A STRENGTHENED BOND April 5th, 307 The day had finally come, after weeks of preparation. Erwald could hardly believe he was standing at the altar at last, positioned at the front of the cathedral with the pews filled behind him. Invitations had been sent to everyone in the noble peerage, asking them to attend the union between the Duke Protector and his new consort, although the large turnout had still surpassed his expectations. He had certainly dressed appropriately for the occasion, his usual ducal attire switched for a smart black suit with gold detailing and a regal red cape. Despite his excitement, the Ravenstad found himself taking a deep breath as his thoughts returned to the woman he was about to marry. Originally chosen to complete a political match, she had since become a trusted and fond companion who he looked forward to spending his life with. Glancing towards the front rows, Erwald was reassured by the presence of his kin. Amongst his cousins, Mirielle and Lirienne looked as prim and proper as expected from Ladies of the Chamber, whilst Auguste had made an effort to arrive despite his injuries. His uncle Vincent held a proud look and his sister Valerie nodded encouragingly, as if she noticed his nerves. The Viridian was able to pick out Katriane, Maeva and Genevieve from the Howlesters, who were quick to show their support through smiles and waves. He was also happy to see friends such as Julius Peirgarten and Agatha Harhold present, offering them a grateful smile. The sound of organs abruptly started from the side of the room, causing him to fully turn around as the crowd grew quieter and rose from their seats. Straightening his posture, Erwald turned his gaze to the far end of the cathedral and found his nerves had vanished, beaming at the sight of the oncoming figure. Clad almost entirely in white, Emeline Delmotte made her way towards the altar. Accompanied by none other than Alderik Kade, a bright, full smile graced her features. Silk and lace alike trailed after her footsteps, erasing them entirely. These steps were confident and calculated, as if she were focusing every last ounce of her attention on those alone. And truthfully, she was - so overcome with fear, the only sound playing in her ears was that of her heartbeat. Laurel eyes scanned the pews, picking out individuals near and dear to her heart. Alaine Peirgarten and Miriam von Duerr were among the attendees, Alaine going as far as to flash her a thumbs up. Constanze du Brierust sat solemnly in the pews, her brother, the Count of Basta, sat alongside his new wife; both offering her matching smiles. The bride continued onwards then, the silent encouragement spurring her towards her fate. Despite her nervousness, the soon to be former Delmotte arrived unscathed beside her intended. A delicate hand was sent towards his own, grasping it to keep herself grounded. As the music ground to a slow halt, the reverend began the Sacrament of Harmony to unify the pair. All throughout, Emeline’s focus flicked between the men before her, entirely uncertain as to where she should be looking. After what had seemed to be both a thousand years and mere seconds, Erwald squeezed her hand gently and they both leant forth, sealing their vows with a kiss. From then, and well into the night of celebrations, the couple were all smiles - keen on thanking those they could for attending and supporting them. OOC INFORMATION: -Emeline Delmotte is now Emeline Ravenstad. -The entirety of the peerage was invited. -Please, keep responses to IC. Co-written by @Emma.
Garth Viduggla was one among many who attend the marriage between Houses Ravenstad and Delmotte, clad in an outfit rather formal and matched with a walking cane. When the two were promptly united as one with their kiss, the Northerner broke in a light smile and let loose a few hearty claps. Though, when the night became one of celebration, the Viduggla remained seated to watch on the festivities, idly helping himself to the ale supply.
Alderik quickly dabbed away the tears that he had been fighting back since the moment he had been asked, pressing a hand to his face. Alderik knew Erwald and Emeline probably wouldn't realize what this really meant to him, and even then he was quite content with their ignorance. Alderik had dreamed of a moment like this since he was young, and met the first woman who would captivate his attention for a number of years before he was stuffed away into quiet libraries and large lecture halls. The thought of walking his daughter, or son if the Spirit willed, down the aisle to stand before who they loved or would come to love was a thought that filled him with an immense sort of pride and joy. He had always liked Emeline, even when she was with Valdis and now even more since she was not, and thought of Erwald as a brother, or maybe even a son in this context. He hoped that he would do this again for his children, if he and Genevieve decided to have them, now that the two of them had plans to marry and he was finally settling down. He made his way back to his seat next to Genevieve, wicking away the remaining moisture from his eyes and tucking the handkerchief into his breast pocket. He looked to the woman at his side and smiled. Disclosed to the bride and groom were a number of presents. For the both of them, there were three. A large keg of Anglian Wittebier, a stack of children's books written by Alderik himself, and, finally, a nicely tied and luxurious looking coinpurse with a scrolled note attached: "I told you to take a trip, this will hopefully get you anywhere you'd like to go." For the groom there were two gifts. The first was a finely dagger, with a scholarly looking dragon and a finely groomed raven entwined in flight as the hilt. The second was a common to Faraddi translation guide. For the bride there were three gifts. The first was a series of books written on the History of Tailoring. The second was a Silver Hairpin that was well tarnished. The third gift was three songbirds in a gilded cage. @SpunSugar
Renaire of Brilonde wore black for the occasion. Claiming all night long that no, she wasn't dressing for a funeral, but rather thought it would be a wonderful time to introduce a Vladno fashion *staple* to the Court Couturier. That would be a feasible explanation had she not stayed far from the conversation for the duration of her time there. Stone-faced and ever-enveloped in a cloud of her rich, suffocating tabacca, it was a solemn occasion for her than anything else.
Leopold Rote had attended the wedding alongside his peers. The burnt Count had bore an unmistakable and broad smile upon his visage during the prosession, a strange sight uo be seen on the usually gloomy count. When it came to presenting gifts, the pair would be given a Blacksteel dirk and a set of Blacksteel sowing needles, both embroiled with the Delmotte unicorn and the Ravenstad raven in unison.
Harric was wandering in Essalonia like a moron. Viresh would attend and be mostly confused, watching with a gleeful smile but not knowing the full length of what was going on.
The Corsair Lord attended alongside his family and the rest of the peerage, by no means dressed for the occasion, wearing a satoor and partial torso covering silks and adorned in his various unique jewelry. For the most part, he was indifferent, not accustomed to the quiet marriages of Ailor and most likely present for whatever celebration came after. When such time came, a smile spread to his face and he soon pushed forth his sister to present their gift to the couple. For the lady a finely made golden necklace in the shape of a flying raven which has two small rubies in the eyes and a central piece of amethyst. For the Duke a set of golden rings; one a raven’s head and the other an intricate floral print with ruby inset. The Pirate Lord, with a sly grin, also motioned forward a rusty brown Rakrran to offer the duke a custom made deep red satoor with golden embroidery; either a good taste joke, a custom amongst Varran or a friendly statement of sorts from the fox-man. @Nesstro @Betel_ @TheMoistestMan @ETrees
