[Open] I Look At You

[sunshinethroughgrey]

WHO: Aleron Darton and Bethany Hawke, Malcolm Reed, Nathaniel Howe, The Grey Warden 2LiveCrew (even you Teren), The Seeker Trio, and YOU.
WHAT: A Noble Wedding Between Two Great Houses.
WHEN: Backdated to the first of Bloomingtide
WHERE: Endridge, outside of Kaiten in the Free Marches.
NOTES: Warnings for Exceeding Sappiness and Happiness. What is that? Why is this in this game? That's just weird.EDIT: I've put in headers if you want to tag under those, but please feel free to put in your own top levels!

It's a far distance to Endridge from most anywhere, situated five miles outside Kaiten. But the destination is well worth the journey. The roads are even and in good repair as they stretch out through gently rolling hills of green. Picturesque. Tranquil. This is precisely what Bethany had wanted for her wedding: somewhere outdoors under the Maker's sky.








The pastoral setting truly is breathtaking for anyone moved by nature. Lush pastures stretch out almost to the horizon, dotted with fleecy ewes and their bouncing new lambs. Gentle breezes dance through the trees, the rustling sending gusts of fruit blossom petals scattering to the winds. Within those branches, twittering birds in joyous song cover the backdrop of baaaaaahs arising from the sheep. Behind the birdsong, the burbling of the creek sings out as it trips along its way to the lake. The warming new summer air coaxes perfumes out of the flowers, filling the air with their mingled scent. Behind the bounteous gifts of nature looms a stone edifice, seat of the Darton family, an imposing but not ungainly castle. The house is the work of the first baron, built to be a stronghold against further Nevarran incursions and a sign to legitimize the new title.

Never let it be said that Ravonild does not know how to throw a party. She's graciously offered the house and the grounds for the wedding, but has had her hand in all the preparations. Every inch of the ballroom has been polished and shined. The great hall transformed into a banqueting hall large enough to accommodate the guests, which includes every far-flung Darton relative crawled out of the woodwork. Where she has not worked her magic as a hostess is in the location of the ceremony proper. It is arranged within the formal gardens, which were a gift from Aleron's father to his new bride on her arrival from Orlais. Holding the wedding there, instead of in the wilder walled garden with its riot of variety and colors was a conciliatory gesture to appease Mama for not having the wedding in Orlais. Regardless of the behind-the-scenes bickering beforehand, everything is now the very picture of hospitality and celebration. The music is unending, the wine is free-flowing, and the dancing will last until dawn.

The simplest portion of the wedding is the ceremony itself. The Darton and Hawke coat of arms have been placed on display within the gardens, but that is the extend of excess and showmanship. Nathaniel Howe gives the bride away, Aleron's sisters are the bridal attendants, Malcolm Reed standing guard as a groomsman. In a break from tradition, youngest sister Layla carries a bouquet in one hand and her newborn baby in the other arm. (The tiny one was fussy, you see.) Oh, and yes, the bride's maiden of honor is an elf - but considering it is Merrill of the Champion's Tale? It is given a pass for the excitement of seeing one of Varric Tethras's heroes in the flesh, next to the bride.

Beyond that, it is a traditional ceremony performed by the Revered Mother who blessed all the Darton children as babes. Portions of the Chant are sung. Vows and rings are exchanged. Though behind the flowers Aleron and Bethany are holding hands and making eyes at each other. In fact, it seems miraculous that they're able to respond as required since they appear already lost in each other and not at all attentive to the ritual they are engaged in.

Comments

Greet The Bride and Groom

[sunshinethroughgrey]

This is a formal wedding, so of course there is a formal reception line. Feel free to come up and congratulate the bride and groom (who will answer together, of course!).

[circleprodigy]

Inessa is almost apologetic by the she reaches them; they've already greeted so many people and there are yet more behind her. A warm, sympathetic smile curves her lips as she politely bows her head to the radiant newlyweds.

"It was a beautiful ceremony. Congratulations to you both." Her smile is even warmer to her fellow Grey Warden and mage, truly a sign of changing times for their kind.

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Bethany turned towards her Warden friend, her eyes bright as she took both of Inessa's hands and squeezed them, "Thank you, so much. I know it was a journey to travel here - especially after coming all the way to Kirkwall ... I'm just so pleased everyone could come."

[aceso]

Christine barely knows Bethany, but it's clear that she makes Aleron happy, and everyone has nothing but good things to say about her as well, so there's no awkwardness as she approaches the bride and groom. They're clearly a happy couple, and on a selfish note, a mage getting married gives Christine hope for her own future as well, Divine-willing.

"Bethany, Aleron," she greets both when it's her turn. "It was a beautiful ceremony. Thank you for inviting me to share in your special day."

