[Haven] What does love do?

[Praetorum]

Date: 100th of Ashan, Arc 722

Praetorum had been busy, these past cycles. Too busy to meet with his friends, too busy to train, too busy to do anything but work.

But he could never be too busy for this.

Turning the invitation over in his hands, Prae smiled slightly, wind dancing playfully around the paper as he flew into Haven.

Married.

He couldn’t imagine it.

It was Praetorum’s own fault, really. He’d been distant lately, engrossed in his work, and had only had time to speak with each of them sporadically, and always alone. A spar here, a lesson there, and as a result, Prae realized he had rarely ever seen the two together. They were two of his dearest friends, and he knew them. But he didn’t really know what they were like as a couple.

What he did know, though, was that they spoke of each other with the greatest fondness. That though he had never had the privilege of seeing it, the two had built a home together, entwined their lives around each other. And that was good enough for him.

Praetorum didn’t know much about weddings. Scalvorian weddings, especially. Clarissa had tried to explain some of it, but most of the customs and superstitions and rules had gone over his head entirely.

The only thing that had stuck, really, was the part about giving them a gift. Something of wood or glass or gold or silver. Praetorum wasn’t sure about wood or glass—but gold and silver, he could do.

He’d spent the last few nights crafting a pair of ornate daggers, one for each of the happy couple. They were identical in every way, save for the metals used in the decorated hilt and sheath. For Elisabeth, he’d used silver with rose-gold accents, and for Balthazar, he’d used rose-gold with silver accents. Ice-Forged and Fire-Forged, forever entwined.

Landing on the outskirts of Haven, Praetorum looked around, smiling lightly at the flowers and other decorations. It was clear the pair was well loved here. Up ahead was the chapel, a new addition to the settlement Prae hadn’t seen before.

He straightened his longcoat, and headed for the door. He had a couple to congratulate.

[Pegasus]

You are cordially invited......

Arrival

And so, they arrived. Standing in the chapel, Darius had a moment alone, a moment to reflect. It was quiet and still in that building, the call of one bird to another broke through the silence and the air tasted of the ocean. Perhaps it was the moment and the joy which was almost palpable, or maybe it was something else, but Darius experienced a moment of clarity there in that chapel. It was a simple building, carefully made and with a purpose, but for just a moment it was as though he saw the world through a magnifying glass, perhaps, or a lens which sharpened his perception. Briefly, just for a heartbeat of time, colours were brighter and sharper, everything was more clear, more bright.

As he realised it was happening and his eyes blinked in response to it, it was gone and he stood in the chapel awaiting his friends once more.

First came the guests.Darius, you are able to interact with any / all of the guests First through the door was Gennadiya first guest gets the gift! and then in came others. Some, of course, Darius knew and others he did not. Undoubtedly, Darius had seen the guest list and the responses received from those who could - and could not - come. But people arrived, ready to celebrate the union of two individuals and as they did, they were directed by some of the settlers to place gifts on a specific table.

Darius would know, because they had been brought in while he was rehearsing his lines, that there were gifts from people not expected. Some from those who had been invited but had not been able to attend and others from, perhaps, unexpected quarters. Still, it spoke of the popularity and renown of the couple themselves that there was a goodly amountdetailed in the OOC at the bottom on that table, even before the guests who were arriving placed their gifts upon it.

There were a few moments where the guests could mingle, before the ceremony started. It was an opportunity to say hello to old friends, to meet new friends for the first time. Winston and Tiggy would see that there was another cadouri there. Herman McGerman was a small and dapper chap, although he had a long way to go before matching either the ferret or the hedgehog for sheer style. Still, he caught sight of them and he waved, then ambled over. "Hello, hello," he said, with the sort of friendliness they would expect from a fellow child of Saoire. "Herman. Nice to meet you, very nice yes, nice. Hello!"

Of the other guests, there were a few. All of the Haven settlers, Elisabeth's parents, members of Balthazar's mercenary company. The people from Munny farm were there, but those from Haven and Hope farm had sent their apologies as they were unable to leave their farm. If any of the guests knew the people present, either from Haven or Saoire's school, they would wave and smile and make small talk, but failing that, they had time to mingle.

“Love recognises no barriers, it jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination, full of hope.”
~ Maya Angelou ~

The Entrance.

With a little coaxing once DariusI'm assuming he does! announced that it was time, Elisabeth and Balthazar entered. They walked in together and, as they did then the guestsall of the guests - not Darius, Elisa or Balth had the experience of suddenly seeing everything sharper, more pronounced. Colours were bright and they saw light reflecting and retracting in prisms of colour around them.

But for someWoe, Devin, Gennadiya, Oram and Prae, there was something else. A feeling that they had; it was unique and personal to them, but it felt like... peace. That was it. Peace. Like they were in a place of worship, or standing somewhere of reverence and relevance to the Immortals or the Induks. For each of them, though, it was personal; it might be the feeling they got in their garden or while meditating, it could be the sensation of sitting next to a stream or in a library. Whatever it was, it was theirs and it was here, in this place.

The light poured through the windows in the wooden structure, and Darius felt the warmth of the sun shining through the glass. What he didn't see, because he could not, was that Darius stood, bathed in light as he waited for Elisabeth and Balthazar to take their places in front of him.

And just then........

The Ceremony Begins

Woe felt it first.

It wasn't a surprise, really, that he did. All things considered, of course he did. His patron's presence was a calming and familiar thing. But that was only a split second before the light which had surrounded Darius encompassed the couple.

