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 Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2012 8:29 pm
After the kind man had dropped me off, I realized I hadn't received his name. Oddly enough, that seemed to dishearten me.
"Anabelle! Where have you been?" My mother drew me inside roughly, her eyes ablaze. "I barely have any time to prepare you. Sit down and stay still!" My mother ripped of the scarf around my head and wiped the sweat that had accumulated there. She prepared my hair without mercy, pulling and tugging it into submission. As thick and long as my hair was, she was able to put some braids in, curl some parts, and straighten others. She had interwoven beads and other such things into my hair.
It seemed to take forever to prepare my hair, makeup, and dress. But finally I was ready.
"You look beautiful, Anabelle." My father complimented, which he rarely did, as he placed my hand on his arm.
"Thank you, father." Most children refer to their parents as "mom" and "dad", but I felt they didn't deserve a nickname of endearment. They certainly hadn't done so for me. But no matter how much they wanted to quickly get rid of me, I still felt some level of remorse for leaving them. With them I had some levels of freedom.
My mother left the room to enter the parlor (( I'm not exactly sure of the floor plan... But her mother left Anabelle's room and went into where the wedding would be received)) with a candle. There she would light it with Charle's mother. Then Charles would walk in and stand by his best man. My mother picked my bridesmaids, choosing them for their particularly dull appearance to make me look better.
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 3:27 pm
((I'm expecting this to be an outdoor, setting sun wedding. Given that it's mid afternoon and the reception will follow, so at least in my mind: the staging grounds are set up just outside of Annabelle's family home as a big outdoor gazebo-style setting with all the chairs etc. set up between trees and whatnot with the main aisle separating the two family sections. Also, I realize I may be taking some liberties in this post: if there are objections to this, I will alter it.))
Late afternoon was upon them, and all the guests were seated as the music continued to play, though the instrumentalists were clearly becoming weary as they had been plying their trade for quite a while awaiting for the ceremony to begin. The whispers of the missing bride had many worried and even some jeering towards Charles regarding losing his woman before even acquiring her.
He stood unmoving at the altar, along with his father and the preacher himself, the only groomsmen he could find given his recent return to Kerijawa following his graduation from business school. He was unshaken by the goings-on unfolding at the staging grounds and continued to glance at his golden pocket watch. He sighed as it was quite warm and being completely dressed up in this heat was the only true thing that bothered him at the present time in regards to the event.
The music shifted suddenly (Charles was fairly certain that the musicians nearly leaped for joy when they spotted the bridal procession) and all the crowd turned and looked as the bride and her entourage made their way down the aisle. Charles, for all his practicality and pessimism, was unable to avoid admiring the sight of the woman advancing towards the altar. She was, as his father had said, quite a beauty and would likely be the envy of many for miles around.
A trophy wife... A fitting "item" for an up and coming man of the world, such as himself. He never wanted to have that feeling, that sense of ownership over another living person; but, that was the plan, that was the grand design that he was required to follow in order to succeed...
It was then that Annabelle's father kissed her hand and led her to Charles' station on the altar, where the young businessman extended a hand to help her up the gazebo steps. Their eyes met only briefly in that exchange, but he could see a deep sadness buried beneath those sapphire eyes, one that far transcended his own feelings of reluctance. He reached within himself to produce a genuine smile, for once even surpassing the "Gentleman's Grin" before turning back to the preacher who had begun the ceremony.
He could her muffled sniffling coming from the crowd and he couldn't help but notice his bride-to-be was trying her best to stifle her own tears, though he knew more than the crowd did that it was hardly due to any elation from the event.
"And now, the couple may recite their vows."
The young businessman looked as though he were prepared for a presentation as he reached within the folds of his jacket and produced a piece of parchment which he unfolded and looked back to the preacher.
"Actually, sir, I have written my own vows in the time since the rehearsal, if you don't mind."
