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hugtopia_logs2020-12-12 08:47 pm
astralera) wrote in hugtopia_logs2020-12-12 08:47 pm
much wedding such wow
♥ 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
THE CEREMONY (INVITEES ONLY)
THE DINNER (INVITEES)
THE RECEPTION
MANSION NOTES:
♥ 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 joviallypulls the aggrocalls 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.
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Gods. Immediately he wishes it was someone else, some stranger he could remain furious at for hurting Pyra like this, for damaging the hesitant confidence she'd begun to find in herself and what they've built as a pair, as a family. If it was someone else he wouldn't have to forgive or be fair, he could simply discount whatever they said and rail at them for saying it. Forget them, he'd tell her. They're nobody. They don't matter.
Era, though. Era is a complication he hadn't anticipated, and some of the building fury deflates into newfound sadness instead. That his family would clash with one another and cause harm like this makes his heart ache. What triggered this exchange? What made her say something that would make Pyra lose all confidence, that she'd doubt her standing with all of them in a matter of hours at most?
His hand drops hers, only so he can move forward and pull her into a swift hug, his arms tight around her back. He holds on like nothing in the world could make him let her go.]
This is what matters, [he murmurs at her ear, his voice harsh and intense, still holding some of that anger but now more for the words that were said than the one who said them.] Just because she cares about me doesn't mean she's right about you. She doesn't know.
[Era doesn't know everything they've shared with one another, the open honesty they've found together, the love and trust and support that he's come to rely on Pyra for and that he's tried so hard to offer in return. She doesn't know how often his doubts have been dragged to the surface through Pyra's encouragement, when with most he would bury them deep in his heart, bury himself in them until he suffocated under their weight. She doesn't know that his life without Pyra at this point would be devoid of so much joy. That it would hurt so much more to lose her than any harm she could ever do.
His arms tense a little, instinctive, protective.] She doesn't know, [he says again.] Someone who cares should know better.
[This isn't okay.]
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But. It feels better in his arms, and the reassurance helps. She hadn't thought she was so weak to need such reassurance, when he's given it before, but here she is, feeling feeble enough to feel-- terrible. ]
H-...how. [ The word tumbles out between her lips, even as hands weakly rise to his back. ] How... do I be human? A... true and sincere one. I thought I-- [ She thought she was being as sincere as she could, aside from being too afraid of revealing of what she was. She thought she was being as sincere, or at least coming off across it, because she truly did love that wedding, she loved seeing everyone there to celebrate such a beautiful union. Is it so child-like to be in wonder of what is beautiful? Is she untrustworthy because of that? ] ...I thought I was doing so well.
[ Even Noctis had said she's as human as could be. Somnus had reassured her before. There have been others here, that do not know what she is, and-- she believes that the trust her. Trust her at least to not hurt them, either. What had gone wrong, here? Where did she go wrong? ]
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But how. How. How can anyone look at her and not believe she's worthy of trust or affection or kindness? Have her interactions with Era truly been that different?]
Pyra... think back. About how much has changed since we got here. Remember how you wouldn't even talk about your world with me? You dodged every question, you always distracted me from digging too far. And it took me a while, but I caught on. I let you know, and... I waited. Figured you'd tell me when you were ready.
[His hand lifts, brushing gently through her hair.]
Now... I know about your home. I know about you, your crystal, Mythra. I know you're not human, and that's okay. You let me in, and it was okay. You let me earn it. You trusted me. Not everybody gets it.
[He draws back a little so he can see her face, giving her an earnest look; he'll wait, as long as she needs, for her to look up.]
You're doing fine. You're doing great. She thinks you aren't because she doesn't know, and the only one who can prove she's wrong is you.
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She first stepped into this world fearful as could be, guarded, but loving all that she had seen, everyone who she had met simply because they were there. She had a fear of hurting them, because everyone had been wonderful.
He knows she's not truly human, but as he's said before, she's human to him. She has humanity. Perhaps there are others who think the same, too, that she's not simply playing a role for which she never studied. There are those that trust her.
He saw her flame for the first time in the palm of hands after months of her refraining from using such power. He had been in awe of it, like it was beautiful. His expression alone had been enough. ] I-- [ She leans the side of her face against his shoulder, inhaling slowly. (But, Architect, even that is a construct, isn't it? Having no lungs or heart. Should each breath taken in with emotion be considered a lie, too?) A moment passes where she holds him tightly, and then she relaxes against him. It's impossible not to feel small or inadequate in this moment, but she knows that, at the very least, he is not one to judge her for being weak. She had slipped, and he had caught her, he had held her. It happens to everyone, occasionally slipping and falling, especially when it becomes too much to bear.
