Wedding Bells

    Elly's time in ETO has been a journey with ups, downs, and many challenges. Along the way, she has made friends dearer to her than many in the dream before. She has also stepped farther away from the constraints of what she was to be the woman she now is.

    In the face of all this change, there has been a north star, a central reference point that served as her guide through what would otherwise have felt like chaos. Her relationship with Tae has been that fixed point and the destination has been marriage.

    Today, that finally is going to happen. To prepare for this, the Castle Eas was claimed, then cleared, and restored. Elly became a baroness in fact rather than just in name. The long-lost city began was rebuilt and just when all seemed on the brink of readiness, war came to Yamato.

    The war postponed the wedding, threatening not only the land of Eas but the free will of all adventurers. Only when the enemy was driven from these shores were Elly and Tae able to turn their attention back to the wedding. A date was set, preparations began. Gwen was set to work on dresses, Nurse Uta was selected as the Maid of Honor, and Kauchemar would arrange the music. Guests from every alliance and kingdom were invited. All that remained was to finish some of a few small preparations, decorate the castle, and say, "I do."

    Or so they thought.

    But ETO is a land of constant change and challenge.

    In this case, a call came from over the sea to provide aid to adventurers from the Palace Lands. When asked to help others break free from the slavery of cursed crowns, the priestess and her people rose to the occasion. That a woman in shackles worked to break crowns makes for some interesting symbolism.

    Those efforts, too, are completed. In the shadow of the statue of The Beautiful One, the labor to build a statue to The Blind One has flourished.

    Evidence of that work is gone. With great haste the last carts were sent off and the Arcade of Eas cleaned. Today, every stone of is gleaming. The great highway is swept clean all the way to the Gate of Wood below the distant foothills of Eas. Not all was perfect, though. The mountains were brooding in a cloak of cloud this morning, even threatening rain. Fortunately, the heavens have seen fit to bless the couple and their guests with a gift. The clouds parted and warm beams of sunlight now flood the area, filling the area with a golden glow.

    Rows of chairs have been set out around the statue of The Beautiful One in an arc, so that all may see. Well-dressed ushers are arranged at each arch, helping guests find their proper seats. From inside the theater, the sounds of soft music can be heard. Anticipation is in the air. Soon the ceremony will begin.

Goldenblade has, strangely, not found herself particularly tasked for this event. It's surprising, for her, but maybe not. There's nothing left to build, and that's her specialty, so she's simply here as a guest. She's more or less well-dressed, she's wearing a dress rather than chainmail, and a fairly formal one at that, as much as she knows about womens' dresses. She's no expert, but she's asked the right people, and here she is, in a gold dress slashed with red, and she's seated close to the front, where she has a good view. This is her first time attending a wedding /as/ a woman, so she's not sure about the ettiquette. She will wing it.

Rest assured the music will be more present when the time comes. But for now the musicians gathered for the event are just providing some soft ambience while they warm up. Under the lead of Eas' premiere Bard of course. Kauchemar was essentially the court musician, having even crafted an anthem to help distinguish the young nation of it's own. But this was the event, put off several times as the rest of Elder Tale's needs had come and gone, that was to fully cement that position.

Haru shows up to the event with Gwen and Uta, though they have varied roles. He has had the honor of working with Elly to design and craft the rings for the ceremony as well as provide a enchanted decor that is so new on the economic markets that only a Baroness could get such a priority order. A true show of beauty and royalty. For his part in this now is to show up and enjoy the day. It is a quiet grace to his motions as he makes sure there are drinks in hand and smiles on faces.

    Hyuga, on the other hand, had prepared for such an eventuality once he had realized that people would likely be stuck in ETO for a good while. Making use of the Glamour system, some creative ingenuity, and a few harvests' worth of money, Hyuga showed up to the wedding event with a bespoke suit of armor that looked like someone had fused a tuxedo and platemail. It is sheer black, glistening with oil, and makes very little sound as he moves. His Greatshield, normally just a slab of imposing-looking metal, is a black and white affair with wing-like addons, as if some sort of dark angel of defense and beauty, a fusion of forging and decoration. He wears his hammer on his left hip, but in his right hand, he carries an Item to place on the gift table.

Gwen may have done some of the food for the event, she's here she's in good spirit she's also trying to somehow hang on to Haru. She's also clad in a very darring ornage dress with white gloves and white thigh high boots. Also the sides are just darring part as there's little cloth. This is clearly a Morri design of some sort. How she got Gwen into it only the Gods know for sure.

https://imgur.com/4Ijrbr1

    Fuka may well have helped with some of the decorations, but more likely she just usurped supervision of those who were already doing the job entirely without her help. She has also helped arrange for some of the food to be delivered, making use of the Chill Caravan to help deliver certain perishables in a way so that they didn't, in fact, perish. She may also have added a few ... specialty foods. Her own treat to the couple-to-be. If the nature of these foods is rather ribald or at least suggestive, well, hopefully it'll be taken in good humour!

    Other than that however, she's here to enjoy the festivities! However, she has duties to attend to... so at least for the moment, she's not hanging out socializing. She'd certainly been seen earlier, but she had a few preparations to make! Surely she'll appear shortly! No that wasn't a height joke.

Ayame didn't cook. Mostly because she didn't want those who had been here to go home with sickness. But she had been busy, certainly over the last few hours, bustling, reassuring, and otherwise aiding the wedding party. But still, as the wedding time drew close, she had vanished as well!

SpritesHero is late. Almost. His haphazard and breathless entry is prefaced by the echoes of pounding footsteps, followed by the skittering of too-slick hard-soled dress shoes as he nearly slides right past his seat. A last-minute flurry of motion is sufficient to save him from an outright accident.

He's managed to find a reasonable suit somewhere. He nearly manages to wear it reasonably; it is ironed and the shirt stiffly starched, but the collar is undone, the tie is askew, and he is plagued by a persistant cowlick that does not help his image whatsoever. But he's here and he's in position. Even if he is continually side-eyeing and squinting at a bit of reflective metal as he tries to fix his tie.

Anyone who has followed Josh Syx's career would absolutely remember the time that he interrupted Ryan 'Crusher' Cunningham's in-ring wedding in order to spill the beans that Crusher's bride to be had been unfaithful. That ended up with Crusher going through the table with the cake on it.

Or the time where Syx himself had been the best man for his then tag team partner Yoshiro's wedding, only to have it interrupted by the Top Guys, who then proceeded to beat Syx and Yoshiro both down and kidnap the newly minted bride.

