2023-06-24: Something New

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<Pose Tracker> Zhang Xiumei has posed.

The Grand Cathedral in Klein City is hosting the event of the year: the wedding of Eleanor Klein, first daughter and heir to the Marchioness of Klein.

It is a grand event in a grand location. The Cathedral is three centuries old, built of stone and with magnificent stained glass windows that capture images of Granas laying Valmar low and saints bringing succor to Filgaia. There are carvings on the outside, in the image of the Holy Mother, saints, and a few that might be Guardians in signs of the occasional syncretical beliefs.

There are decorations, to boot. Ribbons, banners, and streamers in orange and brown -- the colors of House Klein -- are in great abundance. There are also a few ribbons of light blue and green, the colors used by the Zhang Great Seas Trading Company, to be seen.

There are also flowers. Countless flowers, from all over Filgaia -- and a few arrangements from Spira, too, thanks to gifts from the Al Bhed -- and they come in every color in the rainbow and a few that aren't.

There are also crowds -- more than a few of Klein's people have gathered outside the cathedral, and the Marchioness has provided for a public celebration on the grounds.

The inside of the cathedral, though, is by invitation only (though, of course, some may well sneak in). The decor on the inside is no less fantastic; there are flowers everywhere, and they're neatly arranged in rows: some from Meria, then Sylvaland, then Spira, then ones from Sielje. The most vibrant, though, are a mysterious arrangement closest to the altar, which is already drawing gasps and murmurs of appreciation. Banners and streamers hang throughout.

The guests have been seated in the old wooden pews, which are well-carved and ornate. Guests include many of their Drifter friends and members of ARMS. Varius and Avile are both present; they float above spaces in the pews, near the front. Their drones, with the impressions of their helmets, are polished and shiny. Avile's wears a tiara, which is glittery and has a few emeralds in it.

There are some dignitaries present, too. Lord Irving is here, seated next to a Merian prince and the ambassador of Sylvaland. Cid of the Al Bhed is also present and seated. A few local officials can be found; the mayors of both Klein and Meria City are accounted for. Family and friends, though, make up the majority of the attendees.

At the altar, before a stained glass window depicting Granas ascending, the Bishop of Klein stands. So do the wedding parties -- though the brides, plural, have yet to arrive.

Their bridal parties are there, though. On Eleanor's side, her younger sister, Danielle Klein, is serving as maid of honor. On Xiumei's side is her older sister, Zhang Meiling, who is serving as maid of honor. The second daughter of Zhang Liu, she is the Head of the Ignas Branch of the company -- and somewhat renowned as hard drinking and a bit of a party enthusiast. She has a smart suit on; six rows down are her dizzying array of a baker's dozen collection of "friends" who she is alleged to have, somehow, married the lot of. That wedding was not attended by most of her family, but she seems delighted to be here!

Of course, they're not the only people in the wedding party.

OOC: Thank you for coming, everyone! This round is for establishing where your character is! Feel free to say if they contributed to the decorations, if they're in the bridal party (either party!), or some other contribution. The next will have the ceremony. At the third round and on, we'll move to the reception, which will be more free form.

<Pose Tracker> Mariel has posed.

This is, surprisingly, not the first time Mariel has brought flowers to this cathedral.

She doesn't spend a lot of time in or around Granasite cathedrals. She's not devout; she has her own path to follow and it doesn't involve the worship of a religion that was founded hundreds of years after she became an adult.

But she made a gift of flowers, grown with care and love.

The grounds have rather more flowers than most cathedrals in Filgaia. The green-lined paths in the courtyard have a joyous riot of colourful blooms - all wildflowers, mostly local or near-local, but arranged just so. Longer rectangular planters with taller blooms guide the follower inside, and the door is flanked by shrubs that have a bright orange bloom. (She'd wanted to put ivy on the walls, but that takes years to come to maturity, and she didn't have years. Also, church officials objected.)

She's worked her magic with the inside, too. Mariel doesn't use vases or cut flowers; instead there are tiny pots that look like a gritty stone but feel more like clay, holding living plants. There's soil in there, but a cunning, nearly invisible fine mesh keeps it in but still lets the plants through. Not all the interior flowers were provided by Mariel, but some of them were; Mariel favoures whites and yellows and golds, with the occasional splash of blue and purple. Larger pots and planters are set in other places - against walls near windows, at corners, flanking doors. Other people's flowers are mixed in with her own to make attractive designs, and they all seem very healthy despite being (temporarily) relocated inside.

A particularly delicate white bloom - a tiny flower, small enough to be overlooked compared to the more colourful or larger blossoms - has been used as an accent in a few places, especially at central locations; not at individual tables, but around the centerpiece of the entire wedding, especially the arrangement closest to the altar.

That particular arrangement has some flowers not as well known; all Filgaian blooms but a collection from around the world, in a decoratively shaped stone pot. Here the white flowers return as a ring around the outside, followed by delicate yellows, bold oranges and reds, purples, and at the centerpiece a cluster of tall blue flowers with a gold patch at the middle of the petals, in its heart.

Mariel herself is a lot less eyecatching, though she is present. She is wearing green, in a different style and cut than her usual simple robe; this one has a complex geometric pattern in triangles and diamonds around the cuffs and hem and down the sides. It's formal, but it's formal in a way completely unlike any of the nobility of Klein. 

<Pose Tracker> Venetia Vuong has posed.

 
You know who else is in the wedding party?

VENETIA VUONG - THE WORLD'S GREATEST BRIDESMAID is in a new dress. It is a cheongsam style cut, form fitting but not hugging enough to distract from the brides themselves. High mandarin collar, a deep and gloomy purple, with silver embroidery in the shape of one of the flat mushrooms that throw off a luminous faint light and are often cultivated on scrap lumber in Void 41 for beauty as well as, you know, not being in the dark all the time. Venetia also has a new and matching mask in lace purple with polished malachite beading.

Venetia is flanked by six undergraduates from the School of Mineralogy. (Four men, two ladies, all of them having been selected for upper body strength and lack of other engagements.) They are in something like uniforms -- deep-violet jackets that match Venetia's dress, with a badge of polished ammolite in their lapels, and simple, formal black-silk masks. This squadron has been assembling some damn thing or other a ways down at the bottom of an open stretch of lawn near the cathedral, oriented towards the nearest river, lake or pond in the area. This assembling task (which looks like a lot of cheap wood or a pre-prepared artillery barrage) is complete and so they are mingling.

"So, all of 'em, eh?" Venetia comments to Meiling, looking at her flotilla. "Seems as though it would get costly, but I suppose it means you can always get the bulk discount on excursions." 

<Pose Tracker> Kamui has posed.

    Kamui is also present, hovering near Varius and Avile; where the two have drones with impressions of their helmets, Kamui is... a Cyber-Elf at present, a sphere of light with three moebius bands of data rotating around it. From it, her image is being beamed out:

    She's a bit blue, and a bit holographic and translucent, but she's chosen one of the suits, looking very crisp and chic in her deep burgundy and black three-piece, with a white cravat at her neck.

    She also doesn't need a seat, per se, on account of being incorporeal. "Hmmm. It is a pleasant opportunity to be here. Strange that no long ago we had..." A pause, thinking of the last wedding. Well, no need to dwell on that particularly hard. It's not like it ended explosively; if she searches, she might even see Montgomery somewhere.

    "How are the rigs holding up? Let me know if I need to adjust it," she offers to Varius and Avile.

    Meanwhile, in the Klein side of things, Minder is accompanying Abigail Klein, much like last time. This time, she's come a little more prepared: she begged (read: pulled Yue's hair until she gave in) to get a bridesmaid dress that would... suit, and while it's a little unusual to be wearing a cute bridesmaid dress ontop of her enviro-suit and helmet, it's... it's working. At least, she thinks it's working.

    Her helmet is displaying a :3 right now, ontop of which is a little flower tiara. "I'm so happy for the both of them...!"

    Where is Yue, though? Well, she's probably being bullied by Acacia elsewhere. 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lanval has posed.

    Seraph Lanval, Oracle of Schturdark, always has time for something like this. He lives in this world he serves, and he's going to enjoy it while both the world and himself are here! That, and his native Seraphic Domain amplifies small joys. A beloved scent, a beautiful sight, a relaxing time, his presence just makes those things a bit better by his presence.
 
     While he still does not wear shoes (as part of an Oath, it's a very big deal among his kind, even if by any mortal logic it's rather petty), he's got on a nice bow tie and has managed to tie up his voluminous waterfall-like beard into braids with orange ribbons and cleaned up his hair appropriately. For his part, he's inspected the beverages to make sure none of them are... off.
 
     (There was a quiet deal made that he could drink all the 'bad' booze or punch he finds. He should have considered the wording of this agreement, but the lack of apparent danger at all from this angle is - what he'd happily concede - a good thing!)
 
     Other than that, he stands on his tippy-toes as he puts the finishing touches on pouring a champagne fountain off of stacked glasses, his appearance suggesting and chancing the very idea of physical comedy and mischief... but nope, he's okay, he's got it, no funny business there.
 
     He's looking contented with himself. 

<Pose Tracker> Rebecca Streisand has posed.

Rebecca needed help once again from one of the bridesmaids in Eleanor's bridal party to put on her face again. She was never any good with makeup. While they were all preparing she did make a remark however...
 
"If anyone objects this time, got real bullets loaded, not rubber."
 
She got permission from the bride's mother! After her handling of security from last time. ANYHOW, she's serving as a bridesmaid again, in a honey-gold dress. Her fiery colored sunset hair is braided and trails down to mid thigh only bound by a matching ribbon with cream colored peonies.
 
She has a bouquet with her too. Mercifully, the gun isn't visible. Why would it be visible? That'd make her less effective close range bridal security!
 
She's got her ARM in an ankle holster, her original medium concealed just inside the dress. "Gonna be a lovely day, and absolutely nothing is gonna go wrong."
 
Did she just jinx it? Nah. She'd never believe in that superstitious nonsense.
 
Absolutely nothing is going to go wrong because she'll shoot anyone who tries to ruin this.

<Pose Tracker> Ashley Winchester has posed.

Technically speaking, Ashley and Marina's contribution to the ceremonies isn't... here. Not that it's not here, because they take pride in their work and the last time they catered for a Klein Wedding, profits went up by at least twenty percent over the long term. No, it's specifically BECAUSE they catered that their contribution is not... here.

It's at the reception. Specifically, it's a cake.

Somehow, it's even bigger than the last wedding cake.

(Worry not, it's not going to come alive and try to eat the wedding guests. These ceremonies do not need another bossfight.)

Ashley has come wearing a smart-looking tuxedo, his untameable hair NOT SLICKED BACK specifically by request of people already deeply concerned that his doppelganger is a man named Janus Cascade. Instead it's standing as tall and proud as he's feeling for his friends today. This half of the fianced baker duo is seated on Eleanor's side of the festivities, today.

(Marina is sadly not sitting next to him, but he can deal with separation for just a little while and she's not too far away anyway!)

"Ahh, I'm glad we're starting with the marriage ceremony this time," Ashley says, smilingly. That way, there's PROBABLY less risk of anything interrupting before cake can be ate. Or either bride deciding to teleport away to elope on a Spiran wedding, or something.

(Ashley is not wearing his arm unlike some people because holy crap how would you even hide the Bayonet on his person) 

<Pose Tracker> Lan Lilac has posed.

 
    The flowers are amazing. It's the first time in a long time that Lan has wished she owned a camera, because she'll never be able to remember all of the details for her next letter to Little Firelight, and even if she could it'd probably take pages and pages for her to pour out all of her thoughts! Even her most romantic- (or horticulture-) minded of relatives would probably get bored before even getting to the part about the wedding.

    So really, an envelope stuffed full of photographs would be better!

    Lan had to borrow a dress because the only ones she has are either 'extremely informal' or 'plain, but white'. Eleanor was happy to loan her something, and Lan was happy to borrow it because dresses fancy enough for weddings are expensive! She's managed to get into this one, a pink number with a long skirt and lowered sleeves that laces up the front. It's very 'sweet lass that might get kidnapped to start off the plot of a five-gella adventure novel'. Her long pale hair is pulled back in a low ponytail and tied with a ribbon. And there's a blanket-wrapped bundle in her arms. Occasionally it fusses or wiggles. 

<Pose Tracker> Medli has posed.

Delicate pink chiffon floats around Medli. It was Ida's suggestion -- the young Dragon Attendant could never have chosen something so...

So...

Beautiful. Medli hasn't been able to take her eyes from the dress in the days between buying it and the wedding, stealing little touches of the skirts as if it was something forbidden. Now, finally wearing it, her cheeks are flushed in delight.

In her arms is a carefully wrapped gift, put together with the assistance of Link. It's a little too heavy for Medli, but she was too worried Link would break it, so she soldiers on.

Inside is a mosaic made of glimmering crystal. Medli herself gathered the rocks, using her odd gift to find the very prettiest stones, and Link fit them into place, using his odd gift for solving puzzles. Shimmering in rainbowy hues, quartz stones create the shape of an owl holding a large heart in its beak. Despite the youth of its creators, it's a true work of art -- something that must've taken the children hours."Um, please remember to walk slowly, and try not to break anything. I want to make sure Miss Eleanor has a good day." Medli whispers to Link, as they find their seats. Being such small children, hopefully they can get a place near the front -- otherwise, Medli will stand on her chair to see the ceremony, no matter how rude it is!

This is very, very different from the weddings on Rito Island, and she doesn't want to miss a moment. 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Boudicca has posed.

    A strange and strangely dapper normin has an invitation, and so does a provincial fox-man crammed into a monkey suit who came with Lan; Bienfu and Hicalu are good boys, unlike Magilou, who sneaks inside to get to the cake ANYWAY. She's going to steal forty slices of cake. That's as many as four tens, and that's terrible. Even if she has to sit down for a while first, it just means they'll never see it coming...!

    Anyway, they're fine. Guests in the crowd. The real interesting thing here is --

    The Seraph Boudicca has dressed up.

    It's the same dress she wore last time, mind you. Steel corset around a spring-green dress with flaming orange hem, ribbons wrapped about her wrists and an especially broad and pale one woven through her braid -- braid SINGULAR, she's traded out her twin braids for one massive GIANT braid behind her head, now. Her helm has been replaced by a steel tiara, black dragon's horns stretching out to either side of her head. She had to try so so hard to change her internal experience of herself enough to reflect this costume change -- but in the end, she, too, holds some Tales in her heart.

    Right now, though, her fancy outfit isn't visible -- because Boudicca is haunting Abby Klein's flower basket, all filled with Mariel's hard work. "You will be wonderful!" The disembodied voice of the flower basket encourages that child, bubbly and enthusiastic. "I am so happy to see you kept the ribbon, as well..!!"

<Pose Tracker> Josephine Lovelace has posed.

    Josephine is not in the wedding party, and probably for extremely valid and important reasons. But for equally valid and important reasons, she was also invited to the wedding proper.

    She's even dressed nicely for the occasion: she's paired a long black skirt with a crisp white blouse, pairing it with a dusty blue vest decorated with vaguely floral embroidery. Along with the Nisan cross, she wears a red ascot. Her hair is loose, and she wears in it a single red rose.

    And there is a matter of a gift! ...It's not the finest bottle of apple cider (no Gounon vintage, here) but it should be a pleasingly semi-sweet blend (and also alcoholic as all get-out).

    In the end, the answer had been simple: she had a few knicknacks from expeditions rattling around. Pawning them off had been sufficient to get her into a presentable state and had enough to even select something reasonably pleasant as a gift.

    It goes without saying that unless someone specifically patted her down (and they might have, for good reasons!) odds are good that even here she is packing heat somewhere on her person. It's just how she is.

    "Again, eh? Your sharpshooter skills improve any, little sparrow?" she says, advancing upon Rebecca like some looming terror. She is, after all, nearly a foot on Rebecca.

    Penelope however is not here.

    ...Wait, up there, perched high near the frame of a stained glass window-- is that...? Could that be......?

    From on high, Penelope watches the proceedings as they unfold below, her eyes glittering darkly. 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Clarine has posed.

A wedding...! Clarine has been quite excited for this. Eleanor and Xiumei are good friends of hers, and the way they make each other happy is obvious. This moment of brightness is what the world needs, and she's happy to attend.

...And, of course, happy to assist with the lighting. With her help, everything will be just right for capturing their big day.

Clarine has positioned herself to get a good view of the proceedings, the Picto Obscura ready in her lap to take pictures of the big day. To some, it may be as if a seat has been strangely left open and reserved - but she's here!

Her outfit is unchanged for the most part - her vision of herself is quite steady, so she rarely changes from her preferred look. Today, though, she has dressed up just a little bit in honor of the occasion. In her hair is an accessory in the form of a prismatic crystalline flower.

Also present in the audience is one Jacqueline Barber, who is very happy for the lovely couple. 

<Pose Tracker> Link has posed.

Deku Islander formal is a bit different than you might expect. Lots of sashes, even for the children, in reds and yellows in Link's case. He has no hat - he decided to leave it at home because it didn't match the color scheme. His blonde hair is fluffy, as he slowly walks besides Medli. "I don't break things, Medli! I solve problems."

He makes eye contact with a pot. He squints.

Link carries on with his business, though, moving forward to help present their gift.

"This is my first wedding..." Link admits. If he sees any of Eleanor's siblings from the castle, he greets basically all of them. He likes Eleanor's family! 

<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.

Marivel's wedding gift is, unsurprisingly, books (largely about gay ladies being cute and smart at each other, surprisingly nonsexual).

She has naturally helped with decorations and is wearing a long blue dress (she usually wears red for formal occasions but for a wedding it'll be a bit show-offy than what she's hoping for). She smiles at Kamui but is presently lingering near Mariel, leaning in to murmur, "I like the outfit." to her. "You look good. Understated, but unique. It's well suited for the occassion."

Marina is actually sitting with Ashley--he's been gone for a while and she's still feeling a little needy of his presence especially after that comically timed confession.

She is weeping faintly because it's a wedding and it's so beautiful and they worked so hard to get here and... 

<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    Dean has no interest in romance as a thing for himself, and little interest in romance as a thing for others. But he's happy to support his friends, and one of his best friends is a bridesmaid in this very wedding! So while Rebecca is getting done up in the back, he hangs out with the decorating crew to help get everything ready.
    
    The tuxedo (brown to match the colors of House Klei, and EXTREMELY rented) is kind of uncomfortable, and he fidgets with it on, but fortunately hurling streamers off ledges is a good way to take his mind off it until the ceremony begins. 

<Pose Tracker> Ashley Winchester has posed.

Technically speaking, Ashley and Marina's contribution to the ceremonies isn't... here. Not that it's not here, because they take pride in their work and the last time they catered for a Klein Wedding, profits went up by at least twenty percent over the long term. No, it's specifically BECAUSE they catered that their contribution is not... here.

It's at the reception. Specifically, it's a cake.

Somehow, it's even bigger than the last wedding cake.

(Worry not, it's not going to come alive and try to eat the wedding guests. These ceremonies do not need another bossfight.)

Ashley has come wearing a smart-looking tuxedo, his untameable hair NOT SLICKED BACK specifically by request of people already deeply concerned that his doppelganger is a man named Janus Cascade. Instead it's standing as tall and proud as he's feeling for his friends today. This half of the fianced baker duo is seated on Eleanor's side of the festivities, today. And he's... not alone!!

"Ahh, I'm glad we're starting with the marriage ceremony this time," Ashley says, smilingly. That way, there's PROBABLY less risk of anything interrupting before cake can be ate. Or either bride deciding to teleport away to elope on a Spiran wedding, or something.

