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Never before had the estate been so flooded with activity. It's usually quiet halls were bustling; a great number of servants planning and preparing at a haste. Flower bouquets and lavish, bejewelled décor transported out to a line of carriages, making way to a ceremony upon which no expenses had been spared. The grand display had attracted a sizeable crowd from the surrounding abodes – people upon their balconies or flocking to their streets to inspect the vast fuss. A single room of the estate however, told a different story. Almost silent aside from the emanating noise from beyond, its patterned walls filled solely with the presence of a pair of ladies. While both were well dressed, one definitively stood out. Vast waves and layers of pristine white flowing silks and taffetas forming an intricate gown upon her body; pleated hems of glistening gold, and a bodice tight-fitting and interwoven with sparkling gems – a sheer squared neckline falling low and draped with delicate, translucent textile. Upon the vast and ornate heap of curls atop her head and the flood of jewels aligning it sat a single crowning tiara; resplendent and centred with a single jewel of Amberite one could almost believe to be glowing.
Despite her lady's maid ensuring final touches upon her appearance, Anastasie had long drifted into a world of her own. For the first time in an eternity to her, her thoughts were not those of states-figure or business. Even her mesmerising attire seemed to intrigue her little at that moment. Her thoughts instead drifted to the day ahead, and what would lie in the future. She had waited so long for this day – her marriage to the delight of her life, Ernesta. Even now, the Ithanian lady felt a fluttering sensation from within her at the mere thought of the wondrous day, and she could only pray everything about it would amount to perfection. Her thoughts drifted to the future: living a life alongside her wife, carving a path through the world and achieving their goals together. Would they ever bare children? Perhaps, but a thought to be spared for this precious day.
Anastasie did have a niggling thought at the back of her mind, however. The only thing that troubled her, a looming storm cloud over her raised emotions and cheer. Now this lone thought burst into storm, and sowed worry with its fall. Should she have done this? Was this marriage truly the right decision, or the result of her own selfish desires, an intangible lust that she wanted so desperately to fulfil? Or was her destiny some political match intended on securing the future for her family; another part of the cunning games of the Crown Isle. She paused. Taking a moment to cast aside the momentary lapse that had overcome here, as she cleared her head. This was what she wanted, the one opportunity to bring an unimaginable delight to her own life despite whatever else occurred around them. Selfish desire perhaps, but that was hardly a bad thing. The Countess was confident in her choice, everything else be damned for just a moment. From this day until the end of days, they would remain together in harmony…
"Your Ladyship."
The words departed Ana from her mental tunnel, and out into the light. Gazing directly into the mirror presented by her maid, she caught sight of herself – almost shocking even herself. The tingling within her grew ever more, and yet this was the final burst of confidence she had needed. Her doubts disintegrated; she rose gracefully to make her way from that quieted room.
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Ernesta was seated in front of an ornate and jewel encrusted vanity with her cousin sat just a ways behind her. The unruly golden waves being tucked back into an eloquent up-do, pinned into place with a silver hair piece adorned within the curls, polished to shine. With several Ladies Maids, tickling her cheeks with blush and powder, her blue gaze falling shut as she was attended to. After what seemed like an eternity, the help muttered being finished and the Leutz re-opened her eyes, blinking with her mouth dropping agape.
It all hit the woman at that very moment, looking into the mirror she no longer saw Ernesta von Rahm, she saw a bride. Dressed and painted to a pinnacle of utmost elegance and ideal marital perfection, swiftly raising her gloved palm to tentatively touch upon her cheek just to make sure it was truly her. Letting out a shocked laugh, turning to look over her shoulder at her cousin Elanora "I truly cannot believe that today, I am to be wed. It feels quite unreal." She commented, with a risen brow.
