Swing Me On Your Trapeze

[pinprick]

WHO: Friends of Nathaniel Howe and Anders.
WHAT: An informal Wintersend wedding
WHEN: Wintersend Day
WHERE: Camp Shady
NOTES: Open invitation to all Wardens and anyone who considers themselves a close enough friend of one of the grooms. We're not policing the invite list.

There's scarcely an announcement, though the men have had their minds made up for a while. It's assuredly not formal, invitation spread only by word of mouth. It is, due to the people involved, tactfully swept into Wintersend where it will be camouflaged by a number of other Wintersend celebrations.

No it's not a surprise. No it doesn't really make sense. But Anders and Nathaniel are getting married anyway.

Decorations are simple, mainly winter flowers and evergreen, whatever is colorful at this altitude. Those same winter flowers are made into crowns for the grooms, which is a tradition from the Anderfels. Nathaniel wears his dress uniform, a tradition everywhere. Anders wears a striking set of blue robes to match, though mages have no marriage traditions. Miraculously, a priest has agreed to perform the ceremony. She is content not to make this more or less than what it is: a celebration of the love of two people.

Vows are spoken, the ceremony kept short, and soon enough the grooms take hands and jump over a broom together--a tradition from Amaranthine which puzzles people to this day. And so they are now married, and the party can begin.

The party has simple but abundant fare--mostly meat and bread and plenty to drink, none of it nonalcoholic. There are fires and torches and lanterns casting their warm glow. A couple of Wardens provide the music for dancing on drum and fiddle. Anyone who pleases (Kaisa) is welcome to stand (if they still can) (Kaisa) and propose a toast to the husbands, to the Maker, to the Grey Wardens, to their right buttcheek that's gone numb from sitting (Kaisa), anything they wish. The drunker people get, the funnier everything is. No fighting is allowed, however (Kaisa).

Tonight, the moon is high and the stars are bright and the music is merry. It's easy to forget, for a short time, that the world is in such peril. It's easy to believe all will be well when you're celebrating a wedding.

Comments

Anders, open

[justice_is_blond]

He'd been nervous, truth be told. Not because of the commitment the pledge meant, or the thought of binding his life to Nate's, but simply because he was reaching for something he hadn't thought he'd ever be free to have. It feels like an invitation for something to go horribly wrong, but he wants to pledge his love and devotion. And so in defiance of his nerves, of knowing how things tend to go for him, Anders has gone all out with his peacock-colored robes with feathered adornments. Purrelden even has a tiny blue-and-green vest to match that she's valiantly trying to take off at every opportunity.

Once the vows are made, though, and the Maker doesn't smite him and demons don't come spilling out of a rift, Anders is breathing and horribly giddy. He may even be close to tears a few times, which is why he's not drinking too heavily as he circulates among the guests between times of hunting down Nate and squeezing his new husband's hand.

Re: Anders, open

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Bethany floated up to him, silver ribbons in her hair and a warm cloak covering her very best polished Warden armor. She beamed at him as she threw her arms around him, brown eyes bright and shining.

"Congratulations, Anders! Or should I call you Anders Howe, now?" She smiles, brilliantly. "You look amazing, do you feel amazing?"

[eolasemah]

Sina sits toward the back, smiling the whole time, a jar of something clutched in her thin hands.

She finds Anders after the ceremony and holds it out to him, announcing, "elderberry jam," in a tone that indicates she is both a) proud and b) nervous to be giving it to him. "I made it," she explains, "it was my first time doing this sort of thing, so-- so I hope it's good. And gifts are... this is appropriate, for a human wedding? I'm amazed at how similar it was to a Dalish bonding, and--" She realizes she's rambling, and quietly touches her fingers to her own mouth.

"Happy..." she begins, trying to find the right word, "...marry?"

[levered]

Clarke comes--blame it on word of mouth, if not a direct invitation--and hovers near the back during the ceremony, mindful not to displace anyone who knows the two of them better than she does. When they break into eating, drinking, and dancing, she finds a table and curls over it, working busily, only looking up if someone really insists on talking to her.

Once everything begins winding down, but before Anders can escape with Nathaniel to... do whatever it is married people do that's different from what everyone else does, have sex with more eye contact maybe, Clarke doesn't know--before he can do that, she finds an opening to move and sit next to him instead of alone and to slide a stretch of vellum over across the table.

It's a drawing. Several drawings, really--a haphazard, blended collage of Nathaniel and Anders at different moments, their vows and a dance and an exchanged look. She's taken some artistic license and given Anders a staff in one of them, perhaps to underline and emphasize that he's a mage. A mage getting married.

It's nothing to hang on a palace wall; she's only nineteen, only a hobbyist, only working with pencil. But it's something to keep, maybe.

