Lady Teldra, a Lycene noblewoman, 3 Grayson Guardsmen, 1 Armed Confessors, Buchanan, a Champion arrive, following Cara.

Holden has joined the Commoner Pews.

Barric wields House Grayson Elvesbane Longsword.

Selene has joined the Commoner Pews.

Tristan has joined the Commoner Pews.

Who invites the ex to the party? The king invites the ex to the party and Alarissa is there - not in white - and lingers at the back near where Ian stands. There's a dip of her head to him before her attention diverts back to the cathedral as a whole, seeking out visually, the rest of the Vlaardins.

Thump, a yappy pupper have been dismissed.

Tikva puts longbow of fine grained ash with a white leather grip in instrument case slung across the back on linen straps.

Kael is making his entrance with none other than Reigna on his arm. This is typical for the Keaton pair, and sometimes they are a little late -- at this present time, they happen to be just on time. Which means that many of the pews are already filled but, not daunted at all by this fact, Kael is started to ease off to the side from the door with his wife so that they can just settle to the back of the cathedral. He catches sight of Alarissa and offers her a nod of his head in greeting.

Music floats through the vaulted heights of the Cathedral from the gathered musicians. Oil lamps are blazing in every sconce, the warm golden light bathing all the guests and flowers. The places for the bride and groom are on opposite ends of the altar, and pristine red carpet has been laid to form a path from their places to the altar, where Orazio stands, in the full regalia of his station. As everyone takes a seat, the music comes to an attention-gathering crescendo, then cuts off into silence. Into that silence, Orazio speaks, his voice clearly trained to reach all the way to the back rows. “Gentlefolk of the Compact, we are gathered here to help celebrate one of the most joyful occasions in the life of any individual - swearing the oaths of marriage to another. But more than a joy for the groom and the bride, this is a joy for all of the Compact, for the ones we join today are our Majesty, King Alaric Grayson the fourth, and his chosen Queen, Lady Symonesse Marin’luna, of the Nox’Alfar. More, as we join these two people, so we seal a treaty with the Twilight Court, and our devotion to a shining ideal of peace among our peoples.” He bows his head. “If the groom and the bride will please approach the altar, if you agree to be joined.”

Aiden Grayson has arrived with Estaban Saik, the Lord Commander was around somewhere? Probably. Aiden nods toward the noble seats, "Let's go take some seats. I'm sure he just got held up with work." The Prince was wearing a flashy combination of white and gold, with a set of black trousers and boots. Along the way he might be giving out a few things to random lucky people along the way, smiling nonchalantly about it as he makes his way toward seats, wiggling through until there's an empty spot.

In stark contrast to the decor and mood, the Chief Magistrate is... well, her usual self. Octavia enters the cathedral with a stern expression and finds herself a place to sit, pulling her cloak tightly around herself to ward out the autumn chills.

As the crowds intensify, Paloma spends more time nearer the door, checking peace bonds and bluntly forbidding beasts and naked blades. All peaceful so far, beyond expected quiet objections and altercations. Nothing enough to interrupt music or speeches.

Octavia has joined the Noble Pews.

Margot has joined the Noble Pews.

Rymarr has joined the Noble Pews.


    Quietly, and with all the grace and poise expected of one of the famous Whispers of Arx, Cesare steps into the cathedral. He is dressed well, as one might expect, but not in such a way that his clothing would bring him any great notice. He slides to a side- and waits and watches. Quiet and waiting for an appropriate spot to open up for him.

Tristan is dressed in a semi-respectable manner for once. No horsehair, even. And pants. Very tight pants. His sword is peacebound with green ribbons, and Patches, freshly bathed, wears a similar green ribbon. The stablemaster moves toward the front and takes a seat to watch his oldest friend's wedding. Oldest human friend. Possibly there are horses he's known longer.

Caelis has joined the Noble Pews.

{object} arrives to {destination} from {origin}.

Donella has left the Commoner Pews.

Donella has joined the Noble Pews.

Orazio has joined the Altar.

Mia has joined the Noble Pews.

Samantha has left the Noble Pews.

Samantha has joined the Noble Pews.

Fridrik, a small White Fox arrives, delivering a message to Kael before departing.

Reigna arrives on Kael's arm, looking extremely pleased and excited to see all the pagentry. She spies Alarissa and waves the woman over, towards the little spot of standing room that she and Kael have claimed. "Princess Alarissa!" Reigna offers the other woman a bright, full smile.

Somewhere in there comes a tunic clad Tobias with a peacebond sword at his waist, who brings with him six armored men with also peacebond weapons as his bodyguards. Eventually, the mercenary General gives a glance around the chamber... before he quietly heads for a pew, his bodyguards moving to idly move out of the way.

Alaric steps up to the front at Orazio's beckon, resplendent in royal finery and looking every inch the monarch straight out of the storybooks, gallantly escorting Symonesse up to meet the Legate with a brilliant smile.

Reigna has joined the Side Alcove.

Alaric has joined the Altar.

Kael has joined the Side Alcove.

Esoka strides in, wearing a dress of soft blue rather than her customary leathers or steel. She moves a little awkwardly in the skirts, but mostly avoids getting them tangled up on her own legs. She makes to find herself a spot among the commons.

Esoka has joined the Commoner Pews.

Donella sits where she can find the first open place, draping herself upon the bench. Who needs a chair-back? After all, it's not as if these affairs of state go on, and on, and ON, or like she, as a bridesmaid to the last royal bride would know that. She hardly moves, to be honest, except for the tapping of her fingers on her silk-clothed thigh.

Alarissa has joined the Side Alcove.

Tobias has joined the Noble Pews.

Ian has joined the Side Alcove.

Tibault has joined the Noble Pews.

Leola has joined the Commoner Pews.

Cara is present for legal purposes, somewhere, presumably sitting down looking fancy.

Mira's ruby lips part and her eyes widen as the King and his elven bride-to-be appear. Her breath stolen by the sheer pagentry and the royal personage and the presence of elves, Mira snaps free a little black fan and flutters it breathlessly, blue eyes wide as saucers.