[lifeofendurance]

A few steps away, Aleron's Mama is giving him the death stare of 'mind your manners, or else.' To Mama, that means everyone who is family, like family, or Orlesian gets greeted en bise.

"Thank you, Christine." That's a smile, honest to the Maker. Well, it's a smile for Aleron. Who, being bullied from a distance, quickly pecks Christine on both cheeks... and sheesh Mama back off already. "I'm delighted you could come. I know it's no small distance."

[justice_is_blond]

He is, of course, in line. It's not like he's been to many weddings, or really any before his own. But everyone's gathering here and so he gathers too because it seems like the thing to do.

"Congratulations." His focus is mostly on Bethany, though he glances at Aleron as he says it as well, voice warm. While he has a feeling that very> few here know Bethany is a mage, it's still another mage being married and treated like everyone else. It's good.

Purrelden mews from his shoulder, determined to say something too, and Anders' smile grows. "She agrees."

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Bethany's smile is a broad one, and she Just Manages not to call out his name in the middle of all these guests. Still, she goes to press a kiss to both of his cheeks, and then give a rub of the nose to Purrelden, her eyes warm and her smile brilliant.

"Congratulations to us both." Is her firm statement, and she too knows how important this. One step forward, day by day.

[lyriumcarved]

The formality of the event is all a bit much for Fenris. He's not exactly the most comfortable in a grand setting like this... he never has been and likely never will be. Still, he'll put up with what he has to. He's here for Bethany's sake, after all. At least during the actual ceremony, he got to hang back and avoid any of the questions that had been coming his way the whole time, from various other guests he doesn't know. It's hard for them not to recognize him as one of the others from Varric's stories, though.

He waits until most of the others have gone through before he approaches the couple.

"My congratulations to both of you."

[sunshinethroughgrey]

"Fenris." And it is said with a depth of warmth that only the Kirkwall group has gotten, outside of a few dear friends. She has known Fenris for a third of her life after all, and it shows in the hug she gives him, without reservation.

"Thank you so much for coming." She holds onto his hands, gives him a long look. "No one has bothered you, have they?" She should have warned him, about Ravinold and her ...bevy of handsome elven servants. In fact - "Listen, that is my sister-in-law down the line there. Steer clear. For your own safety. She's ... somewhat predatory."

The Reception

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Please, do help yourself to as much wine as you want, find your place at one of the long tables decorated elegantly (and Bethany won't say a word if you decide to make off with some silverware). Eat, drink, make merry with your fellow guests.

[motherfucking_ghost]

Church wasn't gonna come, because he doesn't know Aleron and he doesn't know Bethany, but Christine was going and asked him to come. Gave him big ol' eyes, too. And the move to Kirkwall just depressed her, so seeing her light up about a wedding?

Yeah, he can put on his shiny duds he hasn't worn in a year or whatever and come party. For her sake. Because seeing her smile is fucking amazing.

Also amazing? This food. If you think Church was going to ignore the food and drink at this shindig, my friend, you were extremely mistaken, because it's good, and it's free for him, and it's a way to not have to mingle and smalltalk with people he's pretty sure his very existence offends. He can't offend anyone if he's stuffing his mouth with food. Unless that offends someone, in which case, they are to feel free to fuck themselves.

Which is to say, he's actually trying not to cause an international incident at a wedding as his not-girlfriend's plus-one.

[lifeofendurance]

For the most part, Aleron is glued to Bethany's side all day. When he is not, his eyes still follow her around the room. It is nothing at all to do with possessiveness or even being overprotected. Simply the man has eyes for no other and already misses his bride when she is not present. Good thing they are now married because he's just as moony as a lovestruck squire. Yes yes, it's a beneficial match for the family, combining the famous Hawkes to the Darton clan, but Aleron is not that practical. He loves Bethany to the end of the world and back and her happiness is his highest priority.

Even at his own wedding, however, Aleron is a man of moderation. The whole day he indulges in only one drink. He nurses it over the course of several hours, and turns away offers to replenish his glass. So much so that the servants are growing concerned that the mistress will hear and verbally lash them for being lax in their responsibilities. (Servants who some might note are without exception elves, and very very handsome elves at that. Ravonild has a thing for pretty surroundings.)

Socializing is expected of him, so the groom manages the best he can. He even sometimes manages to drum up something of a smile. At least until his gaze falls to his wife again, at which time, the hint of a smile grows closer to an almost there one. He is so very terrible at expressing himself, especially in public. When one is more likely to catch him out is in the presences of his younger sisters, Imogen and Layla who are attractive enough women but nearly plain set against the eldest Ravonild.

