2016.05.28 Lydia and Vicky's Wedding

Lydia and Vicky's Wedding
Marriage of Lydia Daliani (Black Fury) to Vicky Saliberg, (Black Fury Kinfolk). Reception following.
IC Date	2016.05.28
IC Time	Evening
Players	Lydia, Vicky s, CJ, Fidelia, Leesa, Liv, Akimi, Halle, Furio, Zoe, Jake, Kevin, Dre,
Location	Deep Forest
Prp/Tp	Social
Spheres	Garou, Fera, Kinfolk.
Theme Song	From this Moment On, by Shania Twain.

The tribe is gathered. American Black Furies, the Salibergs come down from the Sept of the Gorgon in Niagara, New York. The Salibergs are a paler people with narrow facial features and a large proliferation of blue eyes. Bacchantes from the Sept of Poseidon's Glory in Delphi make up the Daliani family. These people have duskier skin, olive toned, broader noses and darker eyes that their cousins from New York. White chairs have been set up in rows on either side of the pathway that runs through them made of grass and soft earth. Each of the chairs on the inner edge has a white shepherds crook attached by a metal link to the chair backing. From the crooks hang glass lanterns that glow with soft candlelight. A wooden lattice-work arch is set up before the crowd. The wooden frame is barely visible below the lilies that have been weaved and wrapped over it. The sun is just setting over the trees, casting rays of gold down over the gathering. Pollen almost seems to glow as it floats lazily in the breeze.

A black haired woman in a dark blue toga stands beneath and behind the arch waiting for the brides to approach. There is an iron stand to her left with a large white candle upon it. To her right is another small table, this one with six soft greyish blue cords. She has a wan smile and looks down over the gathering as the last of the Garou and kinfolk arrive. Off to the far left are two beautiful young women in similar togas. One carries a violin and the other sits behind a large silver harp.

Halle comes in, following the lead of some of the Garou as she isn't very familiar with how Black Furies do such a ceremony. She trails them over to where they each take seats in the white chairs. Halle has worn a nice dress for the occasion, after having done her own research into wedding customs. She takes her seat and looks around with interest.

Liv appears to be happy and maybe confused, as she sits in one of the chairs available wearing a white sundress with a black belt around the waist. She also has white shoes and gloves, as she brushes off her dress lightly trying to look presentable for the bride and groom, not quite sure who was getting married. Maybe she was already told and forgot, as she watches excitedly with enthusiasm.

Leesa remains as one of the spectators and settles herself among those in the audience. She wears a plain dress which is nothing very fancy. Afte all, this time is a bit formal to say the least and, staying quiet, she simply looks on to witness the ceremony.

Akimi takes one of the seats in the back row, leaving the forward rows open for the families of the brides. She smiles cheerfully, looking around and taking everything in, but focusing her attention as the ceremony prepares to begin.

As people began to come in and get settled, the Shadow Lord Ahroun walks to the edge and sits down and watches. He wasn't invited, but he does take up a guard position for out formal occasions.

Halle is already in a seat, having worn a dress for the affair. She is also taking in the sights with interest. As Halle notes Akimi enter, she flashes the Asian woman a friendly smile whenever they make eye contact.

Leesa doesn't seem to make eye contact with many people, but, should someone look her way she doesn't appear to ignore them either. Still, she does glance around to see who may be here, and who may not be. The glance doesn't last long as she mainly keeps her gaze forward to watch the main event.

The violinist lifts her instrument to her shoulder as the familiar 'Bridal March' begins to play. Vicky steps into view wearing a light blue bridal dress, the accents on the edges a much darker shade of blue for the sleeveless dress. A wreath of flowers on her head with the same mix as the arch. She walks down the aisle her face practically a glow.

Once Vicky has turned back to face the aisle, the march starts again. There are two brides in this wedding and the second comes in a lovely light blue bridal dress that matches the first. Lydia walks slowly toward the place where her fiancée and the Priestess of Selene wait for her. Her smile covers her whole face and her eyes shimmer as she is so close to tears. She is radiant as she walks down through the aisle as the sun slowly sinks lower behind the mountains. She takes Vicky's hand as they both then turn toward the priestess.

The priestess speaks. Her clear voice echoes through the clearing and the trees beyond. "We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of Vicky Saliberg and Lydia Daliani who is called Myrina's Vengeance. Others would ask, at this time, who gives the bride in marriage, but, I ask simply if she comes of her own will and if she has her family's blessing? Vicky Saliberg...do you come now of your own free will and accord?"

Vicky proudly answers "Yes, it is true." The priestess nods "With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you." Her brother stands by her side for this part, a near spitting image of his sister in man's body "She comes with the blessing of all of her family." The priestess turns to Lydia "Lydia Daliani do you come now of your own free will and accord."

"Yes, it is true," the taller bride answers. Her mother is there by her side. She looks much like her daughter but her dark hair is starting to go grey with age. Not as strong as Lydia in her old age, but there was a time.

The elder fury answers with tremulous voice. "She comes with my blessing and the blessing of all her family."

The attendants step back to leave Lydia and Vicky alone before the priestess as she speaks. "To remind you that the two lives we unite today were created by others, we ask your parents to come forward."

