[open log - it's a wedding!]

[ruevealing]

Who: Rue, Hob, and everyone else! Even if you don’t know the couple personally, Rue will not be throwing anyone out.
When: Evening of April 9th
Where: On ADI grounds
Summary: A fey wedding! Come take a break from all of the usual drama to dance, drink, and be merry!
Warnings: n/a

[After months of extensive planning, the day is finally here. To all those personally invited or who just so happen to stumble upon the lovely outdoor tent on ADI property, they’ll all be welcomed as anticipated guests to join in the celebration.

For how lavishly Rue had lived prior to this realm, the wedding is elegant in its pure simplicity, all creams and ivories splashed with the bright color of wildflowers, golden lights twinkling in every corner of the spacious tent. The decor is all fresh flowers and gentle lights, nothing over-the-top or excessive, just a pretty, aromatic backdrop for the ceremony taking place.]

[Mingling]

[Is it any surprise that fey weddings are a touch more eclectic in their traditions than most humans might expect?

Upon arrival, all guests are invited to pick up a smooth stone, small enough to fit easily into even the smallest of palms. The game then becomes being sneaky enough to slip that stone into someone else’s pocket without being caught. Fey tradition dictates that if you manage it without suspicion, that person shall be blessed with good luck for the rest of the year. But get caught and it backfires only on the gifter themself, who is then cursed with bad luck for the next ten years.

(It’s only a silly fey game, of course, take the gift of good and bad luck with a grain of salt. ..Though you never quite know for certain in a place like this, do you?)

After the ceremony, in an imitation of one of the more bloody and violent goblin customs, bird-shaped confetti is rained down on the guests, tiny, edible doves to either politely brush out of your hair or to catch and eat. Collect more than anyone else and you just may be named Destroyer of Doves for the rest of the evening, a title that comes with a small crown and sash. (Goblin traditions are something else.)]

[Reception]

[The ceremony itself is brief, fey promises are already binding, no other long-winded declaration of vows or exchange of gifts are needed, the words Rue and Hob speak are weighty enough.

But the true celebration follows immediately after, an after party that lasts long through the night, with music, drinks, and nonstop dancing. Feel free to drag a friend onto the dance floor or stand awkwardly on the sidelines, waiting to be bullied into dancing the macarena. You can try to use the tender environment to strike up a conversation with your crush or maybe just challenge your rival to see who can Cha Cha Slide best.

Or, if you’re truly opposed to dancing, you could grab one of the delicately painted eggs in a basket by the entrance. They weigh next to nothing, and the instructions are simple: throw it at someone. Ideally a someone that you’re fond of, but it doesn’t have to be. Regardless of whether the egg is chucked out of affection or malice, it will break with a puff of perfume and a spray of colorful confetti.

When you leave, don’t forget to grab your gift bag! Rue’s prepared small bags for anyone who attends, invited or otherwise, filled with all of your wedding gift bag essentials! Included is a mini bottle of champagne, a decorative baggie of jordan almonds, and a small paperweight with a spray of the same wildflowers preserved within it.]

Comments

delloso de la rue

[ruevealing]

[i. reception] everybody has you up on their wall sometimes

[After many a millennia of sitting on the sidelines, never daring to participate in any of the many events they've spent their life putting together, to be front and center at one is absolutely exhilarating. Rue has never felt so at ease before, being able to just brush off all responsibility and focus solely on their own fun, the night a total blur of champagne and dancing and delighted laughter.

After the ceremony, the owlbear can be found absolutely everywhere within the tent, beaming in a way that feels foreign to them, unable to hold back the joy that radiates off of their feathery frame. They glide around in their beautiful dress - a silken ballroom gown that they sweep elegantly around in, with a structured, sparkling bodice to shape their voluptuous frame, delicate wings of lace and chiffon draped over their real wings - and greet everyone in attendance.

Stick around long enough and they may just ask you for a dance or perhaps you'd like the chance to playfully pelt one of the newlyweds with a fragrant egg.]

[ii. late night] everybody thinks of you when they sleep at night

[There comes a point late into the evening where the drinking and dancing is just a touch overwhelming and Rue needs a quick moment to cool off. They slip from the tent, panting softly, their feathers puffed out in an effort to cool their flush, a delicate half-filled champagne glass pinched carefully between their talons.

Their expression only brightens when they realize they aren't alone.]

I didn't see you slip outside.

[iii. wildcard] when I say everybody I'm actually referring to me

[ooc: hit me up with anything! if you want to do something else, throw me a comment and I'll write up a specific prompt for us! :>]

i.

[punched_hitler]

[Steve might be considering some egg-throwing, but the thing is, he's kind of tall and definitely not very sneaky. So the thing's still in his pocket when Rue spots him and instead asks for a dance.]