To those observingeveryone except Darius, Elisa and Balth the light which surrounded them was soft and golden, pouring in from a window in the wooden chapel. And then, the light grew stronger and was bright enough that those in the room were forced to blink. It wasn't uncomfortable or unpleasant - quite quite the opposite. Those who had sharp eyesDetection at Expert or higher might see that the light surrounded Balthazar and it was centered on him.

For Darius, he could see the couple more closely and he could see that, indeed, Balthazar was bathed in a soft golden light. That glow and the light from the windows mingled and Darius felt it's warmth flowing through him. As he did he heard a voicesecret PM sent speaking to him. Balthazar too felt something familiar, but newsecret PM sent! as he stood there.

As Balthazar realised what it was that he was feeling, as Darius heard the familiar voice in his mind, the place transformed. The chapel had taken time and effort to build, but it was changed in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, they were not sitting a small wood and stone building, now the place was filled with glass. White pilars held up metal-framed glass panes and trees sprouted and grew. The domed roof was filled with panes of multi-hued glass and they would see that in those panes high above their heads were pictures of all the Immortals in a beautiful, bright spiral

Above them, casting their light down on those gathered here.

Except for a few. There were a few who were pictured among the mortals. First, directly behind where Darius stoodFor reference / what they sortof look like but with appropriate images were four tall windows, each one depicting a specific Immortal. From the left there was first Moseke, depicted in green and shown standing among trees, then U'frek, shown aboard a ship, Daia, dancing in a cavern and Cassion, standing and speaking. Above each of their more usual depictions in those windows they were shown in scenes where they had met one or both of the couple and had saved either them individually (in the case of Moseke, who was depicted protecting Scalvoris during the Forging.

There was one other Immortal at eye level of those standing or sitting here. Above the doorway was depicted Ilaren, bidding welcome to those who came here. All five of these were also in the group illustrated in the domed roof, but it appeared that there was something special about those five. Or, maybe, it was random. Who knew for sure?

As those gathered looked up and saw the wonders that this chapel had transformed into, they saw too that a glittering light was falling on them, like it was raining stars. Balthazar knew, exactly, what this meant. He had been tested and he had passed.

It was wonderful, there was no doubting it. But equally, it was for the couple due to be wed here to-trial and so - that wedding must take place. As Darius startedI'm assuming! the ceremony, everyone there was bathed in the warm glow of the light which had initially surrounded Balthazar. That light was many things, but right now in this place? It was just the warmth of being in the presence of love.

OOC:
Alright, you lot. Sit up straight...... You there, in the back? Stop tugging at your collar.....

Overview

Ok everyone, welcome to the wedding of Balthazar Black and Elisabeth Angelus! I'm going to be modding it for you. Please note the following:

• Only PCs who are invited may post in this thread.
• Darius is officiating the ceremony. ( Scalvoris Wedding Traditions for info)
• I'm going to ask you all to identify up to 3 knowledge per post using the new [knowledge tags. Same for this round. I'm happy to help anyone who needs it - but if you don't identify it, I won't be identifying it for you

• Guests Please split your post into the following sections / include the following things (you may, of course, include more!):
  • Arriving: Here, you can interact with other guests or with Darius. Please note that this is a few minutes where folks mingle before sitting down, so keep it sensible. Thankee
  • The Entrance: This is Elisa and Balth arriving.
  • The Ceremony: Then, there's the whole "Balth is bathed in light" kind of thing which would be very impressive if the whole place didn't suddenly transform into a lot of glass. Now that is showy. Please post your reaction to it. End your post assuming that Darius re-starts the ceremony.
• Darius :
  Please split your post into the following sections / include the following things (you may, of course, include more!):
  • Arrivals: You may interact with any / all guests or you may remain standing where you are supposed to be ( ). Please make sure that you call people to order / let them know that the ceremony is about to start.
  • The Entrance; Elisa and Balth arriving - what you do there, how you greet them, how you get this started.
  • The Ceremony: Contents of secret PM, reaction to lots of glass / transformation of the building, getting things going. Please feel free to go to the first full part of the ceremony. However far you wish to take it, I can work with.
• Elisabeth & Balthazar Please split your posts into the following sections / include the following things (you may, of course, include more!)
  • The Arrival: You pair meet outside the chapel - before you go in - you have a few moments here.
  • The Entrance: Arriving - walking in, seeing the people there, etc.
  • The Ceremony: The light bathing Balthazar, the room changing, the glittering lights, etc.

Gifts

There are currently the following gifts:

• Honeydrops, made by Winston
• Wine and glasses in a beautiful box, from Devin
• Whiskey (purple), a decanter and glasses, from Woe
• Mead, made by Tiggy
• Glass wind chime, from Oram
• Daggers, made by Prae
• A hand-carved box with 12 draws in it; each draw has a different tea, made by Jacien
• A set of silver cutlery from Haven Farm
• A silver and glass bowl from Munny Farm
• A set of silver tableware (salt, pepper, napkin rings, etc) with delicate engraving on it from Horatio B Thunderbussel.)
• Other stuff as I think of it / remember people!

My next post will be Friday 20th May.
If you don't post by Thursday 19th, be warned that I may well post first thing in the morning.

[Woe]

That Moment When...

Woe’s arm strained to carry the cask of purple whiskey that he’d gotten for the couple’s gift, or part of it. The merchant had assured him that this amount would last a good two cycles before one ran out, and that was assuming they drank it regularly. It was heavy, anyway, for someone of Woe’s mediocre strength and his arm would be feeling it come morning.