Vicky's mother comes forward, a grizzled, middle-aged, and heavily Greek woman to join by Lydia's mother's side.

Have you any words for the couple? Vicky's mother is the first to answer "By Gaia’s grace your union will grow over the years. Teach your children to be strong and face your foes with courage."

Lydia's mother steps forward to face her daughter. "Your father would be so proud if he were still alive my heart. You were always so strong. I always thought I would never see this day for there would never be a man that could make you submit. I was only half right. Praise be to the Mother and to Selene that they have smiled on your union and that there will be a child. I am to be a crone in no time." She wipes her tears from her eyes. Treat every day as though it were your last day. Love completely....and forgive every night before lying down to sleep. I am so proud of you Myrina's Vengeance." Lydia mouths a reply. 'Thankyou mama.' The old woman steps back that the brides may exchange their own promises. "Speak to her what is in your heart," the priestess says to Vicky.

Vicky looks to her beloved "Lydia, you are the light of my life, my first, my last, and my always. Before I meet you I was so lost and when we first saw each other our souls called out to each other for they knew we are one. I vow to stay by your side, to be your rock, to keep you in my heart, to be everything you deserve and everything you need, to keep your hearth and home, and to be with you through time nothing will keep us apart." her eyes ablaze with her love for Lydia.

The priestess turns to face Lydia "Speak to her what is in your heart."

Lydia swallows as she controls her nerves. "Charlene wrote this for me but… the words are mine and...I can’t read well anyway." She hands the folded paper to the priestess. "I remember them anyway." She turns toward Vicky. "I had stopped believing in love when you met me. I had given up hope for that. But you came and you showed me kindness for nothing in return. How many nights did you read to me in the cave? How many nights did you provide food for me? I wondered what you wanted from me. In what way would you take advantage of me? But the only thing you wanted was my love, and every day since we have met you have shown me how much you care for me. I don't wonder what it is you want anymore. I know. It’s this moment, right here, and all the ones coming after. From this day, to the end of days…and after.....I love you Vicky. I always will." The priestess speaks again. "Vicky, this candle represents you. We ask your parents to light your flame as they provided you the spark of life years ago. Vicky's mother moves forward to light the flame to a small candle, then handing it to Vicky before stepping back with misty eyes. Lydia's mother does likewise. "Vicky and Lydia, this candle represents your union from this day forward. If you are truly ready to merge your lives and your passion, we ask that you light this flame together. The brides hold the smaller candles together and dip them down to light the larger one to symbolize the eternal flame in their hearts.

As the flame of the Unity Candle grows the smaller candles are taken by the respective mothers and extinguished. The priestess smiles and continues with the ceremony. "Know now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life you have formed ties between each other. As you seek to enter this state of matrimony you should strive to make real, the ideals which give meaning to both this ceremony and the institution of marriage. With full awareness, know that within this circle you are not only declaring your intent to be hand-fasted before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to Gaia and Selene. The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth. Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?"

As one the brides answer, "Yes we seek to enter."

The priestess continues. "It is believed that the mortal soul shares characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions; East, South, West and North. It is in this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony."

"Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East. Communication of the heart, mind, and body Fresh beginnings with the rising of each Sun. The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences."

"Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South. Warmth of hearth and home. The heat of the heart's passion. The light created by both to lighten the darkest of times."

"Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West. The deep commitments of the lake The swift excitement of the river The refreshing cleansing of the rain The all-encompassing passion of the sea."

"Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North Firm foundation on which to build Fertility of the fields to enrich your lives A stable home to which you may always return.

"Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasizes those things which will help you build a happy and successful union. Yet they are only tools. Tools which you must use together in order to create what you seek in this union. I bid you look into each other’s eyes." The brides face inward to meet the loving gaze of the other. "Lydia, Will you cause her pain?

Lydia says, "I may." "Is that your intent," the priestess asks?

Lydia says, "No."

"Vicky, will you cause her pain," the priestess asks?

"I may," Vicky replies.

"Is that your intent?"

Vicky says, "No."

"Will you share each other's pain and seek to ease it," the priestess asks of both.

"We will," Lydia and Vicky answer as one.

"And so the binding is made. Join your hands." The priestess drapes the first cord across the brides' hands. "Vicky, will you share her laughter?"

Vicky smiles, "I will.

The priestess speaks next to Lydia. "Lydia, will you share her laughter?"

Lydia nods. "I will."

"Will both of you look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?" As one the brides answer, "We will."

"And so the binding is made." The Second cord is draped across the couple’s hands. "Vicky, Will you burden her?"

"I may," Vicky replies.

"Is that your intent," the priestess asks?

Vicky says, "No."

"Lydia, Will you burden her?"

Lydia says, "I may."

"Is that your intent," the priestess asks?

Lydia says, "No."

"Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?"

As one the brides answer, "We will."

"And so the binding is made." The priestess drapes the third cord across the couple’s hands. "Vicky, will you share her dreams?"

Vicky answers, "I will."

"Lydia, will you share her dreams?"

Lydia says, "I will."

"Will you dream together to create new realities and hopes?"

As one the brides answer, "We will dream." Lydia's eyes are starting to mist up from happiness as she stares into Vicky's eyes.

"And so the binding is made." The priestess drapes the fourth cord across the couple’s hands. "Lydia, will you cause her anger?"

