much wedding such wow

[astralera]

♥ Who: Era & Ardbert & OTA
♥ Where: Lup's Fabulous Mansion
♥ When: Evening of December 12th
♥ What: Wedding Ceremony (invitees only) & Reception (OTA)
♥ Rating: PG-13

☘
INVITEES

{all invitees can bring a +1 if they choose}
• Lup
• Honerva
• Emet-Selch
• Ardyn
• Regis
• Noctis
• Prompto
• Ignis
• Lunafreya
• Lance

The mansion will open to all offworlders who wish to attend the reception — no invites needed for that!

THE CEREMONY (INVITEES ONLY)

Takes place in a cozy outdoor garden beneath a starry night sky. There are comfortable benches set up with enough space for everyone invited, as well as a not-insignificant number of reserved seating for people who cannot attend. The aisle is bordered by thistles, and lit by warm lanterns. At the end of the aisle is a small platform beneath an elf tree decorated with fairy lights.


Carbuncle leads the procession, acting as the 'flower girl' by shaking a basket of petals around as it trots along. It is followed by Era, who is walked down the aisle by Regis, and waiting for her at the end is Ardbert, flanked by her chocobo and his amaro, all looking very dapper in their tailored coattails and ties. She wears a long robe so deep a grey it looks almost black, and her face is obscured by a mask. She carries a artichoke bouquet.

When she steps up to meet her betrothed he lowers her hood and removes her mask. They're both smiling, clearly head-over-heels for each other. Her bouquet is handed over to Seto for safekeeping, knowing Peki would simply eat it (though Peki reaches over with his long neck and promptly eats it anyway).

There is a priest (grabbed at the last minute from the nearest temple) ready to begin the ceremony. It goes quickly and with hardly any fuss. There is no mention of gods or religion—just loyalty, commitment, and love. Hythlo, their amaro chick, is the ring bearer, and does an admirable job (even if he does run to Noctis instead of Ardbert at first).

In the end Era's vows are very simple: "I love you."

Ardbert abandons the vows he came up with earlier, following his wife's lead with an equally simple: "I love you, too."

Their first kiss is short and sweet. Ardbert has his fingers twined with hers and she can't stop blushing, looking shyly down at the ring on her finger. Familiar with her discomfort in being at the center of attention, Ardbert jovially pulls the aggro calls out:

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go eat!"

THE DINNER (INVITEES)

The meal will be held place in a second room made to look like another section of the garden from the ceremony. The dining tables are rustic picnic benches lit by warm candles in crystalline cups. Overhead is a balcony of arched branches, decorated with fairly lights and strings of crystalline beads (1).

Now devoid of her robe, Era wears a dress with flowing skirts that glitter like the night sky and a top as white as the Light that joined her and her husband together as one. Her hair is loose for once, and her auracite pendant hangs openly from her neck for all to see, as well as the scars on her back she rarely reveals.

The meal is largely made up of hearty, traditional foods like creamy lamb stew, potatoes of all kinds, myriad other vegetables, warm and buttery dinner rolls, various beverages (including both pomegranate and caelumfruit wines), etc., though if there's nothing that tickles your fancy available one of the moogle attendants will do their best to fulfill specific requests. The dinner will be served up to a maximum of nine courses, so hopefully you brought an appetite. Era sure did, and can be found stuffing her face alongside Ardbert in a way most unbefitting a bride, but very fitting for a Warrior or Light.

At the end of the meal they cut their two cakes (one apple-pomegranate and one ice cream), and when Ardbert smashes a slice of cake in Era's face he smartly chooses the non-frozen one. Despite having agreed to smashing cake in each other's faces Era is so excited to eat cake that it completely slips her mind, leaving her blinking up at Ardbert in utter confusion as bits of cake fall on top of her plated slice. (She finds it all very funny once she clues in, as does Ardbert).


**note: invitees will have their dinner first, but there will be food available throughout the reception! it just will be more of a buffet than a proper dinner.

THE RECEPTION

The main reception hall is a recreation of the main hall of Fortemps Manor, albeit a little smaller (1, 2, 3, 4). There is plenty of seating for those who wish to relax in a comfortable chair, or some peace and quiet to snack on finger-foods.

To the left of the main foyer is a medium-sized room with bright, focused lighting suitable for excellent photographs. The garden area is where one might go for that sort of background, but in this room guests can choose from a number of options - a few spots somewhere in Havenwell if they want a more grounded picture, or a different city entirely, an ocean view, a crowded party scene... plenty to choose from. Whatever is selected will be magically projected onto the opposite wall and floor where anyone can pose.

