Leta wields a two handed longsword of good steel with an ornate copper inlaid pommel.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard arrives, following Eirene.

Eirene has joined the Visitors' Pews.

Fidelia Fidante, A Lady-in-Waiting, Joslyn arrive, following Juliet.

War efforts or not, there has been some great pain taken to make the already elegant and beautiful shrine into a place of delightful romance. Hothouse flowers fill planters along the sides of the walls, and at the end of each pew, giving off their sweet fragrances into the chill air of winter. Some of that chill has been chased off with open braziers that are burning in merry harmony. These are notably set AWAY from places where attendees with elaborate clothing might be sitting or moving, but the treated wood burns almost smokelessly. Disciples of Jayus who favor the vocal arts have been arranged off to one side of the altar, and a quartet of string musicians is off to the other side. They begin to play soothing music which, along the way, signifies to the arriving guests that it is time to start the ceremony.

Orazio moves to stand directly behind the altar, his gaze sweeping over the guests assembled, looking for TROUBLEMAKERS. Or maybe just, y'know, blessing people. Hard to tell. He begins to speak. "Let all who witness this sacred rite, the joining together of two into one, bound by oaths and obligations in their lives together, be welcome before the eyes of Limerance. Be aware to all who are gathered that this is sacred ground, to be respected, on this day of dignity and joy." Does his gaze linger with special import on a few people as he looks at the guests? Hard to say. At any rate, he says, "Let the bride and groom approach the altar, along with any escorts they choose." There's a flourish from the musicians: the march of bride and groom will be accompanied by a traditional hymn to Limerance, a slow and sensual instrumental piece that is a touch more popular in the Lyceum than the Oathlands, perhaps, but still quite respectable.


Serafine is waiting in the back, discretely, for Leta to arrive. She's wearing a dress made of seasilk, scandalous in its cut, slit to the hips, her back bare. The moment she sees the sellsword, she grins, and moves into the Shrine proper, heading towards Eleyna. Her dark hair is braided and tucked high. Her inked skin is visible to all, a new one, that of a magpie, inked into her left shoulder.

Niccolo arrives with Deva and once he does, he considers for a moment. He leans in to whisper something to the princess, before he continues on to claim a place to sit down at. He looks at the groom's pews and offers a genuine smile to Isolde, a dip of his head to Fortunato and a look of study to Prism. The archduke then moves to claim a spot at the bride's pews.

Blacktongue has joined the Altar of Limerance.

Niccolo has joined the Bride's Pews.

Luca has joined the Bride's Pews.

"SCANDAL. The Prince of Farhaven, weeping like a baby in the Prince of Sanctum's arms. What would people say-- other than that they hope he has a good launderer." Donella inclines her head to Edain himself in greeting. She lowers her voice to ask, "You don't also laugh at funerals do you?" And then it is the time to pray. Still. She does whisper.

Eirene has made no effort to be prompt OR dress up. Likely said trouble the priest is looking for. She at least has cleaned up and doesn't smell of liquor. That shows some consideration of the event. Her sword is also properly peace-tied in colors of the family's house to show she's actually paid attention.

Isolde smiles at Niccolo in return, looking back with a serene expression to the service.

Alejandra, a snowy white hound, 1 Grayson Guardsmen arrive, following Reese.

Someone succeeded in wrangling more than a hairbrush to Deva's head today, because her red strands are left to fall in simple, loose curls. "Is someone torturing Edain and I missed it?" she asks quizzically upon arrival, her eyes briefly squinting at Edain. There's a brisk nod of agreement for Niccolo, and she moves to sit down with him. Her hand waves in quick fluttering greetings for so many familiar faces, but finally her gaze settles upon Orazio in a reserved fashion as the ceremony begins.

Blacktongue murmurs something to Talen before they step towards the altar, his stride graceful rather than a mocking gait this time around. Whatever he says to his nephew is followed by an impish, cheshire smile and bark of laughter before he assumes the more super serious role of Best Man. Game face, on.

Deva has joined the Bride's Pews.

Tristram arrives, following Katarina.

Katarina has joined the Visitors' Pews.

Juliet steps inside, wearing the seasilk shroud woven with reflective champagne-silver, arm wrapped against that of Joslyn, and in quiet conversation as they arrive, considering carefully. Eventually choosing the visitor's pews as she guides the other woman to settle there. Giving polite nods here and there, though admittedly, with her face being covered, exactly whom she's greeting may be difficult to parse.

Juliet has joined the Visitors' Pews.

Luca has left the Bride's Pews.

Luca has joined the Groom's Pews.

Joslyn has joined the Visitors' Pews.

"This one I would rather you do not poison, uncle. There's truth in that, I confess. An odd thing, really," Talen emits with a shake of his head then, pressing a hand to Blacktongue's shoulder to urge him in accompaniment up to the altar as Orazio's words echo throughout the serene shrine. Listening to the words as they walk, his gaze roams ahead, pale grey-blue eyes turning over those already there. "Honourable Legate," he murmurs to the man so addressed, "thank you for your time today," he says aloud, turning to glance backward down the aisle.

Joslyn is dressed in an asymetrical dress of gossamer silk, her own arm wrapped in turn around Juliet's waist as they quietly make their way over to the pews, quietly speaking and nodding her head towards the other woman.

Talen has joined the Altar of Limerance.

Luca arrives to yet another event surprisingly on time. Whether that's due to threat on his life by Eleyna, or due to the woman arriving on his arm isn't clear. The Velenosan Champion prince is decked out tonight more than he usually would be. An ankle-length coat of black silk with brocade Velenosan purple in elaborate pattern over it and matching vest over a pristine white shirt and tight velvet pants, his diamondplate sabre at his hip. He cuts a darker contrast in all ways to the paler blonde Reese, with her golden hair done up beautifully and a luxurient, form-hugging dress of sea silk with shimmering pale pink into white with flowing sleeves and trailing hem (http://tinyurl.com/hn6se4j), her pink alaricite blade Devotion at her hip despite that. The pair seem to be laughing as they arrive, but are sombering in face of the gathering, making way to the groom's pews where directed after some confusion. For his part, Luca couldn't help a wave and wink for the one facing almost inevitable death by Black Widow, at least someday, though the Champion adds a thumbs up to it encouragingly to Talen at the end.

Katarina arrives into the shrine not long after Juliet's entry. The young Eurusi's arm is hand is delicately ensnared in the crook of Tristram's bent arm, golden eyes rimmed in kohl widening a touch at the splendor of the god of Love's decor before her head turns to offer hushed word to her escort. Quietly, they trail after the Fidante lady and feminine companion to the visitor's pews, working their way into some prime real estate for optimal view.

