The Lucky Ones

[Gennadiya Lyosha]

I am a damsel

locked in her tower,

but I am my own capture.

No one else has the

strength to lock me away.

You though have the key

to free me from myself

Ymiden 60

The trial was not yet started as the dawn was approaching but already things were quietly busy. The wedding was taking place on the shore of the lake for a number of reasons. The biggest was it was one of the couples favorite places to walk and talk, it was also there that they had become engaged. The setting was also beautiful. The ceremony would actually be far enough away from the shore to not deal with the discomforts that come with a shore line, but close enough to enjoy the effect.

The area was light with candles so that people could move about as guest arrived. The predawn light was slowly increasing making the candles less and less necessary. The chairs for the guest were set up in a circle around the spot where the couple would make their vows. A path ran through the center cutting the circle into two parts. Ribbons and flowers were used tastefully placed along each row of chairs. Carpets were laid in the center where the couple would be standing, and blooming bouquets were placed around the edges enhancing the central circle.

Two tents were placed at opposite ends of the path. One for the groom and the other for the bride. Pablo stood by his tent greeting guests as they came to find there seats. The dark haired young man was dressed his Lightning Knights unform, with black breeches, a white shirt with a crimson overcoat. Though on this particular trial he wasn’t wearing the bandana and tricorn cap. Though he did wear his ceremonial sword at his side. He was also grinning broadly at each guest weather he knew them or not and welcomed them. This groom might be feeling nervous, but he was also clearly excited. His face was clean shaven with no hint of stubble. The couple had decided not to have any bridesmaids or groomsmen so he stood by himself though periodically one of his family would come up and see how he was doing.

At the brides tent Genna was inside the tent, but outside her father Kolya and daughter Lilabell stood greeting guests. The little girl was dressed in a blue and white dress that she had selected with Genna’s help. The dress was finely made but rather simple, but had a full skirt that would flair if she spun. Which she was willing to show off with delight for those she knew well and complimented her dress. Kolya stood in a white pair of pants and over that was a white coat that hug down to his knees. There was blue embroider along the color and down the front where the coat buttoned up. While Lilabell was excited and giddy even, Koyla was emotionally happy. He would great guest and help them find their way to their seats. Those few who were on a very short list were allowed to go in and talk with Genna in the tent.

Genna was actually already ready and was sitting quietly making her final mental preparations. Her hair was combed out with some of her hair in a braid that formed a crown, a chain was braided through with the braid, and in the back secured the veil in place. Sapphire hair piece were placed strategically in her hair but not so much that it didn’t allow her hair to cascade around her face. Her wedding dress was also pale blue, and her neck was adorned with a chain with a single tear drop sapphire handing from it.

She had a gentle smile on her face, as she looked at a pictures of her sister and mother who couldn’t be there on this trial. They were simple sketches she had had made for this event and had placed into a locket that was attached to a choker that she would wear. It was the best way she could think of to make sure that those two would be with her on this trial. She was nervous though only those closest to her would see that. She knew that this was a step she wanted, but that little voice of self doubt that occasionally made itself heard was trying hard. She took deep breath and focused instead on the joy she would feel being one with Pablo. She also felt herself blush as she allowed herself to entrain some naughty thoughts.

People were coming from Rharne. While Genna’s family in Rharne was rather small, a few of her relatives from Lysoria had come. Pablo’s family and extended family was local and much more extensive. Besides family, many of the order of Adunih members where joining them, as well as many of Ilaren’s knights and priestess. Various city people had also been invited. Others also came out of curiosity, and while they weren’t turned away and allowed to stand beyond the edges of the chairs only invited people were allowed to take a seat.

So as dawn approached the guest came and took their seats and the word waited.

[Darius Baer]

Arc 723, 60th of Ymiden

Darius Baer and Astra Miawynn were in firm agreement: Lake Lovalus seemed like a wonderful place to get married.

