RP:The Union of Pilar and Yozenra

Summary: Pilar and Yozenra finally get married!

Chartsend Public Gardens

The public gardens had been spruced up for the festivities. The bushes had been trimmed, lights hung from the trees, and two large, white tents had been erected in the center. One tent held rows of chairs, with a central aisle marked by a silver runner. At the far end of the tent was a white wicker arch, covered in purple and gold flowers. White candles within gold and glass lanterns lined the walls. There were 26 in total. Within the other tent were tables covered in silver cloths, with beautiful gold lantern centerpieces. The lanterns were Alithryan in design, and the flames within burned bright and warm, brighter and warmer than such small fires should have been. Magic was afoot, clearly, to keep the winter darkness and chill at bay. It was the first tent that the ushers, six women, were guiding people towards. The left side of the tent was where Yozenra’s guests, nagas all, were to be seated. Her parents and grandparents sat in the front row, tails coiled beneath them. Cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends filled in the remainder. Pilar’s guests took the right side. The front row was left empty, with a single rose upon each seat, memorials for the family she’d lost, the family that couldn’t be there.

Reginae stands under the wicker arch in her male rogue form while guests file in to their respective sides. His normally greasy slicked back ebony hair appears clean and formed into a deliberately product enhanced ‘wave’ that gathers to the left side of his head. The suit he wears is freshly pressed, creases visible in all the right places. In his hands, he holds a small book with pieces of parchments tucked inside. While he waits for the procession to begin, he has to stop himself from tussling his own hair three times; his hand nervously twitching to shoulder height before it moves back down to grasp the book. His hazel eyes wander through the crowd while the woman within bids herself not to cry.

Daermon wasn't dressed yet for the ceremony. As the man of honor for Pilar, he was bustling around making sure everything was set and ready for what was to come. He was out speaking with some of Yozenra's family and guests, then saying hello to anyone he knew from Pilar's guests. He checked the time, as he would have to go get ready himself soon. He looked over the gathering guests, the decorations and gave a soft sigh. It was beautiful and hopefully would be an unforgettable event for his closest friend.

Leone is, for the first time in recent memory, attending an event she's not needed in an official capacity for. The heavy mammoth fur robes are eschewed (for once!), though the plover hasn't seen fit to wear a dress. Instead, she's fairly sharp in adapted menswear, with nicely tailored black trousers and a coat to match. Beneath it is probably a corset, one which she will continually fuss at, as if it were an iron lung. The low-slung bun, albeit slightly neater, still curls at the nape of her neck, the shiny, coal black strands striped with shimmers of sterling grey. You can take the girl out of the forge....it seems. The smith makes her way partially up the aisle and then, after double-checking with an usher which side is the bride's, assumes a seat indented several from the end of the row.

Lanara enters the area and is gently ushered towards the right side of the nuptial tent, where she lowers herself onto a chair, and folds her hands on her lap. Chocolate hues take in the elegant decorations, and she scans the crowd of those gathered, hoping to see a familiar face. Her hues widen as she takes in the left side of set up chairs, all which seem to be filled with naga’s. Oh dear! It was known to almost everyone that ever knew Lana, that she was –terrified- of snakes and their kin, so she swallows hard and tries her hardest to remain calm. The last thing she needed was to cause a scene at the wedding, or have a panic attack! Lana is wearing an off-the-shoulder, little black dress, which ends modestly above her knees. A silver sash has been tied around her waist, into a small bow, and she wears silver high heels on her feet. A silver heart-shaped locket adorns her neck, and a tennis bracelet rests on her left wrist, matching the diamond studs in her tapered ears. Chestnut locks fall down her frame, the tips having been loosely curled, and she wears a hint of make-up on her face to accentuate her fair features. A silver clutch is held tightly in her hands, along with an envelope, likely containing a monetary present and a heartfelt card for the married couple.

