[CRP] Controlling Fate: Private Wedding of Aileigh and Thea

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Aileigh
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[CRP] Controlling Fate: Private Wedding of Aileigh and Thea

Post by Aileigh »

October 24th of 1661
Redcroft Manor, Fenia


The manor was the busiest it had yet to be since the new Lady had moved in. Just as well because there was a lot to get done in very little time. Upon deciding to be wed, the young women went to work. Or well, Aileigh did. Thea was very easygoing when it came to the preparations. She was not the type of girl to fawn over her wedding details. This was fine because Aileigh had been dreaming about her wedding since she was a little girl. It was all very different to what she imagined: she did not fall in love with a prince charming. Still, life was short and on the chance that this would be her one and only wedding, she wanted a beautiful ceremony all the same, regardless the situation.

Extra servants were brought in the night before to start preparations. The wedding would take place behind the manor, in the garden. It was a beautiful, if small, space, perfect for a small wedding. The surrounding trees offered privacy, not that there was anyone nearby to lurk. In the morning light, about two dozen chairs were set up on the lawn. They created a makeshift aisle down the worn cobble path, leading to a glorious arch. It was made of pink flowers and the rich green of leaves. It was large, drawing the eye past all the other natural beauty of the garden to where the brides would be standing. A flower arch... It was something Aileigh always wanted at her wedding.

Three low tables had been set beneath the shade of trees. In the branches above, lanterns were strung up to be lit later. Cushions laid atop the grass for them to sit on later, bringing a touch of the Romany flare to the ceremony.

The cooks prepared a feast: roasted ducks and pheasants, cooked boar, fresh bread, platter of fruits, grilled vegetables, and of course, a wedding cake. Following the ceremony, things would be brought out, but for now, it remained stashed safely in the manor's kitchen.

A band was the last of non-family that would be present for the wedding. No wedding was proper without music, but especially not the wedding of a Roma woman.

The morning sun was shifting, giving way to a bright afternoon. The haze of a new day was gone and with it came butterflies in the pit of Aileigh's stomach. Inside Redcroft, she peered out of a window down to the garden below while servants moved behind her. Thea had let her stay the night prior so that the day would be easier. She would be able to get ready in the guest room she occupied and it saved her a carriage ride.

Upon waking, she was brought tea and fruit, which she nibbled on while a bath was prepared. She dismissed the servants so that she could bath alone. Her mind was racing, but in the silence of the bedroom, she found a bit of peace. Was this what they called cold feet? She absently wiggled her toes, watching the water's surface ripple. No, she believed in her choices. As strange as it all seemed, she believed she found the path she needed to be on.

Once the water started to grow cold, she got out of the tub and dried off. She pulled on a robe and sat on the bed, fingers drumming atop the quilt. Blue eyes drifted around the room that would be hers from this day out. She chose it for the view and it was not far from Zevander's nursery. The vows had yet to be said, but she already wished to nurture him. She thought about asking a servant for him, not wishing to wander Redcroft in her robe or bump into the other bride. However, the thought was disrupted by a knock on the door.

"Come in!" She called out, shifting to make sure she was properly covered. The door opened and her mother entered. Aileigh brightened and jumped up, rushing over to hug her. "I'm glad you're here!"

"Nowhere else I should be. Now! There's a couple of others behind me. We have gifts for you."

It was then that Aileigh realized her mother had something rather large draped over her arm. Aileigh stepped back curiously, watching Aishe move over to the bed. She placed the item on the bed and uncovered it to reveal a dress. It was not just any dress, but the same dress her mother had worn a few years ago in her wedding to Zuan. She looked over the fine details in the same awe as when she saw it the first time. The lace overlay was breathtaking, with intricate stitching of wolves and unicorns around the bottom of the gown. It was a light blue, turquoise to be exact, in honour of their family, with black, gold, and a hint of white.

