[Closed] the reception

[Talon]

88 Frost 121 Steel
Continued from here

“If you smile any wider, my husband, people are going to think you’ve gone manic.” Aoren brushed a hand over his lower back. Talon could only chuckle. It was true. He had not stopped smiling since the conclusion of the ceremony. His spirit was soaring and of all the days in recent memory, he could recall none upon which he had been happier. There was but a single piece missing and his heart went out to Rickter but the distance between Kalzasi and wherever his beloved wolf was, was too great. If he focused on the Bond, he could feel him just along the edges of his awareness. Through the Emblem that his bondmate bore, Talon sent his love, concern and support. He wished the man a quick return. He missed him.

“So do I, love.” Aoren gave a reassuring brush of his thumb over Talon’s spine. It helped to return him to the present moment.

“Ah the happy couple!” Talon smiled as Rien, his younger brother strode up, threw his arms around him and squeezed tightly. “It’s about time someone turned you into an honest man!”

Talon grunted but then returned the hug when his arms were free. He shook his head at his brother.

“Are you saying I have been dishonest up until this point?” He gently shoved his brother’s shoulder giving him a mock stern stare. Rien was unphased as he simply beamed at the two of them with a shrug.

“I’m saying it’s about time. You two have only been inseparable for years. But! Enough about that. As is customary…” Rien gave a bow before a servant stepped forward bearing a delicate looking glass bottle. Within it swirled a liquid that was a rich red in color but when it moved, there was a light violet tinge to the edges. Talon blinked at it. “Brought in all the way from the gardens of Silfanore, I present to you the finest of Valen Aetherwine.”

Talon reached out and accepted the bottle. Aetherwine, especially of the Silfanore vintage, was especially expensive. The amount of time and effort that went into the creation of a single batch took years of careful cultivation and alchemical application to get the balance just right. Talon was not extensively versed in its making but he had looked at the process to see if it was possible from a runeforging standpoint. Mages, especially powerful ones, spent fortunes getting their hands on well made vintages. A single glass of it was enough to effectively double the power at one’s disposal. An entire bottle of the wine directly from the gardens of one of the most ancient vineyards in all of Ransera? He had to wonder how much this had cost his brother.

“Rien! You--” Rien held up a hand.

“It’s not every day that my big brother gets married. But if you think this was an inconvenience to me, just think about how much more I’m going to have to do to top this when you marry Rickter!” Talon had to chuckle and was joined by Aoren and his brother. The three of them shared a few more moments of companionship before Rien stepped away to allow others to join the two of them. Aoren took the bottle from his hands. He whistled low.

“Even I can feel the aether tingling in this.” He shook his head, handing the bottle to one of the nearby attendants so that it could be taken to the gift table and accounted for. Talon looked out at the people gathering in the palace gardens to join the reception.

“Are you ready for all of this?” He spoke pensively to his husband. Aoren looked out over the gathering of people as conversation started up and the excitement of the party began to build. Talon watched as a serene smile spread across Aoren’s features.

“Yeah. I think I’ve been ready for a long time.” Talon squeezed his husband’s hand as their attention was drawn to another who approached them.

Off Topic

Howdy! This thread is open to anyone and everyone who would like to participate in the reception following Talon's wedding ceremony. Interested participants have until the end of the day @ 11:59 PM February 11, 2022 to make their entrance post. After this date, the thread will be closed.

• All close friends of Talon would have received an invitation from him personally.
• Members of the nobility of Kalzasi would have all received an invitation to their respective House.
• Common folk of Kalzasi would have been offered the chance to enter their names into a lottery for free and an invitation would have been delivered to their home of record.
• Foreign dignitaries would have received an invitation through their respective consulates or embassies.

[Lyra]

Marriage was something that neither Lyra, nor Lyrielle could understand. The idea of promising oneself by near oath to another seemed... stifling, if not cumbersome. Was it not acceptable for others to enjoy one person more than others and not be required to proclaim it to the world? What if one wished to introduce excitement to their passionate bedchambers? Did not the bonds of marriage limit that or risk one's partner from becoming jealous, or the heart turning to follow the latest fancy? All of it seemed so peculiar, but Lyra would let Be'melar and his chosen enjoy what they had made together.

