675-08-30 - Hundred Years Alliance - saved!
| Hundred Years Alliance - saved! | |||||||
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| Summary: The ceremony of marriage between House of Zorich and House of Sefu finally starts! | |||||||
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A large area of the beach here has been sectioned off here to provide space for the wedding between Arif Sefu and Samuela Zorich. Tents can be found everywhere pitched in the sand. Dominating the center of the area is a large tent that is striped in orange and gold, with the sigil of House Sefu of the Kingdom of the Golden Lion embroidered into the sides of the tent. A royal dwelling, as portable as it can be. No doubt where the groom and his family are staying given how luxurious and over-the-top it is.
Smaller tents with the same decorations dot the area around the large central tent. There are a few smaller tents around the sides colored in blue and green for House Zorich, it looks as though the citizens of the Golden Lion might have been living in these tents since they arrived based on their number and how busy they appear to be, where the Zorich tents were added just for the wedding itself.
Moving about the sands of the beach are slaves seeing to matters regarding the wedding itself, there are also singers, dancers, jugglers, and other forms of entertainment as well. Mostly they seem to be showing off the 'wonders' of the Kingdom of the Golden Lion, given they are all locals of that kingdom and are performing traditional pieces from those lands. There are also other slaves tending to the beautiful golden horses that House Sefu is so well-known for; while others walk around camels and tend to other exotic beasts from the Golden Lion lands.
Silks, both sheer and opaque, can be seen everywhere as a show of wealth, from the tents to the slaves, nothing isn't displayed in the richest materials possible. Standing out among the 'camp' are four posts in the type of the Kingdom of the Isles, all the posts are white in color, and each adorned differently. One has silken ribbons wrapped around the post, one post has gold ribbon, another blue, the third orange, and the last green. A pair of crossed arches connect the four posts together, as the four colored ribbons continue up these lattice arches to meet at the pinnacle where they are woven together into a large, decorative ribbon what is almost like a desert flower in appearance. It is under this pavilion the wedding itself is clearly meant to be held.
The afternoon is beautiful. The sun on the water reflects a symphony of colors as the water moves in towards shore. The High Oni stands looking out towards Paradise admiring the spectacular day. Her expression serene as she turns back to the wedding compound. If she has any misgivings about the ceremony that is about to take place it does not show on her expression.
The day has finally come. The blond brat is headed away, and far away; to a land of sand and mystery. Good riddance. How soon can we start? The Duchess of Gloomy Jungles, and the loving sister of the bride, enters the beach with her guard entourage in tow. However, as they have learned, thr Duchess loves her personal space and as one starts to get to close, there is a pausing in her step and a slow turning to accost him with a pointed finger. The Duchess turns back around and tries her best to put a smile on her usual gloomy visage. Oddly enough, a smile does come, perhaps this is the happiest day of her life thus far?
A few steps on the sand and Lisabette pauses, reaching down to remove the green slippers that match her dress of the same hue with Zorich blue colored ribbon and accents, "Good. It looks as though Arif took my words to heart and let his coin flow willingly from his loins as if he were at a brothel for this event. He even brought one of those humpy things." She then proceeds to where others have started to gather, muttering once more to herself, "Smile Lisabette. Remember to smile."
Also lining the beach is a moderately sized tent with the sigil of house Abukar. Currently tied to a post out side the tent is a magnificent White Stallion, who is currently bring brush'd down by a tall dark man, shirtless save the gold bands on his arms and the markings of a slave/servant. After a bit the main flaps open and exiting the tent is Sallah dress'd in his finest sliks as he looks to the slave and then his mount smiling brightly as he strokes the magnificent creatures nose.
Madalyn is already on the beach and seems to be caught in the provided entertainment. She moves flightily between performers, enjoying all the intriguing sights of a foreign land and always smiling brightly. Occasionally, she stops just long enough to applaud a particularly good performance before moving on to the next.
