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Description

Spring, Year 769 of the New Age

Glenmore, by the New Oak

Featuring Princess Alailté & Lord Bacchus , with mentions of other family members

Alailté
“You look beautiful, darling.”

Alé smiled shyly at her mother, pricking her ears as she leaned into the older doe’s nuzzle. “Thank you, Mama,” she said softly, her pleasure evident in the soft glow that shone from deep within her, giving her an almost otherworldly appearance. Hoofmaidens stood to either side of her, gently pulling her hair into intricate betrothal braids while her younger brother (with a long-suffering sigh and a badly-hidden grin) grew little patches of the lilac flowers she favoured, offering them wordlessly to the hoofmaidens.

Alé stood still and placid as the veritable army of hoofmaidens and family members rushed around her, Alé standing silent and docile, as always. As her mother walked away to go find her father, Alé found her thoughts drifting off towards the agenda for the day.

Betrothed. Alé had always known this day was coming, but to have it finally upon her – and with such little notice! – was shocking indeed. Nonetheless, Alé couldn’t deny the excitement that filled her heart. Growing up, she had heard all about her parents’ betrothal from her mother – the older princess’s soft gaze and sweet smile spoke more of her fond memories than her words themselves. Add to that her own adoration for her father, and her father’s undeniable love for her mother and his family, and she was definitely excited. The thought of having to leave her fawnhood home, Ather’s Hollow, was somewhat sobering, but nonetheless Alé was hopeful.

She could only hope that her new mate would look at her the same way her father looked at her mother.

Speaking of… Alé let out a surprised noise as she felt a warm presence pull up beside her and gently place something behind her ear. Looking up, Alé smiled as she saw her father’s striped face looking down at her, warm affection in his muted brown eyes. “Daddy…” she said softly, turning to face the old Lord with a small smile. The blue stag sighed and smiled as he looked down at his daughter, his expression a mixture of proud and sad. Seeing the dim edges to her father’s smile, Alé smiled and stepped forward to hug him, reaching out to gently brush him with her magic. “Don’t be sad, Daddy. I will always be your little girl,” she whispered softly into his thick neck fur, closing her eyes.

The older Lord didn’t say anything in response to her words, but he did hug her closer, tucking her firmly against his chest. The two stood together for a moment before a gentle cough and an apologetic whisper from a hoofmaiden let them know it was time for the ceremony to begin.

Alé pulled away from her father and let out a shuddery breath, her heart beginning to beat in a sharp staccato. The Lord Accalon smiled slightly and brushed his muzzle against his daughter’s pale cheek before pulling back. “Do not be nervous. Your mother and I will be waiting to meet you after the ceremony,” he promised before he turned and exited the holding den.

The golden princess let out a slightly watery laugh and took a few deep breaths, ignoring the dark guards that stood waiting for her to follow them.

This was it. Her wedding day.

Alé straightened up and turned to follow the guards.

Bacchus
When he had first found out that he was going to be betrothed to a princess, his first thought was not to praise the gods but to ask why? It was a genuine question that buzzed about his mind for the following days – after all, he had been informed of his impending betrothal only a short while ago. He didn’t know anything about the filly he was meant to cherish until death. It made him grimace, wondering what she would be like. He lived quietly because he liked peace and quiet. He didn’t handle excitement very well.

His parents had been delighted, praising him for no other reason than being chosen by the King for a princess. Then came the workers, landscapers his mother said when he asked her what was even happening. He had to have a glade fit for a princess and appropriate for having guests. Bushes were beaten into submission, grass grown just so for ultimate softness and a cushion so that it was gentle on one’s bones. Why a young filly had to worry about that was beyond him but since he didn’t want to deal with that, he let his mother do what she wanted. When all was said and done, there were more flowers than he’d last remembered and it smelled.

Despite his reservations he could barely sleep the night before with how his stomach twisted and turned. He slept just after the sun went down, and the moon wasn’t quite at its full height in the sky when he finally gave up the attempt. He walked around his den at first, before into the main clearing, which quickly turned into him heading into the woods and away from the sweet smell that permeated his hollow. He followed a stream to listen to the sound of the water crashing against rocks and having a calmness settle over him.

When the sun began to stain the sky with color he returned to his den and his guardsman Jasper, who stood at the entrance no doubt waiting for him. Hoofmaidens arrived as the sun peeked out, sent by his mother to clean him up for his big day. One of his father’s guards arrived to accompany him and his guard – he must have been taking too long according to his parents.

He arrived along with other royals and took up his spot while his mother tittered over him, adjusting his mane until it was just right. King Rafe arrived not long after, leaving just the princess, his betrothed, and her company to appear.

Alailté
“All done, Princess.”