Vestra carries herself proudly while slithering onto the scene - even though she is a shorter than average Ha-Naga. Boldly braided blond tresses are swept back and tied behind her head; giving way to almond colored eyes and smooth features. A simplistic white dress covers her frame and is accented by a gaudy amulet; golds and emeralds. In all, she stands at only six feet, her tail only slightly longer. After taking a moment to gander around, she finally moves, following those ushers to take a seat on her side of things. Which oddly enough, isn't known. But she can tell that Naga's sit to one side, while the other side? Well. She sits on Yozenra's side and only takes note of the roguish man under the wicker arch. She knew none of these people, save for the couple in question this day.

Hudson is abiding by the dress code and seated Pilar-bride-side, by himself, because his wife is in the wedding party. He's been talking quietly with the husband seated beside him about the local Chartsend sports teams, though he'll quiet down once the proceedings are underway.

Aira is not one who is exactly comfortable in social gatherings—especially social gatherings which require her to be dress fancily. Yet Pilar was a dear friend, one of her very first upon arriving on the main land, and she was not only honored to be invited to her wedding, but be a participant as well. Being a bridesmaid meant she was doing her duties of attending to what and who needed to be attended and all of this was done with unusual niceties and generosity. Still, she is probably hidden from view for the time being, making sure to finish getting ready.

Orikahn sits down unceremoniously beside Hudson. His chair groans beneath his considerable bulk. By forces unimaginable, the sabertooth has been squeezed into a red velvet suitcoat complete with brass buttons and cufflinks. A voluminous plum ascot matches his bloomers and stockings. His buckled shoes are richly suede and, like his coat, a bright crimson. Several ornately braided ribbons of plum and scarlet have been interwoven to tame the wild fuzz of his winter coat. He smells like cinnamon, looks considerably less than enthused, and doesn't understand personal space very well.

Daermon finished up with helping get people seated and checking on things and hurried off to finish getting ready as well. Couldn't afford to be late now!

Hudson 's conversation about Chartsend's rowing team is briefly interrupted because a cat man smelling very strongly of cinnamon has seated himself beside him. Hudson inadvertently makes eye contact and says, "Good afternoon," before cautiously resuming his conversation.

Soft music began to play, and the procession started. First came Aira, Pilar’s bridesmaid, paired with Aoife, Yozenra’s.   Aira, while more comfortable in the leathers and furs that allow her to hunt freely and with ease, is no stranger to dresses and finery thanks to her higher class Rynvale upbringing.  While she didn’t own any such clothing, she had stopped at a small dress shop and picked out the required gold attire to be a bridesmaid in Pilar’s wedding.  They had a few to choose from, but the huntress settled on a strapless thing that fell to her mid thigh.  The bodice had a sweetheart neckline and was covered in small, flashy sequins of gold.  The bottom of the dress flared at the hip; the fabric was made of a metallic hued tulle which had a few larger sequins trickling down it.  To complete her wedding ensemble, Aira donned a pair of rather tall heels; she might wear leather boots now but the huntress is no stranger to walking around in these things for hours at a time.  She had taken the time to do her hair.  Her platinum locks were parted down the middle to ensure that her shaved side was covered and they fell in gentle waves to her chest.  Aira wore no make up (besides a genuine smile at her friend’s happiness) and no jewelry. Aoife wore a purple jacket and shirt that contrasted her emerald hair and scales.

Next came Alvina and Surin. Surin’s dress was violet, with long sleeves and an off-the-shoulder neckline. Alvina’s keeping a casual pace alongside Surin, smiling ahead at the officiant. The bard’s dress is a muted gold spaghetti strap that subtly shows the pink scarring along the back of her left arm where metal binds to skin. The bodice is wrapped in a flattering gather that curves more to her hips than her chest, the skirt is shirred and cuts off a little below the knees. Her eyes are slightly red, likely from tears of joy shed while helping Pilar prepare for her wedding day. For this reason, she’s worn no makeup that could be smudged by her emotional state. Her hair is ruffled into a low bun, interwoven curled strands of hair bound by gold bobby pins to look loose and natural. The golden straps appear to pick up some of the crimson hues where her hair nears the nape of her neck.

