Welcome to Gaia! ::

The day was clear and bright on Mars and the domes and spires of the palace shone out across the planet's surface. Something was being set up in an open-air courtyard; there were men and women in Imperial livery running up and down the length of the palace, white, canopied tents were being erected, and through it all swept an elf in gold-edged white, giving orders with a sharp tongue, barely stopping for those who responded.

"We need speed, ladies and gentlemen! The bride's nearly ready and we don't want to keep your Empress waiting, do we? Who has the rings? You? Good. Have the musicians arrived? Well, I don't care if the cello player has a broken string, get him a new one or I will use one of his ligaments, that'll produce a nice sound. Has anybody seen my husband?"

The subject of the last sentence was currently with Remus, setting a few last things in place. "Are you ready, Imperator?"

Emma burst into a small pavilion, her demeanor changing into quiet serenity the minute she passed through the makeshift door.

"Are you ready, Kaok?"

The Faun's head was in her hands, trying to hide the expression she'd worn the entire day - of nervousness. Under her gloves were fingernails that had been bitten as far as she could, and she'd never even had that bad habit before. Going into battle had never been as nerve-wracking as this.

"Yes. I'm ready, if utterly terrified."

And she was sure she looked horrible, too. How come dresses never looked right on her? It was the legs. It was always the legs.

Kaok shook her head. "Πάν."

"Well, we can agree to disagree on that point." I look like a horse trying to pass for a bride. She stood and smoothed out the material in her dress, looking at the necklace that Emma held in front of her.

"I-." She started. "I was going to wear-."

Around her neck already was the old, beat-up locket that she'd inherited. The one that no one would wear even if they had no other necklace to put on. But inside it was an old faded photograph of someone that she wished were here today. The necklace that Emma offered was much prettier, though, and she hesitated for a moment.

Hrothbert's humor made Remus relax a little, but the butterflies continued their assault against his innards. "I'd rather not vomit at all, Hrothbert. It's a disgusting feeling and I'd like to remember today fondly, as opposed to trying to forget it." he replied.

The Imperator checked his uniform one last time before a legionary wearing silver ceremonial combat armor peeked in and informed the Imperator that it was time. Remus left for the altar, escorted by the legionary.

Emma straightened, finally looking Kaok in the eye. There had to be something she could offer, but she could think of nothing more that would befit her place. "I was serious before. You look lovely." The enchantress hugged the Faun close for a few moments. "You're shaking like a leaf, Kaok. Just remember, I'll be right next to you the whole time." She tried to project some sort of calm into the Faun's nerve-shaken mind.

Remus took his position at the altar and tried to pretend he was calm. Things would get started soon and he kept worrying about his laurels and medals being slightly askew. The Imperator cleared his throat and waited for everything to get started.

((I don't think he would say anything at all yet. Isn't there supposed to be a ceremonial procession down the aisle or something?))
The chaplain pressed a few buttons on the altar and a holographic passage appeared before him. The chaplain looked at the Imperator and nodded. Remus was glad that things were finally getting underway.

((Dammit, an hour too late to catch you...))

Emma drew back the curtain of the pavilion, allowing the aisle to stretch out before Kaok. "It's time." She smiled at the squeak, thankfully out of sight of the Faun, but kept her hand on Kaok's shoulder until she started walking.

"I'm so proud of you, Kaok."