Imperial Wedding

[Sultan 3953]

 

((You do not have to read the first post. But please check the second post before you reply this just a summary of what happens before)) 

 

 

As the time of the wedding neared the whole of the empire was joyful and preparing for celebration. Today was the marriage of the Emperor and his beloved fiancee Lady Ari Horen-Rothesay. Shortly after sunset the guests began to arrive at the heavily secluded Duchy of Leone, dressed in the colors of their respective families greeted by ranks of Rothesay halberdiers and Imperial soldiers. As the guests approached the Church they pass through many ranks of Imperial Knights, decked in gilded helmets and wielding ceremonial swords. Watching the last of the guests enter, the guests rose from their seats at the front of the hall to hear the Imperial Anthem. The choir began to sing.

God save our Emperor!

Long live His Majesty!

God save John!

Send him victorious,

Happy and glorious,

Long to reign over us:

God save Oren!

O Lord our God arise,

Scatter our enemies,

And make them fall:

Confound their politics,

Frustrate their foreign tricks,

On You our hopes we fix:

God save us all.

Thy blessed gifts in store,

On him be pleased to pour;

Long may he reign:

May he defend our walls,

And ever give us cause

To sing with heart and voice

God save John!

The crowd took their seats as the last notes of the song died down. All eyes fixed upon the groom, Emperor John II. He entered from the right, wearing a coronet of silver and magnificent purple doublet threaded in gold. He was accompanied by the High Pontiff Tobias I and other senior clergy, all outfitted in equally extravagant robes of crimson and gold. The groomsmen followed diligently, lead by the best man The Knight of Wenden Ser Bruno. The bridesmaids, similarly lead by their Maid of Honor Princess Philipa Horen, filed in from the left.

 

There was a silent gasp as the bride entered, escorted by her elder brother the archchancellor lord Rothesay duke of Leone. Her ladyship Ari  shows so much beauty, the hearts of the onlookers are instantly melted. Her hair sits with neat braiding, curls falling softly to outline her delicate face. Among the braids, stunning white rose buds are placed, which emphasis her beauty and the color of her grey eyes.

Her curves are accentuated by a tight fitted bodice adorned with lace and trimmed with pearls. Her arms are covered in lace sleeves that stop just before her elbow and the pale ivory of her skirts cascade and pool around her feet in a waterfall of silk. In Ari’s hands she holds a beautiful bunch of pure white roses. A lace veil covers her eyes and trails down her back.. There was an extended pause before the stunned priest remembered to say “All rise for the Bride” and the orchestra began to play.

Her ladyship Ari arrived at the altar as the orchestra faded away. Lord Rothesay stepped away respectfully and took his seat by his brothers Lord Henry and Lord Baldwin as the High Pontiff began the ceremony.

We are gathered here in the sight of God and these witnesses to unite Emperor John and Lady Ari in holy matrimony. As followers of Holy Light, they know that God ordained marriage as a sacred bond between man and woman, a divine institution of monogamy and holy love.

Emperor John and Lady Ari, as you prepare to take these vows, give careful thought and prayer, for as you make them you are making an exclusive commitment one to the other for as long as you both shall live. Your love for each other should never be diminished by difficult circumstances, and it is to endure on this mortal world and the divine one beyond. As God's creations, your marriage is strengthened by obedience to your Heavenly Creator and His Word. If you should let God’s will guide your marriage, He will cause your home to be a place of joy and a testimony to the world.

He took a moment of silence as to lead the congregation in prayer.

Our Creator; love has been Your richest and greatest gift to the world. Love between a man and woman which matures into marriage is Your most beautiful earthly love. Today we celebrate that love. May your blessing be upon this wedding. Protect, guide, and bless Emperor John and Lady Ari in their marriage. Surround them and us with Your love now and always.

The Pontiff paused to request the congregation be seated, then continued.

Doubly blessed is the couple which comes to the marriage altar with the approval and blessings of their families and friends. Who has the honor of presenting this woman to be married to this man?

Adrian stood, I do. The Pontiff nods his head slightly as the Duke takes his seat, motioned for the choir to begin a hymn.

1. All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful,

The One God made them all.