(Ashley is not wearing his arm unlike some people because holy crap how would you even hide the Bayonet on his person)

Marina is crying tears of joy. Ashley smiles warmly and gently places his hand on her knee. How long until they can be up there too...? 

<Pose Tracker> Riley Arwell has posed.

The Fangs were... not invited. In fact, Eleanor gave a sad speech that made it fairly clear they should not come, even if in some alternate universe where they weren't constantly killing people, she might have welcomed them.

But Riley is banking on the idea that nobody is going to want to interrupt a wedding to kick them out or otherwise deal with them, and so here they are!! They are looking far healthier than they did during their last run-in with Drifters, which sadly means they have more than likely succeeded in murder during the intervening time.

In a loose attempt at disguise, Riley's hair has been alchemically died a deep blue. He is otherwise dressed up quite extravagantly as if trying to pass as one of the visiting nobles -- in a lavender shirt with voluminous sleeves, and violet pants, and a short black cape swept to one side. The outfit includes various gold-chain accessories, including several attached to a dangling earring. Is this outfit... stolen? Or maybe a show costume of some kind?

He and Xander have found their way into the cathedral... somehow.

He looks about, eyes sparkling at the tableau. "Wow, it's as fancy as the last one..." he observes. "But this time the happiness is real..." And they don't have to worry about whether they need to burn the place down! 

<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.

Hannah is.... nervous. She's hardly ever attended a ceremony of such magnitude, but she is also, for once, at least a little bit relaxed. Normally she flits about working herself to death but for the last week and change has actually stayed in Klein, which means having a bed to sleep in every night, and actually getting decent sleep. For once.

Her big contribution in the week leading up to the wedding was assisting Mariel in preparing the her floral arrangements, though that mostly consisted of 'helping move large, heavy objects' and 'putting stuff where she was told', but she'd also made herself available to Eleanor to run errands or do... whatever.

'Whatever' also happens to include 'getting her hair done', 'getting a manicure', 'getting her dress altered', and a few other things besides, most of which she grumbled softly about but secretly enjoyed (but she's not willing to admit that to anyone but Zephyr.)

She's arrived in an elegant green dress: It's sleeveless, with a layered skirt, but not overly ostentatious. her bright pink hair has been freshly curled and given some volume, her nails have been freshly manicured, and she's borrowed a necklace with a bright red stone to stand out against the dress.

And on her shoulder is her ever-faithful companion Zephr. He's had his own treatment done, with his beak and talons freshly buffed, all of his feathers meticulously preened and arranged, and, of course, his own wedding outfit: a stiff white shirt collar, with a fancy black bow tie.

She put her most confident face on as she arrived, gave her name, and was admitted. Zephyr got some looks, but when she gave his name, and they saw he was on the list... there was no further questions. Hannah strode in with Zephyr on her shoulder and took up a seat with the side of the church seating Eleanor's friends and family.

She is... actually smiling, and relaxed, feeling good about her appearance, and excited for the upcoming ceremony.

Also nervous, but mostly excited!

How can you not enjoy a wedding? 

<Pose Tracker> Juni Vandrer has posed.

For all of her travels and exposures to other cultures, she's never actually attended a wedding. Sure she's got her own rituals, she avoided those too. Too busy being out in the world, being other people's problems. in a way, it's actually fascinating getting to see one.
 
 She actually tried to find something local to wear with the Al Bhed, but time and a.. surprising lack of options kind of limited that idea. She considered wearing her dress uniform. That seemed a bad choice just because she figured it would stand out too much even if a voice in her head insists that's the best option.
 
 Instead she's wearing a carefully tailored dress that may or may not have some similarities to a duster on close examination, but overall it's properly tailored. Pale green with a dark green corset. There's hints of embossed letters and designs, but nothing local. Nicely made, but largely minimal though there are a strange series of markings along the hem in a similar manner to the embossed designs. She's taken the effort to brush out her undercoat, the thick mane of what amounts to hair and she's tied it into place with a few careful ribbons she'd insist were something traditional at least. She's even wearing open toed, new soft leather boots that don't look like they've seen an apocalypse or two. All in all, she doesn't look like a scruffy tree rodent for now at least. Her wrist is still adorned with the computer, though she's taken some effort to pretty it up too with polish. Sacriligious in her mind
 
 She also looks distinctly uncomfortable wearing the dress and keeps fiddling with it. Propped up on her tail off to the side so she's not blocking anyone, she's sitting in a manner that lets her both see the whole thing and anyone paying attention might realize she's trying to record it with said computer.
 
 She did bring a gift though. A pair of carved wooden bracelets, carved from two pieces of wood, dark and light in a leaf pattern and sealed with the closest thing she could find to the right oils. Along the inside is more of that writing. This was delivered somewhat awkwardly and silently before she hurried off.
 
 To be fair, a gun had already been gifted and that seemed tacky to double up on. Especially as an armorer.. 

<Pose Tracker> Ida Everstead-Rey has posed.

    The Everstead-Rey family is in attendance--all of it. Anna and Harold, Ida's aunt and uncle, sit in the pews, along with their children--Ida's cousins, ranging in age from 'slightly younger than her' to 'mid-teens'. Adam and Flora and Edward and Sylvia--Ida's father, mother, younger brother, and younger sister. Everyone is dressed up, representing their own house in its heraldric colors of blue and gold, among others.

    Ida herself, of course, is part of Eleanor's bridal party. She busied herself with little details for hours--including getting dresses for Medli and herself. While Medli's dress is ethereal and delicate, Ida's is sleek and elegant: a deep royal-blue with gold embroidery tracing the waist, bust, and straps in ornate patterns. A light golden shawl threads around her upper body, leaving most of her arms (scandalously? stylishly?) bare. A bright orange ribbon threads through her hair, which is worn in a long, elaborate braid.

    She may have coordinated security with Rebecca beforehand. She's one of the few people here who can hide an ARM on her person in an outfit like this, though it will take sleight of hand to draw it without scaring the hell out of the guest, if it comes to that.

    Ida is hoping it doesn't come to that.

    She finishes placing her family's gifts--elegantly wrapped--with the others, and flashes the flower basket the 'OK' sign. A brief glimpse out at the crowd to ensure Link and Medli are in place and comfortable, and she walks over to join the rest of the bridal party.

<Pose Tracker> Xander Lovell has posed.

Unfortunately, Riley rejected Xander's suggestions of any neutral color scheme for their disguises. Instead, Xander's hair is purple. Not a dark shade of purple comfortably nearing his natural black -- no, he did that for his formerly grey eye -- but a pale, dusky violet. It's been styled heavily to his left side to obscure his eyepatch almost completely, with the wavy excess barely contained in ribbons behind his neck. His formal, blue coat is fitted over a dark dress shirt, the outfit accented in golds to match with Riley's (this is embarrassing), including the fastening to his half cape with its thick, furry collar...

...Which is going to be the only thing Xander has to bury his face into and protect himself with when this night goes inevitably awry for him. The fact that he has arrived at all is awry enough! He was just trying to murder Eleanor and probably several of her guests not even a moon ago!

He's tense and refusing to move more than a step away from Riley -- in fact, preferring to keep a firm grip around his arm as if Riley plans to run off the second Xander looks away. It takes him a moment to remember they're at a wedding and it's supposed to be a happy occasion.

"Huh? Oh. Yeah." Xander looks over the cathedral as if for the first time, letting himself take it in and relaxing his grip. "...No need to plan on burning it down this time, I guess."

Xander, even Riley did not say that part out loud...!

Somewhere among the guests is a too-bright eyed young man in a far simpler outfit of a tailored vest over a ruffly shirt. He's giving away his mechanical nature by visibly scanning the flowers with light from his eyes and making various computerized beeps of joy -- at least he was before he found his seat. Avile most certainly received compliments for her accessorizing.

<Pose Tracker> Zhang Xiumei has posed.

"Oh, yes, darling," Meiling says to Venetia with a deep-throated laugh -- and an adjustment of her monocle. "Quite costly, but all the talk is worth the added expense. Why, I recall the headlines! 'Horrifying Scandal Erupts as Zhang Heiress Weds Thirteen Foreigners in Black Mass.' The newspapers were most kind."

Varius bobs in the air, before he 'pings' once. Then, he speaks to Kamui: "So far so good. I'm just glad the kid did it."

"Kamui, Kamui, how do you like my tiara?" Avile asks. "Azoth loved it!"

<Pose Tracker> Eleanor Klein has posed.

Abigail Klein is more than happy to be with Minder, and she has a cute dress of her own!! She also has a flower basket... And a green ribbon!!

"I'm happy you could be here too," Abby says to Minder, with a big smile. She's supporting her sister! And she has a friend! No, more than one friend!! "Even the flowers think everything is beautiful," Abby reflects happily.

Monty is indeed present, on the younger bride's side. Montgomery Curie happens to be in a fine suit, and is currently eyeing a certain champagne fountain because of all the people in the Cathedral he is one of the few who can actually see him.

Danielle, obviously, is among the bridesmaids as maid of honor, almost identical to Eleanor but for the shade of her hair and the fact of her humanity as opposed to elfhood; their younger sister Millicent is old enough to be one as well this time, and her intricate tattoos (in blue, green, and yellow) are visible on her arms through the sheer sleeves of her dress chosen specifically to show them off. She peers over at Rebecca. "..;.I want to see the gun," she says curiously, but Danielle shakes her head. "Later!" she tells her. "I actually think Mother asked the Bishop to omit that part of the speech this time..." Milly waves at Link when she sees him, too.

Eleanor's mother looks a great deal like Eleanor, of course--but she is sitting in the front, pleased by the ceremonies so far, and rocking young Phoebe. ...She might have looked at Lan and assumed something about her. It's definitely possible that the Marchioness of Klein has ideas about Lan Lilac now.

Medli and Link indeed do get a seat good enough to see ahead of thm; not at the very front, where Eleanor's family sits, but still ahead of most of the dignitaries. Eleanor and Xiumei thought of her! And Shelton is glad to see them!

Nobody has tried to take or even catalog Josie's guns. Eleanor was pretty specific about that one. Sometimes your friends(?) make good security!

There are indeed a few seats left 'open'. And as for gifts... Eleanor and Xiumei will be able to look them over later!! But that mosaic gets a lot of ooohs and aahs, especially given the youth of Link and Medli presenting it!

People tend to assume that Riley is someone's cousin or another. Xander, too! If anyone has noticed that they're here ILLEGALLY they haven't said anything... though there's a nervous look at talk of burning from a timid man in a cravat.

And of course, Tristan has greeted Hicalu, glad to see his good friend. Tristan is in his official military uniform, and has a few medals to his name already. They say he'll be considered for knighthood soon...

BEEP BEEP. The flowers do not beep back. However, Juni's computer will get a lovely recording along with Clarine's camera.

...Danielle did a lot of fawning over Zephyr before the ceremonies started, though. 

<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.

    If there was any question of Gwen Whitlock, super courier, not being at this wedding, they do not know her very well. Of course Gwen is here. She ships many things, and not just packages, after all.

    Also, like a few gathered here, Gwen's a perfect choice for secret security.

    Dressed in an outfit similar to the first ceremony-- that is, a smartly pressed and elegant high-necked white blouse with puffed sleeves and a black pleated ankle length skirt, Gwen's lower arms are covered in a pair of opera gloves, the fabric thick enough to smooth over any bumps her right ARM might have that would give it away. The main elements of potential glitz and color are her diamond earrings, as well as a turquoise hair brooch that sets off well against her short pale red curls.
    
    Having situated herself by the LARGE cake Ashley has made, Gwen's eye catches that of Dean wearing something other than his usual. Her grin widens, and her low-heeled dress shoes clop softly as she walks on over. "Hiya, Dean! Lookin' good!" A little itchy as well, BUT she's not about to call attention to that. "Lotsa familiar faces here, too. Also did you see that cake? The cake's larger than th'last one Ashley made! It's a dang miracle!" 

<Pose Tracker> Zhang Xiumei has posed.

After a couple of moments, the traditional song -- one said to go back to the Zeboim Era -- begins to play. The bridal march has a way of causing the whole crowd to fall into a shush. It's also going to be a longer bridal march, given the presence of two brides.

BGM: look you know what this is - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tDYMayp6Dk

Zhang Xiumei comes first. She wears a white dress, in a traditional Merian style; there are little threads of light blue and green woven through, courtesy of her family's company. She has her hair pinned up with two long, teal pins, in a classic Galadian style (with help from Venetia, no doubt). She also has glasses on.

Her father accompanies her; Zhang Liu is a middle-aged man, thin and at the same height as his daughter, with black hair turning grey and a mustache. He walks with her, arm in arm, and despite some of the trials and tribulations over this last year, he is smiling. Xiumei smiles, too, even if she looks nervous. She does a little wave at Marivel, Kamui, and the reploids, with a smile on her face; then, another at Ashley and Marina.

The nervousness doesn't dampen her happiness.

When she gets up to the altar, she smiles at her sister -- and Meiling grins back, and claps Liu on the shoulder before he steps away. Xiumei looks then to Venetia, with a smile on her face. She nods, once, and mouths: 'thank you.'

Then, she looks down the aisle. After all... the bridal march has not ended, yet, and there is another bride to go.

OOC: Please hold poses! We'll cue you when it's okay to pose again!

<Pose Tracker> Eleanor Klein has posed.

Next is Eleanor Klein, in a beautiful white dress complete with the stylings of traditional Klein to slightly contrast their neighbors in Meria Boule. Her hair is down, long and draped over her laced shoulders, honey-blonde and flowing around her long, pointed ears. Rather than glasses, she has flowers in her hair, as well as in her hands. (The mysterious arrangements about the room match the bouquet in her hands; a gift, from Mariel.) Her steps are graceful and even, to the music, and if one looks closely, her white shoes have heels--just enough to make her the taller of the brides if only slightly.

She is accompanied by her father, a distinguished man whose academic nature is obvious just to look at him; rounded glasses, well-kept mustache and beard, and a fine, fine suit, complete with the formal touches that mark him as husband to the Marchioness of Klein. He is in his early forties, and his blonde hair is still vibrant. He is smiling widely as he walks arm in arm with his oldest daughter. It's almost too much! Only almost, though.

Eleanor is confident, and bright... but her eyes barely leave the bride waiting for her in the front until she arrives, and only after she dazzlingly smiles at Xiumei does she look to her own bridal party.

She has reason to be happy.

Once everyone is standing in place, there is a moment as the Bishop moves to the center, and a moment after that for quiet to fall upon the Cathedral. Only then does the Bishop--a man of advanced years, kindly-looing and in fine robes--begin to speak.

"Honored guess and friends, those from near and far both, we come together today to observe and commemorate a marriage, an unshakable bond today forged by these two young people and their families. Eleanor Klein and Zhang Xiumei have come together today to marry, and formally bind the family of Zhang and the House of Klein from this day forth."

"Our elder bride, Zhang Xiumei, is the daughter of the Zhang Great Sea Trading Company, and a member of the very organization, ARMS, that has saved our fair province and city. Her talents with ledgers are asset enough to their new family even before considering the rest of her brillance, and Klein welcomes such a brilliant mind and steadfast heart into our own hearts." A pause. "The younger bride is our own Eleanor, of the House of Klein, scholar and diplomat, the youngest graduate of Sielje's Academy in our history. She will carry on our late Queen's legacy of learning and understanding into our whole nation, and she too has worked to safeguard our people at great risk to herself." He smiles, and spreads his arms. "We welcome them both in happiness and joy today."

The sun is bright, shining on a clear day.

"Together, they embark upon a new journey, one that promises much for all their days together. A chosen journey, one that reprsents our hopes for a brighter dawn, and two lives, joined into one."

He pauses. "...And," he says, "So we come together, in the eyes of God, to cement this binding."

Eleanor's smile is brilliant and obvious to everyone, as she looks at Xiumei. 

<Pose Tracker> Zhang Xiumei has posed.

Xiumei had, of course, planned the ceremony out. It was rather annoying, at times; she actually told people how many seconds their parts should run. She wanted to be sure that everything was neatly organized. A brilliant mind and steadfast heart indeed.

It's not a bad way of dealing with the anxiety of, even on one of her life's happiest days, having a large room full of people's attention on her. Even if she smiles, without reservation. It's a wonderful speech from the Bishop, she thinks.

This, of course, includes saying her wedding vows in front of said room full of people. She takes a deep breath -- and keeps smiling, even if she is terribly nervous.

"I, Zhang Xiumei," she begins, as her glasses slip a little down her nose, and catch the light. It hides her eyes for a moment. But then she adjusts them, and her green eyes are clear again.

She continues, "vow to love and support you for all of my days. Your burdens will be my burdens, your duties will be my duties. I vow to share in your happiness and to guard you against whatever may come, whatever our destiny and future may hold."

She manages to not sigh with relief after saying it aloud. She didn't nail that until the sixty-third time she rehearsed it.

<Pose Tracker> Eleanor Klein has posed.

"I, Eleanor Klein," Eleanor begins, and it is perhaps unfair; she has so much more experience in public speaking than Xiumei. Despite that... for her, it's as if she's only speaking to the one woman in the moment even so.

"Vow to love and support you for as long as we both shall live, never forsaking you, always remembering you and my duty to you. For all that I must balance I will never put you last; for all that I must do I will always hold you close. I will light your way when all is dark, and I will share with you all that I have."

She smiles, warmly; Xiumei will know the hidden meanings of what she says, as well as the obvious ones. She's held those vows in reserve for some time...

And when they have both spoken, the priest smiles, and looks between the two. "You may exchange rings, to mark your vows and seal them before God and all witnesses."

Eleanor slides her ring onto Xiumei's finger, gently, carefully, and accepts Xiumei's in return. They are beautiful to look at, though at this distance most of what can be seen is the glint of gold and diamond. But once that is done...

"And, finally..."

A pause. "Lady Klein, you may kiss your bride."

Eleanor holds onto Xiumei's hands, and stares into her eyes--before she leans forward, closes them as she tilts her head, and kisses Xiumei like she's the only other person in the world. 

<Pose Tracker> Xiumei Klein has posed.

When cued, Xiumei takes her ring from Venetia, and she slides it onto Eleanor's finger. It has both diamonds and emeralds on it, which glint green and white -- though more is hard to make out from this distance.

Then, she leans in. She kisses Eleanor back, and in a display of affection that may be surprising for such a public event, she wraps her arms about Eleanor's shoulders.

She pulls back after a moment -- then a laugh bubbles out of her.

The Bishop smiles, before he looks to them. "By the power granted unto me by the Church of Granas and the divine authority of the Kingdom of Meria Boule, I pronounce the both of you wed," he says. "And to you, my friends..."

The Bishop waves a hand out, towards Xiumei and Eleanor, and then towards the audience. "...may I be the first to introduce Eleanor and Xiumei Klein."

OOC: You are free to pose reactions now! Next round, the reception will begin!

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Nimue has posed.

Nimue is here! When did she get here? It's impossible to know because she's such a Nimue about being in locations; sometimes she really struggles with this sort of thing, as much as she'd hate to admit that she struggles with it. Nevertheless, there is one complete Nimue, who has been utterly useless in the leadup to these events.

She did bring a gift, and maybe surprisingly, it isn't the kind of gift that explodes! No, it's a very nice kitchen set in a box that is obviously slightly dinged up on the sides. It's best not to interrogate how Nimue comes by things; there are many answers that are bad and a few that are worse-than-bad.

When the ceremony actually starts, Nimue -- clad in a simple green dress -- starts scooting her way over to the edge of the ceremony, discreetly. She is still watching, and she is still deeply happy for Eleanor.