Leta arrives at Serafine's side with a quiet smile and nod to the Velenosa princess, taking a moment or two to adjust herself, tugging here and there on her outfit with slight unease. Not that the unease extends to the way she walks, with a swagger, alongside Serafine. If one can swagger meekly, she does, following the other woman's lead with an uncertain expression on her face, though she is ready with a friendly smile and a respectful bow of her head to anyone looking her way.

While the observers gathered in the Shrine and settled themselves in the pews, Eleyna stood off to the side, waiting in silence. She's clad in umbra that makes her already pale skin glow like a pearl. Blond curls are worn loose and covered with an exquisitely rendered veil of black lace and umbra that also shadows her alabaster-hued features. Icy blue eyes, the shade of the cold winter sky, turn toward Orazio as he speaks and, when given the appropriate signal, Eleyna makes her way to the altar with a composed, serene expression on her face as if she's not plagued by a drop of anxiety. Which makes sense considering this is the fourth time she's done this. At the altar, she smiles briefly at something Blacktongue murmurs and then glances between Talen and Orazio.

Eleyna has joined the Altar of Limerance.

Serafine has joined the Altar of Limerance.

Serafine smiles and leaves Leta to take a seat, moving to the Altar to stand behind her sister, out of the way, attentive.

Reese arrives while keeping a gentle hold of Luca's arm. She has a soft silent greeting in the form of a subtle smile for those she knows. She follows Luca to their seats, perching down and smoothing the fabric of her skirts.

Valencia steps inside the shrine and finds her way to the back of room. Her dress is less daring than usual, blood rose red silks, clinging to slender waist and curves and her hair worn swept up and held in place by little golden haripins. The little raven-haired fox stands quietly observing the room, hands folded in front of her, expression mild, dark eyes glimmering in the dim light.

Reese has joined the Bride's Pews.

Reese has left the Bride's Pews.

Reese has joined the Groom's Pews.

Orazio looks at Talen, smiles and bows at the greeting, then another bow and a warm smile to Eleyna, as they each reach the place before the altar. The musicians reach a crescendo as they arrive, and he allows it to crest, then die away into silence before he fills the shrine with the resonant words he speaks. "You arrive separately. Two individuals, of two houses, and two families. But this is the place and the time for two to become joined into one. One marriage, one house, one family. This is an occasion for joy, but also for solemn reflection. The vows sworn here are under the eyes of Limerance, and will be taken to his heart, to be kept sacred. Thus, to break these vows is to break the heart of Limerance. Reflect on this, before you speak." Oh, it is stern, and he allows a moment of silence for that reflection.

But it is only a moment, before he says, "In addition to your own vows, here is what Limerance asks of you: Do you both swear, from the moment of your joining until death, to be faithful to the contracts you have made? To treat each other with respect, affection, and honor? To protect and persevere through sickness and want, as well as to retain faith and humility in times of plenty and ease? Will you share your burdens, your joys, and your fears? And will you swear, before the Pantheon, that your life will be bound to one another, serving each other, until death do you both part? If you do so swear, then speak it clearly, and add the additional vows you have chosen."

Zaina has joined the Visitors' Pews.

"It isn't a Lyceum wedding if someone does do the 'fall down and twitch' routine." Blacktongue bemoans to Talen, a wink to Eleyna when the groom's back is turned. The man isn't holding anything dangerous, just the rings, a viper, and an apple!

The viper might also be wearing the rings, it's not clear. He's helping.

Leta looks slightly lost for a moment as she considers the seating arrangements. She hesitates, then nods to Serafine as the knight heads towards the altar. Then, carefully, slowly, she approaches the nearest empty seat to one side of the pews and takes a seat. After a brief bow of her head to the others near her, she turns her attention to the ceremony, seeming to listen quite intently to Orazio's words.

Leta has joined the Bride's Pews.

Blacktongue wears the viper, around his neck. Lazy snek.

Orazio stares at the viper. He clears his throat, quietly.

Prism angles in her seat to wiggle her fingers, non-discreet, at someone across the temple. Hard to say who.

Tristram waves to Prism, whether or not he's her target, with a slight smile.

Katarina looks curiously toward Prism when Tristram waves to the woman, a faint smile creasing her lips in case there's some eye caught.

Valencia has joined the Bride's Pews.

Talen reflects as he's bidden to and for a moment, his eyes turn to Blacktongue and finds only sarcasm and twisted wit. Well, that was helpful. With an intake of breath, a redoubled effort at lifting his chin as proudly as it often is, the Sword of Lenosia speaks first. What is normally a soft bassy voice is louder today, carrying through the hall to the very back pews. "In this, I swear - I do," Talen tells Orazio, the princess and presumably the god in witness. Expanding then, he goes on to say: "Before Limerance and all gathered here today, in front of the people of Arx and those throughout Arvum and the world over, I will stand by my wife in all matters. I will lift my sword to fight for her, my shield to protect her. I bind myself to her in all ways, forevermore, until death do us part."
Then, more clearly, he address Eleyna with his eyes sharp and staring into hers. "If you take me as your husband, Princess Eleyna Velenosa, you will never suffer without those who harmed you in turn being punished. As our family's saying goes, it shall be for you doubly so, where I am concerned. You will not want for anything that I have to give, nor will I stop in ensuring that I obtain whatever is you desire."

werds ^

Silas lifts his head, clearly listening now, but remaining stonily silent. His gaze briefly flickers towards Blacktongue and his viper, but really, he's seen stranger things by now.

Eleyna somehow manages to remain solemn as she listens to Orazio's words on the vows and obligations of marriage. As the Legate enumerates the duties owed to Limerance, Eleyna's head turns very slightly toward Talen as she looks at him from beneath the veil that hides most of her expression. Her gaze remains there as he confirms the vows to the God and then offers his own. Whatever her reaction is, it is hidden beneath layers of lace. Once Talen is finished speaking, the princess waits a beat and then offers in a clear voice that rings through the Shrine, "I do." After taking a breath, she begins to say her own words, still speaking loud enough to be heard though it's clear that whatever she says is directed to the man in front of her. "Before the Gods, all who gather here today, and all the world, I vow that I will be at your side in all things. I have no sword with with to defend you, but I will offer my own strengths to be your partner in all ways you might require."
Eleyna smiles beneath her veil and her voice lowers just a trace as she continues, "You will never want for anything that I can provide nor anything that I can get through other means. Your enemies are my enemies and your allies are my allies. More than all this, I vow to love you, Talen Velenosa, with everything that I am until the day the Gods see fit to part us."

Zaina has left the Visitors' Pews.

Orazio nods as each speaks their vows. His eyes turn to the audience, and he speaks in a clear voice, "The bride and the groom have sworn their oaths and made their vows, before the Pantheon and their fellow people. Is there anyone here who has reason to object to the vows so sworn, or the union about to be sealed?"

