[Haven] What does love do?

[Balthazar Black]

100 Ashan 722

The Arrival

When Balthazar got close enough to the chapel, he waved off his friends and they moved around to go inside. He appreciated the company but didn't really want them anywhere near the two of them while they waited the final moments before going inside for their wedding. It was a rare to render Elisabeth speechless but when he arrived, and heard no witty comment or jab, Balthazar found himself equally lost for words. He had told her when she first bought the dress that she would be a vision on the trial of their wedding. He didn't think it was enough to repeat it. She was more than a vision in her dress. She was stunning in a literal and metaphorical sense.

He couldn't tell if the swelling emotions were his own or Elisabeth's coming to him through their bond but he did his best not to smile like a fool. He was nervous... or maybe she was. Maybe he liked to hide behind thinking it wasn't really him feeling nervous. It didn't matter because when she reached her hand out the nerves he felt began to fade. Balthazar took Elisabeth's hand and squeezed it gently. "You're beautiful." He said in a quiet voice as if the guests he could hear could hear him as well. She wouldn't have to read into his eyes to figure out what he was thinking. Not this trial. "I love you too."

The Entrance

Alright. It was definitely him. He was definitely the one who was nervous. Standing beside the blessing that was Elisabeth, preparing to enter the chapel and walk down an aisle in front of many of the people they knew, he realized how much he didn't want to be in the spotlight. What if they didn't match each other's pace? What if they tripped? What if someone made an inappropriate comment and Balthazar felt compelled to hit them? He took a deep breath before the doors opened and did his best to relax in the moments he had. The doors opened and the duo walked in together. He squeezed Elisabeth's hand again, but gently so as not to hurt her. They were going to be bound hand and hand for quite some time soon so it was probably one of what would be many squeezes.

Elisabeth surveyed the room and noticed the many people who'd accepted the invitation to the wedding but Balthazar, who could have done the same, found it difficult to look at anyone other that Elisabeth as they walked towards Darius. There were a few faces that one could not help but notice- even when distracted so thoroughly by Elisabeth. The dapper one. The best ithecal. Woe. The girl from Rharne. The Chief Ranger. Balthazar saw them when the doors had opened but he didn't exactly look at them as he walked with Elisabeth. There would be time to thank them all for coming later.

Elisabeth stopped at in the middle of the aisle and Balthazar couldn't help but wonder why. All they had to do was keep walking. What was wrong? What had happened? He was good at not letting the stress show but he wanted to know why she'd stopped. Then he saw the cadouri. Elisabeth lowered herself to their level while keeping a strange hold on Balthazar's hand. They weren't tied together yet but she seemed unwilling to let go- even if she was willing to stop suddenly. He would have addressed the guests later but it was Elisabeth's trial. He'd let her do what she wanted with it. She rose again eventually and the two of them were back on the way.

Balthazar never stopped to address anyone but Elisabeth did stop one more time at the front row where the people who'd raised her were sitting. Once more she clung to Balthazar's hand while greeting the two and once more Balthazar stood quietly on the outside of the interaction. Only a few more steps to reach Darius. Just a few. Surely he would be less nervous then?

The Ceremony

Nope. Still nervous and now he was standing in front of Darius with Elisabeth. It wasn't Darius who made him nervous as much as it was the rest of the crowd. No one there warranted fear from the mage and yet he was nervous. He wasn't even sure he could argue he was nervous because it was a crowd large enough to trample him. He wasn't sure, in light of his experience, that the crowd was large enough. Were they squinting at him? Why were they squinting at him? Did he have something on his outfit they were trying to see? Were they looking at Elisabeth? He wasn't observing so he could not see the golden light pouring into the chapel and onto him. Context was important to the nervous mind.

Something happened. Suddenly but slowly at the same time. The nervous mage felt something familiar but new. The shadows of some guests seemed to grow a little longer but perhaps it was a trick of the lighting. He saw something on his hands that caused him to wipe them on his legs but he could not wipe off that which only he had seen. Not even a few trills later, he understood what had happened and for the first time since stepping into the chapel, he didn't feel nervous. Startled by the sudden shift, maybe, but he felt more wonder than nerves as he looked around at the glass chapel. It was a test and he had passed. They had passed. He corrected the thought in his head. He was marked, but Elisabeth was every bit as responsible for the chapel as he was- maybe more. They had done it together.

Balthazar found his eyes wandering the stained glass depictions of the immortals, searching for his patron among the many other's who were now depicted in glass. He saw the four behind Darius and Ilaren over the doorway before it occurred to him to look upward. Granted the sudden appearance of trees inside the chapel had given him a small flashback to Quacia that startled him for only a brief moment before he resumed his survey of the chapel. Many of the guests seemed in awe but there were those who, like Balthazar, were a little more naturally suspicious of things. Had he not felt what he did, he would have been suspicious.

When his eyes landed on Elisabeth the wonder and curiosity that had been provoked by the magical change faded completely. They were replaced by other, stronger feelings. Feelings that made Balthazar want to get back to the ceremony. They could not have asked the immortals for a better place to be wed now. It was not what they had planned, but it was unlike anything they could have imagined. It was almost perfect. It would be perfect when his hand was bound to Elisabeth's.

