The coach carrying Henry and Bai draws up first, and one of the servants rushes down to opened the door and  help them down.  Henry looks slightly uncomfortable in a new brand new formal suit, cut in the traditional style with knee britches and a thigh length jacket.  The blue brocade jacket is decorated with gold buttons  - both as a fastening and decoratively around the sleeves - that bear his personal heraldic  crest. Rings glisten on his fingers and he wears a  gold and amethyst brooch on his jacket. Bai is not quite so resplendent in her new courtiers’ style ball gown and jewellery.

They  make their way into the temple and, after nodding a greeting to The Banker and the bride and grooms family make their way across to Sir Ferdinand.  After a brief greeting they all take their places ready for the wedding proper to start.

---

As a reminder …

http://rp.baileymail.net/doku....eral:formal_clothing
This message was last edited by the player at 08:06, Wed 04 Oct 2017.

Vik had been most of the morning getting into her dress, fussing with her hair only for Lolli to fuss with it some more. Being as she was, she helped Lolli get into her own dress as well, as attendant lady's maid. A traditional gown of blue, trimmed in silver with a lovely malachite necklace draped across her neck.

There wasn't much to do with her shaggy dagger-cut hair, but Lolli did her best to pin it into something respectable, and Vik the warrior, seafarer, gambler, master of the lying game had transformed for one day into a young lady almost looking every bit the prestige her house was owed.

There was a reason Viktoria didn't bare her shoulders often, and the scars, though thin and light, ran all along her neck and chest. A blade here and there, and sea creatures' bites. A hook, a bar fight, her father had always said that duelists collected tiny scars along the cheek and hand, while true fighters looked like maps.

With Lolli in tow, Viktoria waited for her turn to enter, making the appropriate curtsy to Adoven as befit her station before taking his arm and entering

"Certainly a who's who, isn't it?"

She took some comfort in the feeling of her bronze dagger along her thigh, ready should the event turn bloody.

Mariam patted down her kilt nervously, the blues, greens and white of the tartan eased her slightly, reminding her of her younger years before she was sent to the temple. Weddings made her uncomfortable. The young olive green, seven foot half-orc with large tusks protruding from her mouth tended to have a hard time blending in with the crowd. She straightened out her military dress jacket, a golden pin of the symbol of Iomedae on her right breast. Her Sgian-dubh's handle was visible, the oak knife handle poking out from underneath her white wool socks. Finally her long, curly hair was braided and placed in a tight updo that helped the bonnet sit straight on the paladins head.

She entered, bowing respectfully to those assembled, remembering her courtly manners before making a beeline to her seat before the crowd got any bigger.

In reply to Viktoria d'Lodovka (msg # 3):

Adoven was resplendent in his modern-style jacket and trousers, with a stylish metallic belt and several bits of jewelry adding to the sartorial package. Thus far his skin was unmarked by scars, dueling or otherwise, and it seemed he was able to converse with other attendees comfortably.  He showed competence in diplomatic phrasing and in staring down rude or socially awkward interruptions. His eyes practically shone with pride as he took the arm of the lovely Lady Vik, and his ability to converse smoothly with this socially adept crowd showed promise for his future in the political grid. "Indeed, milady. May I say that you look almost as radiant as the bride?"

The wedding itself is very straightforward and fairly boring.  The banker makes the couple read through the contracts that have been agreed by their families, and then sign them.  And that almost concludes the formal part of the ceremony, as far as The banker is concerned the couple are fully and properly married.

However, as is always the case when noble families are involved, there needs to be witnesses.  The banker signs as witness first, followed by Valoria’s mother and grandmother, then Ajax on behalf of the Ondari.  Other dignitaries, including Sword Lord Lebeda-Berain, Sir Ferdinand and Henry are also invited to sign as witnesses, sealing their marriage with the approval of family, city dignitaries and the nobility.  What more could a young couple want.


