IMPERIAL WEDDING

[ErosTea 1084]

Penned by,

HRH The Prince of Alstion

HSH The Princess of Savoy

Lady Aliénor de Bruges

Anno Domini, 20th of Sigismund’s End, 2040

 

•• ━━━━━ •• ✠ •• ━━━━━ ••

 

ON THE UNION OF HOUSES OF HOREN

Under the ever-burning light of the Dragon’s flame and in the enduring memory of our forefathers, the Imperial House of Horen and the ancient House of Alstion proclaim a sacred union. His Imperial Highness Prince Hadrian, Duke of Grense and Imperial Crown Prince, son of His Imperial Majesty, Tiberias I, Emperor of Man and Restorer of the House of Horen, and Her Imperial Majesty, Circe of Myrine, Empress of Man, shall take to wife the Lady Elizabeth of Alstion, Countess of Johannesberg, daughter of Their Royal Highnesses Archduke Edward and Archduchess Cecily of Alba, heads of the noble House of Alstion and stewards of the Johannian inheritance. 

 

This union marks the joining of two great rivers that spring from a single divine source. It is a covenant born not only of admiration and kinship, but of providence and purpose. In it, the legacy of Horen finds harmony with the enduring strength of Alstion. What once stood as the pillar and its foundation now rise together again, firm and unshaken, guiding the realm with the memory of what was and the promise of what shall be. May this bond serve as a sign to all the world: that the Dragonblood endures and that the glory of Man is crowned anew.

 

It is such that the strengthening of the line of Horen through the preservation of Dragonblood heralds a new era for mankind with the union of this marriage of dragons sable and gold. Unto the Holy Imperium of Humanity and her allies, all are invited to partake in her festivities and to witness history in living moments.

 

A S   C O N F I R M E D   B Y,

THE DRACONIS-ATRIUM

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Tiberias I of Horen, Emperor of Man, on behalf Horen

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Cecily of Alstion, Arbiter Draconis

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, Edward of Balamena, on behalf Alstion

HIS HIGHNESS, Conrad of Blackvale, on behalf van Aert

SIR Charles of Verbant, on behalf Vilac

 

Page One

---

THE MONTH OF OWYN’S FLAME | Thursday, August 7th

 

CONVENING OF THE FAMILIES | 4:00 PM EST

The Imperial Palace, The 10th of Owyn’s Flame

The immediate families of HIH The Prince Hadrian Tiberius, Duke of Grense, and the Lady Elizabeth of Balamena, Countess of Johannesburg, are invited to partake in an exclusive gathering within the halls of the imperial palace, marking the formal commencement of the imperial wedding festivities. 

 

During this private occasion, the marriage contract shall be formally signed in the presence of the invited parties. Families of both the bride and groom are invited to present tokens of esteem and celebration to the betrothed couple, in honor of their upcoming union and in tribute to the joining of their noble houses.

 

DEVISE OF THE TROUSSEAU | 6:00 PM EST

The Morvelyn, The 20th of Owyn’s Flame

The ladies of the Empire are invited to an evening soirée held within the halls of the bride’s familial residence. During this gathering, her bridal procession shall officially take shape, including the selection of the Bridesmaids for the ceremony of nuptials, and of the Ladies-in-Waiting who shall shepherd the Crown Princess Expectant towards her new life on the event of her crossing across the bridge of St. Daniel, and furthermore, attend to her as an Imperial wife. 

 

The evening shall culminate in the appointment of First Lady of the Bedchamber, who shall preside over her wedded household as its chief, and be charged with the logistical preparation of her trousseau - including all gifted and commissioned robes, jewels, mantles, heirlooms, crests, and etc. presented to her as tokens of marriage in the preceding and forthcoming events.

 

Attendance is reserved exclusively for women of noble standing between the ages of 18 and 35, unless otherwise expressly summoned by the Lady Elizabeth. In such exceptional cases, the guest must present a letter bearing the Princess’s own hand and seal, verifying the invitation.

 

THE MONTH OF GODFREY’S TRIUMPH | Friday, August 8th

Scheduled are the Events as Follows

 

THE MEN’S PARLEY | 4:00 PM EST

The Imperial Palace Grounds, The 18th of Godfrey’s Triumph

An evening of convivial gathering reserved for noble gentlemen of the Empire aged eighteen and above, excepting those specially invited by the HIH The Duke of Grense. This relaxed affair honors the Prince before his wedding day and offers a refined setting for light conversation, the enjoyment of fine spirits, and the leisure of smoke, celebrating the evening in his esteemed company.