Syx isn't expecting those kind of shenanigans this time around, but never the less is on guard. He is wearing an outfit custom tailored by Gwen in order to make sure it fit his physique, and he had her include a special feature in the event he needed it, tear away sleeves.

So far he hasn't needed it, though, as he has been patrolling around keeping an eye out for trouble, while also able to take the time to admire the decorations. He's also got a drink in hand, though for the most part he is trying to keep himself sober.

    Responding to the cue provided by the music, Fuka finally makes her appearance. Those used to her being somewhat foresty and casual may be surprised! She's always showed an interest in fashion, of course, but today she's outdone herself. No doubt it's the work of Gwen, as the little sylph is dressed in wedding colours. In her case, a form-fitting lilac gown with mid-arm sleeves, and deep purple gloves that leave almost none of her arms bared, almost meeting the sleeve at her elbows. She also has her blonde hair done up elaborately, braided with a ribbon of similar violet hue woven throughout. She's carrying a rather large bouquet, or at least large for her, though it doesn't quite block her sight.

    For a moment Fuka freezes as she sees everyone. Why was SHE the one chosen to lead? Oh right, because she's completely shameless. Fine then. Fuka strides forth, then adjusts her gait to glide more, taking short quick steps so as to not have the ankle-length gown trip her up.

    Flashing a grin to the crowd, but resisting the urge to wave, Fukaziroh makes her way down the aisle. Onward, towards the small stairs leading to the altar, then up to one side to take her position in preparation for what's to follow.

The wand is still in her hair, casting a delicate lilac light that complements her dress. No sign of her shield, for once, and wild pekos could not part her from her little half-moon spectacles, but otherwise, Ayame followed Fukaziroh out, with that utter, bland disdain for everyone and not a flicker of a glance away from her path as she steps after Fuka. Her gown nearly matches those of the shorter woman, though the gown is sleeveless and the gloves come to her elbows, her gait short and neat as she keeps up a light smile, taking a position beside Fukaziroh, smiling, and murmuring in the lowest of tones.

"... made short work of it" She winks briefly, her smile ratcheting up a notch

Goldenblade has been to plenty of weddings in her years, so this is not her first time, and she has been to both Japanese and western-style weddings. This is her first Yamato-style wedding, though, and she's a bit curious as to how this will be done. For now she's all smiles, though, and watching to see how this goes down. The music and ceremony are impressive, and the gowns are both ornate and pretty. This should be interesting.

Uta's time in this whole affair has been a journey with ups, down, and many sideways. When she was first recruited to be a Maid of Honour, she was completely unfamiliar with the duties of a Maid of Honour.

So, off she went to ask Pela Clarpuff's help. But she got lost on the way to Shibuya, and ended up somewhere in the Tower. Where she had to help some farmer recapture Pekos. Which kept escaping. Then it was Haru's Workshop, the Fort Ouph infestation of cluck-clucks, reopening the Slime Labs... so many things to do!

One can be forgiven for forgetting that there's a wedding one has to be the Maid of Honour at, right? So, once those tasks were done, she made a beeline for Eas, to ensure that the shipments for the Statue in the Palace land got completed in time.

She was still kinda not sure of the duties of a Maid of Honour, but luckily Tae briefed her shortly before the ceremony.

And so, here she is, in a sleeveless light purple ensemble with darker purple trimmings, personally picked by Wake. Notably, and very unusually for her, Uta seems to have had proper grooming like a real bath and proper hair styling for once. It might seem that that Etiquette <1> skill doesn't get used often, but it -does- occasionally rear its ugly (but very polite!) head.

And as with someone with such a skill, she performs her proper duties down the aisle, but her storyteller's instincts are restless. Weddings are such huge shenanigans magnets. Like that time on TV, before the Apocalypse, where there was a thing about some wrestler that interrupted another wrestler's in-ring wedding to spill the beans about the unfaithfulness of the bride-to-be...

    "You wore Western gear to an Eastern wedding, dear?"

    The gothic goddess that steps up to Hyuga is a tall and lean cut of work, dressed in an Asian-style of gothic culture that would make Dita von Teese jealous. She stands about as tall as Hyuga does, with both over six feet tall, but where Hyuga carries melee arms and armour, the woman is more magically equipped. Hyuga makes a face and turns his head as the woman latches onto his right arm affectionately, taking the gift from him to hold. "Lith, I didn't know, okay? I heard wedding and came running." He hushes as things begin to come together.

    The brides are not immediately in view. By custom, they are waiting in separate wings of the arcade. Attentive guests will know where they are, though. Glimpses of gowns with gems sparkling in the sunlight stand out.

    Like any wedding, it is hard for the children to sit still. Little landers are darting about, their parents finally surrendering in the face of their persistence. That they seem welcome to race about by both brides mitigates the stress.

    Eventually, though, it is time. The music lifts gently, but clearly, Fukaziroh, Ayame, and Uta reach the altar, and now it is time for the Baroness to do the same. In measured steps and with her usual grace, she makes her way to the central arch and then through the gathering to the altar. At first, she has her head raised, her eyes seeking out friends. So many have been at her side since the beginning. Her wild dreams needed their help and repeatedly they were there for her. That so many can join her on this day means the world to her. The stories play through her mind with each step.

    As she draws nearer the alter, though, she bows her head. Both in reverence to The Beautiful One and in acknowledgement of the weight of moment. That she should feel butterflies in her stomach is a surprise, but only for a moment. She has two steps to ascend and then she turns to look out over the gathering. Behind her, tall panes of stained-glass shine in the sunlight. They are decorated with roses of Eas and scenes of the mountains. These reveal not only what is and has been, but what will someday come to be. Like this day, it is a sign of what has been and a promise of what is to come.

    The music rises dramatically when it is Tae's turn to approach the aisle. Her walk is lighter and punctuated by smiles and laughter. She has arranged for six lander girls to scatter flower petals ahead of her. It is a last-minute change, clearly, but the little ones are so delighted that it does not matter that the petals are carried in whatever hats or baskets could be found. Following these, with stern looks on their faces, a company of eight lander boys march down the aisle, flanking a younger boy who bears the wedding bands and a set of rings on a pillow. This draws some attention, as it is a slight tweak of tradition. The bands are of white gold. One of these is decorated with Roses of Eas and the other with flowing musical notes. The rings that accompany them bear matching roses with sapphire petals. These petals seem to fall gently from the rings, and yet the roses never diminish.

