At the conclusion of the wedding ceremony, Artorias and Briar had spent a good amount of time mingling amongst their now combined families, accepting gracious congratulations and gifts brought for them whilst sharing their love and appreciation for everyone in attendance. The ceremony had been beautiful and gone off perfectly; Artorias couldn't have hoped for anything better! He was now married to his best friend, able to spend the rest of his days with her at his side while their love grew and blossomed like a rare flower. This was the best day of his young life, and it showed in the wide smile on his lips and the shine in his amber eyes. After some time socializing down on the beach, the wedding party was ushered up to the castle for food and drink at the reception. It was still mid-afternoon, and there was plenty of day and all of the evening for the celebrations to continue on. And continue on they would! The Hallows had prepared a tremendous amount of food from cooked and raw meats, stews, roasted fish, vegetables, jams, and fruits, along with sweet candied treats for adults and pups alike. Casks of wine and mead lined the far wall of the great hall, and the tables were practically overflowing with food. The aroma in the cavernous room was delectable, and as he stepped into the hall, Artorias' mouth was already beginning to water. His pack had done such an incredible job on all the preparations!

Artorias walked side by side with Briar into the great hall as husband and wife for the first time, beaming with radiant joy while they walked up to the raised platform the Carpathians' table was on. Artorias pulled out Briar's chair for her as his official Queen and then took his place in the Aegis' seat to preside over the festivities. After sharing an affectionate kiss with his bride, Artorias faced the throng of guests and Hallows residents alike and addressed them. "Thank you everyone for coming to help celebrate our marriage! To everyone who helped prepare for today, thank you for all the time and effort you've put into making this the greatest day of our lives. We can never thank you enough for all you've done for us." With a wave of an azure paw, Artorias gestured to the mountains of food and veritable ocean of drink on tap. "Please, eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves! Today is a day to live life to the fullest!"

Once he had finished, Artorias sat back down and glanced over to Briar with love glowing in his warm eyes. He smiled at her, his tail thumping the back of his chair with how fast it was wagging, he was so happy. "I promise you, I will do my best to not end up drunk tonight," he commented to Briar with a chuckle, leaning towards her to place a gentle nuzzle to her cheek. Tonight was a night to cut loose and have fun for everyone, but he did suppose he would have to maintain some sort of decorum if he was going to be greeting wolves from all over Boreas and Auster who wanted to come congratulate the newlyweds and join in the celebration. He trusted his warriors to help keep things from getting too rowdy and make sure no one tried to take advantage of the Hallows' open hospitality for the day. For tonight, the Aegis would get to relax and enjoy the evening with his Queen, surrounded by their family and friends.

---

OOC: The wedding reception is now open to ALL characters who wish to come celebrate with the happy couple! Once posted in here, any character is free to make a thread within Hallows lands set during the reception. See this thread for posting rules. All wolves entered in the wedding tournament that weren't at the ceremony will need to have an arrival post here before starting your matches!


"Artorias & Briar Carpathius"

Had they not caught and disposed of the piece of trash that had assaulted Dalila, Chimera wouldn't have left the island. However, the bastard was vanquished and so the King of Fenmyre and his lovely Queen Aliana made the journey to The Hallows to offer well wishes to the happy couple and to offer the gifts that he had made especially for them.

Chimera hadn't known what the future Queen of The Hallows looked like and, in order to have his gift made properly, he needed to know. So he'd had her tailed from the sky, borrowing a bird from a member of the back to do so. After a thorough description of both appearance and pelt color, Chimera was able to make the correct choices. He hoped that they were pleased with his attention to detail.

Before Artorias and his queen made their way into the hall, Chimera had placed the polished wooden case on the table between their seats. Now that they were here, the two-toned brute moved forward with his own queen. The dire giant gave a nod to the pair, a bare smile lifting the corners of his maw. "Congratulations," the man rumbled in deep, honeyed tones. "Artorias, you remember Aliana." They'd met during the forming of their alliance. "And you must be Briar," Again Chimera gave a nod, this time in the woman's direction.