"Something borrowed... I thought, since we did not have enough time to make you something perfect, my dress may do. What do you think?"

Aileigh looked at her mother, tears stinging her eyes. For a moment, she was speechless. She reached out to the dress, touching it gingerly before beaming up to her mother. "I couldn't imagine anything more perfect. Thank you. Who would've thought I'd be marrying my own Winterbourne."
Aileigh Mae Maarah Sanchari Winterbourne | Seer of BDR | Viscountess of Ettinford
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Wife to Thea | Mother of Zevander, Corabel, Elodie, Lenora, Ezra, & Imogen
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Rowena
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Re: [CRP] Controlling Fate: Private Wedding of Aileigh and Thea

Post by Rowena »

Rowena had fretted a bit. Once again she had isolated herself to the confines of the wilderness. Her happy place, or sanctuary, and now here she was once more back into society. She glances down to makes sure there was not a single hole or tear in her dress. Again it seemed to have been ages since she had worn anything that would be appropriate in social settings with her family.

She looked once more in the mirror of her vardo, and satisfied with her choice in gown, made her way to meet Aishe to head towards the manor at which a wedding was to happen. She was surprised after all to learn that Aileigh was getting married and so soon it seemed. But she was not one to judge. As long as Aileigh was happy, then that was all that mattered to her.

.~.

It did not take long for them to reach the manor. Once there, Rowena was more than happy to climb out of the carriage. How long had it been since she had to ride in one? She could only shake her head at the though. She turned to Aishe and curtsied, then mentioned that she would go and stretch her legs for a bit. Quickly she headed towards the grounds to take a look and see what all was planned for the gardening, what flowers they would be planting, what bushes and trees they would have to go with the layout of the manor. To say disappointment crossed her face when what she saw was mostly bare would have been an understatement.

She straightened herself, kicked off her shoes and started walking, more carefully this time. Each step precise, each touch even more precise than the first, knowing full well just what would draw the bride into pure happiness over her new home and the place of her wedding.
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Re: [CRP] Controlling Fate: Private Wedding of Aileigh and Thea

Post by Aishe »

Things these days were strange. Aishe went from having a little girl to an adult overnight. Or well, that's how it felt. She had barely taken in the decision of Aileigh's to renounce the throne when their daugher came back to them to announce she would be getting married.... To Dorathea Winterbourne of all people. They talked about it, but she still had mixed feelings over the betrothal. Thea was wild... But then again, so was Aileigh. In some ways, it made sense for the two young women to marry. In other ways though, it was.. An interesting choice.

Akos convinced Aishe not to dwell on the oddity and to instead focus on making their daughter happy. So, that is what the queen did. She assisted Aileigh in the preparations. Thea seemed to let Aileigh take the reigns on the wedding, which made things easier to sort out in such a short time. The queen minimized her stately duties to put all her effort into the wedding. She wanted to give Aileigh the best.

Everything was paid by the royals, so the ladies did not have to fret about costs. The band Aishe preferred to hire for her events agreed to perform for the wedding. Her favourite royal cooks were put on the task of making a feast worthy for the event. The gardeners she worked with for years now were making the backyard a fairytale set - something she was sure Rowena would pop in on.

The one big thing Aishe could not completely pull out a hat was a dress. It was something she struggled with because Aileigh seemed indecisive over what she wanted. With only a few days to prepare, indecision was not a good thing to have. A dress could have been made in aid of magic by Aishe's personal designer, but in the end, she decided to do something different. Her wedding gown, which had taken months to make, hung unused in a wardrobe. She would likely never wear it again, as much as she loved it. Their marriage to Zuan had been a blessing though and if she could give some of that happiness to Aileigh, she would. Perhaps sharing a wedding dress would help in the endeavour of a strong beginning. Besides - Aileigh was marrying a Winterbourne, which meant the family sigils that were embroidered on the gown was fitting. Maybe some day her other daughters would wear it too, but at least the beautiful dress would get a second use.

