[Pack Event] Let the seasons begin

@Amaranth @Harper @Aulis @Mordecai @Lani @Halo @Akira @Valerie @Viscaria @Urszula @Vincent @Kuhn @Valmúa

{This thread will start with the ceremony, then transition into a dice-rolling competition to earn rank! All can participate for fun, but only pack members may claim rewards; indicate in your post if you wish to participate in the event, as rules will be posted later.}

She hadn't slept very well that night. Nerves, perhaps, or the continued nausea from her pregnancy, she had laid awake and stared up at the ceiling of the den for hours. Amaranth slept in her own that night, adhering to the tradition of keeping each other hidden until it was time for the ceremony; she missed her warmth and the soft, angelic snores that serenaded her every evening, and found herself restless and lonely.

Nevertheless, dawn came relentlessly. The first high notes of birdsong cut through the dark silence of her fretful sleep, eyelids fluttering open as she heaved a deep, anxious sigh and begrudgingly pulled herself up. She had spent the last few days tirelessly running around to make sure everything was in order, checking in with her various packmates several times as to their progress on collecting food for the feast and decorations for the ceremony. She knew the guest list included several non-Elysium members and wanted to ensure they had enough to satisfy even the most voracious appetites, especially if Kuhn and his companion showed; he was impressively large compared to most wolves and a steep hunger likely accompanied his size.

Besides, Mordecai alone could put away an entire elk if left to his own devices.

She exited the den slowly, blinking as the first rays of sunlight touched down from a cloudless sky. It was going to be a beautiful day, but her stomach turned suddenly, and she remembered the life she now carried within her belly - she was showing, now, though her heavy fur lent its blessing so she only appeared just a bit thicker than usual. She could hardly believe it. She and Amaranth, soon wedded, with a litter on the way - their litter. Their children. Her legs felt like jelly, and she had to take a deep breath to try and steady herself.

It was all so surreal.

The ceremony was to be held at the beginning of the Glade of Sylvanus, where its sun-dappled woods ended and opened up to the vista of their great lake. It was fitting for the occasion; the glade was one of the most beautiful areas in their territory, its grass sprinkled with wildflowers and other sweet-smelling flora as well as its great, overarching trees that provided shade against the bright sun. Two large boulders presided on either side of this entrance, from which they (directed specifically by Harper, who held the most sway over the decorative aspect of their day) had hung draping vines and honeysuckle to artfully frame where the couple would stand in unity, and a great clearing before them where the guests would find seating.

An enormous spread of delicacies of all varieties lay enticingly off to the side, where vibrant florals had been tucked reverently between the carcasses that somehow lent an even more bountiful appearance to the overwhelming feast. They were still fresh (those that were not had been expertly tended to and preserved as a dry-aged meat varietal by Urszula) and their scent reached even the dens to the far north of Fate's Respite, likely tickling its residents awake with their bewitching odor.

Valeska, however, remained at the mouth of her cave. Harper would soon be on her way - coming to prepare her sister for the most emotional and nerve-wracking day of her life.


 

{@Harper to post next; then @Amaranth; then @Viscaria; then the rest may begin!}

the staff team luvs u

^^

also adding @Ragnar & @Sindri to list of special guests ~ reminder to allow @Amaranth to post after, followed by @Viscaria ~

---

Two days ago, the Thornweaver of Elysium had returned home, though she hadn’t been alone. With her, were two blonde wolves, whom Harper carried at each side/shoulder as if they were two elegant pieces of jewelry.

Twice now, Elysium women had been upon their shores, and Harper had only thought it fair for them to attend the festival and ceremony, though Harper was unaware of the “help” that Ragnar had given her sister. The more the merrier, and that was all that Harper was concerned with.

And thankfully, the trio had arrived a few days early, giving Harper plenty of time to decorate things. It was still sunrise, also, and while Harper generally didn’t like to keep an eye on the time of day, Harper had special plans for her sister.

It was to be the most emotional, nerve-wrecking day of her life - as Harper’s wedding to Crux had been some months previously. The two had a lot to talk about, of which was none of Elysium’s business to be quite frank, and Harper had opted to wait to discuss such things at a later date -

But for now, Harper was to meet her sister in the entrance. She was more than a Thornweaver today, and more of a Decorative Council. Or perhaps it was in the fine print that the Thornweaver also mandated decorations and event planning.. - meeting her sister on the spot, with a heap of lavender in her jaws.

“О мое сердце — Oh my heart, - you’s look as beautiful as ever. Come, let me dress you in some pretty flowers,” Harper would coo, nuzzling her closely (and making sure Valeska got a nuzzle full of lavender) ; she didn’t know if Valeska knew the calming effects of the plant, but it would not matter, and Harper would not waste precious time explaining it to her.
Lavender was an all natural remedy for alleviating stress and anxiety levels, and so, it was the main ingredient for Valeska’s dress and head-gown/crown piece, which was laced with white birb feathers that Akira had gathered for her, and small pieces of Chamomile for both coloration and further relaxation purposes; though not certainly enough to ruin the evening or anything of that nature.

There, too, were purple wildflowers, which had been gathered by her apprentice, and once Harper thought herself finished, she would stand back to admire her sister.

