675-09-07 - Brais/Fennim Wedding Feast

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Brais/Fennim Wedding Feast
Summary: There is a feast at Woodwatch Keep to celebrate the wedding of Lady Avaline Brais and Duke Alajos Fennim
Who: Avaline Fennim, Alajos Fennim, Ralph Fennim, Sirelle Fennim, Geoffrey Lombard (played by Vandrik), Barret Brais, Luanda Brais, Argon Brais, Ortensia Istivean, Rayne Devantry and Jonathan Ortcanson (played by Slider)
References: None
When: September 7th, 675
Related Logs: 675-09-07 - Wedding Ceremony in Woriscant
Date of RP: 08/09/2014
Where: Grand Hall - Woodwatch Keep, Duchy of Woriscant, Two Rivers
Room Desc: The immense hall is mostly used for feasting, with several trestle tables covering the expanse, whereas one at the far end is slightly elevated on a dais to overlook those present, this of course being the place where the Duke and his closest family usually will be seated. The floor is comprised of dark stone tiles, covered with a layer of rushes that will be changed regularly. A great hearth, made of dark stone over which a shield with the coat of arms of House Fennim adorns the wall, will occasionally have a fire burning within, providing warmth especially during the colder seasons. Four huge tapestries of common Fennim legends cover the walls of the Grand Hall: There is Nigel the Grey fighting a huge pack of wolves in the black of night, as well as Orville the Strong wrestling with a massive boar; there is Cuthbert the Craven, whose swift wit prevented Woodwatch Keep from going up in flames; and there is Madrog the Valiant's joust with Lord Vernon Lenouvi, which ended with the Fennim's victory and the Lenouvi's death.


This day the Duchy of Woriscant had just cause to celebrate, their Duke was getting married! There was chance for heirs and less uncertainty of the line soon to come (surely.....hopefully). And more importantly, meals and small feasts of differing levels had been planned for all the citizenry across the Ducal Lands. Though none certainly compared to the feast that had been prepared for those friends and family, and political guests of the Fennim and Brais families.

There had been a small procession when the couple had returned to the Keep, after the small wedding ceremony in that ancestral clearing in the woods used for such matters. The Duke and his new Duchesses arriving upon a matching pair of white horses, their manes and tails decorated with flowers. Avaline looking everything a blushing bride should in the pale blue gown with its golden accents, and golden adornments. And Alajos looking quite handsome. Well wishes and greetings had been exchanged as way had been made into the banquet hall.

A place that had been decorated to suite the splendor and importance of the occasion. The newly wedded couple along with close family and important guests had been seated at the head banquet tables, while others were being showed to similar tables along the sides of the hall. There were tables yet set aside of those of the common class that had been invited for their importance to the House, or simply to recognize their service to the Duchy, some might have simply gotten lucky and won the 'lottery' of names drawn from the local citizens to have chance to attend.

As people become seated, servants are seeing to the filling of goblets and steins with wine, ale or mead. The food can surely be smelt, the many fine dishes prepared to celebrate the occasion, but is yet not brought out awaiting the final guests to be seated. Though there is bread and some platters of fruit out upon the tables for those who just cannot wait.

Alajos has been able to keep a somewhat happy face throughout it all. Maybe there were threats of daggers in back by Ralph, maybe he is genuinely enjoying the attention of the people cheering the couple along the way of their ride back to the Keep. While everyone is still bustling about to get themselves sorted and seated, Alajos finds a chance to step close to Avaline and offer to remove her fine cloak himself, so she can sit down. "It's quite feast, isn't it?", he murmurs to her, "I can't remember the last time the hall has looked so splendid..."

Avaline had managed to keep a smile on, the odd wave given to those they passed. She'd had some practice of being...on display...as a Brais, even if rarely the focus as she had now become. Her head dipped a touch demurely as Alajos offered to take her cloak, a hand lightly undoing the clasp so he could take the garment from her shoulders. She nods,"It does look lovely, everyone has done a splendid job with it. And it smells as if the kitchen staff has done just as fabulously. "

"Indeed, they have.", Alajos replies and pulls the chair back for Avaline to sit down. That done, he takes the seat beside hers so he can watch the other arrivals flooding into he hall.