Third was Tina, in a purple empire dress, next to Xzavior. Xzavior was looking better than he had in some time. There were very few reasons for him to dress up nice as of late, but when he heard about Pilar’s wedding, he jumped right on that. A golden suit adorned to match the theme and all, his hair was fixed up nice and clean. Where normally it would be a strange orderly mess on his head. Making his way down the aisle along with one of Yozenra’s friends, he couldn't help but feel a bit out of place here. He’s not been to such an occasion before, and besides Pilar, he hardly knew anyone here. But, who the hell was he to miss out on such an important day for the girl. And he was more than happy to see her with someone who truly made her happy. Who had better keep her happy as well. Otherwise there was going to be more than a few words to the soldier. Taking his place, he nodded lightly and simply smiled at the vampire.

Yozenra’s matron of honor, her mother’s sister, came down the aisle with Daermon, Pilar’s man of honor. Yozenra’s aunt, Izzy, was dressed in lavender for Yozenra, and had chosen gold accessories for Pilar. Daermon cut a striking figure in his suit. He had had a new one made special for the occasion and tailored to him. It was a traditional three piece with a deep rich black on suit and pants. The vest was the yellow/gold that was Pilar’s color. His undershirt was a different shade of black, closer to grey. His tie, was Yozenra’s purple color, a showing for both women as he was so fond of them both, he couldn’t commit to just one’s color. The whole look was finished with some polished black shoes. He hadn’t been in a wedding…hell, he couldn’t remember the last time. He had Pilar’s ring for Yoz tucked away, his speech for the reception and had memorized his placement during the ceremony. All in all, it was going to be a wonderful day.  After them came the flower girl, a darling little naga, Yozenra’s cousin’s daughter. She slithered down the aisle in her white dress, dropping white rose petals along the way. At the end, her father scooped her up, telling her how well she’d done and giving her a lollipop.

Finally, the two brides appeared. Pilar wore an ivory dress with sheer sleeves and an open back, revealing her memorial tattoo to all. Yozenra's dress was a light silver, so light it was almost pure white. They both carried bouquets; Pilar’s was violet, while Yozenra’s was yellow. The two clasped hands as they walked up the aisle together. They stopped before Reginae, handed off their bouquets, then turned to face each other, still holding hands.

The male turns with a gentle smile to both Pilar and Yozenra before beckoning for those who stood during the entrance to be seated. His tanned fingers press a clip on his tie that allows his voice to travel clearly within the tent for all to hear. “We are gathered here to celebrate love.” He pauses, clearing his throat. “To share in the binding of these two lovely women who have chosen each other. Not just today, but many days before and all their days after. They will wake up each morning and drift off to sleep each night with the same silent promise. Their hearts will ring out; I choose you. Days like these remind us of the good things during trying times. Like the rest of life, marriage is not without it’s own trials. It’s ups and downs. It teaches you how strong you are, how forgiving, and most of all how important the little things can be. Where love is, there too is your home.” He clears her throat again, staring hard into the book open in his hands. “Now I believe the couple has written their own vows to exchange at this time. Yozenra..?” He nods his head in her direction so she can begin and once she’s finished speaking, he’ll turn to Yozenra’s aunt to make sure she hands off Yozenra’s ring to her niece so the purple haired naga can place the band on her wife’s finger. Then he’ll turn towards Pilar in kind, so she can begin her vows, all the while keeping an eye on Daermon so he can hand Pilar the ring she’s chosen for Yozenra at the speech’s conclusion.

Lanara shifts uneasily in her chair, crossing her legs, and biting her lower lip. There were bloody snakes everywhere! The elf nervously glances around, prepared to dart at any given minute, though she does admit the snake flower child looks rather sweet. And speaking of ‘sweet’ what was that overbearing odor coming from Orikahn?! She shifts forward in her seat, about two rows behind Hudson and the cat-man, and takes a sniff. Cinnamon. Her eyes sting with tears as the scent fills her senses, so strong, that she sneezes. “Achoo!” Daintily resting her nose against the crook of her elbow, she covers her sneeze, and sniffles, before searching in her clutch for a tissue. Dabbing at her eyes and nose with the cloth, she smiles as Pilar and Yozenra make their way down the aisle, and she catches the eye of Aira, an old friend. Despite the amount of naga’s present, it was a rather lavish wedding ceremony, and Lana wishes her plus one would have come along, to see the festivities.

