Melissa finds Scolo in the crowd.

She seems strangely clumsy as she approaches him... because somehow, her elbow collides forcefully with a skinny, nervous looking young man who was standing next to Scolo.  He slips into the crowd and scurries away,

"Where have you been?" she asks.  "That woman?  Can she be trusted?  That reminds you... you are a wizard.  Do you know what happens when a wizard walks through a crowd alone?  You might has well have an open invitation for pick pockets and cut purses."

A short man with a craggy, grizzled face snarls, and he too loses himself in the crowd.

* * * * * * *

Up on the stage, Tawna squeezes Haakon's hand hard when he goes into his "Just a humble dressmaker" routine.

"When it's served up on a platter, take your share," she whispers.

After a few more remarks, the Duke introduces the cleric Kolitya, Lucimburic's priestess of Diana.  Or Arduinna, depending on preference.  The werebear woman ascends the stage, and invokes the blessing of the patron goddess of Luciburic.

About that time, Tawna realizes what has been overlooked.

"Rings" she whispers.

Helloooo! What woman that one? Hmmm I don't know shall I listen to her thoughts? Scolo smacks his lips conspiratorially in the direction of the random woman he selected based on Melissa's introduction.

pick pockets, yes - its really nice He reaches in his pockets and pulls out handfulls of little flowers. Then with a shrug Its festive ... But what about you, my dear aren't you nervous a ... Uh ... Old friend might recognize you here?

If HE knew about you ... It would ... Well Scolo fumbles on his words but is cleverly agitated at the thought.

"I did a little looking around," Melissa says to Scolo.  "Wouldn't you know.. I did find an old friend.  They thought they might have a chance of doing some mischief here.  But they were relying on a sorcerer who quit on them.  So they left too.  It seems things got too hot for them here.  People will do a lot for money... suicide, usually not."

* * * * * * * * * *


At the side of the stage, Uncle Wallis, patriarch of Tawna's Wereweasel family, whispers to get her attention.  Tawna looks embarrassed, and crouches to talk to him.

After a little more whispering she answers him, "Yes, I know that's how you and Ferelda did it, and my parents, and it's Wereweasel tradition, but I don't think using rings stolen from wedding guests is appropriate considering I've just been named a hero of Lucimburic.  You should give them back. Quietly.  Let's not make a fuss."

Fortunately, Mergyon, not wanting anything to go wrong and spoil the pageantry of the day, had prepared for just such an emergency.  He hands the small box to the Werebear priestess.  She nods and continues, going through a small speech about the wonder and beauty of living under the guidance of Arduinna, and then hands the two rings to Tawna and Haakon.

"You must put them on each others fingers," she says.  "Then by the traditions of our people, you are married together, to share your den and your lives, and raise your cubs to be worthy citizens."

Do be careful - ahem   Sorcerer? Hmmm
Oh silly silly sorcerer who loved his underwear
Treat them right, They are threadbare,
they're a sight, almost every where
They are too tight and of course his only pair
From the front and to the back an old brulap sack.
It'le be fun when they come undone and he summons an imp to wear!

Did you learn anything about this sorcerer? Perhaps he is still around ... Sneaking and creaking. Whooooo do you think it was that woman? Can she be trusted?

Haakon takes one ring and places it on Tawna's ring finger, saying, "With this ring, I thee wed."

Tawna hesitates for just a moment, wondering where the "Ithee" thing came from.  They don't do that here.  Then see puts her own ring on Haakon, and says, "Now you are mine and my tribes, and I am of your tribe as well, for all of our lives."

There is applause, and the Duke waves his arms to summon more of it.

When things begin to settle, he has another announcement.

"Did I say one wedding?  I may have been mistaken.  My dear friend Theoderic, King of Austrasia and Belgica, our neighbors to the west... and also to the east, a technicality, but mostly to the west.  And his bride, the beautiful daughter of a noble house of the distant Alps Elves, Aelasuria.  Both have done great deeds, and I'm sure most of you already know who..."

He is interrupted by a child trying to get his attention at the edge of the stage.  He bends down, and listens.  Then he nods and says aloud, yes, yes, the one with the Unicorn.

"Now, following the wedding, Diamond Hammer will be playing again!"

* * * * * *

Melissa says to Scolo:  "Isn't that you?  You were very good, you know.  Thought about a new career?"

Haakon pulls Tawna into his arms and kisses her and after the embrace, takes her by the wrist and kisses her empty palm.  "Shall we leave the stage to the support act?" he whispers, grinning at her and winking at his new tribe.

The great and powerful Scolo blushes deeply.
Then pops up like a shot - the crossbows! I need to reset the crossbows!
And with that he is off running around to get things set up.