There's joy to be had what with a wedding and everything, and right in the healer's backyard! (Literally!) Rayne enters along with a few of the other commoners who were in attendance, invited along, or otherwise lucky winners of the 'lottery'. For now, she's just happy to have been given an invitation at all...but there is still a bit of apprehension. Despite, she takes her place at the commoner's table, and holds a mediocre conversation or two among the others seated around.

As part of the immediately family, Diella and her husband would have travelled in the procession behind the newlyweds. Making their way into the banquet hall, Geoffrey dutifully takes his own wife's cloak, before removing his own and handing it to one of the servants assigned to such matters. He then offers an elbow to his wife, placing his free hand over hers as he escorts her towards the family table. There are big smiles on both of their faces, as who could not be happy to see a younger brother wed? Especially into such a fine matching.

Ralph Fennim sits beside his niece Sirelle at the table with the other Fennims. The usually so sombre cousin to the the Duke seems for once in good spirits. Now and then laughter can be heard coming from him, and the slightly rosy colour of his cheeks suggests he has already showed much eagerness to celebrate this glorious day with bringing out man a toast - and downing his goblet of wine afterwards! He wears his usual attire - the black doublet over a white shirt, along with black breeches - a fact noone at least of the Fennims seem to mind. For those closer to the family it will be known, that Ralph has worn black ever since the passing of his second wife, a constant reminder of his reluctance to ever marry again. Marriage in itself is not a concept he rejects, as the Fennim still is willing and able to celebrate the merry occasion. After all he had spilled more than one silent tear when he witnessed the wedding ceremony in the Blessed Clearing, deeply touched by the spectacle, as it had certainly brought back memories he had buried deep within for a while.

Sitting on the place of honour beside the bride is noone less than the King Barret Brais, beside his two daughters Luanda and Barbeta. Being the uncle of the bride he has come all the way from Beresgond to attend the wedding. A warm smile is spared for Avaline, and after the ceremony he could nothelp but give her a warm hug whilst offering his congratulations. "I wish you all the happiness in all of Felaguria," he had murmured into her ear, and for a moment he too had been overwhelmed by memories of a wife that had passed away - during the plague. It had shown in the slightly thicker sound of his voice, and the blinking away of a tear as he had let go of her, to offer her a caring smile. After that he had turned towards Alajos, another hug had been given, this time to the Duke, whether he liked it or not.

Well, a royal hug cannot be refused and so Alajos does let the king hug you. "Thank you so much for gracing this wedding with your presence, Your Majesty.", he says politely, offering him the chair of honour on Avaline's other side. He had greeted his sisters earlier that day, but he offers Diella a smile, when he sees her arrive at the family table with her husband.

Well and someone had to give the bride away, right? So many tasks for the poor King. Avaline had returned the hug of her uncle and given a warm smile to hear his murmur. She could hope for such a wish to come true. For now, she barely knew the man she had been bound to for life.

A hand gentle smooths the skirts of her gown as Avaline takes to the chair Alajos pulls out for her. A faint smile to the servant that sees to filling their goblets, yes, wine would be lovely about now. There are smiles for her uncle and cousins, for arriving guests as they find their seats.

Even the commoners are being served fine wine and mead at their table while the festive people gather in the Grand Hall. Rayne is among those partaking in a glass or two, though her gaze flickers to the tables where those of noble ranking she knows sit and a smile is offered. Though she could only count on one hand who was there that she had spoken to more than once, it still eased the feelings of whether or not she should truly be there.

Among the commoners there are several well to do merchants, most of the merchants sit among each other and stay talking about business even as they enjoy the fine wine and the food that has been given in the light of the wedding. One of these merchants is a man of probably 28 to 30 years of age, rough exteriror , large man of at least 6 feet 6 inches in height and obviously not used to wearing clothing that he is in right now, nice formal and nice colors of green and light greens to highlight to the mans attire. Obviously he is only talking to the much older merchants just to appease them. His name Jonathan Ortcanson, now head of the family and the business of providding lumber and building homes and other needed buildings. So JOnathan stands up, excuses himself and goes and takes a walk, bringing a drink with him as he does and taking in the views, the many views from afar for now.

