| WRITTEN BY @AtticCat |
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| LA BELLE DAME SANS MERCI | Sir Frank Dicksee |
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DECEMBER 1ST, 309 AC.
DAWN
Snow drifted down from the sky, blanketing over the once-greenery around the lake and offering a bitter chill. The lake itself was obscured partially by frost overtop the solid ice, and only an opaque white overtook the landscape. That was excluding the hurried gathering of people that were shoveling a path through the snow and setting up benches that had been lugged just outside the Regalian walls. The snow-cleared path was covered in a long runner, black in color, that led to the foot of the lakeside tree there. Wind whistled through its branches and small flakes managed to pass to the base as they were shaken from the arching limbs.
"Damn it, they couldn't have waited until Spring or something? I can barely feel my fingers." Wilvamair flexed his finger as he spoke his complaint aloud. Someone scoffed at him and a few murmurs of agreement were made between the work.
Still, there were birds calling out from the tree above, their hops through the branches pushing more snow down as they announced morning's arrival. The time was noted and the wedding movers hurried their way along.
"Damn it, they couldn't have waited until Spring or something? I can barely feel my fingers." Wilvamair flexed his finger as he spoke his complaint aloud. Someone scoffed at him and a few murmurs of agreement were made between the work.
Still, there were birds calling out from the tree above, their hops through the branches pushing more snow down as they announced morning's arrival. The time was noted and the wedding movers hurried their way along.
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MORNING
Just within the city, the calling of the birds was awakening most that were not hard at work in the snow already, that is save for the rest of the wedding party who was cooped up within an Eastwold home. It seemed that all, but the groom, were hard at work putting together the last of things that needed to be carried off towards the lake-side venue. Cadwyn, unlike his bustling companions, was lounging with a half-buttoned coat over his suit, a rather aggravated looking kitten perched above him on the back of the couch. His only entertainment in his brief rest was the feline's tail occasionally sweeping across his face and then promptly blown away by a breath.
Eventually, his sister arrived before him and made a snide comment of laziness, slapping Cadwyn on the arm to prompt him to stand. Aontaithe bickering made up the far-corner of the downstairs as Winifred took up the duties of helping him- rather forcing him- to finish putting himself together. A hair out of place was laid down by an uninvited licked thumb. The two Marths eventually managed to piece Cadwyn into a semblance of prestige, even if it took a white suit that would never be worn again and a fanciful Unionist sash that only his sister appreciated.
A floor above was, unsurprisingly, more peaceful than rushed endeavors of the setting-up. There the bride was having the final touches made onto her own attire, fussed over by a hawkish and circling friend. Carmen puffed a breath as a strand of hair fell out of place and into her eyes, offered a stern look in response by Bellamy. The raven black locks were pinned back with a feathered comb, which held the stark white veil in place.
"Too expensive," murmured one of them as the gown was smoothed, silk shimmering through the cloak of dark lace overtop. Still, it wasn't an expression of distaste- the opportunity to finally dress-up could be appreciated. A break from armor and swords could be looked up to any knight that was as dedicated to their craft as many within the wedding party that day. Especially in light of romantics for one of their own, even if it might be the root of friendly mockery and poking for the weeks to come, as it had already been.
The windows glowed with early light now, the day having risen enough for the sun to shine in through the glass and over the neighboring houses. There was a call that tardiness isn't appreciated, even to one's own wedding, and soon enough Eastwold was silent with the party making their way off towards the lake.
Eventually, his sister arrived before him and made a snide comment of laziness, slapping Cadwyn on the arm to prompt him to stand. Aontaithe bickering made up the far-corner of the downstairs as Winifred took up the duties of helping him- rather forcing him- to finish putting himself together. A hair out of place was laid down by an uninvited licked thumb. The two Marths eventually managed to piece Cadwyn into a semblance of prestige, even if it took a white suit that would never be worn again and a fanciful Unionist sash that only his sister appreciated.
A floor above was, unsurprisingly, more peaceful than rushed endeavors of the setting-up. There the bride was having the final touches made onto her own attire, fussed over by a hawkish and circling friend. Carmen puffed a breath as a strand of hair fell out of place and into her eyes, offered a stern look in response by Bellamy. The raven black locks were pinned back with a feathered comb, which held the stark white veil in place.