Elisabeth called for Darius the Ox to begin the ceremony again and Balthazar waited for exactly that. The time to thank the immortals, like the time to thank the guests, would be next.

[Darius Baer]

The Arrival...

There had been times in Darius' life, when he had found solace in his solitude. Usually, this took place when he managed to steal him away from his responsibilities, row the Lady Jean to some isolated spot on the Hollow Sea, and simply reflect on his life and those whom he was fortunate enough to share it with.

But this was different. As he stood there in the chapel, there was a sense of peace that was stronger than usual. Where he would normally hear the quiet lapping of water against the hull of his rowboat, there was silence. It was not merely the absence of sound, but a cloak of peace.

Darius closed his eyes and slowly inhaled, taking in the moment. When he opened them again, it seemed as if the entire world had changed. The colours around him seemed more vivid; the likes more perfect; the angles and shades sharper and more defined. His eyes widened in wonderment, and then, just as his mind dared to contemplate the spectacle before him, it was gone.

Taken aback, the Scalvorian only allowed himself to contemplate his unusual experience for a few trills. Whatever had just happened, there was a wedding that needed to take place, and he rushed to regather his thoughts.

Gennadiya was the first guest to enter, and the sight of her brought an immediate smile to Darius' face. He had last seen the blonde beauty among very different circumstances at the siege of Storm's Edge. There had been plans for her to be Vega's midwife, but those had fallen through. But she was here now, on Faldrass, and he was sure Elisabeth and Balthazar would be grateful.

He saw other guests he knew, too: Devin, his fellow Baron von Smooglenuff, whose mouthed encouragement was received with a warm grin and a deferential nod; Councillors Morandi and Mednix, who he had shared plenty of time with on different endeavours; and Praetorum who had been with him on Ishallr. Most importantly, his father Josef arrived, with Astra holding onto his arm. They both wore pride on their faces, and Darius knew that was meant for him.

But there were also those he had not yet met, but knew by name: several Havenite settlers; and a pair of cadouri, one that looked like a ferret, and one that resembled a hedgehog, who were strangers to the Scalvorian, and yet immediately known to him as 'Jon'.

All were welcomed - some more verbally than others - and invited to take a seat once they had placed any gifts they might have had onto the allocated table.

The Entrance...

A knock on the door of the chapel echoed in the Scalvorian's ears, and he looked down the aisle of the crowded room to where Silk and Balder stood. He took one last breath of confidence, then nodded to the two guards and addressed the room. When he spoke, he did so in a voice that he knew would carry.Inner Voice

"Ladies and gentlemen, settlers and guests, family and friends...please be upstanding for the betrothed."

All eyes shifted from the front to the back, and as the doors opened, they watched the couple step into the chapel. Darius couldn't prevent a grin from forming, his cheeks insistent on stretching apart.

Sunlight streamed through the windows of the chapel. The very sun that had accompanied Darius when he had been finalising his notes now appeared to want to witness the occasion itself, and it threatened to be a distraction. Darius squinted his eyes, but did not otherwise shift himself away from the light, lest he draw more attention to himself than to the loving pair that had brought everyone to the chapel in the first place.

The Ceremony...

"Can you feel that?"

"Feel what?"

"That."

A conversation had begun inside Darius' head. Ledas, his ice tiger companion, who also remained unseen by anyone else, was offering him wise counsel.

"We are not alone in this place."

"What do you me—"

In that instant, the very building itself changed. From stone and wood, the structure's very bones were transformed into glass; its sinews crystallising before their very eyes.

Darius held his breath as he took it in, and the sounds of awe and wonder from among the guests soon reached his ears. He lifted his gaze towards the spiral of exquisite panes of glass, before noticing that many people were looking past him, at which point he turned to see what it was that was behind him that had so captured their attention. Four scenes, each depicting a different Immortal, were on display. U'frek; Cassion; Moseke; Daia. Were the Immortals...wedding crashersThere is no excuse for this...sorry, not sorry...

?

"They are not the only ones."

Darius looked at Balthazar, and the light that was bathing the mage. He knew that the ice tiger was right. He felt as though he was in the presence of an Immortal. Balthazar's black nails - like those of Faith Augustin - led the Scalvorian to one seemingly logical conclusion.

"Vri?" he asked.

Ledas did not answer. Perhaps he did not know? But the tiger from Ishallr did not deny it.

"So much glass," Darius marvelled silently to Ledas.

"You know what glass means."

"Aye."

Darius thought of the other buildings of glass on Scalvoris. The Glass Temple in Scalvoris Town and the Glass Tree in Almund were holy sites.

Elisabeth whispered to Darius, bringing him back to the present moment. In the awe and wonder of the occasion, Darius had almost forgotten that he had a job to do. He smiled as the Videnese called him 'Ox' - a simple way to help him to keep calm - and he addressed the room.

"Behold, and tread carefully," he spoke warmly with a confident tone, gesturing to the glass that surrounded everyone, "for we now stand on hallowed ground."