Serafine suddenly snickers at something Talen says.

Talen seems to murmur at the altar amongst the group there at the mention of objections. He looks terribly serious.

Eirene wonders aloud- perhaps *too*loudly, "Is the plural of penis penii?"

Edain says, "Yes."

Niccolo checked composure against difficulty 15, resulting in 21, 6 higher than the difficulty.

Serafine sighs. Ah, Lycenes.

Katarina says, ".... I don't know want to know if female snakes have two parts, too."

"Strangely enough, Your Grace, it's never come up. Herpetology isn't something my tutor was well versed in. She was very skilled with silver-patterns on spoons, though. Though it does raise interesting questions about dragons and sea-serpents." She glances to Darren. 'What?' her look seems to say. "This is not my fault."

Blacktongue only nods solemnly to Talen, adding, "I'll grab the nettle."

Tristram looks from Eirene to Edain and feels like he missed something important.

Valencia shakes her head and tries not to smile as the conversation seems to go south.. which is strangely appropriate.

Eirene ahs's quietly and goes back to watching in relative silence. No objections. Just the amused musing.

Ariel blushes as she continues to listen to the talk going on at the guest pews, some of the words being spoken louder by others. She just continues to remain quiet, trying to focus upon the wedding

The Legate...sighs. There's a twist to his expression that suggests that he is now disapproving of everything and everyone, except possibly Limerance. POSSIBLY. He clears his throat. "I will take that to mean that there are no objections /to the union before us/. Ahem. In which case," he regains his smile with practiced ease, "by the powers invested in me by the Faith of the Pantheon, and by the god of love, it is my great joy and honor to pronounce you to be wed, in the eyes of man and the gods. Prince Talen, Princess Eleyna - you are now joined, of one hearth and one family. You may kiss to seal the marriage. Or, presumably, because you enjoy it. So shall it be!"

Donella applauds for the couple, and the snake, and the snake bearer, and yesssss the holy father, too.

Juliet raises herself properly upright again, and brings together her hands in polite applause, even if the confining shroud she wears muffles the sound just a little.

Katarina joins in on the applause, albeit a touch sluggishly after some whispered word with her pewmates.

Prism claps enthusiastically. Oh hooray, marriage!

Deva is overheard praising Eleyna for: A lovely bride!

Deva is overheard praising Talen for: You're okay.

Katarina is overheard praising Eleyna for: Absolutely beautiful.

Deva is overheard praising Orazio for: What a wedding!

Tristram is overheard praising Eleyna.

Ariel begins clapping as the couple is now married

Acacia's smile is utterly genuine, verging on the edge of joyous laughter as she brings her hands together to applaud for the united Bride and Groom.

Reese is overheard praising Eleyna for: Beautiful bride and widow no more

Donella is overheard praising Talen for: That is an enormous viper.

Prism has left the Groom's Pews.

Darren joins in the applause for the couple, and lets out a low 'whoop' in cheer, too.

Ariel is overheard praising Orazio for: Lovely ceremony

Reese is overheard praising Talen for: Very very very very brave!

Silas is overheard praising Talen for: GOOD JOB

Ariel is overheard praising Eleyna for: Lovely bride

Darren is overheard praising Eleyna for: Beautiful bride!

Eirene gives polite applause, her leather gloves making a distinct sound.

Darren is overheard praising Talen for: Enjoy the wedding night! Hopefully it's not your last.

Darren is overheard praising Orazio for: A beautiful ceremony.

Isolde is overheard praising Talen for: Oh happy day.

Serafine is overheard praising Talen for: I EXPECT TO HEAR NOISE COMPLAINTS! DO HER PROPER!

Luca is overheard praising Eleyna for: Beautiful words and beautiful wedding

Luca is overheard praising Talen for: Equally beautiful words, totally gonna get Black Widowed within a year though. *ducks*

Isolde is overheard praising Eleyna for: Oh happy day.

Serafine is overheard praising Eleyna for: I am so happy for you.

Valencia smiles softly at Eleyna, her eye maybe a little damp. She clears her throat quietly and rises form the bench.

Reese is overheard praising Orazio for: lovely ceremony

Deva joins in on the applause, smiling brightly up at Talen and Eleyna as their vows are sealed. She even sits upright, rather than slouched, such is her happiness.

Edain is overheard praising Eleyna.

Edain is overheard praising Talen.

Donella is overheard praising Eleyna for: May you live long and love deeply, sound in your views before Limerance.

Orazio is overheard praising Eleyna for: A lovely bride, and best wishes for the future.

Prism has joined the Groom's Pews.

Eirene comments, "Hopefully this one won't die." She means it as sincerely as she can, no sarcasm thrown.

Orazio is overheard praising Talen for: A wonderful groom, and thoughtful enough to go outside if needed.

"Presumably," Talen echoes with a twisted lilt to his voice that might foreshadow amusement. As he turns to Blacktongue, the Harlequin provides the needed reach for the rings to be procured, after the swordsman himself removes his gauntlets. "Thanks," he tells both jester and snake. There's a dutiful step taken forward, the heavy sound of metal on marble as he closes the gap between himself and Eleyna. Extending the now bared hands for hers, he awaits her to give it to him, so he may slip the stygian band about her appropriate finger and offer his own for her to reciprocate. "Even the god of love would not let us kiss /southern/ style, so... shall we at least try something marginally appropriate?" he wonders, reaching to lift the veil.

Niccolo squeezes Deva's hand and then lets go so he can join the applause.

Fortunato is overheard praising Orazio for: Always a terrific ceremony.

Niccolo is overheard praising Eleyna for: You will be loved.

Talen is overheard praising Eleyna for: Dark princess... and my wife.

Niccolo is overheard praising Talen for: You better love her.

Donella is overheard praising Orazio for: Long suffering.

Niccolo is overheard praising Orazio for: Legendary patience.

Donella is overheard praising Blacktongue for: Snakebearer par excellence.

Luca joins in the applause as if he was having a deeply hard time not bursting out laughing his ass off ever since the Penii Incident (tm). He even exuberantly tosses out a raucous two-fingered wolf whistle shrilly above the applause when the southern style kiss gets mentioned.

Valencia is overheard praising Eleyna for: Beautiful bride and beloved cousin. ay you always look this happy and filled with such great love.

Kodo and Podo - The Ferret Twins arrives, following Haati.

Deva seems to only now notice Prism, once the room is engaged in thunderous applause and she's glancing around at the other pews. She keeps clapping, but she stares, too.

Tristram meanders, alongside Katarina, over to the Groom's Pews.

Katarina has left the Visitors' Pews.