You might regret asking that, [he says, with a little embarrassed laugh.] It's not exactly my strong suit.

[But it's their wedding. And he really likes Rue. He's clearly amenable, holding up one hand. The egg will just stay in his pocket until later.]

[ruevealing]

[Rue is blissfuly unaware.

Steve responds, says that Rue may regret having asked, and the owlbear huffs out a soft, happy laugh, beaming over at their dear friend.]

The first time we ever danced, Hob stumbled and stepped on my feet a handful of times. [A memory they will always think of fondly. The darling look of concentration on the bugbear's face, the way he nearly tripped over himself to apologize to them, the emotion shimmering in his beautiful eyes, it had been such a revelation for Rue.] Trust me, if I can withstand that, I should be able to handle you just fine.

Tell me, do you have experience leading?

ii

[conning]

Neal pulled together his own outfit for the wedding, wanting to surprise Rue with something bright and celebratory the owlbear hasn't already seen, that also doesn't take attention from the couple of the hour. He settles on a pale sapphire-blue tuxedo, making sure Malcolm is properly outfitted in a burgundy tux of similar tone.

He's spoken to Rue a few times already, of course, offering congratulations, asking about the ceremonies and their origins and how they managed those eggs. He's turning two over in his pocket very gently as he stands outside, enjoying a bit of cool night air and relative quiet.

Neal half-turns at the sound of someone's approach, smiling as Rue speaks.

God, it's weird to have to look up more than another half a foot to meet Rue's eyes.

It certainly made slipping the owlbear a rock earlier in the night more challenging.

"Cooling down a little bit. I'm not the party kid I used to be."

It's also strange being at a point in his life where he's okay with saying that.

[ruevealing]

Truly, it's no surprise to Rue that Neal showed up in such a stunning, perfectly tailored, sapphire suit. Only that he managed to drag Malcolm into his very own similar one, the two looking entirely too stylish for such a small, casual wedding between friends. And already the owlbear has gushed at length over his choice, just as the pair always enjoy chattering over each other's new outfits every chance that they get.

After so many months of friendship, it is incredibly strange to have to peer down even lower to catch Neal's eye than before. That is going to take some getting used to.

"Oh, are we much too rowdy for you?"

They come up to stand beside him, a gentle bump of their wing to his shoulder, expression absolutely beaming down.

ii

[setthetone]

[Carter gives Rue a cheerful nod in return and shrugs with a cheeky grin.]

Well... There were people who were obviously planning on slipping me their stone. But they were being so obvious and... I just couldn't be responsible for their bad luck, you know?

[He pauses and tilts his head with a thoughtful frown.]

That's not cheating, is it? I left before they could really try...

[ruevealing]

No! No!

[But Rue only looks delighted with the confession, a chuckle slipping from their beak.]

It's a game and you are playing exactly how it's meant to be played. Believe me, the fey do not ever play honestly in anything. You are just embodying the faerie spirit, as intended!

[But it's adorable that he worries.]

They will try again, hopefully with a touch more subtly.

iii - wildcard babey

[semilethal]

[Parties are simultaneously Donatello's Scene but also very much not his scene. It depends on the mood. Luckily, as official DJ in his extremely swank and rakishly handsome suit, Donnie also gets to have big ol' headphones that double as noise-cancelling when need be. The result is a happy Donatello blasting tunes and lining up plenty of songs for if he needs to take a breather. This is nice, though. He gets to dance back here and he also gets to kind of be the off-center of attention and he also gets to work. This could possibly be his calling. ...besides building weapons of mass destruction, y'know, if that ever gets old.

The next time Rue makes their way over to the table (because even at their own wedding they're still taking the time to circle around and check on guests), Donnie waves them over and takes off one headphone to hear them.] Hey, check your pocket!

[Why yes, he did ninja-slip a stone in there at some point earlier.]

dONNIE

[ruevealing]

[How dare you call them out, young man!

But it's just how Rue is enjoying themself, spending this most special moment with some of the people who mean the absolute most to them. Of course there's a few faces from home missing - Binx and Andhera and Wuvvy - but in their place, Rue has managed to surround themself with newer friends who have all brought such joy to their life.

And Donnie, naturally, is one of them.

They are delighted that he's worked out a way to enjoy himself without getting too overwhelmed at the same time, carving out his own personal space that most guests know to stay free of. But naturally, the moment that he waves Rue over, they are there in an instant, their pleased expression turning to genuine surprise once he speaks.]

How ever did you manage that from behind your station!

ii

[clavesregni]

[Weddings, in Caitlyn's experience, are dry, tedious affairs between people who don't really know each other that well, let alone truly love each other. One is meant to sit politely and quietly during the ceremony, stand politely and quietly during the reception, say a few nice words to the happy couple that one doesn't really mean because none of the guests know them any better than they know each other, and then, at the end of the night, one gets told off by one's mother for not dancing with the nice girl she picked out.

