Mortis had helped Lia and Zeph make a little flower crown for Briar to wear during the reception. Working with the fledgling bird had been fun and amusing. He hoped his little sister enjoyed the gift. He had set it aside for her to receive after the ceremony. For now, he would find himself settling down in the seats among the crowd, ready and waiting to watch his dear sister walk down the centre. He found himself near Gossy and Ko as he found a seat for himself and Hikaru.

With the open spot beside him, and his wing slightly ajar, ready and waiting to envelope Hika in it - he settled in.

"Mortis""Hika"

Aris didn't particularly want to be here. She'd groomed perfunctorily but had put none of the effort into it that many of her family did. She lacked mud and sticks, but otherwise looked the same she usually did. Next to her, the rest of her family shone like gemstones. She was just a rock that someone had washed off and stuck with them.

It just wasn't worth dressing up for a silly ceremony. Briar and Artorias had already been living together. Hell they'd been fucking for a lot longer. What was the point of the whole "now we're married so that makes it special" ceremony? And everyone making a big deal over Briar going off to be a queen like she'd actually earned it with more than just having had sex with the alpha. What about Azure? He outranked her comparatively and he sure hadn't had sex with their alpha so he'd actually earned it, the jerk.

Aris was particularly sensitive to the whole idea. She'd lost to a fucking child in the raid, after already being late to show up, for fuck's sake. She was starting to lose any confidence she had in being able to ever prove herself as being worth anything, since nothing she'd ever done was up to standard, she kept just fucking everything up no matter how hard she worked, and here Briar was earning a whole pack on the flat of her back and getting praise for it. She had to fight not to blame Briar for it, because it wasn't really her fault, but it sure made it hard to tolerate the festivities. She didn't even really look forward to the tournament, even though she'd signed up for it. Given her record she expected to be knocked out in the first round again, and she cringed at the thought of losing - again - in front of everyone... again.

Bitter and hurting, she slunk into the gathering well after most other people had found their seats. Asla was there, sitting with Indy of course. Ari hadn't seen him since their mother and brother's supposed funeral, and Asla had abandoned the family to weather the long night on their own, so she wasn't sure why either of them had bothered to show up now. Maybe Briar was the only one they cared about other than each other, or maybe they just liked weddings. Goss was there too and she almost moved to sit beside her but hesitated, frowning, at seeing Kotori there. She didn't want to deal with him when she was already in a bad mood - with his attitude she'd probably end up putting claws in his face and then everyone would be pissed that she messed up the ceremony.

She let her gaze keep scanning and lit on her mother sitting alone except for Ophelia, who it looked like she'd managed to wrangle into a good grooming. Ari didn't like seeing her sitting by herself after everything she'd been through. It wasn't easy to recover from something like that - being basically shunned would make it harder. So she trotted up next to her mother, faking a bright smile for her and giving her a hug, pressing her shoulder against her mother's as she plopped down beside her.

She'd awoken that morning to help Avantika brush out her typically unruly fur so it would look decent for the ceremony. It wasn't every day that her girlfriend was convinced to not be on guard duty after all. Though their time together had grown in the last bit after Artorias had had a talking to Tika, Audra still felt like something was off. Pushing aside the negative feelings in her head, she got ready herself for the event. Her fur was always a sleek shine and well-kept so there wasn't much to do. Having spent her free time braiding a flower crown that neatly hid her missing eye, Audra smiled softly to herself in the mirror before following Avantika toward the ceremony area. Quickly taking her seat beside her girlfriend, she kept a timid but kind smile on her lips as she waited anxiously for the proceedings to begin.

"Audra & Avantika"

Hikaru helped where he could, mostly just cleaning up and helping anyone who looked like they needed a paw. He tried to stay close to Mortis, and even now as the crowd began to congregate his silvery eyes found the winged wolf’s form. He was one of the last to find his seat, but thankfully his fiance had the foresight to save him a seat close beside him. The koi slipped into his seat at what felt like the very last moment. He leaned easily against Mort’s side as he looked up tinto bright blue eyes. Could something like this be what was ahead of them? Or would they be thrust into parenthood before they could even celebrate themselves? Hika wondered if they would be missing out, or if this was enough pomp and circumstance to live through Briar and Artorias.