Seated beside her sister, the eldest princess is her usual quiet self while she watches the festivities before her. After the ceremony, Luanda will have given Avaline a tight hug and wished her the best. "Be happy, cousin," she whispered in her cousin's ear. Now that they are seated, she enjoys her wine in relative silence.

Argon is here as well, with the other relatives of the bride. He's keeping quiet at the moment, just watching the happenings now.

Once everyone, or least most everyone seems to found their way to their seats, there is that movements of kitchen staff to begin bringing along the meal properly. But with so many guests, it is a thing that shall take a bit. Thusly, there is the steward of the Keep to draw everyone attention and help give distraction in addition to the minor refreshments already available. " King Barret, Princesses, Dukes and Duchess, Lords and Ladies, and other gentle folk, House Fennim welcomes you all to our hall and thanks you for joining us this day for the celebration of the marriage of Duke Alajos and Duchess Avaline." There is a pause by the steward for what shall surely be merry clapping of congratulations for the new union. Once it has died down,"A few words now shall be offered to the new couple." The steward bows towards those of House Fennim wishing to offer words to the couple and giving the floor onto them to speak.

For their part, the Lombards are content to sit and watch the festivities from the family table. Geoffrey does place his hand over his wife's and gives it a gentle squeeze, though, this wedding bringing back so many fond memories of their own. "Truly, it is good to have such celebrations. Our land is in sore need of some good tidings these past years," Geoff says to his wife quietly.

Alajos leads the clapping for the steward who's done the speeching - relieved it wasn't him - and bows deeply to the King when he is announced as the next speaker. Then his eyes resume darting around the Great Hall to make sure that people are being served and nobody is looking bored.

Barret turns in his seat and offers Luanda beside him a smile. "You are looking a bit thoughtful today, daughter. Is everything alright?" There is concern in his gaze, as well as a touch of amusement. "Mayhaps we will soon sit in the Sanguine Hall at Mergorand, and celebrate your wedding, dear." His brown eyes drift towards Argon next, who whitout a doubt is here with his young wife Livessa. A nod is offered from afar, as he raises his goblet in a silent toast.

Ralph is content enough it seems. There is a full goblet of wine in his hand, and his cousin safely wed, finally. Almost nothing for him to worry about on this eve. Unless... said cousin's steward expects him to hold a speech...?

There is a touch of clapping from Avaline for the stewards words. A deep little breathe drawn when that title is used. The poor dear is still coming to terms with the life changing event that has occurred this day. Least she didn't gulp and try to bolt like a scared rabbit! There is a quiet smile for Alajos before she to looks to her uncle.

Talk is light among the commoners, and Rayne is perhaps the most silent of them all. She observes, listens, but that is about all. Having learned, perhaps, that silence is best from her when around many ears - plus, she had only half her mind here on the festivities. The other half was thinking and worrying and missing her husband. As a speech is given, her attention goes to where the nobles and royals sit, and she is among those who clap a moment before settling down so the next in line to speak can do so.

Sirelle just sits there in silence, a slightly stubborn flicker in her eyes. She wears a dress of emerald green colour, and her brown hair has been done up all orderly. Maybe it is the remark about marriage she has just overheard from her uncle Ralph, that has her face turn sour.

Luanda reaches over to pat her father's hand affectionately as she replies, "I am always thoughtful, Father. I am merely thinking that we need more joyous occasions like this to brighten up the hearts of the people. Looking at everyone here, it is clear to see that it's good for their hearts and souls, don't you think?" Her lips quirk faintly at the corner at the mention of her own wedding. "You do realise that I first need an intended first before we start thinking about the wedding itself."

Jonathan finds himself walking when the speeches start up and he quickly looks around and finds a seat by another table and sits there. It is there he see's Rayne, nods to her and he goes silent, looking to the nobles speeches and idlely drinking. As the nobles speak he almost falls asleep or perhaps it's the amount of wine he has drank this night, which ever, he is gettign real comfortable.