Zuhur shows up for this memorable wedding, she of course has brought foods, spices and exotic things as wedding gifts. One such thing is a container of Camel's milk said to keep youthful beauty to the Lion women. She sets her gifts down before she moves with her guards closer to watch.
Three men leave the tent of House of Sefu. Two of these men are obviously guards, proudly carring falchions near their sides. The other man is different. With a confident, controlled stride, this third man has the bearing of someone who at least thinks he commands the entire beach. He is wearing a purple robe with decorative stitching, with silver buttons down the front. Also, he wears a lighter purple long-sleeved tunic and slacks underneath the robe, the sleeves are visible from the elbows down, where the slacks are hidden by the robe and a pair of black leather, slip-on boots. The dark purple, almost black lining of the robe is visible at the flared collar, which also reveals the ruffled purple front of the tunic below. Atop his head is a turban of black and purple strips of cloth, which is neatly wrapped and sticks close to the head.
Neat stripes of hair mark his black eyebrows, along with the neatly groomed mustache which forms two downward slashes along his upper lip. A small amount of darkened stubble lining his lower lip and chin. His skin is a bronzed tan, his dark eyes perhaps adding a bit too much emphasis to his dark, stern expression.
He is the well known Nawaab Arif Sefu! The man studies all the singers, dancers, jugglers with pride and obvious adoration of his own Kingdom. He doesn't look to be in a hurry, nor too much worried. However, a slight irritation is visible in his features.
It happens, that Arif Sefu is passing by the tent with the sigil of house Abukar. That perfectly white stallion attracts his attention. The man walks closer and fixes his gaze on the animal, "Hmm... Such a nice beast! Where did you find it, Nawaab Abukar," he asks for Sallah who gets out of his tent.
Dressed in atypical fashion is Lady Adara Zorich, the aunt of the bride-to-be. Wearing the green and blue of House Zorich, the noblewoman is showing off a bit for the special event. A blue gown with a corset to show off her figure, which isn't bad for a woman in her mid-thirties and two daughters. The sigil of House Zorich is embroidered into the front of the corset, her ankle-length gown is also blue, with a green frilled skirt underneath which is visible from the front, as it adds color and flair to break up the monotony of the bell-shaped gown. The lace cuffs of her wrist-length sleeves are also green, along with the raised collar of the gown.
She is wearing a few rings of gold with sapphires and emeralds. She also wears a pendant of gold with four small sapphires in the center with a ring of equally small emeralds forming a circle around the middle. Her curly dark locks have been pulled up in a fancy style which leaves her neck fully bare, yet also creates a cascade-like effect as though her hair were like a waterfall. She is also wearing a silken veil of blue with an embroidered green lace band around the head. The veil she once wore when she was emissary to the Kingdom of the Golden Lion, a compromise so she would show respect to the local culture in regards to women, while also still allowing her to include elements of her own culture as well. The only make-up she wears is the touch of red to her full lips.
Adara steps onto the sand not long after Lisabette, and catching mention of the 'humpy things' she adds, "Camels." wearing a soft smile of her own, though she often seems to smile. If she is wearing anything on her feet her gown disguises it, the same would apply if she weren't given the relatively flat surface of the beach. She has a handmaid and two guards with her as well, the maid placing her own gifts with the others before joining her mistress. She then casually makes her way over to Madalyn and says, "Greetings Young Majesty. Are you doing well?" as though greeting an old friend.
Madalyn turns from her latest entertainment, an odd man capable of spitting out torrents of fire, to smile at Adara. "Lady Zorich! They have such wonderful things here. Why this man is actually spitting fire from his mouth. Is that not fascinating? The Golden Lion must truly be a magical place."
The High Oni moves slowly about watching each wonderous thing after another. She smiles at Madalyn's enthusiasm but as High Oni she has a station to up hold. But inside she is almost as giddy as madalyn.
