[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

[arlathvhen]

Beleth's face goes from pleased at Sina's agreement to go with her to the clan, to bafflement at the mention of her mother. But it is, in hindsight, a perfectly reasonable question, and Beleth quickly recovers.

"She's doing quite well. Busy, understandably, but happy. Everything is going well." That is to say, everything is going according to Deheune's plans, which is not particularly surprising, really. The universe tended to work like that, Deheune's iron will molding it into the shape she felt best. Which usually was the best, of course.

"Just like last time, she's doing a...pretty good job, with the shemlen and the qunari appearing. Being polite to them, making sure everyone else is, too. I should've known that would be the case, but." She waves a hand airily. "You can't help but worry, even so."

[eolasemah]

Sina nods, and nods again, and seemingly can't stop nodding until Beleth is finished, when she quickly interjects: "no, but how... is she." Her face colors a bit, and it's clear she's feeling some anxiety. Will Deheune make Sina regret this?

[arlathvhen]

There's a tangible confusion in the silence that fills after Sina's question, Beleth staring at her blankly. But you can practically hear the gears turning, and the loud clank when they finally arrive at an alternate conclusion. "Oh--what she's like?"

It's a question that Beleth has been asked before, both regarding Deheune as a Keeper, and a mother. Beleth's answers for both are usually remarkably similar. "Well, she's an exemplary Keeper, of course, she's been keeping Ashara running smooth as can be, even with our large size, and these troubling times. She's stern at times, but always fair. She sets high expectations, but always within what she believes a person is capable of. She doesn't demand the impossible, simply...that each person strives to do the best than they can."

There's a pause for further thought, here. That is probably not the most comforting thing to hear about your immediately future mother-in-law. "...And she's always quick to let someone know when they've done something well. And the way she is, when she compliments you, you know that it's not just talk. That you've really managed to impress her."