Event: Wedding of the Season

[unbreakable_king]

Who: Everyone!
What: Open Log
When: April
Where: Recreational Domes
Warnings: N/A
Notes: Llewellyn and Rhy may have had a quiet wedding ceremony, but they wanted to share their reception with everyone and spread some fun and cheer! All are welcome to stop in, whether they are well acquainted or not at all! It’s a great big party, enjoy yourselves and mingle!

THE MARESH & WATTS WEDDING RECEPTION

A message arrives to all at the end of March on a cream card with flawless calligraphy:

Whether you are new or old, you are all hereby invited to the Maresh & Watts wedding reception. We ask you to join us in celebrating our love and invite all to enjoy the fun!

While a small group is invited to the ceremony itself, there wasn't a single person in all of the Sphere not invited to the reception. And, good news, even those who arrived after the invitations went out will not be turned from the door. Upon entering there is a table with a guest book for well wishing the couple, and a table covered with a mass of wine bottles with the names of the grooms and the date. There's more than enough of these intoxicating party favors for everyone, and while the sign politely directs people to take only one bottle of the quality wines (red or white are both available), there's no one watching. So it's quite possible to walk off with more.

After that the space opens up into a beautiful area, designed with a burst of crimson and gold and white flowers, decorations, and candles everywhere. It's halfway between an overdone ballroom space decorated in a weird but beautiful mixture of Regency, Victorian, and modern in a strange fairy tale setting.

pictures worth a thousand words

Memories are one of the most valuable things people can carry with them in the Sphere. The hosts of this evening must agree with that because they're ensuring that people have options for keeping their memories at hand. After all, happy memories are helpful to keep people grounded when the nightmares come, or the memories you don't want to share are spilled out. Perhaps that's why the couple has not one, but two different ways to make sure there are pictures of today.

The first is your very modern photo booth, red and gold and white of course because the men really had a theme going on. There are plenty of props and hats and tiaras and other little cute things to wear when taking pictures alone or with friends. Even silly little word bubbles reading things like 'best party' and 'drink all night' and 'mystery solved: love is the answer". Okay, that last one was weird, but hey, sometimes they were like that. The photographer sure seems excited to do this too, sometimes grabbing two people who weren't even together and pushing them into place to take a photo. Hope you like the camera.

For those a bit less camera happy, an artist had also been hired, a caricature artist. They have an easel set up, chairs for guests, and work hard at drawing just about anyone they see. Posed pictures are free, but approaching might find that they've already drawn guests and put pictures up to be collected. And with strange things added into the images. Is that a picture of Max riding around on a tiny bear? This artist is creative, so maybe you should get your picture done with a friend or loved one too.

fun & frivolity

Those who aren't as into pictures, the couple also saw to other ways to entertain the guests, these a bit more like ice breakers. With everyone invited, you might not know who is beside you. Each place setting at the reception has a sealed envelope on the plate before dinner arrives. Inside is a list and a pencil. On the left side of the list is a strange quirk, on the left space for a name. That's right, it's guest scavenger hunt. Some of the questions are easy, like 'A guest with gray eyes' or 'someone with an accent different from mine'. Those are worth the least amount of points. Others are more esoteric, things you can't tell at a glance like 'knows a word of power' or 'has a skill you've never heard of'. These are worth more points.

Each list is different, but each adds up to a grand total of fifteen possible points. And, if someone fills all of one list, there are extras available at the score keeping table. There are even prizes on the table for people's scores, sort of like a Chuck-E-Cheese or similar location, but of a slightly higher quality. Things like wine glasses or fancy silverware, or handkerchiefs with a couple for 'Good for one free monogramming by Rhy Maresh'. So maybe you want to rush around and fill out your list, getting to know the fellow guests and get yourself a prize.

Each player should feel free to make up qualities on these lists

eat, drink & be merry!

Anyone who knew the happy couple had probably arrived at the reception knowing the food would be both bountiful and particularly delectable. Those who didn’t would soon realize that food was something that was taken very seriously.

For those who were feeling snackish before dinner, there were plenty of tables set up with finger foods to pick at. There were (unsurprisingly) an assortment of fancy pretzels in various flavours and fillings, along with more plain styles with dips to choose from. There are even small paper bags to carry them around, adorned with a cute wedding themed phrases. The snacks beyond that ranged from small sandwiches, sweet or savoury pastries, and a variety of biscuits. A tray of fresh cheese croissants here, a plate of honey covered baklava there. If it had been tried or noticed by the grooms over the last year, chances were it made an appearance. For those less adventurous there were plates of meat, cheese and crackers, along with fruits or vegetables with dip spread out.