Prompto has been asked to act as the wedding photographer, though he won't be constrained to this room, so guests may have to find him or someone else to help. If they do not have a photographer handy, they can pass their camera or communicator over to one of the mansion servants who is standing by at the door, a semi-translucent floating moogle. The moogle will politely take any photo that the guests ask for until they're satisfied.


On the opposite side of the foyer is a large square area with a beautifully patterned floor, tiled and sturdy, well-suited for dancing or moving about, if guests wish to spend a little time prancing in their lovely outfits. Small cocktail tables and comfortable chairs line the outside area for when you need to rest your feet, and one corner has a band of moogles playing music, switching instruments in and out as needed between songs depending on the mood they're going for. None of them are singing, but there is a microphone if anyone feels like getting... impromptu. Just don't ruin it for everyone else... the moogles also double as bouncers on command.


A small room off to the side of the garden acts as the combination restroom/powder room, with segmented areas for privacy as well as a space to freshen up, cool down, and escape the rest of the party for a bit. It's as fancy as the rest, all marble and gleaming tile, clean and softly-lit. Imagine the nicest hotel bathroom you've ever seen, and that's about what to expect from this room.

MANSION NOTES:

• anything taken out of the mansion that was created within it will dissipate into smoke once passing through the portal, so no food, furniture, or servants can be stolen. (go ahead and try, though.)

• though only a handful will be visible and working at any given time, there are 100 servants hiding in the woodwork somewhere. anyone who causes enough of a ruckus that the bride and groom wish them to be removed will immediately be swarmed by moogles and tossed out the door.

• the mansion is active for 24 hours or until dispelled, so feel free to party as long as you want, unless the happy couple (or Lup) decides it's time for you to go the heck home already.

Comments

Era » OTA

[astralera]

PRE-CEREMONY (locked to whoever would be helping her get ready)

[ Era fiddles with the spinner ring she wears on her middle finger, doing her best not to mess up her hair, or her makeup, or her nails, or whatever else is valiantly attempting to make her beautiful for the moment Ardbert sees her. ]

This was a horrible idea. All the glamours in the world couldn't make me look like a proper bride... [ Her hands move to nervously smooth out non-existent wrinkles from the robe she wears over her dress. ] He won't change his mind, will he?

DINNER

[ With her nerves finally gone now that the hardest part is over and done with, Era is free to indulge in as much food as she can stomach. She manages to all but inhales two bowls of stew before she returns to paying mind to what's going on around her. ]

DANCING

[ Her ceremony dress had skirts far too long to be practical for dancing, and so once dinner is done and the party truly set to begin, Era slips into the powder room and changes into her reception dress instead. Lighter and of more reasonable length, she's able to move much more freely and without worry of hems getting caught beneath anyone's heels.

The first dance of the evening is, of course, shared with her dear husband. Even with some measure of practice it's clear that of the couple she is the only one with any proficiency in dance—she leads them through a complex series of improvised movements, dancing to the song that crescendos within their shared soul. She ends their little show with a flourish, twirling Ardbert in an expert spin and then giving him a playful kiss.

Once that particular bridely duty is done, she spends a great deal of time dancing to whatever music happens to be playing at the moment, both by herself and with whomever she manages to rope into being her next partner. ]

TIPSY-TURVY

[ At first it's difficult to tell the precise moment when the cause of her energy begins to shift from strictly joy to joy-and-wine.

Then the usually quiet, reserved, and attention-shy auri woman starts making requests using statements, not questions, and expresses her feelings with an earnest gusto that holds no regard for whoever may happen to overhear them. ]

Carbuncle! [ The aetherial creature in question freezes at the sounds of its mistress' delighted cry, paw just shy of sneaking an hors d'oeuvre off of an unprotected plate. ] Let's take a selfie!

WILDCARD

{{ hmu with whatever strikes your fancy! I tend to prefer prose over brackets, but will match whichever format you tag with. :) }}

pre-ceremony

[necromanswers]

[Lup's response is a dry scoff, working on the final touches of her hairstyle at her back.]

I'll tell you a secret- there's no such thing as a "proper" bride. You're getting married, so you are one. And I'm pretty sure you could walk out wearing a garbage bag and Ardbert would still go through with it.

[If he didn't, there's no shortage of people who'd set him on fire for not saying something sooner, so there's that.]

