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May 15, 2005 | |
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Lisle's Suite - Castle Amber�
This room is just big enough to be comfortable. A four-poster bed of walnut dressed in blue and cream is against one wall. A sitting area, three upholstered chairs and a low walnut table, sit peacefully in front of a marble fireplace. The window has heavy drapes of rich blue velvet to keep out the cold. An armoire and matching desk complete the furnishings. It is the rugs that draw the eye, rich things of indigo, black, and sky blue. A few books are in a bookshelf that is empty, otherwise, and a telescope stands ready near the window.
Rich flaxen blonde hair, awash with pale spring colors of life, falls to the small of Lisle's back. She is about 5'8'' tall with Aryan eyes, bright blue, set into a pale complexion of peaches and cream. An oval shaped face is serene, shoulders often slouched with a casual graciousness. Intelligent, serious eyes look out from beneath the dark-rooted lashes over a delicate nose, a more generous mouth beneath, and high cheekbones.
She wears gown of almost balletic grace, with a soft pearly-white bodice and a skirt that only hints at the palest opals and cream, made of silk that looks as if it will float on a breeze. Pearlescent daisies of Venetian-style lace form the neckline and sweep up over the shoulders as the only straps. In her silver golden hair a wreath of rich white daisies holds a veil that reaches her ankles but does not cover her face. Her white gloves made of the same warm silk are the length of fingertip to upper arm.
Lisle wears a ring of white gold, a single diamond surrounded by smaller sapphires. At the hollow of her throat a daisy made of diamond and amber depends from a triple strand of pearls draped over the delicate curve of her collar bones.
At first glance this woman is of average build and height and seemingly in her late twenties or early thirties. Yosannah's eyes are almond green and her auburn hair is clasped at the back of her head and hangs just below her shoulder-blades in soft loose curls. She wears a gown of ballet lines that is formed of a brocade bodice of subtle gold and white daisies; the collar such as it is low and going over her shoulders, sleeveless. The soft fall of her silken skirt shimmers with palest gold. Daises are woven into her hair and long gold silk gloves hug her arms.
A ring adorns her left ring finger and her nails are frenchly manicured. At the hollow of her throat a necklace of alternating sapphires and diamonds dangles; each sapphire is cut into a starburst. Clasped around her right wrist is a delicate, braided band that twines about an opaque stone of white.
Yosannah calls out from behind a changing wall, "... this dress is lovely, Lisle. I hope I have the social grace to pull off the look..." Her tone doesn't sound entirely convincing. Her shadow fidgets.
Lisle is dressed but the back isn't fastened, quite, and she's standing in front of a full-length mirror adjusting the daisies in her hair. "You're beautiful, Yosannah. I'm certain you'll look just as beautiful in that dress as you always do."
Yosannah steps out from behind the curtain now and drifts over to Lisle. Her reflection smiles at the Princess' visage, a fisted hand coming to her lips where she conceals the soft smile. "Do you need help."
Lisle looks at Yosannah, smiling, "Yes, you can do up my back. The buttons are so tiny."
Flora enters with the usual knocking but without her usual dogs.
Lisle and Yosannah are both dressed. Lisle stands in front of a mirror finishing fastening the daisies in her hair.
Yosannah offers her friend a singular nod. Her fingers work at the tiny buttons at the back of Lisle's dress. She notes Flora's arrival, turning her head over her shoulder to consider the lady and her pets. She offers the Flora a smile but otherwise remains quiet - as is her want around the Princess of Amber.
Flora enters, radiant as spring itself. "My don't you both look splendid."
Lisle says, "Oh Aunt Flora," her smile blooming even as she stands very still so Yosannah can finish the buttons. "You look lovely as usual."
The details are breathtaking; the whole is unforgettable. For some it is the luminous skin which will linger in memory, for others the perfection of eyes the rich blue of a cloudless lake on a summer afternoon. The pale gold hair, all of a cross between sunset clouds and the outer edge of a candle flame in an otherwise dark room, will surely stay. She'll leave behind a scent of stirring springtime when she passes, and the impression of a secret or a kiss her lips concealed.