Lydia says, "I may."

"Is that your intent?"

Lydia shakes her head. "Never."

The priestess speaks then to Vicky. "Vicky, will you cause her anger?"

Vicky replies. "I may."

"Is that your intent?"

Vicky says, "No."

"Will you take the heat of anger and use it to temper the strength of this union?"

As one the brides answer, "We will."

"And so the binding is made." The priestess drapes the fifth cord across the couple’s hands. "Vicky, Will you honor her?"

Vicky nods as her eyes begin to show the brimming of tears. "I will."

"Lydia, Will you honor her?"

"I will," Lydia vows.

The priestess looks to both. "Will you seek to never give cause to break that honor?"

As one the brides answer, "We shall never do so."

"And so the binding is made. " The priestess drapes the sixth cord across the couple’s hands and ties them together as she completes the hand-fasting. "The knots of this binding are not formed by these cords but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the cords, for as always; you hold in your own hands the making of breaking of this union." The priestess ties the cords together over the top of Lydia and Vicky's hands and then places the bundle on the stand before the candle.

The rings are brought forward by the bridesmaids and given to the brides before the priestess speaks. "Lydia and Vicky, as these circles are designed without an ending, they speak of eternity. May the incorruptible substance of these rings represent a love glowing with increasing luster through the years. Bless these rings which you give to each other as the sign of your love, trust, and faithfulness." Lydia holds up the diamond ring for Vicky. "Take this ring as a sign of my love, and as a symbol of all that we share, in token and pledge, of my constant faith and abiding love." She places the ring over Vicky's finger.

Vicky smiles as the ring is placed on her hand. She replies in kind with her own ring. "Take this ring as a sign of my love, and as a symbol of all that we share, in token and pledge, of my constant faith and abiding love." She places the ring over Lydia's finger.

A paper is unfolded by Vicky's mother. She reads. "Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be a shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no loneliness for you, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life before you. May your days be good and long upon the earth."

The priestess smiles and speaks. "Now that you have joined yourselves in matrimony, may you strive always to meet this commitment with the same spirit you now exhibit. We all bear witness to this ceremony you have just performed. May Gaia Bless this union. You may join now in that first kiss of your union. Tears of joy run along Vicky's cheeks. She brings her head close to her wife. Her lips pressing gently with Lydia's join in the first moment of their new life together. Her arms wrapping another Lydia's neck she looks as if she may never let go.

Lydia sighs into the kiss. The corners of her lips are upturned and tears flow freely from her eyes as they close. Her arms wrap around her bride. As that first kiss breaks Lydia can be seen smiling through her tears. 'I love you,' she mouths without giving the words a voice.

Halle watches quietly through the ceremony, smiling as the couple kiss at the end. She stirs in her seat, glancing around at the other guests briefly before returning her gaze up to those standing in front. The expression of their emotion seems to bring an extra warmth to Halle's smile.

Liv looks very confused, completely lost not only in the ceremony, but surprised by the fact two women were allowed to get married. She looks about truly baffled for a second, but everyone seems so happy. In return so is Liv, as she beams and begins the clapping, as many from their own chairs join in and some even stand. Liv was happy for them, even if she thought it was odd, a tear rolling down her check as she wiped it away with a gloved hand.

Vicky and Lydia walk down the aisle as the children throw white flower petals in front of them and over their heads. The reception is just through the trees and as the sun is going down the lanterns give the whole place a surreal effect. The smell of grilling meat intoxicates the senses from somewhere close by. The way the preparations have gone and the strings of lights wound through the trees gives the whole thing the feel of fantasy.

Fidelia and CJ were of course present, taking up an area off to one side. It’s probably because there are three little girls, two with brown hair and one with white hair that both women are wrangling. CJ is pulling super-mom duties, and has both the brunettes while the rainbow haired Fidelia handles the one white-haired child. They've been watching with warmth on their faces.

Smiling from where he is, Dre watches the ceremony and he claps along with the others as the couple complete their ritual and ceremony. This was something good he needed to see, he does glance around at those who are here and he smiles seeing that most were happy about this. Howls rise up from the wolves in the audience as the pair travel down through the center to where the feast awaits.

Akimi watches the ceremony, managing to keep herself silent through the whole thing. She looks around after the kiss, watching the reactions of others... It's her first wedding of this kind, and she isn't certain what to do. She is smiling blissfully, of course, happy for both of the newly-married couple. She joins in on the clapping once others do it, just following along with what everyone else is doing. She doesn't howl, though.

Zoe doesn't know the pair being married terribly well, but it's obvious they're in love and that's good enough for any Child of Gaia kin. She claps and beams for them when the time is right, and she beams happily as any of the other guests.

Lydia points to CJ and Fidelia, drawing her wife's attention to how cute the little ones are....perhaps thinking of how soon they will have a child of their own. The Furies have their ways. As they wait for the food to be served it is no incident to break from the procession and engage first Fidelia and then CJ in a big hug. The brides are being mobbed by their families and friends to wish congratulations as the musicians move to a place closer to the tables and the feast spread out thereon.