This wedding is different. The couple actually does seem happy, for one thing. And the guests really are having fun. And nobody's throwing themselves shameless at her because they think it's the perfect opportunity to seduce a Kiramman.

But Caitlyn doesn't know how to behave at this sort of wedding, so she spends a while sipping champagne by herself before slipping outside to enjoy the quiet of the night.

She smiles softly when she hears Rue approaching.]

I just needed some air.

[ruevealing]

I found myself needing just the same thing. It's - [Rue huffs, trying to catch their breath as they come to settle beside Caitlyn.] Oh, it's quite humid in there, isn't it?

[Rue's own experience with weddings is a touch more varied, but in the end, they are so pleased to have brushed aside all of the pomp and pageantry that is expected of them, to focus fully on the celebration itself. And they've been so busy, dancing and laughing all night long, that they've hardly been able to worry about anything.

But, now that they have Caitlyn out here alone, their warm gaze falls over the woman, the slightest edge of gentle concern clinging to their words.]

Are you having fun, my friend? If there is anything at all that you need, know that I am happy to make it happen. I know there are some larger than life personalities in there, but truly, your comfort and enjoyment means much to me.

[abrightboy]

Malcolm announces his presence at the reception to the owlbear by throwing a fragrant egg at them with a happy giggle at the shower of confetti. "These things are the best. Are they from your world?"

[ruevealing]

Oh!!

Rue's senses are immediately clouded in a puff of floral scent and glittering confetti, which rains down to scatter delicately over their feathers.

"Watch out that Hob does not avenge my honor!" But of course they are laughing, delighted and just beaming in their happiness, even as they shake their feathers out, sending a cloud of glitter back into the air around them.

"Back home it was done with magic, but Hob helped me put these together here by hand. It took a great deal of time. And a great deal of eggs! But it's been such a joy to watch everyone enjoy them."

ii

[ferriswheelsandfootball]

[John’s not big on parties—he grew up with them, the fanciest parties in the nicest houses, full of his father’s friends and other dull rich people and he never fit in, much preferring to stay against a wall and leave as soon as it was socially appropriate, and even before then.

Even smaller affairs, even fun, sweet ones such as this, he finds himself shying away from the crowds. And here he is now, away from the noise and dancing. He’s wearing a nice suit (arm modified to account for his large crab claw arm) and no tie, collar slightly unbuttoned, as is his style.]

Hi, Rue. I was just chilling. As one does.

[He smirks, but it’s kind, almost conspiratorial.]

I had to get away before someone asked me to dance. Nobody wants to see that.

[ruevealing]

[A grin that Rue is all to happy to reciprocate.]

Do not tempt me, my friend, or I may just request a dance with you myself.

[But only if he really wants to.]

Are you enjoying yourself? It isn't too much, is it?

i!

[thefinalpower]

[ When Rue least expects it, they'll feel a light poof! of confetti as an egg hits their feathery shoulder. The culprit isn't hard to find; if they follow the sound of snickering, they'll see a pair of bright red horns and a curtain of blonde hair sticking out from behind a nearby tent, as Power peers around the edge of it. Stealth isn't her strong suit! ]

[ruevealing]

[Rue has been on the receiving end of these perfumed eggs all evening, so they are hardly surprised when another poofs into a shower of glittering confetti later into the party. And it doesn't take an owlbear's keen eyesight to spy the familiar hair and horns of a dear friend.

But they also know Power well enough to directly call the woman out either.]

Why, did anyone happen to see who threw that? [Rue calls out to no one in particular]

[ployboy]

[This is... what, the second wedding Tim has ever attended? That's sad. But improvements had been made from when his dad got hitched: for one, Tim didn't even try to show up in a dinosaur tee and shorts. He's instead the picture of polite company, hair groomed back, skin fresh, the suit only a little off because it's one of those cheaper ones off the rack and not anything Tim is really used to.

And there's the whole above-knee amputation thing. It means Tim rushed to get the pants mended in some sketchy but efficient mom-and-pop shop if only because he would have felt... bad, with asking Rue to do the job. Anyway.

Weddings.

There's a lot of love. Not just in the ceremony. Of course there's love in the ceremony. Even Tim's warm and smiling throughout the ceremony, the words doing little compared to the sincerity behind the promises. But there's a lot of love between the people attending. Not just love for each other, the way Neal and Malcolm are all googly-eyed over the other. There's love in the way that makes people strive to be better, work hard, help one other. Even if that help is currently taking the form of pretending to not see rocks slipped into their pockets (like that one guy Tim caught onto earlier). Anyway.

It's weird, the way sweet and gentle things are weird when someone's at war.