Alé smiled shakily at the hoofmaiden who spoke, inclining her head in wordless thanks as she looked to the thin barrier of leaves that veiled her ready-room from the waiting witnesses. For a moment, the young doe simply stared at the sunlight that dappled through the leafy veil, her eyes wide and her heart beating staccato in her chest. It was only when her brother, clearly heedless of his sister’s mindset, gave her a cheeky swat with his tail that she snapped out of her frozen state, throwing a narrow look at the young buck that twitched into a small smile. “Thank you, Arfai. I will see you… after,” she said, voice hitching only slightly at the thought of after.

It was time.

The two guards pulled the veil apart as she nodded to them, allowing the clear morning sunlight to stream into the little grove. Taking a deep breath, Alé walked out through the veil, taking a moment to spare a smile for her the dark figure of her father’s loyal guard, Alistaire. The dark stag smiled back and bowed his head slowly, the wordless encouragement giving her the boost she needed. Letting out her held breath, Alé finally smiled properly, brightening slightly. With the approval of both her parents and her childhood companion and guard, she knew that the path she was taking was the right one.

The slender princess made her way out through the waiting attendees, their faces passing in a blur of colour. At her sides, Alistaire and the other dark guard – one she didn’t know, perhaps one of her betrothed’s guards? – kept pace with her, a silent reassuring presence at her back. She noticed her brother pushing his way through the crowd to stand at their parents’ sides, but her absent observation soon fled her mind as she caught sight of the dark stag that stood waiting for her at the end of the aisle.

Oh.

The first thing she noticed was that he was handsome. Very much so, with his dark coat and clear, dark eyes. The second thing she noticed, as she pulled up beside him, was that he… wasn’t actually that tall. Having expected some dark giant that towered over her like her father, being able to look almost directly into the eyes of her betrothed was…

Was surprisingly nice.

Alé smiled shyly at the stag, starting to curl her tail around her hindleg before she caught the nervous habit and carefully straightened her tail out once more, flushing slightly as she hoped her future mate didn’t see her nervousness.

Bacchus
It didn’t take long for the cue - the cue that the princess, his princess, would be arriving into the main clearing and the procession would begin. His mother was tittering again, hurriedly fixing the last flyaway hairs that she could reach before taking her place behind his father. Thank the gods. She was making him uncomfortable and there was a twist in his stomach that he wanted to be rid of immediately.

Maybe his body was trying to remind him of how much a mistake this was. Not that he had much of a choice, but why would any doe, any princess want to be with him and be happy about it? Chained to him and eager to leave at the first chance they got. That was what would happen, his gut told him so and his mind fervently agreed. Bacchus looked towards the King and then to Lord Accalon, his soon to be betrothed’s sire, discreetly, forcing the cool air of calm and not-quite indifference. He couldn’t possibly escape this…

His attention was drawn towards the guards that were appointed to walk the Princess from sheltered alcove to forefront of this procession. She came into view around a bend of eager onlookers, looking small in comparison to the dark guards that flanked her. His stomach dropped away, leaving only despair in its wake.

'Why couldn’t she be ugly?' His body felt numb. If she were ugly then it wouldn’t matter. No one would catch her eye and pull her undeserved and unwanted attentions elsewhere. As a Princess, no one could openly fight him for her, leaving only subterfuge. But no, he was stuck with a beautiful young Princess whom he was certain now had no business being given to him.

This was all a trick, an elaborate trick.

Bacchus sent a look to the large Lord Accalon, immediately looking away, back to the princess when the old stag’s gaze flicked to look at him. No doubt to see his reaction to his prized filly.

She sidled up to him and was looking at him with a rather odd expression in her eyes. She was disappointed at what she saw, no doubt. A mix of frustration and anger swelled up in his chest and were quickly thrown into confusion when she smiled at him. That was… a lie, wasn’t it? Pretending to be happy when planning to find a new love behind his back? Or if this was a setup, then she was in on it and delighted in seeing his misunderstanding?

He drew in a long breath amid the panicked thoughts and was taken aback by her scent. It was alluring and pure and he found that he liked it far too much. This was asking for pain. It distracted him long enough that he didn’t realize that the King had begun to speak and Bacchus turned his eyes from the doe to the dark hued King instead, heart racing.

Alailté
Alé only half listened as the King began to speak, her attention focused on her betrothed. For a moment, as she arrived, she saw his eyes widen in almost surprise, though she was startled to see his face harden a moment later, an almost angry glint coming to his eyes. For a moment, she worried she had done something to anger the stag somehow, and her heart set to thudding in her chest. ’Does my appearance displease him?’ she wondered fearfully, ears splaying back.

Behind her, she heard her father shift and straighten up, likely reacting to her body language. Nonetheless, she didn’t look around, eyes still fixated on her soon-to-be mate.

