Keso, a street urchin, Peanut, an oversized mastiff arrive, following Aleksei.

Calypso arrives in a dress of deep red and black, her hands clasped behind her back as she steps through the mirrored hall. She spots the woman in the veil first and smiles in her direction before taking her place off to the side with the others.

    It is the evening of the bloodmoon and outside the shrine the world is cast a splash of red light while the darkness of shadows seem to nearly come alive by a trick of the eyes perhaps. A procession of Mirrormasks enter, each wearing their dark robes and special masks to show their dedication to the Thirteenth with each carrying a small banner holding the sigils of Nightgold and Redrain with the banners topped by a small mirror which in turn is ringed with the symbols of the Pantheon. Another figure comes in, flanked by two Silent Reflections on either side of him although his robes of black are far more ornate and the symbols embroidered in silver thread on his stole show that he's a priest of the Faith.
    Driskell makes his way to the altar and facing it, gives a kneel to the ancient altar before standing up. A Silent Reflection offers him a silver bowl holding burning incense which he wafts with gloved hands to his face, ritualistically cleansing himself. Taking a silver thurible which looks more like a mace decorated with mirrors, he swings it slowly in a low arch in the direction of Freja and Mydas, cleansing the air around them with the incense that drifts through the air.

Conker, the Ornery Red Squirrel, Dame Barkley, a chocolate tri beagle arrive, following Joslyn.

2 Velenosa House Guards, Jiacomo arrive, following Eleyna.

Princess Lark Grayson arrives with guards in tow like an elaborate train behind her, where her skirts sweep around herself and her air is one of somber celebration adopted for the event that she attends. As she steps into the interior of the Thirteenth's shrine, her ink-dark eyes sweep around to see who else has arrived, before she moves towards a spot to remain out of the way but where she can watch without having to crane herself awkwardly around the taller Northerners attending.

Mydas steps inside dressed in a fine outfit of umbra and aeterna, the fabrics and opposing hues combining into a rare harmony. He is calm, though solemn, as he walks towards the altar where Driskell awaits. There he stops, inclining his head in greeting to Driskell, but otherwise leaving the Mirrormask to his preparations. Instead, he turns his golden gaze towards the doors, to the guests still coming through, but more importantly, awaiting the arrival of his bride.

Marian is a vision of gold, dressed in gossamer silk gown that shimmers when the candle light catches the silk panels. She is by her husband's side, standing on the side of the bride. She expression betrays no emotion as she is giving reverence to the union that is about to be performed. She watches the preparations with interest.

In absence of a father, Freja approaches the altar on the arm of Fergus, her eldest brother. Her unnaturally tall, willowy frame looks even more pale against the darkness of the Shrine of the Thirteenth and the umbra she wears. A gown with a plunging neckline and exposed back, the latter latticed with finely woven gold chains. It allows a rare glimpse of the ink covering the entirety of her back, a tree with bare branches and countless runes scattered betwixt. With a few soft words murmured to her brother before he leaves her, a hand pressed against his cheek, she then turns to face Mydas with a rare smile gracing her lips. A nod is given to Driskell for him to begin.

Someone forgot to give her vulture the memo to stay home though; the abyssal, large creature stalkhops in behind her and makes its waddling, funny walk way over to Morrighan to peck at the hem of her gown.

Someone wearing A Featureless Silver Facade sweeps into the shrine, completely shrouded, with only jade eyes peeking from the slits in the otherwise smooth mask to hint at her identity. Quietly, she makes her way to take a seat, and for this moment in time she is completely silent.

Kit, the grey fox, a tiny man with a BIG unpronounceable name, Corban arrive, following Monique.

Driskell drops a white and black braided cord of smooth silk and coarse rope.

Leggiero, a Hoopoe, Dolce, a Dove arrive, following Cesare.

Eleyna arrives with both guards and Jiacomo in tow, but no Talen as of yet. She ducks into seat as inconspicuously as possible and shifts to watch the proceedings with a solemn expression.

