The Grand Hall of the Palace of Lucimburic is in the Ardennes wing, the second oldest of the three main wings of the palace, which all meet at the Ardennes tower.

This hall, rising up four stories to dormered windows above, ends at the vaulted arch of the Ardennes tower.  To the south, curtains cover the windows to the gardens- the gardens will serve as the private quarters of the Unicorns.

It is used for official functions and frequently, the Court of the Duchy of Lucimburic, but these duties have been temporarily laid aside and the hall has been readied by the Duke and Duchess to serve as the main reception hall for their invited guests and their entourages.  A place to meet, unwind, and mingle.

This includes Eadoin's procession, of course.  It has been carefully laid out so that Centuars (and Unicorns) will be at ease.  The guests filter in- the castle cooks have already laid out some food.

Lyrandol, the warrior-bard who serves Entherin, (Theoderic's grandmother and an Elven Marquessa) keeps close by his patroness as she engages the Duchess in a discussion about plans.  Do they intent to hold the wedding in here?

"It is Elven custom to hold weddings outdoors," Entherin says.  "We do not have many halls that would hold so many guests, and there are so many that would wish to see the wedding, if the crowds outside are any indication."

In the Grand Hall, Chara, Entherin and Babette continue to make plans... and likely, Rita joins them.

Babette seems surprised at how big the festival has become, so quickly.  So many guests... visitors... tourists?  “Honestly, Lady Chara, Lady Entherin, we hadn’t thought it would become so big.  Some friends, some family… how much family does Theoderic have, after all?  We thought it would be so nice in the Bartholomew Wing hall.  It’s not as big as the main hall, but the lighting is much brighter.”

“Clearly this has to be held outside,” Chara says.  “Or I am afraid you might have a riot.”

Babette replies:  “Outdoors?  Won’t it be cold.. well, for you I mean.  Elves are so slight of build.

“There is magic that will warm the area,” Entherin says.  “I know the spells, so does Lyrandol.  Between the two of us it can be done.”

When Rita arrives, they also bring up the subject of clothing.  Theoderic and his group are "their problem" and Chara and Entherin have brought the nicest clothes they could find.  Probably better than what they could get here, as Lucimburic was never known as a great fashion center.  But Aelasuria... traditionally, the bride is provided for the bride's family, and they seem to be in short supply.

Babette isn't happy over that.  "I was looking forward to their arrival, and I know Aelasuria wanted them to make it.  But if they weren't able to.. with the war on, it's understandable.  Sad, but understandable.  Rita... you're her friend, you'll arrange something, won't you?"

With everything going on, Babette has become a busy werebear.  She has discovered the joy of delegating.

"I am truly glad you brought appropriate wedding clothing for the children," Rita says gratefully to Lady Chara. This means she won't have to run around the marketplace looking for fancy clothing for each of them. Normally, she loves buying things for the children, but there is a time factor here, plus she has to get gifts for Aelasuria and Theoderic and for Riordeg.

"Aelasuria's family is not able to make it? When we were in Geneva, they were quite determined to make it to the wedding. Besides, Ali'Cor has been given some sort of key to the Portal of Arduinna upstairs. He says he can go back and forth to Geneva, so he should be able to bring all of her family. Have you spoken to him?" she asks Chara.

"I would be happy to arrange for Aelasuria's bridal clothing, but first we need to find out whether her family members are coming. If they are, they would be offended to find someone other than themselves doing this. Plus, they know all the elven customs, styles, and traditions. I would be happy to work with them on this. That would be the best option."

At some point, she tries to catch Lady Chara alone for a one-on-one conversation.

"I know you are very busy, and I don't want to take up too much of your time. It's just that I could use some advice on what might be an appropriate gift for Aelasuria and King Theoderic. I have little experience with weddings, none with elven weddings, and of course, none with royal weddings. Perhaps you could provide me with some suggestions, just to give my thoughts some direction. I would most appreciate that."