A brief pause followed, and then, taking a parchment from his pocket, he was ready for the wedding to begin.

"Marriage," he began. "Marriage is what brings us together this trial..."

[Pegasus]

You are cordially invited......

There were people in the chapel that trial who could feel that they were in the presence of divinity; that the light which bathed Balthazar was something very special. But there was only one person who saw ~ reflected in the glass which surrounded them ~ anything for sure. And what Woe saw was his patron deity. Just a glimpse, just a reflection.

But he was there.

And then, he was gone. But he left Woe with knowledge, with information; what Woe did with that was up to him. Secret PM sent! . Of course, the other person who was sure of a divine presence was the groom. Balthazar felt the light bathe over him and he knew that Vri's task was done. For those watching, the light seemed to contract so it was simply surrounding Balthazar, and then, it faded. His nails grew darker, though probably only he and Elisabeth who held tightly on to his hand, would notice.

Throughout the rest of the ceremony, Balthazar felt Vri's presence. It was there, it was comforting and familiar. The presence of the Immortal of Love at your wedding was certainly not a bad thing.

Darius began the ceremoney and the light surrounding Balthazar faded. The chapel was filled with light anyhow, but things returned to normal (relatively speaking) and they could begin the ceremony knowing that the Immortal who had set them this task was pleased with them.

Of course, there were others who had different opinions on both the task and the final outcome.

However, for the guests, the "show" of lights was over with quickly, though the after effect of it might last for some time with a few of them. While many of the guests took things in their stride, with some of them being suspicious, others being thankful, there were also those who were not used to such strangeness. Winston had been offered the shoulder of one of the guests, a young human woman in her early 20s. When it all happened, she whispered softly. "Why those four?" and Winston saw her make a sign with her hands which he may well recognise.

It was a sign to ward off evil.

Devin noticed this also, when he opened his eyes from his prayer. If Delroth (or any of the Immortals) was paying attention, he didn't answer although Devin's familiar was quick to point out that there were more birds in the sky at the moment than was usual. All of them close to Faldrass and... actually, circling the small island. Specifically, this chapel. Odd. Not in any way that was aggressive or such, but like they were maybe just watching.

Or, of course, waiting.

Tiggy had a different reaction. Tiggy rolled up into a ball and hid from the extreme situation outside. This was a natural reaction for Tiggy and it, too, had a consequence. When one is small (as Winston and Tiggy were small) people tend not to notice you. Now, Winston was perched on a shoulder, but Tiggy curled into a ball and as fear and anxiety threatened to overwhelm them, Tiggy detected a familiar scent. It was home. Tiggy and Winston were both Cadouri (as they'd probably noticed) and that meant that previously, before they lived on Idalos, they had lived in Saoire's Realm. Saoire , who was kind and gentle, did not like to see her children suffering at all and each Cadouri was a child of Saoire, even if they'd never met her. As Tiggy caught the scent of home - a small droplet of light fell to the floor and landed in front of Tiggy. Unlike the other droplets of light, it was solid and it was the perfect size for Tiggy's hand.

If Tiggy looked, Tiggy would see that it was, in fact, a turtle. A tiny tiny (even to Tiggy tiny) glass turtle.

When Genna looked around at the beautiful sights around them, as she turned her gaze to the falling light, she saw that her gift to Elisabeth and Balthazar had been taken off the table of gifts. It just caught her eye that there was a space where her gift had been. Should she look, it was nowhere to be seen.

As for Prae, there was something strange there that he could see - or rather sense. He was used to hearing and feeling the elements from his Defiance - and of understanding the environment because of his attunement. However, this was different. Prae felt - as everyone did - the warmth and peacefulness of the Divine. But Praetorum noticed something - it was a feeling of his own connection to his Immortal patrons. It was always there, always in the background. There was, for him, a feeling of slight .... unease. Not anything majorly bad. Just .... uneasy.

Oram, however, did not feel any of that sort of unease - nor did Gennadiya, for that matter. Both of them were marked by Immortals, after all. Yet neither of them felt it. Oram was naturally suspicious and his instinct not to explore, examine, or whip out that there tongue depressor kicked in. Were they the right ones? He couldn't know just then. But he did notice (although he was the only one who didI random dice rolled. Congratulations! that none of the droplets of light fell on him, or Gennadiya. It was like, in fact, there was an area around them where the light did not fall. It was only an inch, maybe half an in, but it was there.

“Love recognises no barriers, it jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination, full of hope.”
~ Maya Angelou ~

Meanwhile .....

"I don't understand why he is concerned or involved?" She looked at him as she asked that. "It isn't exactly neutral, is it?"

He smiled at her. Their ways were still largely a mystery to her, even after all this time. That was because, of course, she was mortal. In many ways, he considered, that was where this issue had begun. Mortals. "It is commerce," he said, gently. "And if an action is harmful to Neutrality, it is of his concern." He looked - and sounded - sorrowful. "We are not akin to mortals. It is inaccurate to believe we are."

She gestured to the scene they watched. "So you and he will keep things" she whispered, searching for the word. Before she could find it, he leaned down to kiss her. "Of course we will,", he assured her. "It is their moment and Balthazar is mine."