It's not even the sisters that induce a reaction from him, but their little ones. Nieces and nephews, ages sixteen to two weeks, are primped and pressed in their finest... and running amok through the reception laughing, giggling, sneaking cakes, playing tag, and squabbling over who gets Uncle's attention next. Clearly, Aleron dotes on the little ones and at present, is holding the newest addition in his arms, admiring precious Madeline's tiny fingers. Who knew? The Seeker has a soft spot for children.

Dancing

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Naturally, there is a ballroom, decked out in the Darton and Hawke colors - Ravonild's idea, of course. It would look garish if not done with such excellent taste. The orchestra is playing the latest in all the dances, per the hostesses's orders. Take a spin, step on some feet, but just have fun.

Christine

[aceso]

Some may think that all Christine does is work, because she's rarely seen doing anything else. But on occasions such as this, they can witness her doing one of her favorite pastimes: dancing. She adores it. It had been the only part of the very Orlesian education she'd been given in the Circle that she enjoyed. She knows all the popular ballroom dances and glides effortlessly across the floor, agreeing to dance with anyone she finds tolerable.

Her dress is elegant, but it's also the only fancy dress she owns, made for the soiree over a year ago and carefully packed away ever since, until this celebration. With strangers, she keeps the conversation light and focused on the wedding itself; perhaps her work in the Inquisition if they ask. With her friends, she is far more likely to be open and speak about whatever comes to mind. And she hardly takes a break from the dancing either. After giving a curtsy to her last partner, she turns, catches someone's eye, and moves to meet them.

"Are you wanting to dance?"

[tactical_alert]

His last fancy outfit ended up with some holes, slashes, and blood on it. Orlesians really know how to party (when third parties come crashing). It was a last minute job to pay a skilled seamstress within Skyhold's walls to repair the damage as well as she could, and otherwise? Black hides blood well, what couldn't get taken out. A few alterations had to be made, missing a few key pieces of the outfit for makeshift shields and whatnot, but despite the otherwise imposing black figure Malcolm makes, he was sure to add in a few dashes of colour, to keep things lively.

Let it never be said he has no sense of taste. There's a reason Aleron had his groomsman delegate and debate with the ladies of the family over colours. (And other arrangements. "Ravonild's idea" indeed.)

His part done, Malcolm realizes his part is never really done. He'll assist in keeping the peace as best he can, while also attempting to enjoy himself. Truly, he's ecstatic that Aleron has found someone he is blessedly happy with. For the moment, his eyes are peeled around the dance floor, not looking for a partner but soaking in the atmosphere of merriment. And seeing if the sisters are around, because the last thing anyone needs is an argument in public.

Wandering About

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Not up for this socialization? Looking for a nice quiet corner? Feel free to wander the grounds - they Are gorgeous after all. There are even private little places for, You Know, You Know.

Well we hope you know or the wedding night is going to be very confusing for you.

Have a stroll, a conversation, or a 'private moment'. We won't tell.

well, you know...

[lifeofendurance]

Aleron is happy. Actually, the man is deliriously happy, though perhaps it might be hard to tell. He's been smiling all day, but it's his subtle version that is just a fraction above lineface. Fortunately, Bethany is adept at reading his small emotional markers. It's more obvious in the way his eyes watch her wheresoever she goes, how they shine, his relaxed posture. Deliriously happy.

But also painfully overwhelmed. Aleron has never been one for parties, and he has nearly hit his capacity for small talk and just people. Large crowds, huge swaths of distant relatives, the dull roar of voices rising as the wine casks are emptied, he endures these as part and parcel of a celebration which for once in his life is actually about him and his wife. My wife. How sweet those words are to him and he looks down at Bethany again with a swell of pride and adoration.

Out of a rare impulse, he takes hold of Bethany's hand and leans over to whisper in her ear, "Come with me, darling?"

It possibly sounds suggestive, and frankly now they are wed, all things are permitted. But that's not quite what he has in mind. At present. He more wants to sneak away to a remote corner of the walled garden for a few precious moments alone with his beautiful bride. And just a teensy break from having to be social.

[circleprodigy]

The lure of the gardens and the need for a little distance from crowds and music has Inessa wandering away from the heart of the action after a while. That and she's spent entirely too much time away from Garahel, who has been enjoying the company of other mabari while formal affairs took place. More at ease with her canine companion at her side, the slight elven woman is content to wander at a relaxed pace and savor the sights and scents of the area. When her feet start to ache enough, she begins seeking a quiet place to sit for a while.

...at least that's the plan. But what seems like an inviting nook turns out to be very effectively occupied. Quickly averting her gaze, she mumbles an entirely ignored apology and steps away, her cheeks pink. Is it suddenly hot out here?