Fidelia is more than happy to return her hug, and CJ of course is too, though it’s harder with both arms occupied pulling toddler duty. All three of the triplets that Fidelia and CJ are caring for look to be nearing a year of age. "I'm so happy for the both of you." Fidelia says warmly, a bit shy around the crowd but easier to talk when Lydia and Vicky come over.

Vicky smiles broadly towards CJ and Fidelia and of course their little ones. A hand goes to her stomach knowing they will their own soon. She hugs both of them after Lydia. After the large gathering shrinks as the both newlyweds take the table at the head of this feast and sit. Vicky holding Lydia's hand smiling at her wife and her mate. A safe distance behind them is a large unlit bonfire.

Lydia hugs Akimi as well when she sees the smaller woman among the crowd. "You came!" She looks so pleased but then is pulled away on the sea of humanity toward the table.

Dre walks over to where Zoe is and he gives her a shoulder, bump, he knew her. The others he only met briefly. He stretches a bit, keeping back and just keeping guard still, but he did join in with the howls.

Zoe glances over when bumped and she smiles when she recognizes Dre. She nods at him, gives him a little finger wave. She didn't join the howl. Zoe doesn't do out loud. Akimi returns the brief hug, beaming up at the newlywed. "Of course I came! I did not wish to miss something so important." She glances between Lydia and Vicky. "I am very happy for you both! I wish you a long and auspicious marriage."

Halle sat with Jake and some other Garou during the ceremony, and now at the reception she and the Shadow Lord walk over to where Vicky and Lydia are sitting at their table together. An unlit bonfire behind them. "It was a beautiful ceremony. Congratulations," Halle says to them with a warm smile.

Jake smiles at Vicky and Lydia as he approaches with Halle and says, "Yes, congrats. The ceremony was indeed special. Everything was perfect."

Lydia smiles at Jake. "Thank you so much." She has never looked more radiant than this night.

It’s crowded, and Fidelia doesn't always handle crowds at the best of times. Neither do the little ones. CJ takes the triplets away into the triple-wide stroller they had custom made, and rolls off to a quiet area to leave Fidelia to crowd-mingle.

Furio comes lumbering through the woods, growling and muttering and looking thoroughly annoyed. "I'm here, I'm here," he calls. "Sorry, Lydia-rhya, there was a minor emergency at the office and I had to go herd cats."

Liv cups her hands in front of her, getting a bit lost and overwhelmed by the plethora of faces, as she watches from a distance. Eyes caught in the trees and lights as she day dreamed a bit, sitting back down in her seat while most went to congratulate the couple.

The servers move among the tables to give diners their appetizers, spanakopita, Steamed shrimp served on a bed of fresh seaweed with cocktail sauce and lemon, and bruschetta. Along with this are the wine and a menu which offers a choice of... Athens stuffed leg of lamb with pepperoncini peppers served with red wine rosemary jus, Chicken Souvlakia skewers, or Vegetarian Souvlakia skewers. Any of the three choices are served with herbed rice pilaf and roasted vegetables.

Lydia laughs at Furio's explanation. "Did you bring any of them with you?" She gives Furio a hug and doesn’t seem angry at all.

Jake grins widely when he sees Furio and waves him over to join him and Halle. "Hey, buddy...long time no see." He winks. "It really was a great ceremony. And wait until you see the food. It's spectacular."

Vicky smiles at Akimi "Thank you so much." she smiles back to Halle "Thank you. Really it was mostly my sisters who set most of this up. We just came up with ideas." The well wishes start to die down. She looks to Lydia with smile before she addresses "Thank you all of our friends and our family old and new. Usually there would be a toast where one would speak about our meeting and our falling in love. Why hear about it when you can all see it for yourself." she turns her head to face the gathered wood and the bonfire comes alive with flame seemingly by itself. The top of flames flicker and start to form shapes. A fiery version of Lydia and Vicky as they meet for the first time in Caern. Flashing to Vicky reading a book to Lydia in a cave. Flashing to Vicky standing before a Dire Wolf unafraid as it stops before it can complete its charge. Another flash the flames form into the gym with the two of them working out. A final flash at the top Vicky taking Lydia's hand in hers under a full moon, speaking words that end in tears from both of the fiery figures and Lydia carrying Vicky towards the cave. Zoe scoots over to where Liv sits. The girl looks lost, and Zoe doesn't know too many of the folks here all that well. So she opts to sit down beside the other young woman. She says nothing but smiles at her.

Halle flashes a smile to Furio as she sees him arrive. Vicky begins talking to everyone and so Halle stays quiet as she listens. The visions in the fire draw some soft oohs and ahhs from the crowd, and Halle stands with them gazing with interest as the flames show the story of the brides and their courtship of each other. And while the fire weaves and dances and reforms for the enjoyment of the crowd and the nostalgia of the lovers, the harp and violin accompany the show with music, at times sweet, at times tense like the music behind an opera changes moods with the players, so too does the harp and violin change with the visions in the fire.

Dre has only met Lydia a few times and figuring he should give congratulation to her and her bride he makes his way over towards them. He's wearing long shorts and a t-shirt, no shoes or socks are on his feet. "Excuse me." he says to the couple once he is near them. His hair is dreaded up and he has beads in the dreads, he bows his head, "I just wanted to say I enjoyed the ceremony, even though I came by unexpectedly. I just want to give you both congratulations and wish you two both well." he says as he looks to the two. The Ahroun Shadow Lord bows his head and begins to turn away to leave. Scars can be seen on his arms and along his neck, but the dreads do a good job at hiding his neck a big. He then begins to leave.