    Setting the thurible back, a Silent Reflection brings a mirrored plate with a black and white woven cord which Driskell takes. Turning to Mydas and Freja, he gestures to have them face each other and then places the cord over their held hands in a ritual display of binding. Stepping back slightly, he raises his hands in the air, his voice speaks, "To all here, you bear witness to the event that gathers us together. We witness these two arrive separately as two individuals, two houses, 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. But not only do we respect Limerance, we share this moment within the Shrine of the Thirteenth and during His holy feast day. Reflect on this, before you speak." His voice is stern, and he allows a moment of silence for all to reflect what he says.


    With quiet, Cesare Whisper enters the shrine- with all the grace of a shadow he arrives- quiet as he finds a place to sit. Silent, for now. Watching. A witness.

Aksel arrived before most everyone and has found a seat. The Sword of Stonedeep sits quietly hands in his lap watching the front. As people file in he scoots and shifts allowing others to take a seat.

Quietly does Morrighan step into the Thirteenth's shrine like a blaze of fire, the conflagrant hues of her gown accentuated by the bloodmoon's light. For once the dame had donned a more formal appearance given the occasion, and she briefly pauses, glancing back to look for the Redrain Prince the redhead has arrived with. Once he's found, she heads off for a place to reside, her tempestuous sea-blue eyes scanning the crowd, finding many familiar faces, and the sight of Freja and Mydas brings a bright smile to her face.

Khanne is at least wearing the right colors for a blood moon tonight, dressed up more than normal to attend the wedding of her good friend and her fellow shaman. She enters the shrine, looking around in wide-eyed aww and curiosity before finding a place to observe, quietly. Mist grey eyes look to each guest, as well as the procession of Mirrormasks and the two Silent Reflections, smiling at anyone she knows. Driskell begins straight away and Khanne's focus turns to him, Mydas, and Freja.

For one usually so composed, Mydas' controlled expression breaks at the sight of Freja. His brow arches, and the wolf eyes glint in the torchlight, their nature not at all smoothed over by the smile that soon graces his face. He doesn't speak, though it's rather clear he likes what he sees. He meets Freja's eyes even as their hands are ritually bound, listening to the words, though with a distracted ear.

Kieran follows the Dame into the shrine and moves to occupy a spot next to her as the festivities get underway. He eyes the clothing of those around him, before focusing his attention on the service.

Oh good, Shrine of the Thirteenth. Because that's where Fergus wanted to see his sister get married in. He's putting on a rather neutral face, holding Freja's arm. Granted, he still looks angry and annoyed, but when has he not looked like that? But he's here for his sister, who he looks at with a somewhat...kind expression? Those wear oddly on the Warchief's face. Mydas gets a glance.

The Redrain, soon to be Nightgold, simply quirks her scarred brow and smirks at Mydas. Freja flexes her fingers slowly as the rope binds their wrist. "...no escaping now..." she mutters teasingly.

    Driskell speaks mainly to Freja and Mydas, as well as for the benefit of those witnessing, "Often we may not think of the Thirteenth when we speak of marriage although I'm sure you could speak to some married couples even here who might say their partner tests them all the time, but the Pantheon itself is one that shows we are all better and stronger by their examples and teachings, that when we work together and view ourselves as a whole rather than individuals, we can accomplish great things. So be it as we come together today on the wedding on the Thirteenth's most holy feast day. The Thirteenth commands you that you are to reflect always truth to one another and not speak falsely to your partner, to see yourselves as a whole once you are bonded together as husband and wife in that you are better together and stronger united than you are as separate individuals. To see that each of you are just as they are; that you will fail each other and struggle but to use those moments not to harm one another in their moment of weakness but instead become stronger and always seek to easily forgive so that all might see you two as an example of the gift that two people gain by entering marriage together and seek within each other their dualities. Let all your challenges be met together, united, and may you celebrate not just your successes in your life journey but also reflect and utilize all moments when you fail."

Fergus says, ""If you wanna run, I'll cover you." Fergus grunts at Freja."