Zuhur smiles to Madalyn as well, but the princess turns and looks about, her eyes keen on finding the groom. Once he is found the Princess lifts a slender finger to waggle at him. Oh yes ... she is assuring they both go through with this.
Sallah turns at the question and grins brightly, showing off his winning smile. "Ahh Nawaab Arif Sefu. This magnificent beast I won when I enter tourny on Two rivers the Duke Alajos Fennim and Lady Avaline Brais." he explains. "the fighting was fierce and my Opppmets well versed in combat, but I prevailed and this was my prize. "
Well, Lisabette figures as Samuela's sister, that she should at least check on her sister's well-being and see to her preparations and where they stand for the big event. Polite nods are given in passing to various guests as she approaches the Zorich tent in which Samuela is getting ready. Her guard follow her, but as she gets closer to the entry of the tent they pause, not even thinking of entering.
Lisabette steps into the tent and a moment later pokes her head out, only to pull it back in and there is some audible muttering inside. Again her head opkes out and peers around, only to go back in once more and then her spoken words may be heard by those somewhat close to the tent, "Well I cannot delay the wedding forever Sammy. I mean the guests are here. Fire spitters, dancers, jugglers, some girl who can put her legs behind her head..shemust be quite popular back home." There is a pause in her words and she then adds, "Okay...I will see what I can do." Her next words are louder, "Work faster." Perhaps directed at her attendants."
Lisabette emerges from the tent with an obviouds fake smile and looking a little flustered, folding her hands before her and leaning into a guard and muttering something to him. The guard then nods and takes off down the beach in a slow jog. Attention turned back to the crowd and a few steps to the Priestess and a murmured word that she does not intend for many to hear, "I can't um...well you see. I can't...um find....leave it to the bitch to mess this up."
Adara smiles softly at Madalyn's youthful excitement and says, "It is indeed, I know how he is able to do it, but why spoil the wonder?" smiling a bit brighter to Madalyn, almost like a mother wishing to let her child hold onto her innocence a bit longer. Madalyn might not be Adara's child, but Adara missed such moments with her own children while she was away. Perhaps some things translates for any mother. Her gray eyes then move to Zuhur and ADara asks, "Shahzai Zuhur, is that you?" The princess might not remember Adara after so long, but Adara remembers her. If Adara hears the commotion in the tent she shows no signs. As Lisabette stammers, Adara smiles softly to her and says, "Please Your Grace, I know you wish everything to be perfect, but give your sister time to get ready. I am sure anything misplaced will be found soon, or will be forgiven by our guests. Join the rest of us, surely you can spend time getting to know some of your in-laws while the finishing touches are dealt with." in a calm, casual, friendly tone.
Noria takes a breath and then nods. "Maybe we coudl watch some folk dances or maybe a sword dance? before we start? I am sure we would all just adore to watch something so facsinating." she looks at One of the guards from The golden Lion as if to say 'take the hint"
"Aaaah!" Arif Sefu drawls slowly, still studying the stallion, "Congratulations on your win, and thank you for comming, I ammost pleased..." The groom turns a bit just to notice the Princess of his King being around. The man's eyebrows jump up in surprise. He turns to bow for Sallah, before approaching the princess in a quick pace, "Shahzai Zuhur... I am most pleased and surprised, seeing you here! I do hope that our little event will be enjoyable for your heart..." His eyes sparkle with amusement and even a bigger pride, knowing that even the Royals pay a visit to his wedding. Good that Zuhur becomes a distraction from all the commotion near his bride's tent.
Madalyn peers at Adara for a moment then bursts into a fit of giggles. "I should love to see you spit fire like this too, then! That would be most terrifying!" Her attention is drawn toward Noria. "Oo a sword dance. I wonder what that is. It sounds like it would be quite the delight."
Zuhur looks over to Adara as she yells out and she nods though there is no recognition in the woman's eyes. She looks then over to Arif and the stallion and she chuckles a little. "hello Arif Sefu, my brother could not make it himself, I do hope you do not mind me bringing our gifts to you and yours." her eyes fall on the man and she chuckles slightly "This wedding has waited long enough."
