Darren ambles into the Great Hall, all smiles on this happy day. He catches sight of Deva and moves to peck her on the cheek. "It's good to see you," he says to her, before offering Kieran a pat on the shoulder in greeting.

Gaston has joined the Bear Table.

Charlemagne the Unicorn arrives, following Larissa.

The large Blackram noble wasn't really used to finding himself some place where more than one of the fellows were almost as large as he is. Gaston rather finds it almost a novel a experience. Currently, he's sitting at the Bear Table, with a mug full of... Well, milk. He takes a drink, letting his feral stare roam over the party goers and reception guests.

Deva's initial greeting for her twin is a thud of her fist to his shoulder. Her expression softens a few beats later into something resembling a tired smile. "You too," she mutters to Darren, shifting then to straighten in her chair. A little. Her chin lifts in a casual greeting for Gaston as the Blackram sits with his milk. She squints at the contents for a long, curious moment.

Deva has joined the Bear Table.

The wedding ceremony between Prince Fergus Redrain and Princess Marian Valardin is quietly performed by the Redrain High Shaman, Princess Drea Redrain, and a priest of Limerance in front of the couple's closest family members. Only House Redrain, Valardin and Greenmarch were allowed to witness the soft, loving vows the two make in the Stone Grove to one another:

"You are my lover and my teacher,
You are my protector and my accomplice,
You bring out the best and worst in me,
And you are my true counterpart.
I will love you, hold you and honor you,
I will respect you, encourage you and cherish you,
In good times and bad,
Through sorrow and glory,
For all the days of my life."

Once their rings are exchanged and the couple kisses, the wedding party moves to the Great Hall so everyone in Arx can celebrate this couple's love by drinking, eating and dancing their joy that these two warriors have found a home in each other's arms.

Ferrando joins the general post-ceremony throng filing into the Great Hall. Noble marriages ensuring political stability in the Compact is all well and good, but juuuust nosing all of that out for first place in his heart is reception catering!

Khanne smiles at everyone as she walks in. Usually rather carefree looking, she has taken the time to make herself look a bit more put together. Her hair is swept up and held with a set of hairpins painted in a northern snows motif, while her gown and slippers are made to represent the mountains of home. What better could she wear to a wedding for Fergus and Marian? She knows many people, but not all, nonetheless, she smiles and waves to everyone while looking for a good place to sit, seeming to decide to join Kieran for the time being. She barely settles down before the ceremony begins.

Khanne has joined the Bear Table.

Anze is with Calypso, the pair of them part of the small intimate wedding, and when the group moves to the great hall Anze sighs "lets get some drinks" Anze says to Calypso, and brings the pair towards the nearest person with some glasses of whiskey.

Antonio steps in, accompanied by a sailory looking fellow- no doubt there to serve as the Lenosian Admiral's runner. There is a lazy smile on the young man's face, as well as the feint outlines of bruises, almost completly faded, but still visible.

Alis is here! She is totally here. But she is also her typical quiet self. Fiachra is somewhere nearby, probably in search of whatever food his wife has decided she can eat today. And she's parked herself on the small couch so she can watch the goings on from a not-crowded perspective.

Alis has joined the Pass Out Couch.

Edain makes his way into the great hall having come directly from the ceremony, a happy smile on his face but a slight glassyness to his eyes. He looks to one of the house guards, as he enters the hall, and even though the guard hasn't said anything to him he explains, "Fall allergies.. that's all it is." he protests.

In other words....

Shut up! I'm not crying! You're crying!

Trees in planters have been brought into the Great Hall, the white limbs reaching out to cover the room, creating an arboreal grove. White tea lights hang from the branches, lighting the room overhead. The bear table has a long white table cloth with formal place setting. Over by the dance floor, a string quartet play lively tunes for Redrain guests to dance to.

The small table holds a white tower cake that shows ivy roping it's way over it to two bears joining their paws. Banquet table set up contains roasted boar, venison and bear for those wanting meat. Steam veggies, fruit basket and winter salad are there for the taking. Servants mill about with trays of wine, whiskey and mead for the guests. If any bring gifts, they are directed to leave them at the table in the Far Corner.

Kieran looks to his siblings as the poke and nudge him. "Hello, you two. You're late to the party." He holds up his half-empty tankard to demonstrate what he means, then quiets as the celemony occurs. Once it's all done, he goes back to drinking.

Larissa wanders in and finds a spot next to Ferrando with a quiet smile in greeting as she looks around and bobs curtsies here and there and waves there and here before she searches out Marian for the sole purpose of oggling her dress.

Estaban comes walking into the hall looking around its the first time he has been up in Redrain house, he is dressed in nice clothing for this no armor nope not for this. He holds somehting in his hands and looks around for Marian.

A soft sounds of the string quartet can be heard as the guests find their seats or move to start getting their meal. The couple has not arrived yet, as they stepped aside to refresh themselves before coming to the wedding reception.

"It was a beautiful ceremony, eh?" Darren remarks to Deva as he comes to plant himself on a chair at the Bear table for the time being, closer to his siblings. He has managed to enter the Great Hall without being misty eyed like /some/ Highlords (looking at YOU, Edain!), clearly having gotten it out of his system in the Great Hall. "You should come by for dinner next week," he remarks to his sister. "You and Kieran both. I'll bring Donella. We'll make a thing of it, like we keep talking about."

Darren has left the Small Table.

Darren has joined the Bear Table.

A simple nod from Gaston to Deva as she greets him, taking another drink, then splitting his lips in a too-sharp, razor's edged smile. Eyes staring perhaps a bit too long at each of his fellows at the table, as if committing their faces to memory, though as of yet he doesn't even have names for most of them.

Fergus demanded that he wear armor to the wedding. Sadly, it was dictated to him by Marian(and Darren the player thinks)that he couldn't wear armor if Marian was wearing a dress. So, he was forced to wear clothes. Good clothes, clothes that weren't even wrinkled. Even trimmed his beard a little. So even if he all scarred up and grumpy, at least he cleans up good when he needs to. He's stoic during the wedding, but anyone who really knows the man can tell that he's happy, even if he doesn't outwardly show as much. But really, it's that dress of Marian's that pretty happy with. Who puts bear prints on a dress? Still looks good. Eventually he moves into the Great Hall with Marian on his arm. "Well. Shit. Now you're stuck with us." he asides to the new Redrain Princess, leading her to their table.

Ferrando smiles brightly to Larissa and sets about acquiring some drinks for them while she goes out on her important fashion mission. Such is the important work of Whisper support staff.

Ferrando has joined the Small Table.

Khanne looks at the bear table and asks, "did I sit at the wrong place? Is this Redrain Family only? Can I be honorary Redrain for the day?"

"I'll believe it when I see it," Deva clicks her tongue off the roof of her mouth with a skeptical shake of her head for Darren. "It's true, I heard him sneeze all the way over here," she chimes in as Edain gives his explanation, and she nods solemnly across the way toward the Valardin.

Roland enters quietly and finds a position not too far away from Prince Edain and Princess Alis, occupying a nice spot of the wall where he's not in the way but can see everything freely. The fact that he's awkward at parties and this just gives him an excuse to look as though he's doing Something Important is a side benefit.

Gino, a surly sailor leaves, following Antonio.

Kieran looks to Darren at the invitation, "A dinner? Didn't we just have one a couple of weeks ago? Not that I complain about having more banquets to attend." He looks to Marian and grins, "Welcome to the family. Too late to flee now." He lifts his tankard in salute to her then takes a long sip.

Anze has his drink now, and Calypso as well, and he looks around. He head towards Deva and Darren, clapping Darren on the shoulder and grinning at Deva "little cousins" he says warmly in greeting, and then nods his head at Kieran "baby cousin."