As she saw him visibly draw in a lungful of air and slowly relax, she felt her own body ease out of its tense state, unconsciously mirroring the dark stag. Perhaps he was just nervous, like her. Perhaps it was only his discomfort with large crowds that made him act so.

Reassured by this line of thought, she felt her smile soften as she looked towards the King, eyes glittering.

And then it was done. Alé felt her heart swell in her chest as she heard the cheering from the crowd. With bright eyes, she turned to beam at her new mate, glowing notably even in the sunlight. “Hello Bacchus,” she said softly, gaze dropping to the ground shyly before she returned them to his face. “I am Alailté.”

Lord Accalon
Accalon watched the proceedings, feeling an odd sort of bittersweet happiness.

He was proud of his daughter, for growing up into the beautiful, graceful princess he had always known she would be. He wasn't familiar with the young Lord Bacchus, but he did not question the King's wisdom in putting the two together -- after all, it had been the King who had given him Failthé to him.

Nonetheless, this ceremony marked the end of his firstborn daughter's childhood. From this point on, she became her husband's first and foremost, and would no longer be a resident of Ather's Hollow.

Never again would he wake to see his daughter smiling in the main glade, or have her shyly come to hug him and snuggle up next to him and her mother.

It was the end of an era. But perhaps, soon, she and her new husband might begin a new one all of their own.

Accalon wasn't sure he was ready to be a grandfather, but he couldn't wait to find out.

Nonetheless, he knew there was something important that needed to be taken care of. Turning to look behind him as the newlywed couple began to make their rounds, he looked at his dark shadow, Alistaire. "You have served me well all these years, my friend, but the time has come. I have a new task to ask of you now..."

Princess Failthé
Fai had been busy the entire morning, cleaning up her daughter, her coat shining and glowing, her manes decorated and no single hair out of place. And now when she saw her walking up front, Fai couldn't hold her tears. her first child, her daughter was getting wed. And while it hurted her to see her go, she was glad that she had been able to give Alé such a wonderful life. She only hoped deeply that she would get one in her new home as well.

So when the tears were rolling over her face, Fai kept up her smile to and looked and the entire festive, feeling the secure shoulder of her mate at her side.

Lord Arfailon
Jealousy. he could only describe is like that when he saw his sister brought to the front, where the King stood, together with Lord Bacchus.

He and his sister had been close from the moment they were born, being raised together. Even when she was older, he always felt like he was a the big brother. he was her guard and protector and now she would leave their glade to live with another.

He was happy, however, but couldn't shake of the feeling like this Lord simply stole away his sister without him being able to do anything! Yet he had made it clear for himself, if something would happen, that he would be there to protect her. Even if he had to cross the entire Glenwood to do so!

Guardsman Alistaire
The dark stags heart swelled with pride when his eyes finally fell over Ale, she was dressed beautifully in flowers and garlands that he had to clamp his jaw shut when he, alongsode another dark guard, came to collect her. He had watched the young Princess grow from day one, always his heart had belonged to her and her family and now her own was to belong to another. Even though he felt joy and sadness at seeing her grow up and move on he was still so very proud of her as if she had been his own. Alistaire tried his utmost to keep his normally straight face whilst he escorted Alailte towards her betrothed but he could feel the tears sting the edges of his eyes and he had to pause for a moment and shut his eyes

The gesture was brief and wouldn't have been noticed by anyone that didn't know him, but it was there and once hed done his duty bringing Ale up to the alter he excised himself to return to normal duties. As he watched he still pictured the little filly he had snuck out for snow days, the small hind who had visited him when he was injured, and now the older doe who didn't need her father anymore; he was so proud of her and the beautiful doe she had become, now it was time for a new chapter. After the ceremony, Accalon had pulled him aside and asked a great burden on him, he wanted him to follow Ale and watch over her like he always had. It was a great honour and Alistaire couldn't have said no even if he tried.

Lord Haymitch
Haymitch stood into the folk, together with his princess at his side and his sons around them. He had wanted them to join him, yes even Duke Hikaru, as they were now old enough to see and understand what was going on.

The pale Lord looked up front, seeing the future stag standing. He didn't knew the stag in person, but knew he was a brother of Rhov, the first husband of his own Princess Odett, who was later stripped of his title. Mitch didn't knew what to think of it. The Lord looked fine, but also very serious, and while he was glad that his sister's first child was wed, he couldn't hold that itchy feeling. None the less, his feelings were unworthy today, as he followed the wedding with the greatest attention.

Rhonwen & Lady Branwyn
“Mum, are you alright?”