One black-toed paw rose, motioning towards the case on the table. "Your gift," he informed them. Upon opening the case and peeling back the silken sable wrapping, they would find two crowns, both of gold. The thicker, more manly crown was set with a blazing fire opal in the center. The smaller, more dainty crown was comprised of golden chains that would loop between the fae's antlers and was beset with blue opals. "I imagined you might want something that matched your coloring," the man explained, though he had never seen her face to face.

After delivering his lavish gift, Chimera raised a paw and thumped Artorias good naturedly on the shoulder. "Congratulations again. A stunning woman you've landed." A devilish grin split the brutes maw, flashing those wickedly sharp teeth for a moment. With another nod to Briar, Chimera collected Aliana, scooping her towards him with a paw unabashedly on her rump, then moved off to browse the feast.

"Aliana & Chimera"

Hazel had never been around so many strangers at once, and she was very, very unsure about the entire situation. There was a strange sense of panic that seemed to rise in the back of her throat, and her gaze flickered to each of their faces in turn. Could she hide? She could probably hide. That, and she'd never felt so distinctly... othered by a situation. Maybe she should have stayed home with Halo to keep her safe. Second thoughts. All of the second thoughts in the world about coming. She hadn't been invited for the ceremony, where as the actual family had. Actual family. Actual family. Fuck. She really, really shouldn't have tagged along.

Dad, Bas, Mort, and the rest of them had all been inside. Hazel did her best to tuck herself away and draw as little attention to herself as possible. There was too much noise. There was too much activity. In an instant, she wanted to go home. The journey was so long, and it would take them so long to get back... Hazel was trying to be okay. She was trying and failing. Happens.

From her tucked away spot in the shadows, Hazel could hear some sort of announcement. The ceremony itself was over. She should find Bas, but... nah. He was with his family, after all. Hazel wouldn't bother him, this would be a big day for them after all. For now, all she could really do was focus on trying not to let the anxiety consume her any further.

"Speech"

The ceremony had been spectacular.  Kotori stepped into the hall looking approvingly at all the food and drinks for the many wolves to enjoy as they celebrated.  Making his way towards the front where Artorias and Briar sat, pulling out two small bags that had ribbons tied at the tops of each.  “Some scented oils for bride and groom.” He put them down on the table, the sound of glass clinking softly.

“Good to see you, sis.  You look beautiful and I’m proud of you.” Kotori didn’t bother with false pleasantries, if he was going to offer up a compliment he meant it.  A look to Art, “You better look after my sister.  She’s the best thing that’ll ever happen to you.  Congratulations.”  Despite the first part being a warning the congratulations still came out warmly.  He could accept Artorias so long as they had that understanding.  

Kotori stepped aside after any replies to allow others to say their words or deliver presents to the newly married.  His eyes flicked about the crowd at who else had gathered for the event.

Kotori Fatalis

 

Ikigai had come to the the marriage celebration of the Hallows Aegis as a diplomat of Ashen. The young woman shone like the finest snow and deepest shadow. Her long tail had been braided in thick mermaid plaits so that her long train of a tail didn't detract from the train that a bride might wear. It still drug upon the ground as she walked, but not nearly as much as it would had it been flowing free. Ikigai had stopped wearing her lavish kimono's when her father abandoned them, so her only adornment was a single ruby flower settled upon her right ear.

Once the wedding was done and the reception had begun, marbled eyes watched the bride and groom make their way to the head of the table. Now all of the guests would approach the couple and offer well wishes. Ikigai waited for several others to speak to the Aegis and his wife before she approached. The young lady's snake slit eyes closed and she gave a graceful bow to the pair. "I am Princess Ikigai of the Ashen Empire," she informed the pair in smooth, clear tones. "Congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy life." The pallid princess placed a rolled up skin upon the table before them. Many, many ermine pelts all sewn together by her own dexterous paws. It would be a large blanket soft as silk and warm for the cold winter nights that would eventually come.