She's silent, reflective, tearful for all of a few moments more as she holds him.
When he pulls away to look at her, her eyes are misting. ] Do you trust me with those you love, Noct?
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[His answer comes without an iota of hesitation. People can call him reckless or foolish for it, he doesn't care. If she's lied to him it hadn't been malicious, and he can't imagine her ever intentionally hurting him or someone he cares about. Time and time again she's been kind, and the things that she hides has never stopped her from being his friend, his support, his love.]
I would, every time.
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It means so much, when you say it. [ For reasons she's mentioned before this day: his goodness.
There's a tired, quiet, swallow. She pulls back one hand to wipe beneath her eyes, her smile small and apologetic for slipping in the first place. She wishes to be better than this, not lost and unable to see because she's trapped by the thought of failing to be human enough for that trust. ]
You make being human look so easy. [ That kindness, that compassion. When Mythra was making her, she had wanted Pyra to be better than she had been, and a part of it had been all the goodness she had seen in others. If that goodness is a core part of humanity, then... she can still be inspired by it, and do better. He says she's doing a great job-- and coming from someone as good as him is significant. ] Sorry, I... [ Another apology. She smiles meekly. ] All of this... for all this time, I suppose effected me far more than I thought.
[ No. Not just effected her. It hurt her, and its ripples becoming tidal waves at the end, shaking her foundation. She feels a little better now, stable, if only because she can trust him, too, and trust what he says. ]
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[He lifts a hand, brushing it over her cheek just below her eye where the tears had threatened to drop. That lost smile, the misted eyes, this fear and grief she's feeling, it's all normal. It's real. There are some things even the best actor in the world can't fake, and for all her hiding she's really not a very good liar.]
Hey- you know what's real?
[His hand shifts, dropping down to curl around hers. He lifts both together and presses her palm to his chest, where beneath the layers of his suit, his heart is pounding fast despite his demeanor. A quiet betrayal of the worry, anger, and hints of panic he'd felt, watching her struggle and doubt herself, fearing a repeat of the fight that had almost torn them apart.]
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Through his magic, they are tethered. Isn’t that proof enough that she’s trustworthy of something so precious as his magic? And the vow to protect him, as well as his own promise to her, that her fire, should she use it, could be easily attributed to his power. He’s so kind.
His heart is like what her own would be. Quick and worried... Did she scare him? ]
It hurts... [ She admits quietly, honest despite her worry that she’ll only worry him more. But here is another truth: ] but not as much anymore.
Thank you, Noct.
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[He doesn't need to wait for an answer; he can guess how the conversation might have gone. Pyra is presumptuous sometimes, usually for the right reasons but it's not a guarantee that the other person will reciprocate. It's for this reason that, rather than wait for confirmation, he simply draws her into another hug.]
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It’s everything else, that for all of her love for Noctis, she’s seen as a child for being amazed at others, untrustworthy, worthy of threats if she should harm him, and that she’s merely playing a role.
And because the latter reflects so deeply into her insecurities and turmoil, it hurts as if something tore into her, and treacherously, she’s speaking about it because she’s grown soft to sharing her feelings.
Helplessly, ]
I... must have offended her more than that. But what?
[ She wants to make this right, but she doesn’t know where to begin. She’s not even sure when this started. Was it when she had still been with Somnus? Before then? When did she go so wrong? ]
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[He tries to recall if Era had ever given him the impression that she found Pyra unpleasant or if she had done anything particularly egregious without knowing... nothing comes to mind, though. But it's not as if he's been privy to their private conversations, either, even when they shared the same space. Was it a misunderstanding? Pyra can be sensitive and Era can be blunt, so communication isn't always going to be smooth sailing...]
I'll try talking to her, see what's up. It's not like anyone expects you guys to force a friendship, but this... there's gotta be a better way.
[He won't take this as acceptable. Whatever grievances lie on either side, civility has to be possible, or he's going to have to reconsider where and how he spends his time.]
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Much like how Noctis is. If there is anyone who could be a good arbiter, or perhaps figure out what Pyra has done wrong, then... it would be him.
Her hand remains on his chest, and finally she meets his gaze. ] You don't have to. If it will be better to leave it like this... then, it'll simply have to be.