Leta joins in with the others as everyone starts to applaud, and she applauds rather vigorously up until the applaud begins to die down, at which point she stops. As far as applause goes, and under the circumstances, she is a follower, not a leader.

Katarina has joined the Groom's Pews.

Haati finally is able to get away from the forge and join the festivities of the wedding, the applause hits him and he stealthily slips into the back applauding.

Tristram has joined the Groom's Pews.

Haati has joined the Visitors' Pews.

Katarina allows herself to be drawn along, a backward glance flung toward the visitor's pews.

Serafine looks around, amused, pleased, and ... relieved.

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

Eleyna holds out her hands, but is watching Talen's face instead of her fingers as he slips the ring on the appropriate one. She does the same, though she actually glances down to make sure that she's placing the ring on the appropriate finger or that she doesn't drop it. That would be omen, wouldn't it? The corner of her mouth lifts in a smirk as she murmurs in reply, "We have our entire lives to be scandals. We should make an effort to start on a semi-appropriate note, I think."

Eleyna is overheard praising Talen for: Entirely worth the wait.

Eleyna is overheard praising Blacktongue for: You behaved yourself! Mostly.

Eleyna is overheard praising Serafine for: You behaved yourself, too!

Ariel begins to slowly rise from the guest pews, offering a warm smile to Juliet.

Eleyna is overheard praising Orazio for: Trusted friend. I am glad you were the one to perform the vows.

Ariel has left the Visitors' Pews.

2 Redoubt Buccaneers, Minnow the Ocelot leave, following Ariel.

Orazio steps back from the altar, to allow the bride and groom to kiss. The musicians strike up music of happiness and celebration. While there may not be a formal reception, yet, several young acolytes come in, bearing trays of drinks and food for the guests, nonetheless. The cautious-eyed might notice that both are chosen from frugal ingredients, but the resulting pies, pastries, and hot drinks are substantial and tasty enough.

Orazio has left the Altar of Limerance.

"I'll try," Talen replies before taking that last half step, securing Eleyna by the hip with one hand and with his newly bejeweled other reaches for her face. While his thumb traces the soft point of her chin, the tips of his remaining fingers roam up her jawline toward the ear to cradle her cheek. The crush of his lips is passionate, not chaste. There's tongue, yet it remains on her mouth, as promised. There's not rucking of skirts in the Shrine of Limerance, though he bites the plush lower line of her mouth and tugs at least once, a smirk on his face - eyes closed, quiet heated murmurs.

Isolde has left the Groom's Pews.

Jaxon, Champion of the Reflection, Tails, the arctic fox, 5 Velenosa House Guards, The Mirrormasked Woman leave, following Isolde.

Niccolo says something quietly to Deva, then steps towards the bride and groom. He slows down as Talen kisses Eleyna, but waits for that to be done before continuing his approach to the couple. He stands by them, with his hands clasped behind his back.

Darren rises from the pews as the kissing commences and servants bring out drinks and pies, offering a hand over to Donella to help her up. "Think we should go say congratulations?" he looks over his shoulder to squint at Talen and Eleyna, "Er.. When they're done, I mean," he grins.

Eirene checked wits against difficulty 25, resulting in 24, 1 lower than the difficulty.

Silas stands after politely applauding. He moves to exit the shrine. Not hungry, it appears!

Silas has left the Visitors' Pews.

Deva withdraws, toward the visitors' pews, with a quick smile for those still seated. She sits down at one that she can twist and wave at people from, though she remains reservedly silent while conversations continue throughout the shrine.

Eirene looks at the bride and groom, then glances at Niccolo, but she just can't stop herself from commenting, "Get a room." She sniggers a little, giving a teasing smile.

Donella answers Darren with widened eyes, "I ... do not know? Is it warm in here? It's warm in here. Don't we have a tree to kick?"

Donella has left the Visitors' Pews.

Deva has left the Bride's Pews.

Deva has joined the Visitors' Pews.

Blacktongue is a dutiful snek bearer, but as the service reaches its culmination the man is smiling wide, no jester caricature here. For now, he is simply Talen's uncle - a brief shadow of the man that was Dontello showing through as he gives his nephew a hug.

Valencia smiles at Leta and gives her a warm hug, "Welcome to the family, so to speak. I'm so very happy. Truly." The little princess offers her a light kiss on the cheek and look over to give her beloved Serafine the most ridiculously happy smile. "I should offer my congratulations. Perahps we will see you at the Hart later for drinks." Stepping from the seats, Valencia offers Deva a brief nod and heads to ofer wishes to Eleyna and Talen.

For a moment, there is nothing else in the world that exists by the man in front of her. The expression on the princess' face is one of rapt fascination tempered with amusement as the veil is lifted and Talen takes her in his arms. She leans into the hand at her cheek and returns that kiss exactly in the manner that it's given. She keeps it brief and whispers in response to whatever words were murmurs. She pulls away and turns to look at those that approach, perhaps seeming a little less coldly distant than usual. Her hand lingers on Talen's arm, the ruby on the new ring there glimmering crimson in the light.

Juliet rises as well, taking Joslyn by the hand. "I suppose it's only fitting we give our congratulations in person as well." She concludes, glancing from the happy couple to the woman beside her.

Orazio takes a moment, once the kiss is over, to murmur, "Congratulations to you both. May the gods look upon your union with fondness in the years to come." It's formal, but his smile is warm and genuine. Congratulations given, he moves to drift away, to answer the summons of a priest in the corner who has been trying to catch his eyes throughout the ceremony.

The little princess waits her turn and then approaches the happy couple with a sweet and affectionate smile. "Congratulations, both. I wish you such happiness. I seem to be lost for words today, so please pardon, but I am so very glad you have found each other,'" Valencia says, offering Eleyna a gentle hug and a light kiss on the cheek. "Be well and please be very happy."

Joslyn takes Juliet's hand, rising alongside her, nodding in agreement, wiping at her eyes once again. "Yes. I think we should. You may have to introduce us, as I've met neither bride nor groom before," she adds.

Acacia gingerly stands up, but her brow is thoughtfully creased as she does so. An extra bow is produced for essentially all in the Visitor's Pews.

Leta freezes up for a moment at the hug from Valencia, but does her best to return it with cautious hand placement. "Thank you, your Highness. Well - just - just swore my fealties and all that. Aye. Could be. Could use a drink these days, though I'm not right sure what my plans are." she replies quietly, leaning over to look in Serafine's direction as well, with a small fond smile. But she remains over by the pews.

Darren smirks over at Donella, pulling her up to her feet and then offering her his arm. "It'd be rude not to say congratulations," he looks back over his shoulder. "Besides, they are done now. It looks like. I think. We can kick the tree after, I promise," he smirks, offering a wave to Deva before he takes Donella over to the bride and groom, grabbing some hot drinks for Donella and himself along the way.