Inessa (Open)

[circleprodigy]

Inessa and Garahel are in attendance, having caught the news at some point. Since it's a Grey Warden wedding, she doesn't think twice about wearing her usual attire, at least for the ceremony itself. Later on, in the festive aftermath, she will leave an immaculate Garahel in someone's care, with orders not to let him roll in anything he shouldn't. It's not long before she returns in civilian clothing, much more comfortable for celebrating.

Minding her manners, she will try to find both men when they're not being swamped, to offer her congratulations. Her mabari companion is on his best behavior, mostly. There's no jumping or excessive barking, though expecting him not to beg might just be asking too much. If Inessa's attention is elsewhere, there's a good chance he's directing his pleading eyes at someone with a plate.

Inessa had serious intentions about not imbibing much, but the day has taken its toll and her small frame can't handle much alcohol, anyway. As the wine settles in, and of course she has to join all the toasts to be polite, Inessa will become increasingly relaxed and less concerned with personal space bubbles. Intruding on anyone else's is unlikely unless she knows them well, but if they come to her? She won't fuss over it.

[justice_is_blond]

"Inessa," he says warmly when she gets to him. He's had a glass of wine already and Anders is regularly emotional, which means his grin is a little watery. The cat in his arms leans forward, clearly wanting to drop down and play with her friend. Anders lets her so he can hold out a hand to Inessa as Purrelden weaves around Garahel's feet.

"Thank you. For coming, for being there for us, for... all of it."

[pinprick]

Nathaniel is over with an offering of a pour of his favorite peat whisky into Inessa's empty cup. He raises his own cup to her. His cheeks are flushed, but he's still in control of himself. Mostly.

"Thank you for coming."

[in_death_sacrifice]

Kain is so not one for weddings, but he is one for Warden things, so he at least does what he thinks is right by attending. The wedding of his friends that he'd been to last month had... given him a lot to think about, anyway. So he's there, coming over toward Inessa at some point amid her enjoying one of those drinks.

"I'm... glad you convinced me to come." Because, of course, he'd still needed a little help and reminder from her about the importance of being there.

Nathaniel, open

[pinprick]

Nathaniel hates formal parties. Growing up, he'd thought his wedding would be completely different from this one. Then the Howes were disgraced and he'd thought he'd never have to have a wedding. Now he feels like he gets to have a wedding. He didn't need one, but it feels so good that one thing in his life can be everything the poetry claims it is, one traditional goodness that wasn't soured for him, one lovely thing that really is lovely and not just something he's told to pretend he enjoys. He gets to celebrate his love and share it with good friends (and random wedding crashers who just want to take advantage of free booze).

He's an excellent dancer, a closely guarded secret that's quickly brought into the light. He mingles and makes conversation but he is still an introvert by nature, and so spends most of the evening simply smiling and soaking everything in, never far from Anders' side.

Re: Nathaniel, open

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Bethany isn't going to let Nathaniel go without a dance, oh no. Not on the day of his wedding, not when he is actually smiling and looking like he's soaking in all the good feelings. So she's going to take advantage of that and grab him by the hands, to pull him out to the dance floor.

"Come with me! It's time to take your sister out for a spin!"

[conqueredhearts]

When he had the chance to catch the man, he walked right up to him with drink in hand for offer. Even if Nathaniel already had one he couldn't possibly have enough as far as Iskandar was concerned. The large man had certainly been having his fair share already though he certainly didn't seem to be showing signs of intoxication from it. Then again, could one ever tell given how generally cheerful he was already.

"Congratulations, my friend! You have a fine man at your side!" Hopefully Nathaniel was ready for a clap to his shoulder because Iskandar was going to be giving him one. Right about...now.

[justice_is_blond]

He raises a glass to Nate during a quieter moment, grinning ear to ear. "I'm still not sure how this happened, you know. The first time I saw you, I hoped Jonas wouldn't execute you because I had every intention of riding you like I stole you. And it rather looked like you had every intention of shoving me into the next chasm in the Deep Roads. I don't know how many times you had to hit your head for this, or how you came to lower your standards this much, but I'm glad."

Leaning in, Anders kisses Nate's cheek. "To me somehow sneaking in to your heart, love."

Bethany - Open

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Bethany has never been happier - well, she has been fairly happy for a good portion of her life. However to watch two of the people who mean everything to her. Brothers, sisters, even lovers. She looked over at Aleron, her smile gentling, taking his hand in hers and squeezing lightly during the ceremony. She might have cried a little, but yes, it's all joyful tears.

After the ceremony, she'll dance with whomever ask, silver ribbons in her hair, spinning around with a laugh. She'll sip drinks, and lightly eat, but mostly she is here to take a good moment from the darkness.

[circleprodigy]

Inessa is less inclined towards dancing, but she's happy to mingle on the sidelines and have some refreshments. Her mabari is at her side as usual, ever so politely awaiting tasty morsels from her or anyone else. Upon spotting Bethany, his tail wags.