"Speech"

Briar waited, hidden just out of sight of all the guests that were filing in, but she could hear their paws moving over the sand and the low murmuring of chatting and whispers as everyone settled in. She was eager and anxious as she waited in her hiding spot with her father, but not because she was nervous to get married. She was excited to finally be taking this step that she had Artorias had been working toward for so long. She knew it wouldn't change much about their every day lives other than the name she went by, but it was still something special to her and a way for them to officially join their families together. Their families meant the world to them both and to have them all here with them for this day meant more to her than she could ever say.

She peeked up at her father as he started to fiddle with his bracer only to surprise her by pulling out a beautiful necklace with a blue pendant hanging from it, the light catching the stone and making her gasp softly as she looked up at her father with confusion and awe. She listened as he explained where it had come from, how it had been her mother's that had been won in a fantastical tournament run by fireflies—the same ones that had granted her the horns she had now. In all of her planning she hadn't thought to mention or ask for anything to fit the old wedding traditions, but it seemed that her father had covered at least two of those bases without her knowing. She hadn't even begun to walk down the aisle yet and already she was beginning to tear up as she moved her tiara and long veil aside for a moment so that her father could slip the necklace around her neck, the blue stone hiding in her plush and perfectly groomed tawny fur. After she had gotten her veil back in place and compose herself again, she leaned up to place a kiss on her father's cheek, saying softly, "Thank you. I love it and you." When he asked if she was ready, she nodded, taking a breath before walked out of the alcove they were standing in before making her way toward the aisle that would lead her down to the arbor where Artorias and Tamsyn was waiting.

Her tail trailed behind her with white and lavender flowers braided in among the long, silky fur with the same flowers wound around her antlers. A silver tiara sat across her brow that was studded with fire opals similar to the ones she had used in the cuff that she had gifted Artorias a while ago. On the sides near her temples were much smaller versions of the flame-etched medallions that had been incorporated into Artorias' outfit and attached to those was a long, flowing veil of sheer, white fabric that draped across her entire body, lightly skimming the ground near her feet as she walked and lightly blowing in the breeze coming off of the ocean. She felt a bit nervous and out of place and she wondered if maybe she had gone a bit too over the top and should have had Plague tone down what he had prepared for her—at least until she got to the end of the aisle and looked up to see Artorias waiting there. As soon as she saw him she was able to smile and relax, knowing that all of this was really just for them and it was exactly what they had dreamed of.

Zephyrus waddled toward her and she grinned as she waited for the young raptor to reach her, watching as he began to toss flower petals across the aisle in the most adorable and very Zephyrus way possible. She started slowly walking behind him with her father at her side and she glanced out over the crowd, seeing every single one of her and Artorias' loved ones there. Asla and Indigo, her mother with Ophelia and Aris, Fern and Rudyard, Kotori, Mortis and Hikaru. She did a small double take when she looked at Ophelia and noticed the very distinct lack of mud on her and Briar couldn't help but feel touched by what might seem like a small gesture to most. She knew her sister well enough though to know that was a big deal for her. She tried to catch Ophelia's gaze and give her a little grateful grin as she passed by. She looked around again and saw Azure with Hanako and Bowen with Grimshaw and another male she didn't immediately recognize, but was obviously very attached to Grimshaw. Gossamer, Avantika, Audra, and of course her dear Lia rounded out the attendees of their small ceremony and she was just so overwhelmed and thankful that everyone they had wanted there had come. She was most certainly closer to some than others, but she wouldn't have wanted do to this without being to share this moment with all of her family.

They reached the end of the aisle and she gave Zephyrus a quick kiss on the top of his head before he went back to sit with Lia and she turned her attention fully to Artorias, beaming happily with tears in her turquoise gaze. She didn't know how she was going to manage getting through her vows without crying, but she'd figure it out somehow. She gave her father one more kiss on the cheek after he completed his task of begrudgingly giving her away and he went to join the others in the crowd. She stood across from Artorias happily with Tamsyn between them and couldn't keep the smile off of her face as her very soon to be mother in law started the ceremony.

