Declan had remained silent during much of the procedure, Miss Piggy certainly made for an interesting nurse...though he could hear the chuckling of Dr. Bob in the next room, lowering his sunglasses he peered as if scanning, it was who he thought, the piano playing dog that was friends with that theater producer named Kermit, he was a frog as Declan recalled...but was having trouble keeping attention that, he was more interested in seeing what they had with their baby.

Miss Piggy's endless questions until the exercise one...well they had been embroiled with Peter and Oriana still did have the urges for for romps some nights or even days, but their sex life didn't need to be broadcast or pried into.

"No solid date? End of June? That's not much to go on."

That was all he could bring himself to ask, he was sure there wasn't a problem, but remaining silent would have caused bigger issues in his mind. To Oriana it looked like an ink blot, but Declan could see things that others couldn't, in part due to his training in illusionary magic, he was going to have to make their baby visible to Oriana, he made a quick hand gesture so that she could actually see their baby on the scan copy he was handed.

"Well, what do you think? Lovely isn't it?"
 
"It usually isn't as complicated to determine the birth date, however your Aunt Nimue paid a visit the other day to ensure we had the correct background information to perform your fiances's medical check properly. We will keep this knowledge confidential at the clinic however it is indeed true there are some small factors from her time in the lake. One of which is the after effects of being protected by Lake Logres is that our equipment will struggle to monitor her progress so we will rely on our medical expertise to give you approximate dates. As you can see the copy we have provided...it is rather - inky- but judging by Miss Oriana's face now both of you are now able to see the true image of your child."

Oriana was barely listening to Miss Piggy, her eyes enraptured by the now clearer picture of their baby now no longer an inkblot but tiny minuscule head, hands and feet. "Mm...yes it is lovely - wait what?" She had caught on to some of the high pitched words the nurse had uttered and she tilted her head, "So if the after affects of the lake are obstructing your equipment from checking the progress of my baby properly is it even worth coming here again?" It wasn't said in a malicious way but more why waste her time if they couldn't do anything for her?

"Not at all, we will still be able to check if your body is coping well and your health. It is just difficult for us to see the child...we can continue providing scans it will just be that only the both of you can actually see the child." Miss Piggy huffed in mild irritation. When she had found out her future patient had been under water for a month it had nearly taken all of her patient to not send a swinging kick to her boyfriend Kermit. He was a good punching bag but had recently been under the weather. "In your next appointment we can supply a scan which would usually be when you find out the gender...However if you find it uncomfortable visiting us we can provide VIP treatment. We have a few midwifes that work on a volunteer basis, one of who is Mrs Addams...I believe she has already indicated wanting to have you under her care."
 
Declan remained silent, he knew these workings a little bit. This was how "king" Arthur had been born, yes his uncle provided the deception of having Uther take the form of the Duke of Cornwall, but what wasn't known is that both Nimue and Merlin had a hand in Arthur's birth date.

He could again hear Doctor Bob going on in the next room with a series of jokes that seemed only funny to him and Declan couldn't hold back anymore.

"Does that piano playing dog actually think he's funny? I mean those jokes are just awful and I question his ability to actually give good medical advice. That aside, I will not permit him to deliver our baby Nurse Piggy."

Declan had to fight off a shiver that went down his spine at the thought of Morticia Addams involved in the child's birth, but she was trustworthy despite her oddities.

Though like most expectant parents, Declan's concern was a healthy baby, true he wanted to know the gender, but that could wait. Then again Oriana might already know the gender, that phoenix ability of hers might have granted her some intuition on that, he had no way of knowing though.

There was another doctor that got his attention, that bear...the one that told jokes at that theater...he was running a gurney down to surgery making some off handed jokes, it was Statler going in for hear surgery.

"Cool it bear, or you're going to kill me with those bad jokes. On second thought, keep them up, if I keel over I don't have to hear them again."

Declan shook his head.

"Ori? Ready to go?"
 
This place was a madhouse. "Yes, don't need to ask me twice. Thank you Nurse Piggy." Oriana waited for the clear gel muck to be wiped off her stomach before adjusting her clothes and making her way back outside in the parking lot where Snape patiently waited them.