Leone stands once the bridesmaids (and bridesmen) have made their way up the aisle, and the brides are the next to emerge. The blacksmith is neither rigid nor lackadaisical in her posture, but comfortable as she honors the couple walking down the aisle. Silence surrounds the priestess as she retakes her seat upon cute that the officiant is prepared to speak.

Daermon held Pilar's bouquet, ring tucked safely in his pocket and waiting for the cue that it was time to present it. He let his icy gaze fall over those around. Aira looked just as awkward as himself as part of the center of attention, but he gave her a fond smile when he caught her eye. He saw Lana in the crowd and gave the dancer a wink as the ceremony headed towards the exchanging of vows. He was so happy for Pilar and Yozenra, but was determined not to cry in front of the entire wedding.

Vestra comes to a stand once the proceedings have started; watching the entire ordeal with more than just a mild enthusiasm. She knew of Yozenra and her reputation, and had grown fond of Pilar in their short time spent together… Collaborating of Jaize and her demise. Well, how to stave off attack for the time being. She had many matters to attend, but this is not something she would have missed for the world. Once the rogue addressed all to take their seats once more, she brushes lithe fingers and hands against her dress and takes a seat. Almond hues fixated on the brides.

Orikahn looks down at Hudson with three bright, condemning eyes: "you did this" they seem to say. "Good afternoon," he grumbles down through a repressed sneer. "Pleasant..." Kahn's nares flare wide as he looks forward takes a centering breath, "...weather. We are having. Isn't it." His bushy tail, which pokes out from between his brass-buttoned coattails, gives an agitated swish, finding the row behind him and knocking a cane out of an old woman's grasp. Lucky for all attending, Geriatric Gertrude is quick to grab her nephew's elbow and avoid a spill.

Hudson 's conversation about rowing naturally comes to a conclusion in time for him to enter into an awkward round of small talk with Orikahn. "Yeah, for sure," he agrees, straightening his tie, which is a canary yellow with a repeating motif of tiny pink whales. It goes decently with Alvina's dress. A woman gasps behind their row, and Hudson glances behind them out of curiosity, realizing belatedly that his seat neighbor's tail had been the cause. He wiggles his fingers at Lanara, hopes that his wife isn't lurking about and can see this. Any hopes of conversation are cut short by the start of the ceremony. Hudson endures it with a generic smile and overall demeanor of a man attending the wedding of his wife's friend.

Pilar and Yozenra gazed into each other’s eyes as their disguised officiant spoke. At her cue, Yozenra began. “Pilar… Before you, I only thought of myself as a soldier, destined to fulfill her duty to her city and her queen, and nothing more. But you brought me into the wider world, showed me wonders I could never have imagined, and even helped save my life. When you told me you returned my feelings, that was the happiest moment of my life. Then, you agreed to marry me, and that became my happiest moment. Today is my new happiest moment, and I look forward to many more.” The normally stoic warrior was now openly grinning, happy tears in her eyes. “I promise to spend the rest of my life by your side. I promise to protect you, to guide you, to comfort you, and to love you, from now until the end of my days.” She placed the ring on Pilar’s finger, sniffling slightly.

Pilar wasn’t nearly as impassive as Yozenra. Tears were freely flowing from her eyes and she couldn’t stop smiling. Once it was her turn to speak, she said, “Yozenra… Before you, I thought I was the least lucky woman in the world, when it came to love. Now, I feel like no one is luckier, because I have you. You’ve seen me at my worst, at my lowest, but your love for me never weakened, and you help me see my worth as a person every single day. In some ways, you’ve saved my life, too. I promise to spend the rest of my life by your side. I promise to protect you, to guide you, to comfort you, and to love you, from now until the end of my days.” With that, she placed her ring on Yozenra’s, taking her hanky and dabbing her eyes.

