be getting married tomorrow to her love Lemuel. He had been there for her the whole way, her rock in difficult times and a shoulder to cry on when she needed him to be. He had always been there for her. And Plerona soon found herself falling for him, he who used to be a good friend and only that. But ever since that day, the two had grown closer and he had scarcely left her side either. Lemuel was a truly loyal friend and lover and would continue to be for as long as he lived. Her healing wouldn't have gone as smoothly as it did without his solid support. Plerona loved him as much as he loved her. And tomorrow would be the start of a new life, for both of them.

Brushing her hair with a large engraved metal bristle brush, Plerona looked at her reflection in the mirror then before setting the brush down on the dresser top. She was preparing to go to sleep for the night so she could get up bright and early tomorrow for the ceremony. Everyone in the community was going so it would be a large gathering. After the formal declarations and words had been exchanged, vows given, a feast would then take place where they would be congratulated on their union. After that the second part would occur, between just her and her love as they cemented and consummated their marriage.

A house for them had already been built a few months earlier in preparation for this major life event. It was in the same community where she lived with her family. Orion still lived at home, still going on his many travels throughout the universe, while the past several years Plerona had stayed in Trenope as she recovered. It taken a good five or six years for the healing to complete and then she was back to her old self again. The last two she and Lemuel had been courting each other. But really the relationship had gone on longer than that even. He was her everything and she his. And it would always be that way from now on.

Changing into her nightgown,  Plerona set about to go to bed, standing against the soft mattress before closing her eyes in slumber as Trenopians slept upright, not lying down. Her sleep was dreamless as usual and soon a new day arrived, the sun heralding a fresh start with its yellow rays, an exciting new beginning to come. Opening her eyes, Plerona stretched and went to the dining hall to have some breakfast, greeting her family joyfully as she did.

“So, today's the big day, isn't it Plerona?” Her father Ren asked her, while helping himself to a bowl of wheat and a plate of fresh fruit. He looked up then, awaiting her response.

“Yes father, it is.” Plerona smiled and took a seat, grabbing a piece of yellow sweet fruit off the table.

“I always knew you two lovebirds would get together someday.” Her father half-joked, referring to her and Lemuel of course.

Plerona only smiled and said, “We used to be just friends. But now obviously things have changed.” She handled the necklace at her throat idly before biting into the piece of fruit, taking her time to eat it and savor the taste.

“Still, he always did have eyes only for you.” Her father looked over to the entrance of the dining room as Thera, his wife entered.

The other Trenopian looked worried for some reason, which seemed very much out of place on such a happy day as today. Still she tried to smile at them, not voicing her concerns. Something would go wrong, she just knew it. She just didn't know exactly what though, but the feeling that it was connected to that awful creature of shadow would not leave her mind at all, making for a restless night. The sense of wrongness only grew as she looked at her daughter then. Something would happen to her again, there was no doubt about it. Thera hadn't had many visions lately but the claircognizant power she possessed told her something bad was going to go down. And that she would be powerless to stop whatever it was from happening to her sweet daughter. Thera also knew if she did try to intervene, only more hurt would befall them all.

Still she tried to push such thoughts aside and smile at her family. Orion wasn't here though as he was still sleeping. Sitting down at the table after all the morning pleasantries were exchanged, Thera frowned again, her eyes darkening in worry as she watched Plerona eat. The latter seemed to have no idea what would happen, and Thera did not wish to alarm her for it would only be disastrous and make the ceremony strained and unhappy. That she could not have. Plerona deserved happiness, no matter how long or short it lasted. And Thera would not ruin that for her.

[Daglobster]

The day had finally come.

Eight short years later, the day to harvest the seeds of fear and sorrow he'd planted in Plerona had finally arrived, and just in time for his feeding cycle! His last meal on her had left him so satisfied, he didn't need to eat for years! Trenopians, when pushed to the right amounts of fear and pain, were, without a doubt, the most delicious of creatures.

And on her wedding night?

She'd be the sweetest of them all. Kruz'Iik was banking on a few things, though. He knew Trenopians were compassionate, and Plerona had no doubt buried her traumas under years of positivity, therapy, and emotional support. Buried emotions could resurface, given the right... prodding.

He hoped, dearly, that repressed memories would disrupt the consummation of her marriage. Because pain could be wiped away, but it was not pain that she felt when he violated her. He'd forced her to feel pleasure, forced her to climax. He theorized that when she'd feel it again under Lemuel's touch, the second time she'd ever felt pleasure in her life, she'd find herself disgusted, terrified, or at least disturbed.