 

THE JOUST | 5:30 PM EST

Tourney Grounds of Alba, The 19th of Godfrey’s Triumph

A grand joust shall be held in honor of the betrothed pair, serving as a noble tribute to commemorate the conclusion of the Lady’s time within her ancestral lands. This joust shall invite all to witness feats of valor and chivalry befitting this momentous occasion.

 

THE MONTH OF TOBIAS’S BOUNTY | Saturday, August 9th

Scheduled are the Events as Follows

 

THE PROXY BAPTISMS | 3:00 PM EST

Cathedral of St. Raguel, Imperial Chapel, The 15th of Godfrery’s Triumph

In preparation for their nuptials, the bride and groom shall, by proxy, be washed in the rite of baptism, sanctifying the selves before being allowed to formally vest eyes upon each other under GOD’s holy grace. Prince Hadrian’s baptism shall take place in the Chapel of the Imperial Palace, whilst Lady Elizabeth’s baptism shall be held in the Cathedral of St. Raguel. A private affair, both ceremonies shall be attended by family alone and those invited by direct letter, preceding the public spectacle of their union.

 

CROSSING OF THE BRIDGE OF ST. DANIEL | 3:30 PM EST

The Morvelyn, The 15th of Godfrey’s Triumph

Ensuing her baptismal, Lady Elizabeth shall make the crossing of St. Daniels Bridge barefoot, stepping into the shoes of her new life with the virtue and humility of St. Julia, she be blessed. In tow, her chosen retinue shall walk alongside the parade of her trousseau, which shall be hoisted upon a caravan, as she makes the crossing of the Bridge of St. Daniel into the capital city. The House of Alstion and all the residents of the Archduchy are invited to witness this allegory of holy transition and honor her moment of departure.

 

Furthermore, she will advance towards the imperial palace, where she shall be united with her betrothed to complete their baptisms by partaking of the same chalice. 

 

THE NUPTIALS | 4:00 PM EST

Holy See, The 30th of Godfrey’s Triumph

The wedding will be held within the Holy See, where the betrothed shall be wed under the eye of God. All in the empire are invited to be in attendance to witness the holy matrimony. Before the bride’s arrival, a procession shall commence—first with Lady Elizabeth’s bridesmaids, followed by Prince Hadrian’s groomsmen, and concluding with the choir of the Prince’s Institution—all of whom shall take their designated places. The bride shall then make her entrance, proceeding to the altar to join the groom, where they will be united in matrimony.

 

THE FEAST | 5:00 PM EST

Imperial Palace, The 30th of Godfrey’s Triumph

Proceeding from the nuptials, the wedding party is invited into the gardens of the Imperial Palace, wherein a banquet of reverent magnitude shall have been erect in the early morning for the revelry of all guests, coaxed by rills of music from the instruments of the most famous troubadours across the vast imperial lands. Here, all those bearing presents shall be allowed to form a line by order of precedence, with a herald to direct the rate of pleasantries so as to allow all a turn in greeting the Crown Prince and his virtuous new consort.

 

Once gifts have been received and given thanks for, the advent of the bridal dowry unto the Imperial Palace shall be witnessed by the wedding party, as undersigned.

 

THE MONTH OF SUN’S SMILE | Sunday, August 10th

Scheduled are the Events as Follows

 

THE CONCLUDING BALL | 3:00 PM EST

Imperial Palace, The 1st of Sun’s Smile

A grand concluding ball shall be held within the imperial palace, where the bride and groom will share the first dance. Thereafter, all guests shall be invited to join the newlywed prince and princess upon the floor in celebration and partake in the following waltz.
 