    When Tae ascends the altar, she does not look back out over the gathering, but settles her eyes on the woman she loves. For a time, they simply look at each other, and then, as one, they turn to face forward, where a priest stands to perform the ceremony.


URL for Elly's gown: https://thebestweddingdresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/11-elegant-mermaid-wedding-dress.jpg
URL for Tae's gown: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/f2/50/d3/f250d37231d186c2bb95b5ab83529ce5.jpg

Gwen is eyeing Ayame thinking of ideas for later but she's behaving as she didn't want ot wreck thing she'll watch as Uta goes off to do her thing while she will find a good spot to park her seld fot thing she seems to be in good spirits and is behaving.

    "Some of us have to get by on hard work, not just natural..." Fuka pauses, glances sideways at Ayame, then offers a tiny shrug. "Ah, not the time I guess. Oooooooh." That last is a gasp as Tae makes her appearance. It's clear the golden sylph is impressed, and perhaps more than merely impressed, by the wedding dress. And the woman in the dress perhaps.

    Then Elly comes out, and she's equally majestic, statuesque... equally lovely. Mmmh, yes. For now, Fuka's speechless. Which is honestly for the best. Her quiet words to Ayame earlier were probably unheard by anyone but bridesmaids, but even so better that she just doesn't talk. For now at least. It's Uta who gets to give a speech, after the priest says his words and the couple says theirs at least. And Fuka's so looking forward to it!

The music proceeds as the music should. As the bridesmaids make their walk down the isle it picks up from it's casual ambience to alert people that the ceremony is starting, but still remains more of a background accent.

That shifts when it comes time for the brides to make their pass down the walkway. The dramatic rise in the music becomes what most people here would know and expect as the traditional wedding match, which plays for the most of Elly's progression down the corridor.

But as she's reaching the alter and Tae is entering, it shifts. Not tremendously. It's still recognizable as the wedding march, but it becomes a bit more open and lively. A little K-pop as a nod to Tae, and a little Punk because remember who's leading this band.

Tradition is good to observe, but this is a new world, a new life for many of them, and Kauchemar is just giving a little reminder of her own that there's nothing wrong with putting your own touch on things when it's done with respectful acknowledgement to the original.

"No, not at all" Ayame assures Fukaziroh with a little chuckle. And Ayame just sighs as she stares at the two brides entering, staring at them both with a fond little look, tilting her head and studying them both with a warm, thoroughly content, open smile

Tie (mostly) fixed, Robert politely fixes his gaze front with a bland, perfectly civil sort of...well, dignity might be a bit too far, but he's doing his darndest to play his role dutifully. His gaze lingers on each bride, with a carefully calculated dwell-time to convey respect without ogling. So far so good, everything mostly according to plan.

And then it's on to the bridesmaids. The same, equivalent sort of consideration, tuned to be marginally less than the attention paid to those actually getting married. The plan goes swimmingly, in fact, until it's the last (and shortest) bridesmaid's turn. The mask cracks; a faintly amused smile flashes into existance before being booted back into the barn where it belongs, its stall firmly bolted shut.

The appearance of the two gets a loud round of applause out of Syx, "Yeah! Alright!" He calls out, very clearly not the type of person to maintain a sense of decorum at an event like this.

He lets out a loud whistle as well. It should be noted that being Syx, he does this regardless of whether or not anyone else is.

Meanwhile amongst the guests a nimble hand reachs over to rest lightly on Robert's shoulder. Said hand belonging to a certain vulpine werefang of four tails. "This is a monumential occasion," Daiyu murmurs softly to not disrupt the ceremony. "That I would not be here to enjoy if were not for the efforts of yourself and Elly. Thank you." She wasn't sure she felt she had become one of the group enough to be present, but Elly had insisted.

    A rumble of thunder in the distance, and then again, and again... almost in time with the music, precedes the arrival of a frumpy little auntie, in a scandalous little dress that barely meets social acceptability (and ratings) along with a dopplar shifted "i'm laaaaaaaAAAAATE!" before she comes skidding to a halt in a flare of light magic. "Sorry Elly Sorry Tae, love you." she says pulling her short skirt down in the back and trying to find herself a seat where she can openly oogle everyone, for all her hunting prowess subtlety is kind of lost on June.

Goldenblade smiles as the bridesmaids march forth and the music picks up, and as the ceremony begins in earnest, it does seem pretty cool. The choreography is gorgeous and the ceremony is quite impressive. Sitting back in her chair to watch events, she smiles widely as Tae and Wake proceed and she smiles to both.

Haru is an easy hang-on-to for Gwen since they are both of the tall variety. Also he isn't going anywhere! With everything that has been going on the last month it is a relaxing ceremony. The young man is in a suit, usually being of the 'high fashion, high expense' variety as a Goldsmith even without formal occasions.

SpritesHero's smile is warmer now, more genuine, with definitely less of an undertone of snicker to it. One hand lifts to give Daiyu's hand a quick pat. "I..." And then June enters. The hand (paw?) patting freezes, Robert's smile strains, locking into an expression so stiff that it may as well be made out of plaster. One eye squints against the flare of light magic. At least he doesn't disintegrate into ashes or anything, though the stricken blankness to his gaze suggests that of a man with a plan that has just had a June thrown through it. "It's...a lovely wedding," he manages at last, awkwardly. Damage control. damage control.

    June's last second appearance gets a laugh from Tae and a brief flicker of a smirk from Elly. From their perspective, she is right on time. Fortunately, her entrance was made with its usual flare. Some of the lander nobles react to it with raises noses, but this day and proper behaviors at this wedding are not theirs to decide. Tae and Elly are delighted.

    The ceremony itself is brief. The goddess are praised and the gifts of each is explained. There are the riches and fiery passion of a good match, the luck to find one's perfect mate and the bravery to pursue and hold them close, and the love that binds all of this together through times of joy and sorrow.

    Rings and bands are both exchanged. When set upon the fingers of Elly and Tae, the gems burst to life with an inner light.

    Elly is the first to cry. It is a rare, public sign of emotion. She has wanted this before ETO was a thing and only being imprisoned in this world has made it possible. She composes herself as best she can, and her oaths are delivered in a clear, even voice.

    Tae manages her emotions well. At least, until Elly is sliding a ring onto her finger. At that point, she is overwhelmed. For her, the oaths are not so smoothly delivered, her voice trembling.