She headed to Redcroft Manor with Rowena, eager to help her daughter get ready for the wedding. She wanted to be the first one there, so she could witness all of it. She chose to leave the littles at the palace for now so she could focus on Aileigh; the nannies would be bringing them closer to the ceremony.

Aishe was already dressed for the day. She had a gold silk top on, with a bright turquoise saree. On both pieces, vibrant pink flowers were stitched with delicate green leaves, giving the outfit a pop. She was wearing the warm colours she favoured when she lived in Bravia, with the gold and turquoise of the Sanchari family. She had gold slippers, with a heavy necklace and matching pearl earrings. It felt appropriate to wear something of their culture for such an event.

The carriage had barely stopped before the queen hopped out, dress wrapped in a satin cover hanging over her arm. While Rowena went her own way, Aishe entered the manor and requested to be shown to Aileigh's room. She gave her daughter a tight hug as they exchanged hellos, noticing the quickened heartrate of the young woman. As Aileigh admired and approved of the wedding dress choice, Aishe offered with a smile, "It's normal to be nervous before your wedding. How are you feeling?"

"Nervous... But excited. Thank you for supporting me and for helping me with all of this."

They had spent time together at the palace the day before, which included finalizing some arrangements and doing something Aishe loved - henna. The mother and daughter duo had fine, brown hennaed designs covering their hands and feet, which was a tradition for the bride. They weren't the only women to partake in yesterday's henna session, with a few relatives joining in.

"Of course, ves'tacha. I only hope everything will stand up to your expectations and dreams." She clapped her decorated hands together. "Now, Serendipity and Zipporah are bringing a second dress. As beautiful as this one is, it's a bit difficult to dance in. I thought you may appreciate a change of clothes after the ceremony. Besides, this dress is very... Fenian. Your second one will display our culture more. It seemed appropriate.

Everyone else should be arriving soon. Mallory and Nisha have things for you. Something new, something old. I know Elisa has already given you the something blue. In the meantime, let's discuss what you wish to do with your hair and makeup."
Aishe Ehsan Sanchari-Kuhlash | Married to Akos | Mother of Dynasties | Mum of 16
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Mallory
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Re: [CRP] Controlling Fate: Private Wedding of Aileigh and Thea

Post by Mallory »

The morning had been spent fretting over what to wear to her niece's wedding ceremony. And finally she'd settled. The dress she wore was Fenian made, but in the "Queen's style" the woman had said. The blue and orange combination seemed to be something she didn't expect everyone to wear and was more muted so at to leave focus on the happy couple. With all the losses in her life she'd burned nearly everything and with the help of her family slowly replaced older items with things she loved. She was trying to focus on being happy and thankful for the good things she had. Thartis had been absent for a while, or at least she was missing him. She couldn't fault him. He was likely trading. He was a busy man,and she'd been away enough on her own.

She was more than honored to have been asked to proved something new for Aileigh's wedding. As soon as she's spoken to her phei she'd darted off to the market to grab the items she would need to complete her task. She made herself readily available in her office to create as much free time for Aishe as possible. Weddings, Mallory knew, were works of art. Her desk was likely permanently marked with the few accidents she'd had in creating in her office. She'd carefully worked to loop strands of fine silver together. With each area she added a small charm or memento. Among the dangling items was a shell from their trip across from Bravia, a freznic to remind her that she's worth more than money, a knot to symbolize binding, a few tiny bells to keep music in her life, a book to help her ever chase knowledge, and a gem the color of her mother's eyes to remind her of home. It had been the first gem Mallory found while mining and she'd immediately thought of her sister's eyes the day she saved her from that dreadful man. A little note was tucked into the box with the item telling her the reason behind each thing. It could be worn as a bracelet or anklet and was designed to clip at varying lengths to make it fit correctly. Mallory had made it by hand rather than commissioning it because to her it was worth the effort. It looked quite fine and sparkled and danced in the light. She fastened the ribbon on the box that held it and smiled. That done she left and headed to find Aileigh to give her the gift, and where she found Aileigh, she was bound to find her phei, perhaps she could help beyond the something new she carried. Something new, literally newly completed. That should fit the token perfectly.