"I'm not sure what to do with both Nimue and Morticia getting handsy with the baby but I suppose I shall suffer their involvement for the general peace of all of us. I don't need either of them whining afterwards. It's okay if it's just the two of them but I can't extend that courtesy to anyone else." Oriana lately was pinning down her phoenix abilities in fear of hurting the baby with any flare outs accompanied by mood swings, but that could be easily challenged by Declan's paternal side of the family sticking their nose in where it didn't belong.

"Speaking of Morticia...what do you think of Wednesday and Fester being the bridesmaids? Luna can be the maid of honor...and all the water nymphs are of course part of that group. Don't give me that look, that time we shall never mention at the Addam's home was all Festers idea and you know it - think of it as cold sweet lace covered revenge. Besides, he might enjoy wearing a frilly dress - might be easier to do the Mamushka in." She jumped into the vehicle as soon as Declan opened the door for her and did up her seat belt before Snape could drawl at them to do so.

"Who would look good in a frilly dress?" Snape narrowed his eyes at them both having heard half the conversation as they had reached the car, his head twisting to throw a suspicious glare at them which furrowed into a worried frown when Oriana smiled sweetly at him, eyes filled with jest.

"You."

"One hundred points from Slytherin you impertinent brat."

"Just kidding, you're walking me down the aisle..." Oriana dropped that bomb on Snape in a very nonchalant manner and then turned to Declan. "Who will be your best man?"
 
Delcan listened to her speak and joke and go on about Fester being a bridesmaid, it could be possible he was into some weird stuff after all. He agreed with a nod and chuckle as they were getting into the car.

He had to think on who would be his best man, but only one came to mind and that Hades, sure Declan favorite hero was Odysseus, but he'd never had the pleasure of interacting much aside from saving one of his ships, which in itself was a long story and one that ended with battling Peter and Hook...Jack Sparrow had also been involved but he couldn't recall how at this moment.

"It's probably going to be Hades, he's the only one that would do it for certain."

Snape's jibe about losing points didn't phase Declan, all that nonsense about Slytherin being honored because he was an Emrys, probably still held some weight. For now he sat back with his head on the head rest and tried to re-focus on what Oriana was on about with their wedding, though that nagging feeling about Mr. Serling and a task was still not shaken, it was as if he could feel his presence or that his messenger would be at their door.

"Have you thought about the flowers you want Persephone to bring?"
 
"If it's Hades then I may have to ask Penelope to be a bridesmaid but I'll see what Nimue says, I wouldn't want to offend them. As for flowers I'm not too fussed, dead plants are all the same to me. She could bring a cactus and it would make little difference to me." Oriana shrugged, "We have a catalogue at home so we should finally decide what they'll all wear. Although I'm inclined to tell everyone to come as they wish." She poked Snape's shoulder as he drove.

"You though, are banned from your all black ensemble. You'll die single at this rate if we don't find you someone to dance with at that wedding." The affronted look the man gave her spelled something to the effect of 'my situation is not that bad'.

"Listening to the both of you future Mr and Mrs Emrys, at times I am thinking it would be much calmer an experience to die single."
 
Wedding bells, Tuck has insisted on them...Declan always thought those were for other couples or the ones that make the covers of magazines...still the day they'd been planning here at Saint Paul's had come and he was pacing about in a side room, Hades and his uncle there to help make sure he looked proper.

There was no tuxedo, this was not how things were done with them, there was no kilt either...Merlin had pitched it to Declan but the nephew thought better of it, he was trying to match that Hogwart's motif that Oriana had done for him. Wearing black and green colors of their house, it was more of a military uniform with a sash she'd gotten him with the dragon.

No tie accompanied this outfit, he was extremely uncomfortable with ties, and knowing the Addams' they'd use it to their advantage. The vest was provided by Hades, it was a gift from Odysseus and Penelope for the sorcerer. It was a zodiac affair in dark blue and the zodiac symbols seemed to glow with light.

