[closed] you cannot have me, I own myself

[eolasemah]

WHO: Sina, Nari, Beleth, Korrin, Araceli, Thranduil, others as specified in Notes
WHAT: The bonding ceremony of the Firsts of Clans Dahlasanor and Ashara (Siuona and Sorrellean, respectively)
WHEN: mid-Bloomingtide
WHERE: the Planasene Forest
NOTES: Usually only Dalish would be allowed, but amnesty is being granted to close, trusted friends of the bride, including outclan Ashara and Sabrae, should they choose to accept it. Upon the insistence of Clan Dahlasanor, unaffiliated city elves will also be welcomed as long as they aren't disruptive. (OOC note: if you're unsure and your dude wants to go, PM me)

The day starts out rainy and grey, never a promising sight for an outdoor ceremony. But the Dalish do most things outside, and everyone will likely be too busy partying to care about it after the bonding ritual itself, so the festivities are set to begin right on schedule.

A clearing has been chosen by Keeper Thalia of Clan Dahlasanor, and the words are to be spoken right at the edge of the forest, under the shelter of trees but still fully incorporating the flowers of the field. This is a place of some significance to Sina's clan, a symbol of their flight from the plains to the forest, and of their new, strengthening relationship to Clan Ashara.

The clearing and surrounding forest are otherwise littered with aravels and tents, a gathering of clans
one of which eagerly anticipates their joining. Keeper Thalia, an active participant in preparations,
has made it clear that she will be officiating the ceremony alongside Deheune; Dahlasanor is being welcomed, not absorbed.

Sina has been quietly nervous for the entirety of the journey from Kirkwall, but as is her tendency, she comports herself with poise and says little on the upcoming nuptials. She's not unhappy. It's her duty, she's proud to do it, and more than anything she's intensely excited to see her clan again.

And let's be real, the party afterward is going to be a rager.

Comments

PARTY

[eolasemah]

[The post-bonding party for most clans lasts about two days and is absolutely nuts. It's elf Burning Man, complete with bare feet, things being smoked, and probably weird sex. Get your freak on, just don't piss off the Keepers. Or the hunters. Or the halla. Please do not get anyone pregnant. If you get pregnant that's your problem.]

RASSLE - OTA

[nadasharillen]

[Nahariel, eager to blame the tears in her eyes on something besides emotion, and attempting to give Sina space with her new bondmate, found her way into the stash of moonshine the Dahlasanor hunters had brought along, and is now ebulliently challenging anyone who looks at her to an arm wrestling contest. She doesn't seem to mind all that much whether she wins or loses.

And she's more than willing to share that moonshine.]

dancing/mild swaying ota

[foxsays]

After the ceremony itself, Araceli's a little more relaxed than she'd been previously though that might have more to do with the flask she's sipping from every so often. The rum is less watered than usual because it's a wedding, that's apparently the point and it's closer to relaxing than she's been since arriving in Kirkwall.

She'd like to dance but it's pretty hard when she's pretty sure most of the people here would rather the shem hurried up and cleared off.

[gatheringstorm]

Well, there's one person in the crowd who's always eager for a dance with the small shem woman who has the best curls anywhere around. Having stressed herself out trying to make a good impression on Sina and Beleth's people, Korrin's more than ready to cut loose. Her hair braided to stay out of her face and her jewelry shining and prominent, she winds her way over with an appreciative smile at her love.

"There you are. Would you care for a dance, kadan?

[foxsays]

Smiling at the sight of Korrin, Araceli rises up onto her toes to catch her for a kiss before she says anything. It's a wedding, two people being joined, this is what weddings are about in the end even if more traditionally it's a man and a woman with the underlying intent of having a baby somewhere down the line. (Beleth mentioned dark corners, surely there will be dark enough for the light of her hand to disappear too.)

"Sirena," a smile in her voice when she pulls away, relieved that it's Korrin with an edge of guilt because people tend not to argue with a mage so much larger than them when it comes down to it. "I was hoping you'd ask."

