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

[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?

yes!! iggy

[iustaegis]

[ She's already begun to carefully lead him out to the dancing area, a light skip in her step causing the skirt of her dress to flutter. ]

Oh, was that you?

[ The wide smile can be heard in her voice. ] Well, then, I hope this doesn't put the pressure on you-- but I'm ready to be impressed!

[ And possibly taught more how to dance, because this must mean he's good at it! ]

[blindedbyloyalty]

Indeed it was me. I taught him for occasions such as this.

[ He lets himself be lead out to the dancing area, trusting her here that they don't bonk into other people. ]

You'll have to forgive me if I'm a bit rusty. [ It's been a couple of years but... he's also blind, but he's determined to not let that stop him. ]

[iustaegis]

[ As for herself, she, too, isn’t much of a dancer— she had been taught by someone in Havenwell who has since vanished. But that doesn’t mean she won’t try, and all that’s really needed is the want to dance!

And so, she takes his hand in one of her own, and the other goes to his shoulder. Her touch, as usual, is warm. ]

You’ve guided him in many, many things, is the impression I’ve gotten. [ Not just dance. ] ...But if you’d like, I can lead us for this one.

[blindedbyloyalty]

[ It takes him a minute to get his free hand on her waist. ]

Ah, I do hope he's said nothing but good things. [ In a teasing tone, but he knows that he's pulled more than fair share of his weight in guiding Noctis. ] If you'd like to. [ He'll follow her lead for this one! ]

[iustaegis]

Only the best things...! [ Honestly, could anyone speak ill of Ignis? ] For one of his best friends.

[ She replies, already guiding them into the beginning steps. She’s never danced with him before, let alone danced with someone who has lost their sight, so the first eight count or so is used to gauge how he fares. Once those beats are over, she leads into the next turn. ]

Or, you’re even more than that, aren’t you? He’s often said that you are family.

[ Bright and cheerful, her words are brimming with affection. ]

[blindedbyloyalty]

[ He'd expected her next answer to be some sort of teasing where he could go Lies! Lies and slander! or some such just to embarrass Noctis, but not these tender words coming out of her now. He missteps, and steadies them. Once she re-leads them back into the dance: ] Apologies.

[ He takes a minute here, he knows how Noct cares for him, even if it goes unspoken. Noctis has problems expressing his feelings so Ignis has been feeling it through his actions alone. Actions can speak louder than words sometimes and it's enough. More than enough. ]

I... [ He tries again. ] His father, King Regis, assigned me to become his friend and brother at the young age of six.

[ They go way back, Ignis has watched Noctis become the man who he is today. It was never easy between them, with Noct being a prince and Ignis taking on royal duties as his advisor, but they tried their best to maintain a proper friendship despite it all. ]

I know he has issues voicing it so he shows it in his actions. Shortly after I arrived, he heard a rumor that people were disappearing and nearly broke down our door just to check to see if I was still around. [ Even before that, Noct had let Ignis break down on him, though that was more private -- as private as it could get in Affurgato's cafe that is. ]

I share his sentiments. He's my oldest and dearest friend and family. [ Which is why it's rather difficult for him to accept Noctis' fate, why he's happy that Noct has a chance to have a life here, that he's found someone special in Pyra. ] I'm quite proud of him, Pyra.

[iustaegis]

[ When he fumbles, she slows the steps and allows him to recover, supporting him as necessary— not that it turns out he needs it, because he’s back to carrying on the dance just as before. Without sight or with, he’s obviously a professional at it, and the grace of his movements, perhaps derived from years of simultaneously preaching with weaponry, makes his recovery all the more fluid.

Pyra listens respectfully as he shares, allowing him to finish. What he says doesn’t cause her shift in any way, that Noctis would rush over to Ignis just to see if he was still around. He would check on him more than anyone else, and there’s so much more, she’s certain, that Noctis wants to say to him. They have this chance at last to connect.