Flora's clothing is carried rather than worn by a body of ravishing proportions. Liquid silk sheathes her torso in shimmering blue-green, embroidered subtly at the low neck and the over-the-shoulder sleeves with tiny lilies. A floating skirt of silk reaches to her ankles, with the hint of lily embroidery around the hem. Long gloves of matching silk climb up her arms, to nearly meet her sleeves, with rings worn atop the blue-green silk. Her famous tresses are held back from her face with golden combs woven with fresh flowers.
Flora murmus, "I've brought something..." and produces a slender ivory-handled gold knife for Yosannah.
Yosannah pauses her work at Lisle's dress and furrows her brow at the knife. She steps away the mirror and drifts to Flora, "What is this, Lady?"
Flora says, "The ceremonnia knife, of course... Lisle, Dear, you've explained about the blood?"
Yosannah's gaze drifts to Lisle, sidelong.
Lisle says, "Speaking of things for Yosannah. I have Laurent's ring for you to carry also." She moves away from the mirror to find a little box on the bedside table. Lifting her eyes to Flora she says, "I don't think so. I only vaguely know how it works."
Flora asks, "You've a handkerchief to wrap the knife in after? If not..." she produces one of her own, with her signature lily, "Just tuck this... somewhere."
Yosannah looks about her person for a suitable place to conceal the item. She seems at a loss and looks to Flora for help.
Lisle steps beside Yo and Flora. She opens the box to hand Yosannah the ring. Plain white gold.
Flora very discreetly indicates Yosannah's cleavage.
Flora then sighs a little. "Just a moment...."
Flora goes to the door.
Flora talks with a servant.
Yosannah takes the knife and tucks it away... discreetly. She looks to Lisle and the gold ring.
Flora is soon brought something by one of her maids, pleased. "Here we are." It is a little purse made of gold links. "This should hang easily from your bodice and you can hide the knife and linen in there."
Yosannah seems about to comment to Lisle when Flora returns with the purse. She slides the thing from dress and accepts the proffered purse. The knife and linen are hidden away.
Lisle says, "Probably you can put the ring in there too, Yosannah."
Flora cautions, "Do be carefull with the knife. It is /very/ sharp."
Yosannah finally takes the ring from Lisle and tucks it away as well. She exhales a worried sigh. "I'm bound to forget something, aren't I." She's not supposed to be the worried one, is she?
Flora smiles, with radiant confidence. "I'm sure you'll both do well. Now. I am going to go down. You two should follow after you count, perhaps, to two hundred."
Lisle touches Yosannah's elbow with her gentle-wristed hand. "Do not worry, Yosannah. If we could make those rings, which impressed my uncle to no end, we can certainly remember a few things for a wedding."
Flora slips over to Lisle, to lightly kiss her cheek.
Flora looks at Lise, her eyes mist over, and then she departs.
Yosannah offers her friend a meek smile. She drifts to a nearby table and collects their bouquets. The larger is offered to Lisle.
Lisle asks Yosannah, "Is my back finished? The buttons I mean?"
Lisle takes the bouquet.
Yosannah nods, "It is. I think you're all set." She asks again, to be sure, "You're all set, right?"
Lisle turns around in the mirror just to make sure. "The long veil covers it anyway." And then she confesses, "I do have some butterflies in my stomach. I'm afraid I'll stumble over the vows I wrote. I think I'm set. Do I look anxious?"
Yosannah bits a lip to supress a larger smile. She shakes her head and exhales a nervous breath, "You look great." A shrug of her shoulders reminds, "You'll be great." And then, to the door, "Shall we?"
Lisle says, "Let's," holding the bouquet at her waist.
Chapel of the Unicorn - Castle Amber�
A narrow chapel of cold stone softened by hangings of pure white, this room is lined with spare pews of exquisitely crafted wood. The ceiling is high, a lacework of flying buttresses. Panels of ivory set apart the altar, each carved with views of Kolvir and Amber from land and sea. Behind the altar, in translucent stained-glass, shines the Unicorn, her horn bowed in benediction and a knowing look in here eye.