Lady Ortensia Istivean's skin is marble, her eyes sapphire and her smile as luscious and red her lips might gleam today (probably with the help of well-picked berry juices, for the reasons of the day's auspicious occasion) remains onyx. An amused darkness cannot be banned from them and there is always a metallic sharpness lingering on its edges. Every now and then it softens upon the look of those being wisely seated close to her: Her husband Duke Solinus Istivean, and, of course the young couple itself, her brother Alajos and his young bride.

When the King speaks, she raises her cup willingly. What else is there to do than listening in the appropriate silence?

"Are you afraid I might have to hold a speech as well, brother, dear, or why are your cheeks so daintily reddened?" , she whispers to the newly wed groom.

Whoever thought it was a good idea to seat Ortensia in whispering distance of Alajos? He glares at her but doesn't respond, since the King is about to speechify.

"Uh oh," Ralph murmurs, when he sees the steward bow towards him. He has to put the goblet down and straightens. At least he tries to. Get to his feet next. Oookay, that works too. Although the Fennim cousin is swaying a little as he stands. "Dear guests!", he greets, then turns towards the couple. "Dear cousin. Your Grace! Dear Duchess Avaline Fennim! We are pleased to welcome you into our family - a family of old traditions that is known not only to be the greatest hunters in the realm, but also... the most caring for new additions to the family." He grabs the goblet and raises it. "Avaline, we are happy you've not shied away from the ... challenge. A brave decision indeed, for which ALL OF US owe you eternal gratitude! To bravery. And beauty." The latter part added, as if he finally realizes what he has just said and tries to give his speech a twist into a slightly less awkward direction.

Alajos looks a little aghast at Ralph's speech. Challenge? Bravery? There is a sense split second in which Alajos seems to consider throwing his rattle out of the pram and storm out of his own wedding, but there's already a round of applause and cheers and goblet-lifting, so the young Duke is forced to do the same with a weak smile. Hoping the next speech will be nicer. And making a mental note to kick Ralph's big arse at some point.

When Ralph stands to speak, Avaline does give a smile towards him. He had been a great help in getting settled, plus helping her to learn what she was going to need to learn....and then he starts speaking. It goes well enough. But her eyes do widen more than a little when he says just what he says. Avaline colors a touch, a slight glance going to Alajos. And wine, yes, sip of wine and her eyes dash one to the next to offer words. Hopefully someone to put end to the whispering and snickering that Ralph's speech has set alive, beneathe all the applause and cheers. Ah....wasn't that a nnew brother-in-law over there standing to speak.

Geoffrey applauds the speech as well, a bemused grin on his face. He does so enjoy Fennim gatherings. However, after a gentle nudge in the side from his wife, he clears his throat and stands partly up. "If I may, I have some words I would like to speak," he offers. He looks around for a moment to check for any objections before he nods and continues standing the rest of the way. He lifts his goblet up, addressing the audience.

"I have not known His Grace, the Duke, for an overly long amount of time. However, since I have had the sincere pleasure to be wed to his sister," Geoff pauses to turn back and smile and nod at his wife, who simply smiles and nods her head to him. "I have gained a great respect for the Fennim family as a whole. And, while I cannot speak volumes on Duke Alajos, I can say that he is a man of good character. And it is my esteemed pleasure to welcome him into the wonderful role of husband, into which no man comes prepared." This is said as a joke, and he grins over at the Duke. "But, I know you will adapt. As we all do, and so I wish you and your new bride all the best. May you have so many children that your hair goes gray before its time."

Alajos looks rather pleased with Geoffrey's speech and offers his brother-in-law a warm smile of approval. He lifts his goblet and calls out "Hear, hear!"

This new speech does seem to be going well enough, Avaline smiles even....that is until he hits the part about children. Why does everyone have to keep bringing /that/ up!?! She gulps a little, and simply raises her glass. Trying to smile at the speech, before taking a nice drink of wine. Pay no mind to the slight paling that occurred.

