The day that had been a lifetime in the making had finally arrived. When Artorias' eyes opened to the morning sun that day, he had expected to feel some sort of nervousness, anxiety, something around the importance of the upcoming ceremony that would change his life forever. But he hadn't. The Aegis only felt peace, happiness, excitement. He was getting to marry his best friend, the love of his life! Today would mark the first day of the rest of forever for them. Artorias was so ready. Per wedding tradition, he and Briar had spent the night apart so they could prepare for one another in private. Artorias hadn't seen the outfit Plague had created for Briar, but if his attire was half as gorgeous as the one he'd crafted for his fiancée, he knew Briar was going to look breathtaking! The blue-furred wolf spent his morning bathing, grooming, making himself as presentable as possible for the ceremony and for the crowd of family and friends they'd soon be entertaining. Everyone they'd invited had RSVPd with their attendance, so a large crowd was expected. Fortunately, everyone in the Hallows had worked hard to have things prepared and ready. The castle looked stunning, decorated in flower and ivy garlands all around. The gardens were in full bloom, the wisteria trees a cascading fall of lilac petals. The kitchen and great hall smelled of delicious foods and treats. He was so, so proud of everyone's hard work to make this event special for him and Briar, it nearly brought a tear to his eye.

Once he had made sure everything was in place or underway, Artorias returned to his chambers to dress. His eyes moved over the fine garments laid out on the bed, running a careful paw across the orange and white sash and over the metal buckle that had been meticulously polished and engraved with an emblem of flames in honor of the Hallows' ever-burning fire. Beside the sash and crest lay a pristine black leather vest embellished with a silver trim, all polished to a regal sheen. Artorias slid the vest on and fastened it in place, then draped the sash across his chest and torso and affixed it to the vest with the silver crest. The Aegis had never been one to obsess over an opulent appearance, but when he stepped over to the old mirror on the wall and saw his reflection, he couldn't help but feel a little bit of pride at what he saw. He looked like a real alpha of a noble family, someone worth marrying a Fatalis princess. Now all he had to do was make it through the ceremony.

Fully dressed for the occasion, Artorias headed down to the golden sands of the Shimmering Shore, where an arbor had been set up and adorned with a variety of seasonal blooms. The day was gorgeous—warm, sunny, and with barely a cloud in the sky save for a few fluffy white ones dotting the endless blue canvas. A cool coastal breeze kept the heat of summer at bay and blended the scent of sea salt pleasantly with the florals. Artorias arrived with Tamsyn, who would be their officiant for the day as the former alpha of the Hallows, and made sure everything was set to go. Then the groom waited beneath the arbor for the rest of their families to arrive and get settled in while they waited for his blushing bride to make her way down the aisle.

---

OOC: All attendees, please post a short arriving post getting seated to be counted in attendance. Please try to have all attendees in the thread by May 17th. After the first round, only Artorias, Briar, and Tamsyn should post until the ceremony is complete. Then you may join back to interact with everyone present.


"Artorias & Briar Carpathius"

"Aslatiel Indarra" The day had come and soon her little sister would be married and titled and all of that jazz. She'd come from Elysium a little early to help with the last minute tasks and final touches. Now that the day was here and the ceremony was about to begin, Asla moved to take her seat, saving a spot beside herself for Indigo. She made sure to sit right on the aisle so that she could give Briar a reassuring wink as her lovely sister made her way to be joined with her husband. The rest of her family would be here as well, she imagined. It didn't bother her though. Aslatiel was here for Briar and Artorias and that was all that mattered. The sand was warm beneath pink pads and the cool breeze coming in off of the ocean kept the heat of the day at bay. The day itself was perfect. Everything looked perfect. Asla hoped that things would remain that day, wanting nothing but the best for her little sister whom she loved so much. Tail curled around one tawny hip, the woman waited for the rest of the congregation to gather so that the ceremony could begin.

Bowen was sad, of course. When wasn't she, these days? But, it was her brother's big day, so she plastered on as big of a smile as she could manage and moved out to take her seat. Rather than sit in the front row, the caramel and cream fae took a seat back and off to the side. At the back, it would be easier for her to relax and not feel like she was suffocating in the middle of a crowd.