The dunalino Lady whispered at her mother, trying to be as incognito as a golden lady could be amidst the crowds. Both does, decorated in pale lilac blooms interwoven in their manes, stood by the pale Lord’s side as congradulations and gossip were exchanged in spades all around them. The commoner hind was stone-faced, only softening when her daughter or mate addressed her. In this moment, it was her daughter who pulled her from her deep thought.

“Yes, Branwyn.”

“Then why are you so quiet? You are never quiet, not as long as I have known you… which has been… you know, my entire life.”

Rhonwen could have laughed from her belly with Bran’s sassy remark, but she only could give her a gentle grin in return.

“This is not a stage of life I ever had to consider when I was growing up, my daughter. I find it... troublesome.”

“You mean being betrothed?”

“Yes, Bran. I came to your father’s side by choice when I was eight, and love him because of the time past between us and the trust we forged through it. I am fortunate to be in the care of such a respectful stag, who is attracted to my spirit and my independence.”

The golden hind took pause, her brown eyes glossy with deep consideration before she spoke again.

“These two do not know each other well, do they?”

“I imagine not. Many Princesses do not meet their Lords before they wed.”

“… does her husband need to be considerate of her wishes?”

“He needs to protect her and keep her under control. Her own desires do not necessarily need to be taken into account.” Branwyn frowned, and in that moment felt quite grateful that she did not glow, that instead she could control the grasses underfoot.

“… Dad protects you.”

“He does. And I would defend him in a heartbeat if it ever came to that.” Rhonwen’s gaze went to the pale stag, wondering if he had heard any of their conversation, warm and affectionate where there had been a chill just moments before. Branwyn, acutely aware of this, took the moment to tease her mother.

“You love him~”

“I do, Bran. You cannot tease me with such a truth.” A beat, her eyes lingering over his muscled frame, then she looked down to her daughter with mischief in her eyes.

“Why don’t we try to stick some of these lilac sprigs in his mane? See how long it takes for him to notice?”

“Count me in, Mom.”

Lord Prendergast II
Praxis watched the proceedings with an easy, genial smile, his brood of children and does around him. Nezzar was conspicuously absent, the dark guard having chosen to remain back in the glade. The pale stag knew why the guard had had to stay, but he couldn't deny the sense that something was missing, at the absence of his loyal shadow.

That being said, Praxis couldn't deny feeling very happy on that day. He did enjoy seeing weddings where the betrothed weren't at each others' throats, and this one was of special interest to him, considering the fact that he had gotten to know young Alailte fairly well when she and her family had stayed with him during the Haven War.

Next to him, he heard Rhonwen murmuring softly to their daughter Bran, though the exact words were lost to the noise of the crowd. Praxis couldn't help the smile that spread over his lips at the sight of the two before he turned back to the proceedings, missing the sly smile the two does snuck at him.

With his lack of sensation, he felt nothing when the pair began to fiddle with his mane, but he did notice when Arcy, from behind him, let out a loud snort. "You look like an idiot," the slim duke said snarkily, eyeing the trio with disgust.

Praxis turned his unconcerned smile at the pale buck before he arched to look over his shoulder, chuckling as he saw the pale twigs of lilac in his hair. "Thank you, my darlings -- I feel much more suited for ceremony now," he remarked, eyes twinkling merrily as Arcy let out another disgusted noise behind them.

Lady Legalellan
She knew the mate to be was one of her old love's brothers. It was his turn to be gifted with a princess, and he was to wed a sweet princess. It was bitter sweet to witness this important mile stone for this couple. She wished Rhov was here to see his baby brother to wed this day. It seemed so long ago that Rhov was wed to a princess of his own and she watched from the sidelines with her family. She smiled as she watched Rhonwen and her precious daughter pamper their mutual mate. It was so hard for her to giggle over their antics. She winked to Rhonwen and Bran.

Rhov It was today his youngest brother was to wed a princess. He was now a commoner, but still he would give anything to be there to see his brother's wedding. The closest he came to seeing it was a large distance on a hill. He watched as a pale beauty of a princess walked to join his brother with the king. It was bitter sweet for Rhov, after all he too had a princess bride, but when he was out casted from royal society due to the death of the stubborn lord he lost her along with his family. Its been years now since then, but times like this, really got to him. He wished he was there for his brother on this important day. He stood there like a statue and watched from the large sidelines.

...
Woooo, at long laaaast xD Art is an experimental watercolour thing Dappleclaw and I tried. We thought it would be pretty cool to draw the betrothed pair not in the typical 'facing each other in matrimony' pose, so we showed each of our bubs preparing for the wedding ^^

Dapples did the top image and I did the bottom one ^^

Bacchus is getting combed into submission by a hoofmaiden while he broods over his future.
Alé is getting prepped for the wedding while surrounded by her family <3

Thanks to everyone who joined in with the mass RP! Bacon to everyone!