Today, the chapel is filled with light from windows and candles, and laden with rich, lush daisy arrangements trailed with ivy everywhere, a bower erected by the altar.
Miaylle smiles back at Merlin, at his gesture.
Lisle walks into the chapel with Yosannah. thtey both carry bouquets of daisies, though Lisle's is fancier, and
Lisle also has a wreath of daisies in her hair.
Yosannah holds her bouquet of daises at her mid-section, fingers twined about the stems of the flowers. She smiles at her friend, Lisle, Princes of Amber, though there is a certain anxiousness in her green eyes.
The band is striking up a processional, which rises for Yosannah as she enters.
Bors watches Lisle's approach with his too-large eyes.
Laurent turns as the women arrive and the processional starts. He beams. So happy it's annoying.
Mason smiles at Lisle, certainly appreciating her appearance.
The band then strikes up even statelier for Lisle as she processes to the altar.
With one final, reassuring glance to her friend, Yosannah steps forward, drifting down between the pews. Her head remains as forward as possible, intent on the alter but her eyes drift to those present, soft smile on her lips. There is gracious recognition at the sight of some. She notes Stone at the alter and offers him something resembling a look of "dear god, what are we doing here."
Dalton's eyes move with Lisle, his own expression sombre.
Stone grins brightly at Yosannah and then more warmly at Lisle.
Cristao turns and watches Lisle walk up the aisle. His eyes widen at her loveliness.
Bleys steps from behind the altar, to the fore, standing a step up from Laurent, Stone, Brand, and Flora.
Lisle follows Yosannah, the train of her veil near touching the floor. Her posture is ramrod straight as usual, but she is radiant as a bride, her eyes brightening the moment she sees Laurent.
Lisle steps up to the area By the altar.
Yosannah takes her place, opposite the man, adacent Stone. Quite a sight, probably never to be seen again. She sets her gaze over those present again, smile on her face fading just a tad at the sight of Merlin in the front right pew. But wait, it quickly returns and she sets her eyes to the floor. Is that a blush?
Bleys opens with his public speaking voice, which is a touch higher than his normal one. "Friends, Family, Children of Amber. We welcome you to this solemn day to stand witness to the joining of two of our own."
Lisle steps up right beside Laurenet, of course, her attention on him a moment before her eyes turn to Bleys.
Bors perks up his head, then climbs off his seat to stand when the king speaks.
Celeste sits in the back pews, trying not to look awed at the spectacle, and ending up looking even more awed.
Cristao stands.
Rohan follows Bors' example.
Celeste blushes and stands as well.
Miaylle rises, with a glance to Cristao.
Mason rises, easily.
Blake follows suit, of course.
Bridget sees the trend, does the same.
Flora too.
Laurent stands before Bleys, back to the room, next to Lisle.
"Marriage is a sacred union, wherein two lives become one, for better of for worse, for all of time. A union not entered with hesitation, but deliberation, and utter devotion, particularly amongst those such as we, who hold in our hands time unending," Bleys states, in his clear voice, eyes on Laurent.
Yosannah kneels slightly and reaches out to foof the back of Lisle's dress. There, that's better.
Mason offers Miaylle his hand, apparently without thinking about it.
Laurent meets His Majesty's gaze, serious; certain.
"To enter such a union, wholeheartedly, we must first give up that which is solely our own so that it may be joyously replaced with what is shared," Bleys continues, seamlessly. "We are no longer one, but two sharing a single life. Together. Forever."
Daphne enters from the main hall.
Miaylle is a little oblivious, watching her father, and misses Mason's offer.
Cristao watches quietly with a pleased smile.
Flora stands close by Stone and Laurent, watching Bleys with utmost attention.
Bleys tells the assembled, "You may be seated." He looks first to Flora, mother of the groom, "We will begin by hearing the acknowledgments of lineage."
Lisle's dark-rooted blonde lashes are lowered a little, the daisies in her bouquet fluttering like delicate heartbeats as her hand shifts on the wrapped stems.
Cristao retakes his seat.
Bors hops back up onto the pew, sitting with his feet in a tangle beneath him.
Yosannah considers Lisle's gesture with a slightly narrowed gaze, pensive, supportive.