Sallah nods to Arif and grins even as his attention is taken up by the arrival of women and most importantly the princess herself. Sallah takes the liberty of examining his mount and nods his approval to his salve. "Make sure he properly watered and fed. " then Sallah bows and greets the ladies as he spots them admiring the various outfits they are presented in.
Leave it to Adara to bring Lisabette back to reality. Her aunt has always had a way of taming the viper within and keeping that forked tongue in check. A smile is given to her aunt and she nods but once, padding her barefeet across the sand to where her aunt is speaking with the foreign nobles and other gathered guests, "Forgive me Auntie. It was rude of me to suspect her to be ready so quickly for this glorious occassion of which we have all gathered. I did not realize the glory of Golden Lion until this day. It truly is a land of mystery and wonderment."
okay who took Lisabette and replaced her with someone sweet and well spoken? However it is short lived when she spies one of the sword dancers, flailing about in a mezmorizing display of skill, "I have /got/ to get me one of those."
"Indeed," Arif nods at the Princess, "Talking about waiting... I do think,it is enough. We should start this ceremony, right? So,if you will excuse me..." The man offers a proper bow for the princess, a proper nod to Sallah,before moving into the crowd, pasisng by the man, who spits fire, offering there a deep bow and a wink for the other pale princess and her company.
His dark eyes studies all the surrounding, the man even enters the tent, there ceremony should start, but soon he gets out.
The groom studies people around once again, this time looking for the Dutchess of the Isle of the Gloomy Jungles, and when he will notice her, he will wave to her, "Your Grace! I do believe, that we should start?"
Adara smiles to Madalyn and says, "I said I knew how, I didn't say I could do it personally. I value my hair too much." giggling softly. "The sword dance as quite the show I will admit, though you might want to keep your distance if they perform it." smiling softly once more. She looks over to Zuhur at the nod, though doesn't blame her for not remembering Adara, she was quite young after all. She then looks back to Madalyn and says, "You could try and speak with the princess if you wish, the two of you are close in age I do believe. Your Highness if you wish to be more formal would be the proper way to address her. As you heard me say, Shahzai Zuhur is more informal. I had to learn the proper ways of addressing them when your mother sent me off as her emissary nearly nine years ago now." She then nods to Lisabette as she approaches then smiles softly at her comment about the sword dancers. "It brings up some memories for me seeing all of this again after so many years, I had hoped my husband and daughters could have come to see, maybe they might have understood a bit better everything I went through for them." a soft frown crosses her face for a moment before it is gone.
As Arif attempts to start things off Adara says, "Please Nawaab Arif, I know you have waited a long time to have one of our women as your wife, but surely a few moments more is worth the wait? After all my niece is of House Zorich as am I, surely it isn't too much to ask to ensure she is properly presentable to your eye." as if trying to keep things light and relaxed... And give time to settle whatever was wrong in the tent.
Sallah returns Arif's bow and smiles as he soon makes his way to where the ceremony will be performed, and is quickly followed by two in Abukar colors. Sallah nods and smiles to those he pass's but yet dont directely engage him in direct conversation.
Madalyn follows Adara's gaze to Zuhur. With a slight not to the zorich woman, she walks over to the other princess and offers a polite curtsey before speaking. "It is good to see you again, your highness. Are you enjoying your time here as much as I am enjoying the marvels from your homeland?"
Can anyhting go right? It is no secret that Lisabette likes everything PERFECT and without a hitch. This is truly annoying and one might even see venom dripping from her lips as she politefully curtseys and dismisses herself from the group she only recently reched and makes her way towards Arif, another curtsey is given and that same feigned smile she has come to master, "Nawaab Arif I must admit I had my doubts. Three days and you brought the Golden Lion to the beaches of the Isles. It is most impressive. Your homeland is a beautiful place, I should like to visit sometime and see it firsthand." She smooths her hands over her dress and looks over to Sammy's tent once more, and then back to the Groom, "You cannot rush beauty my dear friend. it takes time, even for the golden child of the Gloomy Jungles." She looks the man over a moment and decides that a compliment needs to be pulled from her lips, "Your handsomeness puts the men of the Isles to shame Nawaab. My sister is a lucky woman."