"Artorias & Briar Carpathius"

Artorias fiddled with the gem-studded leather band on his foreleg while he waited for their guests to arrive, every often exchanging a nervous glance with his mother as they waited for the event to begin. Asla, Indigo, and Bowen arrived first, each taking a spot on the Fatalis and Carpathius side of the aisle respectively. Artorias noticed the mournful look on his sister's face, thinly veiled behind a forced smile. His lips twinged in a small frown, breathing a heavy sigh as he considered her. This wasn't the time nor place to dwell on lingering concerns, however. Soon after came Gossamer, who the Aegis exchanged a smile and respectful nod to her, then Gwynevere who took a seat near the front of the congregation and without her cloak hiding her, much to Artorias' surprise and delight. He beamed at his little sister, so proud of the progress she'd made in restoring her confidence in herself.

Fern and Rudy showed up next, again surprising Artorias that his brother had shown up early. It was more touching than anyone else would know that his brother had made sure he was here for him on his big day. Art shared a grateful bow of his head to Rudy and a smile to Fern, equally as happy that his brother had found someone to make him happy as he had with Briar. The close kinship that he and Rudyard had build together since their first days had only grown stronger over the years, a tale of two brothers bound by friendship and familial love. With his mottled gray brother sitting right at the front by the aisle to support him, Artorias felt like he could take on the world.

After came Kotori, then another familiar face from the Armada. Artorias' eyes lit up when he saw Grimshaw arrive with another male equally as large as they were. He hadn't met this wolf before, but he had extended an invite to Grim's partner, Malachai, so he was to assume this was the boyfriend in question. He offered his adoptive brother a bright smile, enthused to see him so happy—then noted how Malachai was leering at him while virtually wrapping himself around Grim's side and kissing his brother's cheek. Artorias had to stifle a laugh at the display of jealousy and possessiveness; it was all quite ridiculous to the young alpha. He was getting married, and still he was perceived as a threat? Hilarious! But what was even funnier and adorable was what he saw next: a large and gussied up raptor beside his fire-toned friend. Artorias beamed at Zephyr and Lia, giving his adopted son a little wave of his paw to inspire his courage. Choosing Zephyrus for the task of flower... er, bird... had been the right call. He looked downright adorable and Artorias knew he would do a phenomenal job!

Azure and his partner arrived next, and though they'd only interacted once, Artorias held respect for the other man as an alpha of the Armada, and as one of his allies. That is, he did—until he heard Azure's woman make a comment about their wedding being better and her prettier than his bride. Artorias snapped his gaze to the two, fire-kissed eyes flaring with indignation. He held his tongue and said nothing for now, but there would be words later if Azure didn't have any with his partner now. To make a comment like that whilst amongst the bride's own family was shockingly insulting. Fortunately, he wasn't permitted to dwell on the thought as he greeted Zee and Ophelia's arrival with smiles and nods, and then Avantika's and Audra's the same. He was glad to see his adoptive sister had taken his request to heart and was spending more time with her partner and not fretting over the security of the wedding. Mortis arrived with another wolf he didn't recognize—Hikaru he thought Briar had called him—and then Aris, rounding out the Fatalis crowd.

Once everyone was seated, Artorias gazed down the aisle, waiting for his first glimpse of his bride to appear. He twisted and fidgeted with his bangle, taking deep and steady breaths to calm his nerves. His heart was racing. Every second seemed to drag on for an eternity. And then, there she was. The massive form of her Warlord father accompanying her down the aisle, swathed in a full body veil of white gossamer, seasonal florals adoring her flowing tail and antlers. Atop her head rested a silver tiara bearing the same fiery stones his band did. As she was led down the procession with Sirius at her side and Zephyrus waddling ahead to toss flower petals in her path, Artorias found himself spellbound by his beloved. Briar had always been beautiful to him, but today she seemed otherworldly, her beauty beyond compare by any living thing that ever was or ever would be. His mouth hung open in a stunned and amazed smile, giggling like a happy idiot with tears misting in his eyes as she came closer until they had reached the arbor and Seer handed her over with some degree of reluctance.

"Briar... you look incredible," he whispered to her as she took her place with him before Tamsyn beneath the arbor, doing all he could to remember that there was a ceremony to be completed and not just losing himself in gawking at her beauty from tip to tail like a stupefied simpleton. He turned to face her, gently taking one of her paws in his own before looking to Tamsyn with a big toothy grin and nodded. They were ready for this.