    The two brides face the priest. Hand-in-hand, they listen to his words.

    "By the blessing of the Goddesses and in recognition of the will of these two young women I pronounce these brides are one in heart and mind." He pauses, adding, with a playful twinkle in his eyes, "You may now kiss."

    And so they do, if a little more thoroughly than is usual for a wedding. Elly will blame Tae's dress for inspiring her. When that kiss at last ends, the ceremony is completed. They proceed down the aisle once more. They do not depart, though. They wait at the central arch, to speak with their guests and begin the celebrations. There is food and drink to be enjoyed. And Kauchemar can let loose with some proper music for a party, too.

    June smiles like an absolute idiot, tears rolling down her cheeks. A small crack of thunder ensures June is at the front of the greeting line where she kisses both brides. In Japanese she says "I'd ravish you both right now... but that's probably gache." she switches to Elvish "I'll just ravish some of the maids, and some of Hifumi's cooks, and that cute bartender." of COURSE she checked the bar before showing up late. Back to Japanese "Love you both, now the drinking! Then we lure a field boss to the party and it's drunken raid time!" She squeezes both women and then bounces off with another boom of thunder.

It's time for Uta to perform more Maid of Honour duties, and leave the area of the ceremony. There is the intensity of a child who has been given a simple task and focuses completely on carrying it out.

Task which, in this case, involves stepping away and go find her designated seat -- not before helping other people who might need helping.

"I like the way this one thinks!" Syx yells out after hearing June's suggestion, "Where's Vertina, I need to get a keg from her."

Now that the actual wedding itself has gone off without a hitch, Syx can relax and start to really drink. Because the reception afterwards is the real party!

The party music will come soon enough.

But for the departure from the alter Kauchemar keeps it in pace, switching from the modified wedding music to the Anthem of Eas. Which doesn't stop her from smiling the entire time, seeing both of who have become close friends so happy.

Of course Vertina is helping with the catering so to speak. Though with Hifumi handling food she's mainly putting her bartending skills to use with the drinks.

Ayame trots along after Uta, keeping her composure, calm and even, reassuring the spriggan with small murmurs that she did wonderfully. She gives the two brides a warm, pleased smile, but otherwise, she's keeping out of the main of the party. Distant and quiet, and watching with rapt delight

    Fuka is trying not to cry and end up ruining her makeup. Hopefully the aesthete Elly hired to look after the bridesmaids used waterproof mascara, because it's a losing battle for the (perhaps surprisingly) soft-hearted and romantic sylph. It doesn't stop her from cheering when Tae and Elly kiss however. If anything it encourages her more, and she's utterly raucious when doing so, cheering and even whistling in encouragement.

    She blinks in surprise however at some of the raised shouts. That's the sort of thing SHE'D normally say! She snickers, then grins. Seems she doesn't have to be the only one cheering and making rude comments! She can just enjoy them. Still grinning, she falls in line after Uta and Ayame, making her way with them towards the reception area.

Gwen is watching the Ceremony she has to give it points for keeping it quick rather than dragging it out. she pays attention as they look to the couple as they do not depart as thing settle down into the party she'll get up and go to start hunting for a table. She will wave down Uta and Ayame "hey why don't we all find a table!"

Goldenblade watches the ceremony alertly, though without tears. She's never found a wedding to be a tear-worthy occasion, and while she's happy with this conclusion, she doesn't get teary for happiness, but rather, joins the applause, and will come down to congratulate the couple and she's not quite sure how to react, so will shake hands because she's just not a hugging type.

    Hyuga and Lith opt for polite silence, then applause, as well. Neither is teary-eyed, for neither considers themselves super best friends of people in attendance. Lith seems to act as a social anchor for Hyuga, who finds the pair a table and places his Greatshield back into his inventory. He pulls the chair out for Lith, then seats himself. The two seem content to observe, perhaps be mingled with, but otherwise opt for a silent show of support from their presence.

    The greeting line takes guests past the wedding party through the arches of the Arcade and into an array of tables that are already being loaded with food and drink. Numerous adventurers have contributed. Nothing but the best was ordered for this event.

    Of course, surviving the line is a whole other matter for Tae and Elly. June's comments draw a lot of shocked looks. Not only from landers, either. Sleeping Knights have their own etiquette, though, and June's behavior represents a perfect skill check.

    Tae grins at June and teasingly replies, "Well, perhaps you can make a special appearance during the honeymoon." She is joking, of course. Probably?

    For her part, the Baroness does not say anything quite so suggestive to June. Nor anyone, really! She's beaming. Her makeup is likely less than perfect, considering things, but it is done. She made it!

    There are a lot of hugs to give out. She is a hugger, but she will moderate herself, depending on who the guests are. She will not be hugging any lander nobles. But the little boys and girls get hugs!

    When every guest is through the line, the wedding party is able to sit. They are at what is meant to be the 'front' of the gathering and sit side by side, facing the guests, who are at lower, round tables. This lets everyone have a clear view.

    Elly turns then to Uta, "Whenever you are ready, we are eager to hear whatever you would like to share in your speech. And do not be afraid, we both love you and know you will make this unique."

There is such a different poise to Uta, today. All that unused Etiquette being burned at once. She stands up, clears her throat, navigates through her menu, and shimmers a half-lectern into existence, to be placed on the table to give the impression of a full lectern.

She came prepared.

She waits until the murmur of the crowd dies out, slowly takes in the audience, and then...

"Dear colleagues, friends, acquaintances, and people I have never met before but I hope we'll be friends soon!" Uta's words carry through the space, her voice projected in only the way a Sage of Song can.

"You may wonder why I've gathered you here today. The answer is simple: I didn't. I was invited here just like all of you. An answers which, like many of the answers we Adventurers find, just raises more questions. Like Tribbles. Or Slimes." She leans with one elbow on the lectern, and looks up and away, scratching her chin. "Now that I think about it, slimes are a lot like Tribbles. Small, round, adorable, prolific, and one apparently minor part of a franchise that some weirdo out there overobsesses about. Except not as fluffy." She flicks her menu open, materializes a notebook, and scribbles down, "Note to self, look into making fluffy slimes."

Another shimmer, and the notebook is dispatched. "Let's face it, dear colleagues: hairy creatures that look like they're easily overpowered (but they actually aren't) are the staple of every work of fantasy, and a reader's favorite." she reprises. "Tribbles. Hobbits. Gandalf."