Noria notices that people are begining to gather at the gazebo. She looks at Lady Lisabette and nods then moves slowly as if fitting of her station towards her place for the ceremony. All that unrelieved black swishes acrossed the sand, her own guardians are not too near. Who would want to harm a high oni? She finds the position she is to dominate and then waits for theothers to find their marks.
There is some commotion from within the tent, and suddenly the sound of female voices can be heard, followed by a somewhat nervous but no less melodious chuckle. The flap is pulled aside, and into the light of a late afternoon sun steps a strange but no less enticing sight. Her blonde hair has been pinned up a single tiny braid here and there adding to the complexity of the hairdo. The dress is definitely of Golden Lion fashion, a knee long cream coloured dress in a soft flowing fabric that adapts very well to any movement of her slender figure, a longer skirt worn below, that reaches until the ground in a warm red colour that matches the scarf that is wrapped about her shoulders. Embroideries in gold cover the scarf and the lower skirt, whereas the main garment shows more golden embroideries in the shape of flowers.
"Forgive me," Samuela chuckles, both apologetically and maybe also with a bit of awkwardness. "I fear I am late...?"
Adara looks to the tent as Samuela emerges and smiles broadly and says, "If a woman cannot be late to her own wedding, what can she be late for?" as she walks over, and if allowed gives Samuela a light kiss on the cheek. Whether allowed to do so or not she whispers, "You look beautiful." to her niece before moving to join the others at the pavilion.
The cousins of the Nawaab had been present for a while already, although keeping to the background so far. Begum Qamara and Begum Inaya wear their finest clothes, a colourful affair of green and blue. Quite a contrast to their lady-in-waiting Sherzad, whose scarf, skirt and chemise show the warmer tones of orange and red, and embroideries of blue flowers. Keeping her hazel-brown eyes downcast so far, the younger woman will even stand a few steps behind the Sefus, her hands folded before her, now and then daring to look up, like right now, when her eyes widen as she beholds the beautiful bride, and she gasps, obviously impressed.
Arif Sefu clasps his hands on abdomen and irritation becomes even more vivid in his eyes. He patiently listens for Adara'sexplanation, though. The man opens his lips to spit a comment at her, but then Lisabette speaks and manages to distract the man. He looks around once more haughtily and nods, "I said, that I can do it, that means - I can do it!" And the compliment tickles his ego even more,making the man to straighten,raise his chin and forget about the bride for now, "Well, thank you, I can say, that you look..."
THE VOICE! He heard that voice already. It steals attention of the groom,who turns to glance at the tent of house of Zorich, where his...BRIDE? Is it she?.. So different... More... different... She is... The man drowns in his thoughts, indulging into the view and it is so obvious. Oh, what is this? Did his jaw drops down in surprise?! No...Maybe it was just a flinch. Though, he hesitates to approach the bride, so Arif just moves to the tent, where the ceremony should happen.
And there she is. The bride has arrived, and is that an actual smile on the lips of Lisabette? It very well could be for sure. She approaches her sister and reaches out for her hands, inclining her head, "You look beautiful Sammy. Are you ready?" She then raises a finger and steps away, walking over to another one of the Zorich tents that is close by and pulls back the flap, "I knew you wanted this so I sent for him a few days ago." And then on those words, Samuela's father appears in the doorway of the tent; the Steward now of Gloomy Hall: Lazar Zorich.
"Give her away father...it's what she wants." She then moves to take a seat as Lazar approaches his daughtter and takes her arm.
