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ORCHARDS OUTSIDE OF RESPITE - AFTERNOON
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Xochi sits curled up beneath a flower covered trellis set out in the orchard for just such a function. She looks out over the assembled folks from Respite and smiles, her hands folded before her as she waits. She's wearing a somewhat fanficul, but simple, outfit of a pale pink with gold, and a small badge of station clipped upon the dress.
Maybelline stands just to the side of Xochi, wearing a quite fancy suit specially cut for her size, custom made, the black tuxedo coat rest over a light brown vest and tie, with embroidery along the collar that resembles gear works, the colors match her summer coat quite well, as she nervously inhales her breath, waiting to begin.
Louma sighs quietly to herself as she stares ahead, trying to tap her professionalism and keep her eyes locked on Xochi for now. She can't help but steal glances through her veil at the adorable, handsomely dressed stoat standing next to the coatl, though, and she's thankful that there's probably enough rustling in the leaves to cover the pounding of her heart. Her dress is relatively simple, Maecy having designed the pale gold number to flow with the snake-tail slither while resting upon her rather than dragging on the ground. Her veil hangs over her bill down to her chest, made with the same sheer patterned lace as the dress. Louma arrives next to May and Xochi, gripping a corsage as she bunches her tail up behind herself rather than coiling up.
Maybelline squeaks a bit as she turns to watch Louma slither down the aisle, face just a bit red as she stares, doing her best to stay still and just... not rush forward to hug her fiance and tell her how sexy she looks in that amazing dress. It's likely written all over her face though, as she never had much of a poker face.
Louma is equally burning under her veil, she knows her bill is bright with her blush when she glances down at Maybelline. She smiles at her, barely visible through the cloth.
Xochi chuckles quietly, watching the two squirm a bit before she clears her throat, looking up towards the gathered crowd. "Ah. Good Afternoon, yes? Lovely, in fact. Perhaps a bit hot?" She waits for a few awkward chuckles, then bows her head. "We are here gathered together to witness two entwining the threads of their lives together to form one. I have been asked to oversee the ceremonies, as I am familiar with the customs, and the City of Bairnell's Foothold has graciously given me legal authority to see it done! As I have no other authority unto myself, yes? Ah, right."
Louma tears her eyes reluctantly from Maybelline to look to Xochi, a bit of deep instinct to observe the coatl while she speaks in any official manner striking her.
Maybelline nervously turns to Xochi, but keeps sparing glances over at Louma, still stumbling over her rehearsed lines in her head as she tries to remember what comes next.
Xochi waits a moment for laughter from the crowd, but simply shrugs and continues. "Captain Louma, of Orela, and Maybelline Frecklemeyer, of Sarn, have come together this day to present themselves as one to this town, and its authority, but also to the Judgement of the Sun, and the Acceptance of the Moon, as well as the gathered ancestors, friends, and family who bear witness." She moves her hands through an old ritual, giving to each of the spirits its due, then lowers her hands back down to present them to the couples. "They shall each offer their vows, for all to hear, and for one another to take to heart. These vows are to be held as an oath, not only to one another, but to one's self. And so I turn first to you, Maybelline. Your vows, please."
Louma bows her head to Xochi before wordlessly turning fully to face Maybelline, eyes glued to her fiance as she tries to relax her grip on the corsage.
Maybelline eeps as she's called upon, still halfway through the words in her head, but she turns away from the coatl to look at Louma, and grins, "Oh! Y-yes. I mean, easy, right?" She whispers under her breath 'Stop improv'ing Frecklemeyer.' and inhales deeply, "Louma... you found me in a way I could never expect, and literally swept me off my feet. I, Maybelline Frecklemeyer, vow to give you all of my love. I vow to be there when you need me most, to save you from loneliness or doubt, to support you, and lift you up, so that you can always, Always feel free to soar. I Love you." She's in tears by the end, smiling widely as she stares up at her bride.
Xochi bows her head in response, then turns towards Louma, "You have heard Maybelline's vows. I now turn to you, Louma, to offer your vows in turn, please."