Aislin has settled in among the audience quietly, content to merely watch her cousin and her friend be joined in matrimony. Still, the Blood Moon -- and the presence of so many mirrors /during/ said Blood Moon -- leaves the Ashford woman clearly just a /tiny/ bit unsettled.

Monique arrives on the arm of the Voice of Telmar, the two looking dapper and ready to celebrate. They take seats, murmuring quietly to each other, waving demurely to those they know. Then, it's time to watch the beautiful wedding!

A pair of darkly dressed women, arm in arm, find their places among those gathered. While the taller is easily identified as Lianne, the shorter wears a veil which easily obscures her identity. The marquessa keeps her verdant gaze forward, watching the ceremony with an almost solemn air.

Lark's large, dark eyes are a mirrored reflection of their own as she watches the ceremony, widening only slightly for a moment before focusing again in intent study of the proceedings. She smiles to Aislin as she settles nearby, tipping her chin respectfully towards the Ashford.

Fergus gets elbowed in his side by Freja, for some reason or another. When are the two never in the same room without a small bit of bickering?

Marian growls under her breath as her husband speaks to Freja. It's too bad it's by her side and not his wife by the look she shoots him. Marian is definitely feeling unity with Freja at the moment.

Corban comes in alongside Monique, murmuring to her in low tones and shaking his head slightly before looking around. He seems a little ill at ease, but is pushing it down for the beautiful wedding at the front.

Morrighan absently reaches down to give the Floof a gentle scritch atop of his head, her gaze flicking down to him while her other hand lifts to her lips - as if the vulture would understand the gesture to be quiet. She glances down further, crinkling her nose and lightly pulls at the hem of her gown away from his pecking beak.

Skillet the bumbling baby bear arrives, following Neve.

Fergus' words don't get much of a reaction from Mydas, short of an amused half-smile. He doesn't comment, however, instead listening to the words spoken by Driskell, though his gaze does not wander from his bride.

Someone wearing a black veil arrives on Marquessa Lianne's arm, as if she's to be proper escorted. The small figure is draped in black silk, with a black veil covering her pale face, and her dark eyes, and a black scarf tied about her dark hair. White gold and black pearls glitter through the silk, here and there, around her neck, hanging from her ears, glinting in her hair. She smells of citrus blossoms and oranges. She waits for her escort to find a place to sit, and moves along quietly with her. Her big, dark eyes focus on Brother Driskell once she's found a seat.

    "In addition to your own vows, this is what Limerance asks of you each. 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? Give your word now to each other, under the view of gods and man." Driskell pauses a moment so that both Mydas and Freja can speak their confirmations and personal oaths to one another.

Once Driskell pauses, Mydas speaks up, the deep bass of his voice easily cutting through whatever mumuring words are shared by those that attend. "I do so swear, to be faithful to the contracts we have made, to treat you with respect, affection, and honor. To protect and persevere through sickness and want as well as retain faith and humility in times of plenty and ease." There's a pause then, yet Mydas continues. The hesitation does not lessen his following words, and indeed, when he next speaks, it is with a voice filled with honest promise. "I swear to share my burdens, my joys, and my fears with you. I swear that my life will be bound to you, serve you, until death do us part." And then comes the personal oath. "Through Dream or Nightmare, Light or Darkness, I swear before the thirteen Gods, I will walk with you, guide and follow, support and rely upon. Anchor and shield, none shall come between us, neither whisper nor evil." And through it all, Mydas' unblinking gaze does not leave Freja's own, in that moment seeing only her.

And with his oath made, Freja turns to speak to Mydas as all else seems to melt away. "I swear from this moment until the Wheel finds me again, to treat you with the respect, honor, and affection due to you. Perseverance in all seasons of life, the sufferings and the joys, of blessings and trials. We are bound, woven you and I until death lays its claim." A lull permeates her heartfelt words and then she says softer, "The dark along with its light, dawns with its dusk. Through all joys and sorrows, we will anchor no matter the tempest that rages about us. We will stand, to the last." It isn't a lot, but for the woman such a fan of brevity, it is something.