The sun beat down but the breeze beat back the heat. Still, Bowen wished she had some sort of little umbrella or something to shield her eyes from the glaring sun. The woman looked forward to the fall of evening so she could once again retreat and no one would notice. Once the festivities surrounding the wedding were over, she would go with the brides family to their territory up north. Anxious little butterflies banged around in Bowen's stomach at being so far away from Artorias, but... it would be good for them both.

The tiny fae continue to wait as guest after guest filed in. Her long tail wrapped about hips and paws despite the heat, almost giving herself a hug. Even amidst family and friends she felt out of place. It would be nice to not feel like that some day and she had faith that she would eventually regain control again. For now, she simply sat and looked pleasant, waiting for the ceremony to start and her brother to be married to a woman that she surprisingly liked.

"Bowen"

Gossamer fidgeted with the headpiece that Ásta had made for her, using her paws to smooth down a few stubborn clumps of fur that insisted on sticking up at odd angles. Small white roses had been dethorned and looped through the dark, braided leather on either side of a cluster of pale geraniums. Well, that was as good as it was going to get and she didn't want to be late. She took one last moment to comb her fur in a way to hide the scars on her face. Thankfully they were barely noticeable any more. In some places white fur was even growing back along the marred flesh but if one looked closely they could see the lines that never used to be there. Stupid pirate. Gossamer huffed and pushed the old harlot from her mind. Today was about her sister, she wanted to be present.

Gossy wrapped up the gifts for bride and groom. Several bottles of her finest ale as well as a brandy almost as old as they were if not older. She wrapped everything in a meticulously skinned moose hide and bound it to a decorated travois. The full ensemble would be her gift. Alas a travois was not an easy thing to wrap so she slipped herself into the harness, adjusted the straps, and headed for the beach with Kylfa and Ásta on either side.

The weather in Auster was far more agreeable than that of the cold north. It was sunny and warm with the gentlest of breezes. She arrived at the ceremonial venue, pausing to shrug off the travois and set it aside somewhere safe until she could properly gift it. Kylfa and Ásta opted to stay and guard it while Gossamer moved toward the seating area and found herself a spot near the front. She smiled at Artorias and shot him a nod of greeting before settling down to await her sister's arrival.

Tamsyn sat at the head of the aisle under the lovely, flower covered arbor while she tried to keep her emotions in check while she waited with Artorias for the rest of the guests to arrive. When her son asked for her to preside over their wedding she had been honored and had agreed without a second thought and it was only in the days after as she began to prepare for it that she realized she had no idea what she was supposed to say or do for a wedding, but in the end she thought she came up with something that would fit the bill—assuming she managed to get through the whole thing without crying. She glanced up at Artorias as they began to wait and she gave him a proud smile. He had grown up far too fast and had become the most incredible young man she could have possibly asked for. Now here he was, officially settling down with the woman that she had seen him grow up with. It made her feel old and wistful, but ultimately grateful that she had the chance to be his mother.

As she looked out through the gathering crowd it was hard not to feel a little pang of sadness at the fact that Resin wasn't here to witness this. There was no changing how things ended up now, but she knew Resin would have loved to be here for their boy on such an exciting day, even if her former mate wasn't really one for fancy affairs and all the pomp and circumstance. Tamsyn blinked away a bit of mistiness in her eyes and leaned over to press her shoulder into Artorias' for just a moment before she sat up again, waiting anxiously for everyone to arrive and settle so that they could have Briar join them as well.

Tamsyn Carpathius of the Valley

Gwynevere walked down to the shore with the others as they began to gather around for the wedding ceremony which would be the main event for this whole celebration that the pack had been preparing for over the last season or so. Everything seemed to have fallen into place from what she could tell and even she could agree that the castle and the grounds around it had never been so beautiful. She wasn't really one for crowds so she wasn't sure yet if she would want to spend more than a moment at the reception that was planned for that evening, but she would of course not miss the ceremony. Artorias the only one of her siblings she was very close to and she knew that this meant the world to him so she wouldn't dream of missing it.