Description

Spring, Year 769 of the New Age

Glenmore, by the New Oak

Featuring Princess Alailté & Lord Bacchus , with mentions of other family members

Alailté
“You look beautiful, darling.”

Alé smiled shyly at her mother, pricking her ears as she leaned into the older doe’s nuzzle. “Thank you, Mama,” she said softly, her pleasure evident in the soft glow that shone from deep within her, giving her an almost otherworldly appearance. Hoofmaidens stood to either side of her, gently pulling her hair into intricate betrothal braids while her younger brother (with a long-suffering sigh and a badly-hidden grin) grew little patches of the lilac flowers she favoured, offering them wordlessly to the hoofmaidens.

Alé stood still and placid as the veritable army of hoofmaidens and family members rushed around her, Alé standing silent and docile, as always. As her mother walked away to go find her father, Alé found her thoughts drifting off towards the agenda for the day.

Betrothed. Alé had always known this day was coming, but to have it finally upon her – and with such little notice! – was shocking indeed. Nonetheless, Alé couldn’t deny the excitement that filled her heart. Growing up, she had heard all about her parents’ betrothal from her mother – the older princess’s soft gaze and sweet smile spoke more of her fond memories than her words themselves. Add to that her own adoration for her father, and her father’s undeniable love for her mother and his family, and she was definitely excited. The thought of having to leave her fawnhood home, Ather’s Hollow, was somewhat sobering, but nonetheless Alé was hopeful.

She could only hope that her new mate would look at her the same way her father looked at her mother.

Speaking of… Alé let out a surprised noise as she felt a warm presence pull up beside her and gently place something behind her ear. Looking up, Alé smiled as she saw her father’s striped face looking down at her, warm affection in his muted brown eyes. “Daddy…” she said softly, turning to face the old Lord with a small smile. The blue stag sighed and smiled as he looked down at his daughter, his expression a mixture of proud and sad. Seeing the dim edges to her father’s smile, Alé smiled and stepped forward to hug him, reaching out to gently brush him with her magic. “Don’t be sad, Daddy. I will always be your little girl,” she whispered softly into his thick neck fur, closing her eyes.

The older Lord didn’t say anything in response to her words, but he did hug her closer, tucking her firmly against his chest. The two stood together for a moment before a gentle cough and an apologetic whisper from a hoofmaiden let them know it was time for the ceremony to begin.

Alé pulled away from her father and let out a shuddery breath, her heart beginning to beat in a sharp staccato. The Lord Accalon smiled slightly and brushed his muzzle against his daughter’s pale cheek before pulling back. “Do not be nervous. Your mother and I will be waiting to meet you after the ceremony,” he promised before he turned and exited the holding den.

The golden princess let out a slightly watery laugh and took a few deep breaths, ignoring the dark guards that stood waiting for her to follow them.

This was it. Her wedding day.

Alé straightened up and turned to follow the guards.

Bacchus
When he had first found out that he was going to be betrothed to a princess, his first thought was not to praise the gods but to ask why? It was a genuine question that buzzed about his mind for the following days – after all, he had been informed of his impending betrothal only a short while ago. He didn’t know anything about the filly he was meant to cherish until death. It made him grimace, wondering what she would be like. He lived quietly because he liked peace and quiet. He didn’t handle excitement very well.

His parents had been delighted, praising him for no other reason than being chosen by the King for a princess. Then came the workers, landscapers his mother said when he asked her what was even happening. He had to have a glade fit for a princess and appropriate for having guests. Bushes were beaten into submission, grass grown just so for ultimate softness and a cushion so that it was gentle on one’s bones. Why a young filly had to worry about that was beyond him but since he didn’t want to deal with that, he let his mother do what she wanted. When all was said and done, there were more flowers than he’d last remembered and it smelled.

Despite his reservations he could barely sleep the night before with how his stomach twisted and turned. He slept just after the sun went down, and the moon wasn’t quite at its full height in the sky when he finally gave up the attempt. He walked around his den at first, before into the main clearing, which quickly turned into him heading into the woods and away from the sweet smell that permeated his hollow. He followed a stream to listen to the sound of the water crashing against rocks and having a calmness settle over him.

When the sun began to stain the sky with color he returned to his den and his guardsman Jasper, who stood at the entrance no doubt waiting for him. Hoofmaidens arrived as the sun peeked out, sent by his mother to clean him up for his big day. One of his father’s guards arrived to accompany him and his guard – he must have been taking too long according to his parents.

He arrived along with other royals and took up his spot while his mother tittered over him, adjusting his mane until it was just right. King Rafe arrived not long after, leaving just the princess, his betrothed, and her company to appear.

Alailté
“All done, Princess.”