Floods of past memories came bounding into her train of thought, the first day she laid her eyes upon Anastasie introduced by her cousin, the day the Countess' palm grazed hers through the bars of Fort Purity. It all seemed so long ago now, having been through so much since the initial realisation of the love they shared, and now it was time for them to put themselves to the public eye. A surge of worry flooded through her, though it took a matter of moments to remember the loving words of her betrothed when she last emitted her worry, pursing her lips a small smile tugged at the corners, turning to her cousin with a somewhat complex gaze of mixed emotions; Happiness, worry, love, nervousness.
"The day is finally here, Ernesta. Only a few more steps and you'll be married." Elanora commented from her seat across the room, clasping her hands together in an excitable manner, though gasped as she came into view of Ernesta face onwards. Gently placing a palm upon her shoulder, offering a comforting squeeze. "Rise to your feet, look at yourself, see how beautiful you truly are."
Slowly rising from the plush comforts of her chair, she looked down upon herself before flickering her gaze into the mirror opposite her, inhaling deeply. Wearing the inherited dress her own late mother, wore. A white silken gown with sheer crystal-lined lace sleeves, halting to the neck where her back would be revealing, the trim of the silks halting on the midriff of her spine. Albeit covered with a matching train, draping down her shoulders and laying splayed across the floor. A navy blue velvet sash hung upon her left shoulder and was tied at her opposite waist in a loose bow. Closing her palm, she settled it upon her chest, momentarily shutting her eyes exhaling softly trying to calm her nerves. This was the day she and Ana had spoken of, palm in palm. Something the two had wanted for such a long time, their own relationship hidden from the prying eye for months on end, kept a secret until the very last opportunity was thrown upon them, alas a door of opening was given to them, at the most unexpected times, however bitter sweet it felt at the back of the Leutz's mind. It wouldn't deter her from the warming glow filling her, a pure sweet elation.
"-Oh we mustn't forget the final touches." Elanora rose from her seat, carrying over a well-aged mahogany box. Opening the lid, revealing one of her family's most treasured heirlooms. A headpiece to be worn by women of the family, departing to another household. Intricately hand-carved wooden, painted ram horns rested upon a silver forehead piece, on the inside of such band would be the families sworn by words; Improvidus, Apto Quod Victum.
Ernesta's gaze halted upon the head piece, taking a deep breath before lowering her head as her cousin settled the heirloom atop her head, before rising up straight. Standing tall, with her chin tilted upwards, she had composed herself. Turning her head to momentarily peer upon the oil painting hung upon her wall, offering a curt nod in the direction of her painted parents, before turning to face Elanora as the large clock chimed on the new hour.
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Anastasie held herself in front of the crowd within the bounds of the church – nerves continuing to flare within her, and yet she held herself tall as she could. Her gaze flicked around the room – despite the relative hurriedness, everything seemed to be in excellent order, and she failed to fault a single thing. A deep breath failed to relieve her tension, however, as the upcoming wait for her bride to be overshadowed any other consideration she may have. Her gloved hands followed their natural urge, moving to pat upon her skirts as she waited.
Daunting. It would be the one word to describe how everything felt to the von Rahm, staring upon the large oaken doors whilst her maid tended to the long silken train behind her, making sure it was all positioned appropriately on the floor. Looking down momentarily, she clasped her palmed together tightly to try and quell the nervous shaking, expelling a soft breath. Before standing up straight as she was handed the bouquet of blossoming blue chrysanthemums, nodding to the foot-man stood at the door, announcing she was ready, ready to see her soon-to-be wife.
As the doorway drew open, the two ladies finally set eyes upon one another. Sharing a bright smile between them, as the ceremony commenced.
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OOC:
Countess Anastasie de Letoirneau and Ernesta von Rahm are now married.
Ernesta will hereon be known as Countess-Consort Ernesta de Letoirneau.
As a result of this wedding and the upcoming dissolution of the Von Rahm family, Elanora von Rahm is also to adopt the De Letoirneau name.
A number of very public announcements would have been made about the wedding prior, and all members of the peerage would have been invited should they wish to attend - so anyone who wants to post an IC response regarding the wedding or even their position in it is free to do so!
Co-written by the big gays @_Owlet and @Miss_Silver
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