Niccolo looks between Talen and Eleyna and then back to Talen. And it's Talen the one he approaches first. He puts his left hand on the right man's shoulder. His right hand actually slides behind the other man's neck. For a few moments, his eyes meet Talen's, and then, finally the archduke speaks. "I'm proud of you son. Love her. Honor her." The Venelosa High Lord leans in to whisper something to his former ward, and now adopted son.

Niccolo gives Talen's neck some firm pats after the murmured words. He turns to Eleyna next, his eyes linger on her. he steps towards her, and without words just pulls her into a hug. The Archduke kisses the woman's cheek, before whispering to her as well, while he holds her.

Finally, Niccolo steps back and puts his hands on both their shoulders. "Make each other happy," he tells them simply, with a dip of his head. He pivots and then steps away from the couple, to give others room to approch them.

Valencia checked composure against difficulty 15, resulting in 34, 19 higher than the difficulty.

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

Darren has left the Visitors' Pews.

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

Prism has left the Groom's Pews.

"Hi... bye," Deva smiles and then briefly frowns as Darren and Donella leave. Her shoulders stiffen, and she peels herself out of her seat in search of something stiff to drink.

Acacia has left the Visitors' Pews.

An Unremarkable Associate leaves, following Acacia.

Eirene stands from her pew and stretches, rolling her neck side to side. She gives a sharp salute to the bride and groom from her distance, not interrupting the receiving line. That done, the Malvici woman strolls out- snagging an apple crisp from a passing tray.

Prism springs from her seat in the benches, to stride straight up to Orazio in whatever corner he's faded away to. "Legate Orazio?" she asks.

Reese rises from the groom's bench. She has a gentle smile for the newly married couple, but instead of giving them her wishes she rushes to check on the hound waiting just outside. (ooc: need to run to work!)

Eirene has left the Visitors' Pews.

Donella is in no particular hurry to rush upon the so recently amorous couple. "I would not be rude, when I wish them well. It is very ... sweet, to see passion from newlyweds."

Sincere well wishes extended, Valenicia nods and takes a litte breath, her expression mild and soft as she turns to glance about the room.

"Father," Talen addresses Niccolo first, a suck of a breath in to refuel his lungs, a bow of his head given as he meets that stare and listens to those offered words in quiet, steel hued study. "Thank you. I have, I do, I will." There's a nod to the softer words, murmuring back once before he detatches and lets him speak to Eleyna without interruption.
As the gaggle of wedding goers arrive he turns his gaze over the lot of them, then individually begins to present his nod of thanks and murmured, quieter words for each. "Your graces, your highnesses, ladies, so on and so forth. Thank you all. It is a... strange time," he confesses, "one I've not had the pleasure to have had before. To both of us, however, it's a chance at something more than what we were, as the Honoured Legate has said."

Valencia has left the Bride's Pews.

Fortunato has left the Groom's Pews.

Reese has left the Groom's Pews.

Orazio turns as he's addressed, tucking away the messages we was reading. He blinks at the woman. Examines her outfit, blinks again. "Ah, good day, my lady? You have the advantage of me," he says, head tilted to one side.

Eleyna offers a warm smile to Orazio in response to his words, but she can offer none in return before she's being pulled into a hug by Valencia as she murmurs in return, "Thank you, darling." Once released by her cousin, Eleyna looks at Niccolo and smiles as well as she returns the hug and murmur a few words to him. Her eyes might be a little moist. Might. Possibly.

Luca has left the Groom's Pews.

Luca has joined the Altar of Limerance.

Leta has left the Bride's Pews.

"Fine, fine," Darren chuckles over to Donella as he passes her one of the hot drinks, before he grins over to Deva, stealing her for a hug before she gets a chance to slip away. "Do you want to go kick a tree with us?" he lofts his brows up in a playful manner.

Talen totally gets hugged by Blacktongue too, which under normal circumstances, might have landed either one of them at the Mercy's quarter. A grunt, then his uncle is slowly detatched. "You're being clingy and sentimental. Please stop it, uncle... but thank you."

Prism gathers Orazio unceremoniously (and without any warning at all) into a hug. A good, high quality hug. Solid. She whispers an answer to his question.

Luca parts from Reese and the pews with a pec on her cheek and fond smile seeing her off, then he's making his way towards the bride and groom. He pauses a bit back as Niccolo approaches them first. He instead sidles up behind Valencia, whispering something to her gently, a hand to small of her back, waiting for chance to approach. When free spot opens up, he's moving in deftly to catch up Eleyna in a big over-enthusiastic hug leaving feet to dangle a little as he whispers congratulations to her (and possibly dodges a stiletto to the ribs for manhandling the bride.

Fortunato sweeps himself standing next to the groom pew, and watches the scope of the temple like a last-minute extra chaperone for a dance for young people.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard leaves, following Eirene.

Talen gets a smack in the back of his head for that, BLT feeling paternal. "Don't sass me." he chides with a laugh, placing the....purple apple in Talen's hand. That done, he moved past to Eleyna to hug her, murmuring softly to her and then stepping back.

There is another brief glance about the room and Valencia begins to drift to the door.

Donella fills her mouth with the contents of the hot cup, so as to avoid talking anymore than she has already.

Orazio is being touched! This is...unexpected and the Legate looks first alarmed, and then completely bewildered. He, tentatively, pats the woman's back a couple of times, his brow furrowing at the words whispered to him. He gives her a closer look, his eyes widen, and then he whispers something back. Even so, he looks rather like a cat who has been unexpectedly hugged, but is too mild-mannered to claw its way out of the embrace.

Katarina edges herself away from Tristram's side after some time. "It was good to make acquaintances, thank you," she offers to him in way of soft parting, a bit overwhelmed. "A bit of a hard time keeping up, now. But it was all very beautiful." A light pat of the arm is offered to his shoulder before she turns out, tentatively working her way through the crowded shrine to head for the exit.

Niccolo smiles one last time at Talen and Eleyna and comes to stand by Deva. He places himself next to her, with hands clasped behind his back. "Mind getting me whatever it is you're drinking?" He asks her, with a faint smile and a nudge of his elbow to her torso.

Caught by surprise, Deva reluctantly returns her brother's hug at first. It becomes warmer after a few moments, but it's restrained for one usually so open. She backs away with a shake of her head, and a shove of his arm. "Have fun," she tells Darren and Donella simply, giving them both a bob of her head before she shuffles a few steps backwards. "Here," she tells Niccolo, claiming a glass of -something- to offer toward his hands. Odds are she's not even quite sure what it is.