Although the man was taken aback by the change in plans, he nodded and Charles turned to his fiancee and produced yet another genuine smile.
"Annabelle. I know that you and I most likely never expected to be standing here today, face to face under these conditions. I don't know what is in store for us down the road. I don't know what kind of woman you are and you don't know what kind of man I will be; but, I promise that I will always be there for you. I promise that I will overcome any struggle for you. I promise I will always take care of you. We will work together and find a way to make things even better than what we may have dreamed individually..."
He looked up from his paper and into her blue eyes and finished with:
"Sometimes, the best things in life are unexpected."
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 9:19 pm
 So far everything was going smoothly by way of the reception preparations. The food was done in a timely manner and ready to be plated as soon as the ceremony was over. The wedding cake looked absolutely stunning, the tablecloths and the decorations in the reception hall, all if it was perfect, and in someways made Luna a bit envious. How she dreamed of having such a wedding someday--or at least-- she used to dream of such things before reality hit her upside the head. Luna knew that there was no way she'd ever get such a lovely wedding. More then likely she may never get married and would merely move from one fling to another. Granted that was a bit pessimistic of her, but she was a girl who has learned the harsh realities of this world for people like her. She would just have to learn to make do with what she can get out of this life. With the wedding still going on, the temporary staff stood around enjoying the good energy that weddings usually gave off. Some gossiped about this and that, some about the groom or the bride. Some talk lingered on the real reason behind this marriage and how it was all about money and retaining status, and not about love at all. That very fact made Luna raise a brow. She had heard of such things, but had never bare witness to it. Guess even the upper-class have restrictions and obligations placed upon them that they themselves don't wish to carry out..Having this tid-bit of information unveiled to her made her view this entire ceremony a bit differently. It was a sad occasion where two young people would be forced into wedlock just to survive. How cruel this world is that even the upper class cannot fully live the way they wish. In some ways it made Luna feel more welcoming of where she stood, at least she was free to love whom she wished. Luckily subjects were changed among the staff and cheer and laughter once more filled the air. Depending on how cheerful and lively the guests were, this reception could go well into the night. Luckily for Luna since her boss at the Tavern got her this job, so she was excused from having to do her evening shift later if things ran a bit late. Today, so far, was turning out to be a pleasant day. She coming across so many good days since moving here, Luna was becoming ever more thankful that fate had steered her into this town. It really felt like she was putting her old self behind her. ((It's like icegod said, we can pretty much do what we want. if you want to make your own vows go ahead. if you want the standard vows that the priest dude says and to the typical "i do" after, that's chill too. This is our rp, icegod merely oversees it and makes sure it doesn't get stuck in a rut. And honestly, any details into the situations anyone puts in or adds on is chill with me, as long as you don't do something crazy unreasonable. lol. And maybe we should move this ooc stuff into the other chat. just as to not clutter the rp thread. ^^ just a suggestion. ))
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Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 5:36 pm
Charles's vows stunned me. Here I was, complaining and whining that things weren't going my way. What a spoiled brat I was; but I was going to change that. Charles seemed to really be trying to make it work. I smiled a little, sighed softly and looked into the eyes of this stranger who vows to always take care of me.
"I may not know who you've been, Charles, or who you will become. But I will try my best to get to know who you are now, and support you. I will be the best wife I can be and never let you feel alone, for I will be by your side and give you the comfort you need." I felt a fluttering in my chest as I said this, and a brief image of the young man from before flashed sadly in my mind. Perhaps if I had a choice, we could've been together. But this was my choice now. I would be the best wife I could be, I had always planned on that. Then I remembered that we would have to kiss. My first kiss, with a stranger... I sighed again, but thought that at least it wouldn't be with someone bad. Charles was a decent person at least. I could tell by his eyes and his carriage that he wouldn't go back on his word and that I would be taken care of. I will come to love him, of that I was confident. This fact settled all my doubts, had me relax almost completely, and made me smile sincerely at my husband.
