[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

[samahl]

"It doesn't matter what I chose for myself," Cyril replies. He admits hearing Sorrel talk about Sina is reassuring because they both are very good people who will be able to look out for one another, so at least there is that.

"This day, this moment, it is about you and what choice you are making for your life. What is important to you, is important to me."

[writteninblood]

This time, Sorrel's ha is all breath, less like a laugh, and more like the breath has been pushed out of him all in a rush. It's on this exhalation, the reverse of a gasp that he gives in to impulse, throwing both arms around Cyril and simply hugging him with all the strength in his heart.

What is important to you, is important to me.

It feels so good not to hold back, for once. So much of Sorrel's life is about seeing that which you most want to do, dangled before your eyes, and knowing better than to hope for it, let alone reach. It began so long ago that when his magic attracted the darker eyes of the Fade, denying them had been no challenge-- but this is so different from that. Cyril is real and warm and alive in Sorrel's arms, and for all the distance they'd had, over the years, and recently, he came. Even if everyone else left forever and never thought to miss him, Cyril still cares. For a long, tight minute Sorrel simply revels in that, in being permitted to be important, in the simple, comforting contact of it, clean forest smells, and city smoke, and sweat in his nose...

And then he lets go wiping at his eyes.

"Thank you. That might be the nicest thing anybody's said to me all day."

[samahl]

Cyril returns the hug and then rubs Sorrel's back lightly as they just take the moment to hold onto each other. He wonders, briefly, what life had been like if he had allowed himself to be this physically close to Sorrel when they were young - if he had, just once, seen past his obsession with Merrick and looked past the fear of hurting someone precious and dear.

When Sorrel pulls away, Cyril tilts his head a bit to watch him.

"It's your wedding. People should be saying all sorts of nice things to you. Well wishes for the future, good tidings, etcetera, etcetera.

[writteninblood]

"Oh, they are, but they mean for the clans, or for the day, or just the two of us. It's just you and me here."

As if Cyril could forget, with Sorrel smiling at him with such open happiness, eyes still shining.

"You know?"

[samahl]

"I do know," Cyril offered, grinning a bit. "That's why I offered to carry you away. I wouldn't do that where your mother could overhear."

[writteninblood]

"Well, I'm very sorry to break your heart, but I can't get kidnapped today," Sorrel teased, pulling away finally, so that he could give the joke the appropriately exaggerated shrug it needed, "After all, I'm getting married."

[samahl]

"I know, and Sina is a lovely woman," Cyril pointed out. "She helped make a garden in Skyhold, you know. To honor anyone we lost."