PRE-CEREMONY

[kingkingcxiii]

It is just about time for the ceremony where there is a soft knock on the door. Regis stands there, a smile on his face and pride in his eyes. His raiment is looking better than it has in a while now that he has had a reason to get the wear and tear on it fixed. He is about to give his daughter away. Every penny he spent asking the best tailor in the city to repair it was worth it.

While waiting for an answer, he straightens one of his cuffs and then speaks with a soft amusement in his voice, "I won't open the door without permission, but I cannot speak for your husband-to-be should we keep him waiting too long."

Reception

[iustaegis]

[ She's been wanting to say this all night, and she'll wait a little more until Era finishes taking her selfie with Carbuncle to say this (for perhaps a second or third time this night; forgive her, she's had some wine as well): ]

Era....! Congratulations! Oh-- [ She places a hand fondly to her cheek, and the other holds her glass in hand. ] Oh, gosh, I already said that. But I mean it! I'm so happy for you. Congratulations again! Ah, and you look absolutely beautiful, tonight, too.

[ She looks to be positively shining at her wedding and party! Pyra simply cannot overcome how wonderful everything is, and how grateful she is to be here celebrating the couple's marriage. ]

dancing

[lunaelucem]

[Lunafreya waits patiently for all the other guests to have a turn with the bride, but once there seems to be a free moment, she approaches Era, curtsying to her before offering her hand. She rarely has occasion to dance with other women, so she's not confident in leading, but perhaps they could do a simple dance and it'll be alright.]

My heartfelt congratulations. May your union be blessed with everlasting joy. [Her smile turns a little softer, more grateful.] And thank you as well for inviting me, despite my recent arrival.

[firstbump]

[Pre-dinner - Invitees]

Ardbert can't stop smiling as he stands next to his wife, wearing his tailored tailcoat. He tries to give each guest some individual attention, the intimacy of the setting allowing him to only have to step away from her side for only a moment. Now, it's your turn.

"Thank you for coming. Let me know if you have any dietary needs—I think we got everyone's, but just in case we didn't...."


[Reception - Dancing - OTA]

It became obvious during the First Dance that Ardbert cannot. Not only has he accepted this truth into his heart, but it's an obvious source of amusement to him. Which is why he's approaching one of their guests with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

"Care to dance?"


[Reception - Tipsy - OTA]

Ardbert's consumed alcohol during the course of the night, enough to give him a nice, happy buzz. Enough to also keep him sitting instead of dancing (thank the gods). He's content to watch the going-ons of his own wedding with a warm, loving smile on his face.

"If you had told me I'd be this happy again before I got here, I wouldn't have believed you." Ardbert says, glancing to the person who just approached him. "It feels nice."

Dancing!

[the_tailor]

"Sure that your wife won't get jealous?" Lance can't help but tease when Ardbert approaches him. "I mean, though, after seeing you with her out there on the floor... Kinda feel like you asking me now might be a punishment. Here I am, supporting you and being your friend, and this is the treatment I get?"

Yeah, he loves to tease. Even so, he grabs Ardbert's hand and pulls him onto the dance floor.

"At least I know what we gotta do the next time we hang out, though. You, sir, are getting dance lessons. If I'd had known beforehand...!" he laments dramatically.

tipsy

[astralera]

Era is quite delighted to hear him say that, and makes her delight known by plopping down inelegantly on his lap and planting a kiss on his nose.

reception

[iustaegis]

"Congratulations, Ardbert," she says cheerily, taking a seat near him. "To the both of you."

She's glad to see him enjoying himself even when he's not dancing with others or his wife at the reception. Having had a drink herself, a pleasant feeling buzzes at the back of her mind, helping her along to share her own contented sentiments about the reception. "That nice feeling... the both of you deserve it."

Reception-tipsy

[shroudedsecrets]

"Well, it has been a treat to see the both of you so pleased. I am grateful to have been here to share that with you."

She is certainly grateful to encounter him sitting than his jovially chasing others about the dance floor. Seems far safer, and by now she's been tugged around enough by others to keep her from her unintentional chaperoning to... chill out a bit with some light wine.

tipsy

[lunaelucem]

"Happiness is often hard won, but perhaps sweeter in the end for the struggle." Lunafreya curtsies to him before she steps closer, a warm smile on her face. "Congratulations on your union."

noct | ota

[carbungle]

( a: a general mingle )

[It's difficult to not feel a little bittersweet about witnessing a wedding; just over half a year later, Noctis still feels guilt and an ache for that future he'd failed to achieve for himself and Luna back home. Time and good company has dulled that ache enough that it doesn't ruin the day or his mood, though, and he's happy to see people dear to him get to achieve that kind of joy. He's just unusually extra-quiet during the ceremony (aside from that momentary slip-up where Hythlo got him to laugh) and it isn't until afterwards that he's able to properly relax.