... but she does want to be in position for a bunch of cake.

When the ceremony actually happens, though, Nimue's clearly interested in watching, in spite of what a total goblin she is. She's even able to stay silent about it -- able to let it go the whole time without any inappropriate cheering!

... okay, at the end there's one inappropriate big fistpump during the kiss. At least she's got more decorum than to shout and she's out of people's way due to her will to swarm cake. 

<Pose Tracker> Rebecca Streisand has posed.

"'Course they have."
 
Rebecca clears her throat awkwardly, because all gussied up she feels like the most rough and tumble girl here. And she sure did draw a lot of attention to that, grumbling about romance.
 
"Got plenty of practice. And more than enough time for practical application at that."
 
Yet, that's apparently not true is it, since Racca just walked up to her, "How 'bout yours... Racca? Been a long time since, just before Mi'ihen went down."
 
And a lot about the world has changed, or at least, that side of the Lunar. The very fact she can invoke Mi'ihen and know Sin is gone...
 
... well, that says a lot. It makes the grief of the event ebb away some.
 
When Milly asks to see the gun, and Danielle shakes her head, Rebecca waits for Danielle to look away, and just, puts a hand to the side of her dress skirt and raises it, just subtly, up to above the ankle.
 
Enough for Milly to take a look at her ARM.
 
It's just a simple yet classy revolver, the Pizzicato Pistol. Before she goes though, she nudges Eleanor lightly, before murmuring, "Looking forward to seeing you finally get hitched. Feels like - it's been forever since, you know.."
 
The ceremony begins however in short order, as she's part of the march with the bridesmaids, she actually murmurs to Avril before it starts, "Wish us luck, that this time we don't have any- weirdos... making a go at the cake."
 
Anyhow, when the bridal march comes, she tries to take measured steps. She's at least better at wearing the heels this time. A natural grace as an acrobat only goes so far without practice.
 
Standing at the altar, she listens to the bishop to begin, her eyes upon mostly the two brides, but also watching the room. JUST in case.
 
When the vows begin though, one can't take her eyes off the brides. She loves this romantic kind of ceremony, and finds herself all smiles - perhaps thinking... thinking of... being in a ceremony like this herself one day.
 
(She might mouth 'Sorry' for challenging Xiumei last time? Xiumei may have been understanding after but SHE'S STILL SORRY!)
 
When the kiss comes though, she smiles, relieved that noone objected, and tested.
 
('Congratulations' she mouths again.)
 
Before lightly applauding over her bouquet with the crowd.

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Boudicca has posed.

    The flower basket sparkles. "It is wonderful!" Boudicca opines to Abby and Minder, from within Abigail's tools of the trade. One of the flowers lifts two petals in a flower analogue of the peace sign, when Ida flashes them the 'OK' sign.

    The flower basket, of course, is also armed, though Boudicca hasn't brought any weapons to the wedding. She's a battle ghost! If trouble strikes, she'll be here to protect everyone!

    ("Excuse me, I will borrow this!" The flower basket says, parenthetically. And so, one flower escapes from Abby's basket to float, on the breeze, to tuck into Dean's rented-suit lapels.)

    It's the same trick the ghost haunting the flower girl uses to carry the flowers she scatters far and wide across the aisle; those flowers float upon the breeze, lending Abby's efforts an almost magical level of skill. She does her best to keep to Xiumei's tight schedule on the flower-scattering, even though, as a Seraph, she is... shall we say... not suited to keeping close track of time.

    If that flower basket is sniffling, as the ceremony runs through, well -- flowers can cry, too. It is so beautiful...!

    (Rest assured, Hicalu is very excited for Tristan's accomplishments. And also his uniform, which is VERY dapper. Also, as Lan might have expected, he absolutely cries during the ceremony. Magilou doesn't, naturally, but Bienfu does. He absolutely wails about it.)

<Pose Tracker> Lan Lilac has posed.

 
    To be really fair to Eleanor's mother, Lan Lilac (ditzy kung fu shaman extraordinaire) is super easy to make assumptions about. It's like Lan tries to cause all manner of commotion!

    But she couldn't find a babysitter, and it's not fair to leave it in her room alone all day. So Lan did as Lans do, and improvised.

    She's mingling a little bit, mostly sticking close to her fluffy brother save for the few moments she takes to leave her wedding gift on the table with the others - a single pomegranate with a pretty ribbon tied in a bow around it. She heard a legend once that sharing one was supposed to be nice for couples!

    --Of course, when the wedding march begins to play she gets a <!> over her head, and absolutely does not scramble to her and Hicalu's seats. She double-jumps, like a lady.

    And then spends the reciting of the vows consoling first Hicalu, and then rocking the bundle in her arms, and then giving Hicalu her handkerchief, and then shushing the baby, and then...

    By the time Xiumei and Eleanor exchanges rings and a kiss, Lan looks a tiny bit exasperated, but no less happy for it. "Congratulations!" she calls out, waving her non-blanket-holding hand over her head as high as she can, because Little Firelight weddings are casual and loud. 

<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    Dean's bustled around to the ground floor of the cathedral to check out if all the streamers are straight (they are not straight; they're hella gay), peering up at the next floor, when Gwen addresses him. He brightens and turns to smile at her. "Oh hey Gwen! Thanks! You look nice, too!"
    
    If he's going to wear something uncomfortable, at least he looks nice in it, he thinks. That's the point of a wedding.
    
    "Yeah, it's huge! I can't wait for when we all get to dig into it," he says, half-turning to get another look at the cake. He's about to continue when he sees a pair of maybe-familiar faces with dyed hair... but as he's peering at Rander and Xiley to try and place where he's seen them before, the gong plays to let everyone know the procession is about to begin. "Whoops! It's time. See you later, Gwen!" he whispers, then hurries over to his seat.
    
    A flower whooshes into his lapel a moment later, and he smiles as he admires it, mouthing a 'thanks, Boudicca' to the air. Because the air is where Boudicca is, of course. After that, he pays attention to the exchange of vows, and claps heartily as the brides exchange rings and kisses. It's so nice that they're finally getting the wedding they actually wanted. (He absolutely waves to Rebecca and Avril over with the procession. This is important to them, too!) 

<Pose Tracker> Mariel has posed.

"Thank you," Mariel says, quietly, to Marivel. "It's an old dress - or, well, it's new, but the style is quite old. I don't think it's actually *in* style any more... but it's what I'd wear to this kind of bonding ceremony."

Honestly, Mariel tends to be overwhelmed by this many people in one place. She feels a little closed in - but she wouldn't miss this for the world.

And indeed she doesn't. Mariel is rapt during the actual ceremony. And nobody even interrupts this one! So this is the first one she's been through at Klein Cathedral that actually finished without being cancelled.

Mariel is, as it turns out, the sort to cry at weddings. 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lanval has posed.

    When Monty passes Lanval a look before the Big Moment(s) leading up to the Bigger Moment(s) and the Biggest Moment(s), which is three degrees of separation from 'big' and 'moment' in this chronology, he gives him a friendly wave, a wide smile, and a thumb up while some other individuals pass through him.
 
     By the time the proper ceremony begins Lanval's found some place not that far off from any other Seraphim in attendance, and is quietly in attendance as the vows are exchanged and the deal sealed, nursing that drinking gourd on his lap as he admires all the flowers, and colors, and just the sheer joy of it without having to suddenly move to the rescue of any massive spilled piles of drink.
 
     He doesn't really have a hand with how joyous the occasion is, and he is basically a minor god of revelry by his own Seraphic Domain. That's how happy the moment is! The two worlds are full of challenges and horrors, but no one seems to have lost sight of the little (big) moments in life like this - what else is there to do other than sit there and enjoy it?
 
     (He'd still like to find Granas and tell him about all sorts of things though, but he can't find Granas in the water anywhere. Or, anywhere-anywhere. Granas is mysterious!) 

<Pose Tracker> Venetia Vuong has posed.

JIMMY CHAN, Venetia's usual lead intern and SENIOR STUDENT OF MINERALOGY (graduating next term, already looking at where to apply next), is one of the lead members of the estimable group of Ammolite-pride-holders milling about. Jimmy pauses to consider the pot that Link considers.

He has a glass of beer. He sips the beer. After Link moves along, Jimmy's eyes narrow. That pot...

But Jimmy does have the time to briefly pass by Marina and Ashley. "Ma'am," to Marina, "Mr. Winchester," to Ashley: "I'm James, uh, good to see you, you know? Pretty tough times, but we all came through it." A second or two passes. "How is that cake stayin' up?"

VENETIA lets out the kind of laugh that indicates she has had two or three drinks but has not completely cut loose, when Meiling replies to her. She gives Meiling a brief clap on the shoulder, further proof of intoxication. "Ahh, the newspapers will say anything! We had to start publishing our own down there, and frankly, it's hideous, and the rates are preposterous, but at least we're up to sixteen pages -- ugh!"

She claps her own forehead. "I'm laden with regret, because I'm starting to turn into a *booster* again." Venetia goes to get a glass of what is hopefully not spiked punch after this, raising it wordlessly to Mariel and Marivel alike when she catches some sight of them. But she has hardly time but to drink the beverage when...

The time has come.

During the ceremony, Venetia stands in her place, with the majority of the Mineralogists adjacent to her. (One of the ladies has been drawn into another orbit and cannot recoup in time to avoid a disruption. So it goes. Still, five out of six is acceptable attrition.)

Venetia is not a very emotive woman but the vows nevertheless bring a small, quiet sniff to her in beauty. Several of the Mineralogists are similarly moved. Jimmy does not seem to be, but he sits with respect.

At the appropriate time, Venetia produces the ring, which has been placed in a box made wholly out of carved amethyst and polished; the box, indeed, shall be a keepsake and perhaps an heirloom of the Klein family, but the ring is the more precious thing. It is proffered, and then the ceremony reaches its consummation and Venetia abruptly raises her right hand.

The crew jumps up and claps twice as one, before declaring, "Xiumei Klein! Eleanor Klein! Congratulations!" in unison, before breaking off into freelance minor cheering and settling down.

Venetia looks faintly smug. 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Clarine has posed.

Clarine watches intently. She doesn't want to miss a moment of this. Even in her long life, weddings have been frightfully rare. The previous one had been her first, and that one was Complicated! This one, though.

She watches and listens - and when the time comes, the Picto Obscura comes to life(metaphorically speaking). She doesn't miss a moment - walking down the aisle, staring at each other, trading the rings, and of course the kiss... Every moment will be preserved.

"Ah, I am so happy for them... This world feels a touch brighter already, I think." Clarine beams, mostly to herself. She keeps to her seat - though she does chuckle briefly to herself as she sees Nimue go for some cake. She's glad she was able to make it to... and her reactions did not go unnoticed. 

<Pose Tracker> Kamui has posed.

    Kamui has a particularly pleased hum to Varius telling her it's fine, so far. Avile asks her her tiara is, and she bobs her head and rubs her chin. "Hmm, I particularly like how it's designed after your helmet crest... they did a good job."

    Minder looks a little bit surprised to hear Abby's flower basket talking. "A-Abby! Your flower basket is talking?!" She hasn't gotten the lowdown on Seraphs, but, well, the flower basket is being supportive, so... she does agree it's wonderful. She has no idea the flower basket is armed, though. She settles back when it's time for Abby to follow Eleanor down the pews, however.

    The Cyber-Elf has a confident nod to Xiumei as she looks at them, nodding at her to go. This is their time. A signifier of moving forward into the future...

    Then, the bridal march plays, and Xiumei and Eleanor both proceed to the altar. It's not a moment that she's capable of capturing on camera, but... she trusts that Clarine, Acacia and the others have it well in hand. (It does make her feel something, to not be able to operate a camera anymore, but... alas.)

    They say their vows, and... the exchange of rings -- and then, the kiss.

    So Xiumei is taking Eleanor's surname, hmm...?

    "Congratulations," Kamui echoes as well. It's sedate, but full of quiet verve. Would she eventually have one with Gami? What style would it be in? She ponders... 

<Pose Tracker> Medli has posed.

Medli and Link make it to a seat near the front! Politely, she does not stand on the bench, instead watching the brides with her hands clasped tightly in front of her chest. This is so suspenseful -- what's going to happen?

 Vows are exchanged. Rings are traded. Medli quietly gasps at the glint of diamonds and emeralds, her eyes lighting up at the rare stones.

 The brides kiss..! Medli, carried away by the moment, throws one of her hands into the air and cheers (very quietly). Then, realizing what she's done, she squeaks in horror and covers her face, shrinking against Link's shoulder.

 Thankfully, other people seem to have had the same idea. Medli breathes a sigh of relief as other cheers fill the cathedral. It seems what comes next is...

 "Link, they have snacks! Look at that... cake? I think?" Medli eyes the towering confection. "I'd like to try some!"

 She laughs sweetly, grabbing Link's hand in a fit of bravery. "C--come on! We have to offer congratulations, too!" 

<Pose Tracker> Juni Vandrer has posed.

Juni Vandrer has the patience to hang out, leg crossed, propping her arm up as she sits using her tail like a makeshift stool. The recording will be nice. Though there's the occasional typing sound of her claws against the screen or the occasional murmured questioning tone in her own lagnuage. Nothing loud enough to interrupt. She's not that alien.
 
 The music kicks in and she does take a moment to adjust her settings. That's going to make an awkward moment in the playback. Oh well. She's got it sorted out, tech nerdery aside in time for the kiss.
 
 That cheer gets a jerk of movement too. She'd been focused on keeping things steady and it had been so formal before. Strange things. She does add a congratulations though! Part of the crowd. Seemed appropriate!
 
 She won't have an explanation on why she suddenly focused on the sniffling flower box. She'll edit it out in post. Shh.
 
 There's a wry thought that gets a brief snort that this is like some strange nature documentary and she has to stop herself from trying to narrate the ceremony like she had any idea what the norms were! 

<Pose Tracker> Link has posed.

Link hollers as he watches the ceremony, seeing the kiss. He's a gremlin child, Medli can't get him THAT well behaved.

"Cake?!" Link is about to march to the cake, but instead he rushes with Medli towards Eleanor and Xiumei.

"Congratulations, Eleanor, Xiumei. I hope you two are very happy together forever." He smiles, as he gestures towards Medli to say something. And then, once she has...

"Is it okay for us to go eat cake?" 

<Pose Tracker> Riley Arwell has posed.

Riley takes in the exchange of vows wistfully, unable to prevent himself from thinking of certain things in his own life which could have gone a different way, if not for tricks of fate. But for these two... they are getting to live out their dream together, after coming so close to being swept up in their own fated misfortunes. And they really do seem so happy... Xiumei seems a bit nervous, maybe, and Riley scans the crowd for a moment in case perhaps some second contender for Eleanor's hand may be about to spring forth and disrupt things. But no...! The brides are able to share a kiss, and then a name, and all is well...!

As the ceremony comes to an end, Riley's eyes glimmer with tears. He grasps Xander's arm, emotionally.

"They're going to share their burdens and happiness...! Whatever the future may hold..." 

<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.

"Old is new again," Marivel says. She doesn't cry--weirdly enough, the Crybaby Vampire doesn't cry today--but she smiles, and she rubs at Mariel's back. It's a good thing, She does feel a strange concern that with the name change ends a very important pun, but--it is still for the best, really. A happy wedding. It's a good thing, after everything, and if a pun is sacrificed well--it will have to just be the hero of the occassion.

She applauds at the 'introductions', her smile widening considerably. She can't defeat death like a crazy person might try to attempt, but the important thing is that they get to have these moments, not the infinity.

"Congratulations," She says, softly, before looking back to Mariel and doens't dry her tears. "Haha, well, I suppose I wouldn't be the one to know 'what is in' either."

Marina is thinking about that, taking a kerchief to dab at her eyes. "I'm so happy..." She sniffs. "It was so hard and they had to go through so much..." 

<Pose Tracker> Ashley Winchester has posed.

The cake is actually and factually a miracle of baking. Not, like, the result of an intercession by Berryholly the Guardian of Baked Goods, but still. It stands at least eight layers in height, with each layer an octagonal shape rather than the standard cylinder-- which needed specially ordered and KIND OF HUGE pans-- as a nod to auspicious Galadian numerology. The whole thing is intricately decorated with enough icing filigree and lace that it might as well be wearing a wedding dress of its own, and is topped with a crown of fruit. Each rung is decorated with fruit, in fact, placed just so to shine like jewels on the twining patterns of icing. And it wasn't just Ashley that made it, of course. Marina did a lot of heavy lifting, too. This cake is the result of... love power.

Ashley flashes Xiumei a warm smile and offers a gentle incline of the head as if to say 'you've got this.' Eleanor follows her bride down the aisle shortly thereafter. The happy couple speak their vows. The bond is sealed. A name is changed-- in a way that Ashley kind of predicted it would happen. As powerful as the Zhangs are, the Klein name holds a power all of its own. He sighs happily, before erupting in a cheer and applause. Joy fills the Cathedral in a way that few things could ever hope to match. It's a beautiful thing, and he shares it with someone he loves-- today can't get much better, can it?

But it will. Someday in the future, there'll be even more joy in their lives, won't there? 

<Pose Tracker> Ida Everstead-Rey has posed.

    Ida's smile brightens as the flower returns her gesture, and then flits off to become the perfect corsage. One last, nervous glance over the crowd--God, it feels like almost everybody who is anybody in Spira and Aquvy is here--and she settles in, because this next part is out of her hands.

    The Everstead-Rey heiress manages to keep from crying until the brides recite their vows. Just knowing what they've been through together--and knowing there was a point where everything about their future was in question--is enough to wear down Ida's defenses. By the time they finish the ring exchange, she's tearing up, and beaming. As they kiss, she clasps her hands, and presses them against her mouth, because she knows she'll cheer if she doesn't.

    And then Venetia's crew starts cheering, and Ida follows it up with a gentle "Congratulations."

<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.

Hannah did, very briefly before the ceremony started, make it a point to say hi to the Marchioness before getting seated herself. (She also took it as a good excuse to fawn over Phoebe for a moment, because babies are cute and she's a sucker for a cute baby.) She sees other members of the family, as well as Montgomery, but... she wants to make sure she's seated, so there'll be time later to speak to them.

She watches as both brides proceed down the aisle, and then the ceremony commences... It's a beautiful ceremony, and the vows are lovely, and she's a little misty-eyed by the end of it. "Oh Zephyr," she says so softly, "I'm so glad we could be here for this..."

Zephyr, for his part, hops down into Hannah's lap, pokes his beak into her clutch and pulls out a handkerchief, and pokes her stomach with it.

Hannah takes it without thinking about it and starts dabbing gently at her eyes. "Thank you."

Then the vows are finished, the brides are presented, and Hannah joins in with some hearty clapping of her own. Zephyr, on Hannah's shoulder again, joins in with some joyous chirps. 

<Pose Tracker> Xander Lovell has posed.

There are too many people here who are going to recognize them, how did he let Riley talk him into this. Xander is not an actor and may be all too suspiciously ducking aside or hiding behind Riley (as if that'll help) when he catches anyone looking at him. There's that fluffy cape collar to turtle in, too.

(Wait, is that bird wearing clothes?! Xander has to force himself not to stare and knock the sparkle out of his eye.)

Once the ceremony begins, Xander reluctantly begins to buy into Riley's logic that as long as they don't cause any trouble, this wedding won't be interrupted over their attendance. It still feels unsafe, but enough of his guard drops to focus on the proceedings instead of his attention wandering with every flickering shadow. Xiumei and Eleanor are... Xander would not call them friends, because he would not call anyone friends. But Riley would call them friends.