Patches remains properly outside, giving everyone who goes in giant puppy dog eyes that seem twice the size of his body. He wags his tail imploringly.

Korka has joined the Commoner Pews.

Alarissa regards Reigna and murmurs quietly to Ian where she had settled and offers her arm to him as she moves to that side alcove with him - and at Ian's pace. There's a glance to Alaric and Symoness but she remains silent.

Barric finds himself fashionably on time and before things have started. On his arm is the ever lovely Princess Valencia Velenosa. Perhaps a bold statement, but in her current attire, even the grizzled Sword of Bastion is put to shame in his standard green and gray of Grayson. Though in their way they did find a way to match, but what doesn't go with black? He nods to all his family and the rest as he makes it clear that they are to be seen together at this, her arm in his and moving to find a spot, letting Valencia be seated first before he sits beside her.

Eleyna exchanges a few 'words' with Talen that seem just on the verge of turning into a quarrel, but she seems to be mollified a few moments later as she scans over the crowd. She spots Deva amongst the nobles and gives her a nod and small wave in greeting as she leans in to murmur something to Talen.

Synder The Wolfhound have been dismissed.

Ian edges into the side alcove, even -more- out of the way, with Alarissa. He nods to those assembled, but doesn't say anything. Since, you know, there's a wedding happening right now, and he's trying super hard to behave.

Symonesse stands, in marble stillness, to the side of the altar. She moves only when called, each step slow and stately, the long train of her gown held aloft just a breath from the floor by a thousand glittering spiders. Those spiders march in unison, and drop their Lady's train only once she stands at the altar, only once she stands at her future husband's side. She smiles to him, and in that moment it seems a private smile -- a smile meant for only him, even as the whole world looks on.

Patches, a three-legged mutt have been dismissed.

Before the ceremony began, Mia strode briskly into the cathedral at Esoka's side. Dark eyes drank in the scene -- the building, the pageantry, and the swiftly assembling crowd. A faint expression of relief swept over her face at Tikva's greeting, and the empty seat beside her. She slipped into it quietly, both hands reflexively smoothing the blue lace of her gown before looking up to her accompanying knight. Clearly, the space she'd left on the bench next to her was meant for the other heron, wrapped in Riven colors.

Paloma examines the train of spiders thin-lipped and skeptical, but makes no move to stop them. How could she, exactly. And it would surely be against protocol.

The spiders disperse, obediently, scattering across the floor, climbing the walls and finding a place in the high ceiling of the cathedral, where they sparkle like golden stars.

Orazio returns the King's smile with a more subdued, but still genuine, one of his own. He nods to each as they arrive, and waits until they are standing before him to begin. “Today, before the eyes of the Compact and the Pantheon, we celebrate not just a joining of two individuals, and not just a joining of two Houses, but the sealing of a treaty that will bring continuing peace between two nations, now and in the future. An occasion of solemn joy, of hope for the future, and a union which will secure prosperity and security for our Compact.” His attention turns to the prospective bride and groom. “I understand that both of you have prepared personal vows. But before those, it falls upon me to remind you of the vows which, as King and Queen of this nation, you owe to the gods and the people.

As our Majesties, you both have duties to the citizens of Arvum, not just to each other. A duty to preserve peace and stability, both in the realm, and within your union. A duty to work together for the betterment of the Compact, rather than to jockey against one another for power or prestige, or cultivate factions among the people who look to you for guidance. A duty to rule with the justice of the Sentinel, the mercy of Lagoma, the generosity of Gild, the wisdom of Limerance, the courage of Gloria, and to act as stewards of this Creation and this Dream, from the depths of the waters to the heights of the sky, to hold sacred the choices of your people, and the guide and protect them from their birth until the Queen takes them back onto the Great Wheel. In the name of the gods, before your people, do you swear to uphold these duties, together? Your Majesty? My lady?"

Korka did at some point do her best to sneak in and find a spot in the commoner's pews. Quietly. She does her best to be as unnoteworthy as possible, for all that she did come. Watching!

Eleyna just -stares- at all the spiders that accompany Symonesse as she made her way down the aisle, murmuring, "Oleander will be sad he missed this."

Thena sits straight-backed and steel-spined, impassive while much of the settling in gets done, eyes trained on the altar as Orazio begins the service. Only the spider bridesmaids catch her attention, and she leans ever so slightly towards the aisle to get a better look.

Barric has joined the Noble Pews.

Holden's arrival is quiet, as is his finding somewhere to sit himself down. He offers a nod to Aleksei and Saedrus as he takes a place on the pew next to them, murmuring a, "Thanks."

"Oleander might have a bride in there," Talen is saying to Eleyna, as he points out the creepy crawlies.

There's a soft gasp from Mason when he sees how Symonesse is moving. "Incredible..." The prince whispers softly.

Selene makes no particularly grand entrances today, as much as that might sometimes be her tendency, for today is not her day to be grand. Though she did wear her Nox-inspired attire, just because! She just takes up a quiet place at the common pews and fixes her attention her eyes are very much on the Queen-to-be, near to swooning over the other woman, really. She's just so lovely! So much so that she doesn't even look bothered by the spider-parade.

Valencia has joined the Noble Pews.

Darren has joined the Noble Pews.

The spiders? They get a naked 'stare' from Tobias as well. "Huh."

Katarina watches the procession on with an awed expression, silently attempting to count the spiders with a morbid sort of fascination as they creep past.

"I'm not sure if Oleander is ready for commitment like that," Eleyna whispers to Talen before sitting up straighter and making an effort to pay attention to the vows.

Aiden looks spellbound by the spiders, rising just enough to edge his gaze over the heads of the others in front of him, to see the train and how the spiders then break to spread out. He settles back with a smirk, eyes forward then, to listen to the rites of marriage.

Reigna's eyes widen at the tide of spiders that carry the train and there is a uncomfortable shift as they scatter. Her face turns towards the cluster nearest her, blinking as she studies their glittering golden bodies. She pulls her attention back to the altar, still silent, still smiling.