Rohan sits.
Bridget seats herself, a sweep of fingers brushing her long hair aside.
Flora nods, and lifts her voice, then, addressing the company as much as the king, "I present my son, Laurent, born of myself and the late Comte de Duchene of Earth, grandson of Oberon, great-grandson of the Unicorn Herself, and Lord-Marshal of Amber. With full pride and love, I certify that he is worthy and ready of this compact."
Celeste smooths her dress underneath her as she sits. Her expression is solemn, almost forlorn.
Mason sits back down again, likewise.
Miaylle settles back into place.
Flora has stepped forward to speak. She touches Laurent's cheek once with her gloved hand, and steps back then.
Laurent smiles at his Mother.
By the altar, Bleys's brows furrow at bit at Flora.
By the altar, Flora looks back at Bleys, questioning.
By the altar, Bleys lets it pass.
Bleys looks to Brand, prompting.
By the altar, Laurent misses it.
By the altar, Yosannah looks across the way to Stone and lifts her shoulders in a shrug.
By the altar, Lisle, perhaps unsurprising, missed everything, her soulful eyes on the handsome Laurent.
By the altar, Stone just stares at Yosannah's cleavage.
Brand (who is here, realy) steps forward to speak then. He says something along the llines of Lisle being the daughter of Eric son of Oberon... then he goes on....
Brand indeed goes on, likening different experiences to colors, each one shaping a personality, and discussing how individuals are the sume of their struggles, with particular examples taken from Lisle and Laurent's lives. That this is not an appropriate moment for a speech doesn't seem to bother him. He eventually propounds an analogy of marriage as a rainbow, a union that retains distinctive characteristics while syngeristically becoming more than its individual components, and producing a thing of beauty and value. He then tenders his blessing to Lisle and Laurent, saying, "May the light shine on you both all your days, and may it turn shine in the light." Satisfied with himself, he then goes quiet.
Laurent does a more than adequate job of pretending patience and interest, smiling slightly at points, sneaking glances at Lisle where possible.
Yosannah , who had been glaring at Stone over... something, now blinks once at twice at Brand's speech.
Rohan studies Brand and then looks to the bride and groom with a smile.
Lisle watches Brand throughout his speech with a tremulous smile. But her eyes have such a light.
Celeste blinks a few times as she hears Brand's extemporaneous speech. But she nods a few times, getting the jist. Or she's just growing sleepy.
Bleys says "Well, that's out of the way, then. Ahem. Thank you, brother..." A pause, composing himself briefly. Then, "The groom and bride have written their own vows." He looks to Laurent."
Flora listens with smooth interest.
By the altar, Flora does give Bleys a slightly eyebrows-raised gance as the speech is wrapping up.
Laurent turns to Lisle. He speaks easily, voice loud enough to carry. "Lisle. I shall love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight for the ends of Being and ideal Grace. I shall love thee to the level of everyday's most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I shall love thee freely, as men strive for Right. I shall love thee purely, as they turn from Praise. I shall love thee with the passion put to use in my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. I shall love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life."
Bleys says "The ring."
Lisle hands her bouquet to Yosannah so she can roll down the high sleeve of her ring-finger glove.
Yosannah accepts the lady's flowers.
Stone hands forth a ring of white gold.
Laurent turns to Stone and receives a white-gold band from his best man, then steps to Lisle and, with perhaps just a slightly tremble in his hands, places it on her finger.
Lisle holds her hand to Laurent, fingers splayed, arm bare compared to the other.
Bleys watches solemnly.
Lisle smiles warmly at Laurent, touching the new ring on her finger with the gloved hand.
Bleys says "Princess."
Dumic enters from the main hall.
Lisle clears her voice and turns to face Laurent a little more fully, so that she is in profile to most of the room, tall for a woman, hair silver gold under the veil.
Lisle, with a warm ache in her voice, and her Eric-blue eyes on Laurent, says, "I promise I will love thee in the quiet of night and grace of the day. I will honor thee with gentle mornings, orchestral and divine, and revere thine bliss into interminable time. I will flower thine gardens, cherish thee with open palms and kisses in the calm of grief and joy. Standing beside thee, Laurent, I will look into the eye of the tempest and be unshaken. I will be thine accomplice in the deepest recess of thine heart."