She skipped along the trail on the horse Aishe and Zipporah had talked her into buying, they were right, it had been a worthwhile investment. Soon she arrived and asked to be show up. Staff certainly was on the ball today for soon she was walking down a hallway to where she was told "they'd" be. At the door she lifted her hand and knocked. "May I come in?" she called, "Or I can wait here if you're busy!" she added not wanting to rush her dressing. She opened the door and slipped inside when they called that she could enter. Her smile felt so big it was almost as large as her face and her cheeks hurt, but she couldn't stop smiling. "Hi!" she said once inside the room she was entirely at a loss for words.
Last edited by Mallory on Sun Oct 24, 2021 9:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: [CRP] Controlling Fate: Private Wedding of Aileigh and Thea

Post by Thea »

The number of people that swarmed Redcroft Manor in the days leading up to the wedding was not something that Thea had prepared for. Chefs, bakers, gardeners, decorators, and extra maids flocked to the manor to prepare for the event. The manor house began to feel small and more and more claustrophobic. Even the conservatory had been taken over to decorate the wedding cake. If this was small, she felt very glad they had decided not to have a big event.

Thea kept to herself even more than she usually did. As staff took over Redcroft, she retreated to her private rooms to avoid all of the extra people.

On the day of the wedding, this bride slept in. Her cousin Cordelia found Thea sprawled and knotted up in her bedsheets at quarter past ten.

"Why are you still sleeping? No one thought to wake you?"

Cora ripped the sheets away from Thea’s body as the panic rose in her voice. Thea’s eyes remained shut as she muttered a response to her cousin.

"I needed extra beauty sleep."

Fingers quickly flew to the sleeping bride's sides to prod, poke and tickle her out of the bed. Thea pushed her cousin's hands away as she clambered out of bed.

"Alright! I am up!"

She wore a slight scowl on her face as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.
Dorathea "Thea" Sanchari Winterbourne | Lady of Redcroft Manor | The Red Wolf
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Cousin of the Winterbournes | Mother of Zevander, Corabel, Elodie, & Lenora | Wife of Aileigh
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Re: [CRP] Controlling Fate: Private Wedding of Aileigh and Thea

Post by Cordelia »

Outside of the brides, Cordelia was perhaps the one person who knew the most of the real situation unfolding. Her cousin may have expected a bout of disappointment and lecture, but instead, Cordelia offered admiration. Thea may not have made the best choices in the past, but she liked Aileigh. The girl had a strong head on her shoulders. Sure, she was naïve as all young women were, but she had passion and clarity. Maybe Aileigh would be able to help Thea figure herself out. Besides, how could Cordelia be mad when her cousin took her advice? She was taking charge of her life, with her first step being her own choice of spouse.

While it was a small affair, she knew the princess held high hopes. She offered her assistance to the queen in planning, as she was still staying at the palace. She helped decide on flower choices, but otherwise, it appeared Aishe had it all under control. So, Cordelia had to focus on something very important: Thea's wedding gown. She had told her cousin she would handle it, as she knew Thea did not particularly like shopping or dresses. Aishe lended the weaver she used for the effort. Together, they took a dress that had been designed already and reimagined it befitting to a bride.

Cordelia left the palace not long after the queen, in her own carriage. She stopped by the shop to pick up the finished gown and made her way to Redcroft. She hustled into the familiar manor and made her way to Thea's bedroom, dress carried by a servant behind her. She knocked, but with no answer, she entered with a face of dread.

Yep... Thea was still asleep.