Ian comes into the reception maybe just a tiny bit late, but not so much so that it would stand out. Fashionably late. He's switched to his slightly nicer jacket (just like the other one, but with nicer buttons), and has swapped out his regular cane for a fancy ebony one. So... all dressed up, in other words. His gait is slow, but aside from the cane, it'd be hard to tell what, if anything, is wrong with him. He pauses a little bit inside and looks around, a literal fish out of water, but showing no signs of discomfort with that fact. His intense gaze sizes up the room and its occupants.

comes in on Fergus' arm, her wedding gown revealing tiny bear paw prints in the lace that gracefully falls about her body. She is wearing no visible weapons today, having set them aside for her wedding ceremony. She has a smile that lights up her entire face as she walks into the room, "Stuck with your family? Well...I think I can handle that."

Darren scoffs at Deva, leaning to nduge her. "It's just been hard to plan the past couple of weeks," he says with a hint of apology in his voice. And then he narrows his look at Kieran. "It is a dinner with the four of us. You, me, Deva and Donella." He moves to give Anze a pat on the back, nodding to Calypso as well. "Good to see the both of you. It'll be you next," he says to the two of them. And then, when the bride and groom arrive, Darren lets his voice go up in a whoop of a cheer for the two of them.

A few servants move about with trays of wine, whiskey and blackberry mead for the guests that are thirsty.

Khanne smiles and stands with a mug of whiskey in hand. She shouts out to the new couple, "congratulations Fergus and Marian Redrain! Welcome to the ward, Marian! I look forward to getting to know you!."

Darren is overheard praising Marian for: Welcome to the family!

Boots, Chip, a small mouse arrive, following Valery.

Boots, Chip, a small mouse leave, following Valery.

Calypso takes her drink with a thankful nod and then follows suit with Khanne, cheersing to the new couple. "Congratulations Marian and Fergus Redrain!"

Boots, Chip, a small mouse arrive, following Valery.

Larissa has joined the Small Table.

Darren is overheard praising Fergus for: You did good, cousin!

Valery checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 42 higher.

Alis gives Roland a quick smile and a nod when he perches himself nearby. The same expression, just a bit more lingering, is reserved for the happy couple when they make their entrance into the reception. And then a glass of blackberry mead is lifted from the tray of a passing server as she settles in to her chosen spot.

Khanne is overheard praising Fergus for: He was able to find someone to break through the grumpiness, and did the smart thing to hang onto her! Congrats!

Roland is overheard praising Marian for: Lovely bride!

Calypso is overheard praising Marian for: Congratulations! Everyone always said we should be friends, now we get to be sisters.

Anze chuckles at Darren "aye, well, it'll be nice when that happens eh?" He raises his glass in addition to Khanne and Calypso "to my shithead brother." he says before downing his glass of whiskey.

Khanne is overheard praising Marian for: A beautiful bride with a stunning smile and great fashion sense.

Marian grabs two whiskeys from a servant bearing a tray and hands one to Fergus so they can toast their wedding guests, "Thank you! Thank you for all your kind wishes. I want to thank my family, House Greenmarch and House Valardin, for giving me such love that when I met this brute of a man." She gives her husband a loving look, "I recognized him for the wonderful man that he is." She looks to Fergus to see if he wants to add a few words before she shoots down the whiskey in her hand.

Valery walks into the room, but she stays close to the door, quiet as her mice, and trying to be as invisible as them.

Alis is overheard praising Fergus.

Marian is overheard praising Fergus for: For making it to the wedding!

Ferrando applauds festively for the arrival of the new couple and then turns to hand Larissa a glass of blackberry mead as she approaches.

Deva fingerwiggles at Anze and Calypso, giving them both a quick smile. Then her hands join together to applaud for the newly married Fergus and Marian. "Congratulations to you both," she calls out. Then she elbows Darren and shrugs.

Alis is overheard praising Marian.

Ferrando is overheard praising Marian.

Calypso is overheard praising Fergus for: Congratulations! You'll make a fine husband. I'm glad she is here to protect you. And I suppose you her.

Larissa waits a beat before she makes her way to Fergus and Marian and drops into an elegant curtsy in front of them "Prince Fergus and Princess Marian, on behalf of the Whisper House I would like to offer our heart felt congratulations on your marriage. My your lifetime together be one filled with happiness and health" she murmurs before retreating to the table next to her Guard "Ooh, I can smell the blackberries. They're my favorite" she admits

Kieran ahhhs as Darren explains the plan for a dinner. "Well, it's still a banquet even if it's a smaller crowd." He quiets then as everyone starts praising the newlyweds.

Larissa is overheard praising Marian for: A beautiful bride!

Larissa is overheard praising Fergus for: He wore clothes!

Ian hangs back for a few minutes, watching, maybe trying to get a feel for the place and what he should do next. Which actually might put him fairly near Valery, but he's not making any effort to hide.

"Shit. You're all gonna make feel all fucking pretty." Fergus grunts, looking at all the cheers. Usually, he's used to hearing them about killing a whole bunch of stuff in battle. Getting cheers for something not distinctly inherently violent. "Thanks. Fucking swell of you to all show up. Now it's his turn." he tips a glass he picks up towards Anze. "Marry that one before she gets wise, eh?"

Khanne drinks her whiskey after the toast, then smiles at Gaston. She offers her hand to him and says, "Lady Khanne Halfshav of Too Many Titles. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Marian has left the Far Corner.

Oh, and does Fergus look slightly hungover? Yeah, maybe a bit. He's a trooper.

Estaban makes his way over to Marian bowing his head, "Princess Marian." he smiles watching her then looks to Fergus, "Prince Fergus congratdulations." he looks between the two, "A gift from myself." he hands the bottle to Marian.

Darren lifts his glass along with everyone else before downing the whiskey, reaching for the bottle to refill his and Deva's glass. He rises afterward, to hold up his refilled glass to Marian and Fergus. "I'm glad that Fergus met you, Marian. Welcome to the family," he says warmly to her, "May your days be long and full of love and happiness." He drinks from his glass again afterward, draining it completely. There is a glance to Larissa after when he spots her, and he offers her a warm smile.

Marian looks around the room, first at the family that she is leaving Edain, Alis, Roland, and Gaston. Then she looks at the family she is joining Darren, Khanne, Calypso, Valery, Kieran, Anze, and Deva. Then her honored guests that took time out of their day to celebrate her nupitals Estaban, Ian, Larissa and Ferrando. There is quiet toast given to all of them before she takes the next shot of whiskey. Then she turns to Estaban that approaches with a bottle of Strawberry Plum Wine, "Thank you! Thank you so much for coming and for this gift." She looks across the room as Darren welcomes her to the family and she lightly puts her hand over her heart to let him know how much that means to her.

The Blackram finishes his drink, and reaches over to take Khanne's hand in his own bite-marked mit in a firm, but not crushing grip. "Well met, Lady Halfshav! The pleasure's all mine, I'm certain." A hand reaching down to rub at his hound's head, idly.

Ian acquired a glass of whiskey from somewhere, probably a passing servant, and when the toasts start going up, he joins in with all the solemnity of a man taking an oath.

Larissa returns the smile to Darren, raising her glass to him in a quiet toast to his own pending nupitals as she sits and talks idely to Ferrando - her expression suddenly going sly towards her friend and bodyguard

Maxene, Camille, Elegance arrive, following Alarissa.

Fergus takes a moment to collect himself. " Alright. I got something to say." he coughs into his hand, never really one for speeches, more inclined to grunt or growl his approval or disapproval. "For anyone that fucking knows me, I'm not the easiest person to get along with. Just ask my brother." he inclines his head to Anze. "I can be a right shitheel and I'll be the first to admit it. For anyone that doesn't know, for the past year I sorta lost myself. We all got our reasons if you ever start doubting yourself, losing faith in yourself, other people, just fucking life in general. One day, I decided to drag my ass out of my room and out of a bottle. Only to find myself getting taken to task by some redhead who swung a sword just as good as me. And then she never really went away. Now, I ain't saying that I...eh, what's the word, 'scored out of my league'? Well, I did. I wasn't a great man then, and sometimes, I still don't think I am, but this one," he nudges Marian a little. "Let me know that I'm still the fucking man that everyone else thinks I am. Ever if he was hard to find. There's a few people I'd want to have my back. My sister, my brother...shit, even Darren. I guess. But I got a new one. And no offense to the ones I mentioned, but she's a lot prettier."