Orikahn glances stiffly down at Hudson's tie. He looks forward again and tugs at his collar in a cautious sort of way, for he is confident he would never be able to get his ascot correctly tucked on his own. "You like boats." Orikahn observes. "And you like to whale." Kahn steals a second glance at the tie, and he can't help shaking with a single, silent laugh of amusement. "Pink whales." His lips tighten as he fights to contain any further humorous outburst at the unlikely image. There's a moment of passing interest as Aira walks to the front, but really, it has nothing on this tie, and Kahn can't resist making glances that eventually turn into outright staring at Hudson's neck.

Leone does not cry at weddings, though she does smile. The smith beams a grin toward the wedding couple, in spite of the fact that neither will see it. The ruckus being caused by the catman and his nefarious tail draws the priestess's attention, and she stares. Hard.

Once Yozenra and Pilar have exchanged their tearful vows and rings, he offers Pilar a stark white handkerchief, pulled from his sleeve, to dab her eyes. Yozenra had been snuck one before the wedding, who knows where she’d hidden it. The male’s eyes are stinging with tears but he levels his shoulders and through sheer force of will re-absorbs them into his eyes sockets with a near silent manly grunt. NO SIR. NOT TODAY. Various audience members are crying, Yozenra’s family especially. “To make a relationship work, it takes more than love. It takes trust, to know in your hearts that you want only the best for each other. It takes dedication, to stay open to one another, to learn and row. Even (or especially) when it’s difficult. It takes faith, to go forward together without know what the future holds for you. The true art of married life is an inner spiritual journal. It is a mutual enrichment, a give and take between two personalities. A mingling of two endowments, which diminishes neither but enhances both. Pilar, Yozenra…By the power vested in my by the Alithrian Government – You may kiss the bride.”

The moment the word was said, Pilar and Yozenra were locked in a passionate kiss. Someone from Yozenra’s side let out a loud “whoo!” After a few moments, Pilar and Yozenra separated and, still holding hands, faced their friends and families. They took back their bouquets and walked down the runner as they were showered with EVEN MORE white rose petals. The ushers from before took out their wands and lifted them up, letting off a fantastic light show! Orbs of differently colored lights burst into view, like little fireworks (without the noise and fire hazard). The couple left the ceremony tent and headed into the reception tent, where the cake had been placed on a table all for itself. It was a three-tiered beauty, with sugar violets decorating gold fondant. The food was finished and set out buffet-style; lobster, sushi, spicy chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, and three different salads were available. The tables had not been assigned, as the ceremony seating had been; you could sit with whoever you wished! Except, of course, the brides, who had a special table for themselves and their attendants. Pilar and Yozenra took a moment to ooh and ah over the cake before being seated. Servers went around, offering beverages with varying degrees of alcohol to whomever, before the ushers began releasing people by table to get themselves food.

Two Chartsend peasants named Clonnie and Byde stare in awe at all the pomp and circumstance from a distance so respectable it borders on disrespect. "Oi, all that for a bit of Sally on the Side," one says to the other. "Aye, but it's -officious- Sally on the Side," remarks their companion. "Might be time we tied the knot, ourselves." And just like that, two never-before-seen, never-seen-again beyond-tertiary characters got engaged.

Hudson 's attention on the proceedings is being eclipsed by the cat man's remarks on his tie. Hudson doesn't want to be rude because the ceremony is happening but also he would like to correct the record. But it feels a bit unnecessary to say, to a cat man, 'Man, I don't really care about whales, I just like fancy man ties and this is what they happen to look like, BRO.' So instead he opts to just grunt mysteriously in response, whilst maintaining a polite interest in the vows.

Daermon clapped and cheered with everyone else as the pair kissed and were soon off into the throng. Daermon made his way to the reception tent as well, moving to Pilar's and Yozenra's table. He gave Pilar back her bouquet and hugged her, then Yozenra, giving both a peck on the cheek. "Congratulations!" he whispered to them, having managed to not cry, not even a little. It was something in his eye. He left them to enjoy each other and the other well wishers that would surely be approaching them.