Although his words carry a new somberness with them, her voice remains heartfelt and feathery. ]

You know, Ignis... [ She replies with a softer, gently urging tone. ] You’re very eloquent. [ She brings them into another, short turn. ] And kind.

And thoughtful. [ And much more, from what she knows of him. He cares— a lot. He’s loyal, he’s determined, intelligent.... ] And this sounds like something you should be telling him, yourself.

[ There’s never been a doubt in her mind that he’s cared for Noctis. ] That being proud part, I mean.

[shroudedsecrets]

Oh, Pyra... surely you have far better options available than me to ask, if you're looking for that.

[ This... isn't the first time a friend has tried to coax her toward the dance floor but she can't help but gently protest it every time tonight, to little avail. ]

[iustaegis]

[ Have a tug. Then another tug. ]

Pleaaase may I have this dance?

[shroudedsecrets]

[ By the slant of her ears she mostly seems perplexed, still, but she's gradually following the tug. ]

... I do not wish to deny your insistence but you well know I am not... experienced... in such things.

[iustaegis]

[ Aaaand there they go out onto the dance floor. ] That's okay! You don't have to follow any dance. Or you can, if you want!

So...!

[ Already taking both of her hands in hers, she does a slow turn around with her, the way children might do upon a playground. ]

Structured or improvised? Which way would you like to dance?

[shroudedsecrets]

I...

[ Lup, Pyra, Era why do they have so much energy for this sort of endeavor? It probably is almost comical how flustered she is from her lack of knowledge. ]

I do not know which would be better, if there is a movement you prefer me to follow. Regis taught me a structured step once before but it's been... near half a year, I hardly recall that now.

[iustaegis]

[ Regis could have taught her the lindy hop for all of what Pyra knows, so that's no help. ]

...Mmm... alright, then. A fast or slow dance! Which would you prefer?

[shroudedsecrets]

If there is... a pattern I can follow without my being disappointing, we should be fine to go on.

[ And she knows that's not exactly right to say either, but it's hard when one is just not accustomed to this. ]

[ She's trying, because she knows Pyra is eager and they've already talked about overcoming certain difficulties. Feeling as though she'd lacked in something. She exhales softly to stop the internal struggle. ]

That is to say... something that is simpler. Just to see how it feels. I am not accustomed to... listening to the music with my limbs and not my ears.

[ Because dance was more than just sounds, wasn't it? It was rhythm, it was tapping and the beats and the vibration and then... responding... Or... perhaps it wasn't quite so deep but she couldn't quite help being herself about it all. ]

[iustaegis]

[ Pyra smiles weakly.

And then corrects that smile, bringing one of Honerva's hands up and placing it upon Pyra's shoulder. After, she drops her own to Honerva's waist, and with her remaining one grasps Honerva's other to lead. She talks her through the basic positions all the while.

The only sort of slow, simple step-dance she had learned in her time in Havenwell had been a waltz from someone practically a year ago. She remembers the steps, and she's willing to teach in the hope that Honerva, too, might find some peace in allowing her body to enjoy the movement and music together, as well as help her alleviate her terribly burdened mind. ]

Like this... [ Pyra instructs, and continues to instruct her through the basic first steps, repeating them a few times with Honerva. She guides when necessary, supports her should she misstep, and moves her along the floor. ]

See...? Just continue to follow these steps. What comes next?

dancing

[lunaelucem]

[One look at Pyra, and her unconscious tension from waiting for this moment ebbs away. Lunafreya trusts Noctis' judgement of character, but it still eases something in her heart to see for herself what a sweet and kind looking woman Pyra is.]

I'm not certain about cool, but I do know a few dances.

[Lunafreya gives Pyra a small but warm smile, offering out her hand to the other woman.]

Most of them don't take a partner into account, but I'm sure we can make it up along the way.

[iustaegis]

[ When Pyra had first arrived in Havenwell, she had met Luna from before. Her opinion of her hasn't changed in all of this time: frankly, she is the most graceful woman she's ever met, glimmering as softly as light upon snow.

