songbird_slayer: (pic#16170284)
Madhuri ([personal profile] songbird_slayer) wrote in [community profile] songerein2023-03-25 10:53 am

Lavender Blue

Who: G'raha Tia, Madhuri, and Every Last One of You!
Which: Open Log
What: A cat and a dragon leap into marriage. What japes lie within the festivities?
Warnings: Gratuitous hand-holding!




It's a quiet morning, and the weather is mercifully fine. As the day progresses, the faerie activity is abuzz at the edge of the Wildlands at the nothern edge of Reverein. They need no RSVPs or dress codes, no ser, no ser, for all are invited to the evening's humble union and festivity in whatever they feel is comfortable. Whether it's by fluttering down and taking a guest by the hand or perching on their head and playing captain, the faeries are thrilled to play guides today. They hand each of the guests a small party cracker on the way, and ask to wait for "the signal". Hmmm...





The destination isn't far. It's a clearing that has been cared for over some time, dappled with rays of late sunshine peeking in from the bordering treetops. In the center is an eye-popping sight, a deeply purple tree with banners of differing colors and strings of fine crystals tied to the branches. Each breeze brings with it a shimmering wave of color and the sound of twinkling as crystal clinks together. The clearing is wreathed in flowers of all shapes and colors courtesy of the lovely Isabela Madrigal, the blooms swaying with every breeze.

G'raha Tia, dressed to the nines, welcomes all guests warmly. He's rather bashful, but appreciates all who come to attend. Guests are free to sit in any of the seats they like, for all dreamers have come together again and again like family against all encroaching nightmares.





At precisely four, G'raha steps beneath the tree, where a shape begins to move from within the boughs. Climbing down is an ornate dragon of scales like liquid mercury, who settles in and pulls a small book and a pair of half-moon spectacles from beneath a wing. Any utterances of awe are met with a humble bow of the head. But soon the dragon's gaze turns down the grassy aisle and the seated rise. G'raha's gaze follows, and his ears and tail frizz as a music begins to play upon the air...

...As it's the first time he sees Madhuri in her dress, hands tucked around a bundle of blossoms as she seems to glide down the aisle. In her wake are clusters of tiny golden dandelions sprouting from where her shoes had touched the grass just moments ago. Her countenance, usually painted in mischief, is actually a little bashful today, and remains so as she steps beneath the tree to join G'raha and the dragon.

The latter introduces herself as 'Mirror' as all guests are seated, and welcomes all to this momentous day, a union of dreamers. That once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives one a faerie tale; that you know when you found your other half because not only do you have a smile on your face, but in your heart as well. Madhuri reaches up to fondly smooth the ruffled fur of her groom's ears.

The two join hands and recite a shared vow, and upon each recitation, a ring is slipped over the other's finger:



"With my whole heart, I take you as my [husband/wife], acknowledging and accepting your faults and strengths, as you do mine.

I promise to be faithful and supportive and to always make our family's love and happiness my priority. I vow to have the patience that love demands, to speak when words are needed and to share in the silence when they are not. I will be yours in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, in failure and in triumph. I will dream with you, celebrate with you and walk beside you through whatever our lives may bring. I give you my hand and my heart. As a sanctuary of warmth and peace. I pledge my love, devotion, faith and honor as I join my life to yours. You are my person—my love and my life, today and always. I thank the Twelve that I am yours and you're mine."


It is at this point that Mirror politely chuckles as the pair seem to be lost in the moment. For those betting on who would cry first among the couple, the G'raha-first gamblers became winners. Congrats!

"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. ...You may kiss your bride."

All bashfulness is gone as the two share a kiss. It lingers as a wave of dreamotion emanates from the two of them, and springing forth from the violet tree, the grass of the clearing and the bordering flowers were strange blooms of gleaming white; emanating a soft corona of myriad colors. The crown of blooms in her hair shifted as well, and another sprouted in G'raha's hair. What... sort of flower was this...?

Mirror stepped aside and beamed.

"...It is my pleasure to introduce to you all, for the first time as husband and wife, G'raha Tia and Madhuri of Tribe Qalli! May their union be blessed with everlasting love and joy, and may they conquer every challenge hand-in-hand and side-by-side."

"NOW!! Get 'em!" The faeries shout, armed with their own party crackers. When guests pull the little cords, the typical paper confetti and ribbons is instead a stream of silvery stars and glimmering lights that alight any surface they touch as if solid before disappearing.

Amid the celebration, G'raha is relieved of his need for walking as Madhuri stoops and picks him up. The bride was happy to princess-carry the blushing groom down the flower-carpeted aisle and through the party cracker mayhem, leading the way to the reception just next door.