2. Each little flower that opens,

Each little bird that sings,

He made their glowing colours,

He made their graceful wings..

3. The noble in his castle,

The freeman at his gate,

God made them high and lowly,

And ordered their estate.

4. The snowy crested mountain,

The river running by,

The sunset and the morning,

That brightens up our sky;−

5. The cold wind in the winter,

The pleasant summer sun,

The ripe fruits in the garden,−

He made them every one:

6. The tall trees in the forest,

The meadows where we play,

The rushes by the water,

We gather every day;−

7. He gave us eyes to see them,

And lips that we might tell,

How great is God Almighty,

Who has made all things well.

The Pontiff resumed after the hymn was completed.

Permit me to charge you both to remember that your future happiness is to be found in mutual consideration, patience, kindness, confidence, and affection. Emperor John, it is your duty to love Lady Ari as yourself, provide leadership, and protect her from danger. Lady Ari, it is your duty to treat Emperor John with respect, obey, support him, and make his home a sanctuary of peace. It is the duty of each of you to find the greatest joy in the company of the other; to remember that in both interest and affection, you are to be one and undivided.

The Pontiff, in a deep voice which resonated throughout the church, began the pledge.

Emperor John and Lady Ari, you have made a solemn decision in choosing to marry each other today. You are entering into a sacred covenant as eternal partners before God. The quality of your marriage will reflect what you put into nurturing this relationship. You have the opportunity to go forward from this day to create a faithful, kind, and tender home. We bless you this day. It your charge to keep the blessings of the Creator each and every day of your lives together. We wish for you the wisdom, compassion, and constancy to create a sacred union.

Emperor John, do you understand and accept this responsibility, and do you take it as your duty to create a loving, healthy, and happy marriage?

Emperor John: Yes, we do.

Lady Ari, do you understand and accept this responsibility, and do you take it as your duty to create a loving, healthy, and happy marriage?

Lady Ari: Yes, I do.

The Groom and Bride prepared to take their vows, without the faintest tremor of uncertainty.

We, John, take you Ari, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'til death do us part: according to God's holy ordinance, and thereto I pledge you my love and faithfulness.

I, Ari, take you Emperor John, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'til death do us part: according to God's holy ordinance, and thereto I pledge you my love and faithfulness.

High Pontiff: May I have the rings. Let us pray. Bless, O Lord, the giving and receiving of these rings. May Emperor John and Lady Ari abide in Thy peace and grow in their knowledge of Your presence through their loving union. May the seamless circle of these rings become the symbol of their endless love and serve to remind them of the holy covenant they have entered into today to be faithful, loving, and kind to each other. Dear God, may they live in Your grace and be forever true to this union. Amen.

Emperor John: Ari, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Creator, and of the Prophets, and of the Holy Light. With this ring, I thee wed.

Lady Ari: Emperor John, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Creator, and of the Prophets, and of the Holy Light. With this ring, I thee wed.

With the completion of the vows, the two took from the altar small candles of beeswax. They nurtured them carefully as they approached a single, larger candle near the end of the platform. They tipped them gently against the unlit wick of the large candle as one would a pitcher of wine, lighting it and bathing their faces in a warm glow.

As the candles united the Pontiff spoke.

Your two respective candles were lit to represent both your lives in this moment. They were two distinct lights, each capable of separate action. As you join now in marriage, there is a merging of these two lights into one light. This is what the Lord meant when He said, "On this account a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall be one flesh." From now on your thoughts shall be for each other rather than your individual selves. Your plans shall be mutual, your joys and sorrows shall be shared alike. As you each take a candle and together light the center one, you will extinguish your own candles, thus letting the center candle represent the union of your lives into one flesh. As this one light cannot be divided, neither shall your lives be divided but a united testimony in a blessed home. May the radiance of this one light be a testimony of your unity in the Creator's eyes.

There was a brief pause as Emperor John and Lady Ari snuffed out their small candles, leaving only the large one to illuminate them standing together.

For as much as Emperor John  and Lady Ari have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and these witnesses, and there to have pledged their faithfulness each to the other, and have pledged the same by the giving and receiving each of a ring, by the authority vested in me as a High Pontiff of the Faith according to the laws of the Holy Oren Empire, I pronounce that they are husband and wife together, in the name of the Creator, and of the Prophets, and of the Holy Light. Those that Creator has joined together, let no man put asunder.

