The Wedding of Irwin and Elaena

There was a low murmuring throughout the temple as the crowd waited in anticipation. The crowd was gathered around the Esplandian prince, who stood shirtless, a padded bow staff in his hand. Two other men, Aeron Skywing and Gaerhalt Gent, stood flanking him, a wooden box in each of their hands. All waited tensely.

An old man arrived, dressed in purple robes. He had a gray beard down to his chest, and though he seemed old he stood straight and walked with purpose. He escorted a woman with him. She had light brown hair and wore a dress decorated with Aelostian emblems (the seven pointed star, the spear of Avalus, the gate of Aor). The old man lead her to where Irwin stood and stopped before the prince.

The girl smiled at Irwin and he returned the smile, blushing.

“I present a young woman,” the old man said, “Elaena Jorvikhaer, who wishes to marry Irwin auf Drakosta. Is he present?”

“I am present,” the prince answered. “Who presents her?”

“The Archbishop of Taeberus,” the old man said. He then looked around the room. “The Prince stands ready to defend his right to marry this woman. Does anyone challenge that right?”

There was murmuring as a tall blond man stepped forward. “I do,” he challenged.

“By what right do you challenge?” the Archbishop asked.

“I am Aerik Jorvikhaer, and I challenge as brother to the bride.”

The Archbishop nodded. Aerik was brought his own bow staff. He stripped off his shirt and boots. The Archbishop then spoke a short prayer and then the two men accompanying the prince opened their boxes. Inside each was a pottery jar and a brush. Aeron Skywing took his brush, dipped his brush in the jar, and then began painting warrior marks onto the prince. Gaerhalt Gent did the same and started painting Aerik.

This took a few moments and when they were done the Archbishop inspected the painted marks. He was satisfied and the two men then faced off.

The fight began. Aerik was bigger than Irwin, and he had more reach and was instantly pushing him back with a fierce attack. He drove against the prince, striking fast at Irwin’s head and chest and then feinted at his side. When Irwin tried to block Aerik changed directions and swept Irwin’s legs, sweeping him off his feet and knocking him on his ass.

The Archbishop cried, and Aerik backed away into a ready position. Irwin got to his feet.

The second round began and this time Irwin didn’t allow himself to be put on the defensive. As Aerik swung his weapon Irwin charged in low, twirled around his opponents strike and slapped his soon-to-be brother-in-law across the ass.

Aerik swing around to counter attack and found the end of Irwin’s staff crashing into his face. He stumbled backwards and fell.

The Archbishop cried aloud again and this time Irwin moved off to take up a ready position. The third and last round was to begin.

Aerik stood up and faced his opponent. But this time he didn’t attack. He extended his staff out and dropped it to the floor. “I accept you as a worthy husband to my sister. I accept you as my brother.”

The crowd then cheered as Irwin and Aerik embraces as brothers. Then Irwin stepped away and took Elaena’s hands. He dropped to both knees. “I pledge to be a devoted and loving husband to you. Do you accept me?”

“I do,” Elaena answered, tears in her eyes. “Always and forever.”

Dear Leader,

The Crown Prince of Esplandia, Irwin Alfrekt Sherwinsen auf Drakosta will wed the maiden Elaena Jorvikhaer at the Temple of Avalus in Taeberus, Esplandia. This is a blessed occasion and we ask you to stand as witness as a friend and ally of Esplandia. The wedding will take place on Sunday the 27th of January, uniting these two before Aela and all gods. We will be glad to see you in attendance.

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Winter had come to the eastern coast of Icenia. Snow capped the upper highlands and mountains. It had even snowed a few times in Karthied, though that had melted away. In Taeberus, the Summer City of Esplandia, no snow had fallen, but the cold weather had finally left the golden beaches deserted of swimmers. It would only be a few months before they’d be filled again as the weather warmed for spring.

Taeberus sat around the mouth of the Taeborn River, nestled among the rocky hills and outcrops of the Saldutkregs, a series of basalt cliffs and hills curving in an arch around the tip of the Saldthalbensek peninsula. The city was ancient, showing architecture from the Kianese, Hastfrads, Jenovak, and Syrixians, each adding to the cities patchwork. The jewel of the city, standing atop a promontory of basalt, is the seven towered edifice of the Temple of Avalus. Each tower is tipped with red stone carved from the Raedpakt mountain in the central Halkonkregs, and the main basilica’s roof is tiled in green limestone from the Hastenfraktan coast.

Today the palace is decorated with colorful streamers, flags of Vestrugatia and Esplandia-Alstenbek, and in paper mâché animals dangling from arches and alcoves and buttresses. The wedding of Prince Irwin and his bride, Elaena, is taking place.

---

The bells of the temple rang out cheerily, announcing the call to the wedding. King Sherwin adjusted his jacket, pulling it down for a slimmer look and sighing at the paunch that had grown around his middle. Diet and exercise just couldn’t keep up with age it seemed. He stood before the holy altar atop the raised platform and stared sternly as the crowds entered. The Archbishop of Taeberus stood near the other side of the altar, dressed in a robe of purple, and pretended to look bored.

Ahead of them came the Benkvagt dressed in gold and purple, leading the guests to their designated seats. For each group of fifteen there was a Benkvagt, and he led in first the guests of honor, the family of both the groom and the bride who were seated upon the left. As Queen Abigael sat down little Edwin saw his father and waved. Sherwin broke his stoic stance to smile at his two-year old and wiggle his fingers while his wife hushed their child. The next group was the chosen Bansaegnerwen, or the standard bearers for the bride and groom. They would perform the duty of escorting the couple from the chapel to their marriage house following the ceremony. They were mostly young men, close friends of the couple but among them was Sherwin’s step-niece, Harietta, who had been diplomatically chosen by the