Tim has made a nest for himself in a table, in one corner of the room. He uses fatigue as an excuse to sit out most everything when he's allowed to (certain someones are pests), and any semblance of overwhelm is so very expertly disguised. Rue is on their way out the tent. Tim chews his tongue. Counts to three in his head and] Rue!

[He's still not entirely proficient in scrambling to stand, fixing the forearm crutches and, uh, just walking off. But he's getting better. Which should be a good thing. He doesn't know. Anyway. It's a bit of a hustle to catch up to an owlbear in his position. Tim's eyes light up when he finally manages, and he figures they're alone.]

Hold on. I've got something for you.

[ruevealing]

[To their credit, the familiar little furrow of worry doesn't appear on their brow as Tim hobbles over to them, their expression too alight with their overwhelming joy to publicly fuss at the young man for coming to them when they could just as easily joined him at his seat. Rue has already seen his unfortunate injury and worked themself up into losing a few of their feathers over it, but as much as it pains them to see their friend like this, they know Tim's far too strong - and stubborn - to let something like an amputated limb keep him down.

(Though Rue would never tell him themself, they've been plagued with dreams of Tim getting even more horrifically hurt since.)

But as always, Rue sees Tim and absolutely beams with delight.]

Tim, my dearest, you are much too generous. You didn't need to get me a thing. [But having said that, anything from him, they will absolutely accept.] But please know how much a gift from you means to me.

ii

[graveyounglady]

Just cooling off after all the dancing.

[And drinking, if she's being honest. Mercy's flushed with drink as much as exercise. She's happy for her friend, for the love in the air, but there's some part of her mourning Aelwyn's absence. It's a comfort to know her girlfriend is on a mission rather than missing, but isn't that the way of it forever for her? Crushes who die or disappear to far away lands where she can't come.]

You're looking absolutely radiant, if I may say so. And I'm giving myself permission to say it, so there you are!

[ruevealing]

[It is Mercy, so it goes without saying that the moment they find themselves together in the afterparty, Rue wastes no time at all wrapping the young woman into their wings and pecking a careful kiss to her temple. Under all of that feather and fur, Rue always tends to run a little warm, but this time some of the warmth radiating off of them is all from the wine they've been drinking all night long.]

Oh Mercy, the very same could be said of you, my dearest! You look beautiful. And I am so happy you are here. Thank you.

II - SLAMS IN HERE A MONTH LATE

[neonleon]

[Leo had been here for the whole ceremony. Dressed up in his own bespoke suit and all, actually on his best behavior. He's never sat still for so long in his life except to watch Jupiter Jim and Lou Jitsu movies, but this is worth it to see Rue happy. He doesn't know Hob, hasn't met the guy, but Rue loves him so he must be all right.

Afterward though, he's laughing a little as he leaves the dance floor and coming to find Rue after.]

Oh man - Okay, this is a party. Had to slip out to find you.

high pitched SCREAMING my son

[ruevealing]

Leo, my dear!

[And truly, nothing could make this whole night even better than to hear their friend laughing and enjoying himself. For all of the hundreds of parties that Rue has thrown before, none has ever mattered quite so much as this one, and all they want, above everything else, is for their friends to have fun and take these joyful memories on with them.]

And here I am! What perfect timing.

i - let 'em dance

[heyunderoos]

[Peter is quickly realizing this is the biggest party he's actually ever been to in his life and stayed the entire time at. Not that the thought lingers particularly long, there is a lot going on, people talking, dancing, laughing- its... its nice. A genuinely nice change of pace from everything else going on with the ADI and the apparent end of this world. Peter will hold onto this comfort where he can.

Seeing Rue and Hob both so openly joyous, in love- excited, it just leaves Peter feeling warm and content. They deserve this, they deserve a chance to be enjoy themselves like this.

The stone he picked up when he first arrived has ended up tucked in someone's pocket in passing, and another has ended up on him turn. By the time he sees Rue, he's distractedly hanging back from the dance floor, fiddling with the stone in hand.

He tucks it away in his suit pants pocket, quick to walk over to the Owlbear.]

Rue! Hey! Congratulations!

ii

[cacophonish]

[ Rue steps outside, and there's Jeff, bright eyed and beaming. Has he been here the whole time, or is he just now showing up? Given what he's wearing-- a cropped jacket made of shining, rainbow tinsel, black and gold striped pants, a cropped mesh shirt, and some Courtney Love inspired makeup-- it's probably safe to say he would've been noticed if he'd been at the wedding from the start.

He's got a box in his hands, a present that's been wrapped in what looks like flyers from around Gloucester. There's a velvet ribbon, too, which looks like it's been tied up with great care, even if the rest of the gift looks pretty shabby. ]

Whoa, Rue. You look like... [ He smiles joyfully. ] Magic. [ A beat, then Jeff blinks, tilts his head. ] I'm not late, am I?