Lydia is in happy tears again as the fire resumes its regular blazing form and the images fade as the bonfire reforms. Then Dre comes to offer his congratulations. "Thankyou brother," she says to the man with a happy smile. She rises and picks up the bouquet.

Lydia's mother rises from the table and speaks. "And now it is time to find out who will be married next. There are two brides so we must throw together I think. Single ladies come forward. Your night could be next."

Zoe blinks and she grins a little. Oh! The bouquet toss! Zoe moves over to jostle in with the other single females. Might as well, right?

Liv turns and smiles at Zoe, "Hello, are you here for the wedding?", she asked softly, her eyes looking over Zoe's face trying to see if she had met this person before. "It was quite a beautiful ceremony", she says with a smile. "I was worried that a groom wouldn't show up and leave someone at the altar. I'm glad it all worked out though".

Furio is dressed for success, looking sharp in his three-piece power suit (which is to say, jacket, waistcoat, and slacks, not hypertech gear, different power suit). He chuckles deeply, giving Lydia a warm hug in return. "Nah. I probably should have. Those bastards could use some fresh air. Might help 'em not be such blinking idiots." He steps back with a wide smile. "Congratulations, Lydia-rhya. I'm overjoyed for you and your mate. I only wish I could've been here to see the ceremony myself." As the fire starts telling its tale, the big man whistles softly. "Now that's impressive," he says. He digs into his jacket pocket, producing a small envelope. "I wasn't sure what to get the two of you," he says, offering the envelope out to Lydia. "But I wanted to do something nice for you both. I hope you might find this useful."

He stops and smiles, "Your welcome sister. If you ever have need of me, all you have to do is howl." he says and with that Dre walks off. He speaks with a few of the Furies, he is polite and he has learned quite a bit about them so he knows what to do and not to do around them. But all he wanted to do was be off again, informing them he would keep watch of the outer areas so that they could also enjoy the festivities.

Akimi continues cheerfully watching the ongoing festivities, staring into the bonfire as the images flash and form within it. Oh, and then it's time for the bouquet toss? Oh right, that's a tradition. Well, may as well head over...

Vicky wipes sweat from her forehead the show with fire put a strain on her. Still she stands as Lydia does her hand joining hers on the bouquet. "On the count of three love?"

Lydia waves Liv over. "Come on you too!" Liv is confused and joins the group of ladies, she didn't even know if she was single as follows Lydia's cue to join in. Leesa seems to get ready to catch it if it comes her way!

Halle doesn't join the single women, her own marital fate already planned at this point. She looks over to Jake and says, "It seems there are a lot of traditions in common with the other wedding stuff I read about." Liv is confused and joins the group of ladies, she didn't even know if she was single as follows Lydia's cue to join in.

Leesa seems to get ready to catch it if it comes her way! Akimi gets distracted by a shiny penny on the ground, and totally doesn't notice when the bouquets are thrown. Lydia laughs looking behind her at the women who gather to catch the bouquet. "Come on I know there are more single ladies in the nation here." The flowers are held by both women. "One....two....two and a half.....three" And the bouquet flies. Zoe can't quite hear the cue and misses the crucial moment. So she just stands there, smiling like a doofus instead. Jake nods to Halle, speaking softly to her as to not interrupt any of the proceedings. "Yeah, it can get a little bit complicated. I'm not sure how most of it came about but there's certainly a routine associated with it. It's good to have a professional help consult you and lead you through the process."

Liv scrunches up her face and closes her eyes, just standing there as she raises her hands with the rest of the women. Feeling the bouquet land in her hands as she opens her eyes, very confused and happy. "Do I toss them to someone else," she asks, smelling the flowers? “They are very pretty", feeling bad she got them and wanting to give them back, as if she stole them from the married couple.

Akimi grins victoriously as she picks up the shiny penny, staring at it for several seconds... before finally looking up and noticing the bouquets have long since been thrown and caught by others. "...Oh."

Lydia laughs and points at Liv. "Oh look who is getting married next. Wedding Bells are ringing for her!"

Halle nods back to Jake. "Trying to keep it as simple as possible. The setting it up and making sure everything is there seems like the most of it, and thankfully have someone helping with that." Halle looks over towards the bouquet toss, and when it's over Halle gives a soft, "Oh! That's a nice one," Halle says, grinning to Akimi. Is she talking about the shiny penny?

Akimi goes back to staring at the shiny penny for a bit, before starring off into the forest as a light breeze passes through the trees, seeming to take interest in it. She tilts her head, contemplating for a few moments, before walking towards Lydia and bowing. "Thank you for inviting me. I need to leave now, and take care of something. Goodbye, and have a wonderful night."

Akimi offers a warm smile and a nod to Halle. It's a very shiny-shiny. "M-hmm, thank you," she replies with a grin, before heading out.

Lydia hugs Akimi. "Thank you for coming. Very nice to see you." She waves as the Corax departs. Lydia takes the envelope from Furio and looks gratefully at the man. "Thankyou we really appreciate your kindness."