[gatheringstorm]

That immediate kiss, with no prelude, prompts a wide smile out of Korrin, one that causes those eyes to shine all the brighter. The general atmosphere already has her in high spirits, the presence and affection of her kadan make this one of the best nights she can remember in a long time. Away from the frigid Skyhold air and oppressive atmosphere of Kirkwall, anything seems possible.

"As though I would forget? Never. I've been wanting to spin you around all day. You have me as long as you want me, kadan. As always." She offers a hand, eager to head to where the beat is loudest. The Dalish here have a head start, but they can still show them how it's done.

[foxsays]

"I was trying to make a good impression," from her tone it's debatable if Araceli's sure she accomplished that or not but she shakes her hair back and away from her face, taking Korrin's hand instead. "Glad I didn't water my rum as much as I usually do either but I've eaten now or you might have spun me right off my feet."

No, she wouldn't have managed that. Araceli seldom gets that drunk and never in the company of people she doesn't know well or trust but she can pretend for the sake of pretending.

[gatheringstorm]

"'Trying', nothing. You're radiant, kadan. You always make a hell of an impression wherever you go." Maybe it's bias talking, but considering Araceli's silver tongue and infectious smile, Korrin doesn't think it a stretch at all. Araceli's force of personality will carry her far, and Korrin's already as besotted as she can possibly get.

As for spinning, that grin lingers. "You know I don't need much convincing to spin you around, if your stomach can handle it. You're so bloody light, I almost can't resist." She nearly does so now, but given the size disparity she's always careful about ensuring that Araceli is comfortable and consenting, in or out of bed.

[foxsays]

Araceli pulls a face, hidden from the view of onlookers by Korrin thankfully. Getting away from Kirkwall had been a better idea in theory. "Impressions go many ways," she settles on in the end because she doesn't want to spoil it. Maybe the move and all the work going along with it trying to make sure the best foot is put forward is wearing on her now.

"Well there's not much risk of a scandal in this dress." A little more modest than the usual fare but well considering what she prefers? Safest option. "Did Beleth tell you about where to go if we get carried away?" She asks, arm around Korrin as she relaxes, happy to let her take the lead.

[gatheringstorm]

"You say that like we can't conjure scandal out of thin air, just by existing." A human from beyond and an 'oxman'? The gossipmongers must love them. That face doesn't go unnoticed, of course. If anything, it has Korrin all the more determined to help Araceli relax for a while. She can't change the amount of work her kadan must endure back in Kirkwall, but that's all the more incentive to make this moment count. Feeling her kadan begin to relax, the Vashoth woman smiles as she spins them around.

"'If'? And no, but I assume you do and that's good enough for me. Even if I sweep you up in my arms, all you have to do is point the way." It's a tempting thought, and when they're done showing off here, she's ready to make that happen.

[foxsays]

Easy just to rest her head against Korrin's shoulder or as near as she can a moment. Korrin has all that comes with being looked upon as a Qunari no matter what she might say; how you define yourself tends to get lost when the mob howls.

The beat of the dance isn't familiar but Araceli's a veteran of taverns, she picks it up as she nods as best she can in the direction of one such corner. "Sweep me and you'll probably ruin yourself in Beleth's eyes, she didn't have a high opinion of people not controlling themselves." So do you want to let your shem girlfriend do the corrupting and drag you off into a dark corner where friends might see them sneaking away? Araceli probably has less to lose in Beleth's eyes.

[gatheringstorm]

"Pfft, Beleth's hardly one to talk about self-control when I've played Vashoth transport for her drunken ass time and again at the Herald's Rest." Korrin keeps her voice from carrying, not wanting to get her elven friend in trouble with her kin. But seriously, she's lost count of the times when Beleth has had one too many and needed a pair of strong shoulders to support her on the way back. Korrin herself isn't one to judge a little overindulging, but nor is she going to put up with hypocrisy either.