Madalyn turns toward the tent to look at Samuela, gasping in delight. "Wow, you look beautiful, and what a lovely dress. This is so exciting," she remarks eagerly, looking between Samuela and Arif as if judging how good they'll look together. The arrival of the bride has her moving to find whatever place is hers so that she doesn't hold up anything.
Adara smiles softly at Arif's reaction and says, "As I said, Zorich women need their time to please the eye Nawaab Arif." in a soft, polite tone as she takes her place for the ceremony. Her smile wides as she sees Lazar appear and offers a respectful nod to her brother-in-law.
Sallah spots a familiar form even thru the mass of people attending the wedding and smiles brightly at the still seemingly shy Sherzad. Sallah makes his way to the Gazzebo (if thats where its being held) - so much to read and digets)) Sallah will get as close as permitted and says softly "Lady Sherzad, what a pleasure to see you again, you look lovely. " as he gives the young woman a warm smile.
Samuela seems to be likewise overwhelmed by the situation. People coming towards her, others staring at her from afar. "Oh, thank you," she offers in reply to Adara, along with a warm smile at the compliment, then the bridegroom spots her and their gazes briefly meet, and the young Zorich bride inhales with a bit of a nervous twitch to her brows. After that Lisabette, her sister speaks, and Samuela turns and looks at her, her smile temporarily dimmed. Before her father steps forward, and suddenly all fear and nervousness moves to the background when the overwhelming joy at being reunited with her own father makes the bride jump forwards and grab him for a tender hug. "Lazar... father!", she mutters, when a single tear of joy runs down her cheek. Not resisiting when he leads her over to the tent where she will have to speak the vows.
The High Oni stands in front of Arif Sefu and awaits the arrival of the bride. She looks intimidating in a religious sort of way. She looks devout to the extreme. And maybe a small bit of haughty. She lifts her hands to the side raising them to shoulder level as the bride takes her place to signalthe begining of the ceremony. Sh ecloses her eyes and then when she opens them moments later she begins. Although her voice si not loud it carries and all can here her. Especially since all the commoners have stopped what they are doing to listen. "Love is pure and love is faithful. Love is obligation and love is the fulfillment of duty. Onimora Gave up her position for her love with great honor. And yet she did not give up on the people of the Isles. Her love of us Gave us a Queen that changed our world. She gave up her first Love, Lotingus for us. She came and took a human man and had a daughter. When she could have turned her back upon us. She knew her Duty and her obligations. Lotingus Came and married the daughter. It was a secondary love but it grew and they were happy. But all things move in circles. Upon their deaths they returned to Marguerites Garden and there they were truly Happy together." She looks over the couple to those beyond and then back to the two, "You are not commoners who can marry for love alone. Your Love is bound to Love of your homeland and it's needs. Your love is bound up with duty and obligation. This does not mean that you are not loved by your partner. It just means that Love can be and many times is Bound by all things. You come here today for the Blessings of Onimora and Lotingus. May you find Love in all its phases together and with in the boundaries of your responsibilities.”
Adara grows silent as she watches the proceedings with respect, not only for the faith of the Isles but also for the respective families. Perhaps a bit of joy in seeing one of her direct relations so happy as well... Whether for a moment or for a long time to come.
Did Lisabette do something nice for her sister? Perhaps. Or perhaps she knew her father owuld get her ot go through with the cereomony and wedding that needs to happen. Always an underlying motive behind everything the Duchess of Gloomy Jungles does. She sits quietly, watching the ceremony and tapping a barefoot on the sand, almost as if to say /yeah yeah...love and obligations..blah blah...marry them already."
Sherzad will follow her ladies, entering the tent where the ceremony will take place. A shy smile flickers over her mien when Sallah addresses her, although her hazel brown eyes do lighten up when she sees him. "Sallah Al Abukar," she greets, offering a curtsey. "It has been some time since last we spoke. Three years?" Her gaze drift ever so briefly over his frame before she lowers it again. "You look well, Faris Sallah." Her voice is kept low as she does not want to disturb the ceremony.