Speech given, he gives a little nod to Larissa. "Thanks, Whisper. Me an Mari appreciate it."

Valery stays near the door looking around... moving when more people walks in. She nods to Ian when he gets close, but not a word, not yet. A light wave of her fingers would be given if any would look her way.

Deva snickers while clapping for Fergus' speech. With one last chug of her drink to finish it off, she inhales quietly and scoots out of her seat to depart with her much scruffier looking shadow.

Edain is overheard praising Fergus for: Marian is prettier than Darren: Confirmed

Khanne shakes Gaston's hand, glancing at the cars upon it, but not asking after them, not here, not now. "Either way, well met." She smiles, seemingly distracted in her own thoughts, but clearly happy for the newly wed couple and the joyous festivities. She listens to Fergus and while some applaud, she instead lifts her mug and takes another drink after a joyous cheer.

Estaban nods his head moving back to find a glass of whiskey and a table to sit at, when he hears Fergus he claps for the man holding his glass up and then taking a long drink from it.

Estaban has joined the Far Corner.

Ian is briefly a little bit surprised to see Valery here; it shows in his intense blue eyes. But he nods to her anyway, settling back to his usual calm focus. Fergus' speech prompts a twitch of his mouth and a brief softening of his drawn features.

Anze lets other people do most of the talking, smirking a little at the idea of Calypso leaving him and otherwise just making idle chitchat and drinking as the reception continues. He follows Fergus's speech along and just hrms at the end, taking a drink once more.

Marian gets a few tears in her eyes as Fergus talks how she helped drag him out of his hole and then raises her glass of blackberry mead to Fergus, "You might claim that I helped save you but love..." She lightly brings two fingers and puts them to his lips, "You saved me...I was bound and determined to spend the rest of my days doing my duty to House Valardin when this angry, difficult and precious man barreled into my life." She looks at Edain and Alis, "I am fortunate enough to have family that will always be my family no matter what my last name is." She raises her glass in Roland's direction, "And you better treat Oathbinder right." She looks at Darren and Anze, "And the joy of finding a new home with a bunch of folks that don't mind my wild ways."

Kit, the grey fox, Brigid the Genet arrive, following Monique.

Was that a little tear in Larissa's eye as Fergus spoke? Yes. Yes it was. And she'll dare all of you not to shed one too. When Fergus sat down she stood and cheered, clapping whole heartedly before she looks over to Ferrando and winks. "I'm certain there are traditional Redrain wedding dances - Aren't there? If not we will have to invent one for the occaision but Ferrando wants to dance and I suppose I do to. Lady Khanne?" she asks. Yes. On the spot and under the bus. <3.

Darren casts a look to Deva as she gets up, moving to murmur something to her before she gets too far away. Afterward, he holds up his glass to Fergus and Marian again. "Well said, Fergus. Though I'd much rather you have my back," he chuckles, before he grins to Marian. "You'll fit right in, I have no doubt."

Freja slips in quietly and heads towards an unoccupied corner, whiskey in hand.

Roland salutes Marian with a fist to his heart, bowing, "May it cut it if I do anything less than my very best, Your Highness."

Alis will toast to that; so she does! And then another for Marian and her speech, which she nods solemnly at before downing the rest of her glass. Since she's not drinking a whole lot these days, it's okay to commence taking bets on whether she'll have to be hauled home over Fia's shoulder already or not.

Deva murmurs a soft reply to Darren before she's off and out, moving quietly but briskly in her boots.

Deva has left the Bear Table.

Jasper leaves, following Deva.

Ferrando positively beams at the words from Fergus and Marian, although his beaming expression freezes in place for a few moments when Larissa makes her announcement. Welp, guess it's time for dancing then. He accepts his fate amiably enough, nodding along with Larissa.

Monique has been here the whole time. Really. Her sister's marriage is something she celebrates wholeheartedly! There has been much drinking, and the Minx hasn't been far from the dance floor.

Ferrando has left the Small Table.

Ferrando has joined the Dance Floor.

The string quartet starts a more lively Redrain traditional wedding dance as Larissa takes the to the dance floor with Ferrando. One of them stomps their feet for folks to keep time and it's clear that the couple is being called to the dance floor as the musicans raise the roof with their strings.

Fergus grunts. "Shit, that goes without saying, cousin. Ain't gotta worry about that. I wasn't the best man ever for awhile. But, you put up with me and my shit. So. Thanks." Not the emotional type, so saying thanks is about as close as anyone is going to get with him. "Then let's just say we helped each other out, eh? No need to get too mushy about it. People are looking." he states to Marian, giving her a little. "Yeah, I guess I'll have to accept the fact that I got some Valardin's family. Shit, I get to call Edain a brother and eventually I'm sure he'll start asking himself just why the fuck he signed that contract. I'll just shove some fucking pickles at Short Stack and she'll be alright. But hey, sister. Where the fuck is my sister? I swear, if she ditched, I'll tan her ass."

Khanne looks up at hearing her name, looking to Larissa. "Hmm? Me, dance? Oh.. no.. no, that's.. dangerous."

Alis feels the love already, Ferg. So much.

"I'm sure that Freja will be along shortly," Marian tells her husband with a grin as the lively quartet starts to call them to the dance floor, "Come on husband! I think it's time we showed everyone all those dances we've been practicing all week." Cause Marian and Fergus are not dancers, they're fighters. But perhaps their new found skills will come in handy.

Larissa checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Marian checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

"I'll dance with you, Larissa," Darren offers, draining his glass before he rises from his seat. There's a smirk to Khanne before he ambles over to Larissa. "Though we'll give the honoured couple a spin or two around the dance floor, first."

Fergus checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Ferrando has rolled a critical success!
Ferrando checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Kieran rises from the table as well, since dancing seems to be on the agenda now, and he begins scanning the crowd for a victim to claim as his dancing partner. "Anyone mind having their feet stepped on in a dance?"

Marian has joined the Dance Floor.

Fergus has joined the Dance Floor.

Ian finally decides to find an out of the way place to sit, which pretty much means the far corner. "Would you mind if I joined you?" He asks Esteban.

Valery smiles at the music, a wider smile as people starts dancing, which makes her move even closer, even if she still tries to stay out of the way.

Kieran has left the Bear Table.

Ferrando's job description is nothing if not 'accompany Whispers into dangerous situations', and by Khanne's description it seems very appropriate. He's been to enough parties that he can probably fake a traditional Redrain wedding dance from a little observation and getting the beat of the quartet. Larissa is maybe having a little trouble with the stompiness, so as usual it's the bouncer to the rescue! Apparently stomping is right in his wheelhouse and he takes to it like a natural. "I clearly need to go to more Redrain weddings!" he tells Larissa cheerfully as he leads her around the floor.

Dancing? It's like pulling teeth out of Fergus. "Eugh, I did fucking promise you a dance, didn't I? Look, if that shit from that Grayson party happens again, don't not apologizing. You already got experience now at this point." But he still gets drug out there because, well, he sort of has to today.

Khanne grins at Ferrando and says, "clearly. Redrain weddings are the best. There'll be another soon.. then another... then.. well, we run out of weddings."

Monique checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Monique spies Kieran, hears his offer and needs little more encouragement to claim the Redrain for a dance. "Only," she says, "if you don't mind having booze spilled on you. I'm not giving up my drink!"

Larissa was not a dancer!! Many of the Whispers were and danced beautifully - But not our Larissa, nope! Luckily, she had her everfaithful bodyguard beside her to catch her every time she stepped on the hem of her dress and went flailing into him - or worse, Marian and Fergus. "Ooof! Sorry" she mumbled up at him as a lob of hair fell in her eyes and she barely had time to brush it away before more stomping and twirling happened and she ended up running around more than dancing around, just in an effort not to get trampled. "How am I doing??" she calls up to Ferrando with a look bordering on panic and terror.