The Pontiff went to his knees to recite the closing prayer.

Be who God meant you to be and you will illuminate the world. Marriage is intended to be a holy vehicle by which man and woman unite to become what God intended each to be, their deepest and truest selves.

Some are full of fear for the future of the prospects of our world but the message of the celebrations in this country and far beyond its borders is the right one – this is a joyful day! It is good that people in every land are able to share in these celebrations because this is, as every wedding day should be, a day of hope.

In a sense every wedding is a royal wedding with the bride and the groom as king and queen of creation, making a new life together so that life can flow through them into the future.

Emperor John and Lady Ari, you have chosen to be married in the sight of a generous God who so loved the world. And in the Spirit of this generous God, husband and wife are to give themselves to each other.

A spiritual life grows as love finds its centre beyond ourselves. Faithful and committed relationships offer a door into the mystery of spiritual life in which we discover this; the more we give of self, the richer we become in soul; the more we go beyond ourselves in love, the more we become our true selves and our spiritual beauty is more fully revealed. In marriage we are seeking to bring one another into fuller life.

It is of course very hard to wean ourselves away from self-centredness. And people can dream of doing such a thing but the hope should be fulfilled it is necessary a solemn decision that, whatever the difficulties, we are committed to the way of generous love.

You have both made your decision today – “I do” – and by making this new relationship, you have aligned yourselves with what we know is the way in which life is spiritually evolving, and which will lead to a creative future for the human race.

We stand looking forward to a century which is full of promise and full of peril. Human beings are confronting the question of how to use wisely a power that has been given to us through by the Creator. We shall not be converted to the promise of the future by more knowledge, but rather by an increase of loving wisdom and reverence, for life, for the land and for one another.

Marriage should transform, as husband and wife make one another their work of art. It is possible to transform as long as we do not harbour ambitions to reform our partner. There must be no coercion if the Spirit is to flow; each must give the other space and freedom. this poem, sums it up in a pithy phrase:

“Whan maistrie [mastery] comth, the God of Love anon,

Beteth his wynges, and farewell, he is gon.”

There has been a corresponding inflation of expectations that personal relations alone will supply meaning and happiness in life. This is to load our partner with too great a burden. We are all incomplete: we all need the love which is secure, rather than oppressive, we need mutual forgiveness, to thrive.

As we move towards our partner in love, following the example of the Prophets. This leads to a family life which offers the best conditions in which the next generation can practise and exchange those gifts which can overcome fear and division and incubate the coming world of the Spirit, whose fruits are love and joy and peace.

I pray that all of us present and the many millions sharing in your joy today, will do everything in our power to support and uphold you in your new life. And I pray that God will bless you in the way of life that you have chosen, that way which is expressed in the prayer that you have composed together in preparation for this day:

Our Creator, we thank you for our families; for the love that we share and for the joy of our marriage. In the busyness of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy.

Strengthened by our union help us to serve and comfort those who suffer. We ask this in the light of the Divine. So say we all.

As the Pontiff took a moment of silence, bowing his head and making the holy symbol before raising his head to the couple.

Pontiff: Emperor John, you may now kiss your Bride.

The Emperor leaned in and plants a small kiss on her lips.

Pontiff: It is now my privilege to introduce to you for the first time as one flesh, His Imperial Majesty Emperor John II and And her Imperial Majesty Ari II the Empress Consort .

[Sultan 3953]

 

The Hall of St. Daniel in the Palace of Leone is a monument of Horen Imperial architecture and history. This was reflected, of course, in its lavish decorations. Many yards of linen and silk tapestries adorned the walls, depicting famous scenes from Imperial history. The upper windows were circles, framed with painted garters.

 

In the centre of the building, in a large gilded oval, Godfrey I was represented in the habit of the Order of the Cross of Horen. His right foot rested on a lion's head, and he was attended to by Renatus, Hanseti, and Salvus. Religion and Plenty, represented by cherubs, held the crown of the three kingdoms above him. On each side of the monarch were images of Aegis and Asulon, superimposed with emblems of war and peace.