The High Oni continues, "Sameula Zorich and Arif Sefu, When one has been granted the richest blessing of the Gods and have been born into the highest ranks of our societies, They are expected to earn that blessing. They are expected to rise above petty self-concerns and do their duty. They are expected to rise above their own desires and fullfill their obligations to their homeland. To their people and formost to their Gods.”
Arif Sefu is standing quite haughty in front of everyone. However, he keeps his gaze fixed on the young bride. It would be hard to say, what actually happens in his head, hearing the words of a strange priestess. Sometimes people could notice sparkles of amusement, excitement, passion, greed, irritation, anger... Though, one is clear, he looks at Samuela Zorich like a little bit hungry wolf looks to his prey. Just sometimes, he glances at the Priestess, nodding slowly as if agreeing with her and her Gods.
Samuela stands beside Arif now, her gaze fixed on the High Oni, her cheeks slightly flushed, when she steels a glance at the Sefu lord beside her. Almost regretting that when she meets his almost impertinent stare, holding it for a moment, before she focuses her attention on the speech of the priest and the ceremony, giving a light nod when the High Oni speaks of obligations. And exhaling, as her eyes close for a moment.
Noria Landos looks to teh young bride, "Do you Lady Samuela Zorich, Of the Ruling House of the Gloomy Jungles, Daughter of the Duchess, Take this man to be your consort and husband? Do you give honor and obedience to the Queen's Treaty that will draw our two countries closer. Will you dwell in his abode as wife and mother to his children in accordance with the approved treaty? Will you do your duty to Onimora and your Queen?"
The Duchess of Gloomy Isles is like a three year old in church, shifting in her seat and inhaling deeply as the ceremony drags on. It really is not that long, but every moment that passes is a moment that her sister can turn and run. A toe digs in the sand, trying to keep her settled.
Sallah grins at Sherzad "I feel well. " he replies. "Nothing revitalizes a man like good food, good drink and lovely company. " as he too keeps his words soft during the ceremony so that only Sherzad and many be a few closest to her can phantom the words. Though he does watch the ceremony when not directly speaking to the young woman and to her when he does.
Then Noria addresses her directly and Samuela looks up, her eyes going wide for a moment. Her gaze drifts once again to Arif and this time she will hold his gaze. "Indeed. I do."
The Priestess almost but not quite displays her disregard for anything not of Onimora. She takes a breath and continues, "Do you Arif Sefu, The Lord and Heir to the Lands of Sefu, do you take this woman as your wife consort? Do you give honor and obedience to the Queen and your Royal Leader's Treaty that will draw our two countries closer. Will you dwell in your abode as husband and Father to your legitimate children in accordance with the approved treaty and the laws of your land?"
Arif Sefu even does not wait till the Priestess will finish her speach. He just says, "I do. Yes, I do..." But likely, Noria will finish her thoughts, so the man will add more firmly at the end, "Yes, I do."
Whatever Adara might think of Arif, or the ceremony is kept locked away in her mind, as she simply watches her niece marry, likely remembering her own marriage, or even her late sister's wedding.
Madalyn has her hands clenched tightly in front of her as she waits on each person to say they do. When it finally happens, she smiles brightly, sighing in delight at the beautiful ceremony.
The high Oni frowns as the man interupts her but at least he is saying the right response. Infidel. But she finishes the most formal political wedding ceremony, "From the power invested in me by The great Onimora and our beloved Queen. I pronounce you man and wife. May you prosper and your family grow. Ladies and gentlemen May I present His lordship and his Lady ."
There is a deep sigh. The Rainbow peeing, butterfly fluttering sister is now married and their lands are safe once more. She slowly rises from her seat in respect and steps closer to the edge of the /aisle/ to where they will exit? She inclines her head and gives another smile; this one seems gneuine for whatever reason. However, anyone walking by her seat after the ceremony would see the words /Kill Me Now/ carved in the sand by her big toe."