They had formed this mutual opinion the night before the ceremony, sitting in a rowboat on the lake and watching the sun set behind the cityscape of Rharne. The rowboat had been borrowed, Darius having paid the owner a few nels for the privilege.

They had travelled to Rharne via the portal in Hopetoun's Order of the Adunih outpost, ostensibly to purchase medical supplies for the settlement. And that had happened. Isra, Hopetoun's healer, had made the journey with them, arranging for a full restock of medical supplies. But the timing of their trip - taking place just in time for them to attend Gennadiya's wedding - was no coincidence.

The lake itself was vast. They had rowed away from the shore, navigating their way around some of the many ships with which they shared the water, and even as Rharne stood proudly to attention, the opposite shore was beyond view. The view that way was of nothing but orange, sun-drenched water.

Now, the following trial, they were hoping to witness the sun rising over the opposite shore. They had spent the night at The Turning Wheel Inn, with Darius and Astra in one room, and Isra in another. They had risen early and had begun to dress for the occasion.

Speaking of dresses, this was only the second time Darius had seen Astra wear one. It was the same outfit as the first time, and it created a similar response from the bearded blond. This time, however, the navy blue dress was accompanied by a cloak that was lined with bear fur to shield her from the cool dawn air. The cloak itself was brown, a simple contrast to the blue dress, typical of the earthy colours that she usually wore. The half-biqaj's hair was tied back with a small, pinned-back braid which kept strands away from her face, while still showcasing the brunette's curls. Her head was adorned with more feathers than usual. They were blue and brown to match the rest of her outfit, appearing like a fascinator.

"You still approve, I see," Astra chuckled, which prompted Darius to close his jaw which had inadvertently fallen open.

"I just think you're beautiful, is all," he responded almost defensively.

Astra stepped up to him and caressed one of his cheeks.

"And that's why I keep you around," she grinned, before stepping back. "Are you ready to go?"

Darius looked down at his suit. He, too, was wearing the same outfit he'd worn to the masquerade party, the crimson fabric bringing out his grey eyes. Unlike Astra's elaborate preparation, he had only put on a fine suit and trimmed his beard. Some things were much easier for men, he mused.

"Aye," he replied.

Darius nodded, then held out one arm, bending it at the elbow. Astra accepted the invitation, resting one hand in the newly formed nook.



Her hand was still there when the pair arrived at the ceremony. They passed the tents of the bride and groom, and were greeted by a middle-aged man and a young girl, who they both assumed were members of one of the families.

They briefly mingled with a few of the guests who they knew personally - including Isra, Hopetoun's healer, who had made her own way to the lakefront. They made their conversations brief, however, not wanting to still be talking about the weather when Gennadiya arrived at the aisle.

The seating was in a circle, split in two, and though Darius didn't know many Rharnian wedding traditions, he wagered that it made sense to sit on the side where the bride would be standing, as they had never met the groom. The pair made sure to not take the seats with the best view, for they were sure there would be guests who knew the couple a lot better than they did.

Astra took Darius' hand, and there they waited, admiring the beauty of the lake, much like they had the night before.

[Woe]

A lot had happened this season, and Woe was far from at ease. So when he was going through his papers in his office, he noticed again the missive from Gennadiya. He'd been lax in his correspondence, and thus had not checked it until a few days shy of the 60th of Ymiden. Time had been difficult to wrestle with of late, especially with all the worry and angst wrapped up in the aftermath of the Pirate attacks and blizzard that had hit Scalvoris only last Cycle.

He read the letter, and frowned. He wished he'd seen this sooner. Of course the blame was with him, for not visiting his Office in Almund often enough. He resolved then, to take the trip to Rharne. He could use a diversion, truth be told. Something to make him momentarily forget about the troubles of the Island and his own. It'd been a hard few ten-trials, and the complications with Saw Dustin and sorting out his troubles with the law were headache inducing.