 

In the same oval as the exalted Emperor was the seal of the Imperial House, supported by two stylized images of the cherubs Holiness and Eternity. The Angel of Justice, attended by fortitude, temperance, and prudence, was depicted beating down the twin devils of rebellion and faction.

 

Nearer the throne was an octagon, in which was St. Daniel’s Cross, encircled with a Garter similar to those decorating the windows. It was upon a Star of Glory decorated with an array of Cupids, and embellished with the motto: ‘’Shamed be he who thinks evil of it’’ in raised letters. The Seven Muses attended to the image in full concert, completing the of the grandeur of the Hall.

 

In the lower compartments of the ceiling, over the music gallery, was the collar of the Order of the Cross of Horen, likewise supported by cupids. It was encompassed with a variety of characters mythical and historical characters, emblematic of the illustrious Order.

 

On the north side of the chamber, extending nearly six score feet in length, was the elegantly painted the triumph of Edgar the Steadfast, son of King Charles I and founder of the Order of the Cross of Horen. He was depicted seated at the upper end of the image receiving Richard, King of Grwund and David, King of Orlkan as prisoners.

 

At the lower end of the hall was the noble music gallery, finely carved and gilt, supported by four slaves, beautifully carved in wood, bending, as it were, beneath their burden. The floor was paved with black and white marble, and at one end, on a balcony, was a glorious baroque throne, richly gilded and supported by carved figures of slaves.

 

As the varied guests entered, they were announced in a startlingly grandiose manner by a veritable army of heralds. Members of the gentry received a few trumpet calls, but the royals and higher members of the nobility were treated to what amounts to a symphony of brass instruments. The clamor was surprisingly tolerable, but it still caused a few winces amongst the more sensitive members of the audience. Upon entering the hall, the racket from outside faded and a soft orchestra could be heard.

 

 

 

Sonorous notes of violins, harps, and other instruments filled the ballroom. Sounds flowed off the walls, and tempted the onlookers into dance, their bodies swaying as if under a spell. Some resisted the temptation, opting to stay on the edges of the room drinking and being merry. The times were clearly quite good in the Empire, especially for the nobility.

 

Emperor, John II, rested high upon his throne in a balcony over the ballroom. Eyes of warm, haunted gray-blue stared down upon his subjects, to his side sits his new Empress. Glancing down into the cup of burgundy liquid which he was delighting in, the Emperor smirked at his own reflection.

 

(OOC Information)

- When you first enter the ballroom you have to role play the Herald announcing your name and full title - If you are an unlanded noble Lord {name} is your title.

- Main idea is to mingle, dance, plot between nobles, win favor, talk politics etc. AND OF-COURSE SHOW OFF YOUR CLOTHS.

- Please be warned weaponry is strictly forbidden, as a noble you should know not to bring any if you do you can leave it behind with the guards or not enter. But of course nobles cannot be naked so ceremonial blades shall be allowed.

- Please be warned this forum roleplay is strictly for Oren recognized Nobility and Invited Ambassadors, and invited Burghers. You shall not have access to such an occasion if you are anything else I apologies.

- This is a very formal event, if you dress improperly you wont be allowed entry and if you act improperly you shall be removed and it shall be taken as a insult to the Emperor.

- Noble escorts are not allowed inside the walls of Leone, they are all stationed outside of the walls for when their Lords leave, only the noble and their families are allowed entry inside of Leone proper.

- No one line posts they well be deleted.

[Sultan 3953]

The trumpets and instruments would blare, afterwards Head herald would then yell announcing. 

 

"His Grace Duke of Leone, The rightful honorable Viscount of Rothesay, Lord Adrian Of House Horen-Rothesay The Imperial ArchChancellor."

 

 

Adrian would slowly walk downwards his cane tapping the floor as he does, it was made of ebony metal topping it off was the handle which was made out of silver in the shape of a Dragons head.

 

His cloths consisted of a kind of tight waistcoat under his coat, fastened by tags, and of very close-fitting breeches, which displayed the outlines of his figure, a feathered cap rested on his head. He wore a mantle, trimmed with velvet, it was open in front, its false sleeves being slit up above in order to allow the arms of the under coat to pass through. His hand ended with puffed sleeves, which gave considerable gracefulness to the upper part of the body. To finish of his attire he wore shoes which were a kind of large padded shoe of black leather, round at the toes, and gored over the foot with colored material.