Ikigai excused herself and made her way towards a familiar face. Kotori didn't see her, but she had seen him. Sidling up beside the horned man, Iki leaned against his shoulder lightly before leaning up to place a soft kiss upon his cheek. "Good to see you here, my champion." Had it not been for Kotori... Ikigai would have surely lost her life. She owed the man so much. "Care to take a walk with me?"

"Ikigai"

Another major social event? Ugh, why did his parents enjoy such tripe? To the red-coated yearling, there was no hell more intolerable than being forced to engage and feign niceties with wolves you wouldn't spit on if they were on fire. Saracyn did not enjoy mixing and mingling with strangers, nor did he enjoy being in another's home with decorum and rules expected of him. He much preferred being back in his home, where he was lord of the island. Here, he felt so... undignified. Still, there had been promise of free food and a fighting tournament, so there were at least two things the Mendacium prince was interested in.

He arrived with his parents and sister not long after the reception had started. While Manea and Alastor shared their pleasantries and well wished to the alpha couple of the Hallows, Saracyn merely dipped his head and mumbled a simple, "Congratulations, Lord and Lady Carpathius," then slunk off to grab a bite to eat and wait for the fighting to start. He was eager to sink his fangs into a struggling opponent.

"Saracyn Mendacium"

She had thought that she seen enough of Auster for quite a while, but she needed to feel more comfortable venturing briefly outside of the pack lands. Corvus was more than capable of running things along for a few days, especially with the capable new teachers that had been trickling in. News of Artorias' wedding celebration had reached her and she took a chance at yet another trip south. Perhaps the nuptials may one day result in some new little students hiking up East - who could say. Plus, she did love a good party.

Theory arrived just after everything rocked into swing. She scanned the crowd, finding mostly wolves she was unfamiliar with - a hulking black-furred male, a smattering of wolves who scented from Armada like Artorias' new bride, and several more she didn't recognize. It was working up to be a rousing event. The ceremony had been lovely, but she'd lingered near the back away from the rows of close family and friends. Theo was fond of the Hallows, but she wasn't quite sure where she fit in with the rest of the gathering. She slipped a gift in amongst the pile of other presents - it was a simple offering of dried and candied meats that Fable had prepared, well sealed for travel. There was also a bundle of herbs included that had proven to be useful in overcoming the headaches and nausea that sometimes followed the morning after drinking more than your fill.

Mojito knew that Asla and Indigo had been specifically invited to the wedding, their sister was apparently the bride but Mojito had caught wind of the tournament and despite himself Mojito couldn't help but feel the desire to try and prove himself... To who? He wasn't sure. It had been some time since he'd last done any sort of proper fight training so that he would be outmatched he had very little doubt about but hey, wouldn't ever hurt to try. But before that, pleasantries. The floppy-eared man would arrive, sky blue gaze traveling over the gathered wolves, few enough he would recognize, his former student from the Armada catching his eye for a moment and his heart squeezed slightly, sometimes he missed feeling like he belonged anywhere. He would never regret choosing his daughter but he also had to recognize what he'd given up, happily, for her. Mojito did not know the wedding party personally, was vaugly familiar with the bride as one of Sirius' younger daughters, one of Satira's aunts by extension. He gave each of them a courteous bow but did not feel any particular words to be pertinant considering his distance from them, he was at best tangentially related only through his daughter. A gift would be left though, he'd not had much time but his knowledge of plants was more than enough to come up with something. The man had prepared a little bundle of lavender in a small clay container, good for decorating a room or for calming tea, up to them. With pleasantries taken care of he would quickly move on to settle himself in, watching the group.   ”Speech”  ’Thought’

Basilisk, who had hightailed it at the first hint of food to be scented in the air, didn’t realise he had left Hazel alone. Thinking she was the only one of their immediate family hovering, waiting for the ceremony to end. Too busy sneaking into the kitchens and finding the steaming, prepared food as it was being arranged to go out. He snuck around the busy wolves, and managed to look not too out of place. He snagged a roll here, and a meat stick here. Assembling a plate of food for himself with the subtlety of a wolf who was used to sneaking himself a meal.