"Too expensive," murmured one of them as the gown was smoothed, silk shimmering through the cloak of dark lace overtop. Still, it wasn't an expression of distaste- the opportunity to finally dress-up could be appreciated. A break from armor and swords could be looked up to any knight that was as dedicated to their craft as many within the wedding party that day. Especially in light of romantics for one of their own, even if it might be the root of friendly mockery and poking for the weeks to come, as it had already been.
The windows glowed with early light now, the day having risen enough for the sun to shine in through the glass and over the neighboring houses. There was a call that tardiness isn't appreciated, even to one's own wedding, and soon enough Eastwold was silent with the party making their way off towards the lake.
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NOON
The sun had risen fully over the white-coated lake by the time guests had arrived and settled down at the pews that had been carried there earlier in the day. Those that had committed to the hard labor from before had now since had the chance to switch to nicer clothing, mingling in with the company that had arrived. Common folks, many with gold or silver eyes, sat alongside the most prestigious Regalian company, and yet the good nature of the event brought no brows to lift. Only a select few sat alone in the crowd, yet who was to say if it was their choice or because their invitation had been at the disagreement of others there.
A single musician had been found to orchestrate the procession, a stray violinist who now settled at the arm of the first row until he was signaled by a waved hand. Up he rose and took a place off to the corner of the celate that had agreed to come into the bitter day. The holyman rubbed his hands together to signify that even he was not above the freezing temperature that bit at his bare fingers.
The violin sang a single note, softly announcing the ceremony's beginning. Cadwyn arrived first down the aisle as the groom does, accompanied by his father and sister, the latter of whom whispered into his ear on the way down- advice that she could spare. As they reached the end of the aisle, the two released him and settled by each other at the front.
That single note shifted now, lulling out the settled processional tune. The snow muffled it from traveling far, yet it would not be impossible for any on a midday venture to overhear the faint music by the outskirted lake.
Those in the audience rose and turned to view the back of the pews where the bride had finally found herself. At either arm, she was held by a similarly dark-haired man: the visiting Vincenzo who had come to see his daughter off. Only Bellamy had not yet found a seat as she briefly adjusted the train of the gown. There was a murmur of approval and she stepped aside.
Finally, Carmen began down the aisle.
She was guided along by her father, Dressolini murmurs encouraging her on, although she hardly needed them. Cadwyn's hand reached out to her as she finally reached him and the celate. Their hands were clasped together between her father's own palms, a smile spared before he retreated to settle besides Carmen's mother.
The violinist trailed off his song finally, lifting the bow from strings and offering a silent duck of his head. He sat back at his corner of the front pew as the celate's hands rose for attention.
"It is here we gather today, this cold December the 1st," began the celate now, once he had the attention of those gathered, "to celebrate and honor the devotion that these two, Cadwyn and Carmen, as they swear to the Everwatcher, the God-Empress Elia, and, finally, to each other.
"Now, let us pray." The celate's head bowed, hands coming to clasp together. To some within the crowd, a glance was spared, the silent non-Unionists that had attended. Yet, the majority made the effort to blend in and duck their hands low and listen. Carmen's head lowered to murmur along with the celate, while Cadwyn opted to instead watch her do such through only half-shut eyes.
The God-Empress Elia held no response for the prayers said allowed, asking for protection of the pair in their endeavors into the future. For love to remain ever-present, duty towards the Great Way always considered, and devotion of both groom and bride to stay absolution as Elia's had been for Allest. The snow continued to fall.
As the prayer came to its conclusion, the Eids began. Yet the two did not do as many marrying couples had always done. Instead of proclaiming their affections for each other for everyone to hear, first Cadwyn leaned his head forth to whisper into the Vincenzo's ear. Then the favor was returned, Carmen murmuring her own vows back, although only after the groom had kept his head bowed for her to manage.
The Eids lead now to the symbolization of property and both retrieved their trinkets. Cadwyn took the hand of Carmen as he found the silver band from his pocket, fitting it over her finger. The same was returned in place, Carmen then taking hold of his own hand, thankful that the magitech was the right and not the left. A similar silver ring was slid over the Warden's fourth finger.