Merlin helped his nephew with the jacket the buttons were alternating in dragons and phoenixes, and cuff links were a ruby and emerald dragon, they were Merlin's cuff links, there was no reference to the Dunbroch clan in what the sorcerer was wearing.

He could only hope that Oriana was okay with this outfit, it was in part designed by her after all.

"Okay I am heading out there...you know best man duties and all. Man I cannot wait till the reception, that moussaka is to die for!"

Merlin gave his nephew one last look over, and trying to calm him a bit, yes there were some butterflies and uneasiness, but nothing that would cause cold feet or anything like that, his mind had the lingering Mr. Serling effect...it was if he was expecting him to call for their aid at any moment.

"Ready my boy?"

Declan nodded, and took a deep breath as Merlin led him to the aisles.
 
Meanwhile Oriana was battling a headache, everything had been going smoothly until the Dunbroch women had gatecrashed the venue.

The dress Nimue and the Nymphs had designed for her fit very well despite the significant sign of her baby bump and Morticia had come through with an appealing hair style of curled tumbling red locks that went down her back. Someone had placed a garland of flowers as a tiara makeshift on her head and she was wearing white pearl covered flats. The flats themselves had actually been created by Luna Lovegood who was planning to open up her own footwear boutique soon.

It was a rather feminine look but they had all insisted that it was close to what Declan had seen before when the Nymphs had pranked her back when they'd been at battle with Achilles.

What a memory - it seemed so long ago but had merely been less than a year. Shockingly, she had been fighting her feelings back then despite Hades insistence that she should admit them and now here they were, getting married.

Even though she was pregnant Oriana discarded the old traditional concept of not being allowed to wear white and wore the dress given to her without complaint.

Thankfully it wasn't overtly 'poofy' and had a slimline feel to it, a bright white lacing top and skirt although the hemline had some netting that gave it more the 'princess' feel.

Everyone was ready for her to walk down the aisle - opting for Severus Snape to stand in as the man who would give her away but then Thumbelina whizzed into the dressing room and confirmed that both Merida and Eleanor were attempting to get through the main gates where the mops and brooms were attempting to stall them.

Gathering up her skirts, Oriana furiously dashed outside followed by Nimue, the Addams women and all the Nymphs. If it was any other day then they perhaps would have laughed about the sight of them all rushing the stone pathway outside but today no one wanted the moment ruined for the couple.

"Most unwise Mrs Dunbroch to make such an uncouth appearance, that too when uninvited?" Morticia was flanked by Wednesday, who causally twirled two daggers between her fingers.

"He is my son - "
"That's my brother-! We deserve - "

Oriana quickly lifted her hand, ending their 'we are family' tirade before it even began. To think they had come, dressed to the nines wearing Dunbroch brooches and their pride? It meant they hadn't learned their lesson. "You may be his family but you did not act like his family for the longest time allowing him to shoulder the blame of your actions for so long that it may just take as long for me to forgive you. He may be your family but you are not mine until you earn the right to be called so. Until then, stay away." Her tone was cold but hands fiery as they created a high wall of fire that neither women could pass.

"Okay. Let's go." Oriana turned back to the amused group with slightly weak knees until somehow Severus loomed up behind her, eyeing the blazing wall and scoffing. The mops and brooms had scooted away to save their wooden bodies and rushed inside to join Declan's side as if to form part of his groomsmen group.

"The poor man will think he has a runaway bride at this rate, Mrs Addams...Miss Addams please take everyone and go take your seats inside so I can escort Oriana in." His drawling voice got everyone moving giving Oriana much needed time to walk around the gardens to breathe out her nervousness.

"Well this is it, once I go in there's no turning back right?"

"It would be a waste of my time if you did run, I had a stack of papers to work through my desk at home and had to take precious time out for such a trivial task-"

Snape's sarcastic remarks earned him a smack upside the head.
 
