The crowd erupts into applause, hoots and hollers. Hadrinn stands near the beach's edge and calls out to the crowd.
Unable to stop smiling, Arista looks at Alethrio. "I should probably change out of this gown before I eat. I...wouldn't want to get anything on it. Besides, I have to go back to my room to get some gifts." She takes his hand as they walk to the others that are gathered around.
Harakhty had returned to his chambers to gaze upon the mask once more to confirm his decision. Power, but dangerous. He didn't truly want to destroy the thing ... yet he knew its betrayal would be unpredictable in his mind. His emotions kept tugging at him though, wanting him to take a gamble with it to accelerate the migration of his people. As he watched the mask though, he eyes almost seemed to play tricks on him; he imagined a face beyond it, personifying the item.
He was trying to guilt himself into keeping it.
No!
Maybe this was the mask's plan. A few sweet words, a promise ... then attachment before servitude. But this was not the path Harakhty had planned. Nor would it be one he walked even unplanned. It will be Sadhana's before long.
Though it wouldn't do to spoil a joyous day with the item. In fact, a wedding ceremony would be the perfect thing to distract him from the mask. Distance it form his thoughts. Harakhty shrugged-off his inquisitor's robes, leaving himself in but his simple cutoffs.
Padding towards the ceremony - easy to find as simply everyone had been talking about it - he enjoyed the air against his bare chest. Things would be simpler without any of these missions... But what was life really without purpose?
Or love. As the salty air filled his nostrils, the vanara spied the wedding party from afar. Arista looks beautiful. Her betrothed handsome. Truth be told, though he liked the feel of his simple clothing, the appearance of their more ornate wear was quite impressive. Like king and queen. Arista had celestial heritage, so it was almost as if she were a duchess from above in a way.
As the words of the bard and benediction filled the air, Harakhty could not help but artifact the scenario of him and his mate in the situation. Would he want something like this? Could we focus on us in a threatening place like this? Truth be told, while he'd expect Naeem to laugh at the pomp, Harakhty was unable to answer the second question beyond doubt. The uncertainty brought a pang of melancholy upon him; it's been so long, our bond may be growing weak. What if he's found someone else?
It was then he watched the newlyweds walk through the archway. That could have - should have been us by now. For better or for worse, the simian was positioned not overly far from the archway; the cleric's worry about soiling her dress was easy for him to overhear. He forced himself to repel the negative thoughts for now and approached her to offer his congratulations.
"Happy seasons to the both of you," offered the agent when an opportunity arose. He had a peaceful smile on his black and white face. "But were I you, I might not want to eat; you look as otherworldly as your heritage."
Being around their happiness was a good thing for the young Suntooth. For a moment at least, he was not the cold, calculating detective, but rather the free spirit from the savanna once more.
She goes over to greet some of the guests and to see her family and friends before heading back to the fort to pick up the gifts. She approaches Marie, Andres, Esme, and some of the others standing there.
"Thank you all so much, for everything. Before we have our refreshments though I think I should change and pick up the gifts." She looks to Esme and Andres, "Do you think you could help me carry them back here?"
Andres nods. "Of course."
Esmerelda smiles at the new bride. "Still at your service, but, after tonight, I get to sleep in."
Arista blushes deeply at Harakhty's compliment, "Thank you Harakhty, I'm so happy you could be here. It means alot to me to have all our friends here, and our family. I'm sure Hadrinn has prepared some wonderful treats for everyone, he set it up in front of the fort. Make sure you get some food and cake okay?" She leans down to give the Vanara a warm hug before going over to her other friends and family.
Cake was too sweet for Harakhty's liking, but he would fulfill Arista's wish. He returned her hug; it felt excellent. He'd forgotten. "I'm sure it will be wonderful."
As she bid, he trotted-off towards the appropriate tables after some time. So many people here. Her warm personality spreads like the sun.
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Arista laughs as she hugs everyone in turn.
Turning to Esme she smiles and does a little curtsy, "Of course mi'Lady, as you wish. I really appreciate everything you've done for me, you know that right?"
"I do, but you've given me something more," Esmerelda says, escorting Arista back to the fort.
With Clara in tow Sādhanā makes her way to the couple, enveloping Arista in a warm embrace. "Welcome to the club. You look absolutely beautiful!"
Blushing again she smiles at Esme, "Awe shucks...having an older brother was nice....and I miss him...but I think I like having a big sister even more." She puts an arm around Esme as they walk back to her room at the fort, having left Alethiro to tend to their guests.
"You're one of us now, Arista," Clara says with a wide smile.
Arista can't seem to stop smiling, or blushing for that matter. She looks at Sadhana, her eyes seem to almost glow with happiness. She hugs the other woman back, "Thank you, so very much...for everything. I wouldn't have ever known any of you, if it hadn't been for you freeing me from that shard." She hesitates for a moment to gather her composure, "Um, anyways I gotta go back to my room for a minute to change and grab some things. I'll be back out shortly." She continues on with Esme and Andres to her room.
Esmerelda smirks. "I actually have a reason to stay here now."
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Arista looks at her in amazement, "Really?! Oh that would be sooo great! Oh I'm sooo very happy, it's all so perfect. Now...if only I could learn to cook..." She laughs as she hugs Esme as they're walking.
"That will come in due time," reassures Esmerelda as she picks up a couple of the packages from Arista's room.