The lady asked for the dress to be placed on the chair beside the fireplace before shooing them off to bring the bride breakfast. When she shut the door, she turned to look disapprovingly at the heap on the bed. ""Why are you still sleeping? No one thought to wake you?"

She made quick work of making the bed the least comfortable she could, but Thea persisted. It was clear force would have to be used. It was only when Thea got up did Cordelia step back, arms folded over her chest.

"You're lucky I came early! You could've slept through your own wedding." The disapproval shifted to a tease and she shook her head. Thankfully, she was already dressed for the wedding. She chose an olive green satin gown, with a beaded bodice. The detail dropped down the front of the dress all the way to the hem, beneath where shoes in the same colour were hidden. Purple gems hung from her neck, with matching round earrings and a tiara. "My mother and Rhozin will be here when the ceremony starts. I thought it'd be nice if it were just us two."

The unspoken was the fact Thea would prefer less people around in general. She imagined the current state of Redcroft was irritating to her younger cousin. At least it was just for the day.

"I brought your dress! Would you like to see it?" Cordelia did not wait for an answer, instead going to the dress and pulling up its cover. She held it up best she could in her short stature for Thea to admire. "Not too girly, more mature, nothing too bright. I was thinking we could have your hair pinned with some flowers on one side, to offer a bit of softness, but not too much."
Viscountess Cordelia Zabel (Winterbourne) Everhart-Gellygen of the Highlands, the Horned Wolf
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Big Sister to Elisabeth “Elisa” | Cousin to High King Zuan, Thea, & more
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Aileigh
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Re: [CRP] Controlling Fate: Private Wedding of Aileigh and Thea

Post by Aileigh »

Her mother was certainly on top of it all. It was a gentle reminder of why she was in charge of the royal court and events. She supposed the fact the queen did not need to sleep really let her obsess over things to the finest detail.

"Hair and makeup..." She echoed aloud. Feeling a wave of nausea, be it from nerves or something else, she went to the table and poured herself a fresh cup of tea. She lifted it to her nose, inhaling softly. Lavender and honey, the perfect way to calm her stomach. She sipped the tea when a knock came, Aishe quickly beckoning them in. The smile on Mallory's face was telling, even if the woman fell quiet. Aileigh gave a smile of her own and offered her aunt a hug.

"Good timing. Dai wants to know what we should do with my hair. Help?" Next, she lowered her voice to a whisper - not that it mattered, considering her mother's vampire hearing was unnervingly sensitive. "I think she's going crazy."

Despite one of her brothers being married, this was the first wedding of Aishe and Akos's children. Serendipity and Aeton had married during their Nether adventures and they never bothered to have any type of ceremony upon their return. Aian was a lost cause in hopes of finding a wife that could keep up with him. And, well, all the other children were far too young to be getting married. Aileigh imagined it was why, even with such short notice, Aishe dove in so deeply.

"Anyone else want tea? Fruit? Pastries? Help yourself. Don't you two look a pair. I'm going to stick out a bit in my Fenian gown, huh?" She mused, not that it bothered her. She sat at the vanity, her reflection catching her eye. When did she get so old? No, old was not the correct word... Mature, she supposed, was more appropriate. She looked back to her mother and aunt, taking another sip of tea. "Whatever we do with my hair, I'd like flowers. I think Cordelia is making Thea wear flowers too... We would match, in a not tacky way. I'm thinking pink and blue flowers?"

She sat the cup down and reached for a small trinket box that sat on the vanity. She opened it to reveal a petite hair comb with a blue-gemmed encrusted butterfly at the top. It was simple, but it was beautiful. She offered it to the women to look at. "This is my something blue, from Elisa."
Aileigh Mae Maarah Sanchari Winterbourne | Seer of BDR | Viscountess of Ettinford
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Wife to Thea | Mother of Zevander, Corabel, Elodie, Lenora, Ezra, & Imogen
Daughter of Aishe & Akos
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Rowena
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Re: [CRP] Controlling Fate: Private Wedding of Aileigh and Thea

Post by Rowena »

Rowena was far too happy in the gardens, most likely irritating the poor gardeners who were trying their best with the arrangements. A few looked at her in disgust as if she did not know what she was talking about, and several others probably wondering who she was. She would of course just smile and wave, and go back to tending to the flowers and other plants.