Why couldn't his mother and Merida leave this matter be? There was a reason they'd not been invited to the ceremony, true they could be at the reception pending they could behave, and Mushu would be watching for that particularly, he wasn't interested in being with his master during their ceremony, opting to stand guard where Declan's sister and step-mother were still being blocked at the now fiery gate Oriana had left. Merida had tried to talk some sense into the dragon, she was clearly not happy with being told she was welcome at the reception along with her mother but they were not coming in Saint Paul's as Oriana had said.

Mushu, had let Snape know about the reception as well as Hades and Persephone, the Dunbrochs (Merida and Eleanor) were welcome there as long they didn't try and make a scene about being the groom's family, Merlin and Nimue were taking on that role at the reception, Declan had privately told Oriana many times that Merlin was really his father...true he was the sorcerer's uncle, but he'd been more of a father to him than Fergus, who hadn't shown up here nor had the boys...what wasn't known is they didn't show due to Merlin himself giving an ultimatum...he was the one that brokered that Eleanor and Merida could be at the reception only, he left Oriana to handle the detail she did with Declan's step mother and sister.

Declan passed Mushu's comment about his step mother and sister showing up with no comment, just a nod and trusting his familiar to ensure they were at the reception only. Now he stood waiting for Oriana to be walked down the aisle by Snape, he saw her come down, still a little flustered from dealing with his step mother and sister, but still lovely.

Merlin and Nimue had the seats where they should have been as parents, Hades had dragged Odysseus and Penelope down as well, though they were in seats on Oriana's side that was for family.

Both didn't want this dragged out ceremony wise, both didn't like that sort of thing, Tuck was going to move this along, he liked that spread at the reception.

"Oi, we all know why we're here, the Champion of Blackhaven Declan Emrys and Lady of the Lake Oriana Mikhalova, in matrimony and no if anyone has objections to these two getting married, you piss off or be burst into flames I don't care."

The ring bearer brought forth the rings Oriana had designed, Declan could only guess with Snape or Luna's aid, but he wasn't going to ask.

"You may now place the rings on each other's fingers."

This was done, neither of them wanted to do their own vows and Tuck knew it full well, and was eager to get it on.

"I know you two have done this before, but I pronounced you man and wife, now kiss the bride so we can celebrate!"

The kiss was exchanged, Declan getting the phoenix thimble, and Oriana getting a dragon one. But they did actually kiss, something that they'd been used to by now.

"And there ye have it! Mr. and Mrs. Emrys!"

The fireworks went off, flowers thrown, applause, Merlin waving his hand summoning the mists of Avalon to allow Declan and Oriana to walk to the car where Winston was waiting to take them to the reception.
 
Whilst she had walked down the aisle, her arm tightly clasped in Snape's elbow Oriana did experience a gnawing feeling and desire to run. Internally she admonished herself by reminding herself that she did love the man waiting for her and it was just nerves. The feeling dissipated after their kiss and it was probably a good thing Tuck zoomed through all the needless wedding 'fluff'.



She could hear the whistling, clapping and some sobbing which she identified as the Nymphs, but she wasn't sure if that was because they were emotional from her or aggravated from the leering satyr Phil, who had arrived obnoxiously late halfway through and was busy checking under their skirts using his small height to his advantage.



Oriana had to smirk at him knowing that when they had last met he had tried to fill Declan's mind in with doubts causing the scene with Hades. Phil could only darken his gaze at her with suspicion, disgruntled that she hadn't betrayed his student 'yet' so not able to say much more and she was somewhat glad he hadn't been in town when Gothel had caused her mental breakdown. Phil would have driven Declan mad with his words.



As they walked through the mists of Avalon she did smile at Merlin in particular, trying to keep things friendly between them for Declan's sake and rolled her eyes when she had to throw a bouquet behind her on the insistence of Nimue. "Who caught it?" She asked, turning her head back in curiosity.



"Wednesday. It smacked her right in the face, thorns first -"



"Dear Gods, whoever she weds will be found dead before dawn, oh Wednesday you don't eat the thorns! It's not a snack!"



They all laughed at the younger Addam's disgusted expression as she chomped up the stems which had dared to invade her personal space.