As per usual he does a lot of wallflowering, cordial but shy with all except those he knows well; thankfully this is a family event, so the majority of initial attendees are those he's accustomed to being himself around. Still, he'd much rather hang out in the garden or foyer to relax, munch, and converse. With the right people, though, he could certainly be convinced to wander over to the dance area and give that a go. For... a few minutes, at least.

He's dressed in a trim but simple black suit, peppered with subtle skull accents as usual, stylish and often fiddling with his hair to make sure it's still in place.]


( b: photo room )

[He's honestly in here just messing around with the options, curious about how random the backgrounds can get and enjoying the way it magically shifts and changes shape. Whoever happens to catch him here will get a somewhat sheepish smile for doing so.]

Okay... random, this time. Close your eyes.

[He closes his own and picks something at random. So... how lucky (or unlucky) were they?]

a

[blindedbyloyalty]

[ He'd lost track of Noctis sometime after the ceremony and hasn't heard from him for a bit. He frowns a little at this, wondering where his friend had gotten off to. He excuses himself for a minute as he wanders into the garden, he definitely noticed Noctis being extra quiet before so he's a bit worried. He knows Noctis far too well by now, he hadn't gotten to have his own wedding back home due to Altissia being a thing. This is a happy occasion, but he won't fault Noctis if he's hurting a bit. ]

... Noct? You out here?

a for angst

[lunaelucem]

[Before she became the Oracle, Lunafreya went to her fair share of weddings where she barely knew the bride or groom. The Empire would trot her and Ravus around like trophies, and as she stands out on the balcony, she reminisces on how the two of them would spend the parties whispering to each other, making commentary on this guest and that dignitary. Ravus had not yet completely shut her out, and she was still so young and silently hopeful that their situation would change. After she'd ascended to her role, her duties had spared her many of the more inane and unnecessary weddings, but she'd lost that time with her brother, as a result. Lost him in the process.

And then her own wedding. Well. A complete sham, despite King Regis wanting it to be otherwise. Despite...

Lunafreya sighs. She's deeply honored that Era and Ardbert would invite her, and of course she is accustomed to befriending strangers or speaking with people who are barely more than acquaintances— but she is not ignorant of the twinge in her heart, either, that is hesitant to take her place among those who have been here longer.

Lunafreya stands at the railing, back straight and staring out into the night, and calls herself foolish before she turns to smile at Noctis when she hears him approach.]

They make quite a handsome couple.

a

[iustaegis]

Here. [ She calls for his attention softly, stepping into view and lifting up a hand. Her fingers brush at the strand of hair he had been fiddling with, sweeping it somewhat to the side instead of it falling squarely upon the middle of his forehead.

This wedding has affected him, the ceremony especially having caused him to grow quiet, and she can hazard a guess as to why. ] Hope you don't mind a little fussing.

[ --Playfully fussing, as she's not exactly drastically changing anything about his hairstyle. All she wants is to distract him for a while, and she does so by finally allowing that strand of hair to fall back exactly to where it had been before, nodding to herself with a satisfied smile, bringing her hand to his cheek. ]

...Mm. Still perfect.

continues this A train

[astralera]

[ Era seizes the opportunity to flop down on the chaise lounge beside Noct. Or, more accurately, flop half against Noct and half on the chaise lounge. ]

I've had two glasses of wine! [ She announces this somewhat proudly as this is, indeed, an impressive amount for her. She also takes this opportunity to kick off her shoes for a breather, showing off the absolutely delightful bruising one of feet now sports. ] I've had other fun things, too! It almost makes being a bride tolerable!

[ Yep. That about sums up her day. Totally. ]

How is my cute little brother?

B-B-COMBO-BREAKER... also minor Shadowbringer location and architecture spoilers

[firstbump]

[Era's thankfully taught Ardbert how photography works. When he catches Noctis, he gives an encouraging grin back. Does he get into frame? Or just? Oh. He'll just close his eyes, and cover them with a hand for extra amusement. Ardbert's silent until he hears the switch of the background.]

Like this?

[Which he asks only as he removes his hand and opens his eyes. Then, he smiles wide.] One of the houses in the Kingdom of Voeburt! They call it Il Mheg now, and it didn't have so many flowers back in my day, but it makes for a pretty background.