The reception space is like a page taken out a storybook, flower-dappled hedges framing a stage setup, many tables and chairs for comfortable seating, a dance floor and a trio of large tables all laid out with different foods to pick and choose from, each bearing the centerpiece of a small wedding cake on a stand.

But first, the music! The music is ever-present and classy, thanks to a team of resident Radio Demon Alastor and Akechi "We're Not Friends" Goro. The past and relative present combine with tunes to flavor the atmosphere, painting the perfect picture for the newlyweds' very first dance as the drinks begin to flow along the guests. Wouldn't you know it, but it seemed the couple had somehow picked the same song to dedicate to one another. The next number, however, is one Madhuri could never have guessed: G'raha had written and wished to perform his very own song for his lovely wife, the latter of which quickly becomes a bashful red to match the man's hair as his voice lifts in earnest, the poetry dancing in his voice to its completion.

The floor then opens to the guests, with the opening number unveiling a debut of Princess Octavia Ars Goetia singing on stage. Yet no matter the volume of her lovely tune, it pales in comparison to her proud father hooting and applauding away to the side. That's his owlette!

Now, with the music going and the drinks (both alcoholic and non-) flowing, maybe it's time to have a little bite! What's on offer?










I. Love Bites


A. This first table represents Madhuri's homeland of the Azim Steppe! The lemon cake centerpiece depicts a grassy landscape, topped with G'raha and Madhuri dressed in traditional clothing called 'deel'. They have their weapons drawn and are prepared for battle against an unseen foe.

The menu bears many barbecue options, including:

Buuz (a large dumpling filled with spiced meat)
Khorkhog (barbecued lamb with a paired yogurt and mint sauce)
Boortsog (fried dough stuffed with whipped cream cheese)

Perfect for the carnivore!

The food eaten from this table has a chance to incite a competitive spirit within you, building an urge to challenge someone to something, be it 'who can eat their food the fastest', arm wrestling, a race across the grounds, or even a spar (just take it somewhere outside of the grounds, please!). Regardless of winning or losing, the effect will fade once the contest is complete.





B. The second table represents Old Sharlayan, where G'raha calls home! This champagne cake (no worries, it's no longer alcoholic upon baking!) centerpiece depicts a cozy study area, where G'raha is deep in a book and surrounded by more reading material. Madhuri is using a stack of books as a step stool to reach for the top of a nearby shelf of spice jars.

The menu bears many smaller bites and lighter options, including:

Sliders (Regular or with cheese! For those who just want a good burger)
Piennolo Tomato Salad (Tomatoes, onions and fresh herbs tossed in a light oil)
Stuffed Pitas (Pita pockets with spinach, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes and feta with a vinaigrette, perfect for the scholar on the go who wants to keep their hands clean and their belly full!)
...Archon Bread (Don't ask what's in this. It's nutrient dense. It's chewy. Very, very chewy. The taste is indescribable. Why did Madhuri make this...? Try it if you dare.)

The food eaten from this table has a chance of making the eater float a few feet off the ground. This effect lasts 15-20 minutes. Maybe you can finally reach those high shelves at your local library...? Interestingly, the Archon Bread offers no dreamotion effects. The horror.











C. This table represents a world very, very far away called Norvrandt, where G'raha had his greatest adventure! This almond cake centerpiece depicts a tall crystal tower made of sugar, with a robed, hooded figure standing vigilant before it. Madhuri hangs off the hooded figure with her head on their shoulder, bearing ornate faerie wings and an elaborate, flowing dress. All hail Fae Queen Maddie and her mysterious King...!

The menu stresses 'on the go' meals that can easily be handheld, which means:

Sandwiches!! (Egg salad, roast beef, rainbow veggie, caprese... anything your heart desires between two slices of bread are at your beck and call, perfect for a pick-me-up during a rough journey through worlds unknown.)

The food eaten from this table makes a small false pixie appear on the person's shoulder, dressed as the most mischievous person they know, whether they are in Reverein or not. The pixie lasts for an hour, happily informing passersby of random trivia about the person. The more embarrassing, the better!

Did the bride promise no pranks? Huh. Guess she lied.








II. The Hopeful Bloom


The strange flowers that sprouted at the end of the ceremony seem to have grown here in the reception venue, too. They exude a soft, blissful happiness, and eyes are drawn to them often. However, there is a compulsion to pick some, and give them to someone, and the bride encourages this behavior with an oh-so-innocent smile. Will it be for a dear friend, someone you've had your eye on, or the love of your life? Whatever the case, the flower will gleam stronger when the giver approaches the receiver to which they hold dearest. For some, it may glow with previously unrecognized feelings, and perhaps may be the opportunity one needs to finally be upfront with one's own heart.