Flora is a mother. Perhaps it can be excused therefore that she produce a handkerchief, then, to dab a tear from each eye.
Laurent is the groom, but there really can be no excuse for the tell-tale hints of moisture in his eyes. But just a hint.
Bleys looks to Yosannah expectantly.
Yosannah fidgets a bit with her and Lisle's flowers - trying to get at a tiny purse she had been concealing behind her own bouquet. She manages and finally withdraws a matching white-gold band and offers it to Princess Lisle.
Lisle takes the ring from Yosannah, and with a shy glance at Laurent, captures his hand with her gloved one, sliding the ring upon the right finger.
Bleys says "The bindings of marriage are the bindings of blood and blood is sacred life."
Bleys looks to Stone, then Yosannah, open handed. Prompting once again.
Flora stirs a little, where she stands.
Dumic heads into the Front left pews.
Stone reaches for the knife at his side, drawing it and holding it out.
Realization flitters over Yosannah's face and she fidgets in her tiny purse once again. There, an item is retrieved, wrapped in small handkerchief. She unfolds the item, exposing a small knife thereon. She extends her hand, offering the item to Bleys.
Bleys says "With the spilling of these droplets of your sacred life, you are joined, forever more as husband and wife." He looks at Yosannah, the knife, then says, seamlessly. "Laurent, Lisle, offer your palms to your seconds."
Flora hands her handkerchief to Stone, murmuring something to him.
By the altar, Flora murmurs to Stone, softly, "You will need it, for the blood."
Lisle turns, holding her bare hand to Yosannah.
By the altar, Lisle apparently expects Yosannah to cut her palm.
Laurent turns to Stone, right hand out.
Yosannah might be holding her breath. Clearly, this wasn't part of the deal. In any event, she holds the blade over Lisle's palm and looks to Stone for confirmation.
Stone takes the handkerchief and holds it beneath Laurent's hand. He then holds the knife, slicing into the groom's palm.
Yosannah takes her own handkerchief and holds it beneath Lisle's hand. She then holds the knife, slicing into the bride's palm.
Daphne heads into the Front left pews.
Lisle offers her bleeding hand to Laurent, eyes meeting his.
Laurent turns to Lisle and takes her hand in his, clasping. The knives were sharp, the cuts shallow (hopefully).
Bleys reaches into his doublet, taking out a scarf of dark green and white. He wraps it about Laurent and
Lisle's bleeding hands. It's long enough to cover them, as well as their wrists.
By the altar, Bleys's scarf shows a stag turned sinister on either end.
Stone cleans off the knife and slides it into his belt again.
Bleys says "Your sword, Laurent."
Yosannah mirrors Stone's gesture with her own knife.
Laurent draws his sword with his off-hand. The blade reads /Exhumer/, the words stamped into the heavy, golden-bronze, metal. Hilt first he offers it to the King.
Bleys takes Exhumer, "Kneel, both of you."
Laurent does, sinking to one knee.
Lisle kneels as asked, the white of her gown, the veil, pooling around her.
Yosannah darts behind Lisle to adjust her gown and then returns to her place off to the side.
Flora watches the king, her brother, with curiosity and not a little affection.
Bleys says "And so by blood you are wedded, man and wife. As your King, We take this time to give you Our blessing, as well as Our gift to you."
Bleys lifts Exhumer, point toward Laurent.
Bleys lowers the blade to Laurent's shoulder, left then right. He does likewise to Lisle. "Rise now, Duke and Duchess Murn."
Bleys says "Man and wife."
Flora's eyes shine, and her smile warms as it spreads.
By the altar, Lisle's blue eyes are lifted to Bleys, not a little bit of surprise registering when he pronouces the titles of Duke and Duchess. She glances at Laurent too.
By the altar, Laurent smiles at Lisle. It was news to him too.
Laurent rises, hand in Lisle's hand still, lifting to his feet.
Yosannah holds her daisies close to her chest and lets a slightly crooked smile escape her lips.