"I don't blame him," Talen says in a dry drawl.

Symonesse bows her head to Orazio. "I so swear," she says.

Shard leans forward a little in her seat, eyes faintly narrowed. She's watching intently.

Leola had made a point of slipping in among other commoners, dressed simply, plainly, her hair tucked up and away from her sunkissed face. She watches the altar; the two there, with something of a bright, quick smile, leaning in with an agerness as she listens to the oaths

Alaric doesn't bat an eye at the spider-assisted gown, smiling regally. "I so swear," he declares confidently.

Calarian sits in one of the first noble pews, hands laced over his lap. The edge of his lips are ticked up, hazel eyes following the King and Queen-to-be in their pathway to the altar. It takes him some time to see what is the matter of all the fuss, noting the spiders crawling off the bride's gown. The First Observer doesn't seem unbothered, though it might be easy to note a faint shift in his legs, as if trying to keep them close to him and away from those scattering tiny beasts.

Orazio smiles warmly as their voices ring out. He is IGNORING the spiders. Resolutely ignoring the spiders. He turns around and takes from the altar a small velvet pillow with two rings. The rings shimmer with iridescite and the unmistakable gleam of dawnstone. “I understand that you have personal vows you wish to share. If each of you will take a ring, and place it on the other’s finger as you recite the promises each of you will make that will tie you both together.”

"I shall find you afterwards, Countess," Esoka says to Mia quickly, though she does break off from the nobles. She slots herself into the commoner pews quite comfortably. She sits, so she won't be blocking anyone's view, blue eyes tracking toward Symonesse. She tries not to stare, but she can't help stare a little.

"Besides, if the Estate ends up covered in little spider babies, the servants might stage a revolt." Eleyna nods solemnly and looks forward once again.

Estaban blinks as there were spiders then they were gone he looks to his friend Aiden then back up front to listen to the rite of marriage making a mental note to ask Aiden somethign later.

"Well, I suppose they're not in any eye sockets lately," Talen says with a off-hand comment.

Deva has left the Noble Pews.

Jasper have been dismissed.

Jordal, a bodyguard arrives, following Isabeau.

Edain actually likes spiders, he leans back and lets one that seems a bit disoriented crawl onto his hand, and then holds his hand up to a pillar, so it the spider can clambor up to be twinkling light in the ceiling of the cathedral, "There you go little fella." he says in a hushed voice to not interupt the ceremony.

Selene has left the Commoner Pews.

Renault, a floofy persian cat have been dismissed.

Isabeau has joined the Noble Pews.

Merek settles in at a seat in the cathedral to watch the wedding,.

Darren eyes the spiders, glancing over to Edain as he lets one crawl over his hand. "You're like.. the spider whisperer," he murmurs to Edain quietly with a light chuckle, before he shifts his arm about Donella and looks back up to the ceremony.

Valencia glances quietly at the spiders and then to Barric, but seems more or less unfussed. She quietly adjusts her seat and folds her small hands delicately upon her lap, looking on with interest as the ceremony continues.

Tibault has left the Noble Pews.

Alaric takes a ring from the pillow and turns to Symonesse, holding it before him a little longer than necessary to make sure some of those in attendance can catch good sparkle shining off it. He never did meet any pageantry he didn't like. "Symonesse," he proclaims clarion clearly as he takes her hand and slips the ring on her finger with a warm smile, "I swear before Limerance and the Compact to uphold the bonds of the treaty between our peoples. I swear to honor you as my wife, to hold true to you as my helpmeet, and to love our children as my heirs. I swear to uphold the dignity of the Crown and hold you above all others as Queen before the Compact, before the gods of the Pantheon. Let us mark this new beginning for the Nox’Alfar and for Arvum, for House Grayson as I welcome you at my side, and for our family as it begins, today."

Spiders. From her place at the back of the noble pews, Monique Greenmarch shivers and scoots to one side to give a wide berth.

Khanne watches the spiders warily, side-eyeing them... with as much dignity as she can maintain in the moment.


    Cesare, for his part, is transfixed by the spiders- by the Queen and King- watching with his cinnamon-gold eyes with a quiet severity.

Barric watches the proceedings, he doesn't seem happy or anything as to what or how it all came about, stern, except when he glances to Valencia after a moment once the vow form Alaric is given.

Tyrval briefly eyes the spiders with the expression of a much put upon father certain his children are going to make a scene.

Orazio listens quite seriously to the King's vows before Symonesse. "So shall it be," he says, and if there is humor in his eyes, his voice is stern and solemn. He turns to Symonesse, still resolutely pretending the spiders don't exist, and gestures for her to share her own vows.

Vercyn has joined the Noble Pews.

Symonesse holds her hand out to Alaric, as he slips that ring onto her finger, and if she turns her hand just so, to show off that sunlit sparkle -- well. Perhaps she is no stranger to pageantry, either. "Alaric," she says, her voice warm and sweet and rich with light, "I swear under the watchful gaze of my goddess--" And do those spiders, those distant lights up in the ceiling, come into greater focus now? Do they seem, all at once, more present? "-- to uphold the bonds of the treaty between our peoples. I swear to cherish you, and support you, to hold you strong in darkness, steady in chaos. Before the Gods of the Pantheon, I offer you the light of my soul." She slips a ring of aureate iridescite, of flashing dawnstone, onto Alaric's finger. "I give myself to you as wife, Alaric -- and to this Compact, as servant. "

Vercyn remains silent in his position in the Cathedral. His eyes remain facing the alter as he watches the proceedings.

Orazio nods, pleased. There may even be a brief breath of relief from the Legate - vows are said, no one is dead. His voice rings with a solemn sort of joy as he says, “These vows have been spoken before the gods, and before your people. Keep them well. It is my pleasure and my delight before the Pantheon to bless this marriage, and seal it in the name of Limerance. The bride and groom may kiss, and let us all celebrate this joining of two hearts in fidelity and honor. May the gods guide and keep you all of your days, and through your leadership, guide our Compact to prosperity and peace.” The musicians immediately strike up a triumphant flare - a joyful hymn to Limerance. Orazio raises his arms, addressing the entire Cathedral. “By the authority invested in me, as the Legate of Concepts, in the name of Limerance and the Pantheon, I pronounce these two to be married. Welcome them into their new life together.”