Nodding, she rested her head against his shoulder and watched.

And just then........

The light had faded and now they were standing in the normal light of the trial. The building around them remained calm and serene and now, Darius was able to begin the ceremony. There was time for the ceremony now, for the vows to be exchanged and the tying of hands.

It was time for the ceremony to happen and as it didPlease assume that the ceremony is happening if you post before Darius / Elisa / Balth. Guests can / will respond to the ceremony in this post and the next one. So, do what you can / want to here. they were all witness to it.

OOC:
Alright, you lot. Sit up straight...... You there, in the back? Stop tugging at your collar. And someone get that ferret off of Jim's shoulder, will you!? ....

Overview

Ok everyone, welcome to the wedding of Balthazar Black and Elisabeth Angelus! I'm going to be modding it for you. Please note the following:

• Only PCs who are invited may post in this thread.
• Darius is officiating the ceremony. ( Scalvoris Wedding Traditions for info)
• I'm going to ask you all to identify up to 3 knowledge per post using the new [knowledge tags. Same for this round. I'm happy to help anyone who needs it - but if you don't identify it, I won't be identifying it for you

• No posting sections this time. Feel free to take your post to the point of being in the middle of the ceremony - we'll go from there next time!
• Darius, Elisabeth, Balthazar Please to be getting the ceremony happening. I understand there are things you want to do as parts of the ceremony - please get those happening.

Gifts

There are currently the following gifts:

• Honeydrops, made by Winston
• Wine and glasses in a beautiful box, from Devin
• Whiskey (purple), a decanter and glasses, from Woe
• Mead, made by Tiggy
• Glass wind chime, from Oram
• Daggers, made by Prae
• A hand-carved box with 12 draws in it; each draw has a different tea, made by Jacien
• A set of silver cutlery from Haven Farm
• A silver and glass bowl from Munny Farm
• A set of silver tableware (salt, pepper, napkin rings, etc) with delicate engraving on it from Horatio B Thunderbussel.)
• A small glass coin, without a label.
• A snowcrystal carefully wraped in a box - from Eckman
• A small glass flower, a pretty ornament - from Stan at the Glass Temple
• A luxury box of chocolates and some nice crystal glass bowls, from Bao Bao
• A pair of whistles (one in silver, encrusted with gems of Peanut Wood, for Elisabeth, and one in gold, encrusted with onyx, for Balthazar.) and and a serving bell (golden and silver) from Kisaik
• Other stuff as I think of it / remember people!

My next post will be Friday 27th May.
If you don't post by Thursday 26th, be warned that I may well post first thing in the morning.

[Woe]

Well-Meaning Ignorance

In all of a moment, as Woe saw the traces of his Patron reflected in the glass behind Balthazar and Elisabeth and the Baron, he knew the significance of the appearance of Moseke, and could infer that the same was true of U'frek, Daia, and Cassion. While Woe could care less about Cassion, it wasn't material to this moment. What was remarkable, about the couple getting married, was that they had the audacity to invite Immortals to their wedding. Not only that, but to disinvite, or fail to invite those four, who were so crucial to the Forging. Woe almost couldn't believe it, he almost didn't believe it. And for just a moment, as he noticed Chamadarst withdrawing, he regretted coming.

Vri's protection was a coveted thing, if such a power, combined with Chamadarst, could forestall the wrath of the snubbed Immortals. Woe only wondered how long Chamadarst had bargained with Vri to make it so. These thoughts troubled his mind as he sat. Yet his face was devoid of change, locked in an affect of calm attention to the proceedings at hand. He didn't want to upset Chamadarst's carefully bargained for neutrality, that was certain. But nor would he sit idle.

So once the Ceremony was concluded, he'd follow the rest of the crowd, doing as they would. He'd only a small amount of knowledge of Scalvoris wedding traditions. A crash course that his son Iago had given him before departing on this trip. Enough to know a few things. This was centered around the appropriate gift, as that was Woe's chief role here, to bring a gift. And what was not appropriate, and in fact, very bad luck. Textiles. Specifically the blanket Gennadiya had gifted to the couple. As he got up from the seating, he made his way toward the gift table, to see if the blanket was gone or still there. He noticed some people crossing themselves, genuflecting as if warding against evil.

When he saw the blanket gone, his heart sank just a little. He turned to find Gennadiya in the crowd. Once he did, he would offer her his hand, "Would you join me, Miss Lyosha?" Woe had no ill-will toward Gennadiya. In fact, she was a lovely and nice woman whose well-meaning ignorance may have put a target on her own back. But she didn't deserve that, for simply being unaware of Scalvoris wedding customs. As he offered his hand, if she'd take it, he'd try to extend his blessing of

Sombran

to her if he could. Just so that she could avoid the fallout of whatever was to come. And, just in case.

Woe could've easily left the Chapel then and there, but he'd prefer doing something to doing nothing. "It's a lovely day, isn't it?" He asked Gennadiya. His eyes looked up briefly toward the birds in the sky, wondering... Labrae?