And then... Oh... then there was his visitation.

Kruz'Iik was already on Trenope, using his vast power to blend in, hide his signuature, and appear as one of them. Of course, the only distinguishing feature was his red eyes, something he chose not to hide, as it was something only Plerona would recognize.

He decided that he would attend the wedding, as well. Not just in spirit, but in body. In short, he intended to replace one of the guests. Somebody easy to absorb, and fairly close to Plerona as well. Perhaps another friend? He would have to see for himself when the ceremony began. For now, it was just a plan.

[Stardancer]

The ceremony for the union was truly something spectacular. All around trees and poles had been decorated with trailing ribbons in the colors of white, red and gold. White for new beginnings. Red for love. And gold for a deep spiritual connection and understanding of two souls in love with one another.

Three banquet tables were also set up for the feast to come later, the tablecloths also in the same colors, one white, one red and one gold with flowers and heart symbols in the center of each one. The heart symbols were mounted on a metal base and the heart itself was surrounded by swirling metal bars for added beauty and sophistication. The Rastikaan word for love was engraved on each one of them. There was a pedestal where the two Trenopians would exchange their words of love with each other as they did so in front of all who had gathered here today. The Union candle was already on the pedestal and it would be lit after vows had been exchanged. Beautiful instrumental music was already playing by a group of select musicians, the kind of music only Trenopians could weave as it pulled deeply at both heart and soul its melodic, harmonious chords.

And the crowd. It was huge, to say the least as all one thousand or so citizens in Plerona and Lemuel's community were attending this celebration. Weddings, as well as all celebrations and festivities tended to be a community thing only, as each one held their own gatherings simply because it was more convenient to do so. Plerona stood in the center of it all, toasting a drink to her husband-to-be as they partook of the festive honeyed wine, sharing this special moment together.

"To us, life and love." Lemuel toasted her and Plerona answered in kind.

"To us, life and love." she repeated with a huge smile. They both took a drink from their goblets then.

Another Trenopian, a female friend of Plerona's, went up to her then and congratulated her again. "I am so glad to see you happy once more Plerona." Meriopa her friend said to her, grinning at the two of them. "After all you certainly deserve all the happiness in the universe."

Meriopa had like all females of their species, purple hair but hers was much shorter and extremely curly, it bounced around her ears a lot of the time. Her two main golden eyes and her third eye of a combination of red and pink gleamed in a happy light for her dear friend on her union day. Her skin was a pale bluish-white, even lighter than Plerona's own skin color. She wore a beautiful pink and yellow robe that flowed in many cascading fabrics with floral patterns woven throughout it. Plerona's own robe-like dress was a bright sunny yellow, in honor of her faith in Hope and the belief that things would always work out in the end as they were meant to.

"I greatly appreciate that, Meriopa, thank you. You are a true friend." Plerona toasted her as well, and the two friends took a drink in honor of their friendship.

Lemuel held her hand in his for several long moments, staring deep into her eyes with the utmost love and respect and Plerona did likewise, as they shared in their special bond. "Oh, I think I'm going to cry!" Meriopa said, already trying to wipe a stray tear that had fallen from one of her two main eyes.

Plerona laughed joyfully at her and said, "Oh, Meriopa you'll find someone to settle down with someday. After all, how could you not? You're such a sweet person, and you'll most certainly make some Trenopian a very happy male." To which Meriopa only waved a hand at, still teary-eyed.

"Yes, what about that chap Cerudo?" Lemuel asked her.

Meriopa only dismissed it with a wave of the hand. "We are only friends, nothing more." she said, smiling.

"And?" Lemuel pressed. "Plerona and I were as well, but now we are so much more."

"That's different." Meriopa argued amiably. "Cerudo is a friend but he knows not much about the art of courting a lady."

"He can learn." Lemuel went on, lifting the goblet to his lips again before taking another drink.

"Hah!" Meriopa chuckled. "I'd like to see that."

Around them, the people danced, many already married couples finding this the perfect time to strengthen their love for each other as well, but without taking away the spotlight on Plerona and Lemuel. This day after all was for these two first and foremost. Orion, Plerona's brother was also here, chatting with a group of friends over in one corner, having already given his well wishes to his sister and brother-to-be. Thera and Ren were seated at a table as they, like everyone else waited for the actual ceremony to take place.