 On the stage at the Clear Fountain Plaza...

“There's going to be food,” Tawna says.  “And that Dwarf band with the wizard is coming back.  We can leave the stage, but let's not go so far.  A little off to the side, maybe.  Ooh, look, wine.”

The Duke has sent servants through the crowd, distributing little cups and filling them with wine from kegs on a wheeled tray.

Tawna drags Haakon in that direction, even as the Duke makes his next set of announcements, turning over the stage to an Elven woman, Miriam Soulwater.

"Priestess of whom, again?"  Duke Barstow asks.

"Druantia," Miriam Soulwater says.  "Goddess of love and trees."

Barstow nods.  "That is an odd combination," he says.

"Not for Elves."

With his loud voice, Barstow introduces her to everyone present.  "Miriam Soulwater, priestess of the goddess Druantia will conduct the wedding for her daughter," he says.

* * * * * *

Out in the plaza, Raude Parisi is working her way closer.  "She's going to do the ceremony?" she says mostly to herself.  "Well, there is no harm in that, I suppose.  Druantia is certainly an aspect I have not heard of yet."

* * * * * * *

In the Elven tradition, the two family groups enter at the same time.  From the main door of the Palace, Theoderic walks towards the stage flanked by Entherin, his Elven grand mother, and Chara, his half elven, half human mother.  Procyon and Spica the Unicorns, trotting over from the other side, join them.  They are all he really has for family present.

Mergyon, working with a Weremink tailor he highly recommends, has done his best.  In a nod to his Merovingian heritage, Theoderic has chosen to be married in a "ceremonial" version of his battle armor.  Mergyon has had it polished to where it shines like a mirror, and there is a new cape in rich, shining Merovingian blue.  With buttons and braided gold cord and other decoration, they've added sparkle and glitter wherever possible.

Procyon and Spica are pure white counterpoints behind him.

The group walks toward the stage, while Aelasuria's march larger contingent approaches from the other direction.

Aelasuria smiles warmly at the gathered crowd wanting them to feel welcome. She was surprised by the number of people present though warmed by the thought that they cared about Theo. Some of them no doubt were here for Tawna and Haakon's wedding.

When she see's the newly wed bride and her groom Aelasuria smiles warmly at them. They likely had felt the same joy, excitement, nervousness and more that made for a unusual mixture of emotions. She watches Cirrus proceed her with flowers her arm likely linked with her fathers at the moment. Then glances over at Marisol with a warm smile. "It is unfortunate Unicorns do not Marry like we do Marisol. This would likely bring back wonderful Memories of your own wedding had you had one."

She briefly lets her eyes rest on Kyriel wanting to thank her for being here. Although she knows she can't without risking drawing attention to her. When they reach the stage she gracefully walks onto it. Taking her place near Theo speaking softly to him.  "You look very dashing in your armor Theo." Then she looks at her mother speaking softly as she briefly hugs her not worried about Ceremony. "I love you mother. I am so glad that you and father were able to make it."

Then she smiles waiting with Theo as the Ceremony would no doubt start very soon. She had been warned there was potentially danger. Aelasuria trusted the people around her to protect her. Even so she remains alert on the chance something happens.

Kyriel follows the rest of the procession out. Her eyes and ears are sharp, and she tries to keep tabs on the crowd without appearing to do so. Being aware of her surroundings without appearing to be so is a skill that she's had a long time to learn and put into practice.

Although he only catches the latter half of Raude Parisi' sentence, there is no mistaking the name of the goddess she mentioned, Druantia. The elven goddess of love and trees - his mother's goddess. Salen breaks into a wide smile.

"It appears we have arrived with the most impeccable timing. Better we should announce our combined presences, I think."

With that Salen makes his way as close to the stage as he can, which is not easy when there is any number of werecreatures and assorted spectators to wade through. But between his efforts and the crowd making way for a High Priestess of Venus, they are able to do so without too much difficulty, whereupon the Elf catches the attention of Miriam Soulwater, and the assembled throng on stage. He smiles and bows floridly, then indicates his companions - Raude, Swift and Ayren.

"Hello, mother. Would you have space up there for four more?"

Haakon stood with Tawna next to the nearest source of wine and watched both the proceedings and the crowds.  He leaned close and whispered in her ear, "Would it be considered rude were I to get my bow"?

Tawna glances around the plaza.

”There are so many guards around, that if anyone suddenly shows off a weapon they didn’t expect, it would probably cause as much chaos as a genuine attacker,” she says.  “There are a few of my kin in the crowd… guards on the roofs, guards around the perimeter on horses… it’s enough to make an assassin’s skin crawl.”