Calarian seems to be following the ceremony quite attentively, for he gives a faint dip of his chin to himself at the vows exchanged; his smile has furthered a little bit. He seems to be quite adept at not paying any sort of mind to the spiders.

Boots, Chip, a small mouse arrive, following Valery.

Mae has joined the Commoner Pews.

Valery checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Tikva cheers a long, high note, sustained just a little too long and musical, as she claps her hands. The sound is best transcribed as: "Eeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

Aiden stands up with a large HUZZAH when it's announced the two are welcomed in their new life together! He remains standing and applauds, whistling a little!


    And so, the vows are said and the wedding is pronounced. Cesare shouts loudly, "Long live the King! Long live the Queen!"

Cara is overheard praising Alaric.

Cara is overheard praising Symonesse.

Clapping for the newly wed couple, Caelis is all smiles. Spiders don't seem to rattle her, though she does glance up, interested to see if spiders clap too.

Aislin is overheard praising Alaric.

Aislin is overheard praising Symonesse.

Margot is overheard praising Alaric.

Aleksei is overheard praising Alaric.

As the Legate announces the king and queen wed, Mason will finally slip his hand from Lou's so that he can applaud enthusiastically.

Aleksei is overheard praising Symonesse.

Katarina is overheard praising Alaric.

Calarian is overheard praising Alaric.

Margot is overheard praising Symonesse.

Alis is overheard praising Alaric.

Katarina is overheard praising Symonesse.

Calarian is overheard praising Symonesse.

Shard seems to be watching everyone else for her cue, but when they stand and clap, so does she. She doesn't /smile/, or look happy, but she certainly claps.

Saedrus is overheard praising Alaric.

Alis is overheard praising Symonesse.

Cesare is overheard praising Alaric.

Korka joins with the cheering, hopping up and clapping along with everyone else.

Saedrus is overheard praising Symonesse.

Cesare is overheard praising Symonesse.

Estaban is overheard praising Alaric.

Orazio is overheard praising Symonesse.

Edain is overheard praising Alaric.

Korka is overheard praising Symonesse.

Orazio is overheard praising Alaric.

Mason is overheard praising Alaric for: Congratulations!

Edain is overheard praising Symonesse.

Victus is overheard praising Alaric.

Samantha starts to reply to Lou, but then the call is made on behalf of them as King and Queen, and she joins her voice with the chorus.

Nicia is overheard praising Alaric.

Victus is overheard praising Symonesse.

Tikva is overheard praising Symonesse for: Yay! So beautiful! So wondrous!

Alarissa is overheard praising Symonesse.

Nicia is overheard praising Symonesse.

Aiden is overheard praising Alaric for: Long Live The King

Estaban is overheard praising Symonesse.

Fergus is overheard praising Alaric.

Cristoph is overheard praising Alaric.

Alarissa is overheard praising Alaric.

Cristoph is overheard praising Symonesse.

Aiden is overheard praising Symonesse for: Long Live The Queen!

Samantha is overheard praising Alaric for: Long live the queen and king!

Cristoph is overheard praising Orazio.

Darren is overheard praising Alaric.

Khanne is overheard praising Alaric.

Darren is overheard praising Symonesse.

Samantha is overheard praising Symonesse for: Long live the queen and king!

Marian pulls back her hand from her husband so she can stand and join those in clapping for the King and Queen.

Mason is overheard praising Symonesse for: Congratulations!

Tikva is overheard praising Alaric for: Yay! So regal! So glorious!

Lou is overheard praising Alaric.

Ian is overheard praising Alaric.

Isabeau is overheard praising Alaric.

Lou is overheard praising Symonesse.

Mason is overheard praising Orazio for: Ceremony well done!

Barric rises, but is not cheering, elvesbane sword still in sheathe he raises it, up and at a perfect 45 degree angle forward, "For Grayson..." He then re clips the sword to his side.

Calarian gives a polite-looking, but strong-sounding clap for the newly-wed couple. He doesn't whistle, but he smiles proudly to his cousin and his wife.

Caras is overheard praising Alaric.

Ian is overheard praising Symonesse.

Samantha is overheard praising Orazio for: Congratulations on officiating the wedding of the century!

Eleyna manages, with Talen's assistance, to heave herself to her feet so she can join in the applause.

Tikva is overheard praising Orazio for: Yay! Weddings!!!

Caras is overheard praising Symonesse.

Paloma is silent, watchful, but she does smile, a faint shred of a thing. Like the crowd, the queen, the king were a confirmation of purpose.

Reigna is overheard praising Orazio for: Maginficent officiating!

Kael is overheard praising Orazio for: An excellent ceremony!

Barric is overheard praising Alaric for: For queen and king, long may they live.

Reese is overheard praising Symonesse for: So lovely and spidery.

Esoka is on her feet with the rest of the crowd, adding a loud cheer to the air for the king and new queen. Probably not for the spiders, though they are watched with a careful sort of respect.

Valery sneaked into the cathedral at some point and she would stay at the back, following the event from a corner until she decides it's time to leave.

Talen is overheard praising Alaric for: Marriage is tricky. If all else fails, pretend to be in a coma again.

Boots, Chip, a small mouse leave, following Valery.

Selene is overheard praising Symonesse for: Oh so lovely, so wonderful!

Mira is overheard praising Alaric for: Huzzah! Long live the King and Queen!

Barric is overheard praising Symonesse for: For queen and king, long may they live.

Aiden is overheard praising Orazio for: Good Job For Ignoring Them Spiders!

Vercyn rises slowly, his stern face slipping into a small smile. He claps his hand together, though he does not shout nor chear

There's a relief on Leola's face as she joins in the applause; rising, tapping her hands together, lifting her eyes to the roof of the church and the thousand watching spiders

Vercyn is overheard praising Alaric.