“I need you and Amaranth to come find me at midnight for a special event.” Harper would tell her in a serious, but also mysterious tone of voice, with the lick of her lips and the nod of her head.

And then -

“Is ready? You wish to talk pathway solo?”

^^
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@Viscaria next, then open!

---

She'd slept alone that night — she was told it was proper. It was tradition. 

Amaranth knew not of tradition. She knew only of her cold flanks and lonely disposition as she quietly yawned herself awake, soft purple eyes fluttering open in the dusty den. Sunlight flickered through the branches, outlining her lithe golden body that lay strewn atop her bed of treasures.

Her stomach turned as she rolled up upon her paws, an unwelcome wave of nausea flushing her with heat as her empty stomach groaned. The golden woman swallowed, forcing saliva down a dry throat as her tongue rolled over her ebony lips ... legs wavering slightly as she pulled herself up upon long, golden stilts. Dust fell from her coat like a subtle glitter, and the huff of her breath softly broke the silence. Amythyst eyes turned toward another figure that was in the room, standing over her with solemn patience.

Her mother smiled softly at her.

It was today.

Amaranth's eyes darkened with a subtle, almost invisible level of anxiety.
 Her lips but a thin black line.

And for the first time in her life, Amaranth found herself thankful that she had her mother here to support her. Like a sick pup, crying out for protection, she craved her mother's presence. And Amaranth found herself floating across the semi-dark cave, toward her mother's side. Invisible emotion poured from her skin, washing over her mother as that golden chest collided with the dirty cream of the one who had birthed her. The one who had lost her. The one who had found her again.

She silently asked every question, closing her eyes with an unusual amount of force as she begged for her mother to tell her she was okay. That she wouldn't throw up all over Valeska (though, fair was fair, honestly) ... and that she did not need to run away. Did not need to start over — for everything she could have ever hoped for was here. In this place. On this day.

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Future posts Boo will be PPing Viscaria as needed <3

---

She waited over her daughter, hovering like a patient apparition. Emptiness floated within crimson depths as her gaze hovered over the golden figure.

'She should not sleep any longer,' came an impatient hiss within her mind, the familiar voice of Jackal (her beloved, a bleached white coyote skull). She'd brought him to supervise, of course. "Hush," she implored the voice, casting a sullen stare toward the entrance of the den where she'd left him (and would leave him forever if he did not fix his attitude). And as she whispered the words, Amaranth's body began to toss and turn, wakened by her words ... or perhaps simply woken by her own anxieties and volition.

The two shared nothing at first save a glance. Amythyst eyes locked with bloodied crimson gems as the taller, more beautiful frame of her daughter came to life ... rising from the dust and ashes like a stygian phoenix. Viscaria would have smiled, had her lips known how to complete the motion — but instead, she let the thin line of her lips waver only slightly as Amaranth rushed forward with unprecedented emotion toward her. Viscaria's shorter frame nearly bowled backward, muscles weakened by chronic emaciation ... but eventually she pushed forward into the embrace.

That simple motion spoke a thousand words. A thousand worries.
  And Viscaria spoke silently back to her a thousand sparks of encouragement.

Silence enveloped them for a few perfect moments before she remembered that there was a task at hand. Today was not about their bond, but instead about Amaranth and Valeska's. "Let's get you ready," the woman hummed, pulling away and motioning toward a pile of stark, fresh raven feathers and a bouquet of blue and white floral adornments. As Amaranth neared, Viscaria first started with a bath — no sense in stinking of dust and decay on her wedding day, hmm? Salmon tongue rinsed over Amaranth's face and neck, plucking out the old tangled raven feather's from that golden mane to make a fresh canvas for this lovely wedding adornment.

Viscaria worked quickly, with a surprising amount of expertise placing a mantle of fresh, ebony and violet raven feathers in Amaranth's fur. She accented the feathers with bundles of blue and white flowers that seemed to nearly glow in the dim sunlight of the den.

And she stood back after a moment to admire her work. Her daughter.

"You are ... perfect," she mused, still unsmiling but tinting her normally decayed voice with a blossom of rosy warmth. Viscaria blinked, feeling a soft hint of that rosy warmth spread through her chest. "Do you want me ... to come with you?" The eerie woman tilted her head, blinking once ... twice ... three times. Jackal snickered stupidly in the background, and for a moment Viscaria flattened her ears, threatening punishment. But she remained focused on Amaranth.

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Ragnar and Sindri will participate the event.

And excuse me while I cheat. Ragnar's post will have all the fluffy details but didnt want to duplicate for Sindri.

---

Their invitation to Elysium had been met with excitement and anticipation. It would be the first time both Ragnar and Sindri had traveled a far stretch together since they had wandered this world in search for a new home. Now, Northfall had finally fallen into a position of strength which brought safety. They had plenty of new members and new allies near their home to keep an eye on things and just in case, Ragnar had asked of @Krakarak to seek out their neighbor at the half-way point to keep a look out for them. Ragnar could only hope @Olive was given the message properly by the bird (probably not). If it came to it, if it's a fight they would be met with, its a fight they will have! Ragnar and Sindri were going to this party!

Their venture back to the east was met with a pep in their step and moments of chase and laughter. They did their best to stay out of everyone's fur those two days. Taking rest the first and sticking to the outskirts of the borders. (To which they come to find out they could see the heights of Vanderfell just next door.) The second where Ragnar helped with the feast by fishing and Sindri helped Harper to decorate. The day had come. Soon the wedding celebration would begin.