But after that short ceremony it is back to the coaches, and while Val and Cyrus are hurried into the first coach, the rest of you are left to your own devices, although Henry, Bai and Lord and Lady Lebeda-Berain get into the second coach in line.

Again the coaches set off, this time to Ludivenko's where they slowly ascend a ramp to allow yo to eneter the upper floors without having to climb the stairs.  This time Ludivenko's employees are there to guide you along the short walk to The Gold Hall.

The hall itself doesn’t  quite live up to its name.  There are some bright red tapestries, and gold decorations, but it is clearly a commercial space and not the home of a noble.  Still, Ludivenko's have done their best and the hall is nicely decorated, and tables line one of the walls, stacked high with wines and finger foods, along with waiters to dispense them.  A  string quartet plays gentle music in the background.

Val and Cyrus greet you at the door – their first duty as a married couple.  Behind then sits the ‘wedding chest’ where guests are expected to throw their wedding gift -  normally coins – although gems jewellery and other similar items are acceptable as well.

Lord and Lady Lebeda-Berain go first, wishing the happy couple well and throwing a few coins in the chest, while there are only half a dozen coins a couple of them have that special glint that shows they are platinum.  Henry and Bai follow on, although Henry pauses to hand Cyrus a rolled scroll, before passing on and throwing a few coins into the chest.  Sir Ferdinand, Alex, Velia, the Banker  and the others follow on - each murmuring a few words of congratulations and throwing a few coins into the chest as they pass.

---

OOC – Please feel free to talk among yourselves.  Conversations with NPCs could be slow

Cyrus was grateful that Valoria's grandmother had pulled him aside two days earlier and walked him through the contracts, it made signing them easy in front of all these witnesses and in such strange attire. He liked his suit, but there was a part of him that missed his chainmail. He didn't feel naked, but he felt vulnerable and that was almost worse.

He'd expected to be nervous or bored, but he found this whole event quite fascinating and he spent much of his time admiring Valoria's gown and taking in the sight of his fellow Officers in what could only be considered foreign attire. Each one had their own unique take on formal and he was glad to see the variety.

Looking out across the room, he felt a pang of absence not seeing his friend Percy present, but it was brief as he was pulled back into the here and now, by Valoria's rising from her own signing of the documents.

Now legally joined, he escorted her out to the first coach and enjoyed his first moments alone with her as husband and wife.

The moments were just that as it seemed they'd only just gotten in the coach, when the coach came to a gradual stop at Ludivenko's and he guided his bride up the stairs to the greeting space. His grin was wide as he greeted each of the guests with a hearty handshake, pulling the men in for hugs and bowing in respect for the matrons and the younger ladies who had attended and watched in awe as his friends and family gave generously.

Andalon looked like he was delighted at the wedding ceremony and so very proud of both Valoria and Cyrus for having this wonderful Abadaran wedding. He was obviously thoroughly washed and scrubbed, clean shaven and hair neatly brushed to do justice to this special occasion. He looked a little bit self conscious in his new blue scholars' robes with their white strips elaborately decorated with Abadar's symbols. He was obviously very proud of the silver and topaz key that hung on a silver chain around his neck - his new holy symbol of Abadar.

However he pays close attention to the whole ceremony to make sure he would be able to replicate it in future when the opportunity arises.

At the wedding feast he waits for the important dignitaries to throw their gifts into the chest before moving forward to deposit his gifts. He throws in a small handful of coins that mix the glint of gold and platinum before reaching inside his robe to pull out a small sack that looks and sounds like it might contain several hundred coins.

He turns to Cyrus and Valoria and shrugs before dropping the small sack into chest.

"This is from someone who asked to remain anonymous," he explains, although there is definitely a trace of a smile on his face.

As Valoria stood before the hand banker of the church she was over the moon. It was in many ways just a simple signing of a contract, but it was the most important contract of her life. Once the contract was signed, Valoria kissed Cyrus passionately, but only for a moment.