"Who soured your wine." Naila asked. She came from the direction of refreshments, and had a plate of small finger foods piled to such heights it should have been disallowed. The mercenary had come dressed in a dark colored dress with long fitted sleeves, a change from her normal combat leathers, but Lyra knew the woman still wore pants beneath tucked into the boots that clashed with the entire look. Lyra had offered to have something tailored for her, but Naila had resolutely refused. At least she had her hair pulled in in an intricate pattern held together with a fine clip at the top of her head, but while her hair color was the same she had changed her face to look a bit older, a few more lines on the brow and her eyes were silver instead of green.

"My wine is sweet as always." Lyra said in response, resisting the urge to roll her eyes as she went back to observing the couple who had now been approached by the younger Novalys, "I was merely thinking on marriage and its implications."

"Did you find someone you want to wed?" As a server passed with a tray of glasses Naila snatched one before downing it in its entirety and replacing it back on the tray in a matter of moments, "I wouldn't have taken you for the settling down sort."

With a snort Lyra sipped from her own glass before shaking her head, "Hardly. Any who might serve would be far too young. My children would be older than many of their first ancestors by now."

The mercenary paused in her chewing, "Your what?"

"I merely question the practice, but I do not begrudge others from doing as they wish." She continued. Lyra had to admit the festivities were quite nice. The food was good, the drink even better, and it was rare that she got to wear her black dress with the flowers and butterfly patterns that traced over her shoulder and circled the hem on the ground. Small circles had begun to form with people talking and mingling, but Lyra did not approach any of them.

Naila still looked at her puzzled, but seemed to shake off whatever thoughts she had and ask, "Did you want to go talk to them?"

"No." Once more Lyra glanced at Talon and his newly wed husband, but her eyes scanned the crowed and found the new mother in law instead, "I think it best to remain at a distance for now."

"What about that gift you made for them?" Naila rather inelegantly licked frosting from her fingers, and seemed like she considered licking the plate as well before reconsidering, "I can go back and get it."

"I will deliver it in private after this." Lyra said with a nod, glancing at the sky and wondering how long she had to stay before she could leave without causing insult.

[Korvaelis]

Korvaelis Dahshida

"Do you remember your wedding, Korvaelis?”

Aki had been asking questions the entire ride to the palace. He didn’t understand the concept of weddings or even intimate relationships for that matter. Both sorts of expected for a child that’s never had romantic feelings before. Aki wasn’t this curious about his father’s relationship with Korvaelis, or maybe he doesn’t remember, but the prince’s marriage struck a chord in the child. Suddenly, he wanted to know about proposals, ceremonies, and what comes afterward. Korvaelis answered all of his questions as best as he could, drawing from information he had gained himself. Some questions called for careful wording so the kid didn’t get the wrong idea, so he was grateful when Aki asked him about his own experience.

“I do,” Korvaelis simply answered, “it was beautiful. Probably not as extravagant as most and your father didn’t care for a reception. Your grandmother, begged for one, but your father decided on a small feast instead. He invited close friends and people I hardly recognized and was very happy about it all.”

“Were you happy?” Aki was looking out the window of their ride at first. As he spoke, he shifted so that he could get a better look at him.

“Me?” Korvaelis pointed at himself with a silk glove. He dressed himself and Aki in traditional garb, fine silk clothing too. Korvaelis was a bit extra, so he added his favorite jewelry to his hair and embroidered gloves to match his mint-colored outfit. “Well, yes.” He answered as he tried to think of something he liked about the wedding. “I was happy with the way your father looked at me. I’ve never felt so important or loved until that day.” Twirling his fingers, he hoped Aki was finished with his questions.

The boy’s eyes stared into his own and there was some tension for Korvaelis at least. He had nothing else to say about his own experience with marriage. If he was truly in love, he would’ve had more to say about it.

“We’re here, m’lord.” A voice called out to them.

“Yes! Let’s head to the palace, shall we? Today is the prince’s day.” Korvaelis stepped out of their carriage, giving his hand to the young Aki who brushed past it. Still, the Avialae child accepted holding hands with the mixed blood as they entered the palace. “What do you say about us greeting the prince and congratulating him?”

“No.” Aki’s face soured. He wants to take on the responsibilities of a noble so badly yet refuses to behave like a proper one.