It doesn't really matter if they're friends or not though, does it? Xiumei and Eleanor were very narrowly ended up separated, and now don't have to be, and that's at least one thing in the world that isn't going catastrophically wrong. As vows are exchanged, his hand unconsciously finds Riley's, and though his face remains stoic throughout, the reveal of a shared name makes his grip squeeze in.

But by the time it's over, he's got a lot more Riley than just a hand, sighing and supporting Riley's weight. "Yes, yes," he says, endeavoring for indifference, but his face has already softened too much, threatening toward a smile. "That's how it works. Never forsaking and all that."

<Pose Tracker> Ashley Winchester has posed.

The cake is actually and factually a miracle of baking. Not, like, the result of an intercession by Berryholly the Guardian of Baked Goods, but still. It stands at least eight layers in height, with each layer an octagonal shape rather than the standard cylinder-- which needed specially ordered and KIND OF HUGE pans-- as a nod to auspicious Galadian numerology. The whole thing is intricately decorated with enough icing filigree and lace that it might as well be wearing a wedding dress of its own, and is topped with a crown of fruit. Each rung is decorated with fruit, in fact, placed just so to shine like jewels on the twining patterns of icing. And it wasn't just Ashley that made it, of course. Marina did a lot of heavy lifting, too. This cake is the result of... love power.

Ashley flashes Xiumei a warm smile and offers a gentle incline of the head as if to say 'you've got this.' Eleanor follows her bride down the aisle shortly thereafter. The happy couple speak their vows. The bond is sealed. A name is changed-- in a way that Ashley kind of predicted it would happen. As powerful as the Zhangs are, the Klein name holds a power all of its own. He sighs happily, before erupting in a cheer and applause. Joy fills the Cathedral in a way that few things could ever hope to match. It's a beautiful thing, and he shares it with someone he loves-- today can't get much better, can it?

But it will. Someday in the future, there'll be even more joy in their lives, won't there? "It was," Ashley answers his fiance in a soft voice, "But... it was worth it. They look so happy up there..." He wonders, what it'll be like standing in that position himself.

Well. Hopefully they won't have to survive multiple additional world ending threats to find out.

"We'll be there soon, too," Ashley promises. Even with the ACTUAL ASSASSIN breathing down his neck, and the GOD OF DESTRUCTION squatting in his soul-- those are no reasons to put it off, are they? 

<Pose Tracker> Josephine Lovelace has posed.

    Josie has her gun (well, a gun) and all is right with the world.

    Rebecca, for her part, is not alone -- or rather, was not alone. Even before she is descended upon by one alleged Josephine, she had exited the back room alongside Avril. Rebecca is not the only one who has come to the wedding armed as a just-in-case measure; Avril remembers well the last time. Dressed in a simple black and white gown, her presence is a quieter one alongside Rebecca's. Brushing her hand against Rebecca's briefly, she steps away with but a smile and a bow of the head. There is something to which she must attend, it seems.

    Which leaves her alone with Josephine.

    "Josie," she says, by way of explanation, though she waves her hand through the air. "Long story. Maybe I'll tell you it sometime, like? Anyhow... glad to see you've kept it up, kiddo. Ain't no easy thing, trick-shooting, least of all with the rest of it! Heh, don't think I've forgotten," she finishes, grinning down at Rebecca.

    But there is movement from the back. "...Well, well, looks like it's that time already. Been a dog's year since I've been to a wedding, right--"

    And after that, things fall into line quite orderly. Even Josephine takes her seat where directed, parting from the wedding party, and Avril returns to Rebecca's side just in the nick of time. "Yes, I hope so as well," she murmurs, falling in for her part. Defense, at a wedding, is no simple matter. Catching Dean's eye, she waves politely (regally) as the ceremony gets underway.

    "Congratulations, kiddos!"

    Josephine's voice, in the mix, is hard to miss. 

<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.

    Gwen smiles wide at Dean compliments her. "Hee, thanks! Glad I could get it out again. It's great to dress all fancy-like every once in a while, eh? But man, you were helpin' with the decorations, eh? I'm gonna have to tell the other helpers they good great--"

    As Dean hushes, Gwen follows suit, dropping her voice's volume. "Oop! Lost track of time. No way we're gonna miss this part! Go, go~" Gwen makes a hurried but not unmannerly walk to her own seat like it was a game of magical chairs, but with far higher stakes. There's no way she's missing Eleanor and Xiumei's entrances.

    There's something about a pretty bridal dress; while she's seen her share of weddings where the lack of funds didn't deter from the love and care between the couple being dressed in their Sunday best, she also appreciates the glamour of a finely crafted dress. Here, there's two of them, done in styles of a more traditional Merian look, as well as something that is more uniquely Klein. "Ahhhh..." Gwen softly says. admiring them as they step up to the altar.

    She's getting a little misty-eyed, even, which is terrible for her makeup. But that's what weddings are for, right?

    Crying, and laughing, and watching two lovers make their union properly known in a lovely, decorated setting..

    Also, the cake. You can't forget about the cake.

    Gwen takes out a handkerchief and blots her eyes as they say their vows. 

<Pose Tracker> Eleanor Klein has posed.

"So cool!" Milly enthuses quietly to Rebecca, careful not to tip off Big Sis Danielle.

Many people marvel at the projection of Kamui, some because it's strange technology and some because Kamui does in fact look very dapper. But they expect unusual things at a wedding like this; Eleanor is a wizard, and Xiumei is a member of ARMS!

Monty actually smiles at Lanval when he continues. He seems pleased enough at his efforts, and manages to power through what could be very awkward as a moment with dignity and grace.

Tara Klein--the Marchioness--may have made a few assumptions about Lan, but at least they're positive assumptions. And she certainly does notice Hicalu's manner with Tristan. Tristan pats Hicalu's arm, and gives him a handkerchief. As for the Marchioness, if she's noticed Abby's flower basket talking, she hasn't said as much, but she was warm and positive with Hannah, happy to show her the baby.

The gifts are lovely; the mosaic, the matching bracelets, the pomegranate, and many more, to say nothing of the gifts that went into the wedding itself.

The cheering is all taken in good humor--oh, sure, some of the stuffier attendees might sniff at such overt displays, but the family takes it well. Milly cheers a little herself! She's quickly shaping up to be as wild as Eleanor...

She noticed that fistpump from Nimue and is grinning over at the Seraph, even though she may not know what a Seraph is. Cake is in optimal position to be eaten. As for the bride... Eleanor claps happily at Venetia's minions' display. "Oh, my!" All the congratulations sik in for her, seeming like a blur in the moment, a fuzzy rendition of many of her best friends' faces and voices that all swirl together into a wonderful whirlwind of cheer. Some voices she would never have expected to see here, like Josie's; some would've surprised her to miss, like Marivel's. She smiles at all of them. "Medli!" she says. "And Link! I'm so glad you could come. You..." She hears the pertinent question, and laughs musically. "No," she says, with an impish look, "But you can as soon as we've cut it! My wife and I get the first slice!"

She doesn't seem to have noticed Riley and Xander yet... But maybe she has, and just doesn't want to draw attention to the 'strange nobles' from somewhere or another. She smiles at Kamui, too. Perhaps Kamui will have her wedding someday. Juni gets a little headtilt on the matter of her computer, but Eleanor does ot pay that much attention to things that aren't Xiumei in the moment.

She waves happily at Marivel and Mariel, and Danielle is there to offer Ida a handkerchief as Eleanor smiles at her, too. Eleanor is holding her bouquet again for now. But first... cake!

"Thank you, everyone," she says as she passes through people. "I'm so happy that you could all be here."

Don't count out Lanval's involvement too much--Eleanor, for one, is happier knowing that he's here! 

<Pose Tracker> Xiumei Klein has posed.

During the ceremony, Xiumei couldn't respond to Rebecca. And, really, who could blame her? Her attention was elsewhere. After though, she looks at Rebecca -- and smiles, then gives a quick shake of her head. "Nothing to be forgiven," she replies, her voice quiet.

She stays next to Eleanor. Her eyes scan the gifts; when she sees the mosaic, even from a distance, her eyes start to tear up. She smiles, though, and she squeezes Eleanor's hand, as she looks at the audience, as Eleanor addresses them.

Then she lifts a hand -- waving, even if she isn't quite sure it's what she should do. She beams at the audience, looking them over. So many people she cares about; so many people here, to celebrate.

Some people, like Mariel, are in tears. (Also, Bienfu.) Xiumei finds that a strange emotion, but not unwelcome. It takes some effort to not want to hand out handkerchiefs or tissues. Should she have budgeted for them? Should--

Ah, maybe best to not dwell on that.

Some, she knows well, like Venetia. She looks sideways and smiles at her, brightly -- even laughing when her crew claps and calls out their names. She smiles at Clarine, her fingers waving quickly in her direction.

Then, she smiles at Kamui, too. Varius and Avile bob next to her, both happily. She smiles at Nimue, too; a loyal friend to Eleanor, for all these years. There is a wave to Juni; someone she has fought beside, even if she hasn't spoken often to her.

Marivel congratulates her, and Xiumei smiles. "Thank you, Marivel," she says. "And... thank you for pushing me, when I needed it." She inclines her head. "I know I was a handful, sometimes. But... I'm grateful for everything."

Then she bows to Marivel, in the Galadian fashion. "And I'm sorry."

Then she straightens up -- and she smiles at Ashley. She sees him there, and she mouths back to him: 'You've got this.'

Others, she doesn't know as well. She smiles in Lan's direction, touched by the exuberant congratulations. She has only met Link and Medli a couple of times before, but she still beams in their direction. Lanval, nursing his gourd, and enjoying the revelry. Hannah, who she heard so much about, but only met recently. She smiles at her, too. It's good to see that she came.

Dean, too, is here. She smiles at him -- glad he came, even if she doesn't know him. He wanted cake, after all, didn't he?

She smiles when Josie congratulates them. Maybe she doesn't know her that well, but she helped Eleanor get back to her. She smiles, despite being called 'kiddo.' And she smiles at Gwen, too -- she hasn't talked to her much, perhaps, but she has stood by them through a lot now.

And some... Xiumei stares for a second as she spots those mysterious nobles. She stares at Xander and Riley for a moment, mouth opening -- then she pushes a smile to her face. It isn't all that hard, after all. If they hadn't pushed her, at the previous wedding...

Would she be here today?

Maybe this is for the best.

She looks back at Link, then, and she smiles. "Yes! We'll serve it shortly," she says. "Ah, there will be a lot of food, Link! We budgeted for about 125 percent of the expected guests, since we don't know how much people will eat and there may be some unexpec--"

She realizes she is clerking again. "...That's to say, yes. There will be cake! And more! Ah, in fact--"

<Pose Tracker> Xiumei Klein has posed.

The Bishop steps away from the altar, which leaves the Master of Ceremonies to step forward. This is a renowned dignitary, hired specifically for the occasion. Nightburn Acklund, renowned Drifter and celebrity, steps forward; he has a tuxedo on and an easy smile. He adjusts his bow tie.

"Good afternoon, everyone!" he says. He may also be hired as security. "Thank you all for coming to this joyous occasion. The House of Klein and the Zhang Great Seas Trading Company is overjoyed that you could all join them. Dinner, refreshments, and dancing shall be found outside."

He pauses -- then winks. "There will be a bar, though I'll expect you all to be on your best behavior. If you're not, I'll handle that off-site." He winks. "And no smoking -- believe me. I asked."

Servants throw open the doors. Outside, a large pavilion is covered by a ceiling, but the walls are open. Here, there are numerous tables; each of them has more of the flowers arranged by Mariel. The hedges of the garden have also been arranged with flowers. The posts holding the roof up are also done with oranges, browns, light blues, and greens.

The tables have silverware and plates laid out, with glasses of iced water and tea. To one side, though, is a bar. To another, there is a table with numerous trays of delicious steaming food: lobster, chicken, salad, baos from Guild Galad, and more.

Past the covered pavilion is an open garden. Hedges and stone walls artfully keep members of the public out, but still afford a sweeping view of Klein City's harbor and the sea. There are a few whispers that this commanding view will, somehow, be used later this evening... but no one is quite sure how. The garden is also where the band has set-up, and the smooth flagstones here double as a dance floor.

The brides, of course, are the last to arrive... but this gives time for everyone else to mingle!

<Pose Tracker> Medli has posed.

Medli covers her pointed ears as Link hollers, not entirely surprised by his actions. As he pulls her toward Eleanor and Xiumei, Medli laughs brightly, nearly stumbling in her unfamiliar shoes.

 "Miss Eleanor!" Medli cries, rushing forward to hug her friend. "Oh, I guess you're... Mrs. Eleanor now!" She giggles. "And Mrs. Xiumei, I'm so happy for both of you. This ceremony is so beautiful, and so are the both of you--!"

 Link demands information about the cake, and Medli tries to shush him, but, she's pretty glad to hear about it too.

 "Okay!" She beams, eyes squeezing closed. "Let's go dance, Link!"

 Together, the two children run outside. They're certainly one of the first to reach the garden, Medli pulling Link along, this time. As soon as the band begins to play, the young Rito girl starts to dance. It's a wild, chaotic thing, heavy on energy and enthusiasm, light on skill.

 Weddings are amazing..! Spinning in place, Medli looks up at the sky, imagining herself wearing white, someday... 

<Pose Tracker> Rebecca Streisand has posed.

Rebecca gives Racca a look for a moment as she says that her name is Racca, but as she confides the truth.
 
"Yeah figured you weren't just 'Racca'. There aren't any cans in Spira." She notes, "Everyone's got their secrets though."
 
Rebecca didn't make the connection at the time, it was just, more and more it dawned on her. Spira didn't can its food, but Racca knew what they were. And was using a Spiran name...
 
"Josie huh? Name sounds familiar." She murmurs for a second in wonder, "Ah well, good to meet the real you. Can chat more later, after the ceremony."
 
Milly gets a wink, and the quiet raise of a finger to her lips as if to say it's their secret.
 
Soon enough the ceremony begins, Dean gets a wave of course. A DISCREET one. It's always hell to get him to wear anything formal. Rebecca loves it, even if you know, she also feels like she doesn't fit in.
 
Who could blame Xiumei? Certainly not her, perhaps that was in part the intent, to say it in a setting where she wasn't paying attention.
 
And indeed she goes a shade redder as she says there's nothing to forgive, caught anyway, "Ahaha- I mean... if you say so." Then clearing her throat, she adds with a smile "Congratulations to you both."
 
Still, she finds herself milling about after a touch, her eyes giving the crowd a severe look as Xiumei says there will be cake. As if, to give everyone a warning, what will happen...
 
... if they ruin the cake, like certain past wedding crashers.
 
And yep, once the reception starts, she's STILL looking for possible crake snatchers - or rather crashers.
 
Look the attempted belly flop sticks out in her head.

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Boudicca has posed.

    "You did a marvellous job, Abigail!" Abby's flower basket assures her, and now the ceremony has ended... a light spirals from that basket, and forms into--!!

    A woman! In that dress we mentioned earlier! A remarkably tall woman, for anyone with the Resonance to see her; Boudicca is six feet tall even before one factors in her heels or her horns. She's broad, too -- the fact that her waist narrows, in this dress, is certainly entirely the fault of that corset.

    "I am sure Eleanor is so proud of you," she says, and the flowers coming off of her dialogue box now are metaphorical. (She's always happy to work with Mariel, of course, with the actual flowers they were tossing about.) "Be sure to acquire some cake, yes? It must be wonderful!"

    Boudicca joins Ida, of course, moving into the reception, still all bubbling with emotion. "It was beautiful!" She says, eyes damp. Her hands clasp, in front of her. "What wondrous vows..!! It all meant so much... and they are together, now! Ahh, I am so emotional!" Obviously she is, but she hasn't entirely grown out of just explaining how she feels.

    (Meanwhile, Magilou begins operation: cake in the background. Eleanor won't save her any, so she has come to plague their cake in real time.)

<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    Cake, lobster, baos, all manner of food is good with Dean, and he's looking forward to eating all of it. He might even have a few drinks, though he's normally not all that interested in alcohol--it just doesn't taste good, in his opinion. Delicious fruity cocktails are another story, though...
    
    Dean grins back at Xiumei when their eyes meet; they might not know each other well, but she's a friend of a friend and that's the same as being a friend, in Dean's book.
    
    When THE Nightburn Acklund shows up and steps up to the altar, though, Dean has to pour the UTMOST EFFORT into not squealing like THE BIGGEST FANBOY at the appearance of HIS LONGTIME HERO. As it stands, he is absolutely vibrating in his seat while his eyes glitter with a thousand stars. So cool...!
    
    Though it would be a lot cooler if he came in on a Golem. Just sayin'.
    
    When the venue opens up for mingling, Dean is thus faced with a choice. Meet back up with Gwen to resume their conversation, get delicious food... or chase down Nightburn Acklund to say hello for the first time in years?? Momentarily, he's crippled with indecision. Nobody should have to deal with this kind of dilemma!!
    
    (Xander and Riley, or the pair who looked an awful lot like them, have been completely forgotten. Luck is on their side for once.) 

<Pose Tracker> Lan Lilac has posed.

 
    And just like that, two become one. Beaming, Lan lets her eyes drift towards the wedding party before gently elbowing Hicalu and trying to shoo him towards Tristan again. Lan has always been about as subtle as a brick through a window, and the tradition continues~

    Shuffling her way back towards the aisle and sweet freedom, Lan obliviously passes right by Riley and Xander, their disguises proving foolproof! She's just spotted Ida, who looks like she might start crying at any moment. "Awww, Ida, it's okay... Do you want a glass of water or something? A handkerchief?" She's got one somewhere, probably...? "Look, see, there's gonna be cake!" Nobody can cry if they're eating cake.

    Well, Hicalu could. He's an outlier and should not be counted.

    Once the pavilion doors are thrown open and Nightburn's proclamations made, Lan wanders towards Josie and Rebecca, giving Lanval a grin and a wink on the way. "Think you can go without smoking for an entire wedding, Josie?" is apparently Lan's way of saying 'hello Josie and Rebecca, it's nice to see you!'

    The bundle in her arms squirms and squeaky-growls. Lan responds by sticking the tip of her finger in its mouth(???). "Ready for cake?" she continues, cheerful mood not dampened a whit. 

<Pose Tracker> Kamui has posed.

    Kamui is no stranger to many at the House of Klein, at least; she's spent time advising Eleanor and other members before, with her wisdom as someone who's run a country before. But the appearance is certainly new, and she's wise to just say that some circumstances have happened and leave it at that.

    Minder's gawking as the flower basket turns into an enormous six foot tall woman with horns, shaking her head and wondering if she's seeing things. @_@ is displayed on her helmet.

    But before long, food is served -- and Kamui... Kamui...

    Kamui can't have any food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Her light turns dark for a moment. "Is this the price that I'm paying, even now...?"

    Still, it's better to focus on the positives. The wedding was a great success, and it seems like people are enjoying themselves terribly much. 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Clarine has posed.

Xiumei smiles at her, and Clarine smiles back, offering her a wave in return. And now with everything done, Clarine stows away the Picto Obscura. There may be time to catch some more pictures later, but right now, there's something more important at hand - congratulating the brides!

Clarine drifts through the crowd toward Eleanor and Xiumei, offering them both a polite bow.

"I am quite happy for the both of you... this is a momentous occasion, is it not? May light shine eternally on your joined path..." Clarine says... and then chuckles, just slightly. "I have captured many excellent pictures tonight. I will be sure they are passed onto you as soon as they are ready."