Katarina is overheard praising Orazio for: An excellent ceremony as always!

Mia is overheard praising Symonesse for: Utterly stunning -- and surely, Her Majesty knows how to make an entrance.

Alaric nods approvingly to Orazio and permits himself a roguish grin as he looks out to the audience, drinking in the cheers. But he doesn't leave them hanging very long for what they came for; he pulls Symonesse gently to him and then smoothly dips her down to seal the marriage and kiss her with regal flair.

Selene is overheard praising Alaric for: A most wonderful and good king, long may he and his reign over us.

Mira jumps up and cheers for the King, clapping and pausing to whistle shrilly!

Estaban stands up with Aiden blinking at something he said to him and then claps his hands, "Long live the King! Long Live the Queen!" he smirks as he continues to stand clapping his hands together.

Rymarr is overheard praising Orazio for: Excellent, as always.

Talen is overheard praising Symonesse for: If he's pretending to be in a coma, try spiders, it's certainly something to get used to.

Selene is overheard praising Orazio for: He did his job!

Alis joins the others of the noble benches in standing to clap and congratulate the newly wed King and Queen.

Fergus is overheard praising Symonesse for: For the Compact.

Darren rises, taking Donella by the hand to help her rise as well, joining in on the clapping to congratulate the newlyweds.

Ian applauds. He starts a second or two after everyone else, once he realizes he's supposed to clap now, and only does so for a short time.

Aiden grins over toward Estaban, "Long Live the King! Long Live The Queen!" He repeats out toward the kiss! The dipping kiss gets an additional WHISTLE!

Katarina rises with Alis to join in the thunderous applause for the King and Queen of the Compact.

Tikva puts two fingers to her lips and whistles exuberantly for the Royal Smooch because why not.

Tyrval applauds wildly, while seeming that he's fighting the urge not to glare. He looks at Aislin and then seems to find the ceiling intensely interesting.

Mia rises to her feet as the the pronouncement is made, her hands joining together in audible applause for their joining.

Thena stands with the others and claps politely.

Cristoph rises his to his feet and gives a loud round of applause.

Selene is far too composed to join in any *shouting*, but she does rise up and clap her hands together in a delicately polite show of approval.

Talen is overheard praising Orazio for: One for the resume.

Kael applauds at the end of the ceremony, joining in the midst of the crowd.

Khanne rises up from her seat with a smile. She claps her slender hands together in applause, letting others do the vocal cheering.

Donella presses her hands together, anticipating din from the town of the cathedral, where the bells are nestled.

Tobias starts to clap himself when prompted, though he does not stand up.

Calarian continues to clap for however long is polite to do so, but certainly for a long time.

Aleksei rises to his feet to offer his grinning applause with everyone else. When Alaric smoothly dips Symonesse for the kiss, he lifts fingers to his lips to whistle approval.

There's a single nod from Octavia as the vows are given and - more importantly in her eyes - the treaty is completed. After a moment, she looks over at Victus and the other Thraxians, then lets out a yell that is either a cry of jubilation or a call to arms - it's hard to tell with the Thrax.

Reigna has left the Side Alcove.

Saedrus draws gracefully to his feet, smiling up towards the altar and applauds with soft touch of his hands. Evergreens do turn to their corners at Aleksei for the whistle though.

Victus joins in on the indiscreet cry with Octavia, just as loud and a pound of his chest to follow.

Symonesse laughs a laugh like honey as Alaric dips her down, and in the moment of that kiss the two of them seem brighter, bathed in golden light. A trick, no doubt, of the Cathedral -- but still, that moment of joining, that single, beautiful kiss, is wondrous to behold.

Aislin quirks an eyebrow at Tyrval in what can only be called a challenging manner. When he chooses to stare at the ceiling instead, she makes a soft noise of exasperation.

Reigna applauds the royal couple, a little blush on her cheeks before glancing up at Kael with a deepning of her smile.

Isabeau claps. Politely. Gently. Nobly. Clapping. She does it.

Tristan arises with the others to applaud loudly. He gives Alaric a semi-discreet thumbs up. Well done.

There's clapping from Alarissa, no cheers, that's just not very much in keeping with her own general decorum.

Lou joins the rest of the crowd in applauding and issuing praise.

Eleyna is overheard praising Symonesse for: Marriage is great. And when it isn't, vases make excellent projectiles.

Cesare checked charm + performance at difficulty 35, rolling 16 higher.

While all the applause is going on, Katarina gracefully inches her way out of the noble pews to cross over into the side aclove where more of her friends are seated.

Fergus claps, but that's about it. There's other stuff on his mind at the moment, but he's going to be respectful.

Monique applauds, but she seems to have eyes only for the jewels just exchanged, that, and the bottle she accepts from Victus with a sidelong grin of gratitude.

Katarina has left the Noble Pews.

Katarina has joined the Side Alcove.

Agnarr has joined the Commoner Pews.

Orazio actually unbends enough to grin as Alaric and Symonesse kiss. Above, the bells of the Cathedral to begin to toll, and for a while, it's almost impossible to hear /anything else/. Even bones vibrate. Luckily, it is a brief cacophony. "Your Majesties, you may address your people, as you wish." With that, he bows low, and then steps back, leaving the space before the altar for the royal couple.

Nicia joins everyone else in getting to her feet, cheering.

Mia is overheard praising Alaric for: All for the Compact's sake.

Calarian stops clapping as soon as Orazio allows both King and Queen to address their people; his eyes remain attentive, hazels flitting between the pair.

Shard continues to clap until those bells start tolling, at which point she actually flinches. It's brief of her, and she regains her composure quickly, but there's no hiding the quick jerk of her head upwards.


    Cesare can't help but sing- music is his element. His voice raises in praise of the king and queen- a variation on some standard joyous wedding song sung by common people. He steps forward, waving his hands. Trying to get others to join him in joyful song!

Eleyna is overheard praising Alaric.