"Artorias & Briar Carpathius"

Tamsyn watched as the crowd gathered, some faces familiar and some faces new, though she was particularly happy to see Zee again as she came to sit with one of her daughters. It had been far too long since she had seen her old friend and Tamsyn still didn't quite forgive herself for letting her anger at Sirius and all of the turmoil happening at home get in the way of her going to see her. Perhaps when all of this was over she'd get a chance to speak with her. For now though, she focused her attention on her son and his beautiful bride that had just appeared at the end of the aisle with Sirius in tow. She grinned as she watched the pack's more recent addition, a raptor she was told was named Zephyrus, waddled down the aisle dropping flower petals in his wake as Briar and Sirius slowly made their way down the aisle. She waited until Briar joined where she and Artorias were waiting, giving Sirius a small smile before he went to join his family.

Once everyone was settled and Artorias gave him a grin and a nod. She took a breath to steady her own emotions and the flutter of nerves that kicked up in her stomach now that it was her turn to speak. "Good morning, everyone. Thank you all so much for joining us as we celebrate Briar and Artorias and their love for one another. Everyone here has helped these two grow and shape into the wolves they are today and I'm extremely grateful for each one of you, as I know they are as well." She turned her attention back Artorias and Briar, gently placing her paw over theirs where they were holding one another's paws in front of her. "My hope for you both is to never take a single moment of your time together for granted. Love is precious and true love even more rare. Support one another in all things, but especially the hardest things. In the darkest times you will be one another's light and in the good times you can celebrate together knowing that being together will make it all the sweeter." She smiled and pulled her paw away, letting the two of them take center stage so that they could say whatever vows they had prepared for one another.

Tamsyn Carpathius of the Valley

Briar grinned at Artorias as he told her how incredible she looked, her cheeks flushing as she whispered back, "So do you." The sash and leather vest that Plague had put together for him certainly suited him and fit him very well. Then Tamsyn began to speak, addressing the group that had gathered to witness their ceremony, but Briar's eyes were only on Artorias. She gave his paw a squeeze as he held hers, trying and partially failing to keep the tears from gathering in her eyes. She certainly agreed with Tamsyn's words and she was certainly grateful for the wolves that had taken the time to be with them on this important day and for the significant role they all played in their lives, but in that moment all she could think about was Artorias and the fact that after all this time they were finally here, making their relationship official till the end of time. When Tamsyn rested her paw on top of theirs she brought her gaze down to her mother in law, giving the sweet, scarred wolf a thankful smile as she listed off her hopes and well wishes for them with advice intermingled that clearly came from her life experiences.

Once the floor was opened for them to say their own vows, she looked back up to Artorias and struggled to remember what she had wanted to say. She gave his paw another squeeze as the tears of joy that had been collecting in her eyes finally rolled down her cheeks as she smiled widely at him. "Artorias... Growing up, when I thought about how I wanted to spend my life and who I wanted to share it with, I had always hoped for someone that would be my best friend and confidant before anything else. Someone that would look at me like I was their entire world and someone that would support and encourage me through everything—and would let me do the same for them." She gave his paw another squeeze, a giddy giggle escaping her as more tears dampened her cheeks and she beamed with utter happiness. "You have been that for me and so much more since the very beginning... even when I didn't feel like I deserved it. You made me realize what love is supposed to be and have taught me more about myself than I could have ever imagined. I love you... I love you so much and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

"Artorias & Briar Carpathius"

Tamsyn began the wedding ceremony with joy and pride in her voice. Artorias was listening, but his eyes were fixated on his beautiful bride. Amongst all the wolves around them and Tam leading the event, the Carpathian man had eyes only for her. Tamsyn began by welcoming and thanking all of their guests for being here, praising the effects all of them had in their lives. Artorias couldn't agree more with that sentiment. His family had been his support system from the day he was born. They were his paramount priority in life, the greatest asset he possessed in this world. The family he'd found in the Fatalises had helped to shape him into the wolf he was today, and he would forever be grateful not only for Sirius' mentorship, but for bringing Briar into this world with him. He gently squeezed Briar's paw back in his own, seeing the radiant joy on her face nearly bringing him to tears himself. Thankfully in the broad daylight, the glowing quality of his tears was hidden and would draw no attention.