Marian is looks like she is having fun dragging her husband onto the dance floor, "Now hush, we practiced this time. You should be just fine." She has a lively step as she jumps into the dance that the quartet is giving with all of her body. This isn't your typical dance, but lively with jumps and kicks. She twirls in her lace gown like she does on the battlefield...with finesse.


    Better late than never, Cesare steps into the great hall. Music. Dancing. Drinking. Surely there was a place for a Whisper in these environs. He takes a moment- a long moment- to drink in the environment. To drink in the people. ... he arrives just as Larissa makes her way to the floo to dance, and he smiles brightly- a shadow that has joined the crowd. Should she look his way, he'll give her a smile and a couple of supportive thumbs up to his Housemate.


Ian sits down in the back with Esteban who is clearly idle, but who we're going to pretend doesn't mind company. He gives Larissa a sympathetic look.

Ian has joined the Far Corner.

Kieran smiles to Monique and gives a dip of his head in a slight bow. "I would never try to part a lady from her drink," he holds out his arm to her and leads her out to the dance floor, moving quickly into a lively dance to match the new couples'. "You may not have much drink left after this one!"

Kieran has joined the Dance Floor.

Monique has joined the Dance Floor.

Monique scoffs archly in Kieran's direction. The Minx, in total control of her body, joins him for the set, determined to prove the Prince wrong. "That's what you think! A real Lady *never* wastes good booze! We go through years and *years* of training for just such occasions." Lying? Maybe?

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Donella before departing.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Donella before departing.

Ferrando might sort of be hauling Larissa around the floor, lifting her up an inch or three off the floor in places when she seems to be in trouble. "You're doing brilliantly," he tells her confidently. "I like this dance! It's very... martial!" He pivots them away from the corner when they approach the edge of the floor. "I can't say there's nearly as much of a risk of getting kicked in the traditional dances of the Lyceum. Keeps you on your toes! So to speak." That sort of statement would probably not be as approving when made by most people who aren't Ferrando.

Kieran checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Donella before departing.

One of the violinist shouts as the bride does her twirl. The quartet's speed is breathtaking for the dancers trying to keep up with it.

Ever see a bear dance? Fergus gives a approximation of what that might look like while dancing with Marian. Which is to say not that bad for a man who was stepping on toes the last time she managed to get him to do so. Whatever lessons that she taught him must've stuck a bit, treating it more like different sword moves. But he does watching his feet still, more than he should. "Shit. Well, always knew you always made me look a lot better. Figure this shit falls into it as well." He tries to keep up with her, and manages. Just barely.

Valery eventually sits on the floor against the wall, leaving her basket at her side. She smiles softly, keeping her eyes on all the dancers, clearly enjoying looking at them. She keeps the rhythm tapping very softly her fingers on her leg.

Ian sits in the back of the room with Esteban, who is idle, nursing a glass of whiskey while he watches the people dance with his usual calm expression. He's traded out his usual coat for one with slightly nicer buttons, and his usual cane for a fancy ebony one. So, you know, all dressed up, in other words.

Eventually, Gaston quietly rises from the table, and goes to explore the festivities of the reception elsewhere as well!

Kieran huhs at Monique's statement. "True. True. But you only just became a real Lady, so you may not have had as much training as is typical, correct?" He should probably shut up and focus on his own dancing, as his footwork is only just passably able to be called dancing. "That's the trick to dancing - making sure your partner is so good looking that people pay attention to them rather than your own bad dancing."

Donella laughs and claps her hands together once to see the bridal couple take their turn together. Not a laugh of derision, but one of pleasure. When her hands drop again, still one will tap out the measure against her outer thigh.

Gaston has left the Bear Table.

Monique laughs aloud, a sharp, merry thing, and leans in to whisper something to Kieran. Something totally lost to the din of the band. But she doesn't miss a beat or spill a drop.

"Ah, there you are!" Darren declares when he spots Donella through the crowd, moving forward to come and slip an arm about her in a tender sort of way. "Just in time to come dance with me," he grins, canting his head to the dance floor. "Shall we?"

At one point when a line of dancers comes kicking and twirling in their direction, and Ferrando was helpful enough to lift her up for that part, Larissa actually covers her eyes - certain they are going to be flung across the room by a mass of small Redrain mountains wearing their best leathers. "Oh Gods" she squeeks and nods at Ferrando "Yeah.. I thought I'd be pretty good at it" she confirms as her feet dangle an inch or so off the ground and she gives in and lets poor Ferrando do all the hard work. It was safer for everyone that way. But eventually the dance ended... Right? RIGHT? This wasn't like challenging the Redrain to a drinking contest - it DID end, didn't it? It must. It will! And when it did she would slip away from the Whisper Guard and call out "Would anyone care to take my place with our esteemed Guardsman, I'm certain his feet would appreciate it!!"

Larissa adds a pitiful "Please"

Roland glances to Valery, noticing her tapping from where he's standing not too far away, and clears his throat, "Would you care to dance, mistress? I'm no great performer, but it seems a shame not to dance at a wedding celebration, at least once."

Edward slips in exceptionally late to the start of the party. He smiles as he tucks his hands behind his back and he takes a glance around. He begins to make his way into the crowd to mingle while he looks around.

Cesare checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

Estaban is sitting at a table off in a corner sipping on his glass of wisky just enjoying watching everyone having fun.

Ian stands up. He has one hand on the table as he does so, and someone perceptive might realize that he's using it, as well as his cane, to steady himself while he gets to his feet. Once standing, he'll try to catch the terrified Larissa's eye. Look, a lone man standing around with no one to talk to. Clearly, her job is over here.

Ian has left the Far Corner.

Kieran laughs at whatever is whispered to him as they try to keep up with the musicians. "I think the minstrels are purposefully trying to see you will fall over first at this rate."

For guests just arriving, the bride and groom are twirling, kicking, jumping and moving to a frantic paced traditional Redrain dance. The string quartet is going mad with the frantic pace. The other dancers keep up as the twirling skirts, the men's boots stomp and it's clear this is a lively party.

Valery opens wide her eyes, looking at Roland. She even looks to a side, as checking he's actually talking to her. "Me?" She bites her lower lip. "I'm not... I can't dance so well either..." She stands up, though, a bit reluctantly, maybe, with a short glance down to herself and a light blush.

Donella finds his fingers with her own, knitting their hands together. "Perhaps the next one, twinkle toes," she says with a mild laugh. "Otherwise, you might have to carry me about under your arm for the rest of the evening. I've not had enough to drink to get away with that, yet?"

Ferrando releases Larissa to the safer fewer-stompy less-twirly harbor that is Ian and pulls another blackberry mead from a passing server's tray to wait to see if any more brave souls want to proceed out onto the floor. He grins brightly, catching his breath a little.

"You're doing fine," Marian tells him with a laugh, her green eyes flashing as she dances to the frantic cries of the violins, "Although, I don't know how much I can keep this up." She looks to Fergus to see how he's doing.

"We'll make their fingers bleed first!" Monique replies to Kieran with a wild shout in the direction of the music, her hair like a live firebrand streaming out behind her. "See if we don't!"

"Really starting to regret drinking so much last night at Spirits is about how I'm doing." Fergus utters to Marian, not realizing he could the kicks and twists that Marian suckered him into doing with this dance. "If I can fucking dance like this, so can Darren. I'll pay good money to see him do it. Or Calypso. One of the two, I'm not picky."

Darren utters a hearty laugh to Donella, smirking a bit. "Well we can change that last part," he says to her, leaning to kiss her temple and murmur something to her, before he gives her a squeeze and leads her over to the Bear table. "Far more than enough to drink here. Besides, we can stand here and watch my brother make a fool of himself," his eyes twinkle as he hands her a glass ofs omething or another, keeping one arm looped around the Thraxian comfortably.