“Come on now, it’s common courtesy. The prince has provided a lot here to accommodate his guests. Don’t you think you should at least congratulate him?” Korvaelis entered the garden and spotted the two lovers. He shook Aki only slightly and pointed them out as a way to excite the child. Aki soon caved and decided to follow Korvaelis.

Approaching the two, Korvaelis dipped into a respectful bow and pulled Aki down with him to show the child how to properly do it himself. Then he pulled the child in front of him so that he could look up at the married couple.

“Greetings from House Dahshida, your highness. The young Koiteki here would like to offer his congratulations.” Korvaelis squeezed the child’s shoulder softly as his cue.

Unamused, Aki looked up at the other Avialae and offered a smile. “Congratulations, your highnesses.” The child’s tone was sort of dull although he truly meant it. “I’m going to find my grandfather.” The last sentence was directed to Korvaelis before he slipped out from his grip and ran off. Leaving Korvaelis all by himself.

He would usually panic, but the setting wouldn’t allow him to do so. Instead, he looked at Aoren and Talon to offer a smile of his own. “Congratulations, you two. I hope you two are blessed for an eternity.”

88th of Frost, 121

[Brenner Dornkirk]

Brenner Dornkirk had never been anywhere as perverse as Kalzasi and nowhere therein had felt more deviant than this mockery of the institution of marriage. This culture was notoriously promiscuous, so the notion of two souls committing themselves under the eyes of their degenerate deities might have been laughable if it wasn't so disturbing. As if their core values weren't aberrant enough, the prince was also marrying another male Avialae. In fact, the only two saving graces Brenner could find in the whole arrangement were that 1) at least the prince had the decency to marry within his own race, and 2) same-sex couples couldn't produce children. Though he wouldn't put it past Talon to be the first to figure out some vile sorcery to break that natural trend. Brenner turned to his brother and released a sigh of vexation, as he tugged at the collar of his crisp, Zaichaeri Air Defence Force dress uniform.

"I must say this little cultural exchange has been quite challenging..." He trailed off, lest the keen-ears of the more bestial creatures present pick up on too much candour from the Zaichaeri envoy, which was already under such scrutiny.

He knew at a glance that Stefan's thoughts were of a similar bent. He needn't have even regarded the scowl on Stefan's face to know this, the environs being what they were. At this point they'd spent enough time in Kalzasi and been party to enough of its vices to expect them, but being prepared was a far cry from being tolerant.

At least there was liquor and plenty of food to manage the ravenous appetite that had burgeoned since recovering from his recent affliction. He snagged two glasses of sparkling wine from a passing tray and passed one to Stefan as Lyra caught his eye across the room. He inclined his head in subtle acknowledgement of the woman who was playing host to the brothers during their Kalzasern vacation. They had not arrived together and Brenner was of the mind that they were both safer if their relationship remained a furtive one, so he made no move to approach the woman. His eyes lingered upon her, though, as he drew the flute to his lips and sipped at the crisp beverage.

"I'll grant them one thing." He said as he held the glass up to the light and regarded the effervescent contents. "They do provide good booze." A dark smile grew upon his face, "But what I'm really looking forward to, brother, is the entertainment portion of the evening. It promises to be..." Another sip.

"Exhilarating."

[Baudric]

B A U D R I C

This was a very new experience for him. There had always been weddings about in Grandal, of course, but as an Avialae he had never attended one. Probably to prevent the curiosity to bonding or wanting to become intimate with another. It was already a big issue if one was going to breed new blood into the Legion. Everything led to him feeling very out of place.

Thankfully he had enough paper notes in his pockets that he was not in Kalzasi without funds. Were it not for Kala and Kaus having connections with tailors that would not mind too much to his collar placing him as who he was, He feared he would not have had the chance to find something appropriate to wear. His black wool-lined suit was surprisingly comfortable for him. Little gold and cobalt embellishments seemed unnecessary to him, the tailor disagreed. now that he stood here amidst every other guest he was glad of it. Even complementing his collar which looked like a necklace rather than a symbol of oppression.

His two sets of wings tucked in close to his back to try not to take up too much room behind him. Standing uncomfortably rigid as he watched individuals bring gifts to the couple to wish them a happy union. Baudric couldn't understand why he was there. True Aoren invited him personally, still he couldn't understand what compelled him to actually attend. Assuming it was just his respect for a fellow Kathan.

