faderift | [Open] I Look At You

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[Open] I Look At You

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.

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Oh dear. Here Christine doesn't understand their reasoning and is thinking they're saying that Church will make a mess of things if Christine leaves him alone. And okay, yes, it was a pretty bad idea to leave him alone around nobles back during the soiree, but he's really learned not to say every thought in his head since then!

"Ah, well," she begins, unsure just how to say that Church isn't her beau because that's a label and the two of them have agreed not to put labels on this thing. But to say anything here and now just feels like splitting hairs, and it's not like it's an incorrect assumption to make. She'll just go with it.

"I will find him. He is probably enjoying the lovely food. And after you two have made it through this line of well wishers and can barely stand on your feet, I will return and impose on you." Christine flashes a smile at her joke. After all, they're the ones who have offered to show her the lambs.

It's taken a long time to get to this point, where Fenris accepts the hug readily. He even (albeit a little awkwardly) hugs in return. There are a lot of reasons he'd grown to like Bethany, and her warmth is very easily one of them. Along with being one of the most sensible mages he's known.

"I could do with less curiosity... a few people recognized me from Varric's stories." He swears he is having words with that dwarf when he next sees him. At least it's a step up from being thought of as a servant, the other mistake he hopes to avoid. "But it's nothing I can't deal with. This is your day." He glances toward the woman pointed out as Al's sister. "I'll make it a point to avoid her."

He looks to Al and nods, appreciating the man's strategy right now. If it keeps away annoying nobles, all the better. "It really wasn't any trouble. I'm used to traveling... I wouldn't have missed this."

"I'll heed that reminder. The last thing I need is an awkward interaction... or worse, to be asked to join in. I haven't had nearly enough to drink for regrettable actions, just yet." Not that he actually would, not being one for quite that level of casual flings.

Ah, well. This is supposed to be about celebration, even if he's not doing a very good job of it. Mostly he just wants to stay away from random people who recognize who he is and are a little too curious... and Anders. He's the other priority to avoid. This is too important an occasion to Bethany for them to spoil it with the usual squabbling.

"Are you enjoying the festivities, Inessa?"

Inessa's lips twitch as Garahel leans on Fenris lightly, crossing her arms. "None that I have found have paid enough attention to present such an offer, so you may be in luck. As for the festivities, both of us are enjoying them considerably. A Grey Warden wedding...that's not something you see often. We'll remember this night for a long time to come."

Grey Wardens aren't usually the marrying kind, let alone mages. Bethany's breaking all sorts of barriers today, and it has Inessa wondering if the future is less set in stone than she had thought. It's still early to tell, but tonight, she is optimistic.

"You're going to have to deal with that whenever you visit us, dear Fenris." She dimpled warmly, "We're both infamous, after all. Varric made us something of storybook heroes. Larger than life legends...."

She did a dramatic whisper, before her dimples widened again. A long look, before she squeezed his hands again, "Good. There is very good wine, very good food, and if you want to dance with the bride - you merely need to ask."

Those dimples turned into a happy smile, "Be careful, Fenris. I might start thinking that you like me."

She is a delight on her feet, and for someone whose name is Hawke, it seems a blessing. Not much dancing in Kirkwall, he should think.

Though she does bring up a point. "I admit, your status as mage is not the part that's ever given me concern." Unless she turns out to be a blood mage. Then there will be obvious issues. Sure, mages, Circles, all that...he's not always the most stalwart defender of the old ways. Time will tell. "If he's found it in him to give marriage another shot, then truly you must be a singularly loyal individual to have captured his heart so."

Well, Bethany tended to get asked to more of the small village dances than her older sister surprisingly enough. Carver and she had always been popular - just not as bright as Marian.

She twirled around him, before she smiled again, but this one was softer. More gentle, "It's easy to be loyal to Aleron -- he just radiates trust. Honor. Integrity. He has always been a source of strength to me, as long as we have known one another. I hope I can only be a comfort to him in turn."

Well, he can't ignore the mabari leaning on him, now can he? Fenris looks amused as he gives him some much needed petting, glad to oblige. At least it seems like Garahel can get along in most any situation. Any situation with food, undoubtedly.

"I'm glad you're enjoying it. This is... certainly a unique occasion." Perhaps only the first of many to come. He's still getting used to this notion of mages being part of society here in such a way. He's not sure how he feels about it on some level, but... he wants the people he cares for to be happy. The Grey Warden topic is perhaps a bit easier to bring up, comparatively. "It must mean a great deal to you to see that happen, as a Warden."