[Praetorum]

Praetorum wished, so dearly, that he could be happy and peaceful, basking in the love these two had for one another. That he could simply enjoy the ceremony, that this would be a peaceful trial where the only event that took place was the one they'd all gathered here for. 



But as the light faded, and the ceremony began, Praetorum began to feel... something. A faint discomfort, an worry of some sort. And Praetorum had not survived so long without trusting in his gut feelings. Letting his mind focus inwards, Praetorum hunted for the source of that discomfort, searching his mind and soul to try and identify what had triggered his instincts. 



Only... as it turned out, it wasn't his instincts. It wasn't even his discomfort. 



The marks he bore on his arm and hand bound him to the Noble Serpent and the Lady of the Light—now, it carried to him the faint feeling of unease. And that was enough to concern Prae, deeply. He had no doubt that whatever was causing his patrons concern had to do with this wedding—but what? 



Prae could think of three possibilities—something was going to happen, something had already happened, or the very wedding or union itself made the immortals uncomfortable. If something was going to happen, Prae didn't think it was dangerous—he could sense no threat, either instinctively or through his Taithir mark. And the feeling Prae was getting wasn't anger at wedding crashers or worry for the couple and guests. So he set that thought aside for the time being. Prae didn't think that his immortals disapproved of the union, either. He knew less of immortal politics than he would have liked, but Prae couldn't think of any issue either Qylios or Ethelynda would have with Vri, in whose favour Balthazar was clearly in. 



Then there was the possibility that something had already happened. Quietly, Prae ran through the events of the day, but came up with nothing particularly suspicious. 


But then, what was it that was concerning his patrons? Tentatively, Praetorum reached mentally for the bond between himself and the two immortals, and sent through a simple prayer. 



Is there something I can do?



Almost as soon as he'd thought the words, a handful more came to his ear, courtesy of a woman several rows ahead of him, muttering to herself. 



"Why those four," she said, and Prae blinked. It took him a moment to understand what she was asking, but once he did, Prae couldn't help but wonder how he'd not thought to ask it. He'd glossed over it at first as a record of the immortals they'd met, but now that Prae gave it further thought, there had to be more to it than that. None of either Elisabeth's nor Balthazar's patrons were included in the four up front, nor over the entryway. Ilaren, Prae could sort of understand—they'd wed on her day, after all, but the other four... they'd all had their parts to play in the Forging, but was that the point of this chapel? To celebrate those events? It seemed... odd to Prae. 



And the other thing was, the chapel itself. Prae's first instinct had been to think that Vri had changed it, as it had originally been a chapel to him. But the glass suggested another immortal, one Prae was unaware had any relation to the couple. 



Prae's head hurt. That was his conclusion. Something was going on and Prae didn't know what. But it made his patrons uncomfortable and that was making Prae uncomfortable. 


Fates, why could nothing be simple with those two?


Well, he supposed, if things were simple around them, they wouldn't be, well, them. 



Without more information, there was nothing Prae could do, but keep an eye out for trouble. With that thought, Prae carefully reached out with attunement, spreading his awareness all around them. At his level of attunement, Prae could not easily focus on the entire chapel, so instead he spread his awareness to only the room they were in. That, he should be able to keep up for some time. Prae was, however, wary of what he might see. If this place had immortal influence, Prae wasn't sure if its song would overwhelm him, or if he would even be able to hear those notes. He resolved to be careful, but this whole thing had him on edge enough that he wanted to keep an eye on the proceedings.

[Darius Baer]

"Marriage, that blessed arrangement," Darius continued. "That dream within a dream."

With the light in the chapel having had its say, and slowly fading, the Scalvorian saw no need to stop proceedings. He was blissfully ignorant of what others were noticing - divine presences and strange feelings and missing presents - as he focused on the task at hand.

"And love," he went on, "true love, will follow you forever, so treasure your love."

Darius looked up from his parchment and looked around the room, an expressive grin spread across his face. Scalvorian weddings were renowned for involving everyone present, and that had always been his favourite aspect of the ceremony.

"What say we all?" he called out.

"Treasure your love!" came the yelled reply.

There were many in the room who had called back - anyone who knew Scalvorian traditions well knew what to do - but Darius could have sworn it was his father Josef who shouted the loudest. That realisation only made the younger Baer's smile grow wider.

"And who says so?" he cried out.

"So say we all!"

Darius decided that he'd heard Astra in that second reply, but he couldn't know for sure.

He returned the parchment to his pocket, then turned to the table beside him. He slowly and carefully lifted the multi-coloured rope from the betrothal box and held it aloft, so that all could see. Then he lowered his hands and returned to the couple at the altar.

"Elisabeth and Balthazar," he announced, "a marriage is a bond of body, of mind, and of soul. Firstly, the body. Please extend one hand each, and hold them together."

Once the couple's held hands were extended, Darius began to tie the rope around them. He did not tie them too tightly, lest the pair be uncomfortable, but he did not attach them loosely, for it was considered bad luck if the ropes were to fall.

"A rope is not an individual," Darius announced, "but a collective. A single strand cannot withstand strain indefinitely. A rope of three strands is not easily broken."

He looped the rope around their wrists as he continued, using his expertise as a mariner to ensure it was tied exactly as he wanted.