A happy sigh is exhaled. "Ah, wizards. They never arrive early, nor late, they just twist the Laws of Time in their favor and pretend they always meant to do that, like those clumsy cats jumping into walls, and twisting the Law of Time, for my purposes, includes sophistic argumentation, which I will indulge in in a moment."

Silence.

"Speaking of being late, this is a rather confusing wedding, I have to say. It's nice that Tae and Wake decided to get married on the same day. I still haven't understood where their respective grooms are, and at this point, I'm too afraid to ask. Too bad the brides had to get married by proxy, but it was adorable of them to volunteer as each other's proxy."

A beat. "My current working theory is that the grooms are afraid to break their amazing streak at Hide and Seek. Hopefully they'll make it to their Diamond Jubilee. But if not, hey, power to them! That's an amazing Hide and Seek record." She goes all somber, as she looks down. "We must respect people in a Sneaking Strange Mood."

"But enough about talking about things we can't see! Let's talk about things we can't see!" Her voice picks up abruptly, as she swings her arm towards the window. "Eassie, the Kaiju-sized slime! A dream, that, I hope, one day, become a reality!" She leans forwards, towards the audience, and begins to jab the lectern with her index finger, to stress each syllable. "We choose to do this not because it's easy, but because it's freakin' awesome!" Silence. Turn to Wake. "Wait, have I told you about this project already?"

Without waiting for an answer, she returns to face the Audience. "It matters not! For this, this is what dreams are made of, an amount of acid gelatinous mass that will eat everything in a slime miles radius! For nothing can stop the power of a dream, if we commit all our energies to it! If we let nothing, NOTHING else in the world get in its way! If we make it the center of our existence, that little core of unquenchable radiating energy that will forever burn like the furnace of a trainwreck hurtling unstoppable towards the chasm of success!"

At this point she's been punching the Lectern; when she's done, she's grabbing at its edges, panting, wide eyed, head slightly sunk among her shoulders.

Blink.

"I got a little carried away, haven't I?", she whimpers, biting her lower lip, followed by an even more quiet, apologetic, squeaky, "Sorry..", as her head sinks deeper and deeper into her shoulders.

A sigh, and she relaxes completely. She flicks her menu open, and while she skims its entries, she remarks, casual, "Ah, well, at least that's done. It- oh goodness me, look at the time. I really gotta go now."

Her menu isn't visible to anyone else, but one can see the movement of her eyes and fingers, as it becomes increasingly erratic and concerning.

She raises her head and looks around with a frown. "Uh... er, any expert gamers who can help me with a thing? I can't find the logout button..."

Kauchemar quickly motions to the other musicians to pause for the moment so Uta's speech can be heard.

Right. So nothing has blown up yet. At least not literally. This is still okay. After clapping with the rest, Robert takes a long moment to reflect on this good fortune as his gaze thoughtfully scans the crowd. He blinks, once, twice. Purses his lips. Cants his head to the side. His eyes flicker up and to the right--consideration, not seizure.

He lingers just long enough to clap (similarly politely) for Uta's speech in all the right places--and not a few wrong ones--before taking advantage of her mentioning Strange Moods to stealthily slink towards the exit.

    While most of the audience is bewildered, Tae and Elly are utterly delighted by Uta's speech. Half bafflingly unrelated rambling, half fever dream rant, it hits every possible beat. Except any related to the wedding.

    In short, it is perfect.

    They both wait eagerly for the speech to conclude and leap to their feet, hugging Uta. "That was brilliant!" "We have got to make that slime a reality!" "I never thought you would work Gandalf into a speech about our wedding, but it was beautiful!" "What's a tribble?" "No logging out, we are just getting started!" It is hard to say which of the brides is speaking at any given time, it all comes at once.

Goldenblade is a bit bewildered by Uta's rambling, but it's a very Uta speech, and she will give it a gentle golf clap at the end. It's certainly classic and memorable. She's /sure/ Wake and Tae will never forget it.

    Quieting as Uta steps up to deliver her speech, Fuka waits in rapt attention, not wanting to miss a moment. It... is stunning. Not to Fuka, mind you. She just smiles, her grin spreading wider and wider until she's in danger of looking like a Canadian from South Park.

    In short, so to speak, Fuka loves the speech. She comes over as it ends, waiting for Elly and Tae to have their say before she ventures her own. "That was the best wedding speech ever!" Fuka claims, with every ounce of sincerity within her. "And I have four elder siblings so trust me on this!" she says happily. Mind you she's grinning like a maniac and seems to have had tears in her eyes in the not-too-distant past, and these facts may make her sincerity or her sanity somewhat questionable.

    June bounces up and runs to hug Uta "Sensei Uta that was inspiring... the question on everyone's mind is... once you've made a world boss sized slime, do we get to raid it? Inquiring minds want to know... also... do you have something to help keep the hem of this dress down?" she pulls the back of her skirt down again. "Ooh right, beers." she gives one to Uta out of her inventory.

You know that look dogs get when they tilt their head to one side while someone is talking to try to understand? Syx has that look on his face for the majority of Uta's speech, "Wait so..Is Gandalf a name for a slime?"

Gwen will listen to Uta's crazy little speech and somehow it works really then she frowns at the end when Uta brings up the log out button is brought up and she looks like she's ready to go to her friend's side.

"Tribbles are nothing but trouble." Shes also distract and the moment uta is Down Gwen's going to try to give her a hug...

There's some polite clapping, but Daiyu is just -staring- at the speech. That rambling triad rubs her literary skills all the wrong ways... yet, it seems to capture the moment. Because it's chaotic but heartfelt. Appropriately Uta.

Kauchemar is just facepalming, even she isn't entirely sure if Uta can't tell that Elly and Tae are actually marrying each other or its just all part of the greater chaos that is indeed Uta. Before getting the music back to playing.

"That was a lovely speech, Uta" Ayame says quietly, giving the Musical Kung-Fu Nurse a faint smile "But they're marrying each other. No need for a groom in this case" She assures the Spriggan "But I'd love to hear about your project. Feel free to tell me all about it"

She is pointedly not looking for the bouquet or garter. No, Ayame is staying clear. Very clear.

"My dear, I -always- make it a point to work Gandalf in any wedding speech I am tasked to compose!", Uta mock-scoffs at whoever made that observation.

She's probably saying the truth.

Mainly because this might be the only wedding speech she's ever given.

But it's Uta. One never knows.