Roland smiles and assures Valery, "Don't worry, we'll just be easy at it." He takes her hand and leads her out among the dancers, near the edge where it's not quite so vigorous.

Roland checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Kieran looks over to Darren and quirks an eyebrow, "I am a fool. There's nothing new about me acting the part." He looks back to Monique and blinks, "A lofty goal. However, we should think about their livelihoods. They need those fingers to feed themselves." He isn't at all demurring from such rigorous dancing because he is having trouble keeping up. Nope, not at all.

Valery checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.


    Into the fray, Cesare, moves. His grace is obvious, how he flows with the music.. as if the music will always be a part of his soul. His lean, dark form like a rolling shadow as he makes his way fully onto the dance floor. His movements are fluid and languid, lazy compared to the pace of the music. His booted feet slap at just the right times, a clap brought to the rhythms of the music.

Khanne watches the dancers from her seat, stomping one foot in time to the music and clapping along with a whiskeyed smile on her lips.

Donella claps once she is again stationary at the table side, and calls, "You may be foolish, highness, but never because of your dancing, I'm sure. They all look marvelous. And the groom seems very proficient himself! My, the north does like to flirt with danger-- even at weddings. What if someone pulls something?" she plucks an offered drink and gestures with it, "Do you do what I do, and try to make the limping look like you're doing it on purpose?"

Valery takes a deep deep breath when he takes her hand, trying to not freeze or anything like that at the contact, and follows him after leaving her basket in a safe place. She didn't lie, she's not a good dancer, and even if she at least seems to feel the rhythm and follows it, she fails miserably in making it natural.

That's when it happens, a string breaks on one of the violins and there's a shout as the music suddenly dies. As the musican goes to tend to his instrument, a violin soloist steps forward and this tone is softer, more gentle to let the dancers recover from the wail of the Redrain violins.

Marian checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Kieran checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Fergus checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

Cesare checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Valery checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Monique checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Ferrando checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Edward chuckles noting the intense dancing as he walks over to where Ian stands and where Larissa was just deposited. He smiles to Ferrando and then he looks at Ian, "Lord Kennex," he bows and adds, "Softest Whisper." he smiles to them both and then motions, "I am regretting the business that kept me from arriving on time." he remarks while he smiles to them, before he turns his attention to the floor. He does snag some mead from a passing servant so he has something to drink.

Monique's laughter at whatever Kieran has muttered is bright, beautiful and easily lost to the pounding, punishing music the musicians create. She flips back the entirety of her glass in one long swallow and leans in to riposte with the Redrain Prince. But the music suddenly changes and without skipping a beat, so does the Greenmarch.

Marian is in mid-twirl when the string on the violin breaks. She lands on her feet and then steadies herself on Fergus as the pair transitions into the slower, more traditional wedding dance. She clings to her husband as he takes her into the next steps, a little out of breath as move at a slower, more sedate pace.

Ian has collared some poor drinks tray bearer and forced them to stop there and wait with him so that he can pass Larissa a drink once she gets to him (whenever that is), and then take one for himself. "You look like you need this." And then here's Edward, so he passes his drink over and grabs a third. "You missed quite a dance," he remarks, with no hint that he knows how much he's understating things.

Darren chuckles over to Kieran, grinning to Donella. "You're nicer to him than I am," he winks at her, draining his whiskey cup in a single shot as he watches the dancers from tableside. "The pace of this one's a little better," he says of the slower music, chuckling a little. "I imagine less people will fall on their faces."

Kieran is able to shift into the new rhythm much more easily than the previous and he breathes a quiet sigh of relief at having the pace slowed to something less demanding. He eyes his partner chugging her drink and asks, "Need a refill?"

Ferrando grimaces lightly at the violin mishap and decides to ease his way off the dance floor. Slow dancing's maybe a little less his style. Fortunately, there's Edward there to say hello. "Ah, very good to see you Edward," he says affably and bows lightly to Ian as he catches the title. "Ferrando Artiglio, remedial etiquette instructor-in-residence at the Whisper House, at your service, m'Lord," he introduces himself.

Anze is making idle talk with Calypso as they share drinks and watch the dancing, looking around the room for the people who aren't dancing and might want to talk.

Ferrando has left the Dance Floor.

Cesare checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Ian takes a sip of his drink and regards Ferrando with a hint of wry humor. "I see my reputation is getting ahead of me."

Larissa sits the next few dances out and instead wanders around. She offers a curtsy to Donella when she arrives, her face bright with exertion and perhaps a touch of humiliation.. or well.. as close to humiliation as Larissa was capable of feeling. Which I suppose wasn't much at all. Eventually she finds herself by Ian and Edward, a smile of thanks to the Lord Kennex at the drink "Thank you, I do. ANd no" she shakes her head to Edward "You don't. It was a disasster that I am only relieved you were not forced to witness."

Good thing, because Fergus is trying to not wipe himself out. "Think I'm drinking water for awhile." he utters, realizing he needs to dry out still a moment, and grateful that such a fast-paced dance has passed. This he can do, a bit more comfortable. "Hey Anze!" he calls over toward his brother. "Quit being a fucking slouch and dance with your woman. She'll start thinking you can't."

Freja is more than content to look on and drink her whiskey, nodding here and there as people ass.


    And then the violin shifts and changes suddenly- a soloist starting to play- Cesare is caught in the music. Caught *by* the music and he dances, slowly, up towards the dais where the music is playing. He climbs up, slowly, quietly.

    Among the Whispers, at least, Cesare is known for this sort of thing- to be pulled and mesmerized by beautiful music. He turns, and looks over the crowd- a crowd that, for him, doesn't exist. He begins to sing, improvised words for the married couple. It becomes quickly obvious why some consider him the 'Man with the Perfect Voice' as raw, rich honey-sweet and spicy tones begin to fill the room. A love song, a beautiful song.

Edward chuckles softly as he sips his drink and he nods to Larissa, "Softest Whisper are you saying there is something that you do not quite excel at?" he grins to her clearly giving her a friendly ribbing and he says to Ian, "I think it would have been good to watch. I am not such a great dancer I could dance like what I saw before the change just now." then Ferrando, "Good to see you too!" he exclaims and smiles, "How have you been? We have not talked in some time."

Anze moves to Ian, Edward, and Larissa with Calypso. He glances to Fergus yelling at him and cocks a brow "pretty sure, your weddin or not, you call Calypso 'my woman' again, an she'll gut you right here." He says and then turns to the group of people he just joined and grins a bit "my brother. It really is a f'an miracle someone married him."

Servants move throughout the hall bringing wine, whiskey and blackberry mead to the thirsty dancers that are leaving the dance floor.

"I do," Monique replies to Kieran, a grin lighting her face vividly. "But I'll get it. We single women must learn to do for ourselves," she teases him lightly, slipping away from the throng and the Redrain.

Khanne snags another mug of whiskey from one of the passing servants.

Donella watches the people whirling in the new measure with varying degrees of success, and sets down her cup, nodding warmly toward Larissa. To Darren she says, "Eldest children are such bullies," with a wink, because she is also someone's eldest child. Well. Arguably not so childish, these days. "Nonsense!" she calls encouragement to Monique. "Single ladies are remarkably accomplished at the 'get me that' look."

Donella says, "Also the 'no, not that one' look, and the 'do I have to do it myself?' look."

Ferrando peers mildly at Larissa. "I thought I'd been sufficiently distracting, but perhaps not," he observes as he takes another drink of blackberry mead. He shakes his head lightly at Ian. "Worry not, I'm a resident instructor, not a travelling one." A servant hands him a whiskey and he looks at it appreciatively. He's not above doublefisting, apparently. "Quite well, thank you for asking, and I would hope you could say the same for yourself," he tells Edward. "It's certainly been an interesting time in the captial lately with the King's recovery."