"Each of you is one such strand," he continued, "and we - your friends and family, your supporters, and your witnesses - are the third. We can all work together to help you in your union."

The bearded blond tightened the rope, and it held firm.

"In this way, it said that by taking this step, you are tying the knot."

Darius held the couple's hands in his for a moment, as if to accentuate the symbolism of the three strands. After he let them go, he offered them both a gentle smile. He was immensely proud of what they were doing, and even more so to be a part of such a special moment.

"Secondly, the mind. You have each prepared vows to share with each other. Now is your opportunity to declare your love for one another in public."

He turned to Elisabeth, and patiently waited for her to retrieve her parchment and share what she had written from her heart.

[Elisabeth Black]

100 Ashan, Arc 722

Haven Settlement/Faldrass

Meeting outside the chapel had rendered both speechless, which was a rather unique experience. Elisabeth was rarely silent, but what she would remember most about the moment was the way Balthazar looked at her. No, she didn't need to be told what he was thinking. She knew.



The moment's wonder slowly passed as Elisabeth nudged Darius regarding the ceremony. Glancing at Balthazar, she couldn't help but smile brightly, allowing some of her giddiness to come through the serene exterior. She really, really, really wanted to get married, and the sooner, the better.

Darius mentioned holy ground, which made sense. The comment prompted a quick look around again, amazed at the beauty around her and all that it symbolized. In her opinion, they were standing in the middle of the spirit of Scalvoris.

However, she also knew what glass meant and likely who glass meant, which caused her a moment's concern. All Elisabeth understood was what was before her. The middle of their wedding was no place for musings of any sort, beyond those needed for the ceremony. Like Darius, the young bride was oblivious to many things others were feeling, hearing, or seeing.

Following Darius' lead, Elisabeth extended her hand to him, joining it with Balthazar's, knowing that they would be bound by the ropes and ribbons they had braided the trail before. Truth be told, she was looking forward to navigating the celebration to follow, as their hands needed to remain bound until the subsequent trial.

His words were powerful, speaking of both she and Balthazar, and the friends and family they cherished. Elisabeth was very much into symbolism, so what was said, she felt deeply. It caught her a bit off guard, watching Balthazar as Darius joined their hands, understanding their commitment to each other and being fully present in the moment, wanting to carry the memory of it forever.

Moving along, it was time for their vows. It was, honestly, the scariest part of the ceremony for Elisabeth. She often told Balthazar about her feelings for him, so how could she find different words to express what she felt in her heart? Tricky business, that.

Taking out the parchment she hid in her free hand, nestled against the pouch that contained Balthazar's gift, she handed the paper to Darius, knowing he would need them later in the ceremony. Elisabeth didn't need parchment to remind her what to say – she knew the words by heart.

Turning to face Balthazar fully, the young woman squeezed his hand, eyes full of love. It took a trill for the words to start following, but her soft voice was laced with emotion once they did.

"Balthazar Black, you are loved more than any combination of words could express. You've encouraged, supported and loved me in moments I doubted myself. I know that even in our most difficult times, if I extend my hand in the darkness, I will always find yours, ready to walk with me until we find the light at the end of the tunnel. You are my heart, my light and my love."

"I know lots of words, but nothing seemed good enough when I sat down to write what I would vow to you. How can I put into words everything I've learned about love from you? This feeling inside me that grew so immense and strong that my only recourse was to go into the world and share it with others?"

Smiling gently at him, Elisabeth squeezed his hand, and the room suddenly faded. Darius, their friends and family, slipped from her awareness. At that moment, saying those words to the man she loved - it was just the two of them.

"But then I remembered a night in Rharne where I made you a promise. I promised you that I was right where I wanted to be - with you. That sentiment has only grown stronger since. Once I started thinking about that night, the words I wanted to say to you came."

Taking a deep breath, the bride began.

"I vow to take care of your heart and always love and cherish you with all of mine."

"I vow to listen to you for as long as it takes you to feel heard – always."

"I vow to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, and encourage you to achieve all you wish."

"I vow to have the patience, attention and devotion that love demands."

"I vow to be imperfect with you. I will stumble and make mistakes, but those moments will allow me to rise, learn and be a better partner, and I will."

Nothing could have prepared Elisabeth for the overwhelming emotions welling up inside her. With each vow spoken, each verse so utterly meant and felt, she felt her commitment to the moment and the man she loved reach new levels.

"I vow to face all the wonders and challenges life will put in our path with you. To be your partner in love and life. "

And then, and final vow.

"I vow to grow in mind and spirit with you, sharing the lessons life has to teach us. But know that all these things I've just said, are more than vows or promises. They are privileges. I feel privileged to be the one you've chosen to take this journey with. Totrial is the beginning of the rest of our lives, and I choose to spend totrial, and all of my tomorrows, with you.”

Elisabeth managed to hold it together – barely. She was not so confident that would be the case during Balthazar's vows.

Thank you Visna for the beautiful wedding template!