With a full plate he snuck back to Hazel. Trying to conceal his bounty as he hissed quietly at her. ’Hazzzzel, psssst” he called, hiding behind a statue, a plate of food at his feet.


"Speech"

Though Eligos didn't believe in marrying for love, and in fact his family traditions more strongly encouraged spreading his genes rather than choosing a single bride, his father and his brother had both married a single mate so it wasn't so foreign of an idea as it might have been. It made sense for the Armada and the Hallows to tie their alliance together with a marriage, though a supposedly neutral pack tying itself so tightly to the warlike Armada didn't bode well for their continued neutrality.

The idea of giving gifts to them was amusing, as he observed was the custom. The groom was already alpha of a pack - giving them gifts just made the pack more powerful. He supposed it was simply a way for each of the giftgivers to show their own wealth, that they could afford to give away those items rather than get anything in return for them. A pack that attended without giving gifts would seem miserly and poor spirited at best, weak and struggling most likely. As silly and stupid as the custom was, he had not come empty pawed. He would not sully Aerie's reputation like that.

So as he approached, eyes observing everything, he set a jangling bundle down on the pile of gifts, flipping open the soft wrapping to reveal what was inside even as he pulled a cinnamon colored bearskin cloak off his back to drop beside it. A pair of silver goblets, two sets of matching bracers, a pair of bright-edged silver daggers in decorated sheaths, and the wrap itself, a soft chamois skin of the sort that would be used for young pups. Wealth that had taken shrewd trading and more than a little graverobbing for him to acquire, but would cost Aerie nothing.

He inclined his head to the newly married couple. "Congratulations on your joining," he said gravely. "May your union be blessed with many children to carry on your name after you have passed from the world." Sentiments he didn't particularly care about, since he didn't know either party personally, but he spoke as smoothly as if he did before excusing himself to go observe the party.

Venom and Ikigai made their way to the reception of the Hallowed wedding. They were very friendly with the Austern pack; there was only the business of making an alliance official. The Aegis was far too busy with his wedding to discuss anything more permanent right now, but taking the journey with Ikigai was worth it beyond showing her support for the newlyweds. She appreciated and respected Artorias, and Briar was the daughter of her closest ally. Venom was proud to come and show her support to them.

The Empress followed her daughter to the front of the procession when it was time for the guests to come forward and give their gifts and congratulations. Ikigai offered her own paw made gift afterwards. "My daughter speaks for myself as well,” Venom said afterwards, but she did not carry her own gift. Anko shuffled forward then, a heavy cage in her jaws, an old piece made with beautiful sculpted metal bars. Within were two pure white doves from Ashen’s islands.

"Congratulations, Artorias and Briar. I hope your life together is full of blessings, honor, and strength. You may do what you wish with my gift, but if you release them together at sunrise, luck will shine on your marriage.” She said with a wink, it was a little bit of a silly superstition but it was a perfect gift from Ashen. A little piece of her home in the birds that lived there and the supernatural grip upon the pack. It was an experience to have together instead of the majority of physical gifts. Alternately they could eat them, and that would be an experience in itself as well.

By then Ikigai had excused herself and was gone, Venom would do the same with a little bow of her head before sunset eyes searched for a familiar face. Half of her hoping that Maverick might be lured by the promise of a party.

"Venom"

During the ceremony Serenity had kept her eyes up on the castle walls and watched wolves from all over their known continents enter the castle. She waited until the yards were more full to come back down from the tower and join the rest of the Hallows members and their guests. She may have seemed relatively anti social from all the time she spent up on the castle walls but that wasn't really the case. She really enjoyed being down here with the rest of the castle residents. The place was booming with others and it made her rather excited. Still, she stayed mostly to herself as she walked the crowds and made her way to her own little space.