These picked flowers look lovely in a vase and continue to glow softly, emitting glimmering sparkles at night. They will last for one week before the glow fades, leaving a delicate, glass-like flower behind that will last as long as your average cut rose. Perhaps they'll thrive if instead dug up and planted in a pot or in a personal garden...?







III. Open Mic Night


As the dance floor clears, the mic is open on stage. Madhuri briefly explains that, between her power and that of Alastor's, any old song can be played for everyone's enjoyment. If a request is made, a song can be played for you, and you can sing your heart out. Maddie would love to hear you sing! ...Just keep it relatively clean, please. There are children here. Dedicate a song to someone, belt out your feelings, go nuts! Who knows? This might be your chance at a future career on stage as your singing is so dang good that you bring crowds back on the floor dancing away!

However, there may be a risk in asking for any random old song... you may have some particularly interesting tunes to sing to.





All music and merriment will be had until late into the night. Please, feel free to say hello to the bride and groom, or invite them to a dance! If you brought a gift- something that is not required, goodness, you're so generous- Madhuri will hastily drag over a spare table for them. (She really didn't expect anything, she swears she's not scatterbrained...!!)




[ooc: Another wedding! Toot-toot! Shoutout to Cybra for her help with coding! Again, though the log has gone up on the 25th, the wedding is dated canonically for the 31st.]
systemofadowny: (Daughter to Father)

[personal profile] systemofadowny 2023-03-29 02:00 am (UTC)(link)
"If you're okay with it, absolutely. Dad and I would love to grow some in our garden."

Not really minding if her own dress gets dirty, Octavia kneels down beside Madhuri to lend a hand.

"I thought these flowers were a local variety, with their appearance and reaction to emotions. We have a few flowers back home that are similar, but much more crystalline."
systemofadowny: (Beauty out of ashes)

[personal profile] systemofadowny 2023-03-29 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
"I wanted to call them Nova Crystalis since they reminded me of these crystals from an old video games, but I didn't think anyone would get the joke." Via shrugs. Oh well.

Listening to the explanation of Elpis flowers, the owl can't help putting on a genuine smile. "There's something poetic about that. Them appearing when they're the furthest thing from your mind, during one of the happiest moments of your life. Like you had to find something else before you could find them. Makes them more like...reminders of what you have now."
systemofadowny: (Teen Spirit)

[personal profile] systemofadowny 2023-03-30 01:45 am (UTC)(link)
"You're doing a public service. So much media hinges on miscommunication problems that it's basically fetishized. Arbitrary shit, at that. Though it's...usually not that simple in reality."

Technically, Stolas keeping Stella's abusive behavior a secret could count as that. He did it to protect his daughter, even during the times she blamed him for the life she knew falling apart. How could she blame him? Via only wished she knew sooner.

"Still, gardening suits you. Colorful, vibrant, caring...and honestly? Without your flowers, I think the office would smell like a man cave."
systemofadowny: (You're a Firework)

[personal profile] systemofadowny 2023-03-31 02:23 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, I love that idea! Maybe a hunting trip or a spa day. Dad and I sometimes brush each others' feathers and help with make-up, but a real girl's day out would be fun."

There's those times with her mother, she supposes, but they were hollow and more about Stella. She doesn't count those. Suddenly remembering something, Via opens up her bag to retrieve a gift wrapped present. Inside are several lovely ribbons, the same shade of purple as Madhuri's hair. Via gave them a magical fire resistance enchantment that takes effect when the ribbon's tied around something.

"Which reminds me. I made you something in case the boys get into their destructive shenanigans again."
systemofadowny: (Mr. Brightside)

[personal profile] systemofadowny 2023-04-05 02:00 am (UTC)(link)
"I think you can swap him away with a stare, if you really wanted to." Via jokes, but she's seen the way he acts around Madhuri. He learned his lesson and makes a point to not upset her if he can avoid it. That kind of power isn't to be underestimated, though the newspaper isn't a bad idea...

"These are fire resistance charms. You tie them around the subject and they'll be much less likely to burn down. It should help your plants withstand the boys making a mess of things, and bring a little more color around the office."

Everyone knows they're Madhuri's and some go the extra effort of taking care of them, but a little splash of purple here and there ought to help them pop more. Via thinks they will, anyway.