Alé smiled shakily at the hoofmaiden who spoke, inclining her head in wordless thanks as she looked to the thin barrier of leaves that veiled her ready-room from the waiting witnesses. For a moment, the young doe simply stared at the sunlight that dappled through the leafy veil, her eyes wide and her heart beating staccato in her chest. It was only when her brother, clearly heedless of his sister’s mindset, gave her a cheeky swat with his tail that she snapped out of her frozen state, throwing a narrow look at the young buck that twitched into a small smile. “Thank you, Arfai. I will see you… after,” she said, voice hitching only slightly at the thought of after.

It was time.

The two guards pulled the veil apart as she nodded to them, allowing the clear morning sunlight to stream into the little grove. Taking a deep breath, Alé walked out through the veil, taking a moment to spare a smile for her the dark figure of her father’s loyal guard, Alistaire. The dark stag smiled back and bowed his head slowly, the wordless encouragement giving her the boost she needed. Letting out her held breath, Alé finally smiled properly, brightening slightly. With the approval of both her parents and her childhood companion and guard, she knew that the path she was taking was the right one.

The slender princess made her way out through the waiting attendees, their faces passing in a blur of colour. At her sides, Alistaire and the other dark guard – one she didn’t know, perhaps one of her betrothed’s guards? – kept pace with her, a silent reassuring presence at her back. She noticed her brother pushing his way through the crowd to stand at their parents’ sides, but her absent observation soon fled her mind as she caught sight of the dark stag that stood waiting for her at the end of the aisle.

Oh.

The first thing she noticed was that he was handsome. Very much so, with his dark coat and clear, dark eyes. The second thing she noticed, as she pulled up beside him, was that he… wasn’t actually that tall. Having expected some dark giant that towered over her like her father, being able to look almost directly into the eyes of her betrothed was…

Was surprisingly nice.

Alé smiled shyly at the stag, starting to curl her tail around her hindleg before she caught the nervous habit and carefully straightened her tail out once more, flushing slightly as she hoped her future mate didn’t see her nervousness.

Bacchus
It didn’t take long for the cue - the cue that the princess, his princess, would be arriving into the main clearing and the procession would begin. His mother was tittering again, hurriedly fixing the last flyaway hairs that she could reach before taking her place behind his father. Thank the gods. She was making him uncomfortable and there was a twist in his stomach that he wanted to be rid of immediately.

Maybe his body was trying to remind him of how much a mistake this was. Not that he had much of a choice, but why would any doe, any princess want to be with him and be happy about it? Chained to him and eager to leave at the first chance they got. That was what would happen, his gut told him so and his mind fervently agreed. Bacchus looked towards the King and then to Lord Accalon, his soon to be betrothed’s sire, discreetly, forcing the cool air of calm and not-quite indifference. He couldn’t possibly escape this…

His attention was drawn towards the guards that were appointed to walk the Princess from sheltered alcove to forefront of this procession. She came into view around a bend of eager onlookers, looking small in comparison to the dark guards that flanked her. His stomach dropped away, leaving only despair in its wake.

'Why couldn’t she be ugly?' His body felt numb. If she were ugly then it wouldn’t matter. No one would catch her eye and pull her undeserved and unwanted attentions elsewhere. As a Princess, no one could openly fight him for her, leaving only subterfuge. But no, he was stuck with a beautiful young Princess whom he was certain now had no business being given to him.

This was all a trick, an elaborate trick.

Bacchus sent a look to the large Lord Accalon, immediately looking away, back to the princess when the old stag’s gaze flicked to look at him. No doubt to see his reaction to his prized filly.

She sidled up to him and was looking at him with a rather odd expression in her eyes. She was disappointed at what she saw, no doubt. A mix of frustration and anger swelled up in his chest and were quickly thrown into confusion when she smiled at him. That was… a lie, wasn’t it? Pretending to be happy when planning to find a new love behind his back? Or if this was a setup, then she was in on it and delighted in seeing his misunderstanding?

He drew in a long breath amid the panicked thoughts and was taken aback by her scent. It was alluring and pure and he found that he liked it far too much. This was asking for pain. It distracted him long enough that he didn’t realize that the King had begun to speak and Bacchus turned his eyes from the doe to the dark hued King instead, heart racing.

Alailté
Alé only half listened as the King began to speak, her attention focused on her betrothed. For a moment, as she arrived, she saw his eyes widen in almost surprise, though she was startled to see his face harden a moment later, an almost angry glint coming to his eyes. For a moment, she worried she had done something to anger the stag somehow, and her heart set to thudding in her chest. ’Does my appearance displease him?’ she wondered fearfully, ears splaying back.

Behind her, she heard her father shift and straighten up, likely reacting to her body language. Nonetheless, she didn’t look around, eyes still fixated on her soon-to-be mate.