"Gandalf is an EXCELLENT name for a Slime!", Uta snap-points at Syx. Shimmer notebook into existence. Scribble note, mutter. Shimmer away.

"No! Eassie is Friend, not Boss!" Uta replies to June with the deepest of frowns. "Well, okay, it's a monster. It's more like part of the infrastructure. But definitely not food!" Some silence. "Uhm, to fix your dress? Oh, yes, I have a universal outfit repair kit around here somewhere, let me find-"

Amazon Hug!

"Ah, there it is! I found it!", she says, managing to disentangle her arm enough to point at the Sylph. "I call it, The Gwen"

When Ayame explains what is happening, Uta's stare goes blank. "Wait, the game rules allow that? Uh. I've learned a-"

Silence.

"Wait, Wake and Tae are-"

More silence.

She frowns in concentration, and rubs her chin. "That explains soooooooooooooooo much..."

Haru listens into Uta speech with with a smile on his face. It is a quiet support that doesnt require drawing attention. The attention is, rightly, where it belongs. When it is said and done he gives his sister the thumbs up and leans over to Gwen to tell her, "Nailed it, Uta style," and goes to join the socializing and the hug. "Well done, Uta." Simple and sincere.

"I'm so glad to be part of your journey of discovery" Ayame tells Uta with a little laugh "Never change, Uta." She tells the Spriggan, nodding, and slips off to settle with a drink

    There is eating, drinking, yet more drinking and eating, and talking. Also there are bouquets to toss. Which of course the guests will handle with the usual measure of politeness. Or, more likely, will reduce to a bloodsport where no holds are barred and children are shown no mercy.

    Regardless, the brides line up and get ready. They face away from the gathering hordes of single women.

    "Not sure about you, dear, but I plan on throwing this thing as far as I can," says Tae. "Do try not to destroy it with the force of that. Your ranged skill might be more than it can handle. I figure I will try to throw this one as high as possible." The strategy set, the two count to three and throw at the same time.

    The garter is far more involved a process. After some discussion, Tae sits down first. On Syx. She enjoys the attention, and has no qualms about showing a lot of leg for this event. She very much has the legs for it, after all.

    Elly, being a very attentive lover, takes her time in getting the garter. With her teeth, of course. But as fun as that is, she has a turn, as well.

    Settling on Syx in turn, she is less eager to show off her legs. She also blushes faintly when Tae slides under her dress to retrieve the garter. It takes a while, and Elly clears her throat, then laughs coquettishly.

    Eventually, though, that ends and the two brides are ready to throw garters, as well. It follows the same rules as the bouquet, only this is generally for single men. But really, anyone can be in either contest. It's just that the garter toss is meant to look like a bar brawl.

Syx was the one who pitched the idea to Elly about using him as the seat. After all, he didn't want to be out there to catch the garter in the first place, and it's not like he couldn't provide a perfect seat for the two of them. Which he does, unmoving the whole time as they do their thing.

Goldenblade peers at Uta and her claim of mentioning Gandalf in wedding speeches. "Why?" she wonders, but quietly enough not to disturb Uta, who is probably feeling the pressure of the event. Or something. She's been married for over 50 years, and recently widowed, so she's not ready for another relationship, nor the goings-on surrounding that, so she will sit out of the bouquet-gathering festivities, though she will cheer for Uta making the attempt.

    June usually does everything by blending MP, Stamina and of course scripture... when she's told she's not allowed to pull out the big guns... she pouts, then pounds a beer, then looks ready. Of course she's after everything, from bouquets to garters, to more beer!

    Watching the festivities, Hyuga spins his wedding ring around on his finger. He rarely wore it - both he and Lith had agreed to it - but today, it felt special. Lith chuckled and mimicked the action. "I remember wanting to catch a bouquet as a little girl... and then here, of all places, you come around and GROW me one." The two chuckled, Hyuga blushing, and continued to sit and watch, leaning against each other.

Well there were a few things left to d right the toss? She will go in she's not being too serious at least not at the moment. Somewhere Morri is trying to will something into happening, and it may just as well play out

    It's traditional for the girls to line up and attempt to catch the bouquet, and Fuka is little if not traditional. That is to say she's little, and she's not traditional. Still she's not going to do anything that'll upset Elly or Tae. Elly might understand, but Tae surely expects all the girls of the wedding party to participate and Fuka's willing to endure a silly event for Tae's sake.

    Doesn't mean Fuka's going to try hard really. Fortunately she's little, and in her gown she's not exactly dressed for jumping. If she comes up short, well, who could expect otherwise? In fact... it's pretty much to be expected of her!

Things are not normal in the world of ETO. A bouquet is not thrown, it is shot, like an arrow from a cannon. Probably broke the wall of sound. Created a shockwave that rippled through the air, to leave most people baffled.

Most, but not all: as the bouquet zips in a blur through the air, a second blur zips past: Uta jumps all over everyone's heads, snatches the projectile in mid air, does a couple backflips, and performs as much of a three-point-landing her current allows, holding the bouquet up triumphantly as she looks to the ground.

So aloof and cool.

She then stands up, and beaming, waves the bouquet. "WOOOOO! I CAUGHT IT!"

She keeps silent for a moment, possibly while the crowd rejoices (or groans at having failed to catch it), and then asks, "So... what do I win?"

Goldenblade will offer a cheer for Uta's amazing feat of skill and athleticism. "Very well done." She then laughs at Uta, who doesn't seem to know what she's done. "Oh, very well done. The one that catches the bouquet, Uta, is the next to get married. I didn't know you had someone special. Who is it?"

Ayame joins the fray. Though she doesn't try terribly hard. Indeed, she outright dodges one flying past, with a look of horror as a momentary shield bats it away from her, almost too quickly to be seen! There's a look of amusement, ever so briefly, before she gives a little shrug and flushed smile, returning to settle down. There are snacks. There is drink. Really, it's a good day.

    Fuka grins broadly at Uta's amazing display of aerobatics. "It's like you have wings!" she muses brightly. Then ohs. "Wait, you DO have wings! Congratulations Uta!" she beams. "It means you're supposed to be the next woman of the group here to get married! Well, you and Gwen I guess!"

    She pauses, thinks, but not too hard. "How does that work? Aren't you siblings? Hm. I don't know how it works when there's two brides and two bouquets. I don't think you have to marry each other. Unless you want to at least!" Fuka claims, teasing as much as informing Uta.