Christine

[aceso]

Honestly, Christine would have stayed on the dance floor all night had she not gotten a blister on her foot that is now causing her pain. It's a simple fix, but not one she's willing to do in front of a group of stuffy nobles -- even if they have been making allowances for mages and other races this evening.

Limping ever so slightly to try and prevent her slipper from rubbing against her blister any more than it has to, she enters the grounds and looks for an out of the way space, preferably with a bench. When she finds such a spot, she seats herself and carefully works off her shoe, lifts the hem of her gown up out of her way, and lays a hand over the wound, eyes suddenly glowing blue in the darkness as she uses magic to heal herself.

It would be a surprising sight to turn the corner now and see two glowing eyes in the dark, wouldn't it?

[toujoursdroit]

Romain is in that timeless yet slightly awkward position: attending a wedding where he knows neither the bride nor the groom. (Except, of course, by reputation.) He is technically Gwenaëlle's guest, though he probably could have pulled a few Orlesian strings to attend without her if he had really wished. Still, most everyone here he knows only at a remove, if that.

He will not shadow his granddaughter all night, however, as she has people to speak to and she is (as she continues to remind him) no longer a child. Instead, he circulates, a piece of Orlais incarnate in his dress (if on the sober side by the nation's usual standards). He is not looking to interrupt anyone, but if someone else is at loose end, well -- one can make interesting acquaintances at a wedding.

[lyriumcarved]

Wine is a fantastic idea to Fenris, who's sure to take a close look at what's being offered, and to sample a glass of most everything. He's not really much for mingling, but it's kind of... hard to miss him, so he inevitably ends up often with someone or other approaching him with random questions.

It doesn't take him long to have enough of that already, and to take his current wine glass elsewhere, wandering toward the gardens where it's much less crowded. There... that's much better.

for aleron.

[elegiaque]

As far as her social calendar goes, Gwenaëlle has never been enthused about weddings. The ceremony has never inspired her to anything except a headache; better not to get into what the notion of marriage prompts. For more than one occasion, she's ignored invitations, begged off ill, been mysteriously out of the area or flatly declined to attend -

but for Aleron, she makes an appearance. Dutiful throughout the ceremony and dressed finely in the Vauquelin shade of green, she ignores the receiving line - imagines the happy couple will be far too occupied with each other and their guests to notice - and declines all invitations to dance, politely aloof as such occasions invariably find her. She does not make small-talk, nor bother much with anyone's family. It's quite possibly rude to snub the hostess, but somehow she thinks Aleron's sister will survive the slight.

He looks as if he might now survive anything, and it is worth sitting through a hundred weddings to see him so happy.

"There you are," she says, when at last there's a moment of peace in the festivities and she can catch him in the gardens, turning and holding her arms out - to embrace him, of course, but how can there not be shades of each time as a child she would turn in Mirielle's lap and hold her arms out in much the same fashion, expecting to be lifted? "I'm very happy for you, cousin. You look much less dour - I approve. It isn't as I remember you."

Nor as she'd choose to. He deserves a bit of joy.

[lifeofendurance]

The gesture is familiar more than words could say. Aleron has spent the better part of two hours lifting, hugging, spinning, and otherwise utterly doting on his nieces, nephews and younger cousins. Gwenaëlle is tiny and he recognizes the request being made.

In one motion, he hugs her tighly, then lifts her well into the air and gives her a spin as he had done when she was a little girl. When he replaces her to the ground, a tender brotherly kiss is placed on her forehead. "Maker bless you, little cousin. I'm happy." A pause as he doesn't wish to revisit the painful parts of his life today, but they are just as much a part of him as his arms or legs. "I have not been so in years, but today I am."

Evidence that Aleron's speaking the truth? One of his exceptionally rare, genuine smiles comes with the assertion. "And I'm pleased you could come." Would come. The Vauquelins were invited as was proper. Most could not accept, some would not. There are a few of his in-laws present tonight, but he'd not seen the majority in years, either by chance or design.

Just before the procession | closed to Bethany

[pinprick]

Nathaniel is in his dress uniform, turned out every lint (and pet hair) brushed away and every button polished. He hasn't attended such a posh event in some time, and he's not entirely sure how he should feel about it. Except happy, for Bethany. Nathaniel didn't have the chance to see Delilah married off.

He peeps through a curtain separating the bridal party from the guests, then turns to give her a smile, walking toward her.

"Are you ready?"

Re: Just before the procession | closed to Bethany

[sunshinethroughgrey]

"Just a moment - "

Bethany is smoothing down the last little wrinkles from the bodice of her gown, down over the light feathers that cling to the skirt. She looks at herself in the mirror, exhaling, before she looks at Nathaniel's reflection in the mirror, her dark eyes bright with happiness -- and of course a touch of worry.

"How do I look?"