Juliet glances over to - and reflects - the hug Orazio is offered, but soon she's focusing on the bride and groom instead. "Princess Eleyna. Prince Talen. Congratulations. This is my sister in all but name, messere Joslyn Manicelli, who wishes to offer her own congratulations." A pause. "May you both be stronger as you face the reflections of life together."

Leta is standing by the pews, staring at Serafine. She nods, then, and starts walking over, with a light smile on her lips that seems to grow brighter as her stride grows bolder. The sellsword's footsteps veer aside, suddenly, then correct her course towards the altar. By the time she arrives near Serafine, she is holding a pastry in each hand.

Katarina pauses briefly to hear Tristram's whispered word, then shakes her head.

Tristram has left the Groom's Pews.

Katarina has left the Groom's Pews.

Tristram leaves, following Katarina.

Tristram arrives, following Katarina.

Serafine watches Leta approach, confused, and then beaming as the blonde bears gifts!

Talen turns the apple around in his hand, inspecting it, a deft roll of the dyed (and undoubtedly tampered with) fruit between his fingers and palm. With a small toss that spins it, he catches it again before studying Eleyna in her interaction with Luca. "If you bear hug her to death, by the gods..." he promises ambigiously, surprisingly good naturedly.
Juliet's approach is given a bow of his head to and then he turns his hard eyes on Joslyn, inspecting her in a sweep of those pale-blues. "Mistress Joslyn, how do you do. You're very-- pink."

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

Hopefully the drink passed to him is not something unhealthy, because Niccolo drinks it without hesitation to the horror of one of his guards. He just throws that back in one shot. Then looks over at Deva. "I'll have another," but then he's nodding to something the princess says.

Darren gives Deva a curious look, but he hugs her warmly nevertheless. "You're going to miss all the fun," he remarks as he lets her go, before shrugging his shoulders and looking back to Donella. "Ready then?" he starts her towards the door, though he makes sure to grab a plate of pie along the way. Wedding pie is the best pie.

Her exit is briefly interupted by Luca's quickly word and then Valencia is off again in a swirl of red silk skirsts

At this point, Eleyna is just being passed from person to person. Luca gets a squeak and firm smack on the shoulder as she's lifted off her feet. "Luca! If you wrinkle my dress, I'll cut you!" Once on her feet again, she wrinkles her nose at her nose, but, nonetheless, leans up to kiss him on the cheek. The next hug is from Blacktongue, who does NOT manhandle her, thank the gods. His whispered words are greeted with a smile and a kiss on the cheek. She turns to look at Juliet and Joslyn and tips her chin, murmuring with a smile, "Thank you to you both." Juliet's appearance gains no reaction beyond a smile.

Talen calls to Darren, "You honour us by coming, your grace. Farewell!"

Blacktongue does not manhandle, no. He likes his hands where they are.

Darren hoists up his pie in salute to Talen. "You make a lovely groom, Talen. Though the Princess is far lovelier! Good luck!" he calls back.

Talen doesn't even look hurt. It's more a 'yeah, that's fair' expression.

Luca sets the bride down from her unceremonious mauling by silk-clad cousin, and then is turning on Talen with a bright, lopsided grin flashing white teeth as he's spreading arms wide and suddenly looking ready to do the same to Talen, armor and all. Talen's perhaps more likely to dodge the manhandling hugs though if he is adamently opposed. And if so, Luca will just content himself with a more usual slap on the back and laughing whisper of congrats. If he doesn't escape though, armor and all he's gonna be feet dangling a bit too, despite inches taller than the Champion prince.

Joslyn beams over at Eleyna and Talen, bowing her head in their direction as they're introduced. "Thank you My Lord," she greets Talen with a bright smile. "You are both so beautiful. I hope you have a long healthy life together," she says, leaning then against Juliet, gazing into her own reflection with a smile.

Eleyna beams at Darren before giving Talen a smug look, "I told you I'm prettier. Confirmed by High Lords and everything."

Deva moves to the back of the receiving line, with a small purple box cradled in her arms and a drink still held in one hand. She waits until it's her turn before raising her voice. "Since others have wished you happiness, I will hope for all the - very safe and not lethal - excitement for you both," she smiles at Talen and Eleyna. With a polite dip of her head, she offers no hugs, but she does hold the box out. "It's just-- I mean, I think you'll need them," her shoulders rise in a shrug.

Haati stands from the pews and when things begin to thaw down with the hugging he gives his graces to the wedding, "Lord, lady... Congratulations and on this occasion of happiness if either of you need armor or weapons. I'll provide a marked discount for my service to you both. May Jayus protect you both and to many happy creations that will run around you both and tug at your legs."

Prism, not one to be discouraged, hugs Orazio all the fiercer. She releases him just enough to whisper in his ear, and afterwards to place her palm on his cheek.

Leta stops by Serafine's side, pastries in hand, and offers them over, one in each hand, allowing the Princess first pick. She glances aside to Talen and Eleyna, smiling quietly, but remains off to the side in silence, leaning in to whisper something to Serafine.

Edain has left the Visitors' Pews.

Donella turns to make a subtle kneeling gesture as they cross before the altar. She forgoes the cake on the way towards the nuptial party and all the hugging. "He needs a few minutes to mop up his princely tears. He's a crier. He cries," she jokes. "Be you both blessed by feeling that you got the better end of this arrangement every day. ... But she is prettier. Really. Its the blondness."

Edain takes his turn to join the receiving line. Waiting patiently until he has worked through it. He bows to the happy couple and says, "Princess Eleyna, Prince Talen, it was a lovely ceremony. May the gods bless you both." It's a simple, sincere well wishing and then he fades to the back of the shrine.

"Princess Donella," Juliet offers with a bow of her head to the Thraxian Voice. "Your grace," This to Darren. "It's been a while. I hope we get a chance to speak again soon. Have you meet Joslyn Manicelli? My sister in all but name," She offers, as she steps away to let more people congratulate the people at the shrine. Still lacking Darkwater straws, she's declining both food and drink for noww.

At some point, Orazio seems to just give up, and he hugs the woman back in surrender. Before she crushes him with affection. He doesn't even object to the touching, although he does shake his head before whispering back to her.

Tristram finally meanders up towards Talen and Eleyna, behind Edain, and says: "Prince, Princess--congratulations and may all the Gods bless your future!", also fading away after saying that.

After separating from the groom and getting clear of the onrushing of congratulations, Luca of the silken long coat is grinning as he passes Donella. "I have to agree cause she is, but there's something to be said for tall, dark, and handsome too. Or maybe that's just the Lycene in me." With that, Luca's making his way to Serafine and Leta, stopping by to say something to them a bit more somberly than his previous ebulience.