There are, according to Wereweasel teachings on the subject, two kinds of assassins.  There is the professional, who expects to be well paid, and who plans well.  And there is the idiot.  That is the kind who just runs in and either has no clue, or has a clue and doesn’t care.  Tawna is quite certain the professionals out there would recognize the extremely dense layered defense and probably wouldn’t even try.

She direct’s Haakon’s attention back to the stage, adding, “and it would be very wrong to leave, now.  Look, they’ve got Unicorns.  Unicorns!!”

Indeed, both bride and groom are escorted by Unicorns.. the bride is riding on a Unicorn, a touch that moves the crowd.

”She’s set too high a standard,” Tawna whispers.  “Every little girl in the Duchy is going to want that, now.”

Aristhandel Soulwater helps his daughter dismount from Marisol the Unicorn.  Aelasuria doesn't need help.. but it seems like the proper wedding thing to do.  Cirrus stands in front, the thin, pale girl practically hidden behind the flowers she's holding.  The attention isn't really on her, but she soaks it in anyway, beaming behind her flowers.

On the stage, Miriam Soulwater is not all that amazed to see that Salen Soulwater has suddenly appeared.  When you are a priestess, you expect good things to happen, especially when they concern the area of interest of your goddess.  That’s just the way the universe is supposed to work out.  But… who are these others?

Ayren shifts herself closer to Salen, and very quickly, Miriam Soulwater understands… Salen has apparently brought a date to the wedding.  She directs Salen into Aelasuria’s family group on the stage, because in Elven custom, a wedding is between two families, each presenting their member.  She puts Ayren as close as non-family ought to be, to the side of the stage, and the others nearby, behind Ayren.

And she begins the invocation, the blessing of the wedding ceremony.

”We invite the goddess Druantia, the Protector of Trees, Giver of Knowledge, Spark of Creativity, Patron of all Love and Passion, and Queen of Dryads.”

In the back of the wedding party, Aelasuria's sister hands Rita a small ring made of leaves.  "It's a laurel," she whispers.  "Normally there would be an assistant priestess, to place the laurels on them, but you are the only other priestess, since mother didn't bring hers.  When she motions to you, one laurel for Aelasuria, and one for Theoderic."

Haakon grinned a wereweasel grin and whispered to Tawna, "The little girls may have to put horns on horses, I heard unicorns only let virgins ride 'em"

She was happy to let her father help her down gracefully walking beside him she smiles back at Marisol. Later when she spots Salen she looks very happy that her brother made it. She wonders for a moment about Ali'cor though with everyone here it's easy to overlook someone.

When she see's Ayren she feels a touch of curiosity though trusts that eventually Salen would likely introduce her. Standing very close to Theo Aelasuria smiles at him then her mother as she begins the Ceremony listening to the sacred words from a different perspective for the first time in her life!

Miriam Soulwater makes a speech, more to the crowd than to the couple, explaining how it was her daughter’s desire that she perform the wedding.  She speaks in Elven and then repeats herself in heavily accented Latin,  adding that it has been a long, long time since she was in Lucimburic.

Some of the locals look slightly puzzled.  They’ve never seen her here.  But then, “a long long time” means something else entirely to Elves.

She tells everyone has Aelasuria is truly missed at home- the red haired, ever curious, ever happy child who seemed from a young age to have decided that the whole world should be as happy as she was.

“No one would have expected this wedding, two years ago, that this wedding would have taken place,” she says.  “In fact, Aelasuria seemed quite determined to avoid that kind of entanglement.  We all thought, when she’s had more time, yes, another fifty years or so, and maybe… but this came upon all of us quite suddenly.  But it is true love, and true love is such a rare and wondrous thing that it must always be indulged, for its own sake.”

Listening in, Raude nods along and whispers, “Well that’s a good thing, then.  Perhaps Druantia really is an aspect of Venus.  I shall talk to this Elven priestess, when I have the chance. “

Somewhere in the crowd there is the sound of a Wereboar very loudly blowing its nose.

Miriam Soulwater continues, describing how the gods created the bonds of marriage to be the format for the expression of love between a couple.  Eventually, she reaches the Questions, which she poses first to Theoderic.

“Theoderic son of Clovis, son of Childeric son of Merovich…”


Off to the side, Barstow whispers to Mergyon:  “She’s done her research.”

“She may well have met them in life,” Mergyon replies, also in a whisper.  “Merovich passed but six decades ago, not so long a time in the life of one such as Miriam Soulwater. Still… she’s quite clever.   A careful reminder to the Elves that Theoderic is a Merovingian, and a king. “

“Are you certain of your heart's call?”  she asks of Theoderic.  “Have you reflected upon the import of your union, your desires and destiny?  Do you wish to unify your heart with hers?”