When she got there she hesitated for a moment before she finally made herself go sit toward the front of the group as she suspected the family was expected to do. She was heavily tempted to sit toward the back with Bowen, but more and more these days she was attempting to put herself in more uncomfortable situations so that she could force herself to get used to them. She hadn't even worn her cloak today, partially because of how warm it was and partially because she didn't want to look like she was hiding. She of course had her circlet on her head, a bit of a safety blanket of sorts for her, but that was it. She settled and gave her mother and brother a smile while she waited for it to begin.

Gwynevere | Eilwen

Fern had been up with the first rays of sun to prepare for the day, wanting to get some training time in before the wedding. Once done, she had checked the stores and then double checked the stores before she returned to wake Rudy up. She knows that the motley gray boy hates being up early but, after much persuading (and a little bit of bribery) he had begrudgingly left the warmth of their bed. Then, she had him down to the bath with explicit instructions to scrub thoroughly and to groom out his fur afterward.

It had taken time and Fern had already bathed so she finished preparing herself while he bathed. Now, her fur shimmers in the sun as the pair make their way to the beach, a single yellow sunflower tucked behind her ear. Rudyard is a handsome devil with his coat shining and clean; his metal paw polished to a mirror sheen, and his adorable little puff tail. Blue eyes look over to her handsome love and offers him a huge smile as they softly pad along the warm, sandy beach.

The area for the wedding is gorgeous and Fern looks around with wonder and awe when they arrive. Spying Artorias at the front with his mother, the gray girl offers her mentor a bright smile and a happy wink. She follows Rudyard to their seats and settles in, leaning gently into the gray boy’s side and letting out a content sigh. Together, they wait for the ceremony to begin.


"Fern Lark"

Rudyard had been ready to wake up early today but the problem was he’d been so excited for Art that he’d never fully fallen asleep.  So when had he finally started to fade out? Of course, he had almost fallen asleep when it was time to get up.  Still, he was well aware of how much time he had.  He wouldn’t fail Art today, not on this big day of his.  Rudy was very proud of his brother.  He’d spent the night imagining two pups that had turned into teenagers and finally into adults.  Good and bad times had been recorded in their memories all of which lead to where Artorias was today.  Leader of the pack, and to be married to a woman he loved.

Once Fern had put enough effort into it Rudy allowed her to win and he got up with a unfeigned yawn.  Once up he stretched out on all four feet, took another yawn then shook out his coat.  This was all finished off by giving his neck a twist both ways and he seemed far more awake.

Rudy had rolled his eyes at Fern seeming to think he was unable to figure out what needed to be done today.  Rudyard was going to make a good showing today.  He was going to be the proper brother proud of his sibling, quietly encouraging during the ceremony.  Her thinking to put so much time into shining the metal paw though was a nice touch.

He led Fern to the beach and made his way towards the front, pausing in front of a row of seats, motioning to let Fern pass him so that he could take the corner seat.  He wanted to be right there as close to Art as possible when he walked by.  

Rudyard Carpathius

Kotori had come to see a beloved sister get married.  Of all their family Briar had made the most of herself so far.  Kotori was all about pride in his Fatalis blood and was glad that Briar had found a mate who was also an alpha of a pack.
 
Kotori wasn’t wearing anything to add to his appearance but his coat was perfectly clean and well-groomed.  The horned wolf had also found a bit of lavender oil that he’d had sprinkled lightly around his shoulder blades.  

Spotting another of his sisters near the front Kotori moved to take a seat near Gossamer, “Hey Gossy,” Kotori greeted softly.  Turning his head to look over his shoulder to see who else was here or those still arriving.   This was a fancy wedding, something his sister deserved.  Whenever he took a mate it should be this good.  An unplanned image came to his mind and small smile came to his face.  He'd settle for nothing less than a princess to be his mate.

"Kotori Fatalis"

CODE & ART © SKELLE 2022
"Speech!"
Moving the entire Armada north-west to the Col and forest had been exhausting and he and Chai were given little time to rest before the journey to the Hallows started for Artorias and Briar's wedding. The Armada hadn't been fully set up and he hadn't even started work on the bar he would open within the market yet, but with the distance between pack even greater now, they had to leave a bit earlier than they had planned. Other wolves from the Armada were attending too, slowing the process down he was sure. He was promised that work could begin on his bar by the time he returned, but he didn't keep his hopes up. There was a lot to do still, things to fine tune and organize. Even their own den hadn't been fully finished yet, just made comfortable for now while things were set up and Malachai got settled into a home that felt newer to him than it could Grim.