Finally, the couple moved back outside to stand next to Winston's vehicle after a quick group photo. Someone on the groom’s side had tastefully decorated it with a simple ivory ribbon across the bonnet rather than anything too outlandish. Everyone then looked up in shock as Thumbelina and Mushu instigated some daytime fireworks. Somewhere near the doors the mops and brooms were doing a swaying dance whilst Fester drummed a beat for them using sticks.



"Save it for the Reception Fester! Right - we couldn't have invited a better group. I'm glad it was a relaxed ceremony so thank you everyone..." Oriana laughed, before getting in to the car and sitting next to Declan, waving at everyone through the window. She removed her flower crown and placed it in her lap to look at her new 'husband.'



"Well, Mr Emrys. How does it feel to be stuck with me?" Oriana asked teasingly, looking down at their held hands and rings. He did look good all spruced up and she wondered if she would ever manage to make him wear these set of clothes ever again.
 
"It feels fine Mrs. Emrys. I figured you didn't want all that nonsense during the ceremony, hell I didn't want it either, they always draw it out too much. Did you see Wednesday eating your bouquet?"

The drive was calm, he was going to have to mention a couple of things, but they could always leave the reception early if she was having baby sickness, to Declan that was a great way to avoid all the public attention.

"Oh Mushu will make sure that mom and Merida are not sitting at the round table with us those guests of honor. They're relegated to the farthest table from us, I believe Mushu said uncle Merlin sat them near the fire exit."

He was relieved to be out of the spectacle, it was as bothersome as the slide on shoes he was wearing and detested. It was still too cold for him to wear his sandals or be in his bare feet aside from being in the house.

"At least there's no question about if our marriage is consummated, how are you feeling by the way?"

He was teasing back, but also showing concern about how she was feeling being this far into pregnancy. He wasn't terribly interested in the first dance and other things that are done at receptions, sure he'd eat, drink, and try and be merry. Though he would have just been as happy at home in their bed ordering from Polly's down the street.

Waving his hand around it was glowing blue then the glow would stop, only for him to start it again, he was wondering who they'd invited to the reception knowing full well that the mayoral candidates would not be there nor would Mulan or Jack Sparrow. But would her sister show? Or was she still in hiding? Declan only knew that Flynn Ryder was the key there and they could work that another day.

Entering where the reception was being held, it looked to Declan like it was right out of the things he'd seen and been told about Arthur's court, specifically the round table, still this was their day and they were to be seated at the far end of the round table side by side, Merlin and Nimue took their seats behind Declan to the right as they represented the groom's family, Oriana had Snape and Wednesday were behind her to the left as representation for her family. The best man and maid of honor sat at the round table with Declan and Oriana as did the rest of the groomsmen and bridesmaids.

Hades had to make the toast, like Tuck he wanted to keep things simple.

"You know I've got to hand it to Dec here, he helped avoid that hostile take over bid by my brother Poseidon, I mean man what a drip! Still, you know he's done so much for Blackhaven and it's about damn time he got something in return here, you know everyone needs a bit of happiness. We don't have time to bat this around people, please raise your glasses like now, and toast Mr. and Mrs. Emrys. Oriana, babe, you keep him in check understand? I don't want him in the underworld or Avalon before needed."
 
"Just fine?" Oriana jested back, thinking this was probably one of his happier moods since she had known him however she was used to him downplaying his emotions. "Thumbelina is keeping a lookout just in case your father and brothers decide to show up, in which case as long as they don't cause problems we just let them sit, eat and leave. With Merlin there it is unlikely they would dare." She smiled at him, "And I'm fine, I have to admit I wanted to run away when walking down the aisle...this commitment is daunting when I've spent so long alone but I trust you."

They weren't the type for overtly displaying affection in public but when seated she kept one of her hands clasped in his and locked an ankle around his calf, hidden under the table covers whilst listening to Hades's speech. Whilst everyone clapped she simply smirked at his request to keep Declan out of the underworld and Avalon.

Everyone clapped and toasted them but then unexpectedly, Wednesday stood up. Although classed as the Maid of Honour Oriana hadn't thought she'd want to give a speech but as usual an Addams always came through with a surprise.