[ She'll take this fall. Give it time. Speak with Era again later... maybe make her cookies, if she can? She doesn't know, but she'll attempt to think of something. ]
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[He doesn't have to, but he will anyway, because they're both important to him and he can't stand to leave it like this. Pyra's worried about not knowing how to act believably, but it's the acting part of it that he suspects is an issue, based on her reiteration of Era's words. Meanwhile it's Pyra's gentle sincerity that helped him fall in love with her to begin with. Something's missing.
He leans in, kissing her forehead and squeezing her hand softly.]
Give yourself and her some time, maybe... don't overthink it. I promise you, whether what she said was justified or not, it isn't what everyone thinks. Believe in the rest of us, too.
[Maybe Era's right about some things- but only in relation to the two of them. Nothing Pyra implied has any truth in how he feels for her.]
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Just a few months ago, she would have kept this to herself. Now, she recieves a kiss from him, a hug. As if this had been the right thing to do. It's the same feeling she hopes she gives him, when he's happened to confess his own feelings while feeling vulnerable in her arms. ]
...Just like that, Noct. You make me feel better. [ As better as she can be in this moment. Still feeling frail, but leagues reassured. ] You're too good at this, I think.
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I'd be a shitty boyfriend if I couldn't do this much.
[And he doesn't want to be! Shitty, that is. The boyfriend part is important. And he knows that a hug or kiss can't instantly fix what she's feeling, but it's a step in the right direction. He'll try to be more mindful of her fears going forward, if he can.]
Anyway, I'm kinda stealing from your example. Haven't you done this for me like a million times already? You taught me all the steps.
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She moves her hand from his chest back down to take his. After a pause, she takes another chance: voicing what she had thought moments before. ] Then, I suppose it was about time I took my own example. That... I always wish you to feel as if confiding is the right thing to do.
[ No judgement. No stipulations. No fear that it would harm the other in doing so.
Even if she knows that he's working on, she's working on it, too. ]
You did that here, just now.
[ She likes that feeling, she realizes. That she's safe with him. And that, with whatever the future holds, she just might need to be reminded of this conversation and know that it's alright, that he loves and trusts her. ]
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Hey, we'll get there. You could start with being as nice to yourself as you are to everybody else.
[A tall order, he can tell; it's been a struggle to be as patient with himself as she claims he is with everyone else, so he can only imagine asking that of anyone else would be just as hard. Still, now that he knows, he can keep trying to remind her.]
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She thought that she had been nice to herself, being able to love him, being loved back, and indulging in his company and smiles. Perhaps he’s suggesting it’s not enough. Or perhaps nowhere near adequate—?
Pyra looks at him with fondness beyond seasons, helpless at both his words and his smile. In the night, his eyes are like stars.
He’s like that— having seen his own insecurities, he’s not kind enough to himself, either, when he’s so kind and understanding of others. They really are alike, and she wants better for him, in that he, too, will believe in himself more. ]
Noct... [ Her hand finds his cheek, tilting his face down toward her so that she might kiss him again tenderly upon the lips. A thousand “sorry”s for worrying him or needing comfort from him in the first place would be dismissed by him; a thousand “thank yous” for his support couldn’t be enough. She whispers, ]
You’re wonderful.
[ They talked about being lifted by each other. Even in her sorrow, she can do that still. This, this comfort, this love he gives, is only more proof of his goodness. ]
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Hmm... okay. If you say so, I'm wonderful.
[And since she's turned the topic back on him - which she is so often fond of doing - his lips quirk briefly and he leans in to echo the gesture.]
Now it's your turn to say it.
[She's been nice to him, saying that. So clearly she needs to say it of herself, too.]
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I can't escape, can I?
[ KIDDING... she's kidding. She just needs time to prepare herself to say it. It seems so-- so Mythra to do so, far before Torna fell. Neither would consider themselves wonderful afterwards (aside as a joke of playful pride). ]
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[His free arm snakes around her waist, teasingly holding her.]
Only one very specific password that I just made up could possibly convince me to release my prisoner.
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But okay one last tease in return, before she says it (because as if she'd want to be released from his arms!): ] And what if I don't wish to escape?
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[Something he clearly hasn't thought through.]
I guess I'll have to say it myself, except I'll say it so many times you'll collapse from embarrassment, at which point I'll throw you over my shoulder and kidnap you to my house like the troll I am. After that all bets are off.
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O-okay, okay....
[ She inhales. She exhales. ]
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...I'm wonderful.
[ ...........It's really embarrassing to say it. But there it is. ]
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