However, something was happening to his coat. He wasn't sure if it was the move to the Col, the weight of telling Chai about the night with Art before they left, or what but it was falling out left and right. It seemed to be growing back in about as quickly as it fell out, at least, but it wasn't real reassuring to him. It is most noticeable where his fur is the thinnest, the pale grey of his flesh poking through the deep indigo and emerald colors appearing on his face, lower limbs, and paws. The rest of his coat just looked like he was shedding massive clumps, much like a husky losing it's undercoat with the change of the season.  It was embarrassing to say the least, but as the boys moved into Auster the man couldn't handle the heat under the covering, no matter how light it was. Despite the coming of Winter, it was much too hot to wear anything even if it meant exposing his hair loss to everyone at the wedding. The last thing he wanted was to draw attention to himself at his brothers wedding, though he suspected his fur loss and plus one would do it anyway.

They arrived with just enough time to freshen themselves up before joining the ceremony. Before leaving the branch of the river the separated the castle from the wedding at the shimmering shores, Grimshaw took the time to stop and spend some time with Malachai before moving on to the ceremony as they had the time anyway. Ever since telling him about the night with Artorias during his trip here, he felt guilty. He couldn't say that he was ashamed of the night, but he didn't like how hurt Malachai had been. He was kind of surprised he still wanted to come to the wedding, though he doubted he'd let him go alone if the roles were reversed. He even offered to avoid the wedding if he'd rather, staying home with him and the Armada even though he knew it would hurt his family to not attend.

The whole trip he couldn't keep his paws to himself and before the wedding would be no different, if not worse. Although his hair falling out certainly tore a hole right in the middle of his self esteem and confidence, the day was romantic and Grimshaw wanted to make the most of it. If anything, doting on the man prior to the wedding would only quell any last minute insecurities that had bubbled up since the last time he promised his love.

Grimshaw stopped outside the ceremony and kissed Malachai firmly before entering. Many had already arrived, but he didn't care. He wanted Malachai to know he didn't, too. He saw Gossamer at the front with Kotori, and Rudy wasn't too far behind sitting at the end. He saw that Gwyn was also settled near the front, and with Artorias and Tamsyn at the front, that only left Bowen and Daphne. He knew better than to assume Daphne to show up, knowing an invitation likely wasn't extended to her and if he was, she still wouldn't have come. Grim couldn't say he had the best relationship with their family either though, and had he not found himself in the Armada during Artorias' training there, then he wouldn't be sitting here now. But he probably wouldn't be in Malachai's arms every night and as much as possible in between those nights either.

He saw Bowen sitting near the back and took a breath. He wasn't so sure he wanted to sit up front despite the unending support he felt for Art during his wedding. He already knew eyes would be on them as they moved to find a seat, he certainly didn't want to be making eye contact with any of them until after the wedding. He whispered to Malachai about his plan to sit in the back with his sister and made sure he was okay with that before moving off towards her, offering her a warm but nervous smile as they approached.

"Mind if we sit with you?" He asked and waited for an answer before sitting and introducing Malachai to her. His heart was hammering, but this was the easy part. He wasn't worried about Bowen, he was worried about Malachai making eye contact with Artorias. "This is Malachai," He said with a tone that would suggest to Malachai that they'd talked about him as he motioned towards him. Once they were seated and comfortable, he scooched over a bit so that their sides were touching and kissed him lightly on the cheek. Despite the general anxiety and nerves surrounding Malachai meeting his family, he couldn't help the extra affection shared between them with the wedding and Malachai's insecurities. Although he'd never been to a wedding before, the romantic air was certainly playing a part in his mood.

every second i'm without you i'm a mess

Indigo had traveled down to Auster from the North with Aslatiel days before. She wanted to come and help set up and Indy felt the need to join her. He hadn’t been there very much for Briar as she was growing up, but she was the youngest sibling he knew the most. And that was saying a lot considering how little time he spent in the Armada after he’d turned a year old. It was the least he could do.