Theoderic wastes no time.  “All these things yes, for her, everything is yes.  In all the world there is no other Aelasuria.  She is the treasure of my life.”

Miriam smiles and says, “Simply saying yes, will do.  But there is nothing wrong with such expression of feeling.”

Then she repeats The Questions, for Aelasuria.

Babette pulls a handkerchief from a pocket and dabs at her eyes.  “Oh, we should have these every year,” she says.

OOC: Wouldn't Riordeg and Gellas be walking in as part of Theoderic's family?

Also: Does Rita see Raude Parisi in the crowd? She would definitely recognize her. On the other hand, Rita is not very tall; if Raude also is not very tall, Rita may not be able to see her in such a large crowd.

Just at the right moment, Salen walks in! She looks for Ali'Cor, but he is much harder to see in such a large crowd. He has to be here, though, she thinks to herself.

If the procession passes near Haakon and Tawna, Rita will congratulate them even though she does not really know either one of them.

Carrying her own bouquet, Rita deeply feels the solemnity of the moment, especially seeing Aelasuria riding Marisol and Theoderic, in exquisite ceremonial armor she has never seen before, escorted by another unicorn. Being near Cirrus, she can sense the girl's happiness from all the attention she is getting, and, if she can make eye contact with the girl, smiles softly at her. It is good to see Cirrus happy. What a long way she has come from the days of being practically a prisoner in Lutetia Parisiorum.

If she can see Riordeg, she smiles at him when their eyes meet. She imagines a similar setting, but with herself as the bride and Riordeg as the groom. Of course, this is far too fancy and extravagant for a priestess like herself. It isn't the large crowd or the pageantry she really wants anyway; it is being united with the man she loves. Would Honorius accept Riordeg, given that he is neither Roman nor well-educated?

Rita has never heard of the goddess Druantia. Ordinarily, she would have asked about elven religion when they were in Geneva, but at the time, there were so many other immediate concerns. Druantia seems to incorporate aspects of Diana, Minerva, and Venus.

She very carefully and gently takes the laurel rings handed to her by Aelasuria's sister. It is a good thing the girl remembers that Rita is a priestess since she is wearing her dress for the ceremony, not her clerical robes (she would not have worn those unless asked to do so by Aelasuria or someone in the wedding party). Taking part in a wedding ceremony is not common to clerics of Pluto, but there certainly is no rule against it. Besides, she is a priestess of Proserpina now, and Proserpina likely looks favorably on marriage, given her own marriage to Pluto.

Nevertheless, this is a pleasant surprise, as she had not expected to take part in Aelasuria's wedding as a priestess.

"Thank you," she says quietly and reverently to Aelasuria's sister. "I will present them when she asks."

Will they wear the laurel rings as their wedding rings, or will they replace them with rings made of gold or of something more permanent? she wonders, making a note to ask Aelasuria's sister after the ceremony. How would laurel rings last over time unless they are protected by some type of magic?

She watches and listens carefully, reverently, as Miriam Soulwater presides over the ceremony, looking intently at Theoderic and then Aelasuria as they affirm the Questions and vow themselves to one another.

It is a powerful, sacred moment. Her parents had met at Clovis' coronation, and somehow, her presence and involvement at this wedding is connected to that. And what had been broken sixty years ago in Entherin's time is now being repaired. Behind everything are the hands of the gods.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Thu 18 Apr 2013.

She couldn't help it smiling warmly with emotion welling up as her mother reminds her of her childhood back in Geneva. Curiosity had indeed been very strong and occasionally found her sneaking into her fathers library as well as magical sanctum where he conducted research. Which had made him laugh once he had made sure it was perfectly safe for future visits. She also had loved swimming making it hard to keep her away from water! As well as a good bit of exploring. It didn't hurt that there were bakeries and other delightful shops calling her name throughout the city. Even the forest was a mystery she wanted to explore and see. Making it sometimes needed to have her followed discretely in case there might be danger.

Listening to Theo's parentage she was very curious about his grandmothers side as well. The Mark was a important part of Theo's heritage. Aelasuria smiles taking Theo's hand as he replies. Then Nods speaking softly to her mother.  "Yes mother I love him very much."   Her green eyes flick from her mother to gaze into Theo's lovingly. Aelasuria practically glows feeling joy at this moment. Knowing that soon the laurels would be presented.

Kyriel is quiet and in her spot in the procession.  As much as she might wish to focus all of her attention on the wedding, she has to pay attention to everything around them. Even with all of the preparations, she's worried that someone will try to make a move against them here.