It was a beautiful land. Peaceful, open and airy. To the Norsemen, the mountains were not impressive or awe-inspiring. Not like Northfall. Instead of warning, they were welcoming in their gentle slopes upwards. Within their foothills were mostly open lands, dotted with trees here and there. Unlike the waters of their home as well, the lake was still and calm. It was a color like emerald, something which neither of the western travelers had seen before quite like it. So strange and tropical in appearance, Ragnar had to force himself from reaching out a paw to touch it!

Pulling himself away from the waters, Ragnar followed the path laid out for them and settled down on the grasses to await the gathering crowd.
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Sindri would prod the side of Ragnar, who was distracted by the new lands they were visiting. Ragnar who was overlooking the new country side, Sindri's nose went to work, seeking out the food laid out for feasting. She couldn't help but salivate, licking her slender maw. Of course she would only look, not touch, for the time was not yet ready.

The two visitors would settle down onto the flower speckled grounds of the glade. Sindri in a lazy lay with her legs stretched out and Ragnar sitting at her side. Before them sat two great boulders, likely fallen somewhere from the low mountains near. The boulders were decorated with vine and honeysuckle flower. The scene a perfect placement in their home for their formal uniting. Now they had only but to wait.
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I think I will only do Valerie, as I sadly only have motivation to do one char atm. Halo and Lani are not going to attend because they are somewhere else. I wish I had the motivation to do either of those two, and for that I am sorry!

---

She was out collecting flowers to first make flower crowns with, and secondly weave into her fur. Valerie moved about quickly, knowing the time wasn't suited for dawdling. 

After finding enough flowers, she made her way back to the lake to prepare herself for the coming activities. Valerie started weaving together the flowers and vines, making quick work. She then put the crowns on and began putting some flowers in her fur. For this, she used blue and violet flowers. 

Once she was done, she headed toward the glade, then laid down in a nice patch of grass that had some sun. Closing her eyes, Valerie would then slightly dozed off, still aware yet asleep. She would wake when the festivities started.

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 He probably should’ve prettied himself up a bit more… but he didn’t think about that until afterwards. He also should probably do something about the drool starting to pool in his mouth at the scent and sight of the buffet laid out before him. It was so hard to keep himself under control. So, he tried focusing on the to other guests in attendance. He sat down near a golden-colored fox. Oh! He didn’t know that there were foxes here! ”Heeeyyyyyy!” He whispered quietly with a smile, happy to distract himself with small talk. He looooved talked and meeting others… not as much as he loved food though. Hopefully everything would start soon…. He was so hungry his stomach was starting to rumble.

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 ”KRAKARAK!” The black bird heralded his arrival with a loud caw. Hopefully Sylvie was listeneing, he wanted her to know that her great papa Krakarak was here! The main event! The guest of honor! As far as he was concerned, anyway.

 He alighted beside Ragnar and the female Ragnar, already bored at the proceedings. When were they going to eat already?

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The boy really didn't understand what was happening, not that he minded though. He was here for moral support! He looked around, hating that both of his mamas were busy with this event. Looking around, the boy would find a place to sit off on his own, staying away from everyone else. He trusted his mamas, but that was about it. He didn't know anyone here and therefore, didn't trust them enough to not eat him.

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Weaving though the trees with @Archon and @Valmúa the scent of many grew stronger and stronger. The blood pressure of the solitary cat rose bit by bit as they got closer to the gathering. Really he wasn't much for crowds, but figured he should give it a go because his friends would be there.

Carrying the boar in his jaws that he and Archon had killed, he was panting ever so slightly, which would be an easy tell for his social anxiety.

Now in view of the procession, he looked around seeing more familiar faces than he expected. Seeing them here was noticably soothing the cat's apprehesive stride.

Dropping the boar in with the rest of the food, he had to doubletake, admiring the sheer variety of food here. Pulling himself away he tried not to look at it all, doing his best to just blend with the back of the crowd and not draw attention; despite his obvious differences to the rest of the attendees.

he will participate

---

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The lady of ice had practically been vibrating waiting for this day to come. Not once had she really interacted with the pack before so to join such an event was something of a spectacle for the girl. Zula made her way down to the ceremony from her holding on the otherside of the lake with a skip to her step. She could only imagine Valeska had done a fabulous job and to see her get married in such a formal way... The jealousy Zula felt was a lot but overrun by the emotions of joy, it was squashed out and suffocated by the positivity she felt. 

Observing the gathering crowd, Zula was glad to have bathed the night prior. She'd rolled in lavender, and even preened herself of any knots in her rather northern suited pelt. The curvaceous woman was alive with excitement as she joined the crowd, bobbing her head to those she passed as she carried a pair of snowshoe hares to the bounty that had already amassed. There were many strange scents here, but at least five were not of the pack - One was a huge cat for Odin's sake. Right before her in fact before she passed him with a soft smile upon her dark maw. 

Valeska sure knew some awesome folks. 

Finding a place of vantage off to the side of the group, she settled into a stance that would allow her to stand for a while before being allowed to sit. She wasn't entirely sure of the protocol of weddings here but she had eyes to observe everyone else. What an awesome place Elysium was.