She flashes a smile as they find their rhythm, always enjoying how easily they fall into sync with each other. "But if you're that worried about my good name, I'm open to suggestions."

[foxsays]

The dance requires Araceli to lean in close, spin away then back again which lends itself to a particularly dramatic roll of the eyes. "Were it only the drinking then it wouldn't be such an issue. What else do people go off to dark corners to do? That's the whole point of a wedding like this in the end: making babies, celebrating a new union. That's the closest thing to a marriage most of my people have." If you don't have titles then most don't see the pressing need for any of it. The sea moves through them and the sea is witness to all.

However, this is a party and one where one or both of them aren't working. There are ideas in her head with the beat of the music only likely to swell. "How quiet do you think you can be? There's more noise than Kirkwall after all."

[gatheringstorm]

That dramatic eyeroll just causes that grin to reemerge; Korrin can't help it if she's in a trolling mood. Just slightly, though; she's not in the mood to sleep alone tonight. Not when there are ideas in her head as well, that won't go away thanks to what Araceli's doing to her with those legs and hips. Even as she's mesmerized, though, the Vashoth woman doesn't miss a beat. "Yeah, I know. It's the closest thing most of my people have, too. Far be it for me to go against tradition." As far as she's aware, her parents never did anything official but they never saw the need. They were together, and that's that. It's an example she's proud to follow.

"Hm...no armor, no staff getting in the way...I think I can manage quiet, just for you." True, Korrin's no rogue, but the noise from the celebration alone ought to provide an effective distraction. And she has plenty of incentive to make it work.

OTA

[gatheringstorm]

[Any concerns Korrin has about the party not living up to its name are soon banished. The raucous celebration is something to rival even the Tal-Vashoth bashes she's attended in times past. (Well, maraas-lok aside. It's better for all involved that she didn't bring any.) It doesn't take much for the Vashoth woman to get involved, dancing and drinking with whoever wants to join her. Wallflowers get extra attention and encouragement, at least if she knows them and they're comfortable with it. Unless their hooch is unusually strong to qunari levels, she'll remain lucid enough not to accidentally bruise smaller folk. In fact, if some need her as transport, Korrin will readily offer to ensure that those enjoying themselves at least wake up to the inevitable hangover somewhere comfortable.]

[writteninblood]

[Sorrel has sense enough not to involve himself in drink or dancing enough-- it's not the party he wants to keep up with, after all, only Sina. But he does have a cup of something that had its start in honey and is now much more entertaining than any product rendered purely from bees.

And he'll tip it with mock-solemnity at Korrin, from across the room. Takes guts to come to a Dalish celebration, when you're not even elven. Takes more than just that, to do it when you can't really pass for subtle, nor creep away, not be missed. He can respect that.]

the blushing bride

[eolasemah]

Creators, what an ordeal. The rush of the whole thing: standing in front of the crowd, taking the vows, leaping over a fire, and now being next to her... husband...?, Sina can hardly believe the day is concluding.

She seems livelier than usual, at least for the first round of dancing, which consists of the more ceremonial patterns. Here Sina stays by Sorrel's side, nearly too busy and far too breathless to converse even with him.
Once all that formality is out of the way, she's able to rest with her back against a tree while she watches those more energetic continue their firelit cavorting. Even in this moment of rest, she has guests to greet and knows better than to hope for a real break.

[writteninblood]

Sorrel is less restrained, or perhaps more obligated, and he goes for two dances beyond Sina before begging off. They're energetic ones, and one seems to involve something fast-paced and competitive happening between himself and his sister. When he finally manages to extricate himself, he's flushed and laughing.

The flush hasn't died at all, when he sets himself down next to Sina-- next to his wife, heady thought. And if it's quiet between them, then. Well. It seems a comfortable silence, shoulder-to-shoulder in the glow if firelight and the shadow of so many happy bodies.

"Hello," He says, shy in this moment of relative privacy. Sorrel knows better than to expect it to last, but they do have the now, if not the immediate later, "I haven't done that in forever. Seems like forever."