So he was next after Gennadiya entered before him, and he made a beeline, after asking one of the villagers where to put it. Once he did so, he placed the boxed set of copper glass drinking glasses and decanter to the side. He pointed at the cask, and nodded to one of the Havenites. “Perfectly fine if you break it open during the celebration, to serve?” He suggested. Then, the gift was out of his hands and he would forget about it. Such was the way with gifts, you gave them with interests and care, until they were gone. There were no expectations of returned favors or goodwill. Woe especially had no such expectations of Balthazar.

Not that he really cared at this point.

Woe spotted many people he’d met. Baron Darius, and Baron Devin were both in attendance. Of course, Gennadiya he’d arrived shortly after into the Chapel. Then there was Praetorum, who he’d fought against Rhaum alongside. He kept an eye out for anyone else he happened to know. Vega, Faith, Perdita especially. He searched for Perdita in particular, thinking for certain she’d have been invited. He’d recognized her hand in the invitations. Yet when he failed to locate her, he felt slightly disappointed, and turned to take a seat at the pews. He’d hoped he would have her to count on as a social buffer. But luck was not with him in this instance. So be it.

Woe spotted Oram, and nodded at the Chief Ranger, but said nothing else. He suspected the ranger would want to be left in peace, much like Woe, until the moment where they absolutely had to mingle with others.

So he took his seat, and waited for the procedure to begin, watching with some interest as Darius called them to attend their seats.

The lighting was quite well done in this place, Woe thought, as the couple of the trial proceeded down toward the dais, where Darius was waiting. Elisabeth had outdone herself in the construction, so Woe thought. It’d obviously taken a lot of effort and treasure in order to establish the place, and he was duly impressed with the speed she had erected the structure. He’d been here only a few seasons prior, and then Haven hadn’t been nearly as nice-looking, with a fine chapel.

But then, as the couple proceeded further, Woe felt it. A comforting sensation. It wasn’t a sensation he often felt, to be truthful. Precious few moments in his life had he knew that sensation, but he felt it now. It was Peace, he knew, and Neutrality, and Solitude of isolation.

And then, there was more. He knew his patron, the Coin King had a hand in whatever was occurring. The clarity of the moment, the absolute sense of balance and Neutrality, it could be no other than Old Gray, as sailors called him. He felt it, without understanding the significance. Only a moment, before the lights began playing upon Darius, then to Elisa and Balthazar. He knew for a split second then, and almost understood that it had to do with this being a place of worship, a holy place on Scalvoris. Just as Almund had the Glass Tree, and Scalvoristown had the Glass Temple. Would now Faldrass have a similar ecumenical place of worship?

Woe almost envied the attention that Chamadarst put upon this place, but supposed his patron had a good reason. At any rate, his Neutrality was unbreakable, and he could not be swayed to anger unless he willed it. And there was no sense to that, so Woe only experienced the moment, enjoying in the next moment a sense of satisfaction that his Patron had laid claim to Elisa and Balthazar’s chapel, and made it a place for all the living Immortals of Scalvoris.

He saw the scenes upon the stained glass behind Darius. The familiar scene where he and Elisabeth and Kura had stood against Chrien, and survived the storm by the grace of Moseke. Woe on the verge of turning his back on it all, and then called back by his aunt, who beseeched him to look upon Kura, who was miraculously saved.

There were other scenes, that he only knew second hand by the grace of his Patron Chamadarst, who’d made it clear to him at the Glass Temple that day, more than an arc ago to the seasons. He recognized Cassion, who’d good-naturedly ribbed Woe about being a ‘Miserable Sod’. There was Daia, who’d granted Woe’s request to heal Emelia Enners of her Fraying, wherever she might be. Then there was U’frek, whose task Woe still carried with him, and not yet to completion.

All Immortals that were important to Woe in some way. Why were they here behind Darius, and in such a prominentn position? Certainly many Immortals had a hand in that day, but those were arguably some of the more pivotal members of the Pantheon who’d helped mortalkind.

It was then, that Darius, having been interrupted by the change of the Chapel, and it’s magnificent glasswork, began the ceremony anew… Woe stood by, and watched, and listened.

[Winston]

Arriving

Carrying the sweets over his shoulder, much like a very dapper burglar with a sack of swag, he deposited the gift where directed before moving on.

As they arrived there were so many different people here and he didn’t know any of them. It was, in short, amazing. How much time did they have? Not enough time to waste he suspected and so he decided to make the most of it before the ceremony proper began.

That being said, it was all so big. Winston was used to feeling small, but really, the ceiling was so ...

far

...

away!

He was tilting his head back as he followed the ceiling or the faces of people as they passed by and getting quite dizzy in the process when he noticed Tiggy. Quite unable to contain his excitement he scurried over to see her and, while hopping from foot to foot, like a child doing the ‘wee-wee dance’, he blurted out excitedly. “Yuh don mek it Tiggeh! Dere suh many people ear! Eeeeeeр!” He paused for Tiggy to reply, before sharing his current assessment of the crowd. “Dat ones a mouse an dat one seems te be inna chaarge …” Winston pointed a Darius. “… un dat one …” He began to whisper as if it might somehow be a secret as he indicated Praetorum. “… ee as a tail laaanga dan you, me un dat dair bush added togeda, but me don’t tink ee likes et much, cos ee’s wearing’ et as a belt”.