 

He would join some nobles on the side talking over a glass of wine.

[Fishy 2709]

The trumpeters would sound off once more, the herald piping up again. 

 

"Announcing the Right Honorable Count of Krinfrid & Hengfors, Lord Protector of Upper & Lower Angren and the Prophet's Peak, the last Elector of Kaedrin, Lord Reinholt Helvets of Krinfrid."

 

The herald cried out, presenting a young man of no more than seventeen years with proper posture and grace. The lord's eyes gleamed like two oval-cut peridots, off set by his auburn hair recently ruffled by the Leonese winter. He held a pale, milky complexion defined by his Aeldinic heritage and the refined features of his Horen mother, including a narrow nose. As he made his entrance into the court, the ceremonial aurum blade on his hip rattled in its gilded sheathe, its ghastly spinal-like hilt polished to shine like ivory. Reinholt wore a black doublet with gilt buttons emblazoned with a rose aflame and a pair of crimson armbands over white sleeves that ended in a frill, wearing also red and white striped trousers of Aeldinic fashion and black leather riding boots.

Soon after arriving he would greet his maternal relatives with their due respect and honorifics before disappearing into the general anonymity of the attendees. 

[Jonificus 2741]

Yet another fanfare bellows out over the hall, the herald takes a deep breath before calling out the new arrival.

 

"His Excellency, Lord Mithius Dalma, Patriarch of the esteemed elven House of Dalma, Count of Fredericksburg, Grand Merchant of Khalestine and Lord Steward of the Kingdom of Vandoria."

 

((not a reference to the clothing, more of a reference to the character himself !))

 

The obese highborn dark elf swaggers merrily into the hall, donning more humble garbs for a change. 

One would first take notice of the Lord's dark blue overgown lined with proper fur from a northern mountain lynx, contrasting brightly with the intense dark blue cloth. Quilted sleeves from his dark turquoise doublet slither down his forearms, ending at the chubby bejeweled hands. The two centuries old courtier wears a pair of flattering tight stockings that just barely holds itself intact, his fine leather belt and silver buckle have no practical use as his stretched leggings have no issue keeping themselves up on their own. With comfortable curved toe slippers of ancient dark elven design the aristocrat shuffles past the ceremonial guards.

 

The jovial elf wanders into the crowd, his hearty laughs and carousing blending swiftly in with the rest.

 

 

[Heff 2460]

"Announcing Father Svatobor Ivanovich, Uncle of the Hetman Sveneld of the Kosaks and Krajia. Sitter of the Patriarchal Seat of the Sich Rada in Godanski."

The Herald states cautiously, the priest trailed by a group of kosaks in mismatched armors and furs. 

Svatobor frowns, sniffing at the various wines on display. He finally finds a fine vodka, the kosaks in his company claiming a table for he. They reluctantly leave horses adorned in sabres and bows at the gates, being tended to by palace guards. His clothes are simple woolen, black robes. He is adorned with a large, gilded Ruskan cross and a single black crow pin. His hair has been tamed for this event, his beard a large mess of black and grey. The priest makes no attempt at the heartlandish dancings going about, busying himself to taste upon the various drinks on display. The fit warrior-turned-priest reclines now, a bottle in hand, a rather stressed appearance on his face. He pulls a seat, awaiting for the Hetman Sveneld. He scans the palace, waiting for his noble allies and kin of Vladovic, Sarkozic, and Kovachev to arrive, reserving them seats as well. Suddenly the kosak escort is ushered from the palace by armed guards and he puts his head in his hands as they make ruckus and curses, returning to their steeds out in the stables.

[GloriaPreussens 798]

The trumpets blast again, the herald announce the cominf of another

 

"Now Presenting His Apostolic Majesty, Godfrey I of Vandoria, King of Vandoria, Archduke of Felden, Duke of Vanderfell and Longfield, Markgraff of Krinford, etcetera, etcetera."