"Hello, Bethany. You look well." Her gaze goes to the silver ribbons and she smiles.

[conqueredhearts]

Oh he remembered her well and he laughed when he heard that familiar voice. Going up to her, he held out his hand, ever pleased to be seeing her once more. And how could he not want to have another dance as well? She certainly was a delight to be doing that with!

"Shall I borrow you for a dance, my friend? It seems you are not too occupied right this moment."

[lifeofendurance]

During the ceremony itself, Aleron took a quiet pleasure in having custody of Bethany's hand and even returned her unseen squeezes. All done covertly, of course. From time to time, he allowed himself the small indulgence of watching her and her reactions rather than the ritual itself. He finds her ease of wearing her heart on her face and in her eyes endearing, especially as expressing emotion of his own is so seldom and so difficult. Thus he finds contentment in her felicity and light.

It is the balancing contrast between them that reassures him that what he intends to do tonight is absolutely right.

Well into the night, while many are already far into their cups and Bethany is taking a breather from dancing, he steps over and takes hold of her hand on his own. Determination is making him bold with his open show of affection.

"Would you care to take a stroll around the perimeter of the party?"

Iskandar - Open

[conqueredhearts]

Weddings were something that he loved. Perhaps that was why he'd held such a mass wedding back when he'd married two women at once. Many were married that day along with him but it had been a joyous occasion, one that had ensured his hold over his new lands would be secure. Of course he hadn't been close to either woman but such was the way politics ran.

But this wasn't about politics at all and only about love. For that reason he made sure to be there for that celebration and was smiling the entire way through it until the vows were made and it was time to just enjoy the wonder of this couple now together. Then he was grinning.

One could either find him dancing or with drink in hand. Perhaps both. Given enough time and the large man was even singing songs of this world for those wanting to hear them, having been learning them during his times in the tavern. It was clear this large man with the big cloak that had the fur collar was very approachable and willing to talk to anyone who came along.

(Just be careful touching the fur collar. There might be a surprise tucked away there.)

[circleprodigy]

Relaxed and in civilian clothing for once, Inessa listens to Iskandar's songs with a smile as she sips her wine. Naturally, Garahel is at her side and plopped down on the ground after plenty of snacking. Which isn't to say he couldn't eat any more, just watch him. When there's a break in the songs, she hands over a fresh cup, of wine.

"You have a fine singing voice, Iskandar." Garahel barks in agreement, wagging his tail.

[justice_is_blond]

He comes close as Iskandar sings, listening to the unfamiliar melody as Purrelden leaps down and starts twining her way around Iskandar's ankles. When the song is done Anders joins him, grinning back... until Purrelden starts climbing up.

"He's not a tree, Purrelden, stop..." She's determined, though, heading her way up, and Anders meets Iskandar's eyes with a look of apology that turns into actual worry when she finds her way to the collar and sits and there's a squeak.

"I, what?"

Aleron (Open)

[lifeofendurance]

For the duration of the ceremony, Aleron remained as stoic and expressionless as always. Although one playing close attention could have caught him sneaking glances at the lovely Bethany holding onto his hand. For the first time in more years than he cares to count, he was a guest at a wedding and not plagued with overwhelming grief and regret threatening to crush him. No, tonight he is content and at peace. Simply pleased for his friend finding happiness.

As the celebration kicks into high gear, he becomes an observer from the fringes. In times past, it would have been enduring until it was acceptable to leave. But as it turns out, it's just in his nature to stick to the shadows, watching and allowing others to enjoy more lively expressions of joy. (But at least for once he's arrived in clothing suited to his station rather than dress armor.) As any other evening, he permits himself one drink and one alone.

[justice_is_blond]

"Aleron," he says with a nod and a friendly enough look. He is, to be honest, always a little nervous around the Chantry sorts. Aleron has been polite but that doesn't make him an exception to the rule, not yet. But he came. That says something, which has Anders giving him a faint smile.

"I might be surprised by you coming, but Nate implied you might have... additional reasons for it?"

Kain, Open

[in_death_sacrifice]

Weddings. They're so not Kain's thing for a number of reasons, so he had to be talked into this one just as much as the other that he'd recently been to. It seems that it's apparently a theme for him this year so far, though, so maybe he'd better get used to it. His expression is wistful throughout, as he again finds himself wondering what it really takes to find this sort of connection with anyone.

Still, he's here and doing what's right for the sake of Grey Wardens. So he raises his glass for every toast, drinking down a few glasses by the time they're done. He'll stay well back from the dancing, but he watches the festivities, always with a beverage in hand.

[justice_is_blond]

He joins Kain with a beverage in his own hand. Water this time, though. He's had a couple of drinks already, and while he's got a better tolerance now than he used to have, Anders wants to remember every moment of tonight. This doesn't stop him from patting Kain on the shoulder as he joins him, though.