Winston was very pleased to see Tiggy, but quite failing to contain his excitement. “Me av ta go meet dem. Ya wonna com go meet dem?” Winston knew that Tiggy would probably be too shy to go introducing themselves to a bunch or random strangers, however it was always important to invite people to do so anyway.

Winston was just waving in an attempt to attract the attention of the large lizard-like individual when Herman approached and introduced himself. Winston smiled brightly and waved with enthusiasm before remembering his setting and dropping his hand to his side and gave a more formal, if a little clumsy, bow. Winston didn’t really do shaking hands. This was nothing to do with a reluctance to touch people or invade their personal bubble, but more a simple matter of practicality. Most people’s hands are the size of Winston's entire body and shaking of them was a tricky prospect he normally didn’t bother attempting.

“Hello! Me nehm’s Winstaaan.” He waited a moment should Tiggy wish to put forward her own introductions. “Tis very gud te meetcha. Me no bin ta a weddin’ beffa. Tis very excitin’. De ya know many of dees people?” In the time remaining before they were summoned to their chairs, Winston would extract as much information about the crowd from the fellow Claduri as he could, all the time trying to remind himself not to be rude, but bearly managing to contain his excitement.

Anyone else that decided to approach an introduce themselves would be met with a warm introduction and excited, frank, but amiable questions about them, the place or anything else that was proffered in conversation.

The Entrance

It was time… The eclectic nature of the people currently here had already toppled the little ferret off his attempt to remain self-disciplined, to avoid overstepping people’s personal space. All that and the bride and groom were not even here yet… but now that changed.

He did his best to make sure he could see, either by a little clumsily climbing a chair or, if anyone was inclined to allow him, a person so that he could get a good look at the two making their entrance.

It… she was breathtaking. The two of them seemed very happy. He did his best to take it all in, the bride, the groom, the procedures they followed and what Darius did and said, it was all so much. So interesting. He soaked it all in.

The Ceremony

Nope.

Nope, yup, just nope.

It was all too much. Altogether too much. Who in Qylios’ sunny back-side were these people that summoned light from the sky, cast peacefulness in their wake and transformed buildings with their love?! Were all Scalvoran weddings like this? Surely not?

Nope-just-nope-nuh-uh-no-way-oh-my-immortal-gods-this-is-the-best-thing-ever!!!!

As the light and its warming sensation washed over him (and presumably everyone else) he watched over the ceremony in wonder. If the city was a place far too interesting for him to live in without getting arrested, this place… no, more specifically these people were far too interesting for him to survive… full stop. That was however a tomorrow-ferret problem, should said ferret get the chance to exist.

This today-ferret would give off excited little chuffs and 'sqeese' and contain himself as best he could until the time to mingle opened up again and he had the opportunity to thank the happy couple for their very kind invitation.

[Devin]

~Arriving ~

Gennadiya was the first guest to enter the Chapel – although Devin didn’t know who she was as she didn’t say her name – and sometime after her, the Mortalborn himself entered the building in which his fellow Baron was already waiting. Devin decided not to engage Darius in conversation as he was probably pretty busy with his preparations, but he sent an encouraging smile his way and mouthed the words, “Don’t worry, you’ll do a great job!”, just in case Darius’ nerves suddenly got the better of him. He didn’t only do that because it was the appropriate thing to do – he really, really wanted him to do well to-trial!

A moment later, he let his gaze sweep across the interior of the Chapel, admiring it and wondering if he was supposed to put his gifts somewhere or if he was supposed to hold onto them until Elisabeth and Balthazar were ready to receive them. He had read up on Scalvorian wedding traditions before, but the books he had read hadn’t said anything about where he was supposed to put his gifts. Fortunately, a helpful settler directed him to a table, and he deposited his box with glasses and his wine there, making sure that they would be seen.

He had decided to forsake his place in the spotlight because this was Elisabeth’s and Balthazar’s big trial, and they were the main characters this time, but he definitely didn’t want his gifts to be overlooked. He was worried that they would get lost among all the other gifts!

Once he had successfully deposited his gifts, he was left wondering what he should do again.

He looked around, amazed at all the people and all the gifts – a clear sign that the couple that would be getting married that trial was very popular - when he suddenly spotted Herman McGerman, the engineer that had helped him build the Barony road the arc before. His eyes instantly lit up, and a moment later, he walked over to him in order to greet him.

“It’s great to see you again, Mister McGerman”, he said in an enthusiastic tone of voice and extended his hand for the cadouri to shake. “How do you know Miss Angelus and Mister Black, if you don’t mind me asking? I met Miss Angelus when she attended my winter party last cycle”, he added before he turned to the other two cadouri, Winston and Tiggy and proceeded to introduce himself, just in case they didn’t know who he was (Although he found it hard to believe that they might not know him!).

“Devin Thorn, Baron von Smooglenuff and High Priest of Delroth. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance”, he told them and bowed in a somewhat dramatic manner and with a radiant and very charming smile on his face before he abruptly stuck a hand out.

Eventually, the young man took a seat though and waited for Elisabeth and Balthazar to arrive.

~ The Entrance ~

There was something almost magical about the couple’s entrance, Devin decided. Everything suddenly seemed brighter, and there was light reflecting and retracting in prisms of colour around him, and what more, there was a feeling of peace, the kind of peace that he felt when he was on the beach, or in the temple that he had had built for Delroth. It felt as if he were in a place of worship, and he closed his eyes for just a moment in order to send a silent prayer to whatever Immortals might be watching that trial.