 

Godfrey would move into the hall, his face rather blank save for a sudden frown. On his hip rested a Longsword of finely polished steel and a decorated hilt inlaid with an amethyst upon its pommel. His attire was martial, a polished silver lorica over a purple and black tunic, frilling upon the ahoulders. His trousers were stripped black and white with black leather riding boots. Upon his plan head sat a gilded circlet laid with a dark red ruby with an intentional lack of glimmer.

 

Like those of his namesake, he bore a fair skin and a narrow nose with a sharp cut to his features. His eyes were the color of dark steel and his light brown hair was shaven at the sides in the modern fashion of Oren.

 

Striding into the room he would greet his new sister by law, and of course his brother John, the Emperor before taking a generous chalice of wine, mingling with the prestigious guests.

[Pav33 101]

A squad of Carnatian soldiers would stop about a half mile from Leon's walls, following a man in fine clothing on horse. About a yard from the gates, Nikolas would tie his horse to a post before proceeding inside. Thus, the trumpets would sound

 

"We introduce Nikolas Kovachev, son of the Jan Kovachev whom is the duke of Carnatia."

 

Nikolas would find a table and take his seat before motioning for a squire to fill his cup. He frowns when he presents him with the fine wine of Leon, and instead gladly settles for some Carnatian vodka. He seems to have a finely trimmed beard and dons fine clothing in the colors of the Kovachev household. He carries a sword in a sheath, though it is obviously ceremonial and could not even serve as a letter-opener!

 

[Sultan 3953]

Adrian would approach, the young Lord Kovachev tapping his cane as he goes.

 

"Greetings Lord Nikolas, how do you do?" He would make small talk for a little bet then ask. "I do not see your father yet shall he be arriving soon?"

 

He would speak as he sips slowly from his wine glass.

[LPT 771]

  The entire orchestra plays alongside the loud trumpets as The High Pontiff strides into the hall, looking to the people in the room. He still wears his traditional wedding robes as well as his papal tiara. A loud herald reads the long list of titles loudly to cut through the ambient noise of the room

 

  " We proudly introduce His Holiness Tobias the first of his name, Archbishop of Luciensport, Prince-Bishop of Visiga, Huss, and Holofernes, Successor of the High Priesthood of the Church, Principal Missionary of the Gentiles, Supreme Pontiff of the Church of True Faith, Keeper of the Canon, High Servant to the Exalted's Testaments, Humble Servant of the Faithful and Vicar of GOD."

 

  The High Pontiff gives a humble wave of his right hand to the group of guests as he walks to a table to enjoy a feast of imperial proportions. As he eats the meal with grace he gives Adrian a polite nod and smile from across the table

[mmat 7460]

The herald peers over to the formally black-clad and slightly tired looking entrant with a gaze that would not indicate recognition in the slightest. Expected, considering the absence of the young man. Hie eyes avert slightly downwards, to the vigil on his chest before nodding in abrupt understanding, voice cutting through the pleasant chatter.

 

"Greetings and welcome back to his Lordship, Baron Oscar Lancefeld of Avernus."

 

 

After giving a brief smile, the newly returned Oscar looks around the room filled with noblemen and women for any face that may seem familiar, but finds only one. He recognised Adrian immediately, acknowledging him with a recognising gaze towards him; his mother's cousin..? He thought he half remembered, banishing the thought from his mind as he absent mindedly gazed into the crowd, his mind somewhere else until he would be shaken from his trance, grey eyes trained upon the reflection cast in the heretofore empty glass in his hand.

[Tibertastic 107]

The herald would begin again, albeit with less flavour than the others, this one was hardly known.

 

"The Honourable Ser, Bastian de Aryn!"

 

Bastian would stroll inside, hardly expecting a nod for his untitled name, to fetch a glass of good Savoy Red and then begins to mingle with guests He would of course congratulate the Emperor and Consort with a gift, a bottle of Sweet Virdian wine. "As sweet as this ceremony tastes like in my heart, Imperial Holiness."  he'd give a nod and a charming smile and make his way to charm more nobility.

 

 

[Pav33 101]

Nikolas would sip from his glass while talking to Lord Adrian
"Personally I do not know, he has a lot of projects going on at home"

He'd then continue to make small talk, while now putting down his glass, which seems drained of it's contents.