Aleron... seems to mean his words, and that surprises Anders. He's not surprised that the Seeker would be polite at his wedding, but he may be the very first person not on death's door to declare Anders' presence a gift. After the startled beat, Anders ducks his head in thanks.

"I'd hardly miss it. Bethany and her happiness mean a great deal to me. Shall I move on and let you address more guests?" There's quite the line, and he's fairly certain that they'd like to be done saying hello and thanks sometime today.

"Aleron." That's a no, and a great deal of meandering to get to that answer.

"I know a great deal of what she is. I did spend a few years working with her, after all. You already know what I'm truly asking after, and the fact that you didn't answer that gives me it clearly. They don't know the one detail that could cause them all to turn on her. And you know that it could be troublesome to them, if they're not aware."

And this is his worry.

"I'm asking for a very simple purpose. To remind you that you've made a vow to her here today, and that if they find out that detail and rise up, you will choose her." Few would. Pick a mage over family, a large family that's noble and has connections and comforts? It's unheard of and ridiculous. He's still not certain that Leandra knew what she was doing when she ran off with Marion's father.

"You have just made an oath to someone that will prevent you from being a Seeker when the order reforms." A mage and a Seeker? There's no chance that will be allowed. "And one that could turn some of your family against you. That is what I am addressing, not the myriad other details that make Bethany Bethany."

She dimples at her husband - very nicely said, darling - before she squeezes Anders hands again. Of all the people here, she is grateful that he risked so much to watch her be wed.

"You can move on - but only if you promise me a dance for later." She stated with a firm mock-solemnity. "A dance with a bride is your price that you must pay." Because she plans on dancing with all her friends, thank you very much.

She nods, smiling as Garahel gets some much-wanted attention. "Grey Wardens by nature of what we do are required to live a life apart, outside of society's rules. Our goal must first be the eradication of darkspawn, always. There is little room for anything else...but we are not automatons. We need connections, as much as anyone else. Our lives may be brief, but we ought to cherish those moments, nonetheless."

She stares off, in the general direction of the bride and groom. "I wonder if he truly realizes what marrying a Grey Warden entails. One does not stop being a Grey Warden; we're bound for life." No children, and sooner or later Bethany will have her Calling. It's still not a reason to avoid life or love, but the price is a high one.

"A dance is yours," he promised with a mischievous smile. "Let's hope we don't make so many people jealous of Aleron and Nate that we start a fight."

He wasn't serious, and he rather hoped the Seeker knew that. Bethany would, at least. Anders just didn't know many members of the Chantry who had sense of humor, which meant Aleron get a side glance before Anders bowed to Bethany and stepped out of the line. She'd reassure Aleron, no doubt, if he was worried.

Unfortunately, she's right, of course. There's no escaping any of it. Thanks a lot, Varric. But it was inevitable, given what they went through, that it would end up in his writings. Anyway, even without the stories, he's never quite been able to avoid the occasional questions about the lyrium markings.

"I guess my deepest secret is out now." He manages a bit of smile at that even, always a lot more at ease around his closer companions than anyone else. "I'll be sure to sample that wine. I have no doubt that you have only the best here. As for dancing... I wouldn’t presume to take you away from your husband on your wedding day. Unless he has no objections?”

"I don't know him all that well, but he seems like a serious person, someone capable of handling the world's harsh realities. As for Bethany... well..." It's hard to really imagine that Bethany has been through so much, considering how upbeat her atitude usually is. She'd lost her father... then much later, her mother in a particularly awful way... She'd nearly died herself of the taint, to be given the only possible solution at the time. She's no stranger to loss, to how cruel the world can be. "She may have told him already, considering its importance. Even then... I doubt she would dwell on it. She hasn't let it stop her so far, after all."

He glances in the same direction as Inessa, watching the both of them as well. "That's her strength, and an admirable one, being able to keep living a full life despite all of that."

"I haven't asked her; it's not my place. But for myself, I don't know that I could share such a burden with someone not already bound to it." It would seem cruel, when they could otherwise have a full life with someone else. Inessa shakes her head as though to clear it. It isn't applicable to her, either way.

"I don't mean to sound judgmental. If they can live with the taint and its restrictions, that's all that matters. I wish them well."

"It's hardly judgmental at all... this is a realistic consideration, something which they have to face, whether or not they like it. The same for anyone in your position..." He doesn't mind having these intense, overly serious conversations, anyway... even at a wedding of all occasions. "But I don't think you'll have a choice in the matter, if someone should come along. Those feelings can't be controlled so easily."