His focus on Briar was momentarily disturbed when he felt Tamsyn's paw rest over theirs, turning his attention back to his mother with an ecstatic smile and eager eyes, his tail wagging behind him like an excited puppy. Tam blessed the couple and voiced that she hoped their lives would be filled with love and happiness and never taken for granted. Artorias' heart tightened as she spoke of the preciousness of life and time. His mother knew better than anyone here the cruelty of time and fate; they had all lived through it, but she had felt its effects the worst. Her advice was taken to heart, branded into his soul. He would cherish every moment with Briar for the rest of his days. Then it was Briar's turn to speak. Facing his bride once more, Artorias listened to her vows with fluttering heart and light soul. He squeezed her paw again, listening while she deigned him her best friend, her confidant, her supporter, everything she had wanted in life. Artorias laughed softly along with her, the smile on his face widening almost painfully wide the more she said. When she finished by vowing her love to him, it took all of his self control to not just scoop her up and start kissing her then and there.

Then it was his turn. Taking a quivering breath to steady his jittery and excited nerves, Artorias lifted his other paw to gently envelop Briar's between his, gazing deeply into her teary turquoise eyes—the same eyes that had come to mean love and safety and everything good in the world. "Briar..." He had to stop himself from saying her full name, knowing that her middle name was a point of teasing for her and he wanted to take this seriously. "No words I could say could ever come close to how you've affected me and how truly fortunate I am to have you in my life. From when we were rambunctious puppies fighting each other to this moment right now, your love has inspired courage and confidence in myself. You believe in me even when I doubt myself. You pick me up when I fall and care for me when I'm hurt. You've seen me at my highest and my lowest, my best and my worst, and you loved me all the same. As long as I have you by my side, I can take on the world—because you are my best friend, my partner, the wolf I love with all my heart and soul." Artorias paused to take another breath, a giddy laugh of his own escaping him while he gently squeezed Briar's paw between his own. "I love you, Briar. I love you so much that I look forward to seeing you first thing every morning and last every night. When you look at me, you make me feel like the only wolf in the whole world, you make me feel invincible and incredible. I vow to always strive to be the man you see me as. Someone worthy of your unending love and faith. From this day, until the end of my days, and in whatever world comes next."

"Artorias & Briar Carpathius"

Tamsyn listened to Briar and Artorias as they said their vows, her chest swelling with happiness and pride for her son. Sure, every parent hopes that their children will go on to do great things and make an impact on the world, but at the end of the day all she really wanted was for them to be happy, healthy, and loved. In this moment she knew that all of those things were true both for Artorias and for Briar. She hadn't spent much time individually with the tawny woman that she had first met as a pup that her father affectionately called "Zeelet", but the Fatalis woman had spent plenty of time around the castle growing up and she had seen Briar grow up as much as any of her own children. She was thrilled for them both and she felt confident that no matter what happened to her or Briar's parents the two of them were going to be okay as they continued on through their lives together.

As they both finished she sat up tall again so that she could speak loud enough for the gathered crowd to hear. "Artorias... Do you take Briar as your wife, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both may live?" She paused for Artorias to respond with his 'I do', giving him a grin before she turned her gaze to her new daughter in law. "Briar... Do you take Artorias as your husband, to love and to cherish, for as long as you both may live?" After Briar had also said her 'I do', she added, "Then I pronounce you both husband and wife. You may kiss your bride!" Tamsyn smiled from ear to ear, standing and turning her mint gaze out toward the crowd. "Everyone! Please join me in celebrating Artorias and Briar Carpathius!" She started up a cheer for everyone else to join in with, congratulating the happy couple.

Tamsyn Carpathius of the Valley

As the wolves filed in, Asla paid them little mind, instead choosing to look out to sea as they all waited. Though she didn't give the her visual attention, the woman's ears were keen. As such, when her brother's whore spoke her disrespectful words at such a volume, she had no doubt that all of them would be able to hear. Aslatiel had always disliked Hanako, the woman never being anything more than slave garbage, but this had pushed her over that line into pure hatred. The tawny fae bit her tongue, not wanting to cause a scene out of respect for her sister and Artorias.