For those in the mood for a drink, there was a fully operational bar where drinks and a variety of cocktails could be ordered by arrivals. For those not in the mood for alcohol, there was another rather fun option. Fancy coffee or tea beverages, absurdly topped and sugary or bold and strong depending on the person’s tastes. Both the bartenders and baristas alike were happy to provide!

Dinner itself was varied in selections, not a possibility overlooked. The menu was incredibly inclusive, with vegetarian options and other selections for those with dietary restrictions were plentiful. Perhaps some would say they went more than a little overboard here, but both Llewellyn and Rhy had wanted to make sure there was something for everyone. In their opinion, food was best shared with friends and loved ones.

Finally, after dinner plates had been whisked away, after a brief speech from the couple to thanks them for joining them in celebrating their love for one another, and to make mentions of those that couldn’t be there that had worked so hard to help them make this day as perfect as it was... There was cake. A beautiful red velvet wedding cake. It was three tiers and finely decorated with roses and gold icing scrollwork. The grooms eager to share it, cutting the first slice together and moving on to pieces to share with their guests who had room for dessert.

where there’s music there’s dancing

Would it be a wedding without dancing? Where they had managed to scavenge up a five piece band to play was a mystery. It was this group that played the first dance shared by the grooms, but after that the dance floor opened to an interesting arrangement. Two songs of classical music suitable to traditional dancing. Then three songs of something bouncy and more suited to clubs, played by the same DJ that were used for some of those underground parties that everyone knew but didn't know Max was responsible for. Which made sense, given it was his gift to the couple, mostly because Rhy had annoyed him until he agreed.

Because of this everyone had plenty of choices for dancing the night away. Slow songs for slower music, and even one of the grooms darting around to offer the occasional quick ballroom dancing lesson. Fast, bouncy songs for those who just wanted to get their jam on. The men sure had some good planners to help them out and make sure everyone got a bit of what they wanted.

photo inspiration

Comments

Rhy Maresh (One of the Grooms) | OTA

[unbreakable_king]

1. Fun and Frivolity
Rhy as a social animal at his core, and that meant that in the moments he could bear to peel himself away from the side of his new husband, the young man swept happily through the gathered. In one hand he carried a glass of wine and a piece of people between his fingers, in the other a small plate covered with all sorts of treats.

"Hey," he greets, beaming at the person, looking forward to see their guest scavenger list. "Do you have 'speaks eleven languages' on your list. Because if so, I can sign that for points. I'm working on a twelfth, but that hardly counts."

2. Eating Is His Spirit Animal
There was a reason that there were so many good things to eat at this wedding, and that had to do with the fact that these men had come to bond with their love of food. Perhaps that was why Rhy kept coming back to the snack tables. And whenever someone was there he would smile and point.

"Have you tried these chocolate dipped pretzels? They are so good in the warm caramel dip."

Or if it wasn't with the sweets, he'd slowly fill a plate with finger foods, and grin, "My people don't have olives, not like these. Who ever would have thought that you could stuff them with a little bit of cheese," he would muse to whoever would hear.

And of course, drinks. For tonight he kept coming back for coffee rather than alcohols he'd normally like, mostly because he wanted to share this with his husband the best he could.

"Have you tried this coffee with cinnamon in it? It's stunning. It tastes vaguely of home."

All the while he smiles, trying to push favored foods to others. They should enjoy his love and joy here. Enjoy living safely for a while.

3. Dancing Lessons
After the first dance Rhy wasn't going to be held back by his husband's lack of excitement for the particular pageantry that was a formal dance. Sure, he didn't know what he was doing when the string musicians weren't playing, but there were so many people here to sweep into his arms.

Anyone looking longingly toward the dance floor when the music started, male or female, friend or stranger, young or old, might well end up with a hand offered out to them by a smiling groom.

"Dance with me. And don't say you can't dance. I can teach you."

An Intimate Moment [Closed to Llewellyn]
Tonight was... Magic. The party still continued, had been ongoing since nearly lunch time, and still Rhy was full of energy and joy. For now he let things settle, and he knew the cake would soon need to be cut. But for now, in this one moment, Rhy pulled his beloved close to himself, holding Llewellyn in his arms and pressing their foreheads together.

"Is it everything you imagined it would be, Mister Watts-Maresh?"