She listens to the ceremony; this is the first elven religious ceremony she's been involved with in her memory. She's not even too clear on the different elven gods. Obviously they're more than a little different from what the humans believe. Maybe she'll take the time to investigate her people's beliefs when she gets back to the academy.

Heolstor found his place at the rear of the wedding's onlookers not but a few moments before the ceremony began. So large a gathering, and so public, he did not worry over being regarded poorly for it. Better to clean himself properly, change into clothes fitting for a public gathering, and show this union the respect it doubtless deserved.

Weddings were a thing of great import, even more so when it was a king who wedded himself.

Petra was there doubtless too - Heolstor stayed near her, worried he might lose her in the crowd. He'd seen to purchasing her a dress suitable for the celebration too. The answer no, or stubborness in the way of who ought to pay, being brushed aside with a casual smile.

Pwyll had come as well and stood atop Heolstor's arm, stretched out to his fore, and aside from an occassional croak remained quiet.

Not a creature was stirring - except maybe a Scolo still pattering about to prepare what he can, that is until a wiser guest gets cross and tells him to sit down and stop rummaging the wedding is on even now!

She was a wise woman, Miriam Soulwater, which was undoubtedly the reason Salen never tried to pull the wool over his mother's eyes, so to speak. She had always been more understanding of why Salen had chosen to become a warrior, rather than a wizard like his father and younger sister. But perhaps she also knew his innermost thoughts on that matter? In any case, his father was much the sterner and their relationship had oft times been frosty, though that had somewhat thawed recently.

Whether any of that wisdom had passed down to Miriam and Aristhandel's eldest child was a matter his parents had likely discussed on more than one occasion, but Salen himself was no fool, for all he played one. He was also wiser than many in other ways, and he could sense how Ayren moved closer to him as he spoke to his mother. He had known her only a short while, a fleeting instant in elven terms, but she was...nice. Sweet. And...wasn't there a wedding going on? He hadn't considered bringing a date to Aelasuria's wedding, but had acted on impulse when inviting Ayren. Even when weddings were often a good place to...well, enough said.

He gave Aela a wink as he took his place on the stage with his family, then turned and nodded reassuringly to Ayren. And look - there was Rita! It had been some time since their paths had diverged, and it pleased him to see her again. Surely Riordeg would be close by also!

And then his mother begins the ceremony. Her description of the young Aelasuria, that ever curious, oh-so happy little sister of his. I taught her everything she knows, he thinks to himself with a grin, and turns to say so to those nearest him - only to find that his family are nearest him, and ready to silence him with those 'Please don't, not now' glares. No sense of humour, some Elves.

But, anyway - the wedding. It was deeply touching to see Aelasuria so happy, and Theoderic equally smitten. Who saw that coming, even a few short years ago? No-one, not even the two protagonists, in all likelihood. But that was the way of love, whether it was Druantia or Venus or whoever. Everyone had a chance for some.

Which was a scary thought. It might ruin a scoundrel's reputation.

Theoderic’s side of the family isn’t nearly as large as Aelasuria’s.  Aelasuria has a small mob with her, and that’s without cousins.  Those are mostly siblings, father, and a few close friends.  Since Riordeg is a cousin of Theoderic’s he’s nearby as well.  Gellas, however, is back home in Hiricio.  There is a wedding, yes, but there is still work to be done.

With the Questions finished, Miriam moves on to the Rings and Laurels.  As in Human traditions, the rings are exchanged.  But the elven Laurels, the crown of leaves, is symbolic of Nature itself blessing the union, so they are generally presented by a cleric, usually an assistant, to both.  Rita happens to be a priestess, and Prosperpina can be reasonably interpreted to be a Nature goddess,  laurels entirely up on the customs of Elven weddings- while the family generally present

Out in the crowd, Raude Parisi takes notice of Rita as she officially bestows the laurels.

"Honorius's daughter," the High Priestess of Venus whispers to herself.  "She must hear the news."

Miriam Soulwater explains the Elven customs to Theoderic, just in case.  "Theoderic, the rings are your acceptance of each other, and the laurels are the world's acceptance of the both of you.  You belong to it as much as you do to each other. And now with the rings and laurels, you are married, and may you never part."

Kyriel stands in the procession, watching and listening. Once again she wishes that Terrance had been allowed to accompany them here; she wishes that she could share this experience with him. A quick moment of reflection and she realizes that she might be able to. It will require a lot of discipline on her part and a little research into the mind moss.

She pays attention to the wedding ceremony as best she can while being careful to keep alert for any threat.