Aiden nudges Estaban, "Did you see that? They looked brighter. Was that just me?" He continues to applaud, offering up whistles, whoots and hollars, like any good young man might do to add to the celebration!

Eleyna is overheard praising Orazio.

Barric is overheard praising Orazio for: For not losing composure through the ceremony at seeing all the spiders... yes, ignore them, ignore them good father.

Talen looks towards House Velenosa's few servants that attend the pair, indicating they come forth in preparation for being one of the many gift-giving folk for the royal couple. "I think he'll like it, even if he doesn't appreciate it, not until about a year in," Talen says to his wife, even if he's mostly defending his choice of gift.

Estaban nods his head, "They did look brighter!" he says to Aiden as he continues to applaud and offers his own voice in cheers and hoots and whistles.

People start to move around, and Korka hops right back to her feet. She glances towards the noble pews (or towards Aislin at least) and considers only briefly before she starts cutting through throngs of people for the Out.

Korka has left the Commoner Pews.

Lou seems to be waiting to see what the King and newly minted Queen have to say - if anything - before also heading toward the door. She's starting to get twitchy in the crowd.

"He might not need it at all. He could be better behaved than you are." Eleyna sniffs delicately and glances around, gazing at the spiders in particular.

Caelis is still watching the ceiling in looks between clapping warmly for their majesties. She seems convinced she'll catch the spiders clapping to, or at least she finds them interesting enough to watch-from a safe distance.

"Or she might be as crazy as you are," Talen says, before silencing himself. Only etiquette one, folks.

Lady Teldra, a Lycene noblewoman have been dismissed.

3 Grayson Guardsmen have been dismissed.

1 Armed Confessors have been dismissed.

Buchanan, a Champion have been dismissed.

Yes, some of the spiders are clapping. One claps so enthusiastically that it falls from its web and lands in Caelis' hair.

Alaric steps forward, smiling gloriously and waving to the crowd, handing out a few points and winks before lifting his other hand and gesturing for peace so he can speak. When the hubbub dies down, he lowers his arms, and raises his voice. "My subjects, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you all. Not for attending... well, not -just- for attending," he amends with a smirk, "but for all you do for your houses, your fealties, your Compact, and for each other."

Orazio checked composure at difficulty 10, rolling 22 higher.

For that statement, Talen earns a flat stare and a little sniff as Eleyna says in an imperious tone, "Keep it up. You have to sleep sometime."

Valencia glances up at the spiders after one finds it's way into Caelis' hair and nearly smiles, but Velenosan composure and all that.

Orazio takes a clay vessel of water from a nearby priest, and takes a sip. The clapping spiders get a brief look, but the Legate's expression resolutely says that this is fine. This is ALL FINE.

There is a faint shift in Calarian's lips as he very perceptively notices one of the black things falling down from the ceiling and unto Caelis' hair. He quickly flits his attention back to the newly-wed. A smile is given to the King.

Leola settles down as Alaric calls for peace. She settles in the commoner pews, smiling a little and wrapping her hands together, listening and watching the trio at the altar. Orazio? Orazio's face gets a knowingly amused look

Alaric's bearing steels and he looks about the room commandingly as he speaks. "Today we mark a new beginning for the Compact. Our trials of these last three years have left grevious marks. Losses, betrayals, catastrophes, a terrible war. Everyone here has suffered deeply and personally in some manner."

"Enemies that feared the slumbering power of the ancient alliance between the Compact and the Twilight Court struck by Queen Alarice the Great sought to turn us against one another, devoting a hundred years of plotting to lay a trap that nearly succeeded in their aims. We have done great harm to one another, the Nox'alfar and the Arvians. Some of these hurts can never be truly healed."

"But we recognize that both our peoples are the devoted followers of the gods of the Pantheon. Today, we renew our commitment to stand together against the fell forces that oppose the gods, the same fell forces that brought the Silent Army to the gates of Arx, that made war upon both of us five hundred years ago, that once blighted the land with the Reckoning itself."

Nonplussed, Caelis blinks and looks for Edain, spider whisperer for the rescue. "Umm, gentle spider, please don't get lost in there?" She asks and sits very still so she doesn't hurt the thing.

Symonesse does not speak -- deferring to Alaric in this -- but the smile she turns upon the gathered crowd is light-bringing, her presence warm and bold against the crisp, cool air. Then, to the room, to each man and woman, high or low, she bows her head. Bows low. This show of respect hangs still in the air, and then she raises her head again, smiles again. "We hope that you will all join us at the Palace, for food and drink and great celebration!"

Mia is overheard praising Orazio for: A man who manages to hold his composure in the face of clapping spiders...

Dash the Guard Corgi, 2 Iron Guardsmen arrive, following Silas.

Alaric clenches a fist and holds it to his chest. "Today, just as Queen Symonesse and I pledged our bonds to each other, our nations renew our ancient pledges to stand as the defenders of the divine virtues in the world, to halt the predations of the followers of the Abyss, and to protect our lands from anyone who would seek to undermine the freedom and security that are our divine rights as the children of the gods, now and forever!" And then Symonesse says her thing.

Dash the Guard Corgi have been dismissed.

Alis is trying not to look horrified of course, as a spider lands in Caelis hair. Nope Nope Nope! She is firmly on the nope boat here. Oh listen, speech! While Edain deals with spider-Cae. If she claps extra hard at the end of that speech, it's only because it was just that good. And nothing to do with wanting to smush spiders.

"We should go to the palace, at least, to give our gifts. Also, I might be able to lose you along the way and I can sleep in piece," Talen says, as he turns and signals for someone to fetch a carriage. "She needs something with wheels," he calls.

peace*

Edain leans over and reaches his hand out to places it on Caelis head gently, letting the spider climb onto the back of his hand.

Alarissa's moving away from the alcove where she as standing during that speech, but only when it's done, Syonesses' words and all, does she depart.

Cristoph's attention eventually travels upwards when other people beginning making eyeballs at the spiders again. He watches them clap, purses his lips and stays silent. This is fine. His eyes drop again to the King and Queen, listening to Alaric's speech with intent before slowly bringing around another round of clapping, his hands thumping together. He'll pause to hold his hands to his mouth and call out, "Long live the King! Long live the Queen!" Laurents are loud. It's probably a fatal condition.

