[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

[foxsays]

With what she knows of Beleth's mother, Araceli doesn't have the highest of opinions but this is the wedding of her son and Araceli's a guest with the manners her mother and father instilled in her so when she does spot an opening, she takes it. Better to annoy her for a moment by taking up her time than perhaps being seen as a human too rude or full of themselves to think they need to greet the host.

"Señora, Araceli Bonaventura y Castell at your service." Giving her full name is something Araceli has long since stopped doing with the bulk of the Inquisition given the apparent inability to wrap their tongues around it but there's something about meeting a Keeper and Beleth's mother that demands a level of propriety. The bow goes with it too, a motion so comfortable it can be easily seen as the habit that it is, natural for her. "I am honoured to have been allowed to attend today, Sina has been a cherished friend for well over a year now, as has Beleth.

[arlathvhen]

Deheune watches Araceli approach with a measured calm, polite curiosity in her eyes. That curiosity only increases as Araceli introduces herself--though she makes no comments on it. Instead, she waits until Araceli is finished, and then nods politely.

"I am Keeper Deheune, of the Ashara clan. It's a pleasure to be able to be a host to someone who's a friend of both the bride, and my daughter. Both of them have told me that you are a gracious friend, and well worth bringing here." Her smile is perfectly cordial, tone even and calm. "It's rare for us to allow a human to see such a solemn event of ours. I hope that you enjoy the ceremony." She glances off to the side, pausing for a carefully measured moment, before turning back to Araceli.

"I've wondered before if we wouldn't benefit from demystifying some of our ceremonies. Knowledge begets understanding, or so is the hope. I can only hope that if there are more such guests, that they behave as admirably as you."

[foxsays]

"They are both very kind, they've had to patient in catching me up on a great many things. There are no elves, no dwarves, no one with any relation to the Qun where I am from. No ceremonies such as this." It's overwhelming, more intimidating than soirees where she knows the bulk of the rules and only has to worry about the little details and doing her job well. Things matter more when they're personal. "One of my dear friends is going to start a new part of her life, bringing together people in a time where so many seem divided, it would be hard not to."

Or: she'll try, she's not totally convinced this is a Good Thing for Sina given Sina's health and Sina never really voicing specific interests. Araceli is a young lady of passion, of following your heart, falling in love deeply and for however long or short that might last.

Clearing her throat, she nods her head - carefully tracking where Lux is to make sure he's just lounging waiting for food to fall in his face - and continues. "One of the first things I did after arriving in Thedas, well, falling would be more accurate was to learn as much as I could of the history and the people here. Not only from the books but from them. Their tales, their songs, the important things that shape us; I was fortunate enough to have a chance to visit with a clan in Rivain when a mission took me there, I would not find myself ignorant here,