    June tries to get a Bouquet but as she's beaten out by Gwen's height and Uta's hands of grabby grabby, she huffs, drains another beer, and then joins the guys for the garter toss...and she's much more active going after that and comes away with one posing with it in her teeth like an idiot and everyone regrets the lack of polaroid camera's with June in a black scrap of cloth she calls a dress, several beers in, with a garter in her teeth posing on what is destined to become the dancefloor... regardless of it a dancefloor was intended.

"I'm like a museum!", Uta replies at Fuka's comment about the Spriggan having wings.

All color drains from Uta's face at the explanation of what the 'prize' is. "...eeeeh?!"

Initiate panic mode. "Oh no. Oh no no no no no. Oh no no no no no no no...", she wheezes. "I've doomed everyone in Yamato to never getting married, -ever-!"

Flick menu open. Pull out squishy red ball. Squeeze, release. Squeeze, release.

"Indeed! Gwen and I can't get married! Because of technicalities and impediments! And siblinghood. There's that too. I've been officially adopted, so- wait." She turns to Gwen. "GWEN, Don't let Morri know about this!", she says in panic. "Even if not with each other, she'll TRY HARDER to ship us with someone! Anyone!"

Silence.

"...She's at this wedding, isn't she?", Uta deadpans.

Look left. Look right.

Try to shove the bouquet into Ayame's hands.

Haru is chatting and being casual, but ultimately functioning as a pretty addition to the background. Smile, raise glass, two to three small talk topics. He is having a good time as this is exactly the level of socializing he is interested in after Gnolls, Helba, and this whole Statue situation. A whole 'let the scene come to you' sort of vibe going on here. He hands his drink to Gwen when it is turn to do the garter toss event, "Drinks. Clothes being thrown off. Dancing. Not in that order. Hold my drink," he smiles.

No, Haru doesn't use any magic to make it happen. Tae's slip-o-legwear goes in the direction of the assembled. He stands and watches it sail. People rush towards it like it was a baseball going right to the crowds. No one suspects the Noodle Arms. Its effortless as much as it is shocking, like he was plucking a star from the sky. He grins, twirling it around one finger. "Easy."

Ayame shakes her head, grinning to Uta "Oh no, dear Uta. It's all yours. You should care for it and maybe dry it and wear the petals and be sure never, ever, to feed those flowers to a slime, because then you'd be marrying it and where would you be then?" She asks with a smile.

"It's not binding" She says after a moment, in a whisper "But you should find someone to help you." She says with a comfortable pat

    Fuka laughs at Uta's antics, though her laugh may not ring with the infectious mirth she often gives off. Seems this made Uta actually uncomfortable, and as funny as the actions are, Fuka isn't into her friends' suffering. "There you go, you can marry a slime and Yamato will be saved!" she comforts Uta, grinning. As long as Uta stops freaking out, Fuka's fine with saying something absurd to help bring it about. For now. Later... who knows? Maybe she'll probe a bit. Not at the reception though! Today is for drinks and food, and maybe special treats that had to be frozen before being brought here!!!

The music is still playing. Even as Kauchemar is watching the antics and picks up the rythmn a little when the scramble for the items gets a bit hectic... but leave it to Uta to make everything all the more random and chaotic even without trying.

    With garments given away, bouquets distributed, and the ceremony and speeches done, there remain a few funny things to see to. Due to timing, it can be a bit backwards in this wedding, but there is the matter of the cake to see to.

    The cutting of the cake is about as serious an affair as one might expect. It is all smiles and sweetness while the cake is cut. But with that done, you have Tae and Elly each armed with half a slice of cake and giving each other devious glances. It's all good fun, though! Cake is eating, frosting is smeared across lips, and a bit of frozen icing somehow falls down Tae's dress. Elly is eager to put everyone's concerns to rest, though. "Fear not. I will retrieve that bit later." A pause. "In private, of course." Did someone actually groan in disappointment about that last bit?

    Of course, what is a wedding without a dance, and no dancing can start off without the married couple being first to the dance floor. But only after a change in outfits. Those gowns were not meant for dancing. Also the couple does not lead the dance. They instead work it out with Kauchemar to sing, instead. All that romantic dancing can wait until later. For now, they want to turn the wedding into a concert.

Gwen is looking at Uta very fearful and is pointing behind Uta. She's pointing mouth opening no words comming out while holding the flowers. Why? Because There's Morri behind Uta waving like a happy school girl at this whole mess. She says ... something.

Ayame's word do not seem to reassure Uta much -- but it is whatever Ayame whispers next, which most people probably don't catch, that finally seems to calm Uta down completely. Well, with a slight delay: the squeezy ball is still used to dispose of some lingering anxiety, but that's short work. Squeeze, squeeze, breathe, squeeze, breathe. Breeeeeeeeeathe. Shimmer. Squeezy ball gone.

She congratulates Haru for his catch, because, honestly, that was impressive. And then she turns back to Ayame and reprises with, "...you can marry a slime?", followed by, "...uh, the wedding system in this game has so many options I simply wasn't aware of..." Look down. "Gwen? What is up? What's with the trembling and the palor and- is that shivering? Are you feeling cold? Do you want me to run a diagnostic inspec-" ... "...she's behind me, isn't she?"

    June waits until the concert starts, then starts REALLY drinking... the five or six beers she had after the ceremony but before dancing were all for settling her nerves... medicinal... so they don't count. Once she really gets into the drinking no one is safe from dancing, wandering hands, wandering kisses, food theft, drink theft, unwanted dancing, unwanted approaches, unwanted departures, unsolicited lectures on linguistics, unsolicited literary analasys of various dungeons she's raided, unwarented literary seizure, unwaranted clothing seizure, hair holding duty, beer holding duty, shoe holding duty (for more dancing), and general lascivious conduct in an unbecoming way. Also at least one 'train to zone' to start a monster fight on the veranda.

"Perhaps you should investigate the options" Ayame tells Uta with a smile, eyes glinting with amusement "You should totally work with Gwen and Morri to see who and what can marry! Think of the work you can put in!"

Shameless. And causing havoc. But so sweetly.

Gwen looks at Uta he mouth opening and closing for a moment she's also shivering in fear she nods.

"Yes..."

Behind Uta Morri sets a hand on her shoulder. "Yes Indeed Uta I am right here..."