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^^In his little life, Archon had already been a member of 4.5 packs - 5 packs, if you counted Elkshire twice as well as the pack he’d been born into (outside of Canis.) And in all that time, Archon had never been to anything called a festival.

So, of course, when Uncle Kuhn extended the offer, Archon leapt at the chance to explore some more. It wasn’t as if anyone in Elkshire had noticed his absence, - though even if they had, Archon had made his agenda pretty clear that he would visit his mother often and they would likely just assume that’s where he had gone (esp if they knew that some zombie had chased him off.)

But he had not expected this. There were so many people! So many new scents, but among those, there was a scent that seemed almost dominant; a scent he knew..

Could it be? There were so many wolves, Archon wasn’t sure who’s scent belonged to who - but he decided that it hadn’t mattered right in this moment. Instead, he walked with Kuhn as he added their kill to the pile, and then followed him and Valuma around since they were the only ones that he knew, so far.

He had hoped that there would be other non-wolf creatures here, but so far, it seemed that Kuhn was the only one.

^^
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Valmúa will participate

---

 Valmúa had not been sure what to make of Archon from the get go. He and Kuhn seemed to get along just fine, which partially confused her, like it always did whenever he got on when younger animals. The boy seemed altogether fine, but not someone that she would ever willingly hang around, if not for Kuhn.
 She had come with them toward the end of the journey, but she had actually left Northfall many hours earlier than he had.
 The delay had been multi-fold. For as she had drawn closer to the Everfrost and to Vanderfell, she had grown nervous and flighty. Yet, she knew that she and Kuhn could not appear together without a gift. Thus, she had spent hours just west of Everfrost to hunt. Every encounter, she was unsuccessful. A hare would disappear faster than she could pounce. A fox would escape her grasp, only just. Geese flew. Goslings were too protected by their parents. Every moment she failed, and thus she had appeared to Kuhn and his new friend, Archon, quite empty-mouthed and dejected.
 When she, Kuhn, and Archon did appear at the Respite where the couple to be were to be bound, Valmúa was in a grey mood. She had moved through the Everfrost route to avoid the mountains, intentionally moving over the grounds that she had been attacked with Kuhn by the traitors of Vanderfell and Shiroshika. It had felt empty, and yet ugly. She could tell that others had been around. She knew there were animals that had taken residence, and she did not like it. That land was meant to be theirs and she was having trouble letting go of it as her home range.
 The place of the ceremony had a great spread of food to be had. It was clear, though, that none were to partake in that feasting until it was deemed. Valmúa sidled up beside @Kuhn, dragging her body to his side, eyeballing @Archon with mild indifference. Kuhn had brought a boar, thus rendering her efforts useless but appreciated. She was fast to move aside to him and look out at those present.
 There were many. She did not know any their names, at a quick glance. Rather than being worried, she grinned, touching her nose to Kuhn's and rubbing her muzzle under his chin. She reassured, even when unneeded, for she knew vaguely what this was all about.

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Making his way through the glade, Aulis' eyes were wide in awe at the sight. Large trees covered the glade, their long branches stretching to provide a canopy that speckled the ground below with light. Flowers decorated the area boasting bright colors. Aulis hadn't been to many festivities—certainly not weddings. Frankly, he wasn't even sure if he knew what one was. Either way, Valeska and Amaranth were to be joined today.

 

What Aulis also had never seen was so much food in one place. 

 

Once the scent of the food had wafted past his nose the young wolf would perk up in excitement. Bounding towards the feast, Aulis kept his wide eyes on it as he neared. Yet, he would stop in his tracks as a strange creature neared the food pile. Shocked at the strange sight, Aulis watched as the striped cat dropped a boar at the feast's base. He wasn't sure what to make of the sight of the tiger, but his worries eased as others sidled up to the beast.

Instead, Aulis' attention was taken by a loud caw from the air. Watching as a raven soared to the company of another canine, Aulis let his paws follow the bird's lead towards the rest of the procession.

It was going to be an exciting day indeed.

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Quick post to squeeze her in here! Olive will participate!

---

Was this how time passed these days, in the blink of an eye? It seemed as if she had just arrived to the lands of Elysium and made acquaintance with the High Priestess (after endlessly hearing how her and her betrothed had been lauded far and wide by mutual friends), but she had arrived at a particularly auspicious moment. The energy was high, and the anticipation was fraught. There was to be a wedding; a binding of souls. A ceremony was being prepared, and a feast to be had. In Olive's mind, there was no better way to affirm the future alliance between Duskguard and Elysium, though she knew well none of this was being thrown in her honor. Still, it was fun to pretend, and Olive spent her time wishing that @Tiberius was here to enjoy this festivities with her, and steep in the thick miasma of love-energy together.

Olive remained largely hands-off though this was not her nature to do so. This was not her marriage, not her religion, not her ceremony to conduct. Elysium had their own Priestesses and woman of Goddess-Nature, and Olive had neither been invited to, nor did she feel the impulse to encroach on any of it. She had rested for a few days, and when the time came and the commotion became lively, the woman picked up the fish she had managed to wrangle from the shallows of a river's eddy, and made her way to the rendez-vous. There was more activity that Olive was prepared for, but still most of the fellow patrons sat in a heavy, anticipatory silence as they waited for vows to be utters, and lives to be merged.

