May I Present...Ravhala [Attn: Anyone Who Is Interested]

[Bella]

Natlya Cade Gaidin

Natlya couldn't help but laugh, affectionately, when Terric came in bearing news and food. She took the pastry, and ate it, while watching him argue with the dog. Living with Terric would make her gain her body weight over again if not for spending all of her time in the training yard...among other things.

"Well, I have no idea what the wedding will have been like, but it sounds like the party will be quite the grand affair," she said, the words trailing after him as he washed up and dressed himself. "All you need to know is that we say congratulations to Miahala Sedai and Ravak Gaidin, then there will be food and dancing and drink and more food."

She caught his grin and knew she had his attention. "So, if you'd like to get to all that food we have to neither purchase nor prepare, hurry up and get ready! We're going to be late." She laughed again.

It was without shame and no small amount of amusement that she watched him somehow get dressed and eat his pastry at the same time, and really, it was very impressive. She leaned back against the wall with her arms folded over her chest, careful to not wrinkle her pretty gown, until he was done.

Walking up to him, she smiled and dusted a few errant crumbs off the front of his "nice" cadin'sor. She flashed That Grin up at him. "And tonight, you're dancing with me!" she exclaimed, hazel eyes glinting as she took his hand, said farewell to Dog Gaidin, and dragged her Aielman off to the grand ballroom...

Andraste Alhandra Aes Sedai

Andra normally wasn't the type to keep anyone waiting, but Alric had shown up early and so he had no choice but to wait. Beauty took its time, after all, or so her mother had often said. This was a formal affair, and the first of such a nature that she would attend as an Aes Sedai. She felt...like it was a duty to represent herself with all poise and elegance.

She wore a dress in the style of her country, all in red. She smoothed the velvet where it rested over her shoulders and hips, then adjusted the transparent veil-like shawl that crossed her chest and hung back over her shoulder. Her long black hair was clean and shining, hanging loose and over her shoulder.

Checking herself in the mirror one last time, she smiled and nodded approvingly.

Andra stepped out of her room to see Alric fidgeting and pacing as he waited. She suppressed her amusement as she caught his eye, holding out her hands and turning slightly. "Do I look like an Aes Sedai fit for a wedding reception?" she asked playfully, hoping that there wouldn't be any unintended drunkenness this time around.

Miahala ni Sha'hal t'Darrow Aes Sedai

It did not matter that she had been here three times before, it still felt as joyous and unique as it had before. And, it was, because such a thing was always joyous and her wedding much like the marriage to follow would not be the same with Ravak as with her previous husbands, and she was eager to learn what each day to come would be like.

There was a ballroom full of guests, and Mia occasionally let her attention move to someone other than Ravak.

One such time was when she saw some of her kin approaching. She smiled and rose from her seat, moving around to embrace each of them in turn. Her smile could not be constrained and certainly was nothing like the stony-faced Aes Sedai she so often was, and she thanked each one warmly as they congratulated her and then Ravak.

"My dear, how lovely you look," she said to Tia, a hint of teasing in her eyes as she held the younger's Greens hands and looked over the beautiful dress.

[Roan]

Tia Sedai

As Tia and Einion walked into the ballroom, the Aes Sedai paused to take in the decorations. There were already a lot of people present, and, no surprise, Tia recognized almost everyone. She smiled as she took everything in, and looked to Einion, “There might be a dance in my future.”

Einion laughed, “Let’s just hope tonight’s festivities don’t take the same turn the last ball I attended took.”

Tia’s lips twitched, “What, you don’t like being kissed by a woman who also snogged Memma?”

Her brother laughed, “I am not entirely sure Memma wanted to be snogged.”

“And you?” Tia teased.

She couldn’t help but laugh as she saw him turn bright red, but before she could say anything else, Miahala had approached them, "My dear, how lovely you look.”

The younger Aes Sedai beamed as she looked down before meeting her Memma’s gaze, “Thank you, Memma, though not as lovely as you, and given you are the bride, that is as it should be.”

