Iconic Bliss: CoX Valentine's Day event
Today's event provided closure -- and a new beginning -- for a love story that's spanned both years and comic books. Today Sister Psyche married Manticore, and we all wish them only the happiest of futures together. Thanks to NCsoft, and the writers and artists of Top Cow, we've had the opportunity to watch their relationship develop, deepen, and bring them closer together. And today, Positron said the magic words: "With the power vested in me by the state of Rhode Island, and Ken's 24 Hour Internet Ministry, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife... You may now kiss the bride!"
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Like any love story, there were rocky points. An argument here, an arrow through the chest there, but still, they had one another ... and the rest of the Freedom Phalanx, as well. Positron noted this in his speech leading up to the sharing of vows: "Everything from giant monsters, to natural disasters, to alien invasions, to rampaging lunatics, the Phalanx has faced it and our members have come to rely on each other more and more. What took a while for any of us to notice was the relationship that grew between Manticore and Sister Psyche." And now that relationship has come full circle.
As we mentioned previously, Manticore was controlled by Sean Dornan-Fish, with his wife Jennifer Dornan-Fish controlling Sister Psyche. What wasn't mentioned was that the beautiful vows that were shared were drawn, in part, from the vows the Dornan-Fish couple exchanged during their own wedding. While the lead-up to the vows themselves was delightful, and rich in the history of the City of Heroes, it was the actual vows that made me choke up a bit.
Manticore:
"Shalice, you are the person I have searched for my whole life. The one to be my partner and the true love of my heart; I am filled with joy and gratitude to have found you. Shalice, I will always take your misfortune as my own. I dedicate myself to you, heart and soul. I will always be there to lessen your sorrow and celebrate your joy.
"Shalice, here before our friends, the open sky, the endless sea, and the ancient earth, I give you this ring which represents the harmonious blend of two spirits, forming a stronger whole.
"Carved from the same metal as the ring you give me, it binds us forever."
Sister Psyche:
"Justin, here before our friends, the open sky, the endless sea, and the ancient earth, I give you this ring which represents the harmonious blend of two spirits, forming a stronger whole.
"Carved from the same metal as the ring you give me, it binds us forever."
Is it silly to be enamored of two characters who so obviously love one another? Well, yes, potentially. Then again, it's probably silly to be outraged that Lord Recluse, and his hench-scum from the City of Villains, crashed the party, and attempted to destroy the marriage before it had started. Even with all the action, though, you could feel a frisson of awareness through the avatars, a spark of something greater than the individual alts, and for all that the wedding turned into a PvP zone at the end, it was still a beautiful ceremony, with a truly radiant bride.
And proving that all's well with the world, once the villains were dealt with, and had slunk away to lick their wounds, the off-camera feasting and fête began. At least, so we'd like to believe. For those who were not able to attend the 100 guests per session soiree, there will be a new comic book out tomorrow that will recap the event, so check the official forums for details. For now, though, let's wish Sister Psyche and Manticore a happy honeymoon, and many more years of proving just how strong emotions can run in the City of Heroes.