Soon the married couple came out from the ceremony, and Artorias gave a nice little speech once they settled. Serenity could tell just how much the pack meant to him, and how much his wife did too. She didn't know him all too personally, but she could feel just that sense of pride and happiness in him. Once the toast had been made, Serenity went up to grab her own plate of food from the tables, and settled back in her own space among the people. She was fine not having her moment in the spot light. The tournament was enough for that. For now she'd just take whatever was thrown at her and if that was sitting here listening to the conversations around her than that was fine with her.

"Serenity"

Ezra stuck close to Syanna's side as they arrived at the wedding reception and as soon as they were close enough to the crowd to feel like they could be counted as attending he stopped and found a place for them to sit off to the side in the great hall. He knew she didn't want to be here and he certainly couldn't blame her. He had been more than willing to forgo the reception and stay with her in their room instead, knowing that Artorias would understand, but she didn't like that solution either so here they were somewhere in-between. He gave her an encouraging smile and slipped his foreleg around her shoulders, keeping her against his side while the other wolves mingled and moved past them. He caught Artorias' gaze from across the crowd and he raised his other paw, giving his friend a wave. Maybe at some point he'd make his way over there to give a proper congratulations, but he wouldn't be that bothered if he didn't. Ezra turned his gaze back down to Syanna and chatted with her to help keep her mind occupied, gently rubbing her shoulder comfortingly.

"Ezra Adravendi"

Yume knew of the tensions between her clan and some of the packs in this side of the pond and the other. But that didnt stop her from wanting to take part of the celebration, she didnt know Hattori's mind but on her own she wanted to atleast make her own image, one she meant to build to easy anything if possible at all. She wasnt a bad wolf regardless, she just followed those close to her birthland, and many including Usagi had won a place in her heart, but never she would lay a paw or fang on others without provocation.

She brought two of the hides of of the slaughtered cougars she trapped in her travels across Auster. She dippered her head politely as she placed both into the gift pill. "Congratulations. May your path be full of joy and prosperity." She said before taking a distanced seat from the rest.

"The talking"

Briar walked into the castle beside Artorias, her cheeks hurting from smiling so much throughout the wedding ceremony and just from the sheer joy of this perfect day. On the way into the castle Lia had helped her slip out of the long veil and tiara set that she had worn during the ceremony and instead presented her with a beautiful crown made of blue and turquoise feathers that she distinctly recognized from Zephyrus and Mortis, making her cry all over again from how sweet and thoughtful the wolves she loved so much were for her. She wore the feather crown proudly as she walked into the ceremony alongside Artorias, walking into the great hall where a large portion of the guests, some of which hadn't been at the ceremony had gathered for the feast. She joined him up at the head table that was on a bit of a raised platform, giving him a little grin as he pulled out her chair for her. She climbed up into the chair, her tail still laced with flowers  draped over the arm of the chair and dangling to the floor under them. She was still grinning with pride and happiness as Artorias made the announcement that welcomed all of their guests and thanked them for being here. When he leaned over to her to promise that would do his best to not end up drunk, she grinned and chuckled, whispering back, "Well, at least try to not get too drunk. You can be a lot of fun after a couple of drinks." She slipped him a sly smirk before she returned his nuzzle, giving him a quick kiss before some of their guests started to approach the table to greet them.

A man seemingly split down the middle between dark and light approached them who she only recognized because of descriptions she had gotten from Artorias and a smaller, clouded woman reached them first and she gave the pair a welcoming smile, dipping her head to his congratulations. "Yes, a pleasure to finally meet you, Chimera. You as well, Aliana," she replied to his greeting. She looked curiously to the polished wooden case that he motioned to, declaring it was their gift. She cast a curious glance at Artorias before she reached forward, lifting the lid and gently pulling away the wrapping to reveal the stunning crowns that were hidden inside. She gasped softly with surprise and blinked in shock at the gorgeous and extravagant gifts they were given and she looked back up at the Fenmyre King with a thankful smile. "This is far too generous! These are beautiful." Her paw brushed over the blue-green opals that decorated the one that she imagined was intended for her. She caught his comment about how she might want them it to match her coloring and she quickly reasoned away that Artorias must have described her at some point during one of his visits to Fenmyre. How else would Chimera know what she looked like? "Thank you," she told Chimera as he gave a final congratulations, closing the case for their crowns and giving Artorias a bit of an amused glance with a raised brow as Chimera walked away with his paw on Aliana's rump.