An Intimate Moment

[gadaboutdetective]

The evening— the whole day had been more than Llewellyn could have hoped for. To have woken up next to the man he loved, to know that it was the day. The day they could celebrate their love for one another, to be one another’s for as long as the sphere allowed them. That he could belong with someone, to have a place with them... a life together... Indeed, it would be a lie to say the man hadn’t found his eyes stinging on more than one occasion that day, emotions running high.

Feeling his husband drawing him in close, he leaned into the other’s arms as his hand (ring still occasionally distracting him) rising to rest over one of Rhy’s. He let his head rest against the other’s; feeling a light, glad giggle escape at the question.

Mister Watts-Maresh... It had him entirely giddy to share a name. Or maybe that was the beverages he’d enjoyed, having tried a few fancy coffees with Rhy through the evening. “Mm... It’s been so much that I’m not sure I could have ever imagined it, Mister Watts-Maresh.” He finally responded. Truly, Llewellyn had long ago given up on the idea that he could have something like this... That he could be with someone he loved, and to celebrate that love with their friends.

[unbreakable_king]

Not just any ring, the Maresh family signet ring. The mark of royalty. And a sign of his undying devotion to his lover, just as Rhy wore an emotionally fitting token from Llewellyn. He felt like he could gather the winds to him enough to fly.

This man in his arms was all he needed, at the end of the day. And he would, for all the days to come.

"We sure put together a lovely little fete with little time."

[gadaboutdetective]

Llewellyn had been so surprised by the ring, and touched that Rhy would give something so special to him. Yes, they were to be married at the time, but it was a family signet, and that gesture of devotion... It had just been another firm reminder that he was loved enough to be wanted that way.

So he tilted his head a moment later, to press a small kiss to Rhy’s cheek in a daring display of public affection before resting his head against him again. “We did... Well— you were a wonder, dear.” He hummed a little, looking across the room at the others chatting among themselves at the tables. “We have good friends too, kind enough to help.”

[unbreakable_king]

The public affection need not be daring, dear. They were wedded now.

"And you are a wonder. My wonder."

But when Llewellyn looked away, so did Rhy, looking out over the room. There were faces who should have been here who were not. And that hurt.

"One small glass of wine. Let us raise a toast to those who love us but could not be here tonight."

[gadaboutdetective]

He knew what Rhy’s thinking as he made the suggestion, they’d shared in their sadness over those who had disappeared... So many (too many) gone again. It was so sudden and jarring. It would be a lie to say Llewellyn hadn’t occasionally entertained the small fear of ‘who would be next.’ Rolling over every morning to look at the man asleep next to him with some relief.

So the suggestion is met with a nod, his free hand reaching to the table to pull a bottle and goblets closer to pour them a small drink each. For all they were both avoiding the stuff that day, this instance was fitting. “I think that’s a fine idea, my love. A way to remember them, to still... include them in some way.” He added, holding one glass out to Rhy before taking his own.

[unbreakable_king]

Yes, it was nice, to wake up and still have his love there. Now his husband. Well, Rhy intended to make the most of every day with him.

But with the resolution met he moved to take the drink that was poured, lifting it in a nod to his lover.

"For those who would dearly love to be here. They've gone home now, and while they cannot remember us, we will carry their memory in our hearts."

Fun and Frivolity

[of_bokthersa]

Seregil has been moving around the area and his card is almost full when he hears Rhys brag about the number of languages he knows. Of course, Seregil needs to cause a bit of mischief. Moving to his friend, he leans against his shoulder and smirks. "Personally, I think you should offer out 'loses balance far too easily.'"

[unbreakable_king]

Oh what an absolute brat for a man his age.

"Rude, Seregil. I didn't lose balance. I was PUSHED. By you, if memory serves. For which I give you my greatest thanks."

[of_bokthersa]

"Even being pushed you should have been able to keep your balance." The smirk only grows wider on Seregil's face. "But I'm glad it worked out so well for you. He's a good man."

[unbreakable_king]

"It was more of a shove,' Rhy countered, but he's beaming. Because today was worth it. "I was so broken up over Alucard that I failed to see him."

[of_bokthersa]

"Oh, you noticed, you just didn't want to see what was in front of your nose." He could easily point to the talks that they had where Rhys skirted the idea of his now husband.

[unbreakable_king]

"Usually air is in front of my nose," Rhy dismissed with a bit of laughter. "He's a good man, and I am glad to know him. And I thank that you come here to join us with this celebration."

Llewellyn Watts (The other groom!) | OTA

[gadaboutdetective]

pictures worth a thousand words

Llewellyn, for all that he wasn’t particularly good with electronics, had been hovering around the photo booth as he watched friends and strangers alike getting their pictures taken. He had a certain fondness for images captured, indeed he’d enjoyed watching Murdoch take and develop photos on more than one occasion in his world.