~ The Ceremony ~

Soft and golden light poured in from a window and surrounded Elisabeth and Balthazar. Before long, it grew stronger though. It did in fact grow so bright that Devin had to blink. The light was centered on Balthazar, he noticed, and he realized that worrying about outshining the groom had been unnecessary. Nobody shone brighter than Balthazar!

When the entire Chapel was transformed, but a few moments later, the young man began to smile all over his face and stared at the wonders that suddenly surrounded him open-mouthed. It took all of his considerable discipline not to stand up and applaud (Which would likely have constituted a huge breach of etiquette or something like that.).

He had never seen anything like it before!

The domed roof was suddenly filled with panes of multi-hued glass, and there were pictures of all the Immortals in a beautiful and bright spiral. Delroth, his patron, was there as well!

More pictures were in the windows, showing scenes where certain Immortals had met one or both of the couple, and then there was Ilaren above the doorway. Devin normally didn’t think like that – he didn’t admire other people like that, with the exception of certain Mortalborn, maybe - but in this moment, he was in awe of Elisabeth and Balthazar.

They had met so many Immortals and done so many great things!

Devin had smiled all over his face before, but when it started to rain stars – at least it seemed like that to him – his smile softened. There was something about the transformation of the Chapel, the light and the happy couple that truly warmed his hearth.

Still smiling softly, he turned to look at Darius as it seemed as if the ceremony was about to begin.

[Tiggy]

Tiggy froze. Tiggy panicked. Tiggy suddenly realised that this was a really, really bad idea. Something that they really were not ready for yet. A brand new, to them, place, bustling with so, so, so many people, strangers. There was so much noise, so much to take in. It was too much. Tiggy slowly and cautiously slunk backwards towards the nearest wall, behind some pews. Positioning themselves with a convenient barrier of pews in front of them, protection from all the people. The people who all seemed jovial, happy, sociable and to know each other. Out of place. Out of place and very very small. That's how Tiggy felt in that moment.

Suddenly, seemingly from nowhere, Winston appeared. At least, it resembled Winston. The tiny creature now in front of Tiggy seemed to be standing on nails or hot coals. He was jittering about like a thing possessed. Words were escaping his mouth, they seemed to be directed at Tiggy, but, in his current state, Tiggy could not focus on what the words were. Tiggy just nodded "y...y...y...yes" he managed to stammer, though what he was agreeing to he had no idea.

Oh, wait, now there was a second animal figure in front of Tiggy. What did he say his name was? Tiggy would check with Winston later. This new figure seemed friendly, and, yet again, jovial.

Could it get any worse? A third figure appeared. Larger than the Cadouri already clustered in Tiggy's safe space. No, no, no, no. Why can't everyone just go away and leave Tiggy alone. Wait, what was that this tall figure said? Something about Delroth? Delroth? Oh no! The fairy had told Tiggy about Delroth. Warned him. Tiggy tried to slink back further, nodding and stammering a "h...h...h...hello".

Finally, everything went quiet. Everyone turned to face the same direction. Two figures, seeping calm, light and an aura Tiggy couldn't identify. "That must be Elisabeth and Bathistar, I mean Balthazar" Tiggy thought to themselves, "they certainly seem like a happy couple".

Then, something happened. Tiggy, who already wasn't coping, had nothing left but to curl into a defensive spiky ball and hope calm returned as soon as possible. Coming here, so soon, was a big mistake.

[Elisabeth Angelus]

100 Ashan, Arc 722

Haven Settlement/Faldrass

The Arrival...

She stood there in her wedding gown, knowing the chapel was full of people she cared for, silently preparing herself for the moments to come. Peace filled her, and while excitement pulsed through her being, serenity was foremost. There were no doubts in her heart or soul about joining her life with Balthazar's.

Anxiously awaiting the trial, Elisabeth had tirelessly arranged and planned everything to the tiniest detail. There was no thought of being one of those brides, but when it came down to it, she wanted their wedding remembered as an occasion full of warmth and love for all – Elisabeth would settle for nothing less.

"Meow..."

Storm sat next to her, glancing up at the young woman as if asking what they were doing. For all the world, the feline couldn't figure out what she was waiting for. His girl often did strange things, but that trial seemed more unnatural than most. They had stayed in a place that was most certainly not Haven House - his home and where all his things were. People had not paid near enough attention to him. And now, they were just standing around, doing nothing of interest.

Balthazar's approach might have gone unnoticed had it not been for those accompanying him. As he often reminded her, he was better at stealth than she, but the other men weren't. He would sense no anxiety or trepidation from her, only all-encompassing love and excitement.

Standing facing the chapel, Elisabeth waited until she was confident they were near before turning to greet the small group with a serene smile. Typically, there would have been some witty remark prepared, but any words she felt inclined to say fell away at the sight of her groom.

Balthazar was always handsome, and Elisabeth had seen him with and without his mutations. Regardless, it didn't matter to her – modifications or not. He was always her Balthazar. Their wedding trial was upon them and whatever made him most comfortable was perfectly fine with her. She looked at him the way she always did, eyes full of love and amazement that the beautiful person in front of her loved her as fiercely as Elisabeth loved him in return.

Robin and the others gave the couple space, turning to the duties they had assigned themselves for the trial to ensure everyone's safety, leaving the two alone for the time being to prepare before the ceremony began.

She wanted to say something to Balthazar, but none of the words she could think of suited what she felt inside. Somehow, every word that came to mind felt less, as if they could not do justice to the emotions. Perhaps even diminish them in comparison, so Elisabeth remained quiet until the right ones came to her.