Blacktongue doffs an imaginary cap and bows with a flourish to the newlyweds. "Congratulations and farewell. I still have mischief to manage for the evening."

"I am /not/ crying. It's just dust in the air! I just thought the part with the snake was really special," Darren scoffs over to Donella, faux wiping the corner of his eyes before flashing her a grin. He dips his head when Juliet comes over, offering a warm smile to her as well. "Lady Juliet, it is a pleasure to see you again. I've not met her, no," he looks to Joslyn and dips his head into a nod for her. "It's nice to meet you, Joslyn."

Lifting Talen off his feet is a-- wait for it-- feat. GET IT!? Still, Luca's a strong man, so it's plausible. It doesn't save him from getting a grit-teethed response: "If you don't let me down I'm conpsiring with my wife to poison you." Still, either way, when he's freed? There's a moment reciprocating in that hug; a gruff clasp. "You're right," he responds to the whispered words, simply. "I'll see you soon, alright? I'm not intending to be around for the next few days though, you may hear from us." Lewd.
"Your highness, Deva Redrain - thank you. You're terribly kind. I'll try not to die to the former Black Widow, if that's what you're inferring. We have a battle first, anyway. That takes precedence." To Hatti, "Master Smith, thank you. I'll keep an ear out. I heard my usual smith just left town, too." Then there's Donella, Edain and Tristram to thank, along with Leta and her lovely companion and his now sister-in-law. For a moment, the upjumped-commoner-knight-come-prince looks overwhelmed and he just bows his head to them all in a sweeping motion. "Thank you, all of you. Really. It's all going to be fine. Jsut fine." He sounds so convinced.


Serafine beams at Leta, and picks the one from the woman's right hand, pausing to lick a bit of icing from the woman's thumb.

Talen says, "Uncle, I'll see you soon. Can you keep Hiss for a few days?"

Niccolo checked stamina against difficulty 15, resulting in 19, 4 higher than the difficulty.

Fortunato keeps his long chaperone gaze over the shrine. It is possible to maintain this, he's found an unoccupied pew to stand on. Important, for vantage. He's mostly watching the area around Orazio, although he does flicker one longer look to Juliet in her mask.

It is possible to = To make it possible to

Eleyna also grins at Donella and laughs, a rather rare sound from the princess. Her gaze shifts to Deva and the lovely gift laid in her arms. She blinks in surprise and breathes, "Oh, they are beautiful. Thank you. I hope to soon be attending your own happy occasion." Those were the polite words and then comes the other. "I'll even ask Talen to leave his snake at home." The others get nods and smiles, as the princess struggles to keep up with the line of well-wishers.

Niccolo is horrifying his guards by knocking back drinks. That's three he's just thrown back like they're water. Still, there's no sign of the man getting drunk. He looks at nothing in particular, rather more to where people are at.

Blacktongue has left the Altar of Limerance.

Prism can rest well in the knowledge that today, she crushed a legate's will. She glances back over her shoulder at Fortunato, to make sure ... Well, either to make sure he sees it, or to make sure he's not doing anything too strange over there. Her gaze seems to indicate he's doing something strange. Looking back to Orazio, she smiles to him. A smile just for him. Whispers something, too.

Joslyn follows Juliet as they make their way from the newlyweds, inclining her head politely towards Darren with a beaming smile offered his way. "Thank you, Your Grace," she says, following Juliet's lead on titles. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well."

Fortunato sheepishly steps back off the pew.

"Just encouraging the not-so-reckless kind of excitement," Deva tells Talen with an amused shake of her head. "Congratulations," she nearly whispers to Eleyna with a warmer smile. She withdraws from the altar, then, pausing to wiggle her fingers at the pew-standing Fortunato. She doesn't linger long, though, as her eyes slightly narrow first at Niccolo's guards and then the man himself. Scooping an arm into his, she leans to say something quietly.

Orazio checked composure against difficulty 10, resulting in 22, 12 higher than the difficulty.

It is a very pretty woman who is hugging him, and smiling at him, and Orazio has to take a moment to just not...agree right off the bat with whatever she asked him. But he is made of stern and rules, so that helps. Instead of some variation of 'whatever you want, just keep smiling at me', he raises an eyebrow and whispers back to her, managing to look more amused than twitterpated.

Haati nods to all as it seems he has seen and said all that he has come to do. Nodding to all there those he knows and doesn't know. The smith makes his way towards the exit.

Niccolo whispers something to Deva when she looks his arm with him. He drains that last glass and sets it down. He offers the gathering one last look, and then turns his attention to Deva, dipping his head to her.

Leta flushes considerably redder as Serafine licks her thumb, and frowns at the woman, eyes wide, for a fleeting moment. Recovering, and choosing to pay attention to anything else, she bows her head in Talen and Eleyna's direction, "Your Highnesses, congratulations." she offers at last, during a break in the procession. Then she turns back, listening to Luca as he comes closer. The sellsword glances to Serafine, her expression turning slightly serious, then nods to Luca.

"Lady Juliet, I had not, till now. I hope that we will be seeing more of you. Discussions of scaley fauna aside..." Donella says this last to Joslyn, bowing her head. "It is good to put a face to a name." She says to Luca, "Grrrr, sailor. Do you think I will ever be handsome? This is as tall as I get, I think." She loops her arm into Darren's again, and taps his elbow to speak softly.

Fortunato waggles his fingers back at Deva, and promptly attempts to look more natural. Namely by, quite belatedly, pulling a sheet of parchment from his everpresent bag and beginning to sketch.

As the queue of congratulators (is that what it's called?) begins to wane, Talen bows his head to the last few. "Thank you, Mistress Broadbent." Following her gaze towards Serafine, he calls out, "You're going to be insufferable to the two of us now? Just remember my vows. Now you have two to avoid retaliation from if you leave any horse heads in the bed Eleyna is sleeping in, so on and so forth."

A nod is proffered, off-hand, to Serafine and Leta. And Juliet raises her hand to wiggle her fingers at Fortunato as well. "I didn't see any tears," She assures Darren. "Please, you know I'll discuss whatever you fancy, your highness." Oh, her grin to Donella can practically be heard. "Draping herself a little more against Joslyn. Looking to the pair before her. "What's this about... Kicking trees?"

With a neutral expression, Deva nods once. Ducking her head, she briskly guides Niccolo out.


Serafine smiles to Juliet, and it brightens for Talen, a shadow in her eyes lifting. "It was a man's head and it was only the once. But alright. There are bathtubs, you know. And closets. Oh, and a horse's head... I like that, good idea."

Deva has left the Visitors' Pews.

Niccolo has left the Bride's Pews.

5 Velenosa House Guards leaves, following Niccolo.

Niccolo leaves, following Deva.