There were still some thorns wedged in her teeth which the pigtailed girl picked out slowly as she cast a withering look at those around the round table, her dark gaze making the Dunbroch's at the back shrivel up a little and then lifted her glass. Everyone else had wine but hers looked...thicker.

"Declan...has always been a honorary Addams. However once we all met Oriana and she set Mothers favorite curtains to flames we knew she was the real deal - "

"For she's a jolly good fellow-" Festers tone deaf singing burst through but Wednesday cut him off by throwing Hand out of nowhere to slap over his mouth.

"I am talking Uncle Fester. Where was I Mother?"

"A delectable diabolical pyromaniac we Addams could not be more proud of-"

"Hmm, yes well. Our first day meeting her we did our best to check thoroughly to see whether she was worth being Declan's apprentice but she turned out to be more and we can not blame him for latching on to her before we could wed her to Cousin It. She left our home that day intact and alive...most disappointing..." All of the Addams turned to look at Oriana with a strange glimmer in their eyes before Wednesday continued, "It is worth standing by her side today and supporting this marriage...and hopefully she will help Declan burn Blackhaven to the ground on the next bonfire night. Please raise your glasses for this nauseating couple..." Immediately, glasses clinked and shots were drank, some stronger than others whilst Oriana herself was only allowed orange juice.

Before sitting down the dark haired girl grinned maliciously when Merida in the corner choked on her drink, clawing at her throat and squeaking that it 'burned'.

"Oh do cease the dramatics Miss Dunbroch." Snape's vicious tongue snapped out as they all rolled their eyes and tried to continue with their starters.
 
Declan was not partaking in drinks, in fact his wine was merely grape juice, though he'd insisted that Oriana get at least something aside from orange juice, dragon fruit juice...from his own casks, in fact it was going to be another side business not that they needed the income, this was just something to get their feet in the door of the restaurant business. Declan and Oriana always needed extra eyes, and if they could give jobs to those that needed them it was the better.

"Hopefully you'll enjoy that, it's going to be a side business, I've been working on making dragon fruit drinks for sale for years. Just don't have a name for it yet."

She had it pegged correctly, he was keeping emotions in check, but those that knew him could see there was happiness there, even with Merlin there he still was always on guard like tiger or in his case dragon. Oriana had picked his favorite food for their reception meal, much like she'd done at Hogwart's only this time he wasn't dealing with the after effects of blood magic. They had to listen to more toasts, and Declan had tried not to laugh at Wednesday's toast, he knew his standing with the Addams', they in their own way had always tried to make him feel one of the family, and they hated Fergus and the three boys.

Morticia and Nimue representing the bride and groom respectively, got to announce the gifts for them, much to Elenoar's embarrassment, and the drama Merida was causing hadn't escaped his gaze, but he chose to ignore it, Snape was more than capable of handling it.

The round table, Declan had remembered his uncle telling him of it, and he was impressed to be seated here, he almost went to tears when Odysseus and Penelope's gift was in fact the wooden horse. Still the dancing was about to start...but first.

"Ah the mamushka! We danced this while Rome burned, for Jack the Ripper, and of course my brother Fester! Now this mamushka is for the Emrys' "

Gomez, always the card...still Declan caught the dagger thrown at him, and gently handed it to Oriana, it was gift from Gomez and Morticia. Wednesday's gift was waiting in the back...
 
It was indeed a strong flavor, but once she drank it automatically her throat cooled and there was a calming effect. Oriana took a few sips and thought for a moment, "How about Ambrosia?" She turned the dagger in her hand and cast an appreciated look to Gomez slipping it on the garter at her thigh. Thankfully they hadn't pushed for that ridiculous practice of the groom removing the garter - it was something that would have made her highly annoyed.

She signaled to Nimue that she was too tired to open any gifts and Nimue got the message clear, informing the mops and brooms who were partaking in the Mamushka that they'd have to transfer the gift boxes home later. It would take a few days to write out the thank you notes.