Taking a few steps towards him, she simply offered her hand with a luminous smile, soaking in the moment, squeezing his hand gently, and searching his gaze for some indication of what he was thinking.

It took a moment, but the words finally came to her. The perfect words were the ones he had heard before and would hear again throughout their shared lifetime. He often teased her about her love of the phrase and insistence on repeating it, but never had they been said the way she said them then, voice full of emotion.

"I love you."

The Entrance...

Silk and Balder stood to the inside of the chapel doors, and when the knock came from outside, they knew the couple was ready to make their entrance. Checking with Darius to make sure all was ready, the moment came, and the guards opened the doors.

It was overwhelming, stepping into the space they had created, seeing all the faces of those they cared for and loved, and sharing the joy of their union with them. With her fingers tangled through Balthazar's, Elisabeth couldn't help but be in awe of the beauty before them. The settlers had transformed the simple room into a wonderland of warmth and comfort, and it was nothing short of perfect.

Storm, upon seeing the chapel filled with people, perked up, following the pair into the building. Keeping close behind, he sauntered down the aisle, surveying all the new people that had come to see him. What a wonderful surprise! It would, obviously, take him awhile to make his way through everyone in the room, but it was certainly worth the effort involved if any of them had snacks.

Elisabeth's eyes searched every face, smiling at the blessings and bonds of friendship and family before them. Baron Devin, dapper as ever, was there. During their one brief meeting, she had found him to be a kind, generous soul. His good works for the Barony were extensive, news of which had traveled to Haven. Faldrass was lucky to have such a soul looking out for it.

The ever-beautiful and kind Gennadiya. Elisabeth had been overcome with joy when her friend mentioned coming to the wedding. The healer's grace, compassion, and beauty were an inspiration to her, and Elisabeth was thankful for Genna's presence. The two young women had forged a bond in Rharne, and while they hadn't been able to keep up with each other frequently, whenever they did, it was like no time had passed.

Sometimes the most rewarding relationships came from unexpected places and hard work. Woe had accepted the invitation to join them, and the young woman was thrilled he had. The man's place in her life was unique, and as she crawled her way to understanding, Elisabeth realized how gratifying it was to work through conflict and arrive at a place where joy could be mutually celebrated and meant.

Oram Mednix was something of a contradiction – a delightful one, but one regardless. He liked to put on a gruff demeanor, all scowly and such, but he was one of the kindest, most clever men she knew. He was someone she could count on for advice and honesty, and those types of friends were priceless. His presence made the young woman smile.

Elisabeth had once told Praetorum that he was part of her family. She had meant it then and meant it even more now. Their bond stretched back to Rharne as well, Prae serving as a mentor and friend to her, but it had become so much more in the intervening time. It was hard to explain their connection, but seeing his face amongst those in the chapel made her soul soar.

She saw her friends and loved ones, but there were two faces Elisabeth didn't recognize, and she knew why.

Stopping in the middle of the aisle, Elisabeth gently squeezed Balthazar's hand, giving him a beautiful smile before kneeling gracefully before Winston and Tiggy. The mage had no intention of letting go of Balthazar's hand, so she continued to hold it as she lowered, skirt billowing out around her. There was no invasion of personal space, but she wished to be on their level as she spoke to both in a soft voice.

"We are honored by your presence – both of you. We are family here, and we welcome you into it." The young leader of Haven was sincere with her words. Saoire's children were special to her, and Elisabeth silently marveled that the strangers invited to the wedding ended up being two of them.

Leaving both with a gentle smile, she rose again, and the couple continued their journey down the aisle.

Herman was there, and she was ever glad he was. The cadouri from Saoire's school had helped her with two settlement projects and, because of the time spent together, had become a dear friend.

Elisabeth stopped again as they came to the front row of seats where Vin and Rilith were. Her hand never left Balthazar's, but she gently embraced each, giving them a kiss on the cheek and a few soft words of thanks, although there were none to express the gratitude in her heart. Her childhood hadn't perhaps been the most typical one, but it had put her on the path where she found herself, preparing her for the life she led.

Her eyes drifted to a pair of chairs nearby, which were empty save for pieces of chocolate cake on each. At Elisabeth's direction, those two chairs were to remain that way and would be taken to the celebration site as well, in honor of two whose presence would be dearly missed – Vega and Joy.

Vega and Elisabeth were two peas from much different pods. In the new world the mage had found on Faldrass – a world she had somewhat been overwhelmed by, with responsibilities she hadn't been able to fathom, her friend had been a rock when she needed one, giving Elisabeth confidence through her own unique brand of mentoring. The pair had endured a rough start, adding to the beauty of their resulting friendship. At least to Elisabeth.

The Forging had brought much into Elisabeth's life, including Joy. Those that fought for Scalvoris had been allowed to be a part of the young girl's life if they chose, and it was a chance Elisabeth embraced eagerly. Joy was Vega's daughter now, and about that, she couldn't have been happier.

She would not have her wedding without a nod to them, and that was that.

The Ceremony...

As the pair approached Darius, Elisabeth gave their friend a warm smile. He had happily embraced his role in their wedding ceremony, and she would be forever thankful for his friendship and support. Having met the young sailor in Viden while there for a visit, Elisabeth never imagined how their friendship would flourish and grow. Even then, without either knowing, the roots of that relationship were already planted in common acquaintances. In the end, the pair hadn't needed those to appreciate each other. Now, both settlement leaders on Faldrass, their settlements had become all the stronger because of their tight bond.