With that said she leaves them to no doubt get flooded by many other well-wishers, making her way out to the pavillion and the garden beyond. She doesn't eat, of course - but the wonderful view of the garden and the open air it provides is more than satisfactory to her. 

<Pose Tracker> Riley Arwell has posed.

There is brief, potentially dangerous eye contact from Xiumei, which ends, finally, in a smile. Riley answers it with a smile of his own and a guesture toward his heart to indicate that he was touched by the ceremony, and he mouths 'You did it!!' from afar.

"See? I told you we wouldn't be kicked out!" he assures Xander.

The guests are released to partake in food, drink, and mingling, and Riley pulls Xander along. He hums happily, collecting snacks enough for the two of them, before pressing a plate and then a glass into Xander's hands. What is crashing a wedding if you don't partake of the refreshments?

Meanwhile, they are almost recognized several times. "There's so many people we know, here..." Yearning flickers in his eyes to unwisely greet frenemies. "What do you think would happen if we said hi to Dean...?" 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lanval has posed.

    "Congratsh, congratsh, mirth to the both of ya!" Lanval calls to the newlyweds as he flops down from his seat, staggers along with at least an honest attempt to walk normally, waving a free arm all the while as he happens along about the periphery of crowds wanting to offer congratulations, and moving along to all the catering and song and dance and... a lot of things.
 
     It makes it so much easier to (further) accept the idea that 'Goddess Althena' was an impostor all along. No one as loving as legends describe could ever decide a place filled with song, dance, and drink in celebration of a union of mortals was forbidden. He might even feel really silly even thinking about otherwise, and let's be real, he always has a baseline of feeling at least a little silly. He's Seraph Lanval, the Mirthful Wellspring, after all.
 
     He catches Lan's wink along the way, and he also ends up waving to Nightburn too because he misconstrues the 'wink' as him saying hello.
 
     "Ain't no one shpillin' their drink tonight!" Lanval calls. "'m... gonna allow shpittin', if shomeone shayshs shomethin' weird or funny, shure. Thaaaaaat'sh fine~" He waves a hand. "It got in yer mouth ta begin with, ya tashted it, all good. But nooooo shpillin'--"
 
     Keenly, he catches someone tripping with a half-open eye, and one quickly murmured Seraphic Arte later, the free-flying drink whirls around in the air a bit before finding a new home in a clean glass nearby.
 
     "Forbidden!!" He calls. "Ha ha ha!" 

<Pose Tracker> Ida Everstead-Rey has posed.

    Thank God for Danielle. Ida accepts the handkerchief with a grateful nod, and dabs gently at her eyes. She'll be sure it finds its way back once it's been washed. "Everything went right," she whispers, still a little misty-eyed as she turns to Eleanor's sister. "I'm so happy for them. After everything they went through, together..."

    The guests file out of the cathedral, and into the adjacent grounds. Ida hangs back a moment, having restationed herself near the exit for a talk with her family.

    Mercifully, Uncle Harold does not ask her anything about when she's planning on getting married. Or perhaps Boudicca gives her an out before the most outspoken of her immediate family can do something like that. (Boudicca gets polite greetings, in return, from those of Ida's family who can see her. The friendly spirit has been around Ida enough that most can at least hear her.)

    "Isn't it?" Ida says, beaming with joy. "You did a lovely job with those blossoms--of course, Mariel gave you such an amazing spread to work with--and Abigail, too. And the bouttoneire..."

    "Let's go say hello to them. Once they arrive, of course." For now, Ida looks out over the other guests: Medli spinning, Rebecca the stern cake guard, Dean swooning over his hero, Lanval appointing himself appointing himself drinkmaster, Josie... behaving herself.

<Pose Tracker> Venetia Vuong has posed.

 
Venetia stage-winks at Xiumei after the clapping. Afterwards, though, it is time to file out. Venetia is not among her minions, who have mostly been moving to get food and cake before other people eat too much of it; these are, after all, undergraduates presented with the prospect of a free feed on the nobility's dime.

Venetia has her own money, and her own status. As she comes up, she lingers near to Marivel. "You know, that blue works with your complexion," she tells her, and afterwards with a smile, she asks, "You've seen a lot of weddings, haven't you?"

As she continues her own approach, Venetia is faced with the problem of Kamui. She frowns in thought. "If we made it a ceremonial offering in some way, would you be able to tuck in?"

JIMMY, for his part, accepts a glass from the champagne pyramid. "Haha! Don't worry, I ain't spilling any of this stuff! Uh --"

Jimmy looks around. Lanval can immediately intuit Jimmy cannot see him (at least yet). 

<Pose Tracker> Xander Lovell has posed.

Xiumei looks to them, and Xander freezes. He dares not make any gesture of greeting, although perhaps he should have as that might have been the most unXander behavior he could have performed. They have been caught -- aaaand Xiumei is smiling. Relief and exasperation wash over Xander in equal measure. Better she enjoy the wedding despite them, though, even if he doesn't understand it.

(He remains the slightest bit mystified -- and disappointed? -- that he and Riley did not have to burn the place to the ground to help her reach Eleanor at the first wedding. But isn't it nice when a romance doesn't need a cathedral to go up in flames? Alright, so Xander never set a cathedral on fire for Riley. But he did break a priest's nose.)

Xander is desperately avoiding direct eye contact, but almost certainly can be caught mouthing 'congratulations' before shooting Riley a look.

"The night's still young," he warns him.

His heart still skips each time someone he has been in a fight with personally passes right by him. Even when Xander was the one who pointed out everyone would be largely focused on the wedding as long as magenta wasn't involved. (Don't worry about the magenta. Xander defeated the magenta.)

Thankfully Rebecca doesn't need to worry about this pair of wedding crashers destroying the cake. They actually mean to be proper guests. Univited guests, maybe, but still here to celebrate the wedding for what it is. In fact, taking any food at all seems almost improper.

"...What percent of 125 do you suspect we are?" he asks Riley, squinting longingly at a bao before Riley is straight up handing him food and drink. He sighs, forced to accept simply to avoid causing a mess. They might as well, Xander supposes.

"There's too many people we know here." That is! The entire problem! Riley has that look in his eye and he has just filled Xander's hands with plate and glass. This crime was planned! But Xander glances around for Dean. "...I doubt he'd shoot us."

That almost sounds like permission!

Then Xander does spot him, blinking once. "Uh. Actually. Is Dean okay?" 

<Pose Tracker> Gwen Whitlock has posed.

    Go, Dean, give in to your temptations. Talk, eat, and fanboy, all at the same time.

    After passing a wink and a nod of well wishes to the bride and bridge (whose dresses she still can't decide which is better, and so she just decides 'both dresses are the best'), Gwen just appears next to Dean, like she was *summoned*, which she was not. "Dean, Dean. Didja see, over there? _Nightburn Acklund._ You should go over n' say hi! Everyone's nabbin' food right now, so I think your time's right now!"

    Gwen's eyes are tracking towards the food line, but, she knows an oppurtunity when she sees one.
     

<Pose Tracker> Cirea has posed.

"In enough," Mariel says to Marivel - though not until after the ceremony.

She is always up for working with Bou and the actual flowers. She actually enjoys seeing Bou have fun in (as?) them; Mariel doesn't like to work with cut flowers often but for some purposes they're the correct thing to use. If nothing else, they're easier to throw, though she seems a little wistful afterwards.

Mariel gives her congratulations, of course. It was a touching ceremony, and one of very few human-style (elves count) weddings she's been to; it takes her a few moments to recover herself. ANd just think! She wasn't even getting married!

(Not that she has any particular plans to or anything.)

But the crowd is very big, and Mariel isn't very comfortable in it; she sort of lingers around the edges afterwards; she's around, and she wants to congratulate the brides personally, but she isn't really going to barge into the middle of it.

But someone is.

A suspiciously un-accompanied plate with a very small serving of crab on it - a miniature soft-shell crab, meant to be eaten entire - abruptly picks itself up and glides to ground level - or not quite; it slides in under a tablecloth.

Barely visible when the plate slides it out of the way is a tiny person about a foot tall, four wings at rest as she stands, having used a metal wand to pull the plate down with some wind magic.

Cirea picks up the crab triumphantly... and pauses.

About twenty seconds later, the tablecloth is opened like curtains and Cirea flies out, carrying the crab in both hands. "How do you get the food out of this?" she asks, distraught. 

<Pose Tracker> Josephine Lovelace has posed.

    "Figured it out like that, eh? Well, that makes things easier," Josie says, shrugging her shoulders and shaking her head. "Looks like I've miles to go on my disguise game, eh?" Maybe she is a lot more transparent than she's thought...

    "Heh." She doesn't say much more than that as things get underway, offering Rebecca a smile and little more than that. It's been too damn long since she's been to a wedding, and not for lack of trying (to get others hitched, not herself). ...Damn, they really spared no expense. Is that Nightburn Acklund??

    There. Now they're married, to death do us part and all that. "Congratulations," says Avril, with rather more tact. Her attention turns towards Dean, then back at Nightburn, then back at Dean, and as if recalling something, she remarks -- and quite easily overheard at that, "Oh... I remember him. He is your treasure, is he not?"
    The PICTURE. She's talking about the PICTURE that Dean treasures. But it would be easily misconstrued.

    Josie will 'kiddo' as she pleases!!

    Nor does she merely kiddo the two of them. She gives them both the sauciest wink and a thumbs-up. Just what is she implying here!!

    It's in the afterwards that she's descended upon herself by someone she hasn't seen in quite some time. "If they've an open bar, honey, I can give up smoking for a week," Josie tells Lan without missing a beat as the latter rolls on up with her apparent child (?!) in tow. She considers this arrangement for a moment.

    And then, quite bluntly asks, "Partner couldn't do babysitting none? Been a while... Lilac, ain't it? Hey, little sparrow!" She waves, attempting to get Rebecca's attention. 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Nimue has posed.

As it happens, Nimue also begins operation: cake in the background... or at least, gets herself on trajectory for it. There's one thing she needs to do first, though.

She does give a little wave to Clarine, though, before she, too, makes her way to Eleanor and Xiumei. "Hey, congrats on the runback~!" she enthuses, snapping a finger into fingerguns -- one for each of them.

It comes with a tiny, playful gust of wind at their hair. "I'm gonna get out of your hair" after literally just getting into it, apparently "but you two have fun! Do what humans do or whatever."

Then it's time to load up on food; when Cirea laments the impossibility of acquiring crab, Nimue says, "Attack it with weapons, mostly? I've never eaten crab I didn't explode before! We're about to go on a whole new adventure together!" 

<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.

Hannah will find a moment to congratulate Eleanor and Xiumei later--there's so many people congratulating them now that she doesn't want to swamp them even more.

Plus she's curious to see what the reception looks like. So is Zephyr, though--

The red-tailed hawk chirps at Hannah, and Hannah shakes her head, "We will, we will, but we don't have to beat everyone else to the reception. Let's see if we recognize--"

Oh the reception is simply splendid. She doesn't much care for high society occasions as a rule, and this kind of excess is beyond her much of the time, but 1) this is a wedding, which is an event she can understand celebrating, and 2) this is for Eleanor, and she can put up with a lot for that reason alone.

Zephyr lets out an excited chirp, and Hannah looks-- Oh, it's that Rito girl... Medli, right?

"Well, go on, then. I'll catch up." Zephyr takes off flying over the heads of the party guests out over to where Medli and Link are dancing. Zephyr gives Medli an excited chirp as he circles around her--is that his way of joining in on the dancing?

Hannah herself wanders over to greet Dean for a moment, "Howdy, Dean," she says, looking... rather relaxed, which is a rather big change for her. Relaxed and cheerful, in fact. "How did you find the ceremony?" 

<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.

(elves count)

Marina blushes fiercely at Ashley's promise. She's still basically a romantic relationship baby, but she's smiling. It's over, she thinks, it's finally over She doesn't even know about rude lizards.

Marivel waves back at Eleanor. Marivel's always a little more distant at weddings. It's probably not hard to imagine why, for those that have seen her past in the Memory Maze--but that doesn't mean she doesn't enjoy them. She enjoys them so much, but it is not a situation without pain even if this is maybe the least painful wedding she's been to in her life, and one of the happiest.

"I'm glad I could be here too, my old teacher." She flashes a bit of fang there. There's a bit of a teasing tilt towards that particular title.

She is surprised that Xiumei approaches her. "...I'm sorry?"

Ah, she thinks, for the being a handful? For Kamui?

"...You all pushed me too," Marivel says. "Just in different ways. I owe you all plenty, especially you. You saved my daughter, Xiumei, when I thought there was no saving her. Please, consider any debts between us paid and enjoy your future." She cracks a grin. "I will be." 

<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    Before Dean can come to some kind of internal resolution, Gwen appears at his side and address his very conundrum--by encouraging him to beeline over. "You're right!! I should!" he enthuses, grateful to have permission. He jumps to his feet, just as Avril and Hannah come over to say hi and remark on his treasure.
    
    "Yeah!!!" he enthuses to Avril, because he absolutely understands that she means the picture of Nightburn and not Nightburn himself. "Thanks Avril! Hi Hannah I'm gonna go see Nightburn see you in a bit bye!!"
    
    And then he's off like a shot. At least Hannah and Gwen are right there to chat with each other if they choose--but with the crowds being as thick as they are, Dean can't exactly beeline. In fact, a certain pair of Fangs might be right in his way...! 

<Pose Tracker> Juni Vandrer has posed.

Juni's feeling a bit overwhelmed herself. She can't really fault anyone else for feeling that. Not.. in the same ways as the others. The tradition is similar, but not quite the same and that means she's actually on good behavior. No joking, no brooding. That means she's even smiling. As much as her race does. They've learned to try and mimic others doing so! (And you know, it shows teeth. Oops.)
 
 She does slip through the crowd to try the cake. She's gotten a sweet tooth since being here. But beyond that, she's all for snagging free food. Local tastes have grown on her mostly.
 
 Marivel's given a wave as she slips past, pausing for a moment, "Are they all like this?" Figuring she'd know better than most without seeming too.. out there? She knows what's up at least! She lingers briefly for an answer and continues on with a single finger held up.
 
 Stalking past Hannah and the bird, giving the bird a more curious look than its handler, she does catch herself long enough to say, "Hey." and offer a six fingered wave before the trek for free food continues. 

<Pose Tracker> Eleanor Klein has posed.

Boudicca appears, and Abigail moves close to HUG her friend the Seraph. "Thank you!' she says happily, and then explains to Minder, "It's okay. She's a secret friend."

Danielle, meanwhile, has Ida's back. She beams at her. "It did. It's so wonderful! And I have a new sister, to boot!"

Eleanor beams at Clarine. "Thank you," she says warmly, and then--"Ah! I love pictures! I want to see all of them when you can." As soon as they are ready. She's very happy Clarine is here. And then, Eleanor smiles at Lanval in particular. "With you watching over the reception, how can we expect anything else?" Than mirth, that is. And while Eleanor doesn't seem Lanval prevent a party foul, she believes he will. Just watch and wait for it.

Eleanor is very happy to receive congratulations from Mariel, and thanks her again sincerely for the flowers and her presence.

She's even happy to see Josie, as well as less surprisingly happy to see Avril. But the wink gets a sincere laugh out of Eleanor, as she grins back. Whatever Josie is implying, it would seem that Eleanor is in agreement.

Wind in her hair!! Eleanor beams at Nimue's enthusiasm. "Thank you!" she says, and while for the most part they aren't really talking about last time she gets what she's putting down. Then, "We will! Enjoy the party. I'm so happy that you're here."

(In the background, Magilou... will have her work cut out for her!! After LAST time the cake is heavily guarded...!)

But soon enough, the brides return, in all their lovely glory. Eleanor is hoding her bouquet again by now, Eleanor arm in arm with Xiumei. "Hello everyone!" Eleanor declares, and now the party can begin in earnest, because the brides are here!

Her eyes are practically sparkling, even in their strange yellow color; she looks upon the dancing, and the eating, and everything, and feels like her heart might burst over, in a good way.

"Thank you, Mr. Acklund," she says along the way, and then...

Is that a fairy with a crab?? Eleanor opens her mouth. "Xiu," she says, "I find that I might in fact be very hungry."

As she does, though, she sees Hannah, and waves happily to her. Perhaps she'll come over...!

But Eleanor is prepared for a lot of people to come and see them, frankly; there's already a few, and her family is already tanking a few more of the Important Personages so Eleanor can talk to her friends. 

<Pose Tracker> Xiumei Klein has posed.

Xiumei smiles back at Riley -- and watches him and Xander as they walk away, for a moment. She doesn't call attention to it.

For there are congratulations to be had!

"Ah... thank you, Medli," Xiumei says, adjusting her glasses. "The mosaic you made is stunning. I--I can't wait to put it up in our home. Thank you both so much!"

She looks at Boudicca, then, and she smiles at her. "I-I'm glad you enjoyed the vows!" she calls out, though with a stammer. Is that right?

Then, Xiumei looks back at Clarine, and she brightens. She nods her head once to her friend, her eyes sparkling; she wipes at them quickly. "Oh, thank you, Clarine!" she says. "I'd love to see all of your pitures. I'm so glad that you could come, too. Everything came together brilliantly!"

She smiles at Lanval, when he offers his congratulations. Then, she looks at Nimue as she flits by -- and she smiles. "Ah... thank you, Nimue! We'll... do our best to do that?"

She smiles, though, and waves at more of the people -- before she looks back at Marivel. She hesitates for a moment, before she nods. "Ah... well, she's a dear friend. But... you're welcome. I plan to enjoy it," she says. "And I'm glad you'll be in it, Marivel."

Next to Kamui, Varius sighs. Well, makes the sound of a sigh. "Life isn't fair. You can do other stuff."

Avile laughs. "Maybe we should have seen if they could fit something for us on the menu. Or--" Avile's drone swivels, to regard Venetia. "Are you saying we should get the humans to worship us as gods? This sounds great!"

Varius just straight up flies off.

And he flies over towards Cirea. He looks down at her -- he is a roughly ovaloid, floating drone, with lines of light that flicker across a carving of a technological helmet on his drone-body. And he speaks with a gruff, masculine voice.

"Show no mercy! Destroy the crab utterly!"

Nightburn gives Lanval a long glance. A very long glance. As if he could tell how drunk he is. Then, he smiles. "Just drink responsibly."

Then, he hurries along. He, as it happens, is spending some of his time 'working.' This includes entertaining the other famous people here. This means there are various stories of Drifter life being shared with the Bishop, the Sylvaland ambassador, and the mayors in one corner. They're well-picked for the occasion.

And that's where he is, as Dean approaches...!

Xiumei, for her part, looks back at her new wife. She blinks, once, and then she nods. "I'm starving, as well," she says. "Ah, and they got the bao I asked for! Just like my mother made, growing up!"

She might be making a beeline for the bao now. "Hm, Nora, should we--oh, you wanted to stop the fairy-slash-crab battle. I guess I still have a lot to learn about married life..."

<Pose Tracker> Riley Arwell has posed.

Riley adds a bao to Xander's plate when he sees him eyeing it. "I'm sure the 125 percent was planned with situations exactly like us in mind," he says serenely. Exactly like them? Well, considering they crashed the last one, too, it's not like there was no possible chance for their presence to have been anticipated...

Xander does not quite dissuade him from greeting Dean, and so he quickly polishes off his own snacks and beverage in case this should end in disaster. He then begins to stride over, with Xander in tow, only for Dean to suddenly rush toward them with an air of urgency!! Have they been identified?!? N-no, it looks like he's trying to head past them, actually?? Guess he's busy??