Many commoners seem to be listening well into the speeches, there are murmurs and appluases but over all they are at least listening and drinking as expected. Jonathan has at least stayed awake, listening and drinking like the others, though luckily someone sat beside him and keeps on hitting him on the ribs to keep him from falling asleep.

Ralph's words bring the quivering of an uncontrollable chuckle on Ortensia's shoulders, even more as she glimpses Alajos' little fury welling up in his face and being drowned by courteousness and the general rejoicing.

"Yes, the Fennims are an exceptional line, and I welcome you, mylady Avaline, to count yourself in," she starts as she raises, grasping a moment of silence as swiftly as she is known for. "Especially my brother Alajos"

As she continues her voice gets fuller and milder, the edges softens by the genuine warmth that brings forth her speech.

"Alajos has always been a dancer. When we were young he was even better than me and my sisters. As a matter of fact one of the rare occasions that enabled us to tell him and his twin brother apart..." The childhood nostalgia almost, almost keeps the melancholy away, that always tends to linger, when the deceased brother is mentioned. " was on the dance floor. Many have raised a brow on this talent of his, some even of its lack of demonstration when it should have been demonstrated."

A significant look is shared with young Avaline. "But I am, and I will be allways proud of my brother's talent. Is it useful, some may ask. Now more than ever, I answer. The last years have put chains of iron on our ankles, stony yokes around our necks when we dance. Merriment and smiles have been rare among us, but never, never in the presence of my dear brother. "A capable swordsman couldn't cut the famine's limbs, a versed strategist could not compete against plague. My brother, the dancer could. Now I hope you two will dance together for many years, Alajos, Avaline, side by side, hand in hand - leading and being led by each other and listening to both, your people and the King wisely and attentively. My congratulations. "

Alajos looks deeply touched at his sister's speech... whatever he had expected, it was not this. Is that a tear glistening in the ducal eye, quickly wiped away with the back of his hand? "Thank you, Ortensia, well said!", he calls out with a smile and lifts his goblet to her for a cheer.

Avaline's attention is drawn towards Ortensia when Alajos' sister takes the floor swiftly to speak. A small dip of her head going to the woman when the welcome is given. There is a glance towards Alajos when the twin is mention, and that....lack of dancing demonstration. But Avaline does give a nod to Ortensia. The urge to quirk an eyebrow questioningly is pushed down, are we talking about the same Alajos? Mr. Moody Himself? But Avaline keeps it well in check and simply offers a smile and dip of her head, a soft "Thank you," since the woman is close enough. Before raising her cup to the speech and taking a drink.

The steward looks about the hall, and seeing no others stepping to give words, he bows to the King, indicating he may have that last word as he wishes.

Sirelle sits there, her gaze lowered. It is raised momentarily when her aunt Ortensia speaks, her green eyes shift from her to the Duke and she rolls her eyes ever so slightly, before turning her attention back onto the empty plate before her.

Now that /all/ other speeches have already been given in honour of the married couple and even the steward bows in his direction, the moment is finally there! King Barret will shoot the two of them a glance first, and then toss a wink their way before he suddenly rises. All conversation will cease when those in attendance notice, and the sound of a chair scraping over the stone floor leads to a murmur among the guests. The king will stand there for a moment, waiting patiently until he has the attention of all, before he straightens and begins.

"I believe it is my turn now to offer a few words," he begins, after clearing his throat. "Lady Avaline is my niece, as many of you may know. Yet I hold her as dear as if she were one of my daughters." He pauses for a moment to smile at Barbeta and Luanda, assuring them and everyone else of his affection for them. "I have to. Because... not only have I known Avaline since she was a little girl. With the passing of her father - my brother - Ronaldo Brais, and his wife Emelyn, a dear friend of my own late wife, Queen Livia..." His voice trails off, as an expression of pain enters his brown eyes, unasked, but perhaps with even more force as his loss is not something he allows himself to think of usually - the memory carefully locked away where it will not surface under normal circumstances. Barret's gaze flickers ever so slightly and he lowers his eyes for a moment, a line between his bushy brows indicating his effort at regaining his composure.