Saedrus smiles brightly, an upwards tip of his chin to the newly wedded sovereigns. Once all is said, by both, he drops in a most gracious bow -- even from back in the commoner pews -- for the stirring words and the grace in which it was said.

Alarissa has left the Side Alcove.

Margot has left the Noble Pews.

Ian nods to Alarissa when she goes. He's slower to move, letting everyone else who wants to pour out and go to the palace do so before he goes anywhere.

Silas has joined the Noble Pews.

Marian stifles a curse under her breath when the spider falls into Caelis hair. It's her turn to grip her husband's arm as she murmurs something in his ear.

Orazio joins in the clapping, this time, albeit in a dignified and solemn fashion.

Darren claps his hands together for the speech from the King, nodding firmly in agreement. Though, he does cant his head to Talen afterward, brows lifting. "You're not going to carry her?" he asks, smirking over to Eleyna. "Truly terrible. Worry not, Princess Donella. When you are big enough to require a carriage, I will carry you about on my back," he boasts confidently.

Calarian has left the Noble Pews.

Aiden regards the pair, his eyes turning from his King to his Queen. The invitation to go celebrate with them at the palace earns Estaban another nudge, "More drinks there I bet." Eyebrow waggle. And the flask is handed over with a swishy swish motion. Really, he was paying attention, which is why he whistles with appreciation again once the speeches come to an end!

Aislin finally turns her attention from Tyrval, the Elf Prince of Glares, and his study of the ceiling. Instead, she focuses on Alaric's speech, nodding in clear and obvious approval; when he concludes, she applauds the words.

Shard claps again when others do, though anyone looking at her might notice her jaw has tightened.

Silas arrives late! He is quick to quietly place himself in the Noble Pews before anyone really notices.

Vercyn claps again at the speech from the King and his new queen. His eyes sweep over the crowd as things begin to die down.

Mira cheers, "Long live the King! Gods save the Queen!" She turns to Agnarr at the pews, "Lets go see what happens when elves get drunk."

"Yes. Wheels. Maybe a litter. Why didn't you let me have a litter? The servants wouldn't have minded. It's less heavy with four of them to manage it," Eleyna manages to mutter before offering applause for the newly minted King and Queen. Darren gets a look and then she gazes pointedly at Talen, "See? -Some- husbands actually dote on their wives. Fancy that."

Thena applauds once more, just long enough to be sociable-like, and then drops her hands to her sides.

Ezekiel the German Shepherd arrives, following Artorius.

"Is that like catching the flowers? It's lucky, right?" Caelis asks, looking up at Edain as he wrangles the spider from her hair. "I swear they were clapping, I didn't think spiders clapped."

Then, there's a spider in someones hair... and Tobias looks in that direction, curiously.

"You might be lucky, you might have a sane one," Talen says to Darren with a tired patience, "but let me put this into perspective. I wake up every morning, missing pieces of armour, because some of them have found their way to Reflection Square because she didn't get her breakfast cooked the right way and it's somehow my fault."

Mason looks rather approving as well of the king's speech, and at least for this occassion, the man looks a bit more relaxed. He throws Aislin a smile if he catches her eye.

Calarian rises from his pew at that, clapping his hands to King and Queen. "Congratulations, my King, my Queen," he voices to Alaric and Symonesse from his pew, so very close to the front. He seems ready to depart the cathedral and head to the next place of celebrations.

Talen says, "I can lose her for a few hours and it'll be okay."

Reigna looks over to Cristoph as he shouts and holds a hand over her lips, trying to repress a laugh. She cheers all the louder for the royal couple in the wake of their speeches.


    "Sing!" Cesare says to the others, "Raise your voice for OUR King and OUR Queen!" he says as he returns to song once the words of the king and queen have been said- his voice cutting through the din, "We celebrate the joining of hearts and hands in joyful thanksgiving. May loving kindness be always flowing between their hearts, and may their souls forever sing a single song."

Donella sighs in a long-suffering way, and turns around, clasping her hands on Darren's arms to tilt him away from her. She then casts her arms around his neck, and belies Talen's statement, adopting an almost equestrian posture. Glibly, she says, "The shoes are new."

Tikva gets Amanita, a secunda balalaika from instrument case slung across the back on linen straps.

Estaban nods, "I believe there will be yes!" he looks over at Caelis and grins at her then looks to Aiden and grins and whistles and claps more the young man has already started celebrating!

Selene continues to look rather swooningly happy at all the romance and ceremony and everything else. It's totally her kind of day, complete with a near storybook moment in their kiss and a rousing speech to follow. Plus, there's to be a party afterward, one that she's been presumably spent several weeks helping with in planning. She ought to at least have a drink as compensation! So with a happy look, she falls in with all of those no doubt preparing to follow the royal party back to the Palace.

Tikva checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 42 higher.

Donella is going to ride her fiance piggy-back out of the chapel, yes, yes she is.

Isabeau has left the Noble Pews.

Jordal, a bodyguard leaves, following Isabeau.

Tikva hauls her balalaika from the instrument case strapped to her back and joins her voice to Cesare's in a high, clear harmony. She knows all the old traditionals, after all!

Octavia rises and whispers something to her assistant, then departs into the city, pulling her cloak tightly around herself again.

Octavia has left the Noble Pews.

Ashe, the studious Stormward paralegal leaves, following Octavia.

Tyrval stops applauding and is Definitely Not Glaring At Aislin by looking pointedly just past her, "Congratulations to his majesty! May -your- marriage be much happier than some. I'll be at the palace!" He then storms out, presumably to go to the reception.

"I know you pay the servants to burn my eggs. I know you do. I saw you giving a pouch of silver to the cook!" Eleyna huffs before she's all smiles for Darren and Donella. "My throwing arm is really quite good now. Also, I would ride Talen like a pony, but he's a fragile little thing, barely able to walk in armor, much less lift a princess."