Furio chuckles deeply as the bouquet is thrown. "Heh! Lucky gal," he says with a broad grin. He turns his attention back to Lydia and Vicky, clasping his hands behind his back. "But yes. I hope you find this useful. Use it for whatever you like. If you don't have a bank account of your own, I can certainly help you obtain one." He smiles at the two newlyweds. "Either of you got plans for a honeymoon? If it were me, I'd recommend Sicily. Palermo's wonderful this time of year. I could get the two of you a room at my family's estate. They have an olive plantation out in the country. Plus it's a short ferry ride to the mainland. Rome's a hell of a good time."

Lydia nods. "We were going to return to Greece so I can show her where I grew up or Niagara so I can see where she came from or...both." She laughs. "Thankyou Furio."

Jake nods to Halle. "Well, it's your day. You get to do what you want really. The professional will offer you different choices. I'm sure this ceremony gave you ideas as well. It was quite lovely."

Lydia smiles happily and replies to Jake. "Thank you; it is the most beautiful day of my life."

Liv isn't sure what to do with the bouquet as she holds onto it for now, brushing some hair out of her face as people just seem happy and excited all around. Eventually she finds the flower girl with her basket, "Here little one, I think you dropped these", she says with a smile, giving the bouquet away as the little girl is super happy to obtain the lovely display. Liv then sits at one of the tables, joining a random group as she didn't know where to sit. As they look over the menu and start a brief conversation. Halle sees the happiness in Lydia's smile, and it draws out Halle's smile. "I'm so happy for you," Halle says. "It was all so lovely. The fire especially was such a nice touch to share with all of us," she says.

Lydia replies happily to Halle. "That was Pretty Vicky with the fire. She is so talented but more important, so devoted. I couldn’t be happier. Now I will have to find a mate for Liv...but not tonight." She chuckles and looks over to the stargazer kin. Zoe is mooching about the food since her hopes for a soon fated marriage have been dashed. She doesn't seem too broken up about it.

Jake smiles at Lydia and replies, "Well, thank you so much for allowing us to come and share the day with you. It truly was special." He glances over at Liv as well, offering a nod...then winks at Zoe.

Furio chuckles, nodding his head. "Well. The two of you travel safe, and come home to us quickly. But maybe not -too- quickly, ah? It's your time to have each other, make the most of it." At the mention of finding mates, he perks up a bit. "I'm not mated," he says, looking around the gathering. "Perfectly available single Kinfolk male, right here. Got all my shots and papers in order and everything." He grins, chuckling deeply as he's clearly teasing.

Zoe smiles at Jake when he winks. She sticks her tongue (pierced!) out at him in reply, and then takes a bite of something. Umpfh. Delicious. Got to love wedding food.

Halle lets out a warm laugh and pokes Furio. "Keep it up and you'll find someone in no time I'm sure." Halle looks over to Liv giving the flowers away, and walks over to join the other kin. "Hello, Liv is it? I don't think we've had a chance to meet yet," Halle says, smiling over to Liv. "I'm Halle Watson Kim, kin of the Children of Gaia," she says with a friendly smile.

Lydia smiles widely. "Thankyou Jake." She listens to Furio. "Well I would like to travel to many places. The airplanes scare me but Vicky will be with me so I will be fine." Yes she may be the Garou but AIRPLANES!!!! You can’t fight gravity. "There are many women here Furio. You should meet them." She whispers something and giggles to Vicky who chuckles at whatever was shared.

Liv orders the vegetarian dish as she sees Halle approach, "Oh, it is nice to meet you. I'm not in your seat am I? I didn't know where to sit down", she says a bit sheepishly, as she offers a smile. "I'm Liv...just Liv", she says looking back at her. "Has anyone told you about my medical condition?" She was not sure if she had met Halle before.

Jake chuckles at Furio. "Yeah, you'll be mated soon. You're quite a catch, buddy. Actually I'm pretty surprised you're still single. Just give it a little more time." He nods to Lydia. "Hey, don't worry about the planes. Last year my Fianna pal back home flew all the way to Ireland to get married and didn't have any trouble at all. As a matter of fact he's planning to go back to spend his first anniversary there." He then offers a greeting to Liv. "We haven't met formally either but I have seen you at the Caern. I'm Jake Miller, Full Moon Fostern of the Shadow Lords. Nice to see you here, Liv. Medical condition?" He's looking concerned now.

Halle smiles to Jake as he comes over too. "Oh no, I haven't gotten a seat yet. And I don't believe I've heard about a medical condition, no," Halle tells Liv. Halle glances at the other kin briefly, as if looking for anything obvious. Her gaze quickly returns to meet Liv's after.

Furio chuckles softly at Halle and nods to Jake. "Thanks, paisanos. That's kind of you to say," he says. He nods to Lydia as well. "It can be intimidating if you've never flown before. But it's really a very pleasant experience. I'd recommend packing along some Dramamine if you get motion sick, though." Suddenly, food. No need to tell the Italian American twice. He goes to fetch himself a plate with lamb and veggies, as well as a side of bruschetta. And something to drink. He lumbers over to Zoe as he munches. "Hey there, Zoe. Doing all right?" he asks. Still in the habit of making sure his face is clearly visible when he speaks to her.