Cristao rises and applauds and woops.
Lisle rises with Laurent, some may see her surprise. But she's smiling.
Mason joins in with Cristao, gives a thumbs up and grins widely.
Bors rises, clapping his hands, otherwise silent.
Yosannah waits for Lisle to get settled, meaning to offer her back her flowers.
By the altar, Bleys says "Congratulations."
Laurent lowers his head to Bleys, grateful.
By the altar, Lisle says, "Your Majesty, thank you," her voice warm. Heartfelt.
By the altar, Bleys inclines his head in acknowledgement.
Sarah appears, grasping Blake's hand.
Bleys says "Kiss her, idiot."
Rohan rises and applauds.
Flora laughs, then, warm and rich and pleased.
Laurent laughs and pulls Lisle to him, wrapping his free arm around her, and pressing his lips to hers.
Yosannah chuckles, a single exhilerationo of exhaled breath.
Lisle's cheekbones flush with rich peach color, her arms going around Laurent's shoulders.
Lisle of course returns his kiss.
Flora applauds the kiss.
Dalton rises with the others around him, though he does not seem to applaud, or even look towards the ceremony.
Laurent doesn't really stop kissing Lisle for some time. It's his wife, he gets to. Or maybe he's forgotten there are people watching.
Stone slaps Laurent on the back, grinning.
Miaylle rises, applauding cheerily and smiling.
By the altar, Flora flashes Bleys a warmly pleased look.
By the altar, Bleys nods solemnly to Flora.
Laurent is reminded when Stone beats him, and reluctantly lets an inch of space separate him from his wife.
Daphne stands and applauds as well, her grin bright and her enthusiasm sincere.
Mason has lost whatever he had been focused on before, looking quite pleased ot the present.
Dumic rises with the others, clapping as well.
Stone elbows Laurent, "Way to go, brother." he winks.
Lisle, when they finally stop kissing, has a bit more flushin her cheeks as if she's breathless. But nothing can match the happy shine in her eyes.
Lisle reaches for the daisy bouquet Yosannah holds, then.
Yosannah leans into the pair and mutters near Lisle's ear, "Congratulations." She extends the Princess' flowers.
Laurent laughs at Stone. "Thank you, brother." He slides an arm around Lisle's waist, and offers his other to Stone to clasp.
Celeste rises with the rest, clapping lightly but indifferently. More polite than anything else.
Lisle holds the bouquet, her arm back so that her unbloodied hand is on Laurent's back, completing the link of his arm around her waist. She says, low, to Yosannah, "Thank you."
Stone clasps Laurent's arm, grinning.
Yosannah purses her lips into a smile for the sake of her friend and mouths a 'You're welcome.' She lifts a hand and gestures that the couple might make their exit.
Flora turns to address the company, "The reception and festival will now commence in the Forum, outside the castle gates."
Mason smiles broadly at Lisle and Laurent, there could possibly be some wetness in his eyes. Maybe its just sweat. He reaches up and subtle wipes at one.
Laurent releases Stone's hand and processes down the aisle with Lisle.
Lisle walks down with Laurent, hand in hand, her cut-hand with a handkerchief around it, holding the flowers.
Laurent has the scarf, his sword, his wife.
Miaylle curtseys at Bors, just a little dip of her step. She smiles.
By the altar, Bleys says "Minister, I'll have a moment of your time."
By the altar, Bleys says "The rest of you, go, frolic and make merry."
Bridget grins at Merlin.
By the altar, Stone nods, "Of course, my King."
Bors gestures to the door with one open hand. He crooks his elbow at Miaylle with a glitter in his too-large eyes.
Mason gets back to normal, grins, happy. "Alright, its done. Time to party. I definately need a drink."
Miaylle's smile blossoms, "Why thank you, Bors," she tells him, and with a glance to Mason, and Cristao, allows Bors to escort her.
Yosannah considers some exchange between Stone and Bleys. She turns her chin, down and over her shoulder, exhales and shakes head slightly. Gathering up her dress, she steps down from the alter. A hand goes to a stray hair at her face and tucks it behind her ear, pensive.