He stood by Kala and Kaus Lost in thought until something hand bumped into him from behind. Nearly knocking him over the two of them. Thankfully he managed to catch himself and looked back.
"Was I supposed to also bring a gift? I don't recall being told I needed to bring a gift. Do all wedded couples get gifts?"

Though he spoke softly and calmly there was no doubt to his unease.

[Aegis]

She had surprised herself by coming to this. After all, this wasn't the first time a prince had been married in Kalzasi. This wasn't even the biggest or most opulent of wedding parties. In her youth, she would've scoffed at the idea of any male doing something lesser than his forebears, but she'd changed over the years. She could actually find some respect in the idea. Though that was all that the crown prince and his flock of lost nobles would get from her.

She was beautiful, but like any proper woman of Kalzasian heritage, her décor was more subdued than the men at the reception. He dress was long and flowing, a soft gold, with just the lightest hints and tints of emeralds. It had been so long since her face had been seen in Kalzasi that she had chose to not obscure it in the slightest. She wouldn't be recognized by any, though several had approached and treated her like she were a lesser known sibling of a great house who had just returned back from a great voyage abroad.

To be insulted like that made it difficult to put on the warm and welcoming smile this event required. But she had endured far worse for far longer. So she moved around with an elegant grace, meeting all of those who approached her, letting them pay their tributes and introduce themselves first. She allowed them to have her given name, Amira, a name that would spark no recognition among those here. It was her true and honest name, but Kalzasi had not been true and honest with its own history, and so when she spoke truth, they failed to recognize it.

As she spent time nibbling on the dried snow plums and mountain goats cheese, she did find herself having missed some of the nicer parts of her home. She had come, to see with her very own eyes, what the current state of Kalzasi was, where everyone stood. It was a saddening sight. Kalzasi was at her weakest point, and it was not the fault of any of those who were here, wining and dining and dancing and making merry, no. All that were here were lost, mere hatchlings that had never known mothers, real mothers. That had been taken from them, and had devastated them for generation after generation.

She brought the spiced blackberry wine to her lips, savoring it. That was okay, all children become lost and confused. All they needed was a guiding hand to get back on their path. And Amira continued to make her rounds at the party, content with hiding in place, her heart swelling as she learned all of those she would help, who needed her. For the first time in a long time, she began to feel hopeful and happy, and her mind was made up.

It was time.

[Talon]

Talon smiled down at the young Koiteki of House Dahshida. Aki Dahshida was known to him, if only because the elder Daizoku was one that frequented the halls of the palace. He inclined his head at the greeting, knowing full well that there were likely many things that the boy wanted to be doing. Attending a reception for the union of two lovers? That was likely not among them. Beside him, Aoren smiled.

“Thank you, young Lord. You honor us.” Aoren knelt down and whispered conspiratorily in Aki’s ear before he could quite run off. “While you’re at it…”

Aoren snapped his fingers producing a small tongue of flame that solidified into a crystal. He handed it to Aki then pointed to one of the attendants near the Dahshida Daizoku.

“If you give this to Farique there, he’ll show you a neat trick fit for a young lord.” Handing the crystal to Aki, Aoren rose to his feet as the boy ran off. Talon blinked at his husband.

“Pyro tricks?” Aoren nodded. “Farique is in for a surprise. I am certain that the young lord will enjoy it though.”

Talon turned to Korvaelis.

“It is a fire crystal enchanted to break…” There was a sudden yelp of a startled man followed by a series of orange-red lights that shaped themselves into small dragons that zoomed around in flight. They then dissipated harmlessly. “...and create a warm but largely harmless pyro trick.”

Aoren was grinning like a cheshire cat as those around the startled man clapped. Talon merely shook his head with a fond smile.

“Thank you, Lord…?” Talon thought that the man’s face was familiar but he could not quite place the name. As he pondered on the nobleman in front of him, something echoed across the edges of his awareness. It pressed upon his mind with a sharpness that made him flinch. He pressed a hand to his head rubbing at his temple when suddenly the world shifted. Darkness rose up around him. The shadows from the furthest edges of the horizon rose up like a tidal wave of writhing shadows. They blanketed every building and crawled up into the skies until everything was a plane of complete shadow where the only light shining was that of his nimbus.