"I've no idea how to read the expression on your face."

speeeech speeeeech

[unbrokenoath]

At one point in the evening, Kaisa is drunk enough to decide that it's high time for a speech. A speech delivered by someone with real talent, a way with words. Someone who will encapsulate this moving moment by stirring the emotions of those gathered here today.

Naturally, this means her.

Kaisa stands up, and throws her hands in the air, shouting. "HEY!! SHUT UP A SECOND." It's far more effective than trying to tap her fork against a glass. She clears her throat once she decides she has enough attention.

"I just want to say, this is such a personally moving day for me. Not because of the wedding, I just think this is the first time I've seen Nathaniel do something besides scowl." A cheeky grin gets aimed at Nathaniel. "Look at you, ya mushy sap. It makes my shriveled raisin heart warm up, just a bit." And back to everyone else. "You know, I offered to give Anders away, but he didn't like the idea of me carrying him down the aisle, and dumping him at Nate's feet." She shakes her head, with a mischievous glance at Anders. But then, she pauses, and the grin fades. Kaisa looks uncharacteristically solemn as she turns her gaze down.

"No, I don't think I've ever seen these two so happy. But they deserve it. They deserve all the marital bliss in the world, and more. I like to think that, even in dark times, the Maker is still watching us, and hasn't forgotten us. That he still has plans to give us the joy that we have coming. Seeing Nathaniel and Anders together makes me feel like this belief could actually be true. I can't imagine two people who deserve it more, and I'm so glad that I'm here to see it happen. I'm honored to be able to stand besides them, as my brothers-in-arms, and as my friends, and say, here are two men who found something beautiful in each other, and didn't let go."

And, finally, her gaze turns back to the two men in question. "I said that this is the happiest I've seen you, and I mean it. But I hope that I can keep saying that. I hope that every day you have together is happier than the one before it. And may you have many, many of those days yet to come. Maker let it be."

And with that, she sits, looking a little abashed at her own foray into being a mushy sap.

[justice_is_blond]

Nate's said he deserves happiness. Bethany's said as much. It means something, coming from them, but it's not altogether convincing. They've been with him through so much. Of course they think he deserves it.

Kaisa saying it to everyone makes Anders have to swallow past the lunp suddenly in his throat. He ducks his head down for a moment when she looks over at them, a little overwhelmed, but then he's looking back up. Happiness, and happiness together. He doesn't deserve it. But that people think he does means more than he'll ever have words for.

After she's made the toast, after people have made comments about it to her and to them, Anders makes his way over to Kaisa.

"Thank you." It's probably the quietest she's ever heard him. "The, you..." He shrugs. Sincere words are always difficult, but after she managed them he sorta owes her them. "I'm honored to have you as my friend as well, Kaisa."

Teren (open) ((finally))

[doneisdone]

Teren does not entirely make her presence obvious, or known at all. Perhaps it's in her mind, perhaps not, but she doubts she's the first face either of the grooms wants to see on their happy day, so she relieves them of any potential dismay by keeping out of their way.
The ceremony she watches from a low wall not too far off, and as for the reception, well, there's no reason for her to stay for that. She takes her leave pretty quickly, without any fuss.
Anders is happy. That's a good thing. To ensure he stays that way, it's best not to get involved.

[justice_is_blond]

He catches sight of someone on the outskirts and looks over to see her turning away. For a very long moment he stands there, not sure of what to do. She was willing to waste all of their time, risk their lives, on something she wasn't even going to tell them the truth of. He could have never seen this day.

...on the other hand, he knows full well what would have happened if people hadn't been willing to extend a second chance to him. Anders takes a breath, sets down his cup, and pursues her.

"Teren," he says once he's close to caught up, and then stops as he tries to figure out what else to say. Finally he settles for something a bit lame. "Most guests at least say something to the people getting married, or so I hear."

Velanna open

[failedfirst]

Velanna is in attendance, of course. Anders and Nathaniel are likely as close as she gets to family, these days. She doesn't entirely see the point, but then, even as a child she'd thought the concept of bonding seemed a little peculiar. Tethering yourself to another being for the rest of your lives in some ritual like that would dictate your happiness. She had known happy married couples, her parents being one such couple so in sync they'd managed to expire together, but it wasn't typical.

All of this she keeps to herself today. She shows up and dresses in one of her nicer green dresses, her hair is braided back at her temples but otherwise down, and she smiles when appropriate. This is a happy day for her friends, and she can be happy for them.

Still, she is mostly an observer, watching a lot of the revelry, rather than getting directly involved.

[justice_is_blond]

She's smiling. She's smiling, he hasn't hit his head, and for a few moments Anders just looks at her before coming over and smiling back

"You look well today. Drink?" It's a time for celebration. It should involve drinks.