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Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 7:40 pm
Charles felt flattered as he heard the words emanating from his beautiful bride. He pondered if there was more truth in his father's words than even he himself knew. He could hear the sniffling in the crowd and identified it as his mother in the front row, reinforcing the genuine smile that had somehow crept its way onto the normally implacable young man's face.
They both looked to the preacher then and he shared in the mirth brought on by the two's personal vows. He then proceeded to recite the standard vows regarding loving one another in sickness and health, richer and for poorer and all the rest.
First to Charles.
"I do."
Then to Annabelle.
"I do."
They placed the wedding bands on each others' fingers delicately, sheepish grins and slight giggles that surprised both parties were abundant. Immediately after the rings now adorned the hands of the betrothed, the preacher closed his holy book and raised his arms out wide saying aloud,
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Charles hesitated only for a fraction of a second as the image of Luna disappeared from his mind. Duty, loyalty and success were all that mattered in this world and such frivolous things as unwarranted desire should not interfere with the pursuit of the former. He leaned in and raised his hand to the cheek of the red-headed beauty, his hazel orbs closing before his lips caressed hers in their first kiss, signifying their first true step in life together as husband and wife. In that moment, he truly felt happy and he prayed that it would remain that way...
Forever...
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Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 1:08 pm
I opened my eyes from the kiss and ducked my head to hide the furious blush masking my face. An embarrassed smile found its way on my lips and I restrained my hand to reach up and touch them. The preacher(?) announced that the dancing would now follow. I glanced up at my husband, curious as to what happens next. Of course we would dance, but I would also have to dance with his guests as well; would like like me? The last thing I needed today would be to be disliked or unaccepted.
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Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2012 10:45 am
The fanfare played and the newlywed couple descended the gazebo and down the aisle, followed by applause and cheers. Charles maintained a grin as the pair held hands and made their way to the reception, where dozens of tables and seats had been set up outlining the dance area. The young businessman pulled out his bride's chair and helped her in before turning and observing the guests who now wandered their way to the grounds.
He looked back to his bride and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, Annabelle. The pageantry is always a pain, but we'll be through this soon and we can get on with our lives."
He leaned down and softly kissed her cheek before greeting the first of the guests to reach them: his own family, of course. His mother threw her arms around her son's neck and wept slightly before backing away.
"We are so proud of you, son!"
His father came up and clasped his shoulder.
"We know you'll go far," he paused and pulled out a sheet of paper from his jacket and handed it to his son, "Here: our wedding gift for you."
He opened the folded sheet and he could hardly believe his eyes.
"You... You got us a house?"
His father smiled widely behind his large mustache and patted his shoulder once more. The two beaming parents turned to Annabelle and smiled.
"Welcome to the family, dear," Charles' mother said happily.
Charles was happy as he observed Annabelle's father taking his place on stage and trying to draw attention to himself to announce the meal and the dancing to follow. The young businessman took his seat and awaited the food's arrival.
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Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2012 11:20 am
Upon hearing my welcome into Charles's family, a grin made its way onto my face. His parents seemed like a jovial, genuine pair. I knew that I'd been accepted far more in that moment than I ever had. I glanced at my own parents. My mother was bragging eagerly to whoever would listen and my father was looking rather uncomfortable as he sat back down. He met my eyes, flicked his to my mother, then rolled them. I laughed softly and shrugged, then rolled my own eyes. Seems like he didn't appreciate my mother's open vanity as much as she did.
The food started making its way out onto the tabletops and plates. I spotted the honey-baked ham and my mouth instantly watered. Other than chocolate-dipped strawberries, honey-baked ham was my favorite thing to eat. Naturally, when my mother discovered that, she made it her mission to make sure I ate as little of it as possible. Seeing so much of it at once was almost overwhelming... I'd better not stuff my face...