Arista hands a few of the packages to Andres, "Some of these are for you, Marie and Lucco, the kids, Umina and Zeph. They should all have names on them, I put them on there earlier. I'll take the one for Alethiro after I get changed. Thanks so much for helping me with these. If you'll just take a few and head outside Andres, Esme and I will be there in a minute."
Once Andres picks up some of the packages and heads back outside, she turns to Esme. "Could you help me get out of this dress so I don't mess it up? I'm going to change into that one dress you gave me, I just want to keep the silver band on that Keirk made for me though."
"Sure thing," Esmerelda replies, undoing Arista's corset after Andres leaves. "It was a nice ceremony."
She kind of sighs and gazes dreamily at nothing in particular, "Yeah...it was." Once she's out of her wedding gown she takes great care to hang it up properly before getting out the dress that Esme had given to her that first night that they met. She slips the dress on and then plops down on the bed to get on her leather boots. Once dressed she goes back to the closet and takes out the large wrapped up gift for Alethiro. Once they have everything they head back out to the front of the fort and the rest of their family and friends.
"It looks like Arista's coming back," Sienna says. "We should get their gifts to them."
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Cyna nods. "Then cake."
As Sienna mentions gifts Sādhanā looks around for Elder Sister.
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Cyna grabs the gifts and her friends then tracks down the newlyweds.
"We managed to find some gifts for you two. I hope you can put them to good use." She says passing off the Cookware and an imitation Reinhardt blanket.
Elder Sister mills about the area, as Hadrinn is bringing in the cake. "Ah, Sādhanā."
Unwrapping the gifts, Arista oohs and ahhs over the blanket rubbing her cheeks against the soft fur, "Oh my...it's so soft." She looks over at Alethiro and smirks, "I'm sure we can find a way to put it to some good use later on." She sets the blanket aside and opens up the set of cookware, "Oh wow guys...it's so nice. It makes me really want to get a place and learn how to cook now. I absolutely love it!" She laughs as she gets up and hugs Cyna, Sienna, and Ylrhea in turn.
Ylrhea gives Cyna a "Told Ya" look and smiles.
"Elder Sister, I've heard that ritual spells such as this one can take a while to cast. We have the perfect place picked out whenever you are ready and we'll present their gift by taking them there tomorrow. At least that was our idea."Sādhanā says with deep respect.
Elder Sister nods. "After the festivities, you may find me at my tent and you may show me where you planted the tree."
Cyna smiles and says. "I can cook a little, mostly game. Hadrinn could help with that I'm sure."
"We'll do that. Thank you." the magus says beaming.
Drago approached the happy newlyweds with Elena on his arm and a small box in his hand. Hand it over, he said, "These are for you. We hope you like them."
Arista takes the box and opens it. Her eyes get big and moist as she pulls out the two delicate pins. She holds the dove and butterfly carefully in her hand, afraid to drop them. "Oh Elena and Drago, they're so beautiful. Thank you so much."
"My mother saw how much you liked the ones you picked out for Clara and Sādhanā," says Elena with a smile.
Arista blushes and looks at the other couple and then at Alethiro, "I thought they were just brilliant." She shows the pins to Alethiro, "Aren't they amazing? The detail work is just beautiful, and they're so...shiny." She looks back at Drago, "So...is the dove for me and the butterfly for Alethiro, or is it the other way around?"
"Actually, the dove is for Alethiro. To symbolize the peace he has found. And the Butterfly is for you, because like it, you bring joy to those around you."
"Thank you Drago." The Elf said, his feelings still mixed about the Dhampir.
Sensing the groom's slight discomfort, Drago bowed, "You're welcome." Turning to Elena, "Let's go have some of that food." With that, the two walked off to get some of Hadrinn's delicious food.
Arista smiles at Drago and Elena. Handing the dove to Alethiro, she steps up to Elena and Drago and gives them each a hug. "Thank you both so much for your thoughtfulness, and for coming tonight." Turning back to Alethiro, she looks at him while putting the butterfly on her dress. "I didn't get a chance to say anything before, but thank you so much for the gift you made me. It's absolutely lovely and I'll cherish it always." She steps closer to him, and taking the pin she puts it on his tunic. "There, that looks very nice. I have a gift for you as well, but since I don't know how late Marie will let the children stay up...I should probably give them their gifts first. I got them all something to say thank you for coming all the way out here for our wedding."
Giving her a quick kiss, "Go on dearest, we'll have the rest of our lives to bask in each other's presence." His tone turned slightly shaky, "And of course, there's later tonight."
Clara approaches Alethiro as Arista goes to see her family. "Congratulations, Alethiro. I wish you many happy blessings. Also...there is something I wanted to talk to you about."
She nods nervously at him while trying to give him a reassuring smile, "Okay, but why don't you go find Elsa while I give the gifts to my family?" She scans the crowd of people for a moment, "It's hard to tell with everyone here, but I think she said she would be here. I'm sure she would like to see you as well." She caresses his cheek softly with her hand before leaning into him for another kiss. "Don't go off too far though, I still have to give you my gift. I'll try not to take too long my Love. Besides, I'm starving and I really can't wait to get at that cake!" She laughs as she turns to go find Marie and the others.
Arista smiles at Clara and pats her arm in a friendly gesture as she passes her on her way to see Marie and the others.
Before going to her family though, she goes to find Jelks.
Jelks holds up the broken lyre, a look of utter disappointment on her face. "Oh, hi, Arista."