Orikahn might well have pressed the subject, but something makes the hairs on the back on his neck prickle. Sensing Leone's stare, Orikahn grits his jaw and looks up to the front where, apparently, the pertinent action is happening. These soft, naked apes sure do cry a lot, and it's amusement enough to keep the cat quiet, for now anyway.

Leone tucks her bottom lip in over her teeth before pinning it firmly with her tongue. The cleric then blows out a stream of air that results in a short burst of loud, piercing whistle. She repeats is several times, all while applauding the happily, newly wed duo. Slowly buy surely, the smith will migrate to the reception.

Aira cheers along with everyone else once the proclamation of marriage had been given and sealed with a passionate kiss. In fact, the huntress is quite beaming for the two brides, her copper eyes lifting as the orbs of color are suddenly shot off in a celebratory manner. As the attendants begin to file out of the ceremony tent, she follows rolling her eyes at the saber cat whose immersion in another man’s tie had not gone unnoticed. As soon as she spots a server in the tent, the huntress orders something dark and strong in the alcohol department before scurrying off to the brides to give her congratulations. “You both look beautiful!” She gushes. “It was a lovely ceremony."

Hudson rises to his feet and claps as Pilar and Yozenra begin to file back down the aisle. He'd noticed that rose petals have been left to the attendees, and he dutifully participates in this event. Which is to say he hands Orikahn's supply to the cat man before making his own attempts at pitching some of the stuff at the newly married couple. Once the wedding party has exited and the guests are free to make their way to the reception, Hudson falls in with the crowd and, moving slowly with Orikahn, finds himself finally able to address the matter of his tie, which he handles thoughtfully, lest there be any confusion: "It's a trendy pattern, but maybe I should get a boat. I'm not sure why I don't have a boat." He extends a hand to the oversized feline, whom he racistly judges as 'potentially shady' and therefore possibly worthwhile to know. "Hudson Landon," he says, waving at Alvina. "That's my wife over there," he identifies her.

Orikahn takes the rose petals. Initially, he's baffled, but their use becomes apparent quickly enough. He chucks them in handfulls when the brides pass, doing his part to help ring the new pair in. "Kahn. Orikahn," the cat returns the introduction and sticks his own hand out in a sort of waist-high salute and offering Hudson insufficient opportunity for a proper handshake. "Your wife and I have met," Orikahn nods, easily spotting Alvina. The details of this meeting, Orikahn leaves intentionally vague. As he's walking out, again, his eyes land on Aira, but the crowd is thick, and he'd promised to behave himself. No jumping. No running. No shoving. No biting. "You *should* get a boat," Orikahn emphatically agrees. "They are great fun." Bit by bit, the procession carries the cat, velvet and cinnamon and all, to the reception.

Pilar and Yozenra couldn't stop smiling. They sat at their table, each holding a glass of wine in one hand while their others were intertwined. Daermon was given a hug in return, and Aira received a warm embrace as well before she was seated. The food was good, the drink was better, and the company the best of all.

Daermon clinked his spoon against his glass as he rose, drawing the attention of those assembled to him. “I’m not sure if the man of honor traditionally gets a speech, but I’m taking one anyway. Some of you know me, many don’t. I’m Daermon. Pilar’s…hell, I’m not sure. Friend? For sure. Family? Absolutely. Some would call me her master, or sire, as I am the elder vampire that shares her bloodline now. Regardless of what you would call me, I am hers, through and through. If she wasn’t so strongly into women, I might have tried to swoop in there.” he says, pausing to turn to Pilar and Yoz and raising his glass. “I couldn’t be happier for you two. I knew you were headed for this before you did and suggested as much to both. To Pilar, I would say be brave even when you’re scared, and know that Yozenra loves you, truly and she will stay beside you no matter what. For Yozenra I would say that it’s ok to not be a warrior. To remember that being soft when you are with the one you love is more important than being hard…though the men would likely see it differently!” he says, grinning broadly. “I think Pilar found something truly special with you, and I am proud to say that once I got to know you, I fell in love with you too. You two are a good fit, and I couldn’t be happier for either of you. I hope you both many years of love, lust, sex and bliss. And remember that I, like many of us gathered here support you, love you, and are here for you if you need us.” he finishes, lifting his glass aloft. “To Pilar and Yozenra.” he says, and hopefully, everyone joins him in his toast. If not, well, it didn’t matter. It wasn’t for them.