[Also, he's not saying it.]

lup | ota

[necromanswers]

[Though she's kind of the unofficial "wedding planner", in that the mansion is her spell and she put it all together at Era's behest, Lup has mercifully little to do while it's actually in-progress. The spectral moogles take care of food prep, serving, security, entertainment... and thus leaves her extra time to actually enjoy the party, which - considering she's usually catering things - is pleasantly atypical. Not that anyone would begrudge her taking time to relax during a job, but she's a professional, dammit.

Since today is different, Lup is doing what she does best: look amazing and have a great goddamn time. She'll breeze through the crowd whatever the size, she'll munch on all the food she can fit in her stomach, she'll rock it on the dance floor. And she's not about to let anyone have a bad time in her mansion. She's dressed up all pretty and her hair highlights are pale blue today. On her back, a tattoo is on display, a set of seven black birds of varying sizes and arrangement, flying along her right shoulder blade, soaring towards (or rather, chasing after) an orb of white light near her neck.

One might just find an arm sliding through theirs at some point during the party, with a devious grin on Lup's face once she's noticed.]

You've been standing there looking pretty for too long. Come on, dance with me!

[To the ballroom! She will drag them if she must.]

[lunaelucem]

[If Lunafreya is startled by the sudden contact, she doesn't show it, only offering a smile in return and dipping her head in a courteous greeting.]

Thank you, though I pale in comparison to how lovely and vibrant you look.

[She's only in a white dress herself, a simple but tasteful looking last minute purchase. Now that she's not in Eos anymore, she can appreciate just how much brighter people seem when wearing something other than black or brown. Everyone at this wedding ceremony has dazzled her in some way or another because of it.]

May I know your name before we dance?

[iustaegis]

Mingling
[ A beautiful ceremony with wonderful, strong, and good people leaves Pyra with a sense of joy and gratitude for all. The love shared between Ardbert and Era, as well as all of the family gathered to celebrate, puts her in a bubbly, excited mood. The present is filled with love. Surely, this means that the future can only be overflowing with it.

Whether at the dinner, the reception, or dancing, she'll be one of those easily able to strike up conversation. ]

Isn't it wonderful...?

[ Dressed in a gown with white and red sylleblossoms in her hair, a skull drop-earring replacing one of her usual crystal ones, and modest nude heels, she'll turn to whomever is willing to engage in conversation with a warm, almost dreamy smile. Pyra places a hand up to her cheek, sighing. ] That we are able to celebrate love like this.

[ Era and Ardbert are two wonderful people. She's happy to be here for them, and she's happy to celebrate their union. They deserve it-- this peace, this love, and all the happiness it brings. ]

Dancing
[ Being a wallflower? That won't do! She'll be urging you to the dance floor with her. ] Oh...! Let's dance! I just know you have some-- [ With emphasis: ] cool moves.

Wildcard
[ Have something in mind? Tag below, PM or hmu at drinksteapots!

Dancing - cause they need more CR :C

[blindedbyloyalty]

[ Ignis had been hanging back, keeping to himself and talking to people who approached him. Honestly, he's enjoying himself here and not worrying about things right now. He doesn't know the happy couple and would like to get to know them better when he's grabbed--

--and a startled sound escapes him. ]

Pyra?! [ Have a moment of shock as he registers her voice and who grabbed him. Oh she's lucky that he didn't accidentally summon out his dagger since he knows where he's at, it still catches him off guard. Once his heart settles down, he gives a small smile. ] Who do you think taught Noct a thing or two about dancing?

[nyxly]

Mingling
[ When he arrives at the wedding as Lup's +1, the last thing he expects to see are all of the Lucians. Then again, their community of off-worlders isn't the largest, so perhaps he shouldn't be. Either way, with two bosses present? He supposes he'll be forgoing any beers tonight. What a shame, and strange at that. He feels he should be acting as security.

Also, a wedding isn't something he's attended in... forever, not that Nyx is shy by any means. He'll engage in conversation when spoken to, comment on the decorations and lights, and generally make healthy, light small talk. Dressed in a trim, all-black suit, he can be found at the photographing station, returning back to the garden area where the ceremony had occurred, or browsing what food or dessert remains on display during the reception. He's not hungry after the (superior) dinner, but pretending like he has something to do among acquaintances as they dance or celebrate is useful. ]

Wildcard
[ HMU here with anything! Nyx can be found wandering the venue. ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Lucians have a way of standing out among other humans, don't they? Although, Honerva has seen him before, here and there, enough to know that if he's come along as Lup's guest, there might be something more to that...?