Lou leans in close to Mason, whispering to him. The twitchy is starting to turn to edgy.

gives a jovial pat to Katarina as he raises as well, stalking his way out of the door after a quick bow of respect to the King and Queen both.

Victus has left the Noble Pews.

Mason gives Lou a nod, reaching for her hand again so he can lead her through the press of crowds to the exit.

Paloma inspects people as they leave, same as she'd inspected people when they arrived. Her eyes are no less intense for the promise of departure. So much can happen between Cathedral, palace.

Darren utters a low laugh, casting a glance over his shoulder to Talen. "I'm not entirely sure about the sane thing. But I think that sounds like a very good game. A scavenger hunt!" he chuckles, before he grips Donella's arm and hoists her up onto his back with a flex of muscle! "If you whip me, Donella, I will buck you right off."

Edain has left the Noble Pews.

Marian has left the Noble Pews.

Alis has left the Noble Pews.

Crow - Thraxian Steward arrives, delivering a message to Katarina before departing.

Fergus has left the Noble Pews.

Marian leaves, following Fergus.

Alis plays follow the sibling, all the way out fhe door!

Mira has left the Commoner Pews.

Shard pushes to her feet. She is definitely not going to sing.

Artorius has totally been here the whole time! He claps at the final union between the King and now queen. He moves over to Caelis and Estaban, poking both behind the head. "Hey you two."

Lou seems relieved and heads for the door behind some of the others.

Lou has left the Noble Pews.

Mason has left the Noble Pews.

Mason leaves, following Lou.

Holden has left the Commoner Pews.

Estaban looks at Artorius, "Lord Artorius! Hello." he is all grins at the moment standing with Aiden, "Going to come to the Palace?"

Alaric has left the Altar.

5 King's Own Guardsmen leaves, following Symonesse.

Tikva has left the Noble Pews.

2 Armed Confessors, Mariah, a nanny, 2 Grayson Guardsmen, Confessor Warren leave, following Tikva.

Aiden has left the Noble Pews.

Estaban has left the Noble Pews.

Silas has left the Noble Pews.

2 Iron Guardsmen leaves, following Silas.

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Estaban, Silas leave, following Aiden.

Monique has left the Noble Pews.

Kit, the grey fox, Brigid the Genet leave, following Monique.

3 Grayson Guardsmen, Philip, an overworked assistant leave, following Calarian.

Cristoph has left the Noble Pews.

Nicia has left the Noble Pews.

Nicia leaves, following Cristoph.

Talen has left the Quiet Alcove.

Eleyna has left the Quiet Alcove.

Eleyna leaves, following Talen.

Shard has left the Commoner Pews.

Renault, a floofy persian cat leaves, following Selene.

Mia has left the Noble Pews.

10 King's Own Guardsmen, Zelda, the royal messenger, Symonesse, Tikva, Aiden, Monique, Calarian, Mira, Cristoph, Talen, Shard, Selene, Mia leave, following Alaric.

Edain gets the spider from Caelis' hair to crawl onto his hand and then holds his hand over to another pillar it can climb off on too. "There you go. Don't get so excited next time." The Prince of Sanctum says, "It was good to see you tonight. I am heading back to the Manor, so enjoy the party if you are going there."

Esoka has left the Commoner Pews.

Orazio takes a soft cloth out of his robes, and delicately pats at his forehead and face. Another relieved sigh, before the Legate nods and smiles to the godsworn and Disciples he knows, as well as others. He starts to make his way through the crowds, no doubt to grab a carriage.

Darren has left the Noble Pews.

Donella has left the Noble Pews.

6 Thrax Elite Guards, Dog, an oversized puppy leave, following Donella.

Donella leaves, following Darren.

Reese has left the Noble Pews.

Tristan has left the Commoner Pews.

Barric has left the Noble Pews.

Valencia has left the Noble Pews.

Valencia leaves, following Barric.

Samantha has left the Noble Pews.

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

Thena has left the Commoner Pews.

Orazio has left the Altar.

Okay. Aislin's starting to look a little bit beyond exasperated as she rises from the pews. "Oh, /that's/ how you want to play this?" she mutters under her breath, as Tyrval makes his pointed departure. And then she moves to follow, in a manner best described as 'storming out'.

Aislin has left the Noble Pews.

Willen leaves, following Aislin.

Agnarr has left the Commoner Pews.

Katarina blinks sedately at the missive she receives. And again. And again.

Caras has left the Commoner Pews.

Rymarr has left the Noble Pews.

Squire Serad Iron Foot leaves, following Edain.

Vercyn has left the Noble Pews.

Aleksei tips his head at something Saedrus says before looking over at Holden. "We're gonna head over," he says. "If you wanna come with."

Sighing with relief, Caelis offers her thanks to Edain quietly and glances at her brother. "You missed it, a spider thought I was so lovely it fell down on my head. But Prince Edain rescued me. So that's good." She tells Artorius and offers her arm. "Going to the party?"

"Does that mean," Katarina starts, only to trail off with an exasperated look flung after Aislin. "LADY AISLIN," she calls over the crowd, clearly bewildered at the missive in her hand.

Mae watches the people file on out, looking modesty awed. So many people! So easy for a Mae to get lost in this crowd. So she steps forward, and over, and grabs hold onto the back of Aleksei's fancy coat. Yeah, she'll jsut follow him.

Kael tilts his head in response to Katarina's response to whatever missive it is that she received. He regards her for a stretch of time, silent and considering, and then -- when it seems he might speak or pry, she is off. He shakes his head rather ruefully and offers Ian a nod before remarking to Reigna, "Ready?" before turning to depart.

Kael has left the Side Alcove.

Artorius laughs a little at his sister for a small moment, looking then to Estaban "Good to see you too Lord Estaban. He looks then to his sister "Well, my thanks to the Valardin. As for the party...I don't know. I suppose I'll go to socialize." he smiles faintly, happily allowing her to wrap her arm around his to walk with her to the party. "Shall we?"

Katarina has left the Side Alcove.