    "Oh hi Morri!" greets Fuka cheerily, perhaps attempting to do the tanky thing and draw aggro from the healer. Or the DPS. Or whatever role Uta is right now. Regardless, Fuka's never feared Morri, finding both the whole shipping thing hilarious and having no shame when it comes to clothing so long as it doesn't completely defy all norms.

    Also, of course, she can rescue Gwen. Who looks kind of funny. "Wait, both of you got bouquets? Cool!" she beams. "You know what this means, right?" she adds.

    Okay, maybe she's less tanking aggro than causing it. Oh well. Fuka's gotta Fu.

It's a classic, the Scooby Doo routine. One looks at the other, and one skeletal hand is placed on the shoulder of one of the characters, oblivious to his predicament. The other, aware, is terrified.

Although in these particular circumstances it is uncertain who is Shaggy and who is Scooby, the general consensus is that Uta is probably Shaggy, and Gwen Scooby.

"More or less, Fuka," Uta replies. "Ayame kinda explained it, and the gist of it is-" Her eyes fall on Morri again. She had completely forgotten about Morri. How does one even do that? One does not simple forget about Morri. "Uh... Hi Morri! A-Adoptive Mom, I suppose? Look, it's been explained to me, it's a -non binding- agreement. It's a best effort kind of deal. And I can ensure you w-we're already doing our best! Right Gwen?" Uta says, turning to grin at her taller friend.

"A-Ayame!", she then stutters. "I-I'm pretty sure I don't need to do that because that's what Morri is already d-"

Silence.

"Wait, Adoptive Mom? You are actually doing this to push at the boundaries of the system and discover its features? Wow. I hadn't realized that. I..." Her pointed ears droop a little. "I have a renewed amount of respect for you. Really."

Haru returns from the dance floor after getting a fair amount of use of the Shibuya Shuffle done. Yes. He very much did make a dance move out of it. Nothing short of what would be expected from Noodle Arms McArooo. The Artificer has his jacket over his shoulder as he took it off during the good times, returning back to Gwen and Uta to reclaim his drink. And. Down it goes. Whatever it is, it probably tasted good. "Oh hey, Morri is here," he raises his empty glass to the one that has maxed the stats in the Shipping category. Naval Officer Morri Pendragon. Fixing the empty glass situation next.

Morri smirks "Well Uta was part of the harem was she not? Stil we should set both of them up with someone now where are Merek and Haru!"

"Harem? What harem?" Uta asks. "Gwen! Are... are we part of a harem?! I didn't know!" Stare back at Morri. "Why am I always the last one to learn about these things?!"

"...No, no, there's a misunderstanding. We're just friends with Merek, and Haru is my brother. Clearly, we need to find someone els- I MEAN" Armflail. "Clearly these two don't work!"

She begins to attempt to steps away from Morri. "Now, if... uh... you will excuse me, I have to go and learn how to Waltz. I think Wake said she'd teach me."

    Okay Fuka's enjoying this. Just watching from the sidelines, as it were, and occasionally opening her mouth in an ill-advised manner. "Can I be part of the harem?" she asks as innocently as she can, which is not very.

Haru isn't far, he is returning with refreshed drink around 'where are Merek and Haru'. "Which harem?" is his question, like they are hard to keep track of. He takes a sip of whatever this is that is bubbly and alcoholic instead of his usual whiskey. This is juice. Delicious juice. "Think of all the Merek, Oh no! moments though, Uta," he teases her before mimicing the arm flailing with the flexibility of noodle arms. It looks like a new sale is going on in Utatown. No bubbly is spilled. That is unacceptable, "Waltz is a classic. I can teach you if Elly or Tae are busy. The persons of honor get busy on their special day." Emphasis on bus-say.

Morri smirks at Haru, wait where is Gwen? Gwen is somewhere in the food table hiding behind a Minotauir werefang for the moment. "Why Gwen's Harem what else?!" Morri is like a shark As eh steps in for a moment. "mmm You would definately do." Haru may be best served by finding Gwen and hiding behind her.

"Haru, no!", Uta replies to the Artificier at the mention of the "oh no" moments, as if he had just suggested Data Draining the bride.

"No, no, I'm pretty sure I'm not part of that Harem," Uta waves at Morri, dismissively. "I mean, she's my adoptive sister. Who has ever heard of a harem that involves a sibling?"

"Yes! Waltz!", confirms Uta. "Sorry, Morri... I have to leave right now. I have to go learn Waltz. It's part of my very important duties. What if we, at one point, encounter a Boss Monster which attacks with a 3/4 rhythm? At that point, we'll all go, 'oh, no, I should have listened to Uta and taken Waltz lessons! But now it's too late!' Well!" Uta punches her palm. "I'm getting an early start while I'm still on time! For the Party! That we will form that day. Thinking ahead. Future you will thank me," she says, as she steps backwards further and further towards the dancing area. "Fuka, you can have my place in the harem, if you want it. I quit on ground of never having been part of it in the first place."

"Correction," Haru tells Morri with the bravdo a level 1 noob uses when deciding to tank a raid boss while handing her a glass to drink, "I would not 'do'." He gets another drink from a nearby serving tray to put a second drink in Morri's hands, "I would 'excel'." As would Ayame, because, spreadsheets. With his hands both free he sweeps over towards Uta to give a hand and to waltz her right out there like a High Quality crafting of Nope. Formal dance and informal dance, he gots.

    Eventually, after much dancing, drinking, eating, and shipping have been completed, the party must wind down. At some point, Tae and Wake stop singing and start dancing. While they do, early on, share a dance here and there with friends, eventually they get to focus on each other.

    As might be expected, they are running on emotions and can outlast just about everyone on the dance floor. The last dance is their own. Perhaps simply due to politeness, but possibly also due to the formidible alcohol on offer for the party. Most party goers have long since gone to the inn or found rooms at the castle (for close friends). Some were taken by wheel barrow. A few have inadvertantly been left behind. Fortunately the night is warm and there is no rain on the way.

    When the last song ends, Wake and Tae look around. "Well, Mrs. Bosche, shall we be off?" Elly asks of her wife. She laughs and teasingly says, "You made me wait long enough to hear that, my dear. But the day has long since ended. There is plenty of time to make you call me that tomorrow. Or..."

    Elly arches an eyebrow. "Or...?"

    "Or maybe the conditions in the bridal chamber will depend upon the proper usage of my new name."

    It is not precisely proper etiquette, but there are few awake (much less sober enough to recognize it) to see the newlyweds race off in a fit of giggles. There is no doubt, it was a day to remember for many reasons.