Valoria wore a smile as the coach sailed off own the street. Standing in her white dress with pearls and a golden paisley flower pattern, she made sure to greet every guest that entered into the Gold Hall. To Andalon, Zauria and Viktoria, Valoria also gave a hug as hard as she could. “My dear friend Viktoria, I would not be here if it was not for you. Oh slayer of gargoyles, Vik the mighty! To my beloved sister, who shares my love of magic, in a different way. Your aid in the coming months, will be useful. Andalon, my kin, thank you, so much. It is my hope, our friendship will only grow stronger from here.”
This message was last edited by the player at 06:41, Fri 06 Oct 2017.

He had never been accustomed to formal functions outside the occasional ball or party thrown for this season or for that. And among many of those he had been a hired performer rather than a celebrant. So Cass attempted to blend in with the crowd as much as possible.

Oh, he joined the reception line to wish the newly wed couple an eternity of bliss. But when it came his turn toward the gift chest, Cass tried to sneak the pair of mirrors in alongside the large bag of coin that Andalon had presented with no one being the wiser. After all, it was their day of lifting up, not his own.

As the bride gives an enthusiastic hug to Viktoria, Adoven's eyes widen at hearing of a gargoyle vanquished by the lovely woman he has escorted. He stands back so she may have what little privacy she can manage during the aftermath of the ceremony.

In reply to Adoven (msg # 11):

Vik returned the hug, though she didn't hug as hard as she could, which was a great deal harder than Valoria could.

When Adoven seemed to startle at the mention of gargoyles, Vik reached for the knife at her shoulder, which wasn't there, and she smiled, forgetting she was dressed in a gown

"Yes, I killed a gargoyle. Technically it was me and this old monk."

Cyrus smiled at Andalon and his second "gift". He wondered who could have provided such a large sack of coin to the priest on such short notice, but now was not the time or the place for such questions. Instead he hugged his new cousin and thanked him for his generosity.

He noticed the young bard slipping something shiny into the box as well, but it was clear the man didn't want attention and so Cyrus feigned ignorance for now. Back on the trail, he would be sure to thank the man for his generosity.

He too turned to welcome Vik, Zauria and Adoven trailing along with them and caught the look in Adoven's eye at the mention of the gargoyles. "Indeed Vik is a mighty warrior! Though we learned our lesson about sparring with real weapons the hard way didn't we?" He laughed and then grimaced once more at the thought that he'd almost slain his friend.

"Vik has slain many a foe, boars, gargoyles, Stag Lord's. Her twin blades leave quite the mark. There is no one else I'd rather have beside me in battle than the Lady Viktoria d'Lodovka." Turning to Valoria with a smile and a wink, "That is of course with you far behind us safely shooting out those magic orbs of force and making me a giant to keep any of the enemies from getting near your robes."

He then tried to bring Adoven into the conversation saying, "But tell us of your exploits Adoven. For I have heard rumors, but I haven't heard them from you. You were involved in the battle with the pirates, right?"

Dressed in the first dress which actually fit her correctly in her entire life, with the tangles and knots combed out of her hair and a tasteful necklace, Tansy looked almost presentable. She'd welcomed the distraction after the tunnels and ticks of the past month, and  quickly been fitted for a reasonable modern gown.

There was little that could be done about her hands, or the persistent bruise above her brow, but she'd made do with what she had.

"Come along Lex, I'm sure the couple won't miss us if we slip by and find some refreshment. Frankly, there's a distinct lack of ale for my liking."

She tugged Lex along by the collar, having volunteered to be paired with him. Someone had to make sure the presents stayed where they were, and truth be told the former bandit was better company than most present.

Lex had been eager to greet Cyrus and Valoria, even more eager to drop the sheath for Valoria and sword belt for Cyrus in the offering box as his special gift to each of them, but he went along with Tansy because he was more eager to continue the conversations they'd had on the road to Restov from the fort the day before.