He let Aslatiel help get him into a more presentable state, he couldn’t remember the last time his mane had been combed nor his last real bath. He spent the last twelve hours or so getting himself fully dry from that experience. It felt like the thick fur around his neck would never dry. But here they were, he looked better than he ever had before. Indigo had entered his prime, his mane was very nearly fully developed, it had grown under his chin and was making its way down his body to hang beneath his belly. His fur was shining with health as much as the smile on his face as he came to sit beside Aslatiel. They were always meant to be together, and he’d ruined his life trying to convince himself otherwise.

He gave Artorias a quick grin before he made himself comfortable at Aslatiel’s side, finding the place she saved for him easily. He leaned against her lightly, finding himself steeped in happiness for himself and their sister.

"Speech"

Zephyr could hardly contain his excitement as the wolves of Boreas and Auster began to gather for the special event. With each new arrival his world was expanded further, lending credence to Artorias' assurance that he had more family than he knew. He'd imagined these wolves many times already in his young life, but nothing had prepared him for the sheer expanse of love and light that came from the oversized gathering. This was a special day for the Hallows, for its leadership, and for the family that had adopted him when he had nowhere else to go.

While normally the fledgling raptor was not shy, he found the pressure today had pushed him closer to the foreign feeling than he was used to. He had opted to hang back a distance while the first wolves filed in, uncomfortable with the prospect of being one of the first to seat themselves. While Artorias and Briar had never made him feel like he did not belong, Zephyr could not help but wonder what the others who loved his parents may think at the sight of the attending chick. He'd asked Lia why he couldn't just find space between his parents where he was the most comfortable, but it seemed wedding traditions spanned further than gifts. Zephyrus had received another lesson in tradition and ceremony, and had accepted that on this day, he'd need to stand on his own two talons.

Standing back from the gathering crowd had seemed like a good idea... right up until the seats began to fill, and Zeph realized he'd lost subtlety; he wasn't going to be able to make it through the crowd to his seat without risking notice, and the task grew monumentally scarier with every new wolf that filed in. Under-fledged and awkward looking (though Lia had helped him to look as presentable as possible, the young raptor was clearly in the stages of losing his juvenile plumage) he waddled with his head low, wings held tight against his side and talons scrabbling as quickly as possible through the gathered wolves to find his seat.

Finding security beside his fire-touched friend, Zephyrus maneuvered himself to her side and squeezed in close, hanging a wing around her seated spine and hugging closer for comfort. Lia had gone over his role in the wedding enough times that he assumed he could do it in his sleep, but still, as the chick waited, he found himself plucking imaginary pedals and practicing just one more time.

"Zephyr"

It was no secret that Azure was not much one for gatherings, parties, celebrations, or even family for the most part - though he could admit this particular sister was alright. While he and Briar were not exceptionally close, the fact that she had made her way from childhood to adulthood while gaining his respect rather than losing it was a feat in itself. As far as siblings went, Briar was above average. She had gone above and beyond in her training and mastered the art of diplomacy quickly, and while her new position did not come from ambition alone, Azure was still at least faintly proud of the woman she had become. Navigating through the aisles with ease, he found himself two open seats on the bride's side of the ceremony. Many others of his family had already gathered, and Azure's gaze lingered upon his littermates long enough only for his heart to give a painful squeeze before he'd forced his attention elsewhere. Dwelling on the discomfort would only sour his mood - and likely, his bred-for-ceremony koi-wolf would notice and harass him for it - and so Azure did his best to ignore it. Turning his head toward his mate, he patted the space beside him in invitation and waited for the ceremony to begin. "Speech"

Hanako didn't mind being a plus one, was more than content to be the pretty thing at Azure's shoulder. Like good old times, and yet so much had changed since then and would continue to do so from here on out. Still, she couldn't help but feel a little jealous as her eyes roved the ceremony space, how neat and well decorated things were. The ocean a beautiful backdrop. A proper event, almost a pretty as she'd like. Hadn't she been with Azure longer than Briar had been with her man? How come they beat them to the punch then? She forced down the tinge of green that threatened to push itself closer to the surface, keeping her expression pretty and serene. Cause even after having lost all her fur, regrowing it, giving birth to 5 pups and shrinking a little, she still was lovely. Even if only to look at.