Lydia moves over as Vicky is mingling with their respective families. The brides may separate to socialize but they will be together when all is done surely. She comes over to the group around Liv. "She forgets almost everything, so I must protect her until a man comes along who can see past her flaws to her pure blood and her giving heart. There is a lot of room to take advantage but of course the furies won’t allow that. She deserves kindness after all she has suffered before we found her." Zoe blinks up at Furio. She has a mouth full of chicken. She waves at him, removes the skewer from her face and grins. "Hi." she says to him. Out loud!

Liv looks to Jake and then back to Halle, "Oh, I...", she pauses a bit embarrassed, "I have trouble remembering things", she says as Lydia comes and saves her. Her cheeks a bit flushed as she mentions a man protecting her, "I'm ok. I have a job, and an activity tracker. And photos of people and places that I have met or been too". Eyes roaming over their faces, "I'm just happy being here", she beams with a smile, "...and everyone is so nice".

Halle listens to Lydia, eyebrows going up a little bit at the revelation of the medical condition. "So not just not remembering the past, but you have problems remembering new things? Like you may not remember meeting us?" Halle asks, tone gentle. "Do you know much about your past life then, or... do you not have that somewhere you can read about it to remember the important things?" Halle asks softly.

Jake nods slowly to Lydia and Liv, glancing to Halle for a moment. "Well, heck, I forget stuff too. Happens to all of us." He smiles back at Liv. "Anyway, welcome. It's certainly good to have you with us." He then looks curious to see how Liv answers Halle's questions.

Furio chuckles as he watches the others interact for a moment, before looking back at Zoe. "Quite a gathering isn't it?" he says. "Wish I coulda been here to see the ceremony. I bet it was something to see." He munches a bite of bruschetta, licking, licking sauce from his fingers. No delicate flower when it comes to food he. "You doing okay?" he asks Zoe.

Lydia places a gentle hand on Liv's shoulder. "Your home," she says in a comforting voice. "This is where you belong."

Zoe smiles a little ruefully. She takes another bite of food, fishes out her white board from her ever present satchel. It doesn't -quite- go with the borrowed dress she's wearing for the wedding. But neither do the hiking boots. She writes to Fury since he's being so solicitous.

Liv slowly shakes her head, "I forget everything, mostly everything. Sometimes, I think I recall a person’s name or maybe an eye color, maybe a smell. I don't mean to be rude, but I will probably forget what...this is", she says, waving a hand gesturing to the wedding. "But I know I'm having fun, and everyone seems happy or crying, because they are happy. So I like it and I want to join in. I hope someone took pictures...I don't know if we are allowed to take pictures. Someone has my camera", Liv states looking up to Lydia as she puts a hand on her shoulder. "And I can't really remember my past, but I feel better about that. Like I shouldn't", she explains to Jake and Halle.

Making his way through to the gathering, Kevin looks about as he finally arrived. He's not in his Sunday best; it's the woods. But he's not disheveled or anything either. He says nothing as he arrives, merely seeks out Halle's side to stand beside her as though he had been a fixture with her all along as his seafoam silver eyes skim over those present while he presents a polite smile.

Halle listens attentively to the answer, and gives Liv a very warm smile at the end. "Well, you are definitely home now," Halle agrees with Lydia. Halle glances around, not sure the answer to the question about pictures. "And I'm glad you are having fun. Me too. I haven't really gotten to go to weddings before," Halle says. And then she realizes Kevin is there beside her. From the way her face lights up so brilliantly it's immediately obvious he's someone important in her life. "Though I'll be having my own soon enough. Liv, meet my fiancé Kevin," Halle says after giving Kevin a joyous hug. "Glad you could make it," Halle tells Kevin warmly. "Just meeting a new kin," Halle says. Furio reads over what Zoe writes, munching thoughtfully at a bite of bruschetta. "I know how that can be," he says. "There's times when I still miss New York. But I'm adjusting. And so will you. All it takes is time. And as for connections, well... you're already connected, in many ways. It's just not obvious to you yet. But it will be." He chuckles quietly, rolling his shoulder. "Well. Getting manhandled to the ground multiple times by a Glabro isn't entirely painless. But I know a procedure that handles injuries and illnesses. I can't use it on other people yet, that kind of Code is -way- too complex for me. But I can take care of myself with it." He offers Zoe a friendly smile. "If you're interested, Lydia had her puppies a few days ago." He pauses, glancing up at Lydia. "Not the bride Lydia. My boy Caesar's girlfriend Lydia. Different Lydia," he says. "I have pics, of course. And I could even arrange a meeting, if you were interested."

Jake nods slowly to Live, digesting all that information. He smiles back at her and nods. "Well, you'll remember things when you're ready, I'm sure. Until then I wouldn't worry about it. Just continue to be happy now and know that you have a support system here." He smiles at Lydia and starts to say something to her...but then Kevin's arrived and he grins widely at him while Halle introduces him to Liv.

Zoe bounces a little. Puppies!!! She turns wide grey eyes on Furio and nods enthusiastically. Aw hell yiss.

Lydia looks confused until Furio clarifies. "My puppies...oh right." She chuckles. A happy wave is given to Vicky who is talking to Lydia's mother and grandmother a short way off.