Rohan grins at Mason's comment.
Rohan puts the tophat back on his head.
Cristao goes and joins the party.
Daphne stands from the pews, moving to the edge, glancing over the other party goers for a moment, folding her hands in front of her as she makes her way toward the door.
Flora listens for a bit while her player naps, then she touches Stone lightly on the arm. "And for today, Benjamin? Shall I make my announcement, or save it for the day after?"
Dalton moves in silence with the crowd out into the main hall.
Rohan looks between Flora and Stone. A brow raises.
Bridget is grinning at Merlin, in very high spirits.
Rohan walks over to the altar. It seems he was going to say something to Stone before he hurried off quickly.
Flora says, to her brother, "It was a beautiful ceremony."
Merlin is just leading Bridget out of their pew. He pauses, and turns his attention towards Bleys. "Majesty," he says, with a smile and a bow.
Yosannah drifts out..
Amber: The Forum...
This is where the Main Concourse widens into a large, cobble lined square, before leading off up towards the castle. Many of the city offices can be found here in this affluent neighborhood. Tall, ancient trees line the edges of the square, lending shade to passers-by. In between them can be found long boxes of flowers, colorful and well tended, or benches where one can rest and watch the world go by. All about the square can also be found globes of phosphorescent liquid atop high poles. In the center stands a large fountain, all of white marble. Clean, cool water spurts high into the air to fall again into the wide rimmed basin of the fountain. Skillfully crafted statues made by the finest of Amber's artisans are here for the enjoyment of the public. Guards in the livery of the city patrol here, enforcing the peace.
Embassies reside here as well, and couriers, messengers and eager-to-climb-the-ladder bureaucrats run about here, jostling the crowd in their hurry to be somewhere.
Bors leads Miaylle down into the crowded forum.
A great voiced herald announces, "People of Amber, I give you Lord Marshal Laurent and the Princess Lisle, Duke and Duchess of Murn!"
Flora applauds the duke and duchess, as does the general population, no doubt
Again, the soldiers cheer.
Bors lifts his hands over his head, clapping.
Mason grins, applaudes, whistles.
Miaylle's cheer is as bright as the rest.
Rohan enters behind Flora. He's clapping and cheering as well.
Aelita applauds the happy couple from the edge of the crowd.
Daphne cheers for the bride and groom, clearly caught up in the festivities of the day.
Lisle waits until the applause die down, then gives a little toss of the daisied bouquet into the crowd.
Daphne laughs with the other women as the bouquet is tossed and, after some deft maneuvering, she leaps at the right moment, her fingers closing over the stems, bringing the bouquet close to her chest, possessively.
Laurent applauds Daphne, waves to the crowd, then turns and heads back into the castle with Lisle, leaning to whisper in her ear.
Rohan's eye go to Daphne and looks her over, stopping at the bouquet in her hands. He grins at her.
Sarah, perhaps surprisingly, also makes an effort to catch the bouquet, but it doesn't really come near her, and she doesn't shove through the crowd either.
Aelita cheers at the caught bouquet, and gives an optimistic wave in the direction of a familiar face in the wedding party. Not that anybody is likely to see her in these crowds, mind.
Lisle smiles at Daphne, who caught the bouquet, then puts her hand to Laurent's elbow to listen. Her expression is hard to see with her back to the crowd, but whatever it is he whispered to her made her smile very generously.
Laurent and Lisle walk northwards up the street, heading towards the castle.
Celeste doesn't make a dive for the bouquet, though she does smile at the efforts made by the maidens.
Yosannah lingers on the edge of the crowd, her own bouquet held at her chest, just below her neckline. Her arms drapes over her midsection. She looks over the occasion with a mild, delicate smile. Once the couple has taken their leave of the festivities, she drifts off as well.
A splendid coach pulls up at the edge of the Forum (where 'traffic' is blocked by watchmen), and disembarks with Celestrina.
And /corvo/ disembarks with Celestrina.
Rohan makes his way over to Daphne.
Celestrina steps from the carriage and makes her way through the crowd; stately, patient, that distant enigmatic gaze traveling over the crowd, taking it all in.