Her brother Kotori came out of the crowd next, surprising her with small gifts of scented oils as well. She grinned to her dear brother at his congratulations and compliments, replying, "Thank you, Ko. I'm really glad you came." Of all their littermates Kotori was the one she had grown closest to and she knew that in his own way this was how he showed how happy he was for her. A beautiful young woman appeared as Kotori stepped to the side, her bow graceful and composed as she greeted them. Briar figured out quickly that she was one of Venom's daughters from her introduction and she gave Ikigai a warm smile at her kind words. "Thank you, Ikigai. I hope you enjoy the reception!" She watched the pretty woman as she moved off to the side, walking toward Kotori and leaning into his side. She gave the pair an extremely interested glance and made a note to ask her brother about his connection with the Ashen Princess next time she got a chance to speak with him. Very close behind Ikigai was Venom herself and Briar gave the familiar Empress a warm grin. She blinked with surprise as the caged doves were presented to them and she smiled at the sweet tradition Venom described. "Thank you, Venom, this is so sweet. I'm looking forward to setting them free. Can't have too many well wishes and luck, right?" she replied with a chuckle, her paw resting against the bars of the cage for a moment as Venom walked away.

Others came to give their congratulations and greetings, including Manea, Alastor, and their children and she gave the family a friendly smile as she tried her best to keep the slight flush from her cheeks from how their other run ins with the other alpha pair had gone. She thanked them for their kind words and their gifts before they dispersed into the crowd and she glanced to Artorias with a slight grin. Then the leader of Aerie approached with several gifts as well and she gave him an appreciative smile and a polite bow of her head. She wasn't unaware of the tensions that had been between Aerie and Armada, but even though she was of course tied to and close to her family's pack she didn't intend to bring those feelings with her to The Hallows. "Thank you, Eligos. This is all extremely generous. Please, enjoy the feast!" Another wolf she wasn't familiar with, one colored entirely in shades of pink, gave them her congratulations as well before moving off to the side and Briar gave her a nod of thanks as well.

"Artorias & Briar Carpathius"

The wedding had been a beautiful affair and Fern had felt extremely honored that she was able to witness the picturesque ceremony with Rudyard. They had been there to congratulate the newlyweds once the ceremony was over, lingering as they as they could and only headed back towards the castle when they are ushered to so. As the guests file in, the gray girl has a dreamy look on her face as she walks, allowing Rudy to guide her to their seats. Foods of all kinds are laid out on the tables in the hall along with different drinks but Fern sees none of it as she sits down and leans gently in the motley boy’s side. It all seems so surreal to her that she is here, enjoying the unity this day offers. Eyes turn to follow Art and Briar as they enter the hall together and Fern gives out a small ‘whoop’ of happiness as she watches them take their seats. Artorias address the gathered guests and then the feast begins which many dig into, happily.

Soft-blue eyes dart over where the happy couple sit and Fern feels her heart flutter with nervousness as others begin to approach and offer up their wedding gifts. She fidgets next to Rudy as she waits for an opening, taking small bites of food here and there but not really feeling hungry. Finally, she sees an opportunity and Fern gentle nudges the motley boy to signal it their turn. Standing, the gray girl gathers the two boxes that hold the gifts she had commissioned. They move around until they stand before the glowing couple and Fern dips her head in greeting as she says, “Congratulations Artorias and Briar. May the years to follow be filled with the same love as today.” Straightening, she steps forward to place two identical boxes on the table beside their plates, gesturing for the couple to open them.