"Pleasure to meet you," says Kevin to Liv as he embraces Halle exuberantly in return. He is, however, fairly self-contained right now. Especially compared to usual. More like he usually is around 'The Family' really. After all, this is a 'Family' affair. He inclines his head to others present, and then gives Jake a warm grin as well. Looking to Halle he says softly, "Glad I could make it too beloved."

Liv nods, "Well it was nice to meet you, maybe I will meet you all again, or be able to remember you someday", she says with a smile. "Would you like to join me at the table, I think they are serving food. I ordered...", she looks to the menu, "...I think I ordered the vegetarian dish", looking around for one of the servers, not sure if she ordered or not.

Halle gives a warm smile to Liv. "Sure, we'd love to join you," Halle says, checking with Kevin and Jake to make sure that's fine with them. Halle takes a seat at the table. "I was just telling Jake how good the wedding planner has been with helping with the wedding. Though she seems to worry about every detail. What kind of paper they use and what kind of lettering and... wow. I just figured the important thing was that people know when and where it is," Halle says with a chuckle.

Furio chuckles a bit at Lydia. "My sister-in-law and I breed German Shepherds," he says. "This is our second litter. The sire's my boy Caesar. The dam is her lady, who also happens to be named Lydia." He digs into his jacket pocket for his smartphone and taps the screen, sweeping through a few pics. "Here we are," he says, offering the device out to Zoe. "That's the babies at two days," he says, showing a pic of a sleek black German shepherd, doggy-smiling up at the camera while six little fur-balls huddle at her tummy. One is all black, four are the classic black-and-tan, and one is white. "They're having lunch here," Fury says with an indulgent chuckle.

Lydia moves to dance with Vicky as the first dance of the night is called for. The lovers move across the smooth, wooden dance floor laid out on the ground. There are no words because there is not a stereo. The violinist and the harpist play as the brides move happily together. Some might recognize the tune as, 'From this Moment On,' by Shania Twain.

Zoe just about melts. She makes a low crooning noise and leans in to peer greedily at the pictures. She wiggles in her seat, signing excitedly to nobody in particular.

Jake smiles to Liv. "Of course you're going to meet us again. Actually, after a while you might start to get sick of us." He chuckles and nods to Halle. "Sure thing." He takes a seat, across from Halle and Kevin and simply listens for a while before turning his attention to Lydia and Vicky as they dance.

As for Kevin, he seems content to be wherever Halle wishes to be. He is on her arm now, and is loath to be anywhere else. He smiles warmly, nodding once to her. Quietly he says "I'm glad you are getting to see another wedding before we really get down to the planning on ours. They don't have to be planned down to every napkin and cufflink, but most are. We have the budget. It's more a question of whether that is what we want when our time comes."

Furio smiles broadly as Zoe looks over the pics. He swipes through a couple, showing Lydia (the Shepherd, not the Black Fury) feeding, nosing at, and otherwise mothering her pups. There's one particularly priceless photo of the larger, shaggier black-and-tan Shepherd looking down at the litter as they have lunch at mother's flank, head-tilting most confusedly. "Poor Caesar. It's his second litter, and he still gets confused. He's all like, 'did I make -those-?'" Fury says, head-tilting in a good imitation of his animal. People really do resemble their pets.

Zoe giggles at Furio and his imitation of poor dear Caesar. She nods and grins, writing to him after a moment. Scribble scribble.

Liv looks to Jake and Kevin, then Halle, finally Vicky and Lydia dancing. "I felt really awkward at first, when I watched them. I thought it was a double wedding and the grooms stood them up! I was getting really sad and upset until I found out /they/ were getting married. No one told me...", she whispers to the group at the table, about Lydia and Vicky. "But I think they look happy together, like you two. And really, it is a nice wedding. And you two will likely have a beautiful one as well. But as long as you two love each other. That’s all the matters", she says with a grin. "And it looks like you two do".

Halle lets Kevin order the food, planning to pick from his plate whatever he gets. She says to Kevin, "Oh, I want you to enjoy it, but most of the details? I get it now that a lot of girls grow up dreaming about their weddings and all. But I never had that, never gave thought to such a thing until now. Really, having you there is all that I care about." There's definitely a serenity that fills Halle with Kevin there sitting close. Halle looks back over to Liv and smiles. "Ah, yes, it was something I wasn't used to either. But seeing two people in love, it is such a nice thing isn't it?" Halle agrees. She looks to Jake and grins. "No one will tire of you coming around my friend," she says, reaching over to give Jake's shoulder a warm squeeze.

Lydia and Vicky are so happy together. They move among the guests and make small talk, eyes always trailing back to each other across the night until they are quite drunk from wine, speaking softly to one another and my isn’t there a lot of petting of one another’s cheeks as they talk. Lydia stands up with sparkling eyes. "Thanks everyone for coming, may Gaia bless you and watch over you. Feel free to take advantage of the food and drink. Pretty Vicky and I are going....there is one last thing we are going to do tonight." Both brides are blushing as Vicky stands to join her wife. "Thanks again all of you." She picks up Vicky in her arms. "Come here my wife." Vicky laughs but there is an undertone to that laugh and the way they can’t stop staring at one another as Lydia carries her off.