[Bella]

[subtitle]Miahala ni Sha'hal t'Darrow Aes Sedai[/subtitle]
Miahala laughed lightly. "Given that I am such, I shall not protest," she said with humor flickering in her blue-green eyes, eyes that had seen far too much blood and destruction in her long decades walking this world, but could still sparkle with love and happiness. Even death had not been able to keep her down.

"I hope that you will not continue to make your brother turn such a shade of pink, though, it clashes with his own clothing," she teased again, letting her young kin's hands go. "This is a celebration and I want you both to enjoy it as much as may be. There will be plenty of darkness and work for another day, today is for light and happiness. I want you to make the most of it, understand?"

[Roan]

Tia Sedai

Tia laughed softly, “I will cease and desist from teasing him for the night, Memma.”

“I will hold you to that, sister,” Einion retorted.

“Oh brother of mine. . .I tease because I love,” Tia nudged him with her elbow. She looked back to Mia, “I intend on making the most of tonight, Memma. In fact, I think will leave you both to start making the most of the celebration.” With that, Tia left her brother with Mia and walked along the edge of the dance floor.

One of the servers walked by carrying a tray of champagne glasses. Tia took one, and took a sip as she climbed the stairs leading up to the balcony that overlooked the dance floor to the ball room. She found a good vantage point and leaned against a column to watch the party participants mingle below.

The musicians started playing a waltz, and people poured onto the dance floor. The night was for light and happiness, and a celebration of Mia and Rav coming together. Tia didn’t know the current Master of Arms. She knew he made an short-sighted proposal to the hall that led to chaos, but he seemed a genuinely good man who made her Memma happy, which was all that mattered. Looking to where her kin (new and old) were sitting, Tia couldn’t help but smile.

[Bella]

[subtitle]Brynmor Brook Gaidin, PSC[/subtitle]
Bryn didn't really know the bride or the groom all that well, except that one was the Master of Arms and the other the Captain-General. Thus both were afforded his respect, and it was that which brought him to the Grey Tower's grand ballroom that day. He wasn't particularly fond of formal affairs otherwise, but food and music and drink was pleasant.

Dressed in a black jacket and breeches, he moved around the edges of the dance floor as new partners slipped onto the floor. He had finished his glass and set it away, before slipping away himself to find a quiet place for a moment.

This was how the Gaidin ended up on the balcony, although it didn't take long at all to realize that it was already occupied. He considered simply sneaking away again, since he did not think that he'd been heard, but something made him stop. He know instantly she was an Aes Sedai, one could just tell after some years here, but he did not know her others.

"Enjoying the music, Aes Sedai?" he asked politely as he came up to the balcony near her, his expression reserved but not insincere.

[Andy]

As time passed he found himself relaxing somewhat, the tensed shoulder muscles giving up their aching fight as he continued to eat and drink. He had taken an extra two drinks from a passing servant carrying a tray, champagne he thought. Something fruity and refreshing at any rate. Truth be told he had learned long ago to just drink, didn't matter what it was. Unless it was brandy, then it was important. Either way he had begun to lean upon the pillar beside him and watch the festivities with a smile. His cheese and picking food was gone now, fingers licked clean of the taste. He was cleaning his palate with his apple now, biting it instead of cutting it. "Least this time I can pace myself. Was falling over by now last time" he snorted as his bit into it once more, chewing thoughtfully/ He was watching someone move past him, his mind telling him that he was missing something. A beautiful green dress the rippled and made the figure quite admirable. An Aes Sedai quite clearly by the way she walked, confident and strong. His chewing stopped as he watched her back, trying to figure out what he was missing. He frowned at himself and dismissed it until he saw them at the balcony, looking down, and nearly choked. Tia Sedai, he was sure of it. Radiant and wearing a dress. A far cry for the wilderness clothing before. Well well, this will be an interesting day indeed he told himself as he finished off his food and scanned the crown once more. They were dancing for the most part, enjoying themselves along with the music and cheering quite often. Often enough to hurt his ears but then that was weddings he supposed. Never had he been to one but he was sure they were times for outbursts of cheering. And laughter, so much laughter. Smiles all around! He had to grin. He wondered if he would ever feel the exuberance of this sort of occasion for himself. Not as a guest of course. Klarick had been right, he was not the youngest of men. Still he had no one to call lover let alone anything else. "The choices we make, eh Alrim," he shook his head slightly and shifted position, hands upon the pommel of his sword. He didn't begrudge it. He would rather wait and get it right than rush and mess it up. The Tower had taught him patience in the things that mattered at least. For the moment he merely quietly enjoyed the event, eyes occasionally darting to those he recognised and Tia up on the balcony, with someone else now it seemed. Too often of late he had waited time, now was the time to cherish it.