There were many that Olive recognized, but this was not her place to call for attention and exhibit loud reunions. Instead, she carried the trout over to where Archon, Kuhn and Valmua sat in audience, then deposited her gift to the side and sidled up close to @Archon, allowing a flutter of kisses to be pressed into his cheek.

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^^

quick mini-round for harper, valeska & amaranth. please hold your posts for the time being ~

---

Harper Bacchus was a wolf that had sworn off religion the day she was cast out of their birth pack for things that were outside of her control. She swore off religion like a woman swearing off bad men after one wrong dude, and she, too, swore off religious wolves, because those were the ones who had wronged her.

But the fates - or, depending on whose story you hear first, the Five - would bring the two sisters together again, and from that moment on, the sisters had been loyal to each other. And for this particular instance, that loyalty came in the form of announcing the two wolves as wife and wife the second, even if Harper was the most sinful of wolves.

She had dressed her sister in the colors of their choosing, and once she was done, Harper circled her sister and nuzzled her cheek. “Perfection,” Harper growled, though proudly and happily, nodding her head softly.

Guiding her sister out of the decoration room, Harper would pause - there was no celebration to be had without music, so she would begin the chorus; howling a beautiful melody, and also - hopefully - gathering/burrowing the voices of those in the audience to join in while the brides were walked down the aisle. {feel free to post your character singing along}

Valeska on one side of her, and Amaranth on the other, in addition to Amarath’s mother - the Royal Court of Elysium would be led to the special place of gathering - with the two brides facing each other, and Amaranth’s mother off to the side or where ever she may be.

Harper, in the middle of them, smiling gently towards each, and licking each on the nose, gently - she would turn to address the audience as the howls died down to allow her to speak. She would bow her head, smile, and inhale deeply, gazing over their audience, pleased to see many faces she knew, and many that she did not.

“We have gathered here today, in this boootiful place, to witness the joining of two lives; the celebration of two very special wolves. Today’s marriage festie-mony” (festival/ceremony) “signifies the beginning of a lifetime between wives.”

A brief pause to glance over the two very beautiful wolves, and then their audience with a smile and nod, - Harper would continue.

“Do you, Valeska Mikaelson & Amaranth Aktaion, take this lovely lady to be your wedded wife? Will you love her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, and keep yourself only unto her as you both shall live?”

^^
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As Harper led the pair down the petal-littered aisle, she couldn't help but try and steal a glance at her mate. It was all happening so fast, she hardly had a moment to take everything in - she wondered if Amaranth was as nervous as she was. The jitters threatened to overtake her at every step, but adrenaline kept her steady, and though her heart felt like it might pound right out of her chest she appeared surprisingly calm and serene.

Amaranth was stunning. Decorated in a wreath of inky black raven feathers, shimmering iridescent in the morning sun, her ruff adorned with an assortment of florals meant to both complement and represent her union with Valeska - in this case, the golden woman sported pale grey-blue flowers that seemed to glow with a light of their own, and a smattering of tiny white daisy-like varieties to add depth to her appearance. Viscaria had outdone herself in dressing her daughter for the occasion; she was every inch the bewitching soothsayer she had met in the bone pit from so long ago, an entire world away.

She heard singing, distantly. She was certain it sounded beautiful, but the high-pitched ringing of her ears and the overwhelming babble of anxious thoughts took center stage - until the singing stopped altogether, and the sound of Harper's thickly-accented voice broke through at last to return her to reality.

“Do you, Valeska Mikaelson & Amaranth Aktaion, take this lovely lady to be your wedded wife? Will you love her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, and keep yourself only unto her as you both shall live?”

Valeska realized everyone was looking at her.

"I do," she squeaked quietly, swallowing the lump in her throat. This was it - this was the culmination of the life they had built together. All of them, together. Just as now she and Amaranth would be - together.

In spite of the many pairs of eyes that watched them (including a few new ones), suddenly, all she could see was Amaranth and her endless amethyst pools.

“I do,” she repeated, this time with confidence.

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Safe to assume Visc walks down and seats herself at the edge of the ceremony area!

---

Everything evolved quickly — Amaranth was but a drop of rainwater falling from a cloud and landing in the roaring mouth of a waterfall. Consumed. Quickly; eagerly. She was enveloped in a dark mist that swirled inside her brain; she heard nothing but the endless, tumultuous roar of the waterfall. It was cacophony.

Blissful. Empty. Chaos.

Her vision came in blurred pulses.
  Her mother garbed her in a wedding crown.
   The sun hit her eyes as she stepped from the den, floating on air.

Hooded eyes saw nothing but haze, despite the beautifully clear nature of the day. Mist outlined her vision, marring her grasp on reality. She saw nothing in those moments ... nothing until she saw Valeska. Had she not been so dutifully poised, her jaw would have dislocated from her face and hit the floor. Valeska was a vision — draped in pristine white feathers and glowing amethyst flowers that nearly jumped with life out of the depths of her swirling silver coat. Piercing eyes, as warm as the sun, caught her gaze for a fraction of a second and nearly turned her back into that droplet of rainwater. The smell of soft pine transcended her nose and sent a zap of energy through her core.

Were they walking?
 Was there singing?
   She noticed Harper's mouth moving but no words were coming out.
   Peculiar.