Woe decided he'd take the portal from the Order Outpost in Almund, and perhaps help out some in Rharne so he didn't feel guilty for making use of it. He'd also have to arrange a gift for Gennadiya and the Groom, on top of that. It was little bother, though. He was sure he could find them something appropriate.



The day of the wedding came, and Woe hiked from the hospital toward the shores of Lake Lovalus, where the promised event was to occur.

He wore a wrist-length and knee-length flaxen brown tunic. His breeches were of wool fabric with flaxen inner lining. They were loose-fitting and colored green, tucked into black leather shin-wraps. His feet were bare, save for some brown fur coverings that draped over the top of his feet, to purvey the illusion of soles. Around his shoulders, a mantled cape of gold to signify his rank in the Order over his torso, cinched in place by a broach that held an Orange Zinnia blossom.

Woe of course didn't obscure his identity during all of this, but that was a matter of necessity, as the wedding was done by invite from what he understood. And he didn't want to be that way, not on Gennadiya's important date.

He didn't know much about who the Groom was, an unfortunate oversight of his intelligence network no doubt, which he would also have to correct as he strengthened his contacts within Rharne. For now though, going to the wedding would help in that. He could make all kinds of connections.

Woe came alone. He thought only for a moment to bring Lacrima, but then supposed she wasn't yet fully recovered from her illnesses. And bringing her was a risk and inviting trouble in itself. No, going alone would present more opportunities for connections than having her tag along, half-aware of what was going on. Blodwen took good care of her in Almund. Woe didn't want to unravel her progress at recovery anymore than he had to. Bringing her here might compromise that. It made much more sense to come along.

He passed by the tents of the groom and bride, and of course made small talk with anyone who would greet him. He shook hands with the man he took to be Gennadiya's father, and nodded politely toward her daughter. Then he proceeded toward the seating. He spotted Darius among the audience. He thought for a moment to take a seat near him, but opted instead for a closer seat to the action, so long as those seats were not reserved for close family or other friends who knew Genna better than he did.

Then, he waited, for the ceremony to commence, or whatever would happen next. The venue for their wedding was splendid, really. The clear air and candlelit ambience made for a nice atmosphere. Woe would have to remember to compliment them all on their tastes and preparations, when time for mingling came.

[Vega]

Everyone loves a wedding ....

Before Arriving
"Why do people do this an' make women's clothes so tricky? It makes me want to jus' find someone unsuspectin' an' jump up an' down on their face." she said, with a tone of voice which told him that she quite meant it. It was, of course, rather reminiscent of a time when they'd been in an Inn, but this time in Scalvoris . He'd sat in their room, listening to the sounds of her getting dressed then - this time she was in the side dressing room, but the door wasn't locked. Vega had her dress - a very pale green and gold gown which had what Vega called 'puffy arms an' lots o' layers' - some very flimsy things, and some make up. Her hair had been tied back when she went in there - and had in fact been held in some strange cloth since she'd gone out the trial before to "get my hair done."

"It's easy for you men folk," she added, poking her head round the corner and grinning at him. Her hair was loose, and her make up done. "Jus' fling on a decent shirt an' you look great." Not so for women. Of course, Arlo knew her - and knew her far far too well to think anything other than the truth. Vega was nervous. She was, of course, delighted to be attending Gennadiya's wedding but she wasn't just attending. She was officiating. Running it. Saying things. The brash exterior which was very much part of who she was, when all was said and done was just a part of her. This job - as delightful and wonderful as it was - was rather unnerving. She was much better than she had been, of course, at this whole getting ready and scrubbing up thing but she was mostly fussing about the dress because she was worried about tripping over it and embarrassing herself.

"I feel like a plonker," she said, stepping out. The long dress fell to the floor, it's full skirt gave it a sense of movement and the light layers made it look floaty. "Do you think I should have made notes? I'd get nervous an' couldn't read them anyhow." Shaking her head, she didn't pause for breath as she did up the bracelet at her wrist - he'd know it - he'd given it to her and then retrieved it from a burnt, collapsed building that had fallen on her. "I shouldn't have, I don't need them. You're right. Do I look alright?"