Several of the plants she made cause to die and be pulled up as they were placed rather wrongly, or with the wrong color scheme. If the gardeners wanted a happy Princess, and even happier Queens they would take care to heed her warnings on placement of a few of the plants and where they SHOULD be going. Other than the small tiny hiccup that was easily solved, Rowena was making a great headway with the gardens, even if the servants hated her. But why should she care for that?

It did not seem long before the sun fell and rose again. Rowena delicately covered in dirt and a few petals here and there. She blushed, stepped away to dust herself off before going inside to get cleaned up and redressed. Only to realize she had missed the henna party that had been thrown. It was alright of course, Rowena had her talents and looking down, the vines that protected her most of her life, began to twist and curl as though she has received the henna as well.

Happy with what the vines accomplished, she dawned on a new gown, a soft emerald green, and allowed her hair to flow freely down her back. It had been a while since she had worn her hair so freely.
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Re: [CRP] Controlling Fate: Private Wedding of Aileigh and Thea

Post by Mallory »

She looked at her niece as she entered the room, and eyed her hair before smiling, "That pin is the perfect hint of blue for you. And it's the right style to add to your look rather than be a focus." she said, softly. She gathered a small bit of her hair and twirled it a bit, before fixing it slightly up on one side, "You have beautiful hair, it won't take much at all. Maybe a little curl? Pin some up with the butterfly on one side? You could arrange flowers in the curls that fall from it? A few vined flowers would weave in with ease. Then it displays your natural beauty." Before she forgot she decided to put the gift she carried down. She needed both hands free if she were going to be helpful. She placed the box on the nearest flat surface and looked at the dress laid out with a smile, "You will look regal and beautiful, just as your Dai did." the thought of food made her stomach twist a bit, she'd eaten well last night as a precaution, but another thought struck her, "Have you eaten yet? Trust me, you do not wish to skip food today." She looked at the henna decorating her skin and smiled, "Your day comes so fast, and when you think back you'll feel like it took ages, but the best parts are spending the moments with your family getting ready. IF you think your Dai is something now you should have seen her on her wedding day. Or vetting those who were coming to seek any of our hands. Fiercest creature I've ever seen, and I've had my head cracked against a cave wall by a xanthreel."
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Re: [CRP] Controlling Fate: Private Wedding of Aileigh and Thea

Post by Thea »

Thea's gray eyes narrowed slightly before she quickly responded to Cora with her own playful gibe.

"I should never have to worry about oversleeping when you are around to disturb my slumber."

She raked her fingers through her hair nervously as Cordelia quickly got down to business, wedding business that is.

"My dress? Sure..."

She was definitely not sure. Her cousin certainly knew Thea's style, but she was afraid that the woman might have gone overboard. As children, dress-up was one of Cordelia's favorite games. This usually involved Thea being forced into bright floral dresses to be paraded around for all to see. This childhood pass time might have carried over into adulthood, in which case this was a once and a lifetime opportunity to dress her younger cousin up in a fancy bridal gown.

"That is not as bad as I was expecting."

It somehow managed to be intricate and understated. Thankfully, it was devoid of any gaudy flowers, but it seemed she had not escaped a blooming monstrosity yet.

"What if we do no flowers?"

Thea responded as if this was a brilliant and new idea that would have never occurred to her cousin.
Dorathea "Thea" Sanchari Winterbourne | Lady of Redcroft Manor | The Red Wolf
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Cousin of the Winterbournes | Mother of Zevander, Corabel, Elodie, & Lenora | Wife of Aileigh
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