Riley hesitates with a somewhat frozen smile as he glimpses over Dean's shoulder... the girl they most recently targeted for murder.

M-maybe better to focus on Dean regardless!! He whirls round and starts moving in the same direction Dean is going. "Hey there! You seem... like you're on a mission?" he observes, trying to leave open the slim possibility that they won't be immediately recognized (is the plan then to attempt strike up friendship under alter egos??). 

<Pose Tracker> Rebecca Streisand has posed.

She cracks a smile as Josie waves her way, "Got a name you know." And yet, she doesn't seem to protest too much, as she shifts closer.
 
And when Lan greets her, "Hey Lan, been a while." The answer to whether she's ready for cake, just gets a non committal, "I could eat." Because she doesn't want to seem too eager, that's Dean's role.
 
It is a fortunate thing that Xander and Riley aren't after the cake. Almost certainly for Rebecca as well...
 
"Just on high alert after, what happened last time we were at their wedding. Dean can tell you. Was the weirdest thing, those two degenerates."
 
Rebecca finds herself looking at Varius from afar, staring, and then muttering, "Bride's party, they're in the bride's party." As if having to remind herself even as she watches the two brides come in arm and arm, and finds herself smiling.

<Pose Tracker> Kamui has posed.

    Kamui stares rather plainly as Varius tells her that life isn't fair. Well, that's true, and yet... hmm, perhaps that is an idea. Venetia suggests that if it was a ceremonious offering...

    "Hmm... sadly, no. I have been worshipped as a divine being before," and this is actually truth, "But I still needed a mouth and stomach to enjoy food offerings." Avile sugggests something they could consume, though. "I wonder if we could taste food data..."

    Then Varius flies off to defeat the not-terribly-giant enemy crab, and her stare gets a little more plain. Hmmm.

    Kamui does hover at Xiumei as she speaks of bao, and then looks to both her and Eleanor. "Do you have a honeymoon planned? We'll have to make sure the coast is clear. And, ah, what filling do you like in it, Xiumei?"

    Her hovering also does take her near Marivel, in the end. "Mother. I am glad to see you. I've regained... a bit of myself since first awakening, and more memories are availing themselves to me every day."

    Minder, meanwhile, looks SCANDALISED at the topic of a SECRET FRIEND. "I--I'll keep the cool horned lady secret too!!" she whispers, vibrating a little. Full of secrets! 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Boudicca has posed.

    Abigail hugs her friendly ghost, and Boudicca, friendly ghost, hugs her back. A shade surprised, but she's good at being a surprised shade, these days. She is apologetic about confusing Minder, at least, as she straightens up. "Please do not mind me," she assures her, brightly. "I am just here to assist Abigail's efforts! Thank you for keeping the secret that is me." Is that... how word structure works? Apparently it is.

    Boudicca is an excellent ward against uncomfortable marriage questions, though, largely because she is so earnest about greeting Ida's family. Also, because she's so large. And maybe doesn't exist? It's a little unclear.

    (She waves to Mariel, when she gets a moment, and enthuses: "Your flowers were lovely! I am glad you were willing to cut them for the wedding. Abigail was so happy to throw them.")

    And she clasps her hands, seeing Xiumei and Eleanor, there. "You are both so beautiful!" She responds, brightly. "And you worked so hard...! It is wonderful!" Clap clap clap.

    Magilou, meanwhile, does cake crime. It's terrible. And Hicalu... is busy spending time with Tristan, because Lan knows how to shove him into action. Scandalous!!

<Pose Tracker> Juni Vandrer has posed.

Juni Vandrer murmurs, "What's a fairy?" looking down at her wrist br iefly, trying to sort that out in her head. That seems like something she should know right?
 
 The moving crab gets a scowl. First of all crab does sound good. And crunchy. She'll have to sneak over and grab one. But it's also moving under its own power and she tries to angle herself to get a better look. The miniature person's given a wave. Wholly missing that that's the answer to her quesiton.
 
 The floating drone is given a critical look too. She stops when no one else tries to shoot the things even if she'd been half-tempted to try and snag it. Lots of new things today. There's a brief look of contemplation. Maybe she should meet more of the team more often.
 
 Still, she does pause long enough in her own small way of picking through a big crowd to call out from behind the people, "Congratulations you two." She can pick up that much. Her accent's funny enough even if she can be seen. And then she's swept away again. Weee.
 
 The downside to being polite and not just shouldering through everyone or poking things with claws. And trying to keep a dress in tact even if it feels awkward to wear and... She snags a crab of her own between a pair of sharp claws and just sneaks a short distance away to crunch into it. Only to find out its not the crunch she expected and now she just looks disappointed. 

<Pose Tracker> Xander Lovell has posed.

As Varius flies off, Avile gets a comment shot across the reception from a certain attending android who appears to be contemplating various food items for their potential portability. "I do NOT recommend that!" What a thing to say.

Xander flusters with appeasement as there is now bao. It's probably not going to taste any like his father's but that's probably a good thing for avoiding any more emotions than this wedding needs. He sheepishily plucks it up to bite into, but begins to glower with Riley's comments.

"I refuse to believe they expected us."

For a moment, he watches the moderate wedding chaos. Fairies and crabs. Pieces of technology encouraging the destruction of crabs. Riley contemplating bad decisions and settling on the lesser of evils. Dean might be the least of all evils in general.

"You can eat that one whole," he clarifies to Cirea as he moves to catch up to Riley. Identified a fellow party crasher? Not his first time dealing with fairies...? But he's also moving rather quickly to catch up with Riley: getting spotted by Hannah might be Bad.

"I said he wouldn't shoot us, I didn't say interrupt him."

<Pose Tracker> Venetia Vuong has posed.

JIMMY CHAN is faced with motile crab, followed by a faery. Jimmy stares at the faery for long moments. He can see Cirea just fine, but he doesn't have context. He thought they were made up. Nevertheless, here is one, now. "Uh," he explains to Cirea, "you gotta -- it's like a geode, you gotta crack it. The meat's on the inside. You uh, I don't know if you got leverage. There should be some crackers around here, kind of like pliers but no tips--"

"Yeah, what he said," Jimmy says when Varius chimes in. "Grinders high," he says, raising a hand towards Varius before slowly realizing his mistake. Instead he turns towards Xander, who now has a prompt. Is he going to leave a college man hanging? Could he stoop that low?

VENETIA, for her part, turns away from Marivel to meet Avile. "Not quite, but - hmf." Her arms fold as Varius whips off to do crimes, and she answers Avile more querulously. "I don't know how best to interact with your technologies even after all of this time. I suppose it's terribly intuitive if you deal with it regularly, or if you were there when it was new, but to me you do seem not too dissimilar from our Seraph friends."

What element is Kamui?

"I can make you out a plate, if you care for it, but I'll hold the incense," Venetia concludes, moving instead into the buffet to start scoring bao. 

<Pose Tracker> Cirea has posed.

"Oh, of course...!" is Mariel's response to Boudicca. "I don't think it would do you any good to sit in some unmoving plants, either... or, rather, it would, but it probably wouldn't be very convenient for getting around."

Mariel definitely slides up toward Eleanor and Xiumei. "Congratulations," she says, with a curtsey. "It seems to have gone very well... you must be very happy right now. Both of you!"

"...I hope you enjoy the flowers, but I also have a second gift for you; I couldn't bring it, though. In one of the communities where I lived for a long time, it was tradition for married couples to plant a tree together... not as part of the public ceremony, but afterwards, to show two hearts working as one."

"If you would like to do that, I would be very happy to help you find the right tree." Mariel gives a bigger smile, though she's a little hesitant as she's not sure how the offer will be taken.

Meanwhile:

"I didn't bring a weapon! I guess I could use sorcery," Cirea says, thoughtfully, at Nimue's suggestion. She does have what amounts to a laser, and she's carrying the wind-imbued wand with her - she used it to swipe the crab in the first place.

"Maybe I should have taken something else first?"

But then Varius gives a suggestion. "No, you're right. Both of you! I'll get this open!" Setting the crab back down on its plate, Cirea points a finger at it and begins to chant as a point of light starts to form on the tip of her finger.

And then

A beam! It cuts right into the crab with a sizzling, pleasant smell, and it doesn't even do any damage to the plate that won't scrub off. Cirea breaks off a bit of it, pulls the now burned crab shell off, and finds some perfectly cooked (if rather currently hot) crab meat behind it.

"Eh?" she asks, mouth full, at Xander. "My mouth's not THAT big." Of course, her mouth is also full so it comes out a lot more like "M'mff nuthaabig." 

<Pose Tracker> Lan Lilac has posed.

 
    It has been a while since they adventured together. "Close! It's Lan Lilac, so just Lan is fine." Apparently Josie was impressive enough for even Lan's notoriously shabby memory to cling to...?? She rocks the bundle a bit until the noises subside, and nearly wipes her slobbery hand off on her dress before remembering that it's borrowed. Lan wipes it off on a corner of the blanket instead.

    Who isn't excited about cake? And wedding cake, to boot? Maybe Rebecca pre-gamed. Did everybody else eat before showing up at the wedding? Was Lan supposed to do that???

    But Josie talks about drinking and babysitting, and Lan just laughs a bit. "Nope, I'm actually the one babysitting!" She tilts the swaddled creature towards Josie and Rebecca and--

    That is an animal wrapped up like a damn baby. A bear cub. A misty, elementally-aligned abomination of magitech bear cub, to be exact, and Lan has it trapped in a swaddle. It grumps at them. 

<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    Dean absolutely doesn't understand the concept of schmoozing, but he does understand hanging out with friends. That's exactly what it looks like Nightburn is doing as he's on the approach. Unfortunately, even though he understands that, he's too star-dazzled to make the logical connection that Nightburn might not want to be bothered, either while hanging with his friends or being on the job. This is probably what made Nightburn run away from him the last time they met, almost six years ago.
    
    So fortunately or unfortunately, as Dean beelines over, someone gets in his way and addresses him. He slows to give Riley a distracted glance--then another--then a third, the fabled triple-take, as he realizes, actually, he recognizes that voice--those voices, since obviously Xander is with him!!--and momentarily he forgets about Nightburn to gawk at the de-disguised Fangs.
    
    "Riley?! Xander!! What're you two doing here? Eleanor said you weren't invited!!" he utters, scandalized and fortunately remembering to lower his voice and not scream their presence to the entire venue. 

<Pose Tracker> Ida Everstead-Rey has posed.

    Xiumei and Eleanor emerge from the crowd of adoring guests at long last, and Ida follows Boudicca to greet them. "I'm so happy for you," she says. "I--and my family, of course--would like to wish you many happy years together." Then--

    'Show no mercy! Destroy the crab utterly!

    "Excuse me," Ida says. "Varius, what on earth--" Thoughts of delicious food are set aside. Ida walks over to where Varius is hovering, and finds... "Cirea?" Her eyes widen. She blinks down at the crab, which... has been conveniently opened for someone of Cirea's size. "Would you like it if I, ah, cut you some more suitable portion sizes?"

<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.

Hannah smiles and gives Juni a cheerful "Howdy." She seems... pretty at ease walking around with a bird on her shoulder, and Zephyr seems perfectly content, like he belongs there.

He also seems pretty well-behaved, so that's fortunate, too.

She blinks a bit as Dean runs off, "Oh, okay--" She frowns a bit, "Nightburn, Nightburn..." she mutters to herself. And then she remembers. "Oh! Okay, I see." She smiles, just a touch awkwardly to Gwen. "Suppose I caught him at a bad time, then..."

But Eleanor's waving catches her eye, and the smile shifts into a more excited one. "Sorry, excuse me, I haven't congratulated the brides yet."

Hannah makes her way over to Eleanor, beaming at her. "Oh, Eleanor..." And she goes for the hug. She's mindful of the bouquet, but it's still a very strong grip. And very enthusiastic. "Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!" She lets Eleanor go...

Only to visit the same hug on Xiumei. "And you too! I hope you'll both be very happy together!" 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Clarine has posed.

Nimue waves! Clarine, of course, smiles and waves back. As for Eleanor and Xiumei...

"Of course - you two shall be the first to see the pictures, you have my word." She replies with a smile. "And... I am quite glad to be here, too. It makes me very happy to see you both like this."

With that, she departs to settle in at her place in the garden. It's quite comfortable...

and makes a good vantage point to capture more pictures! 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lanval has posed.

    Lanval gives a side-glance as he hears Avile laugh about being worshipped as gods, but first, he gives a solemn and fractionally-genuine nod to Nightburn as he kind of gets wrapped up in the atmosphere and takes leave of how precious it is that mortals can see and hear him - or some can, in the case of Jimmy not being able to see him.
 
     (He's been enjoying all the new company he's had since he got tripped over in Meribia years ago!)
 
     "Mmmm, sho, yer talkin' 'bout bein' worshipped, are ya?" Lanval staggers along closer towards the biometal's drone. "That wash the cashe fer me about... five hundred yearsh or sho~!"
 
     He has the work experience as an object of worship! He hoists the drinking gourd up. "Well. On 'n off, more like... gradually... off. But I got the chopsh, 'n... lemme tell ya, lemme tell ya."
 
     Lanval presses his lips tightly and shakes his head. "Ya gotta remember if yer worshipped... at timesh, yer gonna be blamed, too. What Iiiiii'd do," he gestures with an open palm towards the drinking gourd, as if measuring a distance, "make shure what ya preshide over... it'sh shmall. Shimple. That yer not... treated like yer the divine entity in charge of everything, ever. Ya only have sho much power, ya know!"
 
     Lanval has an array of useful tips and tricks for any entity looking into being an object of worship! For... the Seraphim are, back on Lunar. 

<Pose Tracker> Riley Arwell has posed.

I said he wouldn't shoot us, I didn't say interrupt him'
"Ah, I thought that was Xander for 'go ahead...'" Riley admits. But it's too late now, since they are low-key chasing him and Riley has already called for his attention!

Dean triple takes and unfortunately addresses the two of them by name. "Shhhh!" says Riley, waving his hands in a conciliatory manner that also demonstrates that he isn't holding any weapons, at least at the moment.

He also lowers his voice. "She seemed like she wanted us here deep down, so I assumed it was kind of a 'I can't invite you, but it would be nice if you could come anyway...!'" This is mostly wishful thinking, but it did sound a LITTLE bit like that...

"S-so anyway, Riley and Xander aren't here! We're Parsely and Coriander today."

Yes, those are real fake names he decided to go with. In fairness, the ones from the last wedding were even worse. 

<Pose Tracker> Xander Lovell has posed.

Cirea does have something of a jaw problem, and Xander also seems fluent in mouth-full. "Then do what he said," Xander says, shrugging toward Varius. "Destroy it first. Rip it apart." Sure it's a noble wedding, but a fairy's got to eat, right?

Xander blinks once at Jimmy, as if the moment is reprocessing from a recording. He looks up at Jimmy's hand, then back to Jimmy, then glances at his hand again.

With a deep, heavy, beleagured sigh and not a drop of enthusiasm, Xander meets palm to palm in the most tepid manner possible, bao still in his mouth, and walking away immediately after. Yes, surely this will cause less of a scene than ignoring it. He cannot let Riley get more than five feet from him, that would be courting disaster.

(Xander himself is also dangerously, dangerously close to being a little too caught up with the wrong guests.) (Spoiler: they're all the wrong guests!)

"She did say that, didn't she," Xander says to Dean, deadpan. But then Riley 'introduces' them and he chokes on his own breath, sputtering.

He grabs Riley's arm and tugs him closer, whispering into his ear in what seems like a brief, private word that happens between partners. But what he actually says is: "I am going to throw you into a lake."

Then he backs off to clear his throat and look to Dean. "We're not here to start a fight." But Xander is well aware just being here could start a fight. He grits his teeth, averting eye contact. "... Just to... see them happy."

<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.

"Of course she is," Marivel laughs, on Kamui being her dear friend. "I know you did not save her for me! But I can still be happy about it, can't I?" She smiles. "I'm glad too. I've been friends to the Klein family for a long time, and I cannot think of anyone better to be a part of it than you."

Kamui hovers on over. Marivel didn't want to be a SMOTHER to her--well no, she totally wanted to smother Kamui--but she held back for the sake of the day.

She runs her hand over the glowing cyber elf. Now, Marivel's eyes do get a bit watery but she smiles through it.

"That's my girl." Marivel tells her. "Knowing you have so many wonderful friends, it does my old heart good. It's a rather muivelous occassion isn't it?"

She had to think for a minute about Venetia's question.

"Like total? I don't think I've kept track... Recently, this is likely--the second? All told, oh countless countless... I usually keep some distance but I didn't have to this time because I knew just about everyone. Sometimes they're a bit 'ahhhh Crimson Noble! eek!'... You know how it is."

Hannah approaches and hugs a Xiumei and she smiles and nods her agreement to that, again. Sure, maybe she's saying she hopes the best for the two of them too much today--but hey, it's the sort of day it's okay to wish the best for people as often as you'd like."

"Hannah, you've met Kamui by now right? My daughter?"

She nods to the cyber elf. "..She's glowier than she used to be." She adds. 

<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    For a moment, Dean continues to gawk at Riley and Xander, though at least he quiets down when Riley shushes him. The look on his face turns thoroughly skeptical when Riley claims Eleanor seemed like she *actually* wanted them there but just couldn't invite them.
    
    But then Xander says they just wanted to come see them be happy, and Dean's expression softens. There's uncertainty there too, though, and he looks back and forth between Nightburn, the Fangs, Nightburn, the Fangs... If Nightburn's here to help with security, then he'd have to kick the Fangs out, right? But...
    
    "Okay," he relents. "If you guys promise you're not here to hurt anyone and you'll leave peacefully, I'll keep quiet. But I'm gonna stick by you two to make sure nothing happens! Either to anybody else or... to you two. Okay?"
    
    He doesn't bother addressing them by their fake names. He's literally already forgotten them, save in the sense that they are food names and he is very hungry.
    
    On which note, he looks longingly at the bao that Xander has on his person. "That looks *so good*," he whispers. "Are you guys still hungry? Can we go get some food? I'm *starving*." That buffet line-up looks so good...! 

<Pose Tracker> Eleanor Klein has posed.

Eleanor laughs musically to Xiu. "I mean, I'm also actually hungry. But I was curious about our fairy friend, yes."

If anyone expected Xander and Riley, it was Xiumei. She planned for all eventualities! Eleanor got a chance to relax on some of those fronts...

As Mariel mentions a tree, Eleanor's eyes light up even further. "That sounds wonderful!" she says. "Yes, please help us do so, we'll make time."

For Kamui, "We do! And thank you--we'd greatly appreciate that." She loves bao, too. But she loves seeing how Xiu loves these bao much more than that. But in the meantime she gets to see Juni, "Thank you," she says warmly to her, and while Juni is swept away, she does get some curiousity from a few other guests about her 'interesting jewelry'.

The secret that is Boudicca... Abby will keep it. With Minder!! "Let's go see more flowers!" she suggests.

Eleanor hugs Hannah back with spirit and life. "Thank you!" she says. "I'm so glad you could be here. It's a treat to have such an old friend with me at a time like this."

She beams. "I'm sure we will be. ...I see Zephyr seems to be having a good time, too."

Clarine will have the opportunity to take many good photographs. As for Lanval, he finds Danielle standing nearby, looking curiously at Montgomery as he steps closer to Lanval. "It seems you have a lot of experiences I hadn't considered," he reflects. Danielle moves forward to take his arm. "I think that sounds ideal, personally. Not too much responsibility..."