With a grin, she looked at him and her eyes swirled in a mass of shades that only he ever saw. "Because you look very fine." Her grin was lopsided and her gaze approving. "If I weren't officianatin' this ceremony, we'd be late. Hold that thought, Creede." Taking his arm, she pointed up to the delicate headpiece she wore. "I thought I'd best make my hair nice, for Genna. Her hair's a marvel." In fairness, one of Vega's tendencies - that being to have nicknames for people - had seen Genna take the name "Bun" for quite some time.

Grabbing the bag with the gift she had prepared, Vega was more than happy to make her way out of where they were staying and off to see their friend wed. It had been fun, she decided, staying in an Inn and she was glad they had done it. But nothing beat the feeling of the grass beneath your feet or the sight of the stars above you.


Arriving
They arrived at the place and Vega squeezed Arlo's hand. "See you later, qua'ma," she whispered and she kissed him gently then moved to where she was supposed to stand. It was beautiful here, by the shores of Lake Lovalus, looking out at the shore but not too close. They'd chosen a beautiful spot and as the pair approached, Vega saw the man that Genna was to marry. "Happy weddin' trial," Vega said, smiling at him. She looked around and saw Genna's daughter and father and she chatted for a moment with Pablo and then moved over to in front of Genna's tent. "It's an honour to meet you, sir, I'm Vega," she said, not considering that her fame preceded her and he almost certainly knew her. "An' this is my husband, Arlo." She left the two men to make their own acquaintance, but she put a small box into Genna's father's hand. "Would you put that with the gifts? It's a tradition among my people, symbolisin' a weddin' an' the two bein' one." Once she had pressed the box into his hands, she motioned to the place where they would be wed.

"I'm goin' to take my place now. Lilabell," Vega said, looking at the child with a very solemn expression on her face. Vega was the mortalborn of children and she had - always - just a knack with them. "If I lose my place in the ceremony, I'm goin' to look at you an' you keep me on the straight an' narrow, a' right?" She smiled at the little girl - the child that she had brought back to life in the caves in Rharne - and said, very seriously. "I brought this for you," another small box, this time containing a pretty gold bracelet purchased within wealth tier . "Because this is your trial, too."

When that was done, Vega left Arlo to do what he was doing and she made her way to the area where Genna and Pablo were to be wed. She knew that the timing of this was important and so, glancing around and smiling a greeting at those there that she knew - including, of course, Darius and Woe - Vega gestured for folks to come and sit and so on. There were nerves building in her but she ignored them. More than anything, Vega just felt exposed and a little uncomfortable in this frock. But, she had a job to do here and so, she looked for the sign from Genna's father and then as he made his way in to collect his daughter, Vega lifted her head and spoke. Her voice carried enough that everyone could hear. "Could everyone take their seats, please?"

Dawn was here, and it was time. As she watched, looking for the bride and groom, Vega realised that she didn't feel nervous any more.

[Arlo Creede]

If he could have gotten away with turning up at the wedding in his traveling leathers and his well worn old hat, Arlo might have considered doing just that. Formal events, ceremonies, banquets and the like that at least implied a need to arrive well freshly scrubbed, shaven and well turned out, had never been any of his favorite things. He never quite felt at ease in situations like that. But considering just who his Immortal father was, it was no surprise that given his druthers, he'd have opted for more comfort over the stiffer collars that inevitably found their way into the designing of formal wear tailored for men.

That didn't mean however that he couldn't, or wouldn't, rise to the occasion: And considering the number of gazes that would be turned upon Vega as she officiated the wedding, Arlo did his best to make sure he didn't reflect poorly on her. And so he'd visited a tailor back in Scalvoris, described Vega's dress and asked for something custom made, but subtle, that would compliment her appearance, but not attract undue attention of it's own. Brown trousers and boots. Bronze topcoat, matching waistcoat, both with subtle and tasteful detailing. A silk, cream shirt with a cascading jabot ascot that he'd been hard pressed to tie up for himself. He'd called on Vega's expertise to do it.