Taking up his invitation, Hanako shot him a pleased look as she near sat on his paw. The pink of her tongue barely poking out from between her teeth as she got nice and comfortable. Even if she got bored with the pageantry of it all she knew she'd at least have Azure to annoy, to whisper things in his tattered ears.

"You should be taking notes, my love." She tilted her head back a little to look up at him. "Though I should hope ours will be far better. The bride prettier too." And now she was hedging towards being mean, probably not a good idea given they were sitting amongst Briars guests and family. She bit her tongue, scanning the crowd once more. Lots of siblings were about, some Hanako hadn't seen in a very long time.

The day had finally come and Zee's emotions were everywhere all at once. It was the first Fatalis wedding, a memory she was sure she'd hold tight to for the remainder of her life. Briar had flourished alongside her husband-to-be and had taken up the mantle of leadership as easily as her father had, many, many years prior. Not having her own husband alongside her brewed a sort of insecurity, though she'd attached herself to her shyest of daughters to mitigate both their feelings of seclusion. She had spent the morning firmly leading Ophelia through the stages of bathing and grooming in the Hallows' castle, throwing herself into the monumental task of making her round child look her absolute best in hopes she might feel less out of place and simultaneously, taking her mind off the negativity that continued to threaten her mood. Now that the ceremony was quickly approaching, she led her daughter through to their seats. Sirius had an important place in the proceedings and she felt his absence too, surrounded by family and yet... Zee frowned, casting the thought aside and focusing instead on the present. To each of her children she had to pass by she offered a hushed greeting and compliment, and on seeing Indigo and Asla offered a soft smile. The pair had each pulled back from her and the pack on their own terms, and as much as her instincts told her to envelop them in a tearful hug, Zee knew better than to push them into her arms. Taking her seat beside Ophie (and fixing a stubborn patch of fur upon her round side as she did so) she waited for the ceremony to begin. "Speech"

Ophie smelled nice. It was terrible, awful and her skin still itched. Of course, she'd wanted to attend her sisters' marriage, who wouldn't want that? But once it dawned on her just how much it entailed she'd started to get cold paws, thought about faking a cough and staying in the den. Except Zee just wouldn't allow it, forced her to bathe and even soaped her up to an inch of her life! It was horrendous and Ophie still hadn't gotten over the trauma inflicted, maybe she wouldn't ever.

Ophie sighed as she felt Zee reach out to smooth her fur that even now insisted on cowlicking.

"Muuum." She complained, her brows knit. And yet she wasn't stupid, felt the turmoil of emotions rolling off her Mother as she sat there. Barely able to keep still. This was harder for Zee than Ophie for sure, but didn't it suck to be the worst of the Fatalis'? The lamest the lineage had to offer. "I guess it's nice to have everyone here..." Ooof. Not a safe topic, for sure. "Thanks for not making me run all the way here, Dad woulda then I would have thrown up and-."

But Zee was kind and patient. Good. The parts of family Ophie liked the best.

CODE & ART © SKELLE 2022
"Speech!"

Life was a bit of a whirlwind for Malachai, he'd not even really gotten a chance to try and settle himself in a new stage of his life before they'd had to set off for a wedding. Malachai hadn't even really been to his own cousin's wedding but he certainly wasn't about to let Grimshaw go all the way back to the Hallows without him, he wasn't going to make that same mistake again. Of course, it had been deeply complicated by, well, everything. Grimshaw's fur was falling out in a way Malachai had never seen before, growing back in quickly in patchy colors but it certainly wasn't a stressor for both of them, though it was probably a little more stressful for Grim than him. No the majority of Malachai's focus was on the groom-to-be...

Malachai kept himself very near to Grim the entire trip, giving the man enough space to move and walk comfortably but the desire to protect what was his was very strong. Malachai had never felt this way about another wolf before, he was overall someone who cared little about the personal choices of others, he wasn't concerned with who anyone slept with, on average, but there was something about it being Grimshaw that just- Got under his skin. The fact it had happened during their time apart made it sting all the more, had he done that? Had he chased Grimshaw into the arms of another man? Malachai had been struck rather suddenly by just how inexperienced he was, he might not have had to learn his sexuality the way that Grim had but he hadn't really had many chances to really... Explore it either. What if Artorias was better than him? Every chance he got Malachai would sneak in a peck, or a friendly jostle, partially to soothe himself and partially to remind everyone that he was here with Grimshaw... But it was especially to remind himself of that.

