Erwald let out a quiet exhale of breath as he ran a hand through his fiery hair in his usual stressful manner. The day had finally come. Standing in front of the altar, he glanced towards where his older brother, Medard, was situated behind it in preparation for the ceremony. The siblings exchanged silent nods, a gesture of reassurance from Medard and one of gratitude from the groom. Everything had be perfect for his beloved, which seemed to be the case as the Ravenstad cast a furrowed gaze over the rows of pews to his right hand side.
He had imagined he would marry at some point, but not to somebody who suited his character so perfectly. From the moment they had met, the two nobles had gotten along swimmingly and their relationship only continued to flourish through talks of courtship, love and marriage. It had been a long path to get to where they were now but Erwald knew it was all worth for the woman he could soon call his wife.
Fiddling with a few loose strands of hair that fell over her shoulders, Czylle looked ahead, and recalled the events leading to this moment. How she had never seen it coming. How she had never expected to see herself in this scenario.
Once upon a time, she'd had no intentions of marrying. No intentions, or interest really in courting at all. Her life was focused on her education, on her family and on her life goals. At the time, that goal had been one simple one. To join the military. That had, however, changed now.
She had met a man. A red-headed admiral who showed the same love for war that she did, and she had fallen hard for him. It had took some convincing her brother Hamelin, and there had been much debate and wait. Politics and influences had threatened their relationship as it grew, and had threatened to part them. At least now, she thought, nothing could part them now. She glanced to her left. There her brother stood, his arm extended for her to take.
Czys nodded her head, and stepped inside the Cathedral…
A ceiling of undeterminable height gave way for an epic interior. Chandeliers dangled from rafters which illuminated the aisle. A carpet of purple and gold made its way long the length of the floor, and led anyone traversing it towards the altar. The remaining interior of the immense building was that of grey, purple and turquoise stone and at the far back of the cathedral hung various sized banners, all of which made use of these same colours.
Barely a sound was heard as Czylle and Hamelin made their way down past the pews. Her family, the d'Vauds occupied one side, whilst the Ravenstads occupied the other. Each family knew to remain silent, but that did not stop the echo of scuffles of feet, of quiet "ums" and "ahs" echoing throughout the hall in response to the woman's presence. She had dressed for the occasion. A new white gown decorated in lace and trims of blue, she felt terribly on show.. And was not all too comfortable until she caught sight of her beloved.
Turning his head towards the newcomer, all Erwald could do was smile as he watched the woman walk down the aisle. He had previously felt self conscious in his full black and golden military attire in front of so many people, but his worries disappeared from the moment she was in his presence, Straightening his posture, the Ravenstad kept his affectionate gaze upon her until she was finally at his side. If he had not been so distracted by how beautiful she looked, he might have noticed that his usually unsettled mind was entirely focused and restful for once. Standing together at the altar in front of their closest family, he finally felt peaceful.
Casting her gaze outwards then, The d'Vaud looked upon those present. To her family first. They had dressed in their typical blues, blacks and whites, each dependant on the family member. Most smiled in support of their relation, be they sibling or cousin, aunt or uncle. The women wore their finest, and the men wore their best suits. Young Lena, who had perhaps not had the best relationship with her kin, sat there regardless with the brightest smile on her face with Hesta, their aunt besides her, ensuring she caused no trouble. To the front of the seats sat Agnette, with an empty space besides her for Hamelin once he returned. Solaine and Benedictus sat close by, watching the ceremony unfold stoically. Her brother released her then, offering a smile to her, and a curt bow to Erwald, before joining his wife.
On the other side sat the Ravenstad family, dressed in crimson, magenta and gold as to be expected for such an important occasion. Many were wearing their best attire to welcome the new member into the family, although some of the men still wore their usual uniforms for pride or to be able to return to their various duties soon afterwards. Valerie sat in the front row to support her brother with Vulmar, the current family patriarch, beside her to watch the culmination of all of his discussions. Eleana and Cecile sat behind them, both wearing stunning gowns to stand out amongst the family. Charles and Gerold were also present, accompanied by Percival after much convincing from his kin.
The couple stood in a moment of silence, as the bride was passed over by her kin, processing the moment in their minds before they turned to the Ravenstad priest. That was when the ceremony began. After using Holy Water to draw an eye on each of their heads, Medard spoke his words clearly, eyeing each in turn as he addressed one, then the other, then the entire room. He said his blessings and his prayers, and then turned to the matter on everyone's mind.
"Will you take Czylle d'Vaud to be your wife?"
"I will," Erwald replied.
"And you, will you take Erwald Charles Ravenstad to be your husband?"
"I will," Czylle replied in turn.
"Then this Union shall now be seen as one by the Sancella and State. We declare the couple married by the State and all, and I seal this marriage before the Imperial Spirit. You may now kiss the bride."
And there the two closed the ceremony with a loving kiss. They turned to the crowd, who smiled, clapped, and came to congratulate them as they rose from their seats.
They had finally made it.
OOC Information:
- Czylle d'Vaud is now married to Erwald Ravenstad and has been brought into the Ravenstad family.
- The event took place at a private ceremony involving the two families in the cathedral. If you were tagged and/or mentioned IC, then you can say your character witnessed it but otherwise your character heard about it afterwards.
- Czylle d'Vaud will now be known as Czylle Ravenstad nee d'Vaud.