The vows were spoken and they were quite lovely. The bond between Briar and Artorias was evident in the way that they looked at one another, the way that they spoke. When the vows were complete and the groom's mother made her final statement, Asla was the first on her paws, cheering for the happy couple.

Once the rest of the crowd began to cheer as well, Aslatiel turned and took a step forward, invading Hanako's space to place her mouth close to the woman's ear where she spoke softly, but loud enough that Hanako would hear. "The next time you decide to be so trashy, don't do so within earshot of the bride's family. No matter what name you carry, you'll never be anything more than a tactless whore and you've proven that to everyone here. I hope Azure makes you pay for being such an embarrassment." Aslatiel then pulled back, flashing the sweetest smile that she could manage. Turning to Indigo, Asla continued to grin, though she grit her teeth as she spoke. "I need to go or I'm going to make her face even uglier." Whether he chose to go with her or stay here was his choice, but the teal striped fae felt the violence rising within herself, so she moved through the crowd and back up towards the castle. She had faith that Azure would handle the insult done to himself and their sister.

"Aslatiel"

Grim had come to sit beside her and Bowen was quite thankful for her brother's presence. She leaned up to kiss his cheek, always happy to see him, then gave a soft smile and nod to the brute beside him. The russet and snow fae assumed that this was the one that had Grim confused when they'd met not so long ago and she was glad that they'd figured things out. Grim confirmed this and the woman's forced smiled turned genuine for a moment as Bowen's viridian gaze met that of her brother's large boyfriend. "Good to meet you," she spoke in clear, somewhat shy tones. "I'm Grim's sister, Bowen." She could feel the anxiety thrumming through her sibling and before he leaned against Malachai, Bowen gave his paw a gentle tap. "Everything will be fine," she assured him, then looked back to the other man. "I look forward to meeting your properly later. I'm heading back with you two after the wedding." She wasn't sure if Grim knew, but now he did.

Everyone settled in and the ceremony began. Bowen watched, stiff and still, her insides aching with sadness, yet all the while she kept a smile on her face. She would do this for Artorias. She wouldn't break down. The vows that he and Briar shared were beautiful and heartfelt, reminding her how much of a wrench she was in the machine of their relationship. It hurt. It hurt a lot. Brave face though. She'd do it for Art.

Once the ceremony was complete, Bowen applauded along with the rest. Then, without bothering to notify anyone of her departure, the small woman separated herself from the crowd and went back up to the castle. Rather than join the feast, she went up to her room and closed herself within. She would be leaving when the Armada guests left. There was no need to pack anything since she had nothing to pack. She could take furs, but what was the point? Curling up on her bed, she watched Tej leave to fetch them a meal. Bowen was very glad to have the tiger on her side.

"Bowen"

Azure's attention remained politely focused upon the upcoming ceremony, acknowledging his mate's playful whisper with the barest of eye-rolls in her direction. Of course she'd take the opportunity to quietly remind him of the fact that they hadn't yet planned a wedding, something he'd hoped he could push back long enough to become a distant memory as his parents somehow managed. Zee and Sirius had not had an official gathering of family and friends but still called each other husband and wife, why couldn't his fiancé be as understanding and low maintenance? His drive to give her the special day was dampened further by the presence here of his littermates, who he knew would not attend his own day like they had Briar's. The train of thought was not pleasant but was conveniently placed on hold as the ceremony began. Azure did not miss Artorias' contemptuous stare and merely raised his chin and bore it, assuming that unlike 90% of the wolves he'd met in life, the man had one of many things against him. It wasn't as if Azure was innocent in all things, there was always a reason for a wolf to decide to dislike him. Regardless, he observed the ceremony with the respect it deserved, silently and with rapt attention, grounded by the weight of his mate against his side and doing his best to ignore his discomfort. As the vows concluded and wolves began to filter out, Asla approached. His body responded first, his heart rate accelerating of fearful fondness for his favorite sister who had cut him out of her life. He'd fully expected her to have words meant for him, and as she leaned in to speak softly to Hanako, Azure's tattered ears twitched. Their bodies were near-touching and the dire wolf did not need to crane inwards to intercept the private conversation. How Asla had heard his mate's hushed words Azure could not discern, though he'd hunted with her enough in life to understand how she might have developed such acute hearing. Forced to acknowledge the brewing situation, Azure's own fury began to grow. As Asla stepped away, as did Azure, holding out his mutated paw before her chest to try and break her smooth escape. "Your hypocrisy is showing, sister." He rumbled softly, his gaze roaming pointedly to where Indigo had followed. While Azure - unlike their father - had never judged the pair for what they did in their personal time, an insult to his chosen mate was an insult to him directly, and turnabout was fair play. He could defend Hanako's words for what they were - a playful redirection of her own insecurity - but he knew his sister long enough to know that the explanation would fall on deaf ears, and were better suited for Artorias and Briar directly should the comment get back to them. The interaction took only a moment and Azure pulled back his paw before the interception could prove a scene. Placing his paw upon his mate's side, he pressured her forward firmly along with him, exiting on the other side of the aisle as far from his broken family as he could steer her. -exit- "Speech"