As the lids are pulled off, two ivory statues are revealed inside. One is sculpted in the likeness of Artorias and one is of the beautiful Briar. As they inspect the statues, Fern explains, “They are ivory, from the tusks of an elephant we hunted for the reception. Now, the statues are beautiful apart but, if you put them together…” she trails off as she indicated a slightly dipped spot in one of the statues sides and the other has slightly jutted out piece that, when put together slots the two statues together perfectly. The sculptor made it, so that, when slotted together, the background forms a arch much like the arbor at their wedding.  With a bright smile, she says, “You both are strong individuals and have your own family and support systems. However, when you two are together, you are unbreakable.” Once done, she bows to them before excusing herself to allow the next wolf space to present their gifts, subtly watching the couple’s face as she goes to see what their reaction is to her gift.


"Fern Lark"

Aliana arrived with Chimera promptly to the wedding reception just as the ceremony down on the beach was wrapping up. When they had received the wedding invite, Ali had been sure Chimera would immediately refuse, given his disdain of social functions, but to her surprise he accepted! Now the two of them were groomed and dressed to the nines, with Aliana wearing her jeweled headdress as they awaited the appearance of the happy couple. Once Artorias and Briar arrived and were seated at the sweethearts' table, she and her mate approached to wish them well and present them with the gifts she'd seen Chimera work so diligently on for them. Chi spoke first, congratulating the happy couple. He introduced her, and Aliana dipped her head politely to the two alphas. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Lord Artorias. And it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Briar."

For the most part, Aliana was quiet, letting Chimera do most of the speaking and presenting of gifts as he was the king. The Carpathians opened the box to reveal the beautifully crafted crowns within for them, and their reactions had been delightful. Ali stole a quick glance up to Chimera, wanting to see if he was as pleased with their amazement as she was. After Chimera had presented their gift and congratulated Artorias in a very manly fashion, Aliana smiled brightly at the couple to offer her best wishes as well. "Congratulations to you both. May your marriage be happy and full of love, and all your future pups healthy and plentiful!" She knew that if Artorias and Briar were anything like her and Chimera, then they would be in for a large family of their own. No sooner had she finished speaking, Ali felt her mate's large paw grab her by the hips and pull her to him as he led her away, drawing a squeak of surprised delight from the clouded fae as he groped a generous amount of her plump rump. She swatted at his thigh with her tail, shooting him a knowing look as they meandered off to go enjoy some of the provided food and drink.

"Aliana & Chimera"

When they received the invitation to Artorias and Briar's wedding, Alastor had been oh so keen to head back down to Auster to see the young couple once more. They had such a good time together last time, it almost seemed like a treat to get to be in their company again so soon! Of course, as Manea reminded him, they couldn't simply whisk the alpha couple off for some post-nuptial celebrating of their own style, and so Alastor had been forced to come up with another idea for a wedding gift that didn't involve ravaging either Hallowed wolf all night long. He'd settled on some rare earth metals and gemstones he'd mined from within the caves of Alias Island while working on expanding their space, as well as a couple pristine snow leopard pelts he'd hunted with Saracyn. He didn't know if Manea had prepared anything special on her end to surprise the couple with or not, but he figured that the pelts and metals would work well enough even if she didn't.

With little Fia left in the care of Irilyth, the Mendacium family began the long trek down to Auster, arriving in the Hallows not long after the festivities had started. The family of gifted wolves seemed to shine amongst the crowd, and as they made their way to the table of the Aegis and Queen, Saracyn attempted to dip off to the food—only to get claws dug into his scruff to yank him back to his sire's side. "Ah ah, not so fast! First we have to say hello to our friends!" he chided his son, all smiles as he and Manea made their way to the head table. Alastor laid out the snow leopard pelts amongst the other gifts, then hefted the sack of metals up to slam down onto the table with a raucous clatter. "A million congratulations on your nuptials, Artorias and Briar!" he congratulated the newlyweds with a delighted laugh. "We wish you a lifetime of happiness and splendor, and many, many plentiful litters to enjoy! Why, I can already see the looks on your faces." The Elysian alpha's smile turned subtly more salacious, and it left the question of whether he was imagining the faces of happy parents with their children—or in the midst of making their children. Given the last time they'd been here with the young couple, it could have gone either way.

