[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

[nadasharillen]

"It's exactly what I wanted to hear," she replied, something changing in the timbre of her voice. She'd stopped smiling, but somehow that was... better.

"You and I carry truths," she said, tapping her forehead where the wings of Dirthamen's raven spread. "Some of them are our own. And you offered me some of yours without hope that it would gain you anything." A flash of wry amusement lit her eyes briefly. "Actually, you offered it thinking it would lose you something. Healing can be taught. History can be taught. That can't." She crossed her arms, shifting her stance. "Sina's always been wanted. We loved her so strongly we made her fragile. Now she's where we can't cushion her, and she'll need someone who's already taken a beating at her side. Not to coddle her, but to help her learn how to be strong against that beating without becoming hard on the inside. You're giving her something we can't, and that's worth a great deal to Dahlasanor. Take her hand today knowing that the scales aren't as uneven as you think."

[eolasemah]

The subtle twang of a fingertip brushing a bowstring is all Sedi does to remind him of her presence, and of the stakes if he should happen to fail this challenge.