Thera had just noticed a strange character amongst the crowd. He appeared to be Trenopian, but Thera knew better. His three red eyes gave him away as being something other. And that did not sit well with Thera. Another sensation flooded into her mind then and she gasped, putting a hand to her mouth in horror. It was the Mindshifter.

"What is it, dear Thera?" Ren asked, placing a hand on hers.

Thera couldn't speak for a moment, so worried she was now. "That...that person over there." Indicating as discreetly as she could toward the shadowy being in disguise. "Is not who he seems."

Sure he looked like any other Trenopian male with his blue skin, orange hair, tall, thin build and three eyes, except the latter were all red. And no Trenopian had all red eyes. While the third eye could in fact be that color, it was unheard of for the main two to be so. It was not a normal color for their kind. Thera watched the imposter with growing suspicion and outright worry, even a tinge of fear. Certainly his appearance here would only lead to trouble and not just for Plerona either. She would have to consult the Elders about this. But later. Not now.

Ren looked at the Mindshifter-disguised-as-Trenopian carefully and noted that his wife was correct. There was indeed something disturbing about him and it wasn't just his eyes. He would have to keep his own eyes on the other being to ensure nothing went wrong. However the ceremony was soon to start and all present held their breaths in anticipation.

[Daglobster]

Kruz'Iik felt eyes on him, and it was through his extrasensory sight that he spotted the Trenopian woman casting her eyes on him. His mind ran her features through, compared them to the others he'd seen at the wedding.

Definitely related to Plerona.

Her mother? How delicious.

Through a trick of the mind, Kruz'Iik disappeared as an already married couple passed in front of him, and he discreetly re-appeared somewhere else as a completely different Trenopian, red eyes hidden this time.

From a distance, he observed Plerona's conversation with Meriopa as he casually mingled with his guests. Trenopians had formidable minds, but only when they expected trouble. In a carefree environment like this, with celebratory drink to lubricate everyone's lips? He made full use of his powers to socially blend in to the best of his ability.

He waited for Meriopa to become separated from the crowd.

To give him a chance to consume her and take her place.

[Stardancer]

Thera gasped as the imposter vanished when a married couple passed by him as though he were never there at all. Looking around, she wondered where he had gone but could see no one that fit the intruder's description anymore. The female Trenopian continued to remain uneasy throughout the coming ceremony. Her husband squeezed her hand reassuringly, but he too looked worried.

Meriopa wiped away another tear of happiness for her two friends as they all mingled together, talking and laughing among one another. She could feel the loving bond the two of them shared due to the empathic ability she possessed. Their love for each other was strong and it made Meriopa joyful because of it. Not to mention the waves of happiness and contentment she felt coming off of the pair in great amounts that Meriopa felt as though they were her own emotions. "I'll be right back." she told them, smiling. "I would like to talk to my parents for just a moment."

Plerona smiled back. "Alright then. We'll be right here when you return."

Lemuel saluted Meriopa with his goblet of honeyed-wine in a temporary farewell.

Meriopa turned away then, her short, curly purple hair bouncing on the back of her neck as she searched the premises for her parents. Spotting them several yards away, she began making her way over there.

[Daglobster]

Kruz'Iik continued to observe discreetly. While absorbing Meriopa would've given him a lovely tool to get even closer to Plerona before his time to strike, but it seemed she had no intention of isolating herself any time soon.

And so, he decided, that he was going to wait.

[Stardancer]

A bell was rung by one of the Elders leading the wedding ceremony in order to get everyone's attention then. "The main part of the celebration is about to begin."  he intoned joyfully, looking around at all gathered. "Would everyone please take their seats at this time?"

Everyone did, with the exception of Plerona and Lemuel who were to stand at the pedestal where the Union Candle was to be lit. Taking hold of the other one's hands, they each smiled lovingly at the other as an assistant lit the candle using their pyrokinetic ability. The flame flared brightly, tall and proud as the five Elders of the community gathered at the front, each taking their respective places. The Trenopian Elder who had spoken before to get everyone's attention, signaled to the small orchestra to begin playing the first instrumental piece before clearing his throat. Everyone in the audience waited with bated breath as the musicians began playing a soft, beautiful melody that struck right at the very heart and soul of everyone here. It was enough to bring tears to Meriopa's eyes again, as well as many others in the crowd, Plerona's mother included despite her extreme worry that something bad was going to happen. However Thera tried to push away such concerns as best as she could for she wanted to be happy for her daughter and soon to be son by marriage. She owed Plerona that at least.

((OOC: Edited my post. And the words spoken are all in the Trenopian language of Rastiika.))