Estaban gets up from his seat heading in Anze and Calypso's direction to greet them, "Lady General, your highness." he bows his head, "I wished to say hello before having to depart, I look forward to this again soon I hope." he looks between the two with a smirk on his face, "Seems I am needed back at the barracks hope to see you all soon." he nods to Ian and Edward before heading his way out.

Estaban has left the Far Corner.

"You know, Anze is right. It's quite a miracle that the two of us found each other," Marian tells her husband softly as she smiles up into his eyes, enjoying the feel of his arms around her as he guides her through the steps. Yes, he's finally the one leading her instead of the other way around.

Kieran chuckles as Monique steps away from the dance floor and he returns to his spot at the Bear Table. "Single women have a myrdiad of looks that they can give." He grabs his empty tankard and hands it to one of the passing servants, trading it for one with fresh ale in it.

Roland listens for the change in the music and, rather than try to keep up, instead opts to bow and lead his partner off again, "That's beyond my skill," he admits to Valery, looking sheepish. "Thank you for the dance, mistress, though it be brief."

"I am not a /bully/," Darren scoffs, leaning to nudge Donella with his hip and laugh. "I'm helping Kieran grow his character. It is an important thing to grow!" he says as though he were giving some sort of sage advice. "Besides, aren't you an eldest sibling?" he narrows his ees at her. "Single women aren't the only one well versed in looks."

Ian takes a sip of his drink. He's been doing a pretty good job drinking constantly this whole time without drinking very much. "Never a dull moment," he agrees. A slight cant and nod of his head includes this one.

Larissa rolls her eyes at Edward "I will never admit to such at thing" she sniffs and then looks pointedly at Ferrando "And I *DO* have my bodyguard with me today. Granted.. he's off duty, but He does get very bored. He might like the practice" she teases with a warm smile as she pauses to listen to Cesare sing and she goes misty eyed at his voice "He's magnificent isn't he?" she murmurs, leaning back.

Fergus gives a bit of a grudgingly accepting grunt. "Yeah, well. Somebody had to eventually. Hate to fucking see who Darren would've shoved me with if I hadn't taken the damn gumption to do it myself." Oh great, he's leading, now he's bound to screw it up. "Luck? Yeah, guess luck had something to do with it, suppose. But you're the one that decided to stick around."

Anze nods to Estaban when he gives him and Calypso a greeting before departing. He raises his glass "see you round soon I imagine Estaban." He gives Larissa a nudge "you're swoonin too much."

Edward glances at Fergus and Marian dancing and then he looks at Anze and Calypso as they walk up, "Quite right my Lord, they seem like a lovely duo." he also raises his glass to Calypso, "My Lady." before he turns his smile to Ferrando, "Indeed. Quite interesting as things go lately." he gives a more reserved smile to that before he chuckles with a glance to Larissa, "Mmhmm. If you say so." he smiles to Ian sharing his tease of Larissa with him in a glance.

The violinist finishes his solo and then the floor falls quiet as a servant brings Edain a drink to toast the happy couple.

Valery seems to be able to follow this new place a pinch better, but she also seems more than relieved when the dance is over. "You are welcome..." And quickly steps back, and rushes to recover her basket of mice. She hesitates for a moment and looks around. She moves to whisper to Kieran before getting ready to sneak out.

"I will always stick around," Marian tells him as she gives him a soft kiss before the music stops. She pauses and turns to see what is going on. She notices that the attention is now on Edain. She smiles as a servant brings a tray of blackbeery mead for the happy couple to receive the toast from the High Lord of Valardin.

Ian is one of those soulless people who's not moved by music. This much is clear from his non-reaction to the beautiful singing. Nevertheless, he nods solemnly to agree with Larissa and either ignores or misses Edward's tease.

Ferrando smiles appreciatively in Cesare's direction and nods to Larissa's comment. "Magnificent is an understatement. He's been composing some new songs about the House lately, you know. I can't wait to hear the final versions when he's finished." He nods thoughtfully to Edward. "Well, it can only lead to good things to see the Compact's historical alliances flourishing again, I would hope. Did you know that the new Queen-to-be is six thousand years old?"

Larissa snorts - I mean.. giggles. Ehem. "Whats wrong with swooning? Weddings are romantic - to watch." she says and then grins and raises her glass to both Anze and Calypso "In any case, hello, hello!" she calls to the pair as they come up. "You both know Ferrando and Lord Ian and Lord Edward?" she asks


    Still Cesare sings, now with the other musician, his voice rising in honor of the pair of recently married couple. He doesn't stop just when the Violinist stop his solo- another, final verse in honor of their marriage before his voice falls away. He pauses, a long moment, quiet. Silent. Just blinking as the music fades and he steps down from the dais. Quiet, and moving towards a drink, snagging some wine.

Donella chuckles to the Redrain High Lord, "Yes. YOURS is becoming very effective also, Your Grace," she tells him with a wry smile. "Practically a baby," she says aside of Ferrando's observation, while having her glass filled for the wedding toasts.

Donella has joined the Bear Table.

Marian gives Cesare an apologetic look as the music stops after he sings his stunning verse. She raises her glass to his before turn her attention back to Edain.

"Is that so?" Edward remarks to Ferrando turning back to him as he looks at him, "I did not know that." and then he quiets a moment as all the attention is turning on Edain with the music stopped.

Ian bows his head to Anze and Calypso when he's... quasi-introduced. Referred to. "I haven't had the pleasure."

Once the second song ends, Fergus returns that quick smooch, taking note of the singing. Bit of a 'hey not bad.' kind of look. "Hey, I'm going to go harass my sister. See why she's being such an anti-social drunk." he tells the new Redrain, giving her hand a squeeze before stepping away. "Make nice with the family. Be back with you in a minute." And then he's heading on over to where Freja is. "Gonna stand there all fucking day or what?"

Oh wait, Edain was going to give a speech? Shit, he'll hold off on hunting his sister down, Fergus staying put.

"I have met Ferrando briefly, an Edward bought tha table a round tha other night though I ain think we introduced. I'm Anze Redrain, this is Calypso Malvici, its good to meet you proper an to be introduced" he says to Edward and Ian in return.

"Lord Ian Kennex." Apparently, stating his name in a rather flat tone of voice is how Ian has decided to introduce himself. Maybe he's being brief because someone's about to give a speech.

Ferrando bows politely to the pair. "Prince Anze, Lady General Calypso, always a pleasure," he declares politely.


    Cesare simply bows his head respectfully towards Marian, lifting his glass in salute before he turns his attention back to the drink. A long sip as he makes his way towards a quiet corner to watch, and drink. He doesn't smile, for now, just enjoying the drink and the party.


"I'm not standing, I'm sitting. Also? Not drunk." Freja clarifies for Fergus with a drawl as he approaches.

Valery has kept her attention divided between her whispers and the music. Finally, with a small soft smile for Kieran, Valery nods, politely, and starts moving to an inner door. If anyone would look at her (but why would they?) she'd offer a light wave of her fingers in farewell. She keeps the soft smile, though, and she still keeps the rhythm lightly with her fingers on her leg, even if the music just stays in her head now.

Edain takes the glass offered him by one of the servants and steps out into the room, where he raises his glass and clears his throat. "I thought about what I would say to day to sum up what Princess Marian has meant to my family before we send her into the arms of another..."

Edain slowly looks around the room, meeting the faces of those that have come. After a breath he continues, "But I don't have those words. First she was this wild thing that made the stuffiest of us go 'my word!' and adjust our hats when she would accompany my brother Valen to court. But she embraced us as her own even though we were so very different. She laughted, she fought and embraced us with all her heart. But then came the Tragedy of Sanctum...."

Edain grows quiet for a moment as he considers his words, "That night... when things were at their darkest. When /we/ had to pray for a dragon for once. We learned that the Gods had already given us one in Princess Marian. It was her fury, and her blade that lead us back from darkness that night. Since then she has been by my side and help me up as I tried to figure out how to be a High Lord. But I have learned something about Marian, she is a force of nature and it is greedy for us to keep her all to ourselves. Now the Redrain, you have the fiercest dragon of all, with you incase your darkest hour comes." He raises his glass and says, "Prince Fergus, I trust you will take damn good care of her! To the their Union!"