Amaranth was staring through at Valeska, and she saw and heard nothing but her. That silver fur. Those yellow eyes. That scent of pine. There were whispers of chatter all around her, and a thousand scents that could have easily drowned her. But Valeska's very presence kept her steady ... Externally, the golden woman still somehow, miraculously, appeared completely and utterly poised. But inside, her brain was on actual fire.

"I do," came the squeak of a voice, slipping from Valeska's narrowed lips. Amaranth blinked, having missed the rather important section of Harper's talk, and now subsequently confused as to what Valeska was doing exactly. "I do," Valeska said again, louder now and with more gusto. The implication was obvious.

I do. To a life together.

I do. To each other.

I do. To their ... family.

"I do," she repeated whimsically; finally smiling.

And while Valeska shone, everything else in Amaranth's vision faded to gray.

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She was furious.

She had lost out in the end to that stupid, fat silver she-wolf in the bid for her mother's eternal affections - and here they were, the pair getting married in front of all these godsforsaken people, on a beautiful day surrounded by beautiful things, and Sylvie somehow found herself stuck with the job of ring-bearer for these two clowns. Well, except Mamaranth. Mamaranth wasn't a clown - she was just terribly misguided, and had no idea what a grave future awaited her with the fat white wolf.

The little raven ruffled her feathers, jostling the absurd flower that rested atop her forehead. Even worse - they had dressed her. And she had sat there and taken it because Mama insisted, and cooed sweet words into her dumb little ear-holes, whispering promises of mice and trinkets and a shower of other goodies that would follow such a brave act, and she'd taken the bait.

Like an idiot.

An idiot bird with a bright pink flower on top of her head.

As the procession ended, and the singing stopped, Sylvie recognized her cue and reluctantly hopped out into the aisle with a surly expression. Within her beak she held two carefully-woven vines meticulously (and painstakingly) tied into makeshift necklaces, each wrapped around a sparkling stone of some kind. They caught in the light as she bounced forward, and any nature-savvy creature would recognize them as two small halves of an iridescent geode - indigo in color, an almost blueish-purple emanating from within like rippling water in the sun.

It had taken her twenty-eight hours to figure out how to even tie the beginnings of a fucking knot.

She cursed under her breath, the flower wobbling dangerously atop her slender head.

After an eternity, she reached the pair. Two beady eyes stared viciously up at Valeska, and she mouthed something inaudible (Valeska caught it, and understood the words to be 'sleep carefully'), before turning to Amaranth. Well, she looked splendid, at any rate - the great mantle of restored raven feathers made her look every bit the glorious raven-mama she was, and it would have been an almost emotional moment for Sylvie until she remembered why she was up there in the first place.

She growled, and flapped up onto the golden woman's head to drape the vine around her silken ruff, hanging the geode with surprising care.

She then repeated the gesture for Valeska, albeit much more roughly.

Sylvie huffed, spat very discreetly at the silver wolf's paws, and then she and her big pink flower-hat fluttered up onto Harper's shoulders for the remainder of the ceremony.

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^^It had seemed like a lifetime ago now, that they’d met. Harper having met Amaranth through Valeska, and their desire to — what had Valeska said? Some sort of spiritual vacation, to ascend to the havens, or something of that nature? They had ridden waves, and had a grand ol’ time.

And now Harper was the most sinful priest, saying words that she had memorized for this special occasion, and would be hereby retiring her very short-lived career as a priest, as she would refuse to marry none others. Only Valeska would get this treat.

The two would, of course, as everyone knew they would, promise their lives to each other — and shortly thereafter, the mascot of Elysium would come buzzing by, with the rings - and Harper would take a moment to nuzzle the little birb, if she would so allow, before turning towards the lovely ladies with the wag of her tail.

“Now that you have both committed yourselves to each other, and have received the rings - which be a sign of holy mat…uh, money.. ?.. I er, now pronounce you’s uh, wife and wife the second.” Harper grinned, nodding her head. “You may kiss your bride! ” Harper howled, inviting others too, to howl in celebration.

Once the howling was over, she would smile and grin. “May I please have your attention as we welcome the new Mrs. —” Harper would gently nudge her sister to fill in the black, unaware of which last name they were taking, or if they were doing really weird whole last-name-combined thing that some people liked to do.

“Valeska; Amaranth - I has… something for you. Just a moment, if you would please.. ” Harper would excuse herself to one of the nearby dens, and then return with a very large caribou skull with it's antler's fully intact; which was dressed in many, many, many dried flowers that it might have looked to be made of a combination of (donated) raven feathers, including special roses such as the Camille Pissarro Rose, and the Marc Chagall Roses, which were two of Harper’s favorite, as well as some poppy flowers, and jewelweed. Carefully, she would set it down, between the two lovely ladies.

“If you would recall, from our luncheon with a very special guest.. ” Harper would almost purr, looking out into the crowd, and allowing her eyes to fall upon a certain feline guest, before glancing back towards her sister.