"Do you think anyone would notice or complain if I wore my hat?" he'd teased her, before she'd disappeared into her dressing room, not to reappear until some time later. It was well worth the wait. "It may be tricky," he agreed when he finally got his first look at her. "But you're a vision and it's been well worth the wait and cooling my heels all the while." Admittedly, as much as he'd grumbled about it, his routine had probably been dramatically simpler than hers. And yes, he could sense her nerves.

"Well you don't look like one," he teased and winked. A plonker, that was, though he'd never been quite clear what that was. "If you had notes, you'd end up ignoring them. You'll do the happy couple proud. Don't worry so much. And you look stunning."

They'd left their rooms hand in hand, but soon enough, upon arriving Vega would necessarily go her own way with much to do before the moment arrived. And so Arlo, left temporarily on his own, sought out whatever familiar faces he might spot amongst those gathered, and briefly, politely greet both them and passing stranger alike before joining Vega again. Greetings and offers of congratulations for the groom and the father of the bride as well, though Arlo stopped short of following Vega inside the bride's tent and instead milled awkwardly around for a moment or two before smiling at Vega's instructions, and happily taking his seat.

[Winston]

Ask about the gorram chin MAIN!

Winston had spent the morning trying to get ready for the trial. It had been somewhat of a challenge on account of

Chest

taking offence at being told they were best not to attend the wedding. Winston had a +1 and he had, after much deliberation, decided that Angela should come with him.

"C'mon Chest mun. Et's nat like dat. PLEASE gimmy meh suite." The spare button, traditionally shipped with all siute jeckets came shooting out of the hallway and pinged off the wall and landed at his feet. He sighed as he bent down and picked it up.

"Chest...

Angela

'as been through a lat recently... we all 'ave. Yuh know betta den me 'ow moch she 'old inside... Yuh de only persan dat she don't 'ide fram in 'er room. Cus yuh know... Me jost tink she needs a littal love, joy and beauty in 'er life totrial, yuh know?" He placed and hand on a wall. He was still not sure if Chest felt such things, he didn't think they did, however they definitely felt his emotions. "Jost dis time, Oh-key? She es so excited..."

A draw opened beside the ferret and as he looked down, there was his new suit, hat and bowtie. "Tanks Chest. Me will ask ef yuh cun come tuh de afta party. Pramis." Another draw opened and an empty pottle of the Thenerderbustle's brandy sat there. "Yus, me will check ef dem 'ave any brandy."

With that, he got himself ready and collected the gifts he had made for the couple. It was a

Holo-com

, of sorts. Identical in all mechanical ways, the two devices were design as wearable objects. Gennadiya's was a ring, with a small Chi well mounted into it. Pablo's was a badge that could be discreetly attached to his armour or simply attached to his belt. It to had a a Chii well mounted into it, the other half of the one found in Genna's. By touching the well, they were able to talk to one another using a holographic image with sound. Both items would never rust and simmered with the colours of the rainbow.

Arriving

"Oh Winston, everyone looks so FANSY. I feel underdressed." Exclaimed Angela as they approach the groom, standing and greeting guests.

"De only ting yuh 'ave tuh worry about is 'ow we will explain yuh lookin' betta den every odda persan 'ere." The comment was supposed to be reassuring, but apparently it caused indignation in the girl. "Don't be silly. I'm quite happy being plain and I cannot look better then the bride on her wedding trial, gosh! People never look better then the bride on her wedding trial. They cant."

Winston shrugged. Truly, their attire was not the most extravagant and it was times like these that he missed his old Tuxedo, but the two of them had taken a

little nil to get something nice to ware

. Winston's was very simple, but colourful and jolly in nature, with a little dickie-bowtie and top-hat he had managed to get from a local trader.