Page Two

---

A Prayer Unto the Union

 

☨

“O Lord, who judgeth the secrets of all hearts, look with mercy upon these thy servants, who draw nigh to be bound in holy wedlock. If there be any shadow, known or unknown, that should hinder the joining of their lives, bring it to light in Thy good time, for no vow is hidden from Thine eyes, and no covenant escapes Thy reckoning.    Bestow upon the bride a spirit enduring and full of grace. May she be as loveable to her husband as Julia was to Horen, and as wise in her dealings as Theodosia was to Aurelius. Let gentleness dwell upon her brow, and piety within her keeping.    Bless her beloved also, that he may be a husband both tender and true. One slow to anger, steadfast in affection, and upright in all his ways. Let their hearts be knit not by passion alone, but by patience, reverence, and the courage of daily mercy.    And grant, O God, that as they are joined in the sight of men, they be also held fast in Thy divine favor. Pour upon them the dew of Thy blessing: not for this hour only, but all the days of their dwelling together. Make their household a refuge of peace, a garden of fidelity, and a lamp shining against the dusk. And when the days of their journey are spent, bring them at last to Thine everlasting rest, lofted in Thy Kingdom that is the Seven Skies above.”

Amen

 

Page Three

---

 

H V M A N I T A S    I N V I C T A

 

“Für Gott und Kaiser,”

 

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Tiberias I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, 

Emperor of Man, Holy Imperator, King of Burgundy, Seventis, Salvus, Renatus & Oren, 

Duke of Middelan, Helena, Lorraine, Sunholdt and Reutov, Protector of Grense, Protector of the Heartlanders, Patriarch of House Horen & the Tiberian Dynasty, 

Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith.

 

 HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Circe of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD,

Empress of Man, Queen of Burgundy, Seventis, Salvus, Renatus & Oren,

Duchess of Middelan, Helena, Lorraine, Sunholdt and Reutov, Baroness of Pestilles, Lady of Myrine.

 

BVRGVNDIA IMPERIVM

 

Their Royal Highnesses, Cecily and Edward of Alstion,

Princes of Alstion and Aanen, Archdukes of Alba, Dukes of Balamena, the Lowlands, Franklands, and Corazon, Counts of Whitespire, Enswerp, Thesmer, and Yves, Barons of Placentia, and Virdain, Lords of Elizabeth, Defenders of the Godwinites, Protectors of the Franklands, Patriarchs of the Johannian Dynasty, etcetera.

TANDEM TRIUMPHANS

[mojanghunter 566]

From elsewhere,  the Count Österland smiled upon hearing of the coming nuptials, and prayed that this union of dragons would usher in a century of peace and prosperity, that which had already been heralded by the restoration of the line of Horen.

[brujera 1152]

Elizabeth sat by the arching mullioned windows of her private chambers within the Morvelyn Castle. She held the missive in her grasp, hands trembling only slightly. As the golden morning light spilled across the floor, she read it in silence. A hush held her lips as she droned in thought, those gathered around her moving like clockwork performing their various duties. Maids fluttered between wardrobes, tailors murmured measurements as they hemmed skirts and bodices, and jewelers laid out cases of pearls and sapphires upon velvet. Elizabeth remained still, unsure of what to make of it all.

"Shall I wear the purple or the gold?" She asked to Jane, whom sat beside her. @ncarr

[ncarr 2806]

1 minute ago, brujera said:

Elizabeth sat by the arching mullioned windows of her private chambers within the Morvelyn Castle. She held the missive in her grasp, hands trembling only slightly. As the golden morning light spilled across the floor, she read it in silence. A hush held her lips as she droned in thought, those gathered around her moving like clockwork performing their various duties. Maids fluttered between wardrobes, tailors murmured measurements as they hemmed skirts and bodices, and jewelers laid out cases of pearls and sapphires upon velvet. Elizabeth remained still, unsure of what to make of it all.

"Shall I wear the purple or the gold?" She asked to Jane, whom sat beside her. @ncarr

Jane, juxtaposed from her sister-by-law, maintained a restless gaze among the flurry of courtiers that moved about her quarters as she lounged at Elizabeth’s side. Her frame slumped against a window-flanking chaise, and her digits held a pamphlet open in her lap to which she paid no mind. She bore little excitement initially, though after Elizabeth’s addressment, the Duchess perked up. With a smile tugging at her lips, she returned, “Gold”.

[Carson 1165]

Gwen of Balamena no longer paid attention to political affairs, so caught up in the machinations of the Mountain was she. But when her husband alerted her of the news of her niece's wedding, her attention was restored to the life she'd nearly relinquished, a life she'd kept one foot in and one foot out of. For it was not the wedding of a future empress that interested the Alstion, but that of her niece who she indeed loved very much despite fraught relations with her father.

 

She sent a gift of Tawantinsuyin embroidery depicting a shining sun over an alpaca grazing on high-altitude grass, and signed the note with a heart at the end.