Fingers interlocking with Luna's, she guides the other woman out to the dance floor.. ]

Like improvising...? That's an even better idea! [ Easier, and far more fun, too, than going along with some strict structure of a dance. ] I wouldn't mind learning a new set of dance moves from you, either.

[lunaelucem]

Not quite. They are intended for performative rituals. But they are beautiful in their own way. It would be my pleasure to teach you.

[Having her hand held is a gesture Lunafreya is wholly unfamiliar with, but it's warm, and it brings her a small measure of comfort despite the fact that it's also Pyra who Lunafreya is somewhat anxious about. Rather, she's anxious about her first impression, rather than the woman herself, who for all intents and purposes has decided Lunafreya is good company.]

But please, allow me properly introduce myself first, if you'll indulge me.

[iustaegis]

[ Ritual dances-- she's heard of such dances before, as performed by maidens or priestesses. Torna, the kingdom from which she hails, had such traditions before it fell into the Cloud-Sea.

She brushes this thought away, replacing it with the interest in seeing a different one from another world instead. But before she can so much as comment upon it, Luna speaks again.

--Does... she know, she wonders, that she already knows who she is...? ] A--ah.... Yes, of course.

Getting to know you again... It would be my honor.

[lunaelucem]

[One day, she wants to ask Noctis and the others about what she'd done during her first visit. She has no recollection of it at all. It's good that she made a positive impression, but her current self feels so far removed from it that it feels awkward.

The solution, of course, is to just start all over again, as best as she can.]

As it would be my honor and pleasure to befriend you as well, Pyra. I am Lunafreya Nox Fleuret. [She gives the other woman's hand a gentle squeeze.] Thank you for everything you've done for Noctis.

[iustaegis]

[ For a beat or two after Lunafreya finishes speaking, Pyra stares at her with a few, scattered blinks. To be thanked for such a thing... It strikes her that it should be the opposite: for all of what Pyra knows about Luna, she's the one who should be thanked.

Often, Pyra comments that Noctis is like a light to her. To Noctis, it seems that Luna has been that light for however long he's known her.... ] Luna, that's... I should be saying that to you!

[ And so, she squeezes both of Luna's hands in hers in a show of appreciation, bringing her into a wide, free spin as they take to dancing together without structure. ]

[lunaelucem]

[Lunafreya laughs quietly, letting her body move into the spin, feeling another part of her heart unravel and lighten with the motion, with this conversation.]

I shall accept your thanks if you accept mine.

[She breaks away for a moment, doing a short twirl, and then glides back to take Pyra's hands again, swaying with her.]

It has been nothing short of amazing, to see him so unburdened. It has been my dearest wish for him since we were children, and I... [Her throat goes a little tight with emotion, suddenly so, so thankful that she can be here, that she can watch over him and Pyra, that she's alive.] I am truly grateful to you for helping him thrive. I hope our friendship can be just as wonderful.

[iustaegis]

[ Luna spins out and returns without missing a step. Pyra guides her back into the dance they’re sharing, but finds that there’s really no need to guide the Oracle when she seems to know exactly what to do next, where to go. She’s without flaw, really, but at hearing the sudden emotion in her voice, sincere and hurt, Pyra slows the dance to allow her to recover, merely swaying with her instead.

Luna is happy that Noctis is unburdened, as she says, yet it seems she hasn’t had the chance to find that joy for herself. A sudden, sharp, tight feeling manifests within her chest, and the pressure transfers to a squeeze of the woman’s hand in hers, as if it could mean to be stabilizing and reassuring both. In this moment, there’s little more than wanting Luna to be happy, too. ]

Of— of course. [ She stammers, then recovers. ] Of course. [ She repeats, looking over her, and then quickly pulls her into a warm embrace, forgetting all for these moments that they should be dancing together, not standing still. ]

Being friends with you? [ She exhales. ] Consider it so. Just wait— [ She promises with a gentle smile. ] just wait, that “amazing” thing you’ve seen for him... it’ll be yours, too.