[Roan]

Tia Sedai

The Green Sister didn’t expect she’d have the balcony all to herself for long, as it did give the best vantage point of the rest of the ballroom. Turning to look at the newcomer, Tia still wore a warm smile, “I am, actually.” She raised her glass to take a sip, “The last ball I attended was one of business and politics, thus the chance to enjoy myself wasn’t in the cards. Tonight, though? Tonight is a special occasion”

Letting go a soft, breathy laugh, Tia looked towards Mia, “The Bride said today was about light and happiness. She then ordered me to make the most of the evening, and I have no desire to let her down.” She glanced back to the man who joined her, the warm smile turning into more of a broad grin, “And you? Are you enjoying the evening so far?” She realized he was not familiar to her, and wondered who he was? Was he Asha’man, Gaidin, or something wholly different?

[Locke]

Nasrin attn: anybody

Nas didn’t know what she was even doing here. Last time there’d been a ball, she’d made an utter fool of herself. Even worse, Jaren hadn’t spared her a single glance, especially since kissing Jaryd. She wasn’t jealous in the least, she refused to be. She just knew that she should have been on the receiving end of that kiss. How exactly? The young woman didn’t know how for sure, but she did know it would have been the proper order of things. She didn’t want to run into either of the men today. Maybe if she’d worn something less eye catching… What was done was done, however. Over the last week, what had once been an idle project had grown into something all consuming. Nas let a small smile slip as the royal blue silk rubbed against her hips and flared below her knees as she walked. She still hadn’t quite gotten over her shyness of the gauzy bits. A little gauze across the shoulderblades had been a success last time, but what had convinced her to make the entire back, shoulders, and sleeves out of the stuff? She wasn’t self conscious about her body, not even about the knotted scar between her shoulders. But she felt like she was showing too much, scar and all.

Still feeling everybody’s eyes on her, slipped a wineglass off of a serving tray and did her best to skulk in a corner. Maybe she wouldn’t see anyone she knew. She almost choked on her wine. Blood and bloody ashes! Andra was here, looking absolutely stunning on some Asha’man’s arm. Had she grown even more beautiful since her raising? Nas tried to sink through the wallpaper.

Terric: Attn Natlya

Something nagged at Terric as he led Natlya onto the dance floor. The future wasn’t something either of them thought too heavily on. In their line of work, long term plans could be interrupted in a terminal fashion. It didn’t stop him from thinking as they stepped and twirled to the ensemble’s melodies. Ravak Darrow and he were of an age with each other. He was happy his former teacher had found a wife. If Miahala Sha’hal made him even a fraction as happy as Natlya made him, then he’d be a happy man indeed.

When the song ended, he led them off the dancefloor to talk next to a display of flowers. He opened his mouth to speak, but no. It wasn’t his place to ask. Idly, he picked one of the flowers, weaving it into her hair. The small white blossom seemed to almost shine in her flaming hair. Terric opened his mouth again, he wanted to tell her he’d be with her even after he woke from the dream, but if she decided to make wreath, nobody would say that he forced the issue. “Ready to dance some more?” Terric asked, easily losing himself in her hazel eyes.

Alric attn: Andraste

“Sure a wedding reception, or maybe fit to conquer a kingdom,” Alric said offering an arm, “I think you look amazing.” He let out a self deprecating laugh, “I went with the black so I wouldn’t outshine you, but I’m pretty sure you could outshine me in beggars rags.”

Arms linked, the two newly raised channels made their way down to the party. At first as they descended flight after flight of stairs, they chatted about anything and nothing. Eventually though, the managed to fall into a comfortable silence, While usually nice, this night, it meant that he had room to think. He’d had enough time over the months to give things serious thought. He no longer quite felt as if he was flailing for meaning and connection.