Lex had purchased a dark green thigh length jacket and matching pants, as well as a white fitted tunic and bright white leggings. He looked the part of a traditional courtier, or at least what he assumed would be a traditional courtier.

He'd found it quite liberating to be in a city and to not need to worry about carrying his bow and his blades. He was even happier that he found a tanner who was willing to part with raw leather that he could use for all sorts of new projects and a fletcher who was willing to sell feathers and shafts for new, more sturdy arrows.

But despite all that he missed the woods, and was eager to return to the lands Henry had asked them to help settle. They were his home and he was quite sure of that now.

Turning his attention back to Tansy he said, "If Sir Cyrus has anything to say about it, I'm quite sure there is a barrel of ale somewhere. The man has no great love for wine, not like his bride and her family."

"I'd wanted to drop my gifts off for the Lord and Lady, but I'll have a chance to present them in person later. They'll like that right?" It was clear Lex was looking for some reassurance that not only would the couple like the thoughtfulness of giving them separate from this crowded moment, but that they would like the gifts as well.

In reply to Cyrus Ondari (msg # 13):

"I played a part, yes. We encountered a village where a Crime Boss had taken over. He had green skin and an acid touch. This Criminal had set up shop in the village, making it a headquarters for a band of River Pitates and a fencing operation for bandits plying their trades in the Stolen Lands. Borric and I were able to convince the local villagers to support our efforts to oust the criminals. Those poor people were forced to use their own children as slave labor and prostitutes to satisfy the whims of bandits and pirates. We managed to defeat the crime boss and a handful of minions while the river pirates were on a raid. When those selfsame pirates returned to the village, we inundated their ships with fire arrows in the rigging. Burnt those boats down to the waterline and sleep any pirate that failed to surrender. After we freed the village, a number of those forced into labor decided to come to Restov to get a fresh start in life. I was no hero myself. Just good at getting folks to cooperate. " shrugs Adoven in response.

Cyrus nodded as Adoven told his story and was impressed as much by the telling as by what it revealed of Adoven’s character. The man was a leader, but he was humble and spoke well of his allies. All great things in Cyrus’s mind. He clasped Adoven on the shoulder as he shook his other hand and said, "Well done and even more well told! Your silver tongue will be of great use as we continue to grow and expand Midmarch. We are lucky to have a man like you amongst us brutes to negotiate. Now, please enjoy yourselves, milady and I will join you inside as soon as we have greeted the others."

Cyrus looked forward to the end of this welcoming line but was honored by all those who wanted to wish them well and had joined them today. He gave Valoria’s hand a tight squeeze while he had the chance to show her affection.

Andalon was nearby and listened as attentively as Cyrus to Adoven's tale. As soon as the story was told he stepped up behind them to pat both men on the shoulder.

"I wish I could have seen that, Adoven. It sounds almost as much fun as the Stag Party we had for Cyrus! Well, all right, most refer to it as the taking of Fort Stag, but I'm sure Cyrus would agree it was as much of a bonding experience as any Stag Party ever was."

In reply to Lex (msg # 15):

"I like this Ondari already, wine is no drink for a knight."

Tansy smiled at Lex, nodding sagely

"Yes, presenting them in person is right I'd say. Your work is good, and they will want to admire the craftsmanship."

In reply to Adoven (msg # 16):

Vik left Valoria and Cyrus with a bow which turned into a curtsy when she remembered herself

"That was a most amazing story Adoven, I have to say in all the fights I've had to fight there's never been one which I won by guile like you did."

Vik marveled at the area past the doors, taking in the sights.

Mariam stepped into the hall placing several gold coins into the box before placing one or two books, stories for the long road that she herself had particularly enjoyed and thought the young couple would as well. Turning to said couple she made her way towards them " Congratulations on your marriage might the light of Iomedae watch over your union" she spoke with a deep bow.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:14, Mon 09 Oct 2017.