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Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2012 3:47 pm
 About the same time the bridal party was eating, the farmer was home wondering how the food turned out. He was actually in the process of making dinner for his little brother and himself. He had Bluebell tucked away with some hay to eat while the pot was over the fire cooking their own dinner. His little brother was outside looking up at the stars. **Merry Christmas & Happy New Year everyone!**
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Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2012 12:55 am
The wedding had ended. That was their que to tidy up their uniforms before making their way out to serve out the already decided meal plan. A wave of 8 servers came out of the kitchen. All balancing large serving platters with around six plates on them. They scattered about and began serving everyone. Luna took a glance around at the people. All of which looked to be rather wealthy, save for maybe a couple here and there. Guess the rumors were true about the marriage. Didn't matter too much to her though, it appeared everyone was in good cheer, only tears of joy had been shed here. That made Luna a bit more pleased. The good positive energy that flowed through the place helped fuel Luna's Working speed, a smile upon her lips as she kindly greeted the tables which she stopped by to pass out the plates of food. She was on her third trip back from the kitchen when her eyes met her final table before making second rounds to make sure all were pleased with their food choices and their drinks. Her eyes caught sight of someone she hadn't been expecting here. Charles. What was he doing here? And what was he doing sitting at the same table as the bride? Infact...he looked well dressed, perhaps more so then some of the other guests. She was instantly getting a sicking feeling in her gut. It wasn't until she saw the look he and the bride exchanged was her fears confirmed. She suddenly had the urge to throw water into the man's face. Had she been played!? Had his words and interest in her had merely been the yearnings of a man looking for his last romp before having his bachelor days stolen from him forever? Luna had to focus hard in keeping that smile upon her lips. She soon reached her final table, Charles' table. "Here is your meal, thank you for your patience."She stepped up beside Charles as she began to pass out the plates. he would have to turn and look at her to see her face, though no doubt her voice was enough of a give away for him to know who she was. Once she finished passing out the plates and received a couple orders for some wine to be brought to the table, she turned to look to the bride, and then to the groom. Allowing her eyes to meet his. Though no one else would fully understand the unusual gleam in her eyes as she held the groom's gaze, Charles would, and no doubt see the anger seething behind that bright beautiful smile as she spoke her next words. "And to the newly weds, congratulations. You two look beautiful together."Her eyes turned back to the others at the table, " I'll return shortly with your wine."She gave them a polite bow of the head before parting from the table. Oh the fire the brewed deep in this woman's chest. How she wanted nothing more then to flee this party. The jovial air was suddenly sickening to take in. Her feet carried her swiftly to the kitchen where she paced back and forth just beyond the doors debating whether or not to just up and leave. If she left her boss might get yelled at for recommending such a worker, which could cause her to lose her job at the tavern. If she stayed she had to continue to bare witness to what seemed to be tearing holes in her chest. She hadn't realized how much Charles' visits meant to her. She hadn't realized how much she cared for a man she barely knew.
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Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2012 7:14 am
Charles had been casually enjoying the light conversation with the other party-goers. He longed for it to be over, however; for, aside from his new bride, there was nothing interesting to talk about. It was all: Business this, Trade that. He had enough of that on a regular basis with his work but this was his wedding day, he had hoped to be spared such boring details at this time.
As the food arrived with the servers, he blanched as he heard a voice that echoed into his very soul addressing the table. He turned his gaze upwards and met the eyes of none other than that most intriguing woman whom he had already written off as an impossible dream.
"Y-You..."
"And to the newly weds, congratulations. You two look beautiful together."
Her eyes turned back to the others at the table, " I'll return shortly with your wine."
Charles felt that white hot blaze in her stare and knew he had to do something. Not here, not in front of his family, and certainly not in front of his bride. As she darted off, Charles quickly stood up and addressed the table. His mind worked frantically and thought of the best excuse he could muster.
"Apologies, please excuse me for a moment. I'm very particular about my wine and I'd rather we get the best vintage possible. It's not an event without high quality booze," he finished with a chuckle, the others joining in the laughter quickly.