Gossamer focused in on the rolling in of the waves. It was a wonderful sound that reminded her of the Sea's Plains. While she was excited about the move north she had to admit she'd miss the place she grew up. She was pulled from her reminiscence by her brother arriving to sit with her. It seemed ages since they'd spent time together and she grinned. "Hey Ko, you sure clean up well." It was strange to think one of her litter mates was getting married already. Made her feel old and wonder about her own future. She hadn't thought much about relationships and even now it was low on her priority list. She had other goals and concerns to deal with first.

Gossy glanced behind her now and then to watch the wolves arriving, some strangers and some family. She spied Azure and Hanako. She dipped her head to them. She was slowly getting acquainted with her older brother and Hana well… in truth she tended to avoid Hanako. After a rather distateful interaction as a pup she'd decided their personalities just clashed and she didn't want much to do with older woman beyond what pack duty called for.

Hanako whispered something in Azure's ear, but as it was a whisper and she was seated a ways away she didn't hear what was said. Had she, she might have been tempted to calmly get up and drag Hanako out of the ceremony by her tail.

Nearby she saw her older sister Asla arrive with Indigo. A brow quirked as she watched them together before her mother arrived with Ophelia in tow. She grinned at her mother and litter mate. She secretly giggled to herself as she imagined how Zee managed to get Ophelia cleaned and groomed for the occasion. She'd have to give Ophie a good ribbing about her new look.

Mortis arrived soon after with Hikaru in tow and she smiled at them as they settled in near her and Kotori. She spied Aris and waved to her littlest sister but she saw the hesitation in other other girls face. Gossy frowned for a moment as Aris moved to sit over next to Zee and Ophelia. In truth she could understand Aris not wanting to sit with Kotori. He was definitely a brat at times and she was sure Zee would appreciate having another of her children sitting next to her. Still, if Gossamer were honest with herelf, she really did worry about how Aris was getting along. Did her sister drink at all? They'd both had miserable luck at the tournaments lately. Maybe after the ceremony they could have a beer and comiserate.

Once everyone was settled the ceremony began. Gossamer craned her neck around to watch as Briar started walking down the aisle, decked out to the nines. She looked stunning. Briar paused for a moment to kiss a large and weird looking bird before standing across from Artorias. That must be some odd custom she wasn't aware of. Perhaps for good luck?

Tamsyn then got the ceremony started and Gossamer fixed her attention upon the older woman and the soon-to-be-wed couple. She listened politely as the two spoke their vows to each other, again the occasion making her consider her own state. She'd had yet to even go on a date. To kiss, to fall in love. Was there still a chance something like this might happen to her? Better yet was she willing to side track her other goals? No. No, she wasn't. If love was in her future it would have to wait until she succeeded in becoming a Lieutenant and in becoming the fighter she knew she was. She couldn't afford the distraction. She felt a little flare up of jealousy that Briar could multi-task and acheive multiple goals in one fell swoop. She swiftly buried the feeling. Her jealousy said more about her than Briar and now was definitely not the time to let her feelings of inadequacy rise to the surface.

In effort to move her mind back to the present as well as actual elation for her sister, the moment Tamsyn called for the crowd to join in she stood up and let out a loud whoop and cheer, before tipping back her head and howling as loud as she could, trying to outdo the rest of her family, especially Kotori.