Louma feels her body relaxing, except the excited fluttering in the pit of her stomach. Everything else seems to go silent for her as she hangs on every one of May's words, finding herself repeating in her head to not scoop her up and comfort her for the tears she can see shimmering on May's cheeks. She is lost in the echo of May's vows for a moment, nodding to Xochi's request after a delay. "You accepted my first request when I was in the most vulnerable state, and I know that I owe that to you knowing what that vulnerability feels like. Know that you never have to feel so again as long as I have a breath in my body. As we stand here, you before me in a suit fit for a prince, I want nothing more in my life than to be your princess, and you already make me feel as special as such every time I see how you look at me. I can not promise you great wealth, but I can promise you comfort, love and care as long as you'll have me. I love you, Maybelline, more than I have ever loved anyone."
Maybelline catches her breath, still crying as she stares at Louma, biting her lip. She only nods along to Louma's words, feeling every one in her heart.
Louma lets out a held breath as she nods to Maybelline in turn, the tear dripping from her bill thankfully wicked away by her veil.
Xochi listens as well, folding her hands in front of her as Louma speaks. When the vows end, she parts her hands, motioning towards the two, "You have forged a spiritual bond, woven with your words and hearts. It cannot be broken. And now, to symbolize this bond, you shall craft a physical bond as well, one that will allow others to see your union. Please, present one another with the tokens of your union."
Maybelline reaches into a pocket of her suit and removes the jewelry case, stepping forward to remove the small pendant with a brilliant fire orange stone, set upon a fine gold chain.
Xochi smiles, "Louma, do you accept Maybelline's vows, and the token of your bond, and agree to embody this vow with all your heart, through this life and into whatever follows?"
Louma nods to Xochi's request, producing a box from under the corsage and opening it to draw a necklace from inside, a small charm hanging from it. The charm is a simple polished stone, similar in color to Louma's scales, set on a chain to match. She brushes the dampness from May's cheeks as she reaches to hang the necklace around her neck. She remains lowered in place for May to do the same. "I do, fully."
Xochi turns towards Maybelline, "And do you, Maybelline, accept Louam's vows, and the token of your bond, and agree to embody this vow with all your heart, through this life and into whatever follows?"
Maybelline giggles at Louma's touch, letting her brush away the tears and place the necklace around her neck. She leans up, only struggling a little to hook the chain around Louma's lowered neck, "I do. Without a doubt, I do."
Louma shivers slightly, raising herself back up again and glancing toward Xochi.
Xochi claps her hands, clearly delighted, before she regains her composure upon catching Louma's eye, "Ah! I mean, yes. Then let the Judgement of the Sun come upon you now. The Sun has heard your vows and seen your devotion, if there is any doubt, let darkness cover it and shun you, else, may its light shine to prove your worth." She waits, and as there is no sign of an eclipse after several heartbeats, she nods her head down, "Then so be it. With the authority awarded me by the municipality of Bairnell's Foothold and its exploratory settlement of Respite Falls, I pronounce you wed. Congratulations." She bows her head at the end of her role in this ceremony, smiling widely.
Louma waits no longer, turning, dropping the corsage and scooping May into a passionate kiss under her veil.
Maybelline is barely finished with her pronouncement when May leaps forward, only to be scooped up by Louma, meeting her passionate kiss in kind.
Louma waits for the polite clapping of their friends and family to die down a bit before lowering May to the ground, holding her hand. She looks to Xochi with a bright grin, still veiled. "Thank you for this great honor, highness."
Maybelline settles back onto the ground, but still leans against Louma's tail, holding her hand. "Thank you. It was perfect."
Xochi chuckles, "I am glad you think so, though I did so as a friend seeking to honor my friends. I am simply happy I could help. Now go on, you two. Enjoy your day with your friends and loved ones! I can smell the Orelan cuisine from here."
Louma giggles, nodding to Xochi before looking down to May. "I have to change out of this dress so I do not soil it with food. Maecy would be most upset. Come, my lovely wife, I will need your help~"
Maybelline grins at the word, feeling herself practically float up in the air, "You have it, Love. Getting you out of your dress is-" She remembers Xochi is still right there and coughs, "I mean yes. Of course, my equally stunning wife. Let's go make ourselves a little more comfy for the reception."