Pilar and Yozenra smiled as the crowd echoed Daermon's toast. Once he'd sat back down, Yozenra's aunt stood. Izzy cleared her throat before speaking. “Well spoken, well spoken. Hello, everyone. My name is Izzy, and I'm Yozenra's aunt. When we all heard that she was getting married, I admit, I had some reservations.” She didn't say the reservations had anything to do with Pilar not being a naga, but the rest of the family knew that's what it was. They'd had the same reservations, themselves. “But, after meeting Pilar, and seeing first hand how she adores Yozenra, I have no doubt in my mind that she will take care of our girl for years to come. Pilar, welcome to our family. To the brides!” “To the brides!” the crowd repeated. A few more people stood to make heartfelt toasts, and then it was time to cut the cake! Yozenra and Pilar were led to the table and given the knife, and together, they cut a slice from the sugary perfection. They fed each other a piece, to the applause of their guests, and soon everyone was getting a piece of the cake. It may have been gold and violet on the outside, but the inside was chocolate and vanilla checkerboard! Someone had gone above and beyond for that cake. The remainder of the night passed in something of a blur for the brides. There was dancing, mingling, eating, more dancing, more mingling, a bouquet toss (Lanara caught Pilar's while one of Yozenra's cousins caught hers), then more eating and mingling and dancing, and at the end of the night, the brides went home, exhausted but bursting with joy.

Vestra had come for her own reasons this night, and she proffers a wide smile as everyone presents their toasts to the brides. Once all of the formalities have finished, and others begin to dance, the Ha-naga mage makes her way to the couple. "Congratulations you two." She offers a hug to both; she doesn't shake hands! "I'm so happy for you!" Her all-important air of authority has simply faded away in the moment. "I'm not able to stay around for too long, but I did bring you something that I hope will help things along the way." They could use it for whatever they deemed fit, and they most certainly would. She didn't know either of them well enough to present them with a personalized gift. Besides, it wasn't like she was spending her -own- money. No, poor Vestra was just, reinvesting funds. A bag, is offered to them, and she wouldn't hear a no. "Do me a favor," she pauses to deliver a wink. "Try not to sleep too much tonight?" She bites her lower lip and moves on, bidding them both a very fond farewell.

Aira is brought her dark liquor by a sever, which she uses to toast the newly wedded couple, remaining silent and seated as the various speeches are made (although an eye roll is given at Daermon’s). Only once everyone is free to mingle does the huntress stand and weave her way through the crowds of people eager to get to the delicious food. She finds the saber cat off to the side and sidles up next to him, a grin on her face. “You know, I told you you only had to wear a bow tie,” she chuckles, her copper gaze sweeping over his attire. “Where did you even find these clothes? Have they been in the lodge the entire time?"

Orikahn raises his own glass in a toast, though it looks something like a thimble in his big mitts. "Long life. Many children." The buffet was an unexpected treat, and two whole lobsters sit on Kahn's plate, still steaming. When the waiter brings his second glass, the maitre d' had the foresight to send a larger cup this time. "Good party, good juju," he compliments Pilar and Yozenra when he passes them, "good good juju," on the way to another buffet trip when he should happen to pass Aira. "You there, Aira," he greets her, eyes shining with mirth... or rum? "What? Oh, these," Kahn glances down to his get-up. "I went to the store like you said. Gave them money, like you said. Big hanfull of the yellow stuff." His nose wrinkles. "They got feverish with it, I think, and swarmed me." Kahn bends awkwardly, studying his coattails. "Are 'bow tie' people always so excitable?"