Kelpie

and a few of his other fairy friends had then added a few leaves and bits of flowers to random spots and that finished off the ensemble.

With Chest resting just outside the ceremonial area, they carried a small package containing their gift for the couple. It was to large for Winston to carry easily, so Angela was kindly obliging as they approached.

As they arrived in front of the groom, Angela did a little cursy and Winston offered a bow. Neither were well rehearsed in such things, but the sentiment was entirely genuine. "Greetin's. Meh name's Winston an' dis 'ere es Angela." He paused for a moment for the man to respond. "Me wud love tuh affa me congratulashuns. Meh wish yuh all de very best."

"Thank you for inviting us. Everything is so beautiful."

They made their way in, placing the gift with anyone or any place it seemed appropriate to do so before finding somewhere to set.

As always, he felt quite out of place, with so many people he knew to be important around them. He waved at Vega and Arlo, the latter of which he'd not yet had an opportunity to get to know terribly well.

When he spotted Woe, he positively gushed and waved furiously. He was quite aware that Woe might prefer to remain discreet, but Winston didn;t usually do that and liked making the stern individual smile.

To trial however, it was when he spotted that Darius' glorious hair was here that he picked a seat.

The Devil on My Shoulder
Curiosity: OK, you are going to ask this time right?
Winston: Shush
Curiosity: Seriously, he's not runnign things, we are not on fire or even like sinking, running or otherwise not perfectly able to make small talk about hair-care routeens.
Winston: Me will see wat me cun do, OK?
Curiosity: Just think. He could die tomorrow, then all them follicle secrets go to the grave with him.
Winston: By the Immortals! Shush!

At the previous wedding, Darius had been leading proceedings, which rather put a hamper on approaching him, but this time, he was very happy to take the opportunity to plop down beside him if he could and say hi... He adjusted his fur as he approached. "Hehe, hi yuh!" Winston was a little start stuck... he was just about able to hide whether it was the beard or the man that caused this, but that was where his demeanor-armour stopped. "Et's a lovely trial an' wat a view." he observed to the couple. "Dis es Angela..." he said, introducing the young girl with him. "Yuh look very beautiful tuhtrial." He offered to Darius' lovely partner.

Winston's eyes darted from the woman to Darius. ...ask him... His curiosity was eating at him.

"Me don't know moch about dees ceremoneys, bot me es very moch lookin' farward to celebratin' wid de newlyweds. Wat 'appens next?" It was just as he asked, that Vega requested their attention and so he turned and watched as things began.

...seriously, if you don't ask him soon, I'm going to have your IBS destroy this seat cushion... remember, you don't.. ware... trousers...

[Gennadiya Lyosha]

I am a damsel

locked in her tower,

but I am my own capture.

No one else has the

strength to lock me away.

You though have the key

to free me from myself

Ymiden 60

Pablo greeted everyone as they came by introducing themselves. He smiled and greeted Vega and Arlo as they came by. “Thank you for doing this for us.” He said and smiled at Vega. She might have remembered him from Storm’s Edge, or maybe not. There were a lot of knights there. He smiled as Winston and Angela as they came through. “Thank you Winston, and Angela. I am glade that you came.”

Koyla smiled as various people came by to speak with him. He knew some of them but also accepted that there were many people he didn’t know. He greeted them all. Vega he did know though not well, and Arlo was knew to him. He took the present she handed him and smiled in understanding. “It is lovely and will make sure they get it and the explanation.” Koyla said.

Lilabell got wide eyed and excited as Vega spoke to her. Vega would always hold a place in the girls heart after the events in the caverns. She took the bracelet and nodded her head vigorously at Vega’s instructions. “I will do that.” She said excitedly.