Kieran is overheard praising Marian.

Edward is overheard praising Marian.

Donella thrusts her cup upward in salute to the toast Edain gives, "To the bride and groom," she agrees heartily, and lets the wine dampen her lips.

Donella is overheard praising Marian.

Donella is overheard praising Fergus.

Marian raises her glass to Edain with tears shining in her eyes and she takes a drink. It's clear that she loves her brother and sister of the heart. She also gives Monique a raise of her glass to let her know that she hasn't forgotten her either. Then she takes a drink.

Boots, Chip, a small mouse leave, following Valery.

Donella is overheard praising Edain for: Eloquent, as ever.

Darren raises his cup to Edain, letting out a low 'whoop' of a cheer before he drains the glass. "Good words, Prince Edain!" he shouts out.

With the toast given Edward raises his glass and smiles, "To the bride and groom." before he takes a drink from his glass and then he lowers it down. He smiles glancing to Marian and to Fergus before he finally turns back to Anze and Calypso, "Quite right. A pleasure to meet you officially Your Highness," he inclines his head to the man, "And you General." to Calypso.

Ian listens politely to the speech, and drinks to the toast, then returns his attention to the people around him.

Alis smiles at her brother, and raises her glass after he speaks. "To the bride and groom." she repeats, after Donella. After which, while there is more partying and dancing and imbibing going on she will quietly slip away to prepare for the transition from party to meeting.

Alis has left the Pass Out Couch.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight leaves, following Alis.

Oh but the speeches are not done. Another servant brings a tray to Darren, indicating that he too will be giving a speech. The servants around the hall move to refill everyone's drinks.

Ferrando lifts his whiskey enthusiastically and toasts the speech. Oh, and here's a refill. Well then hooray for speeches!

Fergus snort, sounding amused. "I ain't Marian that needs to worry about being locked up with Redrain, Edain." he starts, glancing at his wife. "It's Redrain that needs to worry about being locked up with Marian. But don't you worry, don't plan on this one getting away. Suspect she's already waiting for you to start sending her little stuffed dragons or some cute shit like that." Despite the words, he does offer the High Lord a respectful nod. "An hey, I'll not to fucking embarrass you. She's got free reign to punch me. She already does."

Cesare has joined the Far Corner.

Larissa cheers when Edain finishes his speech and calls out "To the bride and groom" an echo of the rooms cheers

Fergus is overheard praising Marian for: For being better than I fucking deserve.

Larissa is overheard praising Edain for: A loving speech!

Fergus is overheard praising Edain for: Gonna be weird counting him as a sibling. Sorry in advance.

"I guess this means it's show time," Darren comments to Donella, pressing a warm kiss to her cheek before he grabs the offered glass and heads out to make his speech. Though instead of taking Edain's place, the High Lord hops up onto the Bear Table, to stand heads above the rest.

"My first vivid memory of Fergus was our first spar together. He a teen, and I just a boy then. He taught me how to hold a sword, and where to point the stabbing end. He beat me soundly, but I'm pretty sure he just got in a few lucky shots," the High Lord grins, before continuing on, "I've always looked up to my cousin. When he took the Sword from his father, he did everything in his power to earn it. He fought hard in protection of House and home, in defense of my father. In defense of all of us. He was the strength of our House, embodied in a single man. But there was a sadness in him, too. And for a long time, it hung over him like a dark cloud."

Darren continues on, "And then he met Marian. I think the day she kissed him in the Tavern was the first time in a long time that I've seen the man smile. Not just a forced thing, but an honest to Gods smile. He's changed, for the better," he flashes a broad grin to Fergus, before he looks to Marian. "And you are the force of that change, Marian. So I owe you a debt of thanks, for bringing my cousin out of his darkness. For giving him a reason to smile. For inspiring him. Together, the two of you will be stronger than you ever thought possible alone. So I welcome you to my family, and thank you for giving House Redrain strength." There is a momentary pause, before he lifts his glass. "To Fergus and Marian. May the Gods and the Spirits bless you and keep you, and may your love continue to grow and inspire you both."

Skillet the bumbling baby bear arrives, following Neve.

Neve arrives, following Cristoph.

Kieran is overheard praising Fergus.

Ferrando toasts the couple again at the conclusion of Darren's speech with a cheer and puts away the refill whiskey. A few more speeches and his balance is going to start seeing some effects.

Ian's glass is topped up, something he's absolutely not going to object to. For the second time, he watches and listens while the speech is given, then toasts and drinks. He never drinks very much.

Larissa gets weepy again. It was just so sweet! She raises her glass to Darrens speech before she finishes off her drink. Weddings were such fun!

Larissa is overheard praising Darren for: A wonderful speech

Donella lifts her cup again, watching Darren on his table with with a look of great bemusement. How can such tall people want to be up high so much? "Blessings upon their union! May you always believe that you got the better end of the bargain," she calls in agreement, before wading through the drinking bits, a bit of pink brightening her cheek.

Cesare is overheard praising Darren.

Marian slams the drink back and gives Darren a salute as he toasts both Fergus and herself. She looks happy, so happy to be standing there by Fergus' side as first Edain and then Darren toasts to them. The servants that carries a toasting mug looks around to see if anyone else wants to give a speech. To keep the guests liquered, the servants once again go about topping off people's drinks after that toast.

Anze drinks as one speech follows another, raising glasses and drinking more occasionally as speechs conclude. He mutters something to Calypso and then somehow has a full drink again even after two very strong toasts, those servants are good.

Edain throws back the drink from his own toast witih three quick gulps and then grabs another from a passing tray so he can toast to Darren's speech as well. That drink is also thrown back in a few quick gulps and then he takes a breath and approaches the happy couple.

Donella is overheard praising Darren for: Nicely said! Now please do not fall off your perch!

Edward raises his glass to the speech and smiles before he drains it and then sets it aside. He wipes his mouth off with his fingers and then he looks at Ferrando before he smiles and looks back at those around him.

Rohm the Blackguard arrives, following Caelis.

Fergus gives a bearish grunt at the memory of teaching Darren how to fight. "Somebody had to teach you. But, you turned out alright. Even gonna marry a decent woman so. There's that too." Hey, he called Donella decent. That's about as much a glowing praise from him as a person can get from him. "But I did not smile, don't know what the fuck you're on about." He hasn't exactly smiled today. Not yet, but looking pleased doesn't mean he has to. The bit about him well, unhappy for the majority of his life is glazed over. And while he hasn't been drinking whiskey, it's cider right now, he spares himself a real drink at that moment for pair of High Lord's speeches.

Late to the party, Caelis slips into the room and looks about for her dear, lovely cousins. The Malvici taking her time to try and spot Calypso before offering a wave to Princess Alis.

Kieran applauds politely for both Edain and Darren's speeches and gives praise to Marian and Fergus as they are due on their wedding day. Then he sits back in his chair and enjoys his third tankard of ale quietly, watching the interactions of those around him.

Darren swallows his drink before he hops down from the table with a flourish, flashing a grin over to Fergus. "I'm just glad you're happy, cousin," he says to Fergus, before he moves to slip his arm back around Donella and kiss her cheek. "Really, people should be paying me to make speeches. I make the best ones," he says to her with confidence.

Edain approaches, Marian and and Fergus and bows to them, "I can not tell you how happy I am for you both." He offers a forearm to Fergus to clasp and to Marian he says, "formality be damned." and with his free arm pulls her into a quick hug. "May the gods, spirits and anything that could ever possibly bless a union, give all blessing to yours."

Marian leans into Darren's kiss on her cheek and then is hugged by her brother. She hugs Edain fiercely back, sad that she has to let him go but at the same time, when she looks up at Fergus it's clear that her husband is the world to her. This match is of love, which should give hope to the world that has seen far too much darkness.