Joslyn wraps her arm around Juliet, sighing against her with a smile, looking then to Donella and Darren with a smile, giggling then at what Donella says to her. "Yes. I would love to speak with you again, and perhaps have a different subject of conversation."

Fortunato waggles his graphite back at Juliet. He's getting quite adept at this waggling thing. Then he's back to making long, looping gestures on the page.

Eleyna makes a face and looks at Talen. "Great. Thanks for that." She looks at Serafine. "He sleeps on the left side of the bed. Put any horse heads there."

With another snug of Serafine, Luca nods to her and Leta, and then started off away from them a little more grimly than before. That grimness only grew when he saw Niccolo pounding another drink. There was a moment when it looked as though Luca was going to go to his uncle, say something, or do something. But...that moment passed quickly, and the Velenosan prince was shaking his head as he turned away from it as if struck. Recomposing himself, he cast a half-hearted grin to Donella and a winking comment of. "Far more beautiful than handsome, Donella, and taller than me in the right shoes." But the quip is as half-hearted as the grin and with a quick. "Excuse me." He's nodding to her as she slip arm to Darren's, moving himself to slip off into crowds and away soon enough.

Luca has left the Altar of Limerance.

"The blood breads," Talen is kind enough to inform Eleyna, as he turns his hand to inspect the ring that has found its place there. Flexing his fingers into a fist, then out into a flat hand, he purses his lips in thought.

Tikva has left the Visitors' Pews.

"It's what I like to do in my down time. Kick trees," Darren chuckles over to Juliet, shaking his head a little. At the tap to his elbow, he lofts a brow and tilts down to listen to what Donella has to say, murmuring something back to her quietly, flashing her a grin and a shake of his head. "And if you did see tears, Lady Juliet, they would be only the very manly kind. If you'll excuse us?" he tilts his head, before looking back to Donella, brows lofted. "Ready? I'll share my pie along the way."

Haati has left the Visitors' Pews.

Kodo and Podo - The Ferret Twins leaves, following Haati.

Eleyna watches as Talen flexes his hand and stares at the ring there. She leans in to murmur to him, her pale eyes on his face to study his expression.

Serafine looks like she's filing this away for future use. "Thank you," she says to Eleyna. She looks to Leta and takes a bite of her pastry. Slowly.

Talen responds, shaking his head, a darkly toned reply.

Leta inclines her head to Juliet with a smile, though her eyes track after Luca's departure from under a frown, for a moment. Then she's looking between Serafine and the newlyweds, an eyebrow arched at the head-based shenanigans. Nobility is so confusing. She looks to Serafine and takes a big hearty bite at her own pastry.

Tristram slowly steps his way out of the shrine with a smile.

Prism reaches up and brushes her fingers along Orazio's temple, along the greying hair there. She whispers something, and then, loud enough to be heard, says, "It was a very nice ceremony you did for them. You're a good man, all right? You've chosen to be. Sometimes, that makes all the difference."

"Of course. It was good seeing you again, your grace. Your highness. Enjoy your... Tree-kicking." Pausing. Stepping aside, and looking to Joslyn. "Where next?"

Eleyna mutters something in reply, looking almost petulant for a moment before a smirk lifts the corners of her mouth and she glances out over the thinning crowd, just taking it all in for a moment.

Serafine finishes her mouthful and looks to Eleyna and Talen. "So! When are you going to knock her up? Pregnancy sex is -fantastic-."

Talen turns his gaze toward Prism and Orazio, then immediately swings it back to Serafine and goes to reply, mouth open. Then he shuts it. Quickly. Ahem.

Fortunato is distracted from his looping, his eyes fixed with some concern on Orazio-- but Serafine's comment has his graphite jagging across the parchment. Oops.

Donella choke-coughs on her drink and sets it aside to be collected. "Oh, yes," she says to Darren. "Yep, yep, definitely."

Eleyna just stares at Serafine and, then, does something that few have ever seen, certainly no one in this room save for the one that she calls sister. Eleyna -blushes-.

Talen says, "Thanks, I'm going to die now."

Serafine throws her hands up and releases a Shav'arvani victory call, grinning madly.

Darren blinks over at Serafine, eyes slightly wider as he chokes on a laugh. But he does start right for the altar's exit, leading Donella out with him.

6 Thrax Guards leaves, following Donella.

Squee, the Flying Squirrel, Brigid, Donella leave, following Darren.

Joslyn inclines her head to them, stepping aside with Juliet, looking then to her. "Well, we could go home, or we could perhaps go for a walk somewhere nice and quiet?"

"It is kind of you to say so," Orazio says, with a smile. He reaches up to gently take the hand that is brushing along his temple, and lowers it, holding warmly to it for a moment. "And it helps, my lady. It does. I hope that I can continue to make good choices." And then there's that comment, from Serafine, and Orazio...well, he bursts out laughing, without even looking around. Oh, he's quick to cover it with a hand, but.

Leta stares at Serafine, winces slightly, and just starts stuffing the rest of the pastry into her mouth. There, now her cheeks are bulging with food, and she chews it rapidly, pretending to take great interest in something at about boot-level.

"Great," Juliet mutters, under her breath, the mirrormask's shroud helping her keep a straight face. "Now I'm considering getting pregnant just to experience that." Patting Joslyn's hand. "Yes, somewhere quiet, I think. Somewhere I can take the shroud of, too."

Serafine stares at Orazio in amused surprise. "....you -laugh-!" she gasps.

Eleyna continues to stare at Serafine. Her mouth moves as if she wants to speak, but the words don't quite make it out. The cheeks, normally pale as alabaster, are definitely still pink, though.

"Inform Eleyna for science," Talen throws to Juliet upon hearing her, before he lowers his hand he was inspecting to instead watch Eleyna with great fascination. "You don't normally blush on -those- cheeks." Yep, definitely going to die.

Serafine explains to Talen, "It's the pale skin. And her heart is considerably lower. Bloodflow, all that. Which is why pregnancy sex is so amazing! Everything is already flush and swollen and primed to go."

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

Fortunato has slowly, inevitably turned his attention to Serafine. He starts on a smaller, subtler loop on the parchment.

"I'll have to admit, she has me curious now as well," Joslyn says to Juliet, biting her lip for a moment before scooping up Juliet's hand. "A walk through the garden in the grotto perhaps?"

"I think I got it," Talen promises Serafine, "but I think you may kill my wife if you keep it up. Can I have like, a few days first?"

Prism smiles bright and wondrous as Orazio laughs, and squeezes his hand encouragingly. "You have a wonderful laugh," she tells him. "...I shouldn't have interrupted the end of the Ceremony to hug you, though. That was inconsiderate of me. Sorry." It is a sorry rather more generally given. At large. To the room.