The crowd began to settle as Vega made her way to the central area where the wedding would take place. As is normal among the silence struggled to settle upon the crowd as the various do gooders tried to hush the other hushing do gooders. Koyla nodded towards Vega as the sign was given and entered the tent where Gennadiya was giving herself one more look in the mirror. The young woman turned and smiled at her father who smiled back.

Her father was so happy for his daughter and ready for this wedding, but even so there were still tears at the corner of his eyes. “Papa.” Genna said enfolding her father in a hug. The two held each other for a long moment.

“Are you happy?” He asked.

“Yes.”

“Good.” He said and then escorted her out of the tent. Genna stood there just outside the tent. In the early morning light Ymiden’s mark was more obvious upon her as her haired glowed in the morning light. She hugged Lillabell who pounced upon her and then stood there quietly and looked towards the opposite side where Pablo was standing at the opposite end of the field. As Genna emerged the crowd silenced more quickly and the hushing stopped. The normally very observant Genna was focused this moment only upon the young man whose whole focus was upon her.

Genna remembered their first meeting. Injured at Storm’s Edge. A friendship at first but having grown into love. She loved his humor and support. He was a support to her, a companion. Someone who didn’t always agree with her, but always worked with her. Her sapphire blue eyes looked into his. The handsome face with its thick brown hair which had been forced on this day into some semblance of order. As she looked she could see more then just him but could also see the more, could see children, his children. He was grinning at her, but she could also see the tears threatening the edges of his eyes.

Once the crowd was settled, as much as it could be. There were children in the audience who would always fidget, but the whole attention was focused upon the couple standing smiling at each other. Pablo walked from his side first towards Vega and the central platform. Once he was there Genna walked with her father towards the center. The two of them followed Lillabell as she spread petals on the ground before the bride. Once she arrived at the center her father stood between her and Pablo. He took his new son’s hand and held the couples hand for a moment before placing each hand in the others. Lillabell took her grandfather’s hand and together the two of them stepped back and took their seats at the front row.

Genna smiled at Pablo, who was grinning and crying back at her. The two held each others hands for a long moment before turning towards Vega to start the wedding.

[Darius Baer]

Darius was pleased to see Winston. Blissfully unaware of the ferret's follicle fandom, the bearded Scalvorian was quick to greet him and his young companion.

"So nice to see you during a celebration," he grinned.

It was a change for the community to gather for something other than a crisis, but both occasions - celebrations and crises - had a way of knitting people closer together.

That sort of thought was so typical of Darius Baer. Even in the grimmest, most non-wedding situations, he found an opportunity for hope. Some might have thought less of him for his eternal optimism. They might have thought he was doing nothing more than wishful thinking, but Darius understood the power of a wish.

Darius turned to Angela, and, despite the fact she was clearly much younger than him, nodded politely.

"Well met," he smiled politely. "Any friend of Winston's is a friend of mine."

For the benefit of both Winston and Angela, Darius gestured towards Astra, whose hand he still held.

"And this is my..."

He hesitated. Despite the fact that they were clearly together, he wasn't sure how to complete his sentence.

...companion?

...best friend?

...lover?

The first was too simplistic. The second was accurate but incomplete. And the third didn't seem an appropriate term to use, either at a wedding or for an audience as young as Angela.

"I'm Astra Miawynn," the half-biqaj rescued him by not completing his sentence at all. "Lovely to meet you both."

Winston's question might have been left unanswered, as Darius wasn't familiar with Rharne wedding traditions. He could only recall attending two weddings, and they had both been in Scalvoris.

But circumstances ensured an answer would be forthcoming when Vega addressed the guests. Her form, surrounded by the hues of dawn, called everyone to their seats. Darius felt Astra's grip on his hand tighten as Gennadiya appeared in her pale blue dress, and he heard the half-biqaj gasp at the sight of the bride's glowing blonde hair.

And then, with anticipation at its peak, they patiently waited for what was to follow.