"Declan if you want to dance with them carry on, but I don't think I'm allowed anything but a slow song." In fact Morticia had strongly advised her against it. By now, everyone was either clapping, cheering or actively trying to keep up with the Addams brothers and Oriana found that Thing had decided to seat himself in her hair and was playing with her red curls.

That damn Hand was still obsessed with the color just like day one.

The desserts had arrived and Oriana tucked in greedily, her sweet tooth having gotten worse since her pregnancy hormones had started torturing her and she dug into the mango topped with Hawaiian spices. The starter and main had been chosen to suit Declan's palate but the dessert was all about her, if the guests wanted their preferences they could go home and cook them!
 
Declan contented with some baklava, he wasn't too eager for desert, nor did they have a wedding cake Oriana had been clear none of that cutting the cake nonsense, and he agreed. Little ceremony as possible, he'd eaten but not like he did at Hogwart's, being too busy watching the mamushka.

"No, I am not interested in dancing, you know very well I prefer dances like we did at the Halloween ball, I told them you'd not be interested in that bride and groom dance, I am content to sit here and let them enjoy themselves."

Declan was refilling their cups when he deflected Fester's dagger and placed it on the table, he was sure he and Gonzo had been planning some explosive thing, but Mushu had made it simply fireworks.

Once the mamushka finished the slow dances began, Declan scanned, no sign of Fergus or the boys...the message must have gotten through. Merida and Crane were on the floor, but Oriana and Declan were quite protected from them with Hades and Persephone. Sure other guests came up to give gifts and well wishes to them, but there was no way that Declan's sister or step mother were getting close, Oriana had ordered it and there were many who would enforce it.

It was Wednesday Addams' dance that Declan was watching while picking at the fruits and after dinner cheeses, this was dance he'd not seen her do...even when he went to parties at the Addams' residence she never really danced...well there was that time when they were 11 and she was dancing with that cousin...Merlin and Declan were there on a mission but had been invited, as Wednesday had said, they were honorary Addams' now Oriana was too.

He allowed his final labor to rest for a night, he'd resolve that before the baby was born, for now he'd let Oriana decide on their cases and payments.
 
"I don't mind dancing with you back home." Oriana teased him, leaning against his shoulder slightly as she watched others around them start to get a little too energetic for her liking. "Speaking of which, let's sneak off now? I don't particularly wish to see Phil chasing the Nymphs all night..." She was hinting that she'd much rather be doing something else with him and winked, sneaking some baklawa for herself and signalling Morticia and Nimue they'd be leaving soon.

The celebrations could continue without them really, so not waiting for a confirmation from Declan she simply stood and dragged him away. She knew that no one would really expect them to give their goodbyes, it wasn't a rigid group apart from the Dunbroch's but they didn't care either way if their feelings got hurt.

Winston was waiting for them by the car, having popped out for a smoke and the puffs of his cigar were extinguished by Oriana. "No smoking around the baby Winston." She told him off lightly before getting in the backseat and smiling at Declan. "I hope you'll make me breakfast in bed tomorrow morning."
 
She knew by now that Declan hated ceremony and these public gatherings, even if this was for them, the Halloween ball was different, they were there for business, though he had allowed himself to enjoy and let go for their dance. Their wedding was as they'd wanted, nothing drawn out and with as little ceremony as possible, mostly with the guests now enjoying themselves, despite the bride and groom exiting.

He'd picked up to Oriana's now random hormonal urges, this was a pretty strong message and Winston was not opposed to taking them home, all the wedding gifts would be back at the Arcana Cabana the brooms and mops would follow when the party died down. Mushu and Thumbelina no longer had to keep the Dunbrochs in check, were now able to enjoy themselves in their own way.

The drive with the city lit up, seemed longer than it should have, Declan had no idea why but was more than happy to be rid of the damn shoes when they got home.

"Maybe, or maybe I'll be too tired out from you Mrs. Emrys, and will just send the mops and brooms out to get something."