Marian finds herself catching her breath as the duo starts to give their peronal vows to each other. She gives a softer look towards her husband as if to remind him of the vows they have spoken. She smiles at both Freja and Mydas, sharing in the joy of their union.

Calypso watches with stoic reverence as the pair give their vows. She keeps a stiff expression, but the adoration in her eyes for the commitments they are making is genuine.

A soft smile marks the corners of Lark's lips only, doing little to lessen her solemn empathy, as she watches the ceremony proceed. She does lean closer to Aislin, to murmur quietly to her vassal.

There's a notable look of glee and pride reflected upon Morrighan's face while she watches the ceremony, gazing fondly upon Mydas and Freja as they make their vows to one another. Her smile remains bright and broad, content even, and for a moment she ticks her gaze aside to the other Northerners present, fairly glad to see so many assembled.

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

    "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?" asks Driskell, the gold eyes looking beyond the pair and to those gathered as incense swirls about, giving the opportunity for someone to speak up.

1 Redrain novice guards leaves, following Kieran.

Neve brings her gift, A bottle of fancy strawberry wine shall we say, somewhat 'liberated' from one Arianna Stonewood. 3 bottles of Neve's favorite, much less fancier apple wine, and a package of crispy, cooked bacon in a wooden box, and a wonderful rock with fancy eyes painted on it await in the box with a note 'All the best love to you on your new adventure. Love is a magical thing, and this wine, bacon, and rock freind should help you on your journey. It is good bacon, Greenmarch Bacon. And it is a mighty fine rock. Please enjoy from the family unit of Neve Greenmarch, Alexis, and Joslyn.'. When finished, she finds her way over to Marian's side, nuzzling into the woman and flopping her head on her. "Hey.." she offers up to her with a smile. "Neve found the perfect gifts.." she offers with a whisper. Peering at the 'wedding action'. "I brought bacon." she whispers.

Someone wearing a black veil gazes over at the Greenmarch woman who speaks up when Driskell asks for individuals to object. She stares for a long moment, then lets out a low sigh. Her attention shifts back to Mydas and Freja.

Marian smiles as Neve joins her side, motioning to the ceremony that is going on before them and making a motion with her hand as if to tell Neve she should lock the vault, throw away the key and keep her eyes on the duo that are getting married. She murmurs in a low voice some words in a soft, kind voice.

Khanne looks on at the ceremony, still in her composure as she stands by alone to witness the nuptials. She says not a single word to anyone, though she does side-eye a messenger who found their way in, before looking back to Mydas and Freja. She then bites her lip as Neve interrupts the ceremony istelf to give gifts.

Jiacomo have been dismissed.

2 Velenosa House Guards have been dismissed.

    For a moment, it looks like indeed someone has an objection as Neve speaks! But, it turns out less of an objection and more of a gift giving. It seems for now, there are no voices to speak up to challenge the couple's vows and undertakings. Taking the cord, Driskell gestures for them to face him and he takes the black and white cord, tying it now so Mydas's right hand is fastened to Freja's left. "May you each remember the words daily you've given freely to one another today, and understand the bonds which have been created today. By the powers invested in me by the Faith of the Pantheon, it is my honor and privilege to pronounce you wed in the eyes of man and the gods. Marquis Mydas, Marquisa Freja, you are now joined of one hearth and one family. You may kiss to seal the marriage before us all. So shall it be!"

Lark stands and claps warmly for the couple as they are proclaimed, smiling brightly towards both Freja and Mydas and Driskell as well.

Monique glances up at Neve's arrival, a frown creasing her forehead deeply. She leans to whisper something to Corban, before returning her attention to the ceremony.

Lark is overheard praising Freja for: A lovely wedding, my friend.

Lark is overheard praising Mydas for: A lovely wedding.

Aislin, too, stands to applaud the couple, with one of her infrequent full /smiles/ turned towards her cousin and his new wife. Even if she finds the setting of the ceremony unsettling, she can still find happiness in seeing two people she cares about joined together.