Light streamed through the windows, filling the chapel with an ethereal glow….

And in the blink of an eye, it all changed.

The young woman was no stranger to all sorts of fantastical scenes. Cassion's Forging story. Dragons. The Umbral Caverns. Even those couldn't have prepared her for the transformation of the chapel they had built into the towering masterpiece of glass where they now found themselves.

Elisabeth's eyes drew up as light descended upon them, and all she could do was stand there and look around with the wonder of a child.

It finally dawned on her that Balthazar was enveloped in light, and while she wasn't sure what that was about, it made Elisabeth beam with happiness - it was obviously a good sign.

There were long panels behind Darius that depicted scenes that she recognized with certain Immortals. While Elisabeth wanted to look at everything, there was simply too much for right then, but one thing remained constant – her hand never left Balthazar's.

Trees – there were trees! And little glittering stars rained down on all of them. She had no idea what was happening, but there was no doubt in her heart that it was something extraordinary.

Turning to Balthazar, she just looked at him, wondering if he had an explanation, smiling gently. Elisabeth didn't need one because faith didn't need a reason. It just….was. Something beautiful and wonderful had been transformed into more. And so had the chapel.

Elisabeth's words found voice again, knowing that something needed to be said. They were standing in the middle of something exquisite and pure – she felt it – but there was a wedding to get on with.

Whispering, her voice softly reached out to her friend, eyes unable to rip themselves away from the beauty wrapped around them. "I'm….not sure how we will follow that, Ox, but perhaps we better give it a go?"

Thank you Visna for the beautiful wedding template!

[Gennadiya Lyosha]

“I have been and still am
a seeker, but I have ceased to
question stars and books;
I have begun to listen to
the teaching my blood
whispers to me.”
― Hermann Hesse

What Does Love do
100 Ashan 722

The Arrival

Gennadiya looked around at the others as they waited a moment before entering. It was that awkward part of any ceremony where there can be some socialization but need to pay attention to what was occurring. The young healer had come far to visit the place and so found it was few of the others that she knew. She suspected that many of them were locals. The platinum blond healer was the first into the chapel, she was directed towards the gift table where she walked to place her present. Genna had though hard about what it was that she would give the new couple and many ideas had come to her, but Daia had actually inspired her. In her arms was a large bundle and it was a beautiful hand sew (not by her she wasn’t that good) quilt that had heart and other unity patterns sewn into its panels. She knew it was a simple item, but it was one that could be useful and a reminder of their love for each other for arcs to come.

Once the package was on the table with the other, Genna wondered for a few moments. She came by Woe and took his hands and gave them a squeeze and said. “Lets visit some more after,” and smiled at him. She smiled at Prae who she remembered from Storm’s Edge. She was opening to greeting anyone who wished to introduce themselves, but didn’t push it as there would be more open time after the event. Gathering her skirts she took a seat and waited as the crowd found their own seats.

The Entrance.

Gennadiya sat quietly waiting patiently for the event to start. As is always the case the event began. Genna turned her blue gaze upon the couple coming into the room, and her smile grew even bigger as she saw her friend and the love of her life come into the room. Then the colors seemed to sharpen and it seemed as if a the room brock into colored lights, in the way that a prism broke up light. The young woman was pleased at the blessing of this place and could tell that this place was a holy place. Nayeli was humming in the young woman’s head, clearly indicating that it was sacred to more then just the Immortals.

Then she felt a swelling in her bosom, felt a sense of peace that she had felt rarely in her life. This was a moment of joy. A moment touched by something bigger then anyone there, maybe something that was all of them, it was hard for the young woman to say for sure but she knew that she the immortals and induks were touching this moment.

As everyone took position she could see her friend Darius standing surrounded by light, which didn’t phase the adored of Ymiden who was blessed that light didn’t blind her. Again she felt that it was correct, though part of her was still amused that Darius was running this show as her mind returned to them hauling boxes into the clinic at Storm’s Edge. She then looked at the bride and grinned at Elisabeth and felt happy for the wonderful woman.

The Ceremony

Genna sat smiling as the ceremony began, but while pleased wasn’t surprised by the interruption as the light spread and with her focus was able to tell that it was now centered on Balthazar. She titled her head wondering about that but figured those giving these gifts had their reasons. Genna gave a small gasp then though as the room itself began to change. There were many things in Genna’s life that she would never forget, and this event had become one of them.

She studied the different scenarios and sense that were emerging and studied the windows of the immortals searching out the once that called to her. Daia, Ziel, Ymiden, Moseke to name the ones she was closest to but there were other immortals as well who she had interacted with and who she respected.

She recognized at that moment that this place wasn’t just under going a wedding but also a consecration of this building as well. She nodded and felt that it was appropriate for that to be done. Having gained control of her voice again Genna pulled her self together and focused on the ceremony as it was beginning again.

[Praetorum]

Stepping into the busy chapel, Praetorum recognized a good number of the other guests—Woe and Gennadiya, who he’d fought alongside against Rhaum, Darius and Oram, who’d made strong impressions during the Forging, a great many of Haven folk he’d worked along. Those who caught his eye, he nodded or smiled to, but otherwise didn’t approach, uncertain if it was appropriate to begin a conversation when the wedding was to begin any moment. One guest he didn't know, a small cadouri who looked like they might be a weasel or a ferret, seemed to have no such compunctions, waving enthusiastically at him. Bemused, Prae offered a small wave back, but didn't approach, as the cadouri was quickly pulled into a different conversation.