His shoes went flying to the other side of the room, he hated wearing shoes, and he allowed Oriana to lead him to their bedroom, even if things got loud, no one would hear it. Though what she didn't know was they were getting a new bed later in the week.
 
Feeling as indecisive as Goldilocks and bouncing from one mattress to another, Oriana cocked her eyebrows at the salesmen and grunted in a displeased fashion. "Non of these feel comfortable." She wasn't trying to be rude, but if they were going to buy a bed she needed it to deal with her heavy abdomen and Declan's continuous back injury's that he received from jumping and rolling out of harms way.

Eventually they were lead to the fifth floor, Oriana now huffing and puffing as she waddled along her body groaning in protest at every small movement. Declan's plan had been to buy a bed a week after their wedding as a surprise but many unpredictable events had occurred since then so here they were, dragging seven month unborn Emrys along with them for the ride as they chose the bed and hopefully later on finally decided on the family car they'd be getting.

"What's that?!" She pointed excitedly, nudging Declan as she stared at a large bed that screamed luxury.

"Ah yes Madame, this is the Savior No.1. Also known as the ‘world’s most luxurious sleeping system’, Savoir No 1 promises the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Taller springs and layers of premium-quality natural filling for a deeper mattress and base, it is a naturally high bed that will make you feel as if you are ‘floating in a cloud’." The salesman himself was a dwarf, slim bodied and long faced with a wide stretched out smile. He had introduced himself as 'Smarty' earlier and turned out he was a distant cousin to 'Sleepy' who they'd previously purchased a bed from. "The frame is hardwood beech and as you can see it has several unique features, while the mattress, topped with a panel of high-tech stretch cotton fabric, is filled with extra deep, high-turn pocket springs, masses of loose, curled horse-tail hair..." He prattled on even as Oriana shuffled and laid down on the softest mattress of her life. It was a far cry from park benches that was for sure.

"How much?"

"On sale, twenty-five thousand!" The reply was exuberant but it caused Oriana to flinch and stare wide eyed at the chandelier ceiling.

"What?" She would have sat up but her bump got in the way, so simply stared wide eyed at Declan balanced on her elbows.
 
Declan hadn't been too involved in selecting their bed, true he knew they needed a new one, the original one they had was one that was left over from when the Arcana Cabana was a hotel, he'd only gotten new pillows and sheets as well as a comforter for it. The training, despite Phil's exaggerations, had taught him to sleep on anything, but he'd preferred the comfort they now enjoyed. The bed they'd slept in back at Hogwart's was his uncle's really, and he'd felt it comfortable, but not his style.

Now after trying several Oriana had found one she liked, now he thought he'd heard twenty five thousand. Using illusion here would be a mixed bag, this was not as it was with Sleepy. Nor did he want to use intimidation....still he wasn't about to volunteer to solve a problem for them either...but he was interested in getting the bed.

"Twenty five thousand eh? Well if we can't lower the price for saving the city...then please charge it to my father Fergus Dunbroch as part of the wedding registry, and deliver it to the Arcana Cabana by 1500 today."

Fergus would blow his stack, but accept this payment, seeing as they owed not only a wedding gift, but something for the new member of the family as well.

"If dad blows his mind, don't worry he'll pay for it...as wedding or baby gift."

Declan provided the wedding registry information under Fergus Dunbroch's name, he'd had more set aside for Merida, but Declan didn't care. His dad owed him something.

"Now where to next Ori?"
 
"Are you su-" Oriana had wanted to intervene but the sales-dwarf had quickly scampered off to make the arrangements and she did like the bed. It was a bit irksome sleeping on something that Fergus had paid for but some things were between father and son.

She smiled, taking a break on that bed to ease the pain in her back and then slowly got up tucking her hair behind her ears. "Well, we still need our family car and maybe some donuts for Mushu, Thumbnail....pick up some more cigars for Winston but you really need to talk to him about smoking around the baby." She let herself be guided out the store by Declan and tried to ignore the pang of craving she had for mangos. They needed to cut her sugar intake down and she'd already had a large bowl for breakfast. "Your uncle's birthday is coming soon, what do we get him?"
 
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