“Talon?” The vision was abruptly gone as Aoren touched a hand to his bicep. Concern written across his face and flowing across their bond. Talon shook his head. The world was returned to normal and the darkness was gone as though it had never been. He blinked.

“Apologies. I think the excitement of the day has gotten to me.” He accepted a drink from one of the nearby attendants and took a sip. It helped to calm his startled nerves. He returned his attention to the nobleman in front of them with a smile.
---

“Incredible isn’t it?” A voice spoke beside Lyra. A male voice that seemed to materialize as if out of nowhere. But it was not a disjointed voice. No, there was in fact a man attached to this voice. One that both she and Naila would immediately recognize. He was tall and broad. With dark hair and irises blacker than midnight. He wore finely made attire in varying tones of grey and black. He glanced at the two of them as he brought a champagne flute to his lips.

“What you can hide in plain sight when others choose not to see it.” His eyes drifted over various guests. “Beasts waiting to pounce. Old enemies and new. Truths waiting to be unveiled.”

He turned his eyes to Lyra and Naila, a smile tugging at the edge of his lips.

“It is a good day for destiny, wouldn’t you agree?”

---

“I question what you would find exhilarating, Commander.” Her voice was sharp and icy. Sahfri Novalys approached quietly. At her side were an entourage of Siltori elves dressed and ready not to act as attendant staff but for protection. It was their customary attire, the elegant elven armor that they always wore, ever ready to defend their queen. The woman’s winter grey eyes fell upon the Dornkirks observing them as one might study something oddly curious.

“Fortunate it is that your presence here is one allowed by my husband and my son. They believed, and rightly so, that your attendance could prove educational.” She eyed the Dornkirks steadily. “I have to agree with them. It has been.”

There was a heavy beat of silence as she peered at the two of them. When the moment passed, she spoke again.

“Do you believe in destiny, gentlemen?” The question hung in the air before she continued. She pointed to the skies. There within the heavens hung the moons Ner and Xir, both of whom were inching their way across the skies in order to cross paths with the sun.

“Today there will be a great convergence in the heavens as the sun and moons align for the first time in a thousand years. Interesting that it happens on the day of my son’s wedding. I believe it is fate. The Sages of Kalzasi have said that it shall be a torch. A light that shall lead the way toward Salvation…or Damnation. Beyond that, they say that the signs are unclear. So I am left wondering who today will be saved and who among us will be damned?” She quirked a brow, staring at the Dornkirks with an unblinking gaze and a stillness that perhaps only an elf could produce.

“Curious. Would you agree?”

---

“Only if it is not a burden to you, Ser Knight.” Next to Baudric stood a tall Avialae man with a darker complexion and black hair. His wings were a brilliant gold in color. He was dressed in shades of red and gold. He carried under one arm a wrapped gift that was clearly meant to be given to the newlywed couple. He inclined his head to Baudric and those beside him.

“It seems His Highness has a knack for attracting Kathar. His husband. His friend Hyoga. Now you.”

[Baudric]

Baudric followed the sound to the man standing beside him. An air of regality about him though he spoke plainly. Moreover without candidness. Seems as though either the man heard of Baudric in advance or the collar was just that noticeable. So far no one had approached him so this was to be his first gauge over how he would be received by those in attendance.

"I have not had the chance to meet this Hyoga you speak of. I do not think anything drew me to your Lord as you suggest though. In point it was the hospital reporting me to them that initiated any interaction."
He didn't bother to tell the Avialae he intended to return back to Grandal. Every time he had done so since his release from the hospital was met with questions of why he didn't do so already. Each time he could think of no reason why he had not returned. There was a sense of duty he had to both Kala and her brother, as well as to Aoren and his now husband. How could he explain that to anyone without them questioning his loyalty to the people of the Imperium and his pride in being a Knight Legionnaire?

"Baudric Von Uberfallenlicht. I didn't catch your name sir. Are you close to the men of honor?"
He didn't recall seeing this man around the Forge or any of the circles Talon and Aoren had introduced him to. Which weren't many but he certainly hadn't seen this man before. He took a sip from the Champaign flute and wished it was a tankard of soured Weisse instead. These extra fancy drinks reminded him too much of the Primarch, enjoying his wines as he watched and commanded the Avialae.

[Brenner Dornkirk]

Brenner started at the sound of an interloping voice and his eyes darted to its source. He arched an eyebrow and nearly dropped his wine flute when he saw who it was.