Ferrando smiles amiably at Edward. "It's always nice to be around such a happy occasion," he observes before glancing around the small gathering. "So if any of you want to get on arranging the next one to attend, feel free!" he advises cheerfully.

"But now, I am sady to say I must leave you to your new Husband's care. The work of the Prince of Sanctum is seldom done." Edain says with a smile, "So as my last command to you as your High Lord. Revel, dance and enjoy your wedding night." And with that he bows to Marian and then Fergus each in turn and backs away from t hem a few steps before he turns to go.

"See, and now he's gonna get a big fucking head, as if this was his plan all along." Fergus snorts. "Thanks, cousin. Not gonna say *I* deserve it, I just got lucky. She's the one that made it possible. She always could've told me to get fucked." Edain's forearm is taken. "Thanks. Shouldn't be said that I'm grateful you let this happen. I owe you." And then over towards Darren. "Yeah, I guess I am. A little." Bullcrap, he is, even if that's a bit hard discern.

Edward glances back to Ferrando and chuckles softly, "It is yes. I am glad I got my invitation." he then looks around and he adds, "Well you might hear more soon. I mean we are still post siege so weddings and children...," though this is softer said for the crowd near him as he directs it at Ferrando.

Neve has spent some time running around the villa. A dress of dazzling white that shows off swaying assets of ladylike proportions leads to both unexpededly unladylike behavior. Carrying a white shoe in both hands, she has two closed containers of hearty proportions haphardardly with her shoes. A flow of golden locks braided, unbraided, and wild as can be trails behind her as bare feet slap against the ground. The unladylike lady finally finds the Great Hall. So THIS is where everyone is! "Wait! Wait for me!" She blurts out holding up one of the containers/shoe. "I, Neve, approve of this message!" Pausing she bends at the waist to huff in several long deep breaths of air. Seems she must've been running for quite a while. Looking to the closest people to her, she asks after catching her breath "Who's getting married again? In all the rush I forgot..."

Ian nods to Ferrando. "We're celebrating a marriage for love, and a marriage for love is a rare and precious thing. It --" And then here's Neve, making a grand entrance that makes Ian cut himself off and turn those intense blue eyes in her direction.

Kieran blinks as he looks to the latecomer, chuckling to himself at her words and disheveled state. "Oh, well, we are all so concerned that you hadn't been by yet to give your approval. We almost called the whole thing off."

"Like you ride better than I do?" Donella murmurs with a raised brow to Darren, and rests her cheek against his collar. She lets her cup be taken away as she watches the guests.

Anze cocks a brow at Neve and mutters something to himself as he finishes another glass of whiskey. "How do you lot all know tha bride an groom anyway?" Anze asks to Ian, Edward, and Ferrando.

Khanne has left the Bear Table.

Serenity have been dismissed.

Larissa smiles at Neve when she comes in looking half wild and wholly disheveled. The Shavs were always their own special breeds - even if their social graces were rough around the edges. She gives the Greenmarch Lady a little clap and bows her head in her direction "Lady Neve Greenmarch, hello! And ehm.." she leans over and whispers "Your cousin Marian and Prince Fergus"

Marian flashes a smile at Fergus when her cousin comes barreling in, "Neve!" She waves to the girl and then points at her dress, "It's me getting married." She looks at the ring on her finger and then holds it up for the girl, "Actually, you missed the wedding, now we're just drinking, eating and dancing."

Edward chuckles as he gets a new glass of mead from a passing server and he grins at Neve making her entrance. He chuckles softly and sips from the glass a moment and then he glances to Anze, "I am friends with Princess Marian." he then indicates the bride and groom, "And I only know Prince Fergus by reputation. We have not formally met."

Calypso kicks back the last of her whiskey and inclines her head to Marian and Fergus. "I should be heading out. This has been a wonderful celebration of your union. I wish you both the best." The General says her goodbyes and looks to Anze, waiting a moment to see if he will stay or join her.

Ferrando follows Ian's look to Neve curiously. "I was going to run in and say that, but I don't look very good in braids," he notes affably before turning to Anze. "Well, to be absolutely honest, I don't know either of them at all," he answers a trace apologetically. "I came mostly for the drinks and dancing and general festivity. Although I do wish the new couple all the best."

Rohm the Blackguard leaves, following Caelis.

Neve eyes widen as she stares a moment at Kieran. "Oh goshies, no! Don't hold it up! You can't! If the bride and the groom don't make the love dance by the time of the full moon thier first born won't be as big and strong as it should be! The forest always beleives that if there is to be a marriages and matings it is to be strong! That's why I brought liquor! I was told that it's sometimes needed for a good marriage to be strong, like a..strong...animal doing..something strongly, while against..um..strong opposition and it strongly overcomes. In a strong kind of way." Standing at full height she comments "Neve is not the best at speeches. But she knows how to get good liquors!" She looks to Larissa and brightens "OH! It's Marian! I thought it was someone I knew! Good for you!" Heading over towards Marian she tries to hand her the containers of liqour. "Well for you I even brought fancy shoes to wear. Have you decided to have a boy or a girl?" She looks confused a moment "Hey...shouldn't you be working on that right now, what're you doing all jibber-jabbering with us people? Don't you have work to do? C'mon now, chop-chop."


    Cesare smiles quietly, finishing his drink before he moves towards the door. He's drank a little wine, sang a song, and enjoyed a dance. All in all, a wonderful evening. Like a shadow he disappears through the door.


Thankfully, there will always be one belated entrance that follows another one. Carita, garbed in gold and copper - accented with scarlet and black - slips in. She drifts past a server to pluck off a cup of hard cider, as she also seems to have come for the drinks and the general feeling of camaraderie of the gathering and happy occasion. There are familiar faces in a sea of almost perfect strangers and she offers them the same small, warm smile all the same as she finds a place to settle unobtrusively into.

"Thanks for dropping by." Fergus nods to Calypso. "Next time, I'll try to stop be before you run off, dragging this one with you." The other one being Anze. He didn't have enough time to make all the rounds properly. "Brother. Anze. Thanks for coming, if you're planning on heading off too." He gives look to Edward. "Didn't know you knew Marian. But shit, if she can't be assed to let her own family know she's getting married, can't say I'm shocked that I don't know all her friends."

Freja raises the last of her whiskey in a silent toast to the wedded couple before tossing it back and making her sneaky departure.

Ian turns his attention back to Anze. "I'm don't know either of them." He says this without apology or shame, a calm statement of fact. "But as I said, a marriage for love is a thing worth celebrating." He pauses. "That, and this makes good practice for another celebration that on the horizon." A hint of humor flashes in his eyes at this last bit.

Anze glances to Calypso when she says its time to depart, and, well, he had just finished his drink. He sets it down somewhere "aye, I'll come with you. It was good to formally meet you Edward, an Ian" there is a smirk and not to Ferrando "fair enough. I think we all wish tha couple well. I hope tha rest of tha weddin finds you well, I think i'm goin to head out with Calypso."

Darren stares at Neve for a moment, clearing his throat. "Well, on that note. I'm afraid there's a meeting to get to," he sighs, pecking Donella on the cheek and murmuring something to her before he parts her side to approach Fergus and Marian. "I wish you both all the happiness in the world," he says sincerely, "Enjoy your celebration." And then, he's out!

Marian lightly hits Fergus' chest, "See there! We need to be heading to the bedroom. Chop, chop!" She gives her cousin a grin and waves to the guests that start to head out of the reception.

Carita has joined the Far Corner.

Ryder the falcon, Matteo, 3 Malvici Guards leave, following Calypso.

Darren has left the Bear Table.

Bear, an giant dog, Squee, the Flying Squirrel, Brigid leave, following Darren.

Ferrando bows lightly. "Of course. All the best to the both of you," he tells Anze and straightens up to regard Ian. "Very well said. It would be wonderful if this could open up a little run of several more, both for the individuals and the Compact as a whole."