They arrived to Auster and before joining the rest of the guests Grim pulled him aside and Chai could hardly keep himself back from scooping Grim into a big embrace and just not letting go, but he did pull the man closer for their kiss. "I love you." He growled under his breath, just loud enough for only Grim to hear it. Then he put on his best neutral face... It was going to be the best Grim's family got. Malachai wasn't a fake smiles kind of wolf... The best he could offer was to not glower at everyone. They joined the gathering and Malachai let Grimshaw take the lead, he would settle towards the back and Malachai would sit down on his unoccupied side, taking note of the small brown girl he chose to sit beside, he lightly inclined his head towards her when Grim introduced him, expecting he would learn who she was soon enough if it mattered.

Mismatched gaze roved over the gathering, finally landing on him. Malachai stiffened slightly as it dawned on him who the blue man at the front was, without him even realizing Malachai's more neutral expression shifted, growing darker. He was, without realizing it, glaring directly at the groom, one of the stars of the whole shebang. Malachai shifted, pushing himself closer into Grimshaw, winding the foreleg closest to Grim around Grim's foreleg closest to him, and planted a kiss on the man's cheek, casting another glower in Artorias' direction. He wasn't going to cause a scene, Malachai certainly wasn't about to attack anyone but he couldn't help the way his chest tightened uncomfortably nor the way it made him respond, his possessiveness on clear display.

every second i'm without you i'm a mess

Avantika had groomed through her fur thoroughly that morning, getting Audra to help with the hard-to-reach spots, and practiced smiling and looking nice, although it felt more like she was baring her teeth. She'd been told that she was not to be on guard during the ceremony; she wasn't sure if she was going to be able to hold herself to that, but she was sure going to try. She'd been doing better later -- sleeping and eating at regular times, hanging out with Audra more, and managing to relax every once in a while -- but she'd known that today was going to be difficult. As proud as she was of her brother and his bride, she was much more excited for the tournament later.

She sat near to the front but not right up there, in the seats behind Rudy and Fern. He was there earlier than her, which was rare. It showed how deeply important Art and Briar's happiness was to everyone here. Avantika didn't know Briar super well, but if she was a beloved of Artorias, she would protect her like she would any other member of the pack. And maybe they'd become friends eventually, who knew? Today was a day of hope and optimism, even for someone as typically cynical as Avantika.

"Speech"

The Warlord could hear the sounds of movement. Shuffling feet and quiet words. He looked down at his daughter and offered her a reassuring smile. He bent down, fiddling a moment with his bracer, and sliding something out of the compartment. Holding it gently by the chain with a claw so she could see what it was.. It was a little pendant with a blue stone in its setting. He leaned close to her, whispering quietly. "Your mother won this in a festival the likes of which the lands hadn't seen before. Run by fireflies - the same one where she gained her antlers." He told her, whisper-quiet. "It is said to offer protection to its wearer. Something old, something blue." He knew Mortis and some others had made her something of feathers to wear for the reception - something borrowed, something new. He kissed her brow and gently eased the pendant over her getup, tucking it out of sight in her fur. "Take it, with the love of your mother and I" he said. His voice was steady, but there was a misting in his eyes. "You will always be my daughter, and my home is your home." He promised. Then he leaned away again so she could prepare herself. "Are you ready, Princess?" He whispered. "Speech"

As Briar’s handmaiden, Lia had stuck close to the Queen in the days approaching the wedding. Washing her fur with soaps that helped to bring an extra shine to the woman's coat, and leave it as soft as Zephs feathers. On the day of, she helped Briar get ready, before organising the fledgling flower bird. Smoothing his feathers and giving light spray into them until he smelled delightful and his assemble glowed.

When it was time to take her seat, she left one free for Zeph who joined her at a quick waddle, tucking a wing over her as he clung close to his side. She leaned into him, and held him gently. Knowing the poor young creature was as nervous as could be. “You’ve got this” she whispered encouragingly, knowing he had practised and practised until he could do it in his sleep.

Speech