The king exhales, and there may be a light twitching about the corners of his mouth. But then he continues, his voice strong and carrying far like it was before. "With the passing of Lady Avaline's father and mother during the plague, I am left to act in her father's stead on this day. To witness the ceremony earlier today, in the Blessed Clearing, and now to celebrate with all of you that she is united in marriage with this man. Alajos Fennim, Duke of Woriscant. A man, whose qualities I have come to appreciate, and who will look after this wonderful duchy as he should. I have no doubt he is capable, as he already has proven himself. A young duke. And a most worthy man to wed my niece. I entrust her to you, and I am sure she will stand by your side and offer you strength, should you need it. As you will, Duke Alajos, offer strength to her in turn. The new Duchess of Woriscant. Long live Duchess Avaline Fennim!" Here he raises his goblet in a toast, soon joined by more calls joining in, until all of the feasting hall seems to be an ocean of raised goblets.

Alajos had only just digested his sister's lovely speech when the king lavishes him with new praise. His cheeks even colour a bit when everyone bursts into a fresh round of cheers and he manages a weak smile and a quick look at Avaline.

Jonathan stands up and cheers as he hears the cheers and such been said. He knows why they are all hear and so he drinks heartedly as the situation of speeches hapen and he manages to sit down without falling over. More wine is poured into his goblet and he drinks a bit more, slowing down to speak to the nearby person that keeps on elbowing him to stay awake.

Avaline offers Barret a soft smile when to the wink that comes there way. Her attention easily upon him when he stands, a faint smile when he smiles to her cousins. Daughter she may be like to him, but she still came after them in his affections. There is a soft breathe drawn when he speaks of her parents, her gaze dropping. A quiet saddness falling for a few moments, the keen reminder of her own family lost to the plague and unable to be here this day.

The young blonde takes another bit of a breathe and draws her eyes back up when her uncle continues to speak. Though her eyes just might glisten a little. Perhaps to be forgiven, it had been quite the day! When her uncle, the King, raises his goblet to such words of llong life to....her. Avaline's head does drop in a demure bow to him before she raises her goblet in turn to him. A soft,"Thank you" probably lost under all the cheering. Likely to give him a quick hug once he sits back down.

Alajos clears his throat and gets to his feet. 'Lo, is the Duke actually doing a speech? Not really. He bows deeply to the king. "Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty. Thank you, too, Ortensia, Geoffrey, ... Ralph." There may be a tiny pause before the last name. "Now please, you have waited long enough - please indulge!" He gestures towards the tables which are by now laden with food.

With the cheering fading after the King's words, general bantering and conversation kicks back into full gear. And more so as the drink continue to flow.....and with Alajos' gesture, people tear happily into the fine spread that has made its way to their tables. Game freshly caught in hunts leading up to this day, various breads, and so on and so forth.

Ralph sits again, and his goblet has been refilled. He raises it in toast to Lord Geoffrey Lombard's speech, then a few tears run down his cheek rather uninhibitedly when Lady Ortensia speaks. When it is the king's turn, the Fennim listens in sielnce, his gaze lowered. But his goblet will be among the first to be raised to join that royal toast! And then it is time to eat. Food is brought in. And certainly more wine too!

Avaline's eyes do go to Alajos when he gets to his feet, looking a touch curious at what he might be going to say. But well then....there it is and she just gives a smile, time to eat!

There is music as well that begins to play as well. A stringed quartet situated in the corner of the hall to provide some turn of music for the meal, and music to dance by later.

Ortensia applauds and sips, suspiciously meekly maybe she is too agitated by her words and those others have offered the young couple to place any sharp remark, any mockery where she would have done so on other occasions. Even her cousin Ralph's unconcealed tears provoke nothing but a balmy smile today.

Assembling some bits of rosted pheasant's breast, golden bread and white cheese on her plate she nibbles and observes.

As the Fennim's cupbearer passes, however, a subtle order is placed instead of a remark: "Make sure to water the couples' wine a bit, just enough to dillute the impact, not the taste. You don't want to have the 'Brimming Wedding' again, do you?"

