[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."

[lifeofendurance]

So many people! It takes all the discipline Aleron can muster not to eye what looks like an eternal line to assess just how long they'll be here. That would be rude. And even if he's feeling overwhelmed by the sheer press of social necessity, he is likewise grateful for the trouble so many have taken to share the day with them.

He politely dips his head and even musters up one of his rare almost-there smiles. All the while, he mentally wonders how his beloved is so good with people. And thank the Maker for her, she'll make up for all his lacking people skills. "Yes, thank you for coming. Since you're here, if you've an interest, a tour of the estate can be arranged."

Lambing season is over, but that just means no risk of testy ewes butting at people getting too close to them. Now it's tiny fuzzies everywhere.

[circleprodigy]

"That would be lovely, thank you. I'll ensure that Garahel is sufficiently engaged elsewhere, so the lambs will not be bothered." The mabari would never mean them harm, but that doesn't mean his big, enthusiastic self wouldn't cause them stress. She would rather avoid that fiasco. "And this was a welcome break, to be honest. The past month was a long one for so many of us on cleanup duty."

[sunshinethroughgrey]

"Oh, you must see the sheep, they are absolutely adorable. I'm tempted to bring one home with me." Bethany dimpled, before her eyes flashed humor, "If the poor thing wouldn't become mutton stew the next day."

Ah, Kirkwall.

"How are things going? Have you all gotten our supplies?"

[lifeofendurance]

"I'm certain if you'd like one, Ravonild would gift it, darling." There's a rueful sort of smile from Aleron though at the most likely fate of the hypothetical lamb. "Though I'm not at all certain where we would keep it." It's not like there's a great deal of open space for nurturing young livestock within Kirkwall.

Though once they settle in Orlais, there is no reason Bethany couldn't have her own flock if she wants it. Aleron will bend over backwards to give her what she wants. Even if what she wants to do right now is talk business.

[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."

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Bethany turns, catches Mama's death glower at her son and manages to repress a smile before she is stepping up to press both of Christine's hands in turn.

"Truly, we appreciate you coming all this way. We hope you don't have to hurry back to Kirkwall?" Yes, she is hopeful that Aleron's friends will stay and enjoy the party.

[aceso]

"The journey was easy," she assures him, and then focuses on Bethany, her smile growing at the woman's friendly manner. "Thankfully, I have no pressing duties back there and can stay longer. But when I do return, I will have the memories of this beautiful place to take back with me." Which she will be revisiting often, because she hates Kirkwall. A lot.

"Will you be traveling elsewhere for your honeymoon, or staying here?" she asks, because she can see this place being a wonderful retreat.

[lifeofendurance]

"We've imposed on my sister's hospitality a full month already with the wedding preparations. I don't wish to intrude further." Which is polite Aleron speak for if he spends another day with his sister, he might snap. They've been making inroads addressing their many and myriad personality conflicts, but they are far from resolved. And no matter how beautiful the land is, this hasn't been his home in far too long.

Though since he's been back, he's come to realize how much he's missed it, the children, the cousins, all the extended family. Yes, even his irrepressible twin.

For a split second, there's a mischievous glint in his eyes and he adds casually, "Though she does adore playing the hostess, so you should take your leisure here as long as pleases you."

[sunshinethroughgrey]

"We'll probably stop off someplace and not try for a hard journey to Kirkwall -- but we also need to get back to work." Was Bethany's warm reply, so Aleron has a ready-made excuse for them to be leaving as soon as possible. She knows how he feels about his home, mixed blessings indeed.

A side-ways glance, before her own lips twitch upwards, "She does like the company." Is all she will say, but he is getting Nudged later.

[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.

[justice_is_blond]

Anders takes her hand and squeezes it as he glances back in Nate's direction. They're both mages and both Wardens; this was once an impossibility for either of them. They're also the safest for that combination. Other mages might be taken back in while being Wardens protects them. They have to keep working. They can't rest here.

...But this is a nice day for a break.

"May it become an option for all," he says quietly. If the people here don't know she's a mage, he's not about to voice it. For once he's not even wearing his staff. The usual need to be visibly a mage comes second to this event.

"I considered bringing a cat as a gift but I realized I wasn't sure you'd like that. Despite cats making a family whole." He's teasing. Partly.

[sunshinethroughgrey]

She wasn't going to forget that comparatively,she and Anders were the fortunate ones. It had not been that way 12 years ago, but times had changed. So had they.

A laugh bubbled over, and her brown eyes brightened. "My first child, and before the wedding night? For shame, dear friend!"

[lifeofendurance]

Of course, Aleron's ears and neck turn bright at that implied innuendo. He's been married before, there aren't any mysteries left in that regard, but he's still terribly reserved. He clears his throat quietly and attempts to deflect his personal embarrassment with a question, "Would you like a cat, beloved?"

He's had no need for any pet beyond his personal mount since he was sent away from home, but there was a fondness for the mouser kept by Cook when he was a boy. The point is, if Bethany wants it, she may have it. Aleron will bend over backwards to provide whatever will assure her happiness.

[justice_is_blond]

He waggles his eyebrows. The blush is something he'd not expected to ever see on a Seeker, especially a previously married one. That he's blushing and not Bethany is even more amusing, but then again, Bethany's spent plenty of time with Isabela.

"I know where there are a few without homes, you could even pick if you wanted a boy or a girl. Most families don't get that lucky. And there's an added bonus in having a healer find one for you." As in, he'd take care of any issues the cat has before it gets to Bethany.

[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."

[lifeofendurance]

It takes all those years of disciplined self-control for Aleron to refrain from laughing outright at his wife's warning to Fenris. As it is, he snorts quietly, but does manage to resist cracking even so much as half a smirk. The temptation is there, however.

Instead, he directs his attention to the query regarding the elf's treatment. It's not all that often that Aleron will dig his heels in and stubbornly demand his way about something. But in this case, he makes sure he's overheard, because he won't have people important to Bethany treated like servants. Especially not today. Especially not his sister and her potential for sampling at the sweets. A hand goes on Bethany's shoulder, just as an outward sign of solidarity.

"Yes, our thanks. We know it was no small distance to travel." This particular fellow is a guest, not the hired help. "And I know it especially pleases my wife to have her dearest friends present."

[lyriumcarved]

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."

[sunshinethroughgrey]

"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."

[lyriumcarved]

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?”