Meanwhile, Milly stares at Lan's bear. "Oh!! Oh it's so cute!" When did she get here? That's a mystery, but her Symbols remain on display through her sheer sleeves. "I thought it was a baby but it's a bear! Aaah! That might be even cuter!"

But soon enough, after people have had a chance to eat some, Eleanor comes to a central location in the gardens and smiles. "It's bouquet time!" she says, "I wonder who's next?"

She waits a few for people to assemble, and then--turns around, and throws it over her shoulder, beautiful orange flowers and all. Where it lands, no one knows...!

But someone might see the glint of a red bracelet on her right arm...

Is Danielle in that crowd?? 

<Pose Tracker> Josephine Lovelace has posed.

    "Oh-- then, I shall see you later, Dean?" Avril says as he departs.

    "Rebecca, yeah?" Josie tells her with a grin. "But why not be a sparrow? Spread your wings and fly?"

    Somewhere, above, Penelope dozes, alight in the colors of the rainbow from the glass behind her. Sometimes it is just as valid to take a rest as it is to soar away on a journey.

    "Don't mind a piece myself," Josie remarks, on the subject of the cake. And indeed, she's got quite a sweet tooth! ...She's also got a hankering for some booze, is the thing, especially if she's not paying. There's a glance Rebecca's way. "What, the last wedding?" She may be regarding Xiumei and Eleanor afresh with some mild concern writ across her face. "Don't tell me these kiddos... ah, well, it don't matter now. All's well that ends well, eh?"

    To be fair, Josie's also been notorious enough of late that even those with a 'shabby memory' might not have too much trouble remembering a face and name on a wanted poster. Come to think of it, wasn't it one of the authorities around these parts that had posted the reward in the first place--
    It's fine. It's probably fine.

    "Baby-sitting, eh?"

    Lan shows her who she's baby-sitting.

    This gives even Josephine pause. "Well," she says after a moment. "Don't that beat all." Because what else do you say when you see a grumpy half-elemental bear cub swaddled like a baby? 

<Pose Tracker> Juni Vandrer has posed.

Juni Vandrer does hold a thumbs up for Eleanor, bobbing between the sea of legs long enough to call out, "There's a translation somewhere. If it didn't get blown away." She's laughing at least. Though with the press of the crowd she gives up with a wave and gets swept away. That's when she makes it back to Hannah as she returns with the decidedly uncrunchy crab, "Where's the fun in soft shells?" She asks. Mostly as a joke. An attempt at one. Don't worry about it. "Howdy" she returns, on the.. return.
 
 Leaning back against that tail she's being lazy-ish. Does make the wrapping though. She's also got the cake nearby. "Don't recognize you-" kind of. There's something there she can pin down. Which is why she's back and chatty. She offers a hand out like the locals though. Well out and up, "Juni. Armsmith and belligerent sniper." self-depricating is a fun time.
 
 One of those big ears twitch, focusing on the two drones for now. Tracking them. Just in case. She'd watch them physically, but they're talky enough it's not too bad. 

<Pose Tracker> Xiumei Klein has posed.

"Okay... okay." This time, it's Avile's turn to sigh at both Azoth (firmly) and Kamui (by virtue of wisdom) shooting her idea down. "Fiiiine."

Then, she flitters off, after Kamui. (Girl time!) "Good luck with the offering to Kamui!" she says cheerfully to Venetia.

Avile pauses, though, as Lanval educates her on the dangers of being worshipped. "Blamed? Nope nope nope. I don't think so! Not for me! So you... have to be a lazy god? Hm..."

Varius, for his part, registers that Juni might be eyeing him for parts. This prompts him to turn his sensors her way...

...but she isn't making a move.

He also turns his sensors onto Jimmy Chan. Despite not having eyes, he just looks at him. Varius then turns, "looking" back at Cirea. His drone has light lines flash across it, excitedly, at the beam.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" A beat. "Oh. Uh. Hey. Ida."

"I'm glad you think so," Xiumei says to Marivel. "I, ah, am happy to join their family. I've knowm them since I was young, but..." But this is different.

Then, she looks sideways at Eleanor. She smiles at her for a moment -- before her hand gives hers a gentle squeeze. "Well, we can eat, then," she says.

She looks to Boudicca, and her eyes widen a little."A-ah, thank you, Boudicca," she says, with a smile. She nods to her, cheerfully. "I'm glad you could come. I-I hope that you've enjoyed. And that the food and entertainment is to your liking, too!"

Then, she smiles, as she looks at Eleanor. "Thank you, Mariel. They're beautiful," she says. "I--ah--I truly appreciate them. A... a tree? Yes! That sounds wonderful! I would be honored!"

And then Hannah comes up. Xiumei smiles when she hugs Eleanor. When it's Xiumei's turn to be hugged, she makes a surprised noise -- but she returns it. "Th-thank you! I... I have no doubt, Hannah," she says. "Thank you for coming. And for being such a loyal friend to Nora, too."

She smiles back at Clarine, then, and waves -- as she heads for the garden. She looks to Kamui, then, and she smiles. "I like the ones with pork, though... I like almost all of them. Not the especially spicy ones," she admits. "A honeymoon, though...?"

She glances at Eleanor. They'd scarcely had time to plan that.

She steps back, though, when Eleanor throws the bouquet. She watches for a moment. Then, she makes a face. "Oh, no--"

For a cry echoes out: "GUUUUUUUUUBAAAAAAAAA!"

And thus he leaps forward, the middle-aged would-be Besaid Auroch; flab shaking, worn out muscles trembling, gravity defied, he leaps. His hand reaches for the bouquet.

But will someone worthy claim it?

...

"...Anyways," Nightburn's voice echoes, after a moment. Echoes, for he is using a microphone. "If we could get our two brides to the dance floor, please!"

"Oh!" Xiumei calls out. "Nora!"

<Pose Tracker> Riley Arwell has posed.

Xander whispers his lake-related threat into Riley's ear and Riley gives what could only be described as a happily guilty laugh. But he sobers at Xander's words about just wanting to see the couple happy, and gives a nod.

Dean asks them promise not to hurt anyone here, and decides to stick by them for the good of everyone. Riley brightens with relief, both that he doesn't want to toss them out and that he's willing to spend time around them.

"We won't cause any trouble. We're actually..." he glances to Xander and softens his voice as if it will soften the blow of what he means to say next somehow. "We're done doing things like that now."

There's a solemnity to the claim, but also a quiet relief. As bleak as it is to be nearly out of time, there's a freedom in getting to say they're done killing, and mean it (not that he can literally say it, with so many people around...!)

Still, he smiles easily at the subject change to food.

"Oh, sure, there's all sorts of great stuff! We can definitely get some more." He starts to steer the others back towards the food. "But did we interrupt something...?" Dean seemed to be headed... somewhere with great determination when they found him.

He pauses at a shift in the Wedding Energy, as much of the crowd turns expectantly in one direction. Did they miss an announcement of some kind...? 

<Pose Tracker> Lan Lilac has posed.

 
    MILLY INTERRUPT

    "Oh! You're Eleanor's sister, right?" They've almost certainly been introduced, but Lan has already won her single 'remembering someone correctly' roll today and she is not allowed to make any more. "It's way cuter than a baby! And it spits up less, too." Milly's tattoos catch Lan's eye and her smile widens. "Do you want to hold it? It doesn't bite! Well I mean it does, but it doesn't hurt. Its teeth are clouds too."

    "Don't worry," Lan is sure to reassure Josie. "You can have a turn too!"

    Is there enough whiskey in the world...? 

<Pose Tracker> Cirea has posed.

"Oh! Well, that's excellent!" Mariel's smile returns. "I will find you, then - another time, I know you are busy tonight. So congratulations again, and - " She says something in Elw, then repeats, "May you bless each other together. ...It doesn't work as well in this language, I don't think."

She does not catch the bouquet. She doesn't even try. That's someone else's flower.

---

"Thanks, I will!" Cirea doesn't realize that Xander isn't supposed to be here, because to be fair *she* isn't supposed to be here; she saw the big gathering and decided to invite herself.

"Hi, Ida! No, I can manage, I just wanted to try this. Everything else comes in littler bits, or I can cut them!" Except the bao. And some of the desserts. "I guess I'm supposed to have a 'cracker' for this? Actually I wasn't quite sure what was going on? I mean I've figured it out now! It's a wedding! Like in the books! It's really exciting! Also, there's a lot of food and I figured nobody would miss a little, because I'm everyone's friend anyway. At least, I haven't seen anyone here I'm not the friend of."

It counts, in her mind.

"Bu~ut, if you have any suggestions I'd love to hear them! I want to try everything! Oh, and I want to meet people too..." Carrying the remnants of the crab, Cirea steps up off the ground and flies up, hovering somewhere between Ida and Jimmy.

Guba goes for the bouquet. Cirea shades her eyes to get a better look at it. 

<Pose Tracker> Eleanor Klein has posed.

Milly does not recognize Josie as a Wanted Person. Sadly. That would only enhance her mystique to her. "Oh, Nora almost got married last year," Milly supplies for Josie, "But Xiumei interrupted. Now they're married instead! But her last guy is with our other sister now..."

Lan spots her tattoos and Milly's smile widens. "They're cool, huh?" A beat, before, "I want to hold it!!" Pause. "Cloud teeth... some kind of elemental, maybe? That's so cool..." 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lanval has posed.

    "Mmmm, not lazy, jushhhht," Lanval corrects, "ya gotta know of what yer bein' worshopped for. After that... all ya gotta deal with ish the passhage of time, 'n... all that'll bring," he gets a wistful look in his half-open eyes about all that changed during his reign. (And how debatable it was as a reign, even if it was a reinforcement of the Boundary he managed to maintain for the entire length of the time.)
 
     Things start happening.
 
     Lanval considers Guba's current trajectory, ambles off to the side, and takes exactly one (1) bottle of some very good drink to hold to the side until he lands. 

<Pose Tracker> Josephine Lovelace has posed.

    It's at least the sort of surprise that one can recover from swiftly. "You want a closer look?" she tells Milly, stepping aside to allow the younger sister in if she wants. Those tattoos, though...

    "Symbology student?" she guesses, even as Milly provides an explanation for the context of the last wedding. "Oh, so it's like that, is it? Nora, you minx!" Hopefully, Eleanor won't hear this. "Well, good on your sister! Your other sister. Both your sisters!" Josie cheers with a smile, reaching out to clap Milly on the shoulder only to pause and reverse course at the last moment. Perhaps, not on a first meeting.

    But would Josie like to hold the bear? It doesn't bite. Or rather, it doesn't hurt when it bites.

    Josie's grin turns a touch more wooden. "...I'll pass. But looks like she will! ...Oh, looks like they're gonna toss it. Either of you kiddos want to be next?"

    Josie, for her part, isn't moving a step. 

<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.

Hannah beams at Eleanor. "I'm glad I could be here for this. Thank you for having me, and... well, for everything." No need to get into the specifics right now, of coursse, but 'everything' encompasses a lot.

It might be a bit surprising for her to go for a hug with Xiumei considering they've only barely met but Hannah's in a good mood, for once, and so she goes for it anyway. Hannah lets the hug go, and is thanked for coming, "Of course!" And for being such a loyal friend to Eleanor. There's a hitch in her voice as she tries to speak, "I--" and then she just nods.

She's trying to be.

But then she hears Marivel's voice, and turns, beaming at her mentor. "Miss Marivel! How are you doing?" Hannah herself looks... quite a bit different since they'd last talked after being reunited--new dress, her hair done, an actual smile and good cheer.

She blinks and looks to the cyber elf as Marivel makes the introduction. "No, I haven't--" She stops, her eyes going wide. "...daughter?! You didn't tell me--Oh my goodness!" She instinctively goes for a handshake and then realizes--holograph? Maybe holograph. She settles for a small curtsy, instead. "It's an honor to meet you!" 

<Pose Tracker> Xander Lovell has posed.

"Don't worry so much about us," Xander tells Dean, already tired and knowing saying that means nothing. It makes sense, at least, to watch them for everyone else's sake, but guarding the Fangs? Dean is too... Dean. "...But fine."

Maybe Xander has earned a little sip of wine. A half a glass won't get him tipsy, even if he is a lightweight. He casts Riley a grim look as he 'explains' himself to Dean, and then something in his gaze hardens.

He does not say anything further on the matter, looking into his glass, and then losing interest in it entirely to set it aside. Appetite loss or no, there's no reason Dean should have to starve at a wedding he was actually invited to.

All this means is Xander is not paying attention.

Not to the shift in atmosphere, and certainly not to a bouquet of flowers sailing through the air, dived for as people try to guess where it will land, perhaps bouncing off of them, ricocheting in the chaos, with its final destination already occupied --

-- by Xander.

His head, specifically.

An explosion of petals bursts over his face, enough to knock him off balance in surprise. He sputters a startled cry fumbling and flailing, the bouquet kicked back up and right back down into his grasp as he squeezes hold to stop this offending assault in place. Who is trying to attack him here, at the wedding --

aaaa

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa??

Xander's face turns bright red from ear to neck, bouquet firmly grasped in both hands. He shoves it into Riley's arms in panic, which, upon immediate reconsideration, is Worse. In a failure to promptly relinquish it, this leaves them both holding it.

Oh, look at that. He can get redder. 


<Pose Tracker> Venetia Vuong has posed.

JIMMY receives the weakest of all possible high-fives. "Yeah!!" he says to Xander, trying to carry the enthusiasm forwards with what you could in fact call the good college try. Then he turns his head to look towards where Xander goes off to talk to Dean.

Jimmy intuitively trusts Dean. Jimmy is a Crest sorceror and Dean has a powerful image of being a headstrong good-hearted young man. This means he is somewhat alarmed at hearing Coriander(??) say something about not starting a fight. He decides, however, it ain't his business, and turns away to obtain crab legs of his own. "See, I like to do it like this," he says, snapping one leg in half for Cirea's benefit, "But I understand that's going to be hard on this scale."

He is then scanned and immortalized in Varius's CODEX.

    > Subterranoid Junior Sorceror
    > Uses guns and Crest Sorcery in battle. Reasonable employment prospects.
    > Drops: Five-Round Revolving ARM, Void 41 Student's Mask, Uncommon Salvage, 10-45 Gella

VENETIA answers Marivel, "This is my fifth, but it's the first big wedding. Most of the ones I've gone to were really more like receptions, they did it at the courthouse and dropped five gella off at the collection box in the Dinoginos statue."

She considers this as she raises up a bao, biting into it - gazing then towards the east, but a moment later there is drama and the bouquet is being prepared. Prepared for a grand journey. A journey of ceremonial import

an
ce

"Who is that? Is that the Al Bhed fellow?" Venetia frowns, because much as Jimmy could sense an aura of good-natured heroism, Venetia can sense foolishness, and there is much foolishness in Guba. This turns her away from the promise of matrimonial happiness to arrange a few things on a plate, for Kamui's appreciation if not necessarily her delectation. This means she misses the impact.

JIMMY does not and has gotten out his 'Tengu' camera to take a picture of this. He may have made enemies. 

<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    Don't worry, Jimmy; Dean is sticking with the Fangs for the explicit purpose of preventing any fights.
    
    "What, really?" Dean brightens. "Really?? That's great!" He pauses, eyebrows furrowing, and he looks back and forth between Riley and Xander. "Because of that potion, or... what happened?"
    
    If Eleanor already took care of that, that's great--he and Hannah had been talking about helping her out with that. But Xander had been utterly devastated about it. Either way it went down, it'd be nice to know the reason why.
    
    He grimaces a bit when Riley asks about the interruption. "Yeah, but..." He slides a look Nightburn's way. As a hero and the security for this wedding, there's no way he could overlook the Fangs. Dean will do it instead--he understands better. "...It's okay," he concludes. He makes a little face at Xander and adds, "I kind of have to! You guys have so much going on, and we don't run into each other that often!"
    
    But... yeah, Xander seems pretty upset. Granted, that's pretty normal, but given context, Dean wonders how that potion actually went down.
    
    "Anyway, let's go get some food!" he suggests, and starts moving towards the buffet--only for a bouquet to come sailing in after many, many mishaps and splat Xander right on the head. "Woah!!" he utters as it falls down into his hands. Dean has no interest in romance, but even he knows what the meaning of the bouquet is (thanks to Rebecca). He brightens. "Wow, that means you guys are getting married next! Congratulations!!"
    
    With absolute, fully heartfelt sincerity, Dean starts to clap for them. 

<Pose Tracker> Ida Everstead-Rey has posed.

    "Those ones, you can usually use a knife," Ida says. "But I imagine it's trickier at your scale." Now she wants crab. "Absolutely try the bao." And bao. Ida weighs her hunger for delicious food against social pressures, and decides that screw it, she's going to enjoy this. They just cut their way through a god damn battleship, then plunged into an interdimensional labyrinth, then fought a former Quarter Knight armatized with Desire Themself.

    Everyone survived. And Ida's going to rejoice in that, and enjoy the buffet.

    But then--

    "Oh, the bouquet toss is starting!" Ida glances down at Cirea. "It's tradition--supposedly, whomever catches it is the next to be married." And Ida immediately heads off to join the crowd who are hoping for just that. A moment of anticipation. And then--

    "What," Ida says, eyes wide as Guba attempts his intercept. The bouquet flies. It hits someone in the head. That someone catches it.

    Ida is not a sore loser. "Congratulations!" she says, to the person it hit. "Are you all right?"

    It can get worse, Xander.

<Pose Tracker> Lan Lilac has posed.

 
    "They're super cool! My little brother is a Symbologist. It takes a lot of work and effort to be a good one," and a decent pain tolerance which makes it double wild that Hicalu is one "so seeing so many spells on someone your age is really amazing!" Are all the Kleins just super accomplished and talented?? Is that fair in the eyes of the gods and the Guardians?

    Some people are truly blessed...!

    "Ahahaha!" Josie looks like she bit into a wooden nickle. Lan carefully foists the bear cub into Milly's arms. "The good thing is that you don't really have to support its head like a real baby. --Oh, its name is Runeberry!" The cloudbear grumps a little louder, hearing its name, but it is well and truly contained. And cute. And very cuddleable, if you like cuddling blanket cocoons...

    Which leaves Lan's hands free just in time for the bouquet toss! Treachery!!!

    ...She takes a step behind Josie, as if using her as a shield. "i'm good" 

<Pose Tracker> Riley Arwell has posed.

"It's a long story," says Riley, since that's easier than explaining that they've reached the end of their evil mission and are in a bit of an internal disagreement about which form of doom they need to accept. Getting to be 'good' in the time remaining (or as good as one can be after having already committed numerous killings) is a silver lining he'd like to embrace.

But SUDDENLY, FLOWERS ATTACK!! Riley gazes on in alarm and wonder as Xander is brained with the bouquet, only to catch it reflexively and panic to find such a thing in his own hands. Adorable. Magical. Riley joyfully beholds this turn of events.

And then, in further panic, he hands the bouquet off to Riley.

All of this is probably very bad for lying low. And yet a tentatively pleased little smile sneaks up upon his face.

This smile grows nervous as congratulations are offered their way, including... from Ida, someone they once stabbed who turned out to have terrible unfathomable power...

"I wonder if we need to run away now..." he suggests quietly. 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Boudicca has posed.

    Magilou has made off with a slice of cake. Perhaps even four slices of cake. And that's terrible!

    Hicalu, meanwhile... dances with Tristan. This is the most scandalous thing of all.