As she saw him visibly draw in a lungful of air and slowly relax, she felt her own body ease out of its tense state, unconsciously mirroring the dark stag. Perhaps he was just nervous, like her. Perhaps it was only his discomfort with large crowds that made him act so.

Reassured by this line of thought, she felt her smile soften as she looked towards the King, eyes glittering.

And then it was done. Alé felt her heart swell in her chest as she heard the cheering from the crowd. With bright eyes, she turned to beam at her new mate, glowing notably even in the sunlight. “Hello Bacchus,” she said softly, gaze dropping to the ground shyly before she returned them to his face. “I am Alailté.”

Lord Accalon
Accalon watched the proceedings, feeling an odd sort of bittersweet happiness.

He was proud of his daughter, for growing up into the beautiful, graceful princess he had always known she would be. He wasn't familiar with the young Lord Bacchus, but he did not question the King's wisdom in putting the two together -- after all, it had been the King who had given him Failthé to him.

Nonetheless, this ceremony marked the end of his firstborn daughter's childhood. From this point on, she became her husband's first and foremost, and would no longer be a resident of Ather's Hollow.

Never again would he wake to see his daughter smiling in the main glade, or have her shyly come to hug him and snuggle up next to him and her mother.

It was the end of an era. But perhaps, soon, she and her new husband might begin a new one all of their own.

Accalon wasn't sure he was ready to be a grandfather, but he couldn't wait to find out.

Nonetheless, he knew there was something important that needed to be taken care of. Turning to look behind him as the newlywed couple began to make their rounds, he looked at his dark shadow, Alistaire. "You have served me well all these years, my friend, but the time has come. I have a new task to ask of you now..."

Princess Failthé
Fai had been busy the entire morning, cleaning up her daughter, her coat shining and glowing, her manes decorated and no single hair out of place. And now when she saw her walking up front, Fai couldn't hold her tears. her first child, her daughter was getting wed. And while it hurted her to see her go, she was glad that she had been able to give Alé such a wonderful life. She only hoped deeply that she would get one in her new home as well.

So when the tears were rolling over her face, Fai kept up her smile to and looked and the entire festive, feeling the secure shoulder of her mate at her side.

Lord Arfailon
Jealousy. he could only describe is like that when he saw his sister brought to the front, where the King stood, together with Lord Bacchus.

He and his sister had been close from the moment they were born, being raised together. Even when she was older, he always felt like he was a the big brother. he was her guard and protector and now she would leave their glade to live with another.

He was happy, however, but couldn't shake of the feeling like this Lord simply stole away his sister without him being able to do anything! Yet he had made it clear for himself, if something would happen, that he would be there to protect her. Even if he had to cross the entire Glenwood to do so!

Guardsman Alistaire
The dark stags heart swelled with pride when his eyes finally fell over Ale, she was dressed beautifully in flowers and garlands that he had to clamp his jaw shut when he, alongsode another dark guard, came to collect her. He had watched the young Princess grow from day one, always his heart had belonged to her and her family and now her own was to belong to another. Even though he felt joy and sadness at seeing her grow up and move on he was still so very proud of her as if she had been his own. Alistaire tried his utmost to keep his normally straight face whilst he escorted Alailte towards her betrothed but he could feel the tears sting the edges of his eyes and he had to pause for a moment and shut his eyes

The gesture was brief and wouldn't have been noticed by anyone that didn't know him, but it was there and once hed done his duty bringing Ale up to the alter he excised himself to return to normal duties. As he watched he still pictured the little filly he had snuck out for snow days, the small hind who had visited him when he was injured, and now the older doe who didn't need her father anymore; he was so proud of her and the beautiful doe she had become, now it was time for a new chapter. After the ceremony, Accalon had pulled him aside and asked a great burden on him, he wanted him to follow Ale and watch over her like he always had. It was a great honour and Alistaire couldn't have said no even if he tried.

Lord Haymitch
Haymitch stood into the folk, together with his princess at his side and his sons around them. He had wanted them to join him, yes even Duke Hikaru, as they were now old enough to see and understand what was going on.

The pale Lord looked up front, seeing the future stag standing. He didn't knew the stag in person, but knew he was a brother of Rhov, the first husband of his own Princess Odett, who was later stripped of his title. Mitch didn't knew what to think of it. The Lord looked fine, but also very serious, and while he was glad that his sister's first child was wed, he couldn't hold that itchy feeling. None the less, his feelings were unworthy today, as he followed the wedding with the greatest attention.

Rhonwen & Lady Branwyn
“Mum, are you alright?”