[Winston]

Back with Tiggy - Pre Arriving

Tiggy clearly appeared not to be coping. 'Oh nor. Poor Tiiggee. Me shulda bin maw tinkin' aboot her bein' quiet.' He thought to himself, with a little regret at his own selfish excitement. She really could have benefit from bringing Patsy along as a social shield... In Patsie's absence, however, Winston decided to step up until the ceremony started and distract the attention away from his shrinking friend.

He gave his attempt at a formal bow at Devin's introduction, in order to draw the attention away from Tiggy. "Winstaan Milla, Caldouri and all around 'andy-ferret." he replied merrily, with no intention to mock the baron, but under the impression that first names would not suffice. His bow might have contained all the elements of a formal bow, with perhaps only the confidence that he was actually a) supposed to be bowing and b) doing it right missing. "Dee High Priast?

A pleasha ta meet ya!

" He replied. He became increasingly aware that he and Tiggy might be the only people in the room not renowned for some great dead or responsibility. He had no idea what he had done to receive such an opportunity, but it was exciting... if a little bit very intimidating.

Winston made sure to attempt to redirect any other unwanted attention away from Tiggy as she found her centre, or a place to hide.

Leading to the Ceremony Commencing

The bride and groom were here now and walking down the aisle. Elizabeth really was stunning. I mean, she was not very hairy, but on a girl's wedding day has to be a day you can forgive her for that.

As she stopped and knelt, Winston was totally caught off guard. He stood, in awe of the two of them in general, let alone that they would pause mid-matrimonial meander and recognise them in such a way.

Winston gave a very delighted smile, bowed lower(er) and replied "Me can most certainly assure yuh dat dee hana is al mee own. Tank yuh bowth, fa yuh kind invitashun.".

As they continued down the aisle, Winson was wiggling through the crowd, trying to get to a good place to see the proceedings, a woman offered him a hand. As he looked up at her, he was caught for a moment by her likeness.

'Saoire?'

He thought to himself for a moment, but no sooner had the thought entered his mind, it left.

The woman standing before him was clearly not her. Though perhaps Saoire existed in her kindness.

Whatever the case, he smiled "Tank ya. Me name's Winstaaan. Tis a pleasha to meet ya. Yuh is very kind.". It was not the first and would not be the last time he said that today, but he meant every word, every time. Being careful not to cause any discomfort, he climbed up and onto her shoulder. "Wow. Dems handsome." He observed as the ceremony got started.

When his current companion commented on the four, Winston made note, but did not truly follow. "Me 'ave no idea."

He recognised the gesture she made. Saoire was all about protection and as she made the ward against evil with her hands, he did the same. In truth, he was not sure if the woman was simply gesusturing, casting or perhaps it was part of the customs for the ceremony... whatever the case, Winston made the gesture in comeradery and good faith.

As he felt 'home' tugging at his awareness he smiled. He let himself open to the energy of the day, that of the couple, the Immortals and the love.

Back to the Ceremoney

Darius, whom Winston decided had a very handsome mane on his chin, held the ceremony well and as prompted, with the crowd as his cheat sheet, he replied "Treasure your love!".

It was delightful. Really very delightful, the emotion returned from the crowd. "So say we all!"[/'i] He yelled, being sure not to yell directly into the ear of his kindly pedestal, thrusting his hand in the air as he did.

The metaphor of the rope was, he decided, a good one. Multiple threads contribute to the strength of the whole. Friends, honestly, love, chemistry, family... so many things can contribute to a couple's relationship and these two seemed so very happy together. He genuinely wished them both the very best as the ceremony proceeded.

He spent his entire time upon the woman's shoulder, being very careful not to cause any discomfort and should it become apparent that he might be doing just that, he'd offer to hop down without any hesitation.

[Devin]

When the ceremony finally began, the light surrounding Balthazar faded again, Devin noticed, which disappointed him a bit, to be honest, because it had just looked so amazing. More than that, he was wondering where the light had come from in the first place though. Was it the result of some sort of divine presence, or just a clever special effect? And why hadn’t there been any light on Elisabeth? Shouldn’t the bride have her own supernatural light? He pondered that question for a few moments before something suddenly occurred to him. Something very, very strange was going on at this wedding!

When he opened his eyes from his prayer, his familiar that took the shape of a beautiful parrot with red, yellow, blue and green feathers pointed out that there were more birds in the sky than was usual. They were all close to Faldrass and circling the island and this chapel in particular. It almost was as if they were watching. Devin furrowed his brow and wondered if Elisabeth and Balthazar had invited Delroth to the wedding, or were followers of Delroth, at least, but quickly dismissed that idea. They were both attractive people, and they seemed to take pride in what they did, but there was nothing about them that immediately screamed “Delroth” to him. So, why were there so many birds in the sky?

Maybe they were there because of him!

While Delroth being a wedding guest was unlikely as much as Devin thought that he should have been invited, it caused him to wonder if other Immortals might be attending the ceremony. His gaze went back to the windows with the pictures of the Immortals – and Ilaren above the doorway. Maybe, those five had been invited. Balthazar had always given him the impression of loving alcohol and adventures, and Moseke had protected Scalvoris during the Forging, so it made sense for her to be there as well.