Once the rings were passed, gazes turned back towards the officiant who casted his hands high as he began his finale of ceremony.
"With Eids and promises made in the name of God-Empress Elia, we look upon the Everwatcher to ensure that both are guided on the right path throughout their days together. May He be with you as you travel the Great Way, Cadwyn and Carmen Marth.
"- You may now kiss the bride!"
And a great cheer swelled from onlookers as Cadwyn embraced Carmen, the ceremony concluding as the two stood surrounded by the calls and applause of their dearest friends.
A single musician had been found to orchestrate the procession, a stray violinist who now settled at the arm of the first row until he was signaled by a waved hand. Up he rose and took a place off to the corner of the celate that had agreed to come into the bitter day. The holyman rubbed his hands together to signify that even he was not above the freezing temperature that bit at his bare fingers.
The violin sang a single note, softly announcing the ceremony's beginning. Cadwyn arrived first down the aisle as the groom does, accompanied by his father and sister, the latter of whom whispered into his ear on the way down- advice that she could spare. As they reached the end of the aisle, the two released him and settled by each other at the front.
That single note shifted now, lulling out the settled processional tune. The snow muffled it from traveling far, yet it would not be impossible for any on a midday venture to overhear the faint music by the outskirted lake.
Those in the audience rose and turned to view the back of the pews where the bride had finally found herself. At either arm, she was held by a similarly dark-haired man: the visiting Vincenzo who had come to see his daughter off. Only Bellamy had not yet found a seat as she briefly adjusted the train of the gown. There was a murmur of approval and she stepped aside.
Finally, Carmen began down the aisle.
She was guided along by her father, Dressolini murmurs encouraging her on, although she hardly needed them. Cadwyn's hand reached out to her as she finally reached him and the celate. Their hands were clasped together between her father's own palms, a smile spared before he retreated to settle besides Carmen's mother.
The violinist trailed off his song finally, lifting the bow from strings and offering a silent duck of his head. He sat back at his corner of the front pew as the celate's hands rose for attention.
"It is here we gather today, this cold December the 1st," began the celate now, once he had the attention of those gathered, "to celebrate and honor the devotion that these two, Cadwyn and Carmen, as they swear to the Everwatcher, the God-Empress Elia, and, finally, to each other.
"Now, let us pray." The celate's head bowed, hands coming to clasp together. To some within the crowd, a glance was spared, the silent non-Unionists that had attended. Yet, the majority made the effort to blend in and duck their hands low and listen. Carmen's head lowered to murmur along with the celate, while Cadwyn opted to instead watch her do such through only half-shut eyes.
The God-Empress Elia held no response for the prayers said allowed, asking for protection of the pair in their endeavors into the future. For love to remain ever-present, duty towards the Great Way always considered, and devotion of both groom and bride to stay absolution as Elia's had been for Allest. The snow continued to fall.
As the prayer came to its conclusion, the Eids began. Yet the two did not do as many marrying couples had always done. Instead of proclaiming their affections for each other for everyone to hear, first Cadwyn leaned his head forth to whisper into the Vincenzo's ear. Then the favor was returned, Carmen murmuring her own vows back, although only after the groom had kept his head bowed for her to manage.
The Eids lead now to the symbolization of property and both retrieved their trinkets. Cadwyn took the hand of Carmen as he found the silver band from his pocket, fitting it over her finger. The same was returned in place, Carmen then taking hold of his own hand, thankful that the magitech was the right and not the left. A similar silver ring was slid over the Warden's fourth finger.
Once the rings were passed, gazes turned back towards the officiant who casted his hands high as he began his finale of ceremony.
"With Eids and promises made in the name of God-Empress Elia, we look upon the Everwatcher to ensure that both are guided on the right path throughout their days together. May He be with you as you travel the Great Way, Cadwyn and Carmen Marth.
"- You may now kiss the bride!"
And a great cheer swelled from onlookers as Cadwyn embraced Carmen, the ceremony concluding as the two stood surrounded by the calls and applause of their dearest friends.
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