Jonathan is eventualy guided by the woman that has been elbowing his ribs to the food, which is infront of him at the table he is sitting at. So food is eaten, more wine drank and Jonathan goes on to speak about cutting lumber and building stuff.

Ralph seems to be content to eat for now, taking a brief break from drinking. Looking up he may realize that some courtiers start approaching with wedding gifts being carried by servants, and he jumps to his feet with a low curse. A gesture is made towards someone standing at the ready who just waits for that very sign, and the Fennim lord walks over, carefully, only swaying ever so slightly. "Your Grace. Permit me to offer you presents from my branch of the family." A bow is offered and the servant will hand Alajos a small box of cherry wood, carved with the Fennim coat of arms, the deer. Inside of it Alajos will find a hunting dagger of fine quality.

And behind Ralph suddenly Sirelle will step forth and hand Avaline another box of cherry wood, containing two fine goblets of silver, engraved with the coat of arms of House Fennim. Fine craftsmanship indeed.

Alajos accepts the box from Ralph, a little warily perhaps, wondering if the box contains the same kind of surprises as Ralph's speech. But when he sees the beautiful dagger, he smiles warmly. And doesn't ask loudly whether he'S meant to top himself with that when married life gets to be too much for him. "Thank you, Ralph.", he says instead, "It shows fine craftmanship..."

From the King a fine horse has already presented earlier today to his niece, a white mare, of the finest breed of Athereyne. Duke Alajos had received a black stallion, another fine horse of Athereyne breed, along with an expensive saddle and bridle, both echoing the theme of the Fennim coat of arms.

There was food to be eaten and Avaline had careful selected a few things to nibble at between sips of wine. A curious look going to those who approach with gifts. Avaline gives Ralph and Sirelle a quiet smile when they bring along the two boxes. There is a soft 'oh' to see the lovely goblets within the finely crafted box. "They are just lovely, thank you. "

And of course the King had been soundly hugged and thanked for his gift! Least by Avaline, he had become as her father these past years afterall.

A book. There has never been a doubt the Istiveans would offer a book as a wedding present to the young Fennims. At the first gaze it looks less luxuriant than one would expect it to look, considering the occasion, but the letters of beaten gold at the binding promise to be worth looking at at any rate.

"Here, this shall spend you good company for many hours. It is the history of a quite interesting Duke, who has wandered these very woods centuries ago. The author had been more than capable to compose his peculiar life into pleasant verses." Ortensia speaks as she hands it over.

Alajos had earlier thanked the King profusely for the gifted horse and promised to take good care of the mount. Now he receives his sister's heavy tome with a large smile. "Ah, Ortensia! You know I had been searching far and wide for this... wonderful! We'll certainly be spending many happy hours with me reading his adventures to Avaline.", he promises and offers his bride a happy smile.

For her part, Avaline and surely not known what to expect from the Istiveans in the way of a wedding gift. Then honestly, wedding gifts had been the furtherest thing from the young woman's mind when it came to this particular....event. There is a brief quizzical look as Avaline observes the exchange between her....husband and his sister. But Avaline does still offer a smile,"Aye, I am certain we shall....Thank you, Duchess Ortensia."

Some more presents are being handed over and thanked for, before that part of the feast is over as well. A last course of desserts is being served, then the middle of the great hall is cleared and the band strikes up. Expectant looks drift to the high table. Alajos clears his throat. After Ortenisa talked him up as the Dancing Queen of the family, he knows he can't dodge this. So he gets up and bows deeply to Avaline. "May I have the honor, my... Duchess?"

Smiles and thanks are given as more presents are brought along. And oooohhhhh dessert! So many things to distract one's mind with. Avaline gives a slight glance towards Alajos when he clears his throat...and then he is asking for a dance. Avaline takes a small breathe and bows her head,"Aye, my....Duke." Drifting to her feet as her hand settles into the one he offers to her, before she is escorted along to the dance floor....for that first dance as husband amd wife.

And so they all dance and make merry ...