That sort of thing just... happens. Attraction intensifies, flirtations are exchanged, and suddenly you're having the odd fling with a certain pirate lady. He doesn't think what he had with Isabela was quite what Bethany and Aleron have, though. In fact, he questions now if he's ever truly been in love.

"...but it is possible, difficult though it might be. I was taught the importance of self-discipline, especially for a mage. If I had to draw upon that to spare another, I would." It wouldn't be easy, but 'easy' never deters Inessa from doing the right thing.

Then she raises an eyebrow, curious. "You speak as though you have experience in that area?"

He doesn't doubt that at all about her. It was why he'd found it easy enough to get along with her initially, despite her being a mage. Her continued evidence of being so disciplined has always been admirable. Even so... "I would consider it harder to repress than an urge to give in to demons. But then again... if anyone could manage it, you could."

He shrugs then, not one to... talk too openly about such topics. He's a bit touchy on the matter as a whole, not sure he's ready and willing to deal with this sort of thing. "Not quite to the extent that you might think. Still, I've... wondered about it."

Sensing when she might have inquired too much, Inessa nods and takes a moment to sip at her wine. He won't get further prodding from her on that, she's far too insistent on boundaries being respected. "It would be a rare person who did not, whatever the circumstances or inclination."

Garahel grunts at them both, being so serious, and she smiles, leaning over to pet him. "I know, not enough fetch for your liking. I can accompany you back to the kennel, if you like." That prompts a soft whine from the mabari, who's not at all interested in being away from the action.

"With that smile?" The corners of Nathaniel's eyes crinkle. "They won't stand a chance against us."

There's a blank stare from Aleron at the request to confirm that he would choose Bethany over anything else. Given his distant relationship with his twin and the dubious one with his overbearing Mama, this is a no-brainer. He's not known his younger sisters save through correspondence since they were babes. They are blood but they are not family. "Of course I would choose her." He'd be more offended at the implication that he might not do so if it weren't for him already softening his gaze as he looks at her. Really, once he commits to something it's as steady and sure as a boulder. "My life was nothing before Bethany."

As to the Seekers? He's given that no small amount of thought and yes this was a decision made in his own self-interest for once in his life. "If it reforms," If, for it might not, and even should it do so, "I do not intent to return. I was given to them as a boy of eight by no decision of my own." In some lights, one could almost see it as very similar as young mage children being handed over to the Circle, placed into a life not of their choosing. "I know my duty, to the Maker, and to my family. Today, I chose my path, my devotion, and it lies wholly with my wife."

"Regardless, Mother knows and cares not; she is Orlesian after all." Issues with the tragedy of the White Spire aside, they're far more agreeable about mages attending court than some other nations. "And she's quite determined to settle her title on me. So in time, Bethany will be a Countess in her own right and free to do as she pleases. "

And frankly if the new Divine (or Mama) truly makes a stink about it, they'll simply return to Nevarra where Mortalitassi are respected and that will be the end of it.

Dimples flaring to life with a brilliance rarely seen, Bethany plants another kiss on his cheek, before holding up her bouquet. "Then let us go meet the enemy, head on."

Enraptured by her shining eyes, Aleron listens intently, measuring and storing every word of Bethany's childhood measure of happiness in marriage. Because today anything feels possible and he'll do whatever it takes to bring such idyllic dreams to fruition in earnest. He leans in to her touch, basking in the warmth of her hand, matched by the warmth of her blessed sweet and loving heart.

"You are my stars, darling. Sun and moon too. You've brought light back to my life. I know what it means to live again, because of you."

Perhaps that dances the edge of thoughts of sadder days, and best left alone. Their pasts are part of who they both are, and yet those harships led them to each other, and it is that destination that is worth remarking. Being in the present, looking to their future, makes the troubles of the past dim, and heal.

Aleron leans in to steal another kiss, then press another to Bethany's forehead. "I mean to give you that dream, my love. All of it. Even the flowers for your hair."

It seemed a lot to heal from such darkness - to lose both parents, to lose a beloved wife and child. Yet you had to take the steps in the dark to find yourself facing the dawn again. The song never seemed more true, than at this moment. You had to come through the fire to find yourself blessed, and free, on the other side again.

There were no end to the fires before them, but Bethany had faith they could weather them as long as they were together.

She closed her eyes at the kiss, and pressed her forehead to his, smiling. "I know you will, my love, and just know ... whatever dreams you have, I'll make come true, if I can."

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[Open] I Look At You

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