It took some effort, but Alric forced himself to stay in the moment. A spike of adrenaline shot through him as they entered the grand ballroom. He strode forward, back straight with arguably the most beautiful woman in the room on his arm. “So, Andraste Aes Sedai, shall we drink, dance, eat, or mingle? I’d rather not mingle, if I had my way.” He gave the shorter Red a friendly nudge.

[Roan]

Riahana Gaidin: attn Gareth

Ria couldn’t help but smile as she overheard Mia telling Tia and Einion to make the most of the night. It had been a few weeks since the attack on the Citadel, and despite being victorious at turning back the horde of Shadowspawn, Ria’s mood since had been quite somber. Being tossed off the ramparts and nearly dying had a way of being more than a little sobering.

The wedding was meant to be a happy occasion, and Riahana was determined to enjoy the celebration. Looking to Mia and Ravak, the Sha’hal Matriarch’s happiness was more than tangible as the happy couple greeted those who went up to congratulate them. Ria scanned the room to see her son talking with a young woman, and Tia up on the balcony speaking with Bryndmor Gaidin. That she was able to enjoy this celebration with all of them wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for Gareth.

A server paused by the two of them, offering glasses of wine, of which Gareth took two and handed one to Ria. She met his pale gaze with hers as she stepped closer to be toe to toe with him, “Ravak might be a fool of a man, but his heart seems to be in the right place. . .at least when it comes to Memma.”

[Craig]

Zarayne

Zarayne had never ventured into the grand ballroom before. The room was spacious and opulent as was the norm within the Grey Tower, but a great deal of work had been put in to making it sparkle today. She admired the architecture and design from her spot along one of the room's long walls, content just to absorb the event from its outskirts. Despite growing up around wetlanders, this grand display of people was too strange to her.

At one point a servant came by with a tray of drinks, following swiftly by a second with a tray of food. Zarayne helped herself to each tray, even though she didn't know what was in the high-sided flute. It was faintly yellow and bubbled. Taking a sip, her tongue immediately curled. "Yuck." She scowled at the wine and held the glass by her waist in disapproval.

Elia Darrow

The First Seeker did her best to float around the room, although that was more of a struggle nowadays. Fortunately her prominence as the bridegroom's sister and her impending motherhood drew people to her just as often as she had to seek others out. The Shienaran made for a stunning beauty despite her round figure. Her dress was a deep indigo with silverwork embroidery around the bodice and down the sides of her skirts. The admixture of alcohol, revelry and stunning clothing was a perfect combination when it came to playing Daes Dae'mar, but she had very little energy to do much beyond chit-chatting and keeping upright.

She snaked towards the edge of the room, attempting to free herself from the stuffiness caused by so many bodies being pressed together in one place. An empty seat caught her eye, so she made a beeline for it. Sitting down and getting off of her feet brought forth an indescribable relief, making her audibly sigh in appreciation.

"Elia Sedai?" The Indigo sister looked towards the source of the voice to her left. Familiar ginger hair hung down from a freckled face. For an instant, Elia thought she was looking at her former roommate and friend.

"Hello Zarayne." Elia was about to settle back in her chair when she noticed what her niece was wearing: her Accepted's whites. "Why aren't you dressed up?" she said in shock.

"I... I don't have any other dresses."

"This is unacceptable," Elia stated bluntly. "If you weren't so tall I'll bundle you back to my rooms right this instance. As it stands, tomorrow, if I can manage it, we are going shopping. I won't see you trapped in those clothes come the next feast day." Her vehemence was out of curious rather than anger. There may also have been a touch of embarrassment too.

Zarayne

After a short lecture about what she should do (and say, and look like) in various social situations, Zarayne finally escaped from her aunt's clutches. She moved with renewed interest towards the crowd she'd been previously avoiding. Doing her best not to be jostled by the crowds, she nimbly squeezed past the assortment of bodies. Elia had relieved her of her wine glass, so she didn't have to worry about spilling drink over anyone.

OOC: Both Elia and Zarayne are around if anyone needs them.