"That's good," Sherzad will reply softly to Sallah's words. She smiles, although some of the ease and cheerfulness he may have remembered her by seems to be missing; no, maybe it is veiled rather, hidden behind some experiences of the recent years. After all, Sherzad is older now. Almost nineteen. Her gaze is pensive as it shifts back to the proceedings, and she watches the ceremony, that is in a way so foreign to what they know in the Lands of the Golden Lion.
When the ceremony is over, Arif lowers his hand just gently take the hand of Samuela and squeeze it, if allowed. The man will turn to her and will lean closer, that the tip of his nose is almost touching hers. People around disappear for a moment, whe he whispers, "May I kiss you, my dear wife?" And he sounds nice, he is gentle, he is... opposite to the rumors, indeed!
Her hand will feel a little cold to the touch, when Arif takes it into hers. Samuela's face turns, and seeing her husband now so close before her she will almost flinch. But then she hears his whisper, while her eyes keep staring into his, and she relaxes, just a touch. "Yes, you may," she breathes. "My husband."
Adara awaits until the formal end of the ceremony and cheers the couple in traditional fashion. She then makes her way over to Samuela as quickly as space and the movement of the crowd allows. Once she has grown close enough to her niece she says in a soft, honest voice, "I know your mother would have loved to have seen how beautiful you are today, and to have been here to see it all. Unfortunately she is not, if you will grant me the honor. I may not be your mother, perhaps her sister might serve when she is unable. If I may?" as though asking permission to give Samuela a gift as a mother would normally give to a daughter, even though they are only aunt and niece.
Arif touches her lips with his then. It is very brief,but soft and gentle kiss, which shouldn't scare the girl off. Then Adara comes and the man allows them to speak about all these gifts, while he moves a bit away to whisper something for his servant, who quickly disappears. When Adara will finish with her gift, Arif will come back to his wife, just to take her hand again and turn her a bit, that she would see a wonderful camel, painted with wonderful scripts, adorned with flowers and necklaces. "This is traditional gift for a wife in our lands..." He explains, grinning a bit.
Samuela returns the kiss, however brief it may be, perhaps even relieved it is. Her eyes wil follow Arif when he moves away, then shift to Adara when she nods and smiles, accepting her gift with a curtsey. "Thank you so much, aunt Adara." And then more gifts are brought, and the Sefu bride falls silent her eyes going wide, and her lips curling into a smile as she gives words of thanks and praise and thanks again.
Sallah looks at Sherzad a bit and arches abrow, before asking. "Would you perhaps honor me by attending the feast with me?" as he looks around. " Such a pretty flower as yourself would help brighten up an already wonderful day further. "
Gifts. Ah yes. Lisabette had given a lot of thought ot what gifts she would give to her sister, and her steps take her to a tent in which she steps and emerges with a small pillow and some servants in tow. It is a small little group that approaches the couple, "Dearest Sister and my new brother-in-law..." SHe pauses and looks down to the inside of her wrist, the sleeve pulled up a bit, "It..harms my heart..." She studies it closer, "Warms my heart to present these gifts to you with love and...defection...affection." She lowers the sleeve and then proceeds to present:
"The first is for you my dear sister. I know she would wish you to have it." It is then that she offers the pillow: Upon it is a tiara of emerald leaves and gold, "Mother's tiara. Take good care of it. She does not need it anymore." She casually shrugs dismissing her comment and then offers the next.
"And for you Nawaab...a creature from my lands. It will annoy you greatly, but it's pretty to look at. So it's yours. A bright bird is brought out of the tent and held before him.
And then two women approach, "And for both of you. Handmaidens for you Sammy from home. They are the best I could find in our famoous brothels, so that's the gift for you Nawaab. I figured you both will get some use out of them." She curtsey's and backs away.