[eolasemah]

"Hello," Sina says in return, with a smile that borders on a grin of awkward amusement. Neither one of them really knows how to talk to the other yet, and with certain... expectations in mind, she isn't even quite sure how to begin.
She isn't even sure she can stay awake for it.
"I've never experienced it with so many," she says, shyly avoiding his eyes, "usually it's just a few of us, if at all. It makes me happy to see them all so happy."

[writteninblood]

"We've all grown bigger, now. Hopefully there'll be more celebrations like this, in the future."

His own smile twists wry, mirroring her own. It's awkward, they both know it; it could hardly be otherwise. But still, Sorrel can hardly look away. He's happy. She's happy. The clans are, to guess, more than merely happy.

"You have a good smile, Sina," He tells her, sincerely. Sina had always seemed a little fragile. In ways that was deceptive, like the thin legs of a deer, which could cheerfully cave your head in with a kick, but now she seemed more like a pale flower, or a moth cupped in Sorrel's hand. She is so alive, but if you don't take care, you could crush her whole. He offers her his hand, simple touch, no demands, "It makes me happy to see it."

[eolasemah]

It's easy to imagine pale flowers when there are so many braided into Sina's hair, which is surprisingly elaborate despite its relative shortness. She tucks a strand of it behind her ear, looking at his hand for a moment before resting hers on it. Never knowing what to do with a compliment, her smile broadens, but she fights it, this being the subject of the praise.
"Serannas," she mildly replies, "I always thought my teeth make me look a bit like a rabbit." She's been fortunate enough to have never been called that as a pejorative, and likely doesn't even know it's even a thing.

[writteninblood]

"Did someone actually say that to you?" Now he's concerned, anger taking a preemptive breath behind his eyes, "Sina, you're beautiful."

He's no great expert on feminine beauty, but he knows the realms of insecurity inside and out. He knows what it's like to never feel more than ugly, to be pulled away, left outside. For a moment, he forgets, that so many people care so deeply about Sina and remembers only-- only that it's been him an Beleth, and adds her thoughtlessly to their little duo. Trio.

We're on the same team, now.

That means, he'd fight Fen'Harel himself, for her sake, let alone some ugly-mouthed shem who might levy a hypothetical insult at her. Maybe he should have been paying closer attention to girls, come to think of it. Than, he might have something more specific to reassure her with. Sorrel attempts compromise by simply squeezing her hand in his.

"Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise."

[eolasemah]

Sina is completely startled by his reaction, and blinks wide-eyed at Sorrel for a few moments before she breaks out into another, this time more self-effacing, smile. "...nobody said it to me," she says uncertainly, "...and I like rabbits." Of course, his emphatic reassurance has caused her blush to deepen.

[writteninblood]

"Oh! Oh, uh..." Sorrel blushes through his own stammered reply, realizing suddenly that he's taken three or four steps beyond what Sina meant, "Yes. Rabbits are... very nice."

In a stewpot, Sorrel thinks, uncharitably, thinking of nibbled greens and spoiled stores. Then he feels guilty for thinking it, when Sina is only telling him something she likes. What is wrong with him?

"Sorry." It's the only thing he can think to say, "I get ahead of myself."

You lack the patience for skill, d'alen, was what his mother would say. No one had insulted her. Of course not, Sina was kind and competent and well-liked, and Beleth would have said something if it were otherwise... idiot.

[eolasemah]

Sina can't help but be vaguely confused by Sorrel's stumbling, but she'd be lying if she were to say it isn't endearing. She sees a lot of herself in him, and has a lot of sympathy for him: her Keeper has always been exacting, but. Well, she's met Deheune.
"It's fine," she assures him with a smile, giving his hand a squeeze, "...do you not like rabbits?" It did take her some time to get used to the idea of domesticated animals. 'Pets'. Halla can hardly be called domesticated, though they're the closest resemblance in anything she knows.