Perhaps. Honerva's certainly had a lot more to be distracted with than to have followed up on that to closely, but his presence here now reminds her, during one of her quieter moments spent observing others and not whisked away by a friend wanting her to do more than watch quietly, that she did have some --

... Curiosity, about him. There's a quiet moment there, in the magicked garden, when she's gone into it for a break from the larger crowd. ]

... Greetings. If you do not mind, do you have a moment to speak?

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Mingling / Wildcard ]

[ It is a lovely wedding and ceremony all told, though for her part Honerva does seem to be a little distracted during most of the ceremony, maybe, wistful...?

Either way, it's more important to celebrate those here, isn't it? So that is where her focus will be, seeing if she can do anything more to assist despite Lup having all well in hand, someone tell her she's not on the clock, please. Though she is also paying a fair bit of attention to her invited guest, because this is something of a new experience for them both.

Otherwise the woman is a notorious wallflower who likes to watch her friends having fun. Easy enough to catch for conversation that way, at least, even better if she's had a little wine. If anyone seems as though they're too lost exploring the mansion, she'll help offer them quick directions, though at least the layout is fairly straightforward. ]

[astralera]

[ It isn't long after she's had her fill of dancing (and wine) for the moment that Era makes her way over to Honerva. ]

Hello, Honerva. [ She gives her a scrutinizing look. ] You accepted my invitation?

ardyn | ota

[scourgingstars]

[Ardyn didn't quite grasp the modern equivalent of 'formal' and wasn't fully prepared to try; he'd at least cleaned up and pulled his hair back neatly, resembling a functional and archaically well-dressed individual.]

[Happy as he was for the pair of them, it was all just a little bittersweet in a way for someone that had never quite gotten past the 'betrothal' stage of things. But that was a thought for another time, lest such a dismal mindset ruin a warm atmosphere.]

[For a good deal of the reception, Ardyn would be off to the side with a glass of wine; more present and approachable than he might have been in such gatherings to date, but still keeping a bit out of the way.]

[...And occasionally looking over at the moogle band in some small amount of bewilderment. Because that is a band of moogles.]

[lunaelucem]

[Lunafreya loves that moogle band, Ardyn. So much so that she's seated herself near them, harmonizing with their jaunty music and politely refusing to officially take the microphone when they offer it to her.

She's clearly enjoying herself, but as soon as the moogles switch to a slow love song, she falls silent, watching with a tinge of her own bittersweetness in the curve of her smile that she hides behind her glass of wine.

Catching his eye, she inclines her head in a silent invitation to join her.]

[unnecessaryflourishes]

{Ceremony}

[For all that Emet-Selch does make an appearance at the ceremony - he was invited, after all, and it would be dreadfully rude to not attend - he is deeply aware that his presence will not make things any easier. But there's an element of curiosity too - rarely has he had the chance to see a wedding held on another world, and he's not likely to have another.

Still, unless anyone insists otherwise, he keeps largely to the back of the room. He is here as an observer and - perhaps - to lend some measure of support, and accordingly he has traded the finery of the Empire for a simple waistcoat and pants. Something fancy enough to not quite be everyday wear, but not so fancy as to potential upstage the bride and groom.]

{Reception}

[To say that Emet-Selch loosens up once the ceremony is over would not be entirely correct. He's still aware, to some extent, that his presence has made things more awkward and may well continue to do so. But a party is not so different from any he'd had to attend as Solus. The only difference is that there is rather less politics involved, and so he allows himself to enjoy the moment, rather than dwelling on what-ifs and potential awkwardness.

Instead, he drifts, mingling with the assorted crowd as if it's all but second nature. Most of the time, he can be found with a drink in hand, offering a polite nod to all who pass, but he can also be coaxed out onto the dance floor, should one care to make the attempt. And is a genuinely decent dance partner besides.

(The moogle band gets something of a raised eyebrow, but he doesn't dwell overmuch on it.)]

[astralera]

[ By now the mix of joy and alcohol (and time spent making out inappropriately with her husband) has left Era sufficiently relaxed, which in turn leaves her more confident in where she stands with those around her at the moment. This culminates in her striding toward Hades with a look of intense concentration—that stubborn, determined set to her jaw and her gait that he would be all-too-familiar with from not only Era, but her progenitor.

Once she's near enough to her target she holds out her hand in blatant invitation to dance. Or what would be an invitation had it not so clearly been a demand. ]

I'm tired of leading.