Alastor then gestured a massive black paw over the gifts. "Some snow leopard pelts, rarities down here, I'm sure. And some northern metals and precious stones from our caves on Alias. I do know how much young Artorias here likes to play with his weapons! Perhaps you can use some of these in your crafts." The dire brute then took a step back to allow Manea to give her well wished to the happy couple as well, doing his best to keep from looking at Artorias or Briar like he was devouring them with his gaze.

"Alastor Mendacium"

Though he hadn't exactly received an invite, Maverick had caught wind of the wedding feast occurring in a pack down in Auster from some chatter around Boreas. When he went to go see if he could bother Venom some more, he was told by a very curt border guard that the Empress had departed for a party, and after putting two and two together, the renegade made his way south for some fun. He didn't know where he was going or who he was going to see, but he made a damn good show of pretending like he did. Once he'd crossed the Bifröst, it was easy to pick up on the trails of numerous wolves all headed in the same direction. And as the saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." So Mav followed the smells until he found the towering castle in the middle of pack lands. Turquoise eyes went wide in wonder and he let out a whistle as he studied the architecture. Damn, someone must've really been compensating for something! Hope it wasn't the groom, or else he pitied the poor bride.

Making his way across the plains, Maverick slipped right into the castle as if he belonged there, following the crowd of wolves into the great hall where his eyes were met with a bountiful feast. Holy cow, had he died and gone to heaven? This really was some big soirée to do! Although he recognized virtually none of the wolves around him, it was easy to identify the bride and groom from their place at the head table. Slipping quietly up while a couple of larger wolves were occupying their attention, Mav slipped a small pouch of the cannabis he'd harvested into the pile of gifts just so he wouldn't feel like a scavenger, then slipped back into the crowd to survey the area for one very elusive monochrome monarch.

"Maverick"

Laeta had stayed closer to the back of the others for the ceremony, not wanting to get in the way with her less than stellar mobility. Though Mel was of great help, the two of them found themselves needing to take careful steps, weaving through other wolves with murmured apologies to find space to breathe. The venue itself was beautiful; every bit as dreamy as a wedding should. The castle was aglow with life Lae had ever seen before, and the scents of many different packs filled her nose. She glanced about, recognizing the Aegis and his bride, as well as Fern, but the others were from other packs she likely didn’t even know the name of. Ruby eyes glanced about, pools of calm but also surprise at the sheer mass of wolves from all over Auster, and even Boreas - there were too many to have come from just the packs on the island, after all. The monochromatic wolf glanced down at Mel, checking in with her companion and faithful crutch. "I’m quite alright, my lady..” The badger said, though his voice faltered upon scanning the crowd once again. His clawed feet shifted nervously. "J-just so many wolves, is all. I’ve never witnessed an event on s-such a scale.” Laeta smiled softy in reassurance. Truth be told, a nervous twist begun to form in her gut as she recalled such large events weren’t her forte, either. However, she wished to be here for young Artorias and his wife - such an event only came about once in a blue moon. And she had to give her own well wishes too. She had a gift of her own clutched in her maw that she gently picked up from the ground, and upon finding a space for her to greet the newlyweds, she gently urged Mel along beside her, her limbs thin as willow branches and not quite sturdy, but was able to find her way towards them nonetheless. The space was open for her to offer her blessings, and the older wolf approached the two with a wide smile and sparkling eyes. Gently placing her gift on the table with the others, she said "Congratulations to you both. May your years together be filled with happiness and light." She nodded gently towards her offering - it was a gente yet elegant bouquet of dried flowers, wrapped delicately with a coil of vines for support. The dried arrangement revealed an intricate, careful arrangement of colorful wildflowers, lillies, and more. "I made a bouquet of flowers I handpicked and dried, so that they keep for many years to come." Hopefully, the couple would enjoy it. It was certainly modest compared to other gifts offered, but with her health, it was the best she could do. Offering a polite dip of her head, and Mel doing the same, the two smiled and returned to the festivities. ”Speech” ’Thought’