    And Boudicca appears to haunt Dean at the buffet, and, indeed, just as Xiumei indicated, she will try the food. She doesn't have to eat, but as Lanval will attest: eating is fun.

<Pose Tracker> Juni Vandrer has posed.

Juni's standing there like a kid with a candy bar, munching on the lats of the crab as the flowers fly through the air. Tracked by her eyes more than anything. Bouncing off of someone's head, she tries to get a better look. Carefully wiping her claws clean as she snags the cake before someone tries to steal it and flitting through the crowd.
 
 Most of this is met with a genuinely confused, "Why throw flowers at people?" There's a brief flashback to a t-shirt cannon, but that was. Not this.
 
 Those drones were watching her. She caught it briefly. She gestures with three fingers, pointing to her eyes and back, then grinning at them. That should keep the mischief down right?
 
 She sneaks a bite of the cake. Twisting on her feet to avoid someone. Hooking that tail between the crowd. This really isn't a great place for someone half the size of the others. Would they yell if she just climbed the walls and hung out? That'd damage something surely.
 
 Finally she just sucks it up though. "What was that?" She calls out, moments after the bouquet's tossed and you know. She hopes it's clear. 

<Pose Tracker> Xander Lovell has posed.

Xander does not even have the prescence of mind left to snap I know what it means! Maybe he meant to, but all that comes out is a sound that only dogs can hear. And possibly Zephyr. And Juni. And Hicalu. Maybe Runeberry. And anyone else who might have the biology or technology to pick up the frequency. Uh. Sorry, guys.

Clapping and congratulations only make Xander feel closer to exploding. Someone asks if he's all right.

For once, Riley makes an incredibly sensible suggestion.

"You think?!" Xander manages to hiss.

Oh, wait, the person asking is familiar. The person asking once hit him with a car. Because, he's, you know, a murderer?! Xander panics. Yes, they need to leave, but they also need to not be seen while a good deal of attention has turned onto them, and they need have their faces hidden right about now.

Xander does the unthinkable. He pulls Riley. Into a kiss. In. Public. It's quick, it's chaste, and Xander is sure he is absolutely going to drop dead on the spot. With his face still close to Riley's in this plausible ploy to keep their identities obscured, he has to forcibly growl out his next words: "Please tell me you have an exit strategy."

<Pose Tracker> Eleanor Klein has posed.

"Ooh, yeah?" Milly listens Lan elaborates on her brother, "That's so cool! Is he the guy who was with you earlier? I think he's hanging out with Tris now..." Then, "At Sielje!" Milly confirms for Josephine. "Are you one too? I love the field. I'm currently studying the intricacies of weather magic and especially the interplay of storms, rain, hail, and lightning. I thought it would be useful to have some nautical magic since--you know, obviously," she says, gesturing around to Klein being on the coast in general. Before she can get too into her nerdery though, Lan offers her... The Baby (Bear Edition).

And besides, Milly gets to grin at Josie. "Yeah, Nora's like that. I've heard some stories at school, but she'd get mad at me if I shared them at her wedding." She laughs cheerfully.

It's Shelton, a blond youth of roughly seventeen, who notices Juni with some interest. He's a quiet sort of fellow, scholarly like his sister but in very different subjects. He is here because he heard the clarion call of someone asking for an Explanation. "You see," Shelton says to Juni, "The tradition is that a bride throws the bouquet to her friends, and whoever catches it will be next to marry. It's not always true, of course, but it's generally considered to be part of the festivities."

Eleanor smiles back at Hannah. She is surprised in fact that Hannah goes for the hug, but it's a nice surprise, so she doesn't comment on it. That might discourage her!! but she does say to Xiu, "Well, I know we want to, at least. But maybe not immediately?" of honeymoons. ...She's happy to let Marivel explain about her daughter, but she takes the time to touch Marivel's arm. "Thanks for being here," she tells her old (super old) friend.

Magilou's CAKE THEFT will go on record as a terrible crime. She's a fugitive now. ...Well, maybe only to Ashley and Marina. Eleanor had said she wouldn't save any for Magilou...

Eleanor doesn't even see Guba, because Montgomery Curie comes to the rescue this time. He catches Guba lightly when he lands, clapping a hand on his arm. "Good try," he says, "Good try. But the forming Blitzball club isn't meeting today. Why don't I tell you about it?" Perhaps Guba will have another chance...!

No. No, he won't.

Danielle doesn't go for the bouquet too hard; she's not in a giant rush. But she makes sure to catch Monty's eye where she's waiting, though. It might be subtle! Maybe. But Eleanor sure spots where it lands. Her mouth opens in an 'o' shape before she looks between the two and... smiles, slyly. "Hm hm hm," Eleanor comments, but doesn't actually call attention to them.

...She's in a good mood. Maybe they shouldn't be here... But she's not inclined to ask them to leave, if they behave. So instead, "Glad to note there's another happy couple," she comments only to those near her. Then she lifts an eyebrow when Xander kisses Riley. She decides... "Oh yes!" She's called to the dance floor! "Yes, thank you," she says to Nightburn, and tries to draw attention to herself, which is not particularly hard for her in this situation.

...But thoughts of distractions don't last long. She has eyes only for Xiu again. Eleanor moves towards the floor, and then when Xiumei is with her, she smiles at her, tenderly. "Xiu..."

When Xiu takes her hands, Eleanor will melt into the dance. 

<Pose Tracker> Xiumei Klein has posed.

Xiumei watches the fate of the bouquet.

It doesn't meet its end with Guba -- no, he is walking with Montgomery ("Oh, really? Well, maybe they could...") towards Lanval, for that waiting bottle of wine -- and it, sadly, isn't grasped by Danielle or Marina. But, they'll get their turn. It flies towards Xander...

...bounces off his head...

...and lands in Riley's arms. And then, after a moment, Xander kisses Riley. (She can't hear what Xander said, though.) "O--oh, my," Xiumei stammers. Then, she looks back at Eleanor -- and Nightburn's words come to mind. "Oh--right!"

Varius looks back at Juni. He regards her -- then light crackles over the "helmet" (well, a sculpture of one), and forms a pair of eyes. Which narrow. Like so: >_<

Varius has found a new and terrible power.

She hurries with Eleanor to the dance floor -- though there's a worried glance back at the pavilion, to be sure everything did go well with the bouquet -- before she looks back at Eleanor. She hesitates for a second, before she lifts a hand up, and slides her fingers through Eleanor's.

They do have a band -- they've already been playing music (why, Medli has danced to it!), but they start up with a new tune after moment.

BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrVPxmdGYw4

Xiumei smiles and starts to lead, and she's a good dancer. She puts a hand on her waist, and then smiles. "I-I take it we did well," she says. "Judging by your smile."

After tht, she gives her a twirl -- and then one of her own, into Eleanor's arms.

And so it goes, twirling and spinning, until the dance ends. Xiumei smiles, then, as she looks over the crowd -- relaxing a little, as she looks them all over. It isn't like the nervousness leaves, entirely...

But, with Eleanor close, it feels that way.

"And now," Nightburn says. "We have a very special surprise. From one our bridesmaids... we have quite the show. Miss Vuong!" the old Drifter says. "If you would?"

<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.

"Ah, well, this is probably one of the largest, for sure." Marivel says to Venetia. It's honestly a bit crowded but--

Miss Marivel! How are you doing?

"Ah, well, I'm doing good actually! Quite good. Perhaps not very high energy? But good." Marivel nods once. "I'm happy to be here. I'm glad it's finally happening--but it had been such a busy...gosh, YEAR? I am in the mind to take it easy a bit longer."

"I'm glad you were able to make it here." She tells Hannah. "That you are reconnecting with an old--"

daughter?! You didn't tell me--

Marivel blinks. "Oh--ah... Frick. I didn't tell you did I? I mentioned her, but I didn't... mention that. Aah... Sorry. We had so much to talk about."

Eleanor approaches--touches an arm.

"I'm happy to be here." She leans in and murmurs--

"--And be sure to enjoy a nice and wonderful honeymoon, mm?"

She pulls back. "Have a good dance, old friend." The (old) is silent. 

<Pose Tracker> Dean Stark has posed.

    "Oh, okay," Dean says. Obviously they can't get into a long story here. "We'll talk about it later!" Assuming they have the chance. But Dean is optimistic like that.
    
    "Hey, Ida!" Dean says cheerily as she, too, offers the Fangs her congratulations. "Isn't it great for them?"
    
    And, awww, they're kissing...! ...they're kissing. As happy as Dean is for the Fangs, watching this display from right next to them is actually very uncomfortable. He sidesteps, steps, *steps*, and then zips off to the buffet where Boudicca joins him to grab that food he's been hankering for. He can keep an eye on them from here, right? Right! Better to let them have their moment as a couple without crowding them... He'll be back in a moment to keep an eye on them.
    
    Assuming they haven't run away by that point. But if they *do* run away, that's honestly better than many other alternatives. 

<Pose Tracker> Riley Arwell has posed.

Riley!! Is kissed!! In front of the everyone! He is momentarily too dazzled with romance to realize this is a self preservation tactic and just smiles questioningly at Xander as he's being growled at about an exit strategy, not quite processing the words.

The wheels in his brain turn for a while, and turn and turn... and finally he points toward Eleanor and Xiumei.

"L-look! The brides are having their first dance!!" Surely that will take the attention off of them unless their identities have already been clocked. And even then... first bride dance...!! That's more important than a couple of murderous wedding crashers, right? 

<Pose Tracker> Venetia Vuong has posed.

The call has come. Venetia sets her plate down, puts two fingers into her mouth, and whistles. The other Mineralogists vector in on her, and she states, "We will see you outside shortly."

The night has come. Full dark, though the stars are peeking out; even so, with the lights from the wedding party, it is a black canvas.

There are no 'remarks' - Venetia Vuong marches down the field towards where a handful of her cronies, the men in the college suits with the honorable black silk masks for a proper event such as this - and there is a few minutes of fussing and shuffling, barely discernible.

The fireworks begin with a single mortar-shot up into the air. Whiz-bang! Another one. A total of eight in rapid succession. The screaming howl distant, controlled. Angled away from the house, but filling the air. (The team from the School of Mineralogy are aiming, more or less, towards some nearby water... just in case.)

Then come more: one at a time, then pairs. Bursts of red and blue; vivid orange and yellow; purple flame. Snakes and multi-part bursters. Sinuous things, geometric things. A 'finale' seems to happen, with seven bursts of purple and green with a single huge one with two simultaneous pop-pops of red and blue, intermingling to form a great sphere of purple that rap-a-tap-a-tap-as into a final shower of light!

A few seconds pass...

And a great ghostly image shines up into the haze of smoke that the fireworks have left hanging, like the joyous cousin of a gunsmoke battle, in the lower atmosphere near the Klein estate.

It's like a title card in a picture book.

            THE END...?

It changes.

            IT ISN'T THE END.

The same ghostly projection throws images - they are in a green-tinged black and white, and distorted somewhat by the 'screen' of smoke that they shine with in, but they stand true to life. Each picture holds Xiumei or Eleanor, or ideally, both. And each of them holds other people. Whether taken in the dutiful moments that come in the complex operations of a Dig - the serious moments of an ARMS operational meeting - the candid images of life on the streets and the roads and the forests and the deserts of Filgaia or of Lunar and Spira - or simple quiet moments. The last image is one Venetia must have snuck of Xiumei and Eleanor dancing, just a few moments ago.

The picture show lasts about two and a half minutes.

It ends on a card, fainter.

            IT'S THE BEGINNING.

            A MYRIAD OF BLESSINGS FOR
            ELEANOR * XIUMEI

Another card, saying the same but with an extra sentence beneath.

            NOW HERE'S THE FINALE

There is a flicker of lights near where the college men came as they light a number of fuses, and then figures are seen running like mad up the hill. The racks of simple wood glow for a moment -- and --

BURST!

Four sky-rockets of many colors! Six in simple brilliant yellow light! One big one that BOOMS hard enough to scare off any unwelcome ghosts in this half of the county, followed by a SECOND BOOM, each of them producing a lingering fireball. A rack of sixty-four smaller skyrockets, rising in cones of white and red and mostly going straight up (a couple of balls of white streak off, fortunately towards the water).

There is a single enormous rocket that rises then - breaking off into three slower-moving balls that simply rise into the air... did something go wrong...?

Venetia, halfway up the hill, invokes something; that deep breath of Ley feeling, if at quite a distance, because this is one of the big ones. A glowing crucible appears more or less above her and sweeps off, upwards, towards the balls. It turns, it tips, it pours a ribbon of glowing yellow down... the balls are briefly extinguished.

And then they erupt in luminous green and purple and blue, rising upwards as subsidiary bursts throw the night sky into day-brightness as the sub-rockets burst and bang and a sound like distant tolling and clanging bells (or at least metal striking metal) can be heard.

Venetia is the last one back up the hill and, once at the fringes of the party, pitches forwards onto the grass, gasping for breath. She may need a beverage, quickly. 

<Pose Tracker> Ida Everstead-Rey has posed.

    Ida has only seen the back of Xander's head, and she's one drink in. She flinches, a little, at something she can't quite make out, and then--

    A kiss. A kiss, in front of everyone. Ida's face flushes, and she steps away from the two, letting them have their private time. Xander's desperate ploy has thrown this particular threat off their scent, for now.

    (Adorable!)

    "It is," Ida says to Dean, and her smile says everything: she did not get a good look at either of them before they started smooching, and has no clue who they are. "Yes," she says, "let's--give them some privacy."

<Pose Tracker> Juni Vandrer has posed.

Juni Vandrer holds up her computer's display. Showing the image right back. Albeit with a third >< where her own third eye would be. The drones are small enough they aren't tripping her concern over rogue AIs. For now.
 
 Xander's high pitched squeak gets a reaction from her that suggests she was reaching for a service sidearm. Which isn't on her dress. Or on planet. "What wait what?" she spins, twists and hops up on her tail to get a look over the crowd without success. Then she just rubs her ear and mutters. She has no idea what that was.
 
 The youth behind her gets her attention since he was you know, forthcoming and this is always helpful. "So they're not snacks." is her response. She then tries to crack a smile. Full of teeth, "Joking. Plants aren't the best eating." ... "Thank you. Seriously." Then a pause. "I guess I can't talk too much, we have our own weird traditions."
 
 There's a bite of cake then.
 
 The kiss between the two gets a flat, "So they're next?" Once she's not you know, eating.
 
 The whistle gets a similar response to that high pitched sound earlier. A twist and a jump up to see what's going on.
 
 Shuffled outside, Juni's not one to turn down fireworks. They have similar. Name a culture out there that isn't amused by explosions. "Always did like that smell." The gunpowder. It's no surprise there either. There's actually a pause and a murmured, "Damn, I could have helped set those up." Maybe even gotten some fun colors!
 
 There's going to be some editing later. And maybe some cannibalization of parts. She has an idea she wants to try for... 

<Pose Tracker> Seraph Lanval has posed.

    Suddenly, by that patch of grass where the World's Greatest Magician rests on the possibility of an academic errata stating this specific year as the terminus of which this claim lies undisputed...!
 
     Lanval flinches, wincing as if he might've just been caught in the fringes of an undisclosed mischief of a beverage-esque nature...! But the way Venetia shows her exertion...
 
     "Venetia!" He says. "Are ya all right?" He's a good fellow and a good friend, putting down a cup and pouring some drink of some (wholesome) stripe for her. "Ha ha! That wash a great show!" 

<Pose Tracker> Josephine Lovelace has posed.

    "Oh yeah? But not you?" Josie says to Lan. "Fair enough. Ain't like all traditions oughtta be passed on." It wasn't as if she had choice in the matter, anyway. To Milly, she nods and explains, "I do a little of it myself, but mine're on my back." It had been an easier 'canvas' for her father as a child, and when she had finally added to the set she had 'inherited', it seemed a reasonable-enough place to continue from. "So this ain't the place to compare notes, right? Me... well, I'm from Marze, so you get the idea!" She laughs as if it were some sort of private joke, only to shake her head.

    "Aha," she remarks on the subject of Eleanor 'being like that'. So that was the way of it...

    Josie will remember this.

    "You and me both, kiddo," Josie asides to Lan, not being the marrying type herself.

    Here comes the bouquet...! Josie isn't getting anywhere near that.

    She regards the two who had caught it a moment. "Maybe there'll be another wedding, soon enough." Though she does pause a moment. "...Can't say I know their faces, though... whose party are they with?"

    Fortunately, there are distractions to be had for that (un)lucky pair: first the matter of the brides' first dance, and then, a display outside!

    "Always liked a good show," Josie remarks, once the display has ended. "Well! How about that open bar?"

    Hopefully, it is an open bar. 

<Pose Tracker> Xander Lovell has posed.

Mercy comes in the form of a dance, which has its own ironies for Xander. But that's neither here nor there: the point is, the brides will dance, and that's where everyone's attention will go. It's a window to escape from the everything, but mostly the mortifying embarrassment of being perceived.

There's even more cover provided. The night sky lights up with fire and light. It's a spectacle fascinating enough that even after slipping away -- dragging Riley if he has to -- Xander pauses a safe distance from the reception to turn and watch.

In just a slightly different world, this wedding may never have happened. Xander doesn't like imagining the sort of pain that would have persisted in its place as he sees the images of two lives play out. It's not merely a happy occasion, it's one that prevents a tragedy.

He looks down at the bouquet still in his hands and sighs without exasperation for once tonight. It's more of a huff through his nose, watching the lights reflect off the flower petals. He draws his attention back to the sky. The beginning...

"Congratulations," Xander says quietly.

Strange. Despite everything, he hates the world a little less tonight.

<Pose Tracker> Venetia Vuong has posed.

 
"I am," Venetia tells Lanval, "*exhausted*, because do you have any idea how difficult it can be to be in a big crowd of overlanders all the live long day? No, you can't, and I'm sure the frosh are the same, but I'm just popping off because that was more casting than I throw in one of these climactic battles for the world. Did you like the God's Foundry at the end? I was proud of that, but testing the firework out, hooh! You could shoot something to Spira with that damn thing."

Venetia then downs the entire offered cup and flops back onto her back.

"... I'm very glad you liked it. Really, I just organized. I feel so glad for the two of them. And Tristan, too. Ahhhh; what a night. What a *day*!" 

<Pose Tracker> Riley Arwell has posed.

The only problem with this confluence of fortuitous covers to their escape is that Riley wants to watch the dance and the fireworks too! And so he lags after Xander, being pulled along while looking backwards over his shoulder as he goes. There's a little wave for Dean along the way, too.

When they finally settle some distance away from the festivities, they at least can still see the fireworks zooming into the sky.

Riley leans against Xander a little, smiling at the bouquet and settling to watch the remainder of the show.

"See? That was nice, wasn't it? It all turned out well..." 

<Pose Tracker> Xiumei Klein has posed.

Xiumei knew, of course, that there would be a fireworks display. She just didn't know the contents of it. It was a surprise from Venetia and her assistants.

She gasps, with surprise and delight, throughout, as the first round of rockets go up. She stares upward -- and her eyes widen, as she realizes the smoke is being used to project images. She recognizes many of the photographs; she was there for so many. Trips taken with Eleanor; exploring and moments at work; even the wedding.

She smiles, finding her eyes having tears in them again. She blinks a few more times, and she smiles up at the final essages. Not the end, but the beginning.

When the finale comes, with all of its glory -- and sorcery, she suspects -- she wraps her arm around Eleanor's shoulders, and pulls her in closer. She looks up, watching, and smiles.

Not the end, she thinks. Not even close.

She leans her head over, after a moment, and rests it on her wife's shoulder as the final plays out above them.

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