^^
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{This one's a doozy, skip to the end for the rolling event if you just want the rules for participation!}

Valeska looked down at the geode which hung awkwardly from her neck - Sylvie hadn't tried very hard to tie this one, nor had she taken much care in centering its placement - but it was nonetheless perfect. One glittering half of a whole which she and Amaranth shared together, a perfect representation of the ethereal love they felt. The moments passed in slow-motion between Valeska and her golden bride as Harper's low, melodious tones filtered down with the sun's rays through the trees that sheltered them, casting a warm glow over the ceremony that seemed to light the pair aflame.

The glade was silent but for the hammering of their hearts.

“... I er, now pronounce you’s uh, wife and wife the second.”

She smiled, stifling a giggle. It wouldn't have been them if the proceedings had been too serious anyway, and she suddenly felt her eyes well with tears as she fought to keep herself from covering Harper in grateful kisses - for everything. Everything that she had ever done for them, with them, hunting and fighting and playing and laughing every step of the way, and at long last, uniting them as one.

Instead, this kiss was reserved for Amaranth. The pair leaned forward and exchanged a long, loving caress, time stilled between the two of them, a motion ending in tender kisses around their muzzles as they pressed their foreheads to one another.

After some time like this, they parted, and turned to face their guests.

“From this day on, we have taken the name Callosum for our own - a symbol of unity, that we may go forward together with one mind and heart,” Valeska announced. “I will be known as Valeska Callosum, and my wife, Amaranth Callosum!”

It seemed fitting. They had spoken for many nights about surnames - who would take what, how could they blend the two in a sensible way, what did 'hyphenate' mean, and after much trial and error (one can imagine all of the Miktaions, Aktaisons, Ak'aelsons, Mik'taion's and various other attempts at squashing their names together they endured), before finally settling on something different altogether.

Callosum - that which binds the separate minds.

A light sprinkling of flowers fell from the sky overhead (Sylvie's doing, reluctantly employing Krakarak's flying lessons for the sake of grandeur), showering all in attendance with soft petals of all sorts of colors and scents. Harper then presented the couple with her own gift, and Valeska took in a sharp breath; she recognized its shape immediately and ran to her sister in a flurry of emotion, smothering her with all of the love and adoration she felt. It was gorgeous - exquisite - she had no idea how long it had taken her to create such a masterpiece, and she could hardly utter the words to describe it.

“Oh, my heart, it is - it is so lovely - oh, I know exactly where it will go, overlooking the bear pelt @Urszula has made for us - it is divine!” she exclaimed breathlessly, admiring it from every angle. “Which reminds me, I have more announcements to make!”

Clearing her throat, she tried to move quickly so that the reception could begin. Valeska knew it was torture for her guests to wait so long staring at the extravagant feast that lay just beyond their reach, and she, too, began to feel the pangs of hunger gnawing at her insides - or could it be her pups moving around? - but this was important.

“Harper, for all you have done and been for me,” Valeska started, golden eyes shimmering with emotion, “You are a healer with no equal. It is with joy under the light of Houtu that I anoint you our only Divine Thornweaver, expert of your skill and knowledge!”

She waited for the obligatory cheering to subside, giving her sibling a playful nudge with a feather-clad shoulder as she did. Divine in any rank was exclusive to but one wolf per specialty, and Harper had proven herself time and time again that she was deserving of the title; she had the touch of Sylvanus, and the earth bloomed with every step she took. From the time they were children all the way till now, journeying far west in pursuit of healing a tiger for Houtu's sake, it was clear that this was her passion and her calling.

Valeska raised her voice once more. “And Amaranth,” she said lovingly, facing her mate. “My star - my soul - the light of the Five shines within you. You have remained ever by my side, in spite of my shortcomings and many faults; you are my life and guiding spirit.”

She smiled.

“As such, I anoint you High Augur of Elysium - together we will lead our family and friends in good-will and mutual respect into a future that is bright!”

At last, the formalities were over. The pale wolf motioned for the crowd to begin feasting at their convenience, delicately sidestepping the inevitable stampede that was likely about to occur, and allowed their guests to mingle and speak with one another.


---


Which later brings us to the event of the evening - the Bounty of Sylvanus. An annual scavenger hunt hosted by the resident herbologist (see: Harper, who is also welcome to participate for the thrill of it) to seek out the rarest, most exotic herbs within the pack's territory, though unlike previous years, all present at the feast were invited to join in. Small prizes of trinkets and choice kills would be given to most for their efforts, though only registered packmembers who managed to bring back the most impressive items would be granted the privilege of moving up in rank - there were other opportunities to do so, of course, but Valeska loved games, and she thought it seemed a fun way to go about it.

So as everyone filled their bellies, she explained the rules.


---


OOC: Spring heralds the welcoming scents and lush blossoms of new life, and often a short herbology class is taught by the highest-trained shamans in their profession. A scavenger hunt (decided through dice rolls) is held to acquire rare and valuable plants as a way to increase the pack's stores, and at the end of the day, those who wish to bond with and open their spirits to Sylvanus’ guidance are encouraged to consume ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine. The winner of the scavenger hunt may move up a rank; if no higher rank is available, they will receive a gift.

To participate, either roll through the Carl-Bot on Discord with a D20, or use this link here if you are not on Discord.

Once you have determined your roll, see which category it falls into below:

D1-5 is a failure; D6-14 is fair; D15-20 is excellent

Then make a post illustrating the result; i.e., if you rolled a D2, state it at the top of your post, then describe how maybe something comical happened - maybe you bring back a stick by accident or fall into a mud put. A D8 would be middling, and you likely find something relevant but nothing too unusual - while a D17 would discover an exceptionally rare herb or plant.

Make it fun for yourself, and post your results below! There is no posting order for this. The top 3 highest rollers (that are also members of Elysium) will gain rank bonuses, all others will receive varied prizes.

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I have gotten a D18

---

She was woken at the rustling of the patch of grass she laid in. Opening her eyes, she saw a brown wolf that sat next to her. He then greeted her. 

"Greetings, I am Valerie." She spoke gently, not wanting to disturb what was about to happen. 

Then the ceremony began. Valeska entered, looking beautiful with the feathers and flowers. Then, another wolf appeared - a golden wolf like she! 

——

When it was appropriate, Valerie howled and such along with the others in attendance. Then, when it was time for the feast, she padded over to the pile of prey, not fast nor slow. 

She heard Valeska explain the scavenger hunt rules, and lifted her head to observe the wolf. A scavenger hunt for herbs and such? Well, Valerie knew she would be good at that. She had a knack for finding unusual or rare plants, and she had a basic knowledge of herbs to know what was edible or not edible and toxic or not toxic. 

After having her fill of food, she began to trot off to find something for the hunt. 

——

After a while, she stumbled across a flower, a very pretty flower that Valeska and the other wolves would like. Open closer examination, Valerie found that it was a Middlemist red camellia. She had grown up with types of camellias growing all around her lands, but had rarely seen this type of flower. 

She decided to bring it back to the glade, digging up the roots too. As Valerie trotted back and presented the flower to the newly wedded, she spoke. "I have found this rare flower, and have brought it back to you. I hope it is good enough."

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Still on edge with all the others around, the striped cat was happy to have the reassurance of his fire woman, drinking her in. Not afraid to return her affections publicly, he rumbled, rubbing his scent into her, before placing a small lick on the base of her jaw.

Noticing that olive had taken her seat, and taken to mothering Archon, the cat gave a soft smirk, as if to hand off the boy to his guardian.

Leaning into his fire wolf , he curled a long tail around the woman's hips, returning his attention to the festivities. Watching curiously, it appeared that this was some sort of mating festival where affections where publicly announced between Valeska and her lover. The sentiment was nice, though, the loud howling and cheering caused the cat's ears to fold backward, overstimulated at the noise. He couldn't howl with them if he wanted to.

Ears retuned to attention as Harper pulled out the skull of that last meal they shared together. Kuhn couldn't hide his administration of their work, the skull was well cleaned and adorned beautifully.

After the ceremony, Kuhn was clearly touched in a ceartian way, rubbing his long frame across Valmua's side. Looking over his shoulder, he licked a canine, before taking off for the food, letting his tail glide down the woman.

Messily getting his fill, he was eventually ready for the game. He found himself wandering in the nearby woods looking for plants.

Finding something green, he plucked it from the ground. This looked like something... (DC 10) 

Bringing it back to the newly wedded couple, the big cat dropped a slightly slobbered plant of some kind. "Well... I found whatever this is..." 
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Rolled a 1D8

---

 Archon was quick to join Olive. Valmúa eyed the woman, watching Kuhn's reaction to this and also eying others at the event. She was wary. The last time they had been near this many wolves, one of them had been a spy. She was not stupid. She knew well that it was likely at least one of them would turn on them at some point. She scanned, though casually, appearing only interested in the scents and beauty of it all. Kuhn, though, held her close to him.
 The ceremony was a strange thing of pomp and circumstance. It was clear to her that the wolves of Elysium had a very different version of reality than she did. It was all too glorious. There were flowers in their fur. There were gemstones and fine words and poetry that had Valmúa feeling quite stupid. It was as though they all lived in a storybook where the world was kind and the pairing of two females at the head of a pack was entirely normal. Valmúa greatly wished that she lived in that same fairy world, one that did not mock her with cruelty for her adoration of the great suncat beside her.
 She remained stoic, offering little in terms of smiles or meaning but joining in when she was supposed to. She cheered lowly when she was meant to do so. She watched in silence when it was time. And, finally, she howled with the group after their strange "kiss" when she was supposed to.
 Those that were present made little sense to her and she felt quite uncomfortable and out of place. Her body ached from the long trek from Northfall. All she wanted to do was sit and relax, and eventually, that was what would happen, though Kuhn was.. in an odd mood.
 The array of meats, edible herbs, and even fish was impressive. Among the plethora was the boar that Kuhn had brought. Valmúa sampled many items during the feast. Often, there were those sampled that she didn't recognize the full flavour of, or were born of smells she didn't know. It felt odd to eat food from people she had never met. So, she mingled, or tried to.

---

When the feast had ended, the real party began. It was a hunt. But, it was a type of hunt that Valmúa was far less familiar with. She eyed Kuhn, wondering if he knew more as Valeska explained what was to be found. The two separated at this point, hunting on their own for that which was asked.

Valmúa searched everywhere for what she was really looking for, but she ended up with something rather not amazing. She brought back a mushroom. It was edible, but small and not of any particular value. She laid it before them without a word, offering little other than a simple nod before she returned to Kuhn's side. She leaned heavily into him with more of her weight than usual, perhaps from exhaustion or maybe for some other.. strange reason.

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