[Woe]

Nobody really talked to or did much more than nod or wave at Woe, which suited him fine. He wasn't all that immportnt to either the groom or bride, although he considered Gennadiya a friend if not an acquaintance. He didn't expect specific treatment, he was for the most part here to be counted and give his well wishes, and little more.

So he left his small gift, which was of course wrapped in a package like many of the other gifts. It was a medic's carry-all in a bandolier form, made of decent and sturdy but supple leather with some rabbit fur trim. Average in quality, but also had somme good tea brews and preparations that Woe had made himself. There was the night-cap tea, that would help oneo sleep more soundly and dream nicely. Another one was more of a wake-up tea.

Woe left it with the other gifts, hoping it would please the bride. For the groom, he had made a scabbard cover for a sword, and a belt to go with it, with the same rabbit trim along the entry point of the scabbard. Since he knew he was a soldier, he might also appreciate some gear as a token of his esteem.

Woe wasn't totally certain of Rharnean gift giving customs when it came to weddings, but hoped they'd be received well and appropriately.

"Congratulations." he'd said to Pablo upon meeting the man on arrival.

He nodded back at Vega, and gave Winston a friendly wave of his hand when the two acknowledged that he was there.

When it was time to take a seat, Woe took his near Darius and his companion, and Winston if he was still there.

"Hello, Darius. I don't believe I've met your companion? I don't think I've met Winston's companion either..." Woe said to Darius and Astra, Winston and Angela, "I'm Woe, good to meet you both."

When it came time for Vega to officiate, he would go silent and listen to this. He idly wondered if she would have a ceremony that was in the Biqaj tradition...

[Vega]

Everyone loves a wedding ....

As a rule, Vega didn't do hugs. Ugly, messy things that simply forced you to breathe in the smell of the person next to you or nibble on their hair or wonder about body positions or.... she didn't do them. To-trial, though, she was prepared to make an exception and as such she hugged Pablo. "It's a right honour to officiate," she said honestly. "Genna is one o'the most amazin' women I've ever met an' you, therefore, are the luckiest man. Marryin' her makes you family, because she's family. So it's my pleasure." Did she make sense, Vega wondered. Probably not, but that was ok.

She spoke to Genna's Papa, then to Lilabell and then, Vega took her space.

It was strange, but her nerves disappeared as she watched Pablo, then Lilabell and then Genna and her father arrive. Genna looked incredible and Vega knew that the woman had every pair of eyes on her in this moment. The two people stood together and Vega gave them just a moment to look at each other, to recognise the momentous step they were taking together.

Then, Vega lifted her chin and spoke. Her voice was clear, she had no nerves any more. As she spoke, her eyes danced and swirled in colours of delight and she smiled. "We're here to-trial to celebrate hope an' family an' love." It was true, to her mind.

Gennadiya, Pablo an' Lilabell," Vega said,smiling at the two of them and the little girl who was Genna's as surely as Joy was hers. "They're startin' on a journey together to-trial an' really, that journey is all about hope. Because that's what love like this is, it's the hope an' belief that this is the person you will spend your life with, that you are theirs an' they are yours." Remembering, briefly, her own wedding, Vega looked around at the people there. Her gaze fell, briefly, to Arlo and her eyes met his for just a moment . "Genna an' Pablo know that their love is like the stars. Always shinin', always there, an' a bright an' beautiful contrast to darkness."

She looked around, trying to make sure that she met the gaze of each person there. "An' it is our job to stand with Genna, Pablo an' Lilabell an' support them an' cherish them an' their love. To-trial marks a symbolic beginnin', but they began their journey when they met. In this moment, they make promises to each other to show what is to come"

As the dawn light shone on them, Vega held out her hand and wrapped the ribbon around their joined hands. "Gennadiya an', Pablo," she said. "We thank you for sharin' this moment with us, an' we promise to stand with you an' help you an' support you. Now, it's time for you to make your promises to each other," she said and waited for them to do just that.

ooc: sorry for horrid delays. Arlo has left, so worth to just skip him and go to Winston.