[open network - video]

[ruevealing]

Who: Delloso de la Rue
Username: Rue
Warnings: n/a

[With how much Rue's come to use their smartphone over the last five or so months, they feel like quite the pro as they begin this video message across the network, their feathery countenance perfectly in frame and prettily lit from a nearby window.]

Now that my beloved and I have finally picked a date, I find that our wedding is fast approaching. I must confess, I was originally quite set on our ceremony being a delightful mix of both goblin and faerie ritual, but I've come to find some human practices absolutely fascinating!

Tell me, do you have any particular wedding traditions from your homeland that stand out as unique?

Comments

[ruevealing]

Oh.

[Ignore them, Mercy. They're just imagining their beloved.]

Knickolas would look darling with ribbons tied into his fur, wouldn't he? And what beautiful meaning behind it!

[graveyounglady]

He would! Could weave 'em into a headpiece, too, if you wanted to match and took an interest. Looks like there's a lot of good ideas for traditions to choose from here. You got a time ahead of you make decisions.

[ruevealing]

I must speak truly, but I feel as if this particular tradition speaks to me so much more clearly than any other I've heard of today. Do you think it would be too much?

[That's a little ironic coming from Rue, but still.]

[graveyounglady]

[There's a swell of emotion in her chest as her smile widens.]

I don't think I've ever actually seen too much from anyone, least of all you. Just folks a little too worried about what others folks might think to look. You'd both be beautiful. And with the road you got ahead of you and the one that's been behind? Maybe going a little bit more is warranted. I'd say you deserve it.

[ruevealing]

[Rue absolutely laughs at that, the sound just a touch wet with emotion.]

I feel as if you are teasing me! [But Rue's eyes are smiling, bright and warm, while they bask in the happiness of the moment.]

But I do find myself agreeing with you, Mercy. It's just the same as the festival, is it not? We deserve a reason to celebrate and embrace the joy of the moment. All of us.

[graveyounglady]

Aye! And if you need any help... the ones getting married can't be responsible for everything. Food or seating or picking out a space. Could even do you a speaking if you got the vows you want to say. I ain't presided over a wedding afore, but I seen enough to know how to let the folks coming together shine like they ought to.

[ruevealing]

I could not ask my friends to do such a thing for me.

[Rue just can't imagine any scenario where they'd allow their friends to toil around for their own event. At least none of the mundane, thankless jobs. Rue can handle all of those themself. But someone to preside over the actual ceremony, well...]

Is that something you would enjoy doing? I promise, it would be very little work, just to gather the crowd's attention, perhaps to begin the ceremony itself. Hob and I should like to keep it very simple.

[graveyounglady]

Well, if you're asking after traditions, it is traditional where I'm from for the ones getting married to just enjoy the day while their families sort the details. I know you don't have that here, but...

[A small shrug.]

Don't mind talking at all, though. I like giving a speech now and again. Might even say I'm decent at them if it's not too bold to say. Happy to help if that's how you'll let me.

[And that comes with a wink. She knows the owlbear is very particular about putting others to work.]

[ruevealing]

[Mercy knows them too well!]

I know it sounds most foolish, but even if I do not have family by blood in this place, I feel most blessed to have a different sort of family. So perhaps I will allow others to help. Perhaps.

[It goes without saying that Mercy is a big part of that family feeling.]

You are not just decent, but quite talented. I am in awe of your natural ease of speaking, and the warm, beautiful imagery your words inspire. Mercy, would you be willing to speak at my wedding? We would be most grateful.

[graveyounglady]

['Perhaps' is better than she might have hoped for. Rue earns themself an impish grin from the young woman. Mercy enjoys winning as much as the next person. Even if it's over silly things like this.]

I would be honored to do so, Your Grace. I'll put together just a little speech to get us started and wrangle folk. The rest'll be you and Mr. Hob. I ain't seen a wedding since my big brother Colm and his wife. Poured buckets, mind, and Granny said it was a sign of Colm needing a second shower for how much he was sweating with nerves. We had a good laugh at that and him and Ida went out and danced in the rain after swearing themselves to each other.

Caught terrible colds, too, the both of them. But it was a right good time, anyway. Looking forward to whatever your ceremony brings!

[ruevealing]

[There she goes again! Rue laughs, bright and happy, the moment that Mercy refers to them as Your Grace again, a paw waving at her through the screen.]

Well! I can only hope for better weather, but we'll have the tent just in case. Though dancing in the rain does sound rather romantic, doesn't it?

[graveyounglady]

Romantic, maybe, but I can't imagine it's much good for Mr. Hob's fur or your feathers. Humans just got hair to worry about, and we ain't got much of it compared to your folk. I'll pray to Pelor to make it a clear dawn and dusk for you.

[ruevealing]

You are not wrong! I so hate to get soaked. Cleaning my feathers can be quite the pain.

[But maybe it would be worth it to see their darling looking totally hot drenched out in the pouring rain again.]

Thank you, my darling. Prayers for my and my Hob's sake are so immensely generous of you.

[graveyounglady]

Easiest thing I can do. I'll let you know when I've got a little speech together and we can go over any changes you want. Until then... happy planning. And let me know where you need help, even if you're shy about wanting and asking it.

[ruevealing]

I fear that shyness is a quality I do not possess. If I am in need of help, dearest Mercy, I promise that I shall ask of it.

Thank you. I shall be in contact soon!