Cyrus laughed at Andalon's jest and said, "Indeed, as bonding as any battle we'd fought prior and then some. We were all pushed to the brink, each of us near death or exhaustion at one point or another. Abadar and Erastil shone brightly on us both that evening..."

He turned and greeted the tall warrior woman who'd entered the room and said, "Indeed, may her light shine brightly. Thank you for coming, Mariam. Valoria and I are honored to have a holy warrior of Iomedae here to add to the blessings of Abadar and Erastil. I am even more honored to call you a fellow Officer of Midmarch. I look forward to our service together."

She smiled, her large tusks bearing, "And I am glad to be here. Restov is a wonderful town its so much more peaceful here than the city. Tell me, how did you both meet?"

After dropping a few gold coins into the wedding chest, he still hadn't made the riches he had set out in the the Stolen Lands to make, Marik walked over to join the receiving line behind Mariam. He was looking quite handsome in the new clothes he'd purchased for the wedding and the ball that was to follow. And while such formal events were new to him, he seemed poised and able to fit in nicely.

His clothes were in the modern style, tight grey trousers topped with a matching waisted jacket. His shirt was a deep sky blue color replete with a bright yellow jabot designed to catch the eye. He smiled warmly to Mariam as he came up behind her and then turned to Cyrus, "Sir Ondari, it is a pleasure to finally meet you and to wish you a lifetime's happiness on this special day."

Inside the Golden Hall, Cyrus and Val wait by the door to greet their guests as they enter.  Eventually everyone was inside, some stopping to congratulate the couple heartily, others smiling and offering a swift greeting before making their way into the hall.  Some come in pairs, chatting idly with each other as they wait, others singly and more formally.  However, all had made an effort with their appearance -  some looked magnificent in  brand new formal costumes, other less so -  even though their efforts were noted and appreciated by the older members of the Lebeda family, who were watching the young couple happily.

Adoven, Andalon and Vik form the nucleus of one small group  with Mariam, Marik and Cyrus making up another small group.  Lex and tansy slope towards the back of the room looking for ale.  However Ajax, Cyrus’s brother is there before them, and with his tankard, that he was wearing on his belt, un-clipped and in his hand.  Letting one of the waiting staff fill it from a jug and then quaffing it down and holding the mug out for a refill.  Other staff enter bringing more jugs of ale from a lower level, and there is plenty to go around.  Although Ajax seems to be quaffing at twice the rate of anyone else.

Henry and Bai stand chatting to Velia and Alex but the rest of the ‘official’ guests  appear to be standing alone.

---

So they are now available for conversation if you with to speak with them.  Or they will settle down and talk among themselves if you prefer to get to know each other better.

They are

• Banker Kushisma Russino, head of the Church of Abadar and Chancellor of the City of Restov
• Senior Sword Lord Horatio Lebeda-Berain, leader of the Northern Schools and a Councillor of the City of Restov- and his wife.
• Sir Fredinand ledkno
• Valoria’s Mother -  Victoria De' Lebeda
• Valoria’s Grandmother -  Lady Luna Cartan
• Valoria’s sister – Zauria.
• Ajax, Cyrus’s Brother

Cyrus was all too happy to answer Mariam's question saying, "We met on the road out to Oleg's. I had joined Henry, Andalon and a few others to head out to bring some peace to the troubled land we now call Midmarch and up rode Valoria. She was striking even then, but she was a bit flustered as she was joining us under less than ideal conditions."

"We traveled together and bonded over our journey to and the exploration around Oleg's. She helps provide some credibility for my claim to be anything other than a brute with a sword and a shield and I strive to keep her safe."

He paused and said, "There's more to that tale, but I will leave that to Valoria to tell."

Reaching out a hand to take Marik's Cyrus adds, "The pleasure is all mine, though I'm not sure I caught your name. I do recognize you as one of Henry's latest group of recruits. How were your travels around Midmarch? Any updates from Oleg, Boric or Percy?"