But more specifically, his most cherished possession was a photograph of him and his brothers. So... Having a way to capture pictures of his friends, the people he cared about... It was fitting. Lately he’d been struck by a need to save his more recent, happier memories in a more physical sense. The little signs and props he and Rhy had picked out made it all the more fun, and in a sugar high/emotionally charged rush he’d occasionally snagged someone in an awkward gesture to join him in taking one. “Just one— I think it would be fun?”

fun & frivolity

Llewellyn loved the game that had been devised to entertain everyone, it was fun to talk to people and learn more about them. Especially those who he hadn’t had a chance to yet. Quick to start filling in his list (though he wasn’t serious about accumulating points so much as helping other people do so) and see who was who. Frequently he stopped someone to chat and based on what he’d seen of them in his stay here or what he could deduce from conversations, he’d know if they were one of the people he’d had a fact about on the paper.

Of course, he also took peeks at the lists of other people. Happy to steer them in the right direction, or point out if he was one of theirs. “Ah, yes. I do believe I’m on that list. I’m the third one down. ‘Always has snacks in pockets—‘ well...” An embarrassed hum escaped, his finger dipping into the pocket of the fancy suit he’d donned for the wedding. “I’m not supposed to today... But! I need my hands free, you know?” He plucked out a small dinner roll, waving it lightly before taking a small bite of it without thinking.

eat drink and be merry!

Llewellyn was truly never without a snack, as many well knew. But tonight was a special treat, he loved nothing more than to share food with others. New friends or old, even a few total strangers would find him munching on something around the snacks table before dinner had even begun.

Fear not, the man couldn’t spoil his appetite. Really, it was probably for the best that he kept his calories up, he hadn’t stopped since he’d arrived. Energetically getting into the festivities, still riding high on the utterly happy emotions running through him. It was his wedding day, after all, a day he’d never expected to see in a million years.

His favourite were the pretzels, loving the savoury selections and nudging people who’d never had them before to give them a try. When it wasn’t that it was something else, “Oh! I recommend that you try the baklava, it’s excellent. It actually helped me solve a case once.” He added with a grin, gesturing across the table with an animated little wave.

where there’s music, there’s dancing

Llewellyn had enjoyed learning to dance with Rhy, so he wasn’t entirely without any experience when this portion of the evening began at least. That said, he still felt a little uncoordinated and uncertain of his footing. Most of the evening following their first dance, he’d spent munching on snacks, chatting with guests and watching with fond amusement as Rhy snagged a new dance partner to pull onto the floor.

That wasn’t to say he was opposed to trying another dance or two, but unless the song was slow or a little more in line with the music he knew from his time? He tended to shake his head with a slightly bashful expression, confessing he was sure he’d step on someone’s feet.

So he was standing off, humming along to the music, until something a little more suitable began to play and he felt a little more confident. “Mm... Well, if you’re sure you don’t mind the risk to your feet, perhaps...” He responded with an awkward smile, finally putting his drink and plate aside.

Harry Dresden | OTA

[harrythelizard]

entrance

When Harry received the invitation he realized something probably pretty sad about himself: he'd never attended a wedding before. He at least realized well enough that it was a formal affair to dress appropriately. Before she'd disappeared, Inesa had made him a pretty nice suit, and since it had actually been tailored for him, the sleeves and pants were actually long enough for his lanky frame. It was a dark gray, and he paired it with a vibrant blue shirt and a tie with little wedding bells on it because who was he if not slightly irreverent?

He signed the guest book many happy returns even without the receipt - HD and took a bottle of wine at random, a red, before heading inside. Now he's just standing around the entrance, awkwardly holding a bottle of red wine and wondering exactly what he was supposed to do with himself.

fun & frivolity

He keeps his distance from the photo booths for no other reason than technology tends to die around him and he doesn't want to ruin the fun for everyone else. Instead, he decides to busy himself with the scavenger hunt card he received. When he first read over the prompts he was sure someone intended him to have this list.

"So," He says, as he approaches another guest, holding his list like a cue card, "I'm looking for another guest who loves using the restroom in public. Is it you?"

Entance

[unbreakable_king]

It was alright, taking that bottle and holding it as if it were a ward against trouble. That was what Rhy had done with a lot of his life, a lot of his years. Okay, perhaps less than many others, but he still knew the comfort in having some small object to stand between you and the world.