He just hoped that the other Immortals wouldn’t feel left out if his theory turned out to be true!

He heard the young woman that had offered Winston her shoulder whisper, “Why those four?”, and when he turned around, he noticed that she made a sign to ward off evil which increased the possibility of Immortals being disgruntled because only the four in the windows – and possibly Ilaren – had been invited. He wondered if he should be on edge and start making such signs as well, just in case. For the time being, nothing bad had happened though, so he decided to push those feelings of unease aside and focus on the good things for the most part – Two people that were very much in love were getting married!



Devin had meant to greet Tiggy in a friendly and enthusiastic way, and expected a similar greeting in return, so when the little cadouri started to stammer something and drew back, the Mortalborn just stood there for a moment, his eyes wide, because he was at a total loss. People admired him or were in awe of him, but nobody had ever been afraid of him!

He didn’t like the idea that someone might be afraid of him, to be honest. He wanted to be loved rather than feared!

With that thought in mind, he looked at the spiky little ball in front of him, making sure not to come too close and said in a gentle tone of voice, “I mean no harm. Please don’t be scared. I don’t bite! See?” he asked. No matter if Tiggy ended up looking at him or not, he offered Tiggy the most charming, innocent and reassuring smile that he was capable of – and he was very, very good at being charming and looking innocent if he wanted to!



Devin hadn’t been sure how Darius would fare as an officiator, but his fellow Baron was good. When the bearded blond looked around the room and grinned, the Mortalborn returned the grin and joined the other wedding guests. Scalvorian weddings involved a lot of audience participation, and he wanted to participate. He was very happy for Elisabeth and Balthazar. The atmosphere in the chapel was infectious; and besides, he was still so very determined to be the best wedding guest that he could be!

Darius was very professional in Devin’s opinion which briefly made him consider asking him to do priestly things with him sometime before he focused on Elisabeth and Balthazar, a wide and happy smile on his face, and watched how the rope was tied around their wrists. It was a lovely ceremony, but a part of him couldn’t help but wonder how Elisabeth and Balthazar would deal with being tied to each other for the remainder of the trial.

Dancing and eating would probably already be challenging, but the wedding night … oh my!

He looked at them, trying to suppress a grin before he listened to Elisabeth’s vows, attentively and with a smile on his face that was possibly even brighter than before. It was obvious that she really, really loved Balthazar!

As he waited for the ceremony to continue, Devin’s thoughts went back to what he had seen and heard before though, and he couldn’t help but wonder again. He briefly looked up where the birds might still be circling and asked his parrot familiar through their mental link because he was still puzzled, “Are the other birds saying anything? Do you have any idea what they want?” His companion, he decided, might see and hear more than he did; besides, his parrot and those other birds belonged to the same species!

[Gennadiya Lyosha]

“I have been and still am
a seeker, but I have ceased to
question stars and books;
I have begun to listen to
the teaching my blood
whispers to me.”
― Hermann Hesse

What Does Love do
100 Ashan 722

Gennadiya sat quietly watching what was going on around her taking it all in. He gaze glanced around as the ceremony processed and noticed there were a verity of responses to the events that were going on. She saw a couple of Seiro’s children reacting differently to the changes that were occurring in the building. The sapphire eyes of the healer were quizzical at the images and she heard the whispered question about why those four. Genna also wondered that, but also was well aware of her own ignorance. Thanks to friends she was aware that something big with the Immortals had happened around here, and that it had brought a change, but the details were very vague.

She wondered about the symbolism occurring around her. The young woman was from Lysoria far away to the west and to the south, a very different world from this islands with its induks and magics. She did also notice that her gift had vanished, which did cause her to draw her eyebrows together in confusion, but that was the only sign on her face that something was off. Genna turned back deciding that she couldn’t do anything about that right now. Yes that was the word something seemed off, she couldn’t have said what. She kept her eyes open but settled into enjoy the ceremony. She kept allowed part of her self to keep an eye out to see if the off feeling she had was caused by those around her or if it was caused by something else.

The ceremony began and the young woman watched as the Darius walked them through the process, Genna was unaware of traditions of Scalvoris, and wouldn’t freely say that, but she took the traditions and symbolism in stride and smiled up at the bride and groom as they made their oaths to each other. Her smile turned into a grin of approval as Elisabeth shared her oaths with Balthazar. That was her wonderful and beautiful friend, always able to find the right words for a situation.

After the ceremony was over Genna was pleasantly surprised to find Woe standing by her asking if she would join him. “I would be pleased to Mister Woe.” She said with a smile and a twinkle of humor in her eyes. She extended her hand and took his. Her hands were well taken care of but he could feel the slight callus from working with medical equipment all trial. She stood and walked next to Woe as the moved around. She saw him looking up towards the sky and the birds that were now filling the skies. At this point the presence of the creatures had been noticed but were no more weird to her then the changes to the building. She was still smiling as said. “Is there something important about those birds?” Again she wasn’t sure if the feeling of things being off was because of the spectacular events around them or because the spectacular events had just effected members. Her own connection to Immortals did tell here that there was something coming from that realm but she wasn’t exactly sure.