The dunalino Lady whispered at her mother, trying to be as incognito as a golden lady could be amidst the crowds. Both does, decorated in pale lilac blooms interwoven in their manes, stood by the pale Lord’s side as congradulations and gossip were exchanged in spades all around them. The commoner hind was stone-faced, only softening when her daughter or mate addressed her. In this moment, it was her daughter who pulled her from her deep thought.

“Yes, Branwyn.”

“Then why are you so quiet? You are never quiet, not as long as I have known you… which has been… you know, my entire life.”

Rhonwen could have laughed from her belly with Bran’s sassy remark, but she only could give her a gentle grin in return.

“This is not a stage of life I ever had to consider when I was growing up, my daughter. I find it... troublesome.”

“You mean being betrothed?”

“Yes, Bran. I came to your father’s side by choice when I was eight, and love him because of the time past between us and the trust we forged through it. I am fortunate to be in the care of such a respectful stag, who is attracted to my spirit and my independence.”

The golden hind took pause, her brown eyes glossy with deep consideration before she spoke again.

“These two do not know each other well, do they?”

“I imagine not. Many Princesses do not meet their Lords before they wed.”

“… does her husband need to be considerate of her wishes?”

“He needs to protect her and keep her under control. Her own desires do not necessarily need to be taken into account.” Branwyn frowned, and in that moment felt quite grateful that she did not glow, that instead she could control the grasses underfoot.

“… Dad protects you.”

“He does. And I would defend him in a heartbeat if it ever came to that.” Rhonwen’s gaze went to the pale stag, wondering if he had heard any of their conversation, warm and affectionate where there had been a chill just moments before. Branwyn, acutely aware of this, took the moment to tease her mother.

“You love him~”

“I do, Bran. You cannot tease me with such a truth.” A beat, her eyes lingering over his muscled frame, then she looked down to her daughter with mischief in her eyes.

“Why don’t we try to stick some of these lilac sprigs in his mane? See how long it takes for him to notice?”

“Count me in, Mom.”

Lord Prendergast II
Praxis watched the proceedings with an easy, genial smile, his brood of children and does around him. Nezzar was conspicuously absent, the dark guard having chosen to remain back in the glade. The pale stag knew why the guard had had to stay, but he couldn't deny the sense that something was missing, at the absence of his loyal shadow.

That being said, Praxis couldn't deny feeling very happy on that day. He did enjoy seeing weddings where the betrothed weren't at each others' throats, and this one was of special interest to him, considering the fact that he had gotten to know young Alailte fairly well when she and her family had stayed with him during the Haven War.

Next to him, he heard Rhonwen murmuring softly to their daughter Bran, though the exact words were lost to the noise of the crowd. Praxis couldn't help the smile that spread over his lips at the sight of the two before he turned back to the proceedings, missing the sly smile the two does snuck at him.

With his lack of sensation, he felt nothing when the pair began to fiddle with his mane, but he did notice when Arcy, from behind him, let out a loud snort. "You look like an idiot," the slim duke said snarkily, eyeing the trio with disgust.

Praxis turned his unconcerned smile at the pale buck before he arched to look over his shoulder, chuckling as he saw the pale twigs of lilac in his hair. "Thank you, my darlings -- I feel much more suited for ceremony now," he remarked, eyes twinkling merrily as Arcy let out another disgusted noise behind them.

Lady Legalellan
She knew the mate to be was one of her old love's brothers. It was his turn to be gifted with a princess, and he was to wed a sweet princess. It was bitter sweet to witness this important mile stone for this couple. She wished Rhov was here to see his baby brother to wed this day. It seemed so long ago that Rhov was wed to a princess of his own and she watched from the sidelines with her family. She smiled as she watched Rhonwen and her precious daughter pamper their mutual mate. It was so hard for her to giggle over their antics. She winked to Rhonwen and Bran.

Rhov It was today his youngest brother was to wed a princess. He was now a commoner, but still he would give anything to be there to see his brother's wedding. The closest he came to seeing it was a large distance on a hill. He watched as a pale beauty of a princess walked to join his brother with the king. It was bitter sweet for Rhov, after all he too had a princess bride, but when he was out casted from royal society due to the death of the stubborn lord he lost her along with his family. Its been years now since then, but times like this, really got to him. He wished he was there for his brother on this important day. He stood there like a statue and watched from the large sidelines.

...
Woooo, at long laaaast xD Art is an experimental watercolour thing Dappleclaw and I tried. We thought it would be pretty cool to draw the betrothed pair not in the typical 'facing each other in matrimony' pose, so we showed each of our bubs preparing for the wedding ^^

Dapples did the top image and I did the bottom one ^^

Bacchus is getting combed into submission by a hoofmaiden while he broods over his future.
Alé is getting prepped for the wedding while surrounded by her family <3

Thanks to everyone who joined in with the mass RP! Bacon to everyone!