And he could tell someone looking awkward when he saw them. So Rhy strode forward, still bedecked in his wedding finery, grinning widely and with open arms as he welcomed the man.

"Red, a lovely one at that. If you'd like, I could most definitely advise you as to a few good pairings for dinner or snacks that will go well with that."

[harrythelizard]

"By 'snacks' you mean Cheetos or pork rinds, right?" Harry was grinning as he made the joke, clear to anyone who could hear it he didn't mean that...or did he? Sometimes it was hard to say with the wizard, and he wasn't exactly Mr. Cultured or anything. No, he probably actually meant pork rinds. It was a good assumption, at least.

"Congratulations, by the way. I didn't have a chance to get you anything, but you've always got a wizard to call if you need anything."

[unbreakable_king]

"Oh no, those do not sound pleasant," Rhy says, frowning. "There are other things. Like cinnamon rolls and cheeses and wonderful soft baked pretzels with many things to dip them in."

That is far more appetizing, yes?

A wizard to call upon. Rhy chuckles. No, that will not be needed.

"I've done well in my life without magic to call my own. I will not burden you with requests. And thank you."

[harrythelizard]

"Hey, don't hate on my snacks of choice." Those are the snacks of kings, Rhy. Or at least the snacks of perpetual bachelors who do magic in their free time when they're not doing magic professionally. "But I guess your fancy pretzels sound good."

"Hey, those requests pay the bills, Rhy. They aren't burdens."

[unbreakable_king]

As a king, Rhy does not believe they are in fact the snacks of someone like him. Pretzels are, in his opinion, the snack of kings. WHich is why they have so many.

"I will keep that in mind for the council work, but I do not think it's something I shall cash in on. I've learned to not meddle with magic."

fun & frivolity

[gadaboutdetective]

Llewellyn had been disappointed that he hadn’t seen his friend yet, though a lot of his time prior had been spent collecting photographs of the people he’d wanted for rather sentimental keepsakes. Harry, unfortunately, had been expertly avoiding them. Though he might at least recall why if prompted to, Harry had mentioned his difficulties with technology before.

When he does spot his friend, it’s clear that the wizard is actually trying out the little hunt they devised. Llewellyn at least waited until he was finished talking to the individual at the table, a small raise of his brow. “Are you uh— having any luck or are you in need of assistance, Harry?” The detective offered with a small grin, one hand wrapped around a coffee (who knows how many he’s had now) and the other raised in a small wave in greeting.

[harrythelizard]

He'd captured a few names, at least there was that, but Watts' appearance at his table gave him the opportunity to face the man, stern-faced and serious, pencil poised over his list as though interrogating a suspect. Or at least how all the detectives did it in shows. Harry was terrible at interrogation unless it was a demon or a faerie.

"Well, that depends, Watts. Do you prefer to relieve yourself in public?"

[gadaboutdetective]

It was a rather funny image, really. The detective being the one interrogated (although he had been on the other side of the table before) instead of asking the questions. 

Llewellyn took a moment before he answered, either appraising Harry’s approach to his questioning or trying to figure out how serious the guy actually was... Before he offered a serious enough response, aside from the slightly amused expression. Poor Harry had definitely gotten one of the more interesting lists by the sound of it, “Nope! I certainly can confirm that I do not.” 

[harrythelizard]

"Damn." He cracked a smile finally, slipping the list into the pocket of his coat, alongside his blasting rod. It had been a requirement he'd put forth to Inesa when she'd first designed the jacket, that it have an inside pocket able to facilitate the near foot long carved wooden rod. You never knew when you needed to be able to fling a fireball on the fly, and Harry's evocation wasn't his strongest form of magic. He always benefited from having a focus.

"I guess you'll just have to fill the 'finally ran into my friend at his own wedding', line. How have you been, Watts?"

[gadaboutdetective]

One would certainly hope that a flung fireball would not be needed that day, though Llewellyn couldn’t deny that with his track record in life it wouldn’t have been entirely surprising. A small chuckle escaped when Harry dropped the act, “I can probably send you in the right direction though, should you be serious about finding them.” He added, taking a small sip of coffee and glancing around the room once.

The question though, it gets a real smile. More full than the quick, distracted grins that he usually gave when he was just moving through his usual days. “Today? Mm... Today? Today, I’m good... I wouldn’t even hesitate to say I’m happy.” Sure, there were people he wished were there as well, he missed his best friend now that she’d gone home... But today was hard to spoil considering it wouldn’t have been something he could have even thought about in his own world. “I hope that you’ve uh— been enjoying yourself?”