Instead, he padded carefully to the table he was directed towards, and laid his gifts down among the others, before making his way to a seat sized appropriately for his bulk, in the back where he wouldn’t block anyone else’s view.



Before long, Darius was announcing the beginning of the wedding, and Prae sat up in his seat, turning in time to see his friends enter the building.

It struck Prae, watching them come through the door, just how happy they both looked. How peaceful, how content. For just a moment, his heart twisted in soft, sad jealousy for their ability to be so at peace. Then the moment passed, and he felt nothing but joy for his dear friends. If anyone deserved to be so happy…

The light shifted, as if the force of their happiness were so great that it warped the world like magic, colors dancing around the couple as they walked down the chapel.

And as they passed him, Praetorum [knowledgefelt a warm, steady peace fall upon him, a sense of wellness and rightness in the world that made him smile.

These two truly were blessed, it seemed. And rightfully so.



As Elisabeth and Balthazar reached Darius, a golden light enveloped the trio, and Prae blinked, partly because of the brightness, and partly out of surprise. Which divine had a hand in this, he wondered? The light was focused primarily on Balthazar, and given the chapel they were currently in… There really only seemed to be one logical answer.

Then, as Prae considered this, the building shifted, warping before their very eyes into an edifice of glass and metal. Glancing up, Prae marveled at the spiraling dome of immortals—some of whom he’d met, others he was less familiar with.

Behind Darius was the evidence of the extraordinary lives the couple had lived. And even as he watched, sparkling motes of light began to rain down upon them, warmth and love and joy all dancing over their heads.

This was a wedding no one would ever forget. No less than his friends deserved.

[Oram Mednix]

Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what bwings us here today.

The Arriving

Oram entered to the chapel to find some of the guests already there, including a woman with striking blond hair whom he found himself unable to place. That was to be expected, of course; Balthazar and Elisabeth each had plenty of friends and family Oram would be seeing for the first time today, he was sure. The tough part would be figuring what, if anything, he was supposed to say to them.

At the front of the chapel’s nave near the altar stood Darius, looking at least as nervous as Oram felt. Boxed wind chime in hand, the Chief Ranger approached with a smile and a greeting for his friend. Not too far from where Darius stood was a table where he was to leave his gift, which he did, an unremarkable box among other boxes, some far grander and more ornate. He hoped the couple liked his gift. He even muttered a little prayer to Saoire, hoping that she would appreciate the gift, too. In a way, all gifts were gifts for Saoire, weren’t they? After leaving his box, now looking so non-descript and inadequate among its peers, Oram returned to deposit himself among the other guests.

Although the people at this ceremony to whom Oram felt closest were in the wedding party, the hunter did know, or was at least acquainted with, several people among the wedding guests already. Woe Morandi was there, as was Baron Devin Thorn, or was he Baron Devin von Smooglenuff now? Anyway, Baron Devin. The imposing ithecal Praetorum was there as well, currently being accosted by a tiny, excited, mustelid cadouri, to seemingly little avail. Oram nodded to those with whom he made eye contact, including Woe, but largely kept to himself. He was not one for small talk, and if he started too early, he would run out of what little conversation he had well before the festivities were over.

Guests continued to filter in for a while, most of them unfamiliar to the hunter. As inevitably happened when people gathered together, some of those people started talking. That talking subsided abruptly when Darius spoke up to announce that it was time.

The Entrance

There were many different wedding traditions on Idalos, but from what Oram could tell, there was to his understanding at least one universal: the bride was always the star. When Elisabeth and Balthazar entered, all eyes would be on the former; she looked wondrous in her pink-touched white dress. Her attire was not as elaborate as she could have had it had she so wished; Oram, from what he knew of Elisabeth, gathered that she was not the sort to be impractical or extravagant. And yet nobody looking at her in that dress would think that she was anyone other than the bride. Balthazar, at her side, cut an impressive if understated figure in his own right. There didn’t seem to be such a thing as a groom costume.

The trial was far enough along that the suns shone now through every window, and the chapel glowed with cheerful light as the couple processed to the altar. They passed by the guests to the inevitable hushed accompaniment of gasps, sighs, and scattered whispers. This chorus would normally have annoyed the traveler, yet, to his own surprise, he felt something very different wash over him: tranquility. For a brief moment, the sussurrations of the guests reminded Oram of rushes swaying in a gentle breeze along the banks of the Whisker back home, or along Ol’ Tuck’s Run in the Sweetwine. By the time his thoughts returned to the present, the ceremony was about to start.

The Ceremony

A particularly bright shaft of light seemed to fall on the wedding party through one of the windows, and it seemed to fall most intensely on Balthazar. Soon after, that light intensified, and something strange happened. No sooner had his eyes adjusted, blinkingly, to the brightening light that Oram found himself and the other guests in a transformed interior. It reminded Oram somewhat of the glass temple back in Scalvoris.

And Oram, confronted with this unexpected and unexplained change, did something he had resolved not to do: he scowled. The hunter didn’t like sudden, unexplained changes to his surroundings. Such surprises tended to be unpleasant ones, even ones with an aspect as outwardly appealing as this. His first thought was to leave his seat to go to the door and look outside, to see if they were still located in Haven. It took every ounce of discipline Oram had not to take out that huge metaphorical tongue depressor of suspicion he had, and demand that this unexpected gift horse open wide and say “aah”. Nonetheless, he forbore. There was something in the air that moved him to do so. Caution and suspicion were strong instincts with the hunter, but not his only ones.