I kept waking up now and then, shifting and regretting my choices. I eventually drifted off, but woke drowsy and sore enough that Katriana bundled me ...ack into bed with promises that she would oversee the preparations and provisioning for the adventure.I awoke probably well past noon to an empty room. That suited me well- it gave me time to open up my spellbook in peace and re-memorize the Formula of Zer-ah.I moved downstairs after, seeking breakfast and my party and found that it was later. Her erghil was brought in, and John slipped off to put on something more comfortable. When he returned, The Emperor was reclined on his cushions, His face showing an ecstatic expression, tears running from his closed eyes. Zithrusa let the final haunting note fade, and after a long reverent silence, The Emperor gave a deep sigh, and gathered himself together."Beautiful, that was amazing, thank you." He said simply. "And you, man John, you are blessed to have such a mate. I have many questions. Their tie is crooked, so what. But to a woman wearing a lovely dress, her hair is perfect, conservative jewelry, and a run in her pantyhose, words like cheap, unkempt, fake, phony, fraud fill her mind. It sounds silly, but it can ruin an evening.” She confessed.“I know I dealt with real, live bridezillas. I took a beating the first year. After that, I found the best way to control one is to become one. Then I learned patience and how to be calm when the house is on fire. Nothing good happens. I quickly went to Shameka and suggested something to her; she nodded. I was still running back up to my position when Katie took the kick, sending it to Jess. She dribbled left, got cut off and turned, sending the ball to me. I peeked out of the corner of my left eye and saw Shameka, so carried forward. I was approaching halfway into their side when their left center half came at me. Jules had come toward me, so I passed ahead and right to her, then sprinted upfield and received the pass back.