He turned to Annabelle and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I won't be long, I promise. We've got a lot of catching up to do."
With that, he took off for the kitchens and searched for Luna. Other servers and a few of the chefs gave him a strange look as he strode into their domain, so out of place amongst all the part time workers and lower class help.
"Luna! Luna, where are you? We need to talk!"
He heard himself shout even though it barely registered as he acted on instinct at that point, pushing past several waiters and frantically scanning for that most unusual woman.
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Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2012 3:31 pm
Luna by this time had decided to stay. If she left, she'd risk losing her job at the tavern and would risk having word run around this small town about her walking out on a job. it would ruin the reputation she was trying to build for herself as an honest and hard working young woman. "The party can't last too much longer, and they'll all be done with their meals in an hour tops anyway.. I won't have to bare witness much longer.." She quietly told herself as she made her way through the kitchen and into the cellar where she would go about finding a wine as requested from her. " it'll be fine. A reputation is difficult to repair...but a man is replaceable..."Luna tried convincing herself of those words. She had to or her heart would just stop beating. She had no desire to turn into the cold woman she used to be before. At this time Charles came bursting into the kitchen. "Luna! Luna, where are you? We need to talk!"One of the male servers spoke up. "Luna? I believe she was headin' back towards the cellar."The man then shifted past Charles as he went about filling his serving tray with glasses of water. Luna was pacing back and forth in in the cellar, biting at her thumb nail nervously as she was working up the courage and the strength to settle down her nerves so she would appear normal before the guests. Her eyes scanning the many upon many bottles of wine and other spirits that were available. trying to decide the best one to return with. Alas her knowledge in wine was lacking. "grrh...I knew I should have paid better attention to the earlier explanation on the the damned years.."
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Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2012 10:15 pm
The waitress's icy stare shocked me, but no more so than Charles's reaction to her. Of course, I didn't know all of his behaviors; but his face upon seeing and hearing the waitress was quite obviously out of place for him. What I didn't get was why no one else seemed to notice. Well, maybe the fact that they were too busy with themselves could be a reason. When Charles stood and made an obvious lie for his leave to the kitchen, realization hit me. He knew her. Not just as an acquaintance, but perhaps they had a thing before the wedding.
I didn't feel any malice towards Charles or the girl. After all, this marriage was business before love; I certainly could understand that Charles, unlike me, had a life before today. However, when he left my side I instantly felt insecure. Obnoxious, I know. We had been married for all of, what, ten minutes? And I was already depending on his presence. Not to say that I was already head-over-heels in love with him, but I was trying.
Looking over my shoulder, I watched him disappear behind the kitchen door. When I looked back to the table, my mother was sending an icy glare toward the kitchen. She probably noticed Charles's fluster and came to the same conclusion I had. I could tell she was about to charge into the kitchen herself and meddle, such was her way. Panic rose in me; I had to cover his tracks. So I forced a smile.
"Mother, please do tell me how you made this beautiful dress. It seems so complicated, it must've taken you ages." Her attention was instantly diverted. This would buy Charles all the time he needed. And although I hated when my mother bragged, I would put up with it.
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Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2012 4:43 am
Charles nodded his thanks to the waiter who had pointed him in the right direction before he descended into the cellar.
"Luna!" he called out again.
He rounded the corner of one of the shelves and that was when he saw her. She was in the same server's outfit she wore when he had first spotted her at the wedding but in this dark atmosphere, a pallid sadness seemed to hang over her entire person.
"Luna..." he said as he drew closer, "I know this is surprising for you, but I assure you that it's just as potent of a surprise for me. This was an arranged marriage. I had little say in the matter; Lord, I only met my bride as she arrived on the altar... I am sorry you had to find out this way, I had wanted to tell you myself."
He paused and was breathing lightly in the tense silence.
"The time we spent together was truly wonderful. I..."
She looked as if she was about to burst...
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