Mydas does not need further encouragement, turning to his newly married Marquessa. He doesn't say a word as he wraps an arm around her waist and, with an enthusiasm that may have been burning for the duration of the whole ceremony, ever since he first laid eyes on Freja, he kisses his bride with a passion rarely seen in the glacial Marquis.

Calypso is overheard praising Mydas for: Congratulations, Mirrored Marquis. Wise choice in brides.

Marian is overheard praising Freja for: For a choosing a man as unique as herself.

Khanne has been rather composed tonight, not a single wolf whistle has been heard, but when they are joined by Driskell and he calls for them to kiss, she does offer a soft applause and a smile to the newly married couple. Still, she has nothing to vocalize at the moment, mist-grey eyes still looking about the shrine as if just being in this place is difficult for her.

There isn't really much pomp and circumstance to being on the receiving end of a kiss; Freja's arms drape of his shoulders and while she kisses him deeply, dimples show on her cheeks of the smile threatening to escape through it all.

Marian is overheard praising Mydas for: For joining the family. Welcome brother.

Calypso is overheard praising Freja for: Congratulations, Twinsy. You made an excellent choice. I couldn't be more proud.

Neve slumps in with Marian, under her arm and clings to her arm, trying to hide. Horrible wedding timing.

Once the vows and ceremony is concluded, Morrighan rises from her seat, applauding for the newlywed couple, almost looking a bit misty-eyed. Almost. She bounces a bit on her toes, grinning when the pair lock lips, and the redhead glances down to Dangerfloof, murmuring, "See tha'? He's yer Da now. Gonna have tae share your Mum."

Lark lifts her fingers to her lips, letting out one sharp, slightly undignified whistle for the kiss, before she resumes her much more proper clapping. There is, however, only so much clapping one can do. She stirs gracefully to her feet, her silk skirts whispering around her legs, as she turns to murmur a question to Aislin.

Marian gives applause at the kiss, being discreet as if to show the young lady by her side the appropriate way to show her enthusiasm. She leans over and murmurs a few more words in Neve's ear.

As the contract is sealed with that kiss, Lianne gets to her feet and joins in the celebratory applause, a warm smile turned toward the couple. Her gaze flits here and there, catching that affection from the myriad angles reflected through the shrine.

Fergus is overheard praising Mydas for: Don't fuck it up. Really. Don't fuck it up.

Neve is overheard praising Freja for: I Object! You can't get married till I give you this wine and Bacon...

Dangerfloof the Bearded Vulture simply 'squawk's at Morrighan, now pecking at the toe of her shoe.

Monique rises to applaud the kiss, smiling for the newlyweds, turning to murmur something else then to Corban.

2 Velenosa House Guards, Jiacomo leave, following Eleyna.

Morrighan is overheard praising Mydas for: Congratulations to you both. Now don't set anything on fire.

Someone wearing a black veil is a creature of silence and shadow, and she surely does not break her facade now. Even at this joyous moment. She merely stands, as Lianne does, and gives a faint little clap.


    The wedding is finished- Cesare stands. As quietly a he arrived, he departs.

Isabetta applauds softly with a placid expression

Leggiero, a Hoopoe, Dolce, a Dove leave, following Cesare.

Freja picks up a white and black braided cord of smooth silk and coarse rope.

Aislin mururs a quiet reply back to Lark, whatever the query was.

    After the two kiss, Driskell lifts his gloved hands upwards again and says "I am honored to introduce to the world for the very first time Marquis Mydas and Marquessa Freja Nightgold!" amidst all the cheers, praises, and even the pre-wedding baconator gift giving. He lowers his hands and steps aside, indicating the ceremony is complete and the Silent Reflections that assist him begin to take their positions along the sides of the long corridor again.

The kiss eventually ends, as all good things. Mydas is smiling, murmured words shared with Freja alone before turning to all the guests that chose to attend the wedding. "I think I speak for us both when I say we are grateful for your presence, and honoured that you chose to be with us for this event. For those interested, a reception is to be held at the Redrain Villa, and you are all invited. We both hope to see you there."

6 Malvici Guards, Adjutant General Vincenzo di Malvici leave, following Calypso.