“Why, Your Majesty! You do honour us with your lofty attentions.” He smiled winningly and placed a gloved hand to his sternum as the other held his drink out to his side, and he bowed at the waist- tipping 30 or perhaps 40 degrees forward.

“I was just anticipating the evening’s entertainment.” He offered smoothly, “In my brief time in your realms I have been awed by the level of…” He searched for the word as he lazily swirled the bubbly in his glass, “…Exoticism there is to be found in your diversions. Zaichaer’s cultural offerings seem tame and stodgy next to those you exploit here. To that end, yes… Educational indeed. We Dornkirks are great advocates for progress, and it seems our tired traditions could stand to learn a lot from your entertainment culture.”

He purses his lips and followed her eyes as she spoke of destiny. There were familiar patterns in her words that were not lost on him. Torches lighting fires to lead the way to somewhere cryptic and unknowable. It struck him and hardened his expression for a moment. But it was quick to flee as her assessment of the timing of the astronomical alignment insofar as it coincided with the wedding of her son yielded a half-stifled chuckle. He cast a sidelong glance to Stefan and took a quick catch breath before posing his response.

“Destiny or design?” He glanced starward. “In Zaichaer we track celestial events with science, so we can plan our receptions according to whatever portents the heavens may present. If it serves us to see that our high times coincide with some sense of superstitious fatalism, then more’s the better. Do you mean to tell me His Royal Highness just happened to unwittingly select a date that holds greater gravitas amongst those who cast their lot in with the movements of stars?” He shook his head,

“No. In point of fact, I do not believe in the sort of destiny to which I suspect you refer. I believe in the free will of Man to design his own destiny. As, perhaps, your son did in the design of this…” His gaze met the queen’s and a dashing smile lit his rosy countenance, “…Most happy occasion.”

[Korvaelis]

Korvaelis Dahshida

The Avialae people had such an interesting bond with their kind. They took to their young so easily, no matter the relationship they might have with them. He wasn’t used to seeing even the sort of kindness the newlyweds offered Aki, but he enjoyed it. Watching Aoren and Talon interact with Aki, they must see him more often than he was aware of. Something that wasn’t so surprising since Aki spent ample time with his family. The eight-year-old clearly showed that he is underneath his grandfather and stuck to his side like glue whenever he had the chance.

Aoren had made the boy’s night more eventful. Before he could run off, he listened to the lord and gleefully took the crystal. No questions were asked, the child didn’t even thank him for it. Very typical of the young Avialae. Aki ran off giggling and making a bunch of joyful noises, a sign of his gratitude. Korvaelis couldn’t help but wonder what was said. But he wasn’t too worried about it. He didn’t know Talon or his new husband yet he was sure that they would never do anything to harm their people.

“It sounds thrilling,” he said, “Aki will remember this celebration and probably attend more wedding receptions and other events. I don’t know how to tell him that pyro tricks won’t always be included.” The mixed blood joked, shaking his head softly at the thought of explaining anymore to the kid.

“Oh my, where are my manners.” he touched his chest softly. Korvaelis was somewhat embarrassed that he didn’t properly introduce himself. He imagined it was odd for the two to have such a random stranger approached them. Especially one that claimed to be of noble status and come from a great house without telling them about himself. “I am Korvaelis Dahshida, your highness. I am the Dowager Koiteki of Akiba Dahshida, son of the Daizoku.”

It was a little nerve-wracking for him to introduce himself since he didn’t do it too often. Korvaelis didn’t find himself in too many predicaments where he was in the presence of nobles that didn’t know him– he liked to be around people that already knew of him. But this event was too big for him to skip out on and he didn’t want the Dahshidas to think less of him for not showing up. As he introduced himself, there seemed to be a problem with the prince. Unfamiliar with the man, all he could do was look at Aoren. As his husband, he was sure the other Avialae knew something.

“It’s alright, I understand. If you’d like, I could recommend something to help put you at ease?” He offered before reaching for a drink from the same attendant. He held the glass up to get a better look at it, pondering whether or not it was safe for him to drink with his condition. “I am nothing more than a humble veterinarian– although I’m still learning– I’ve learned there are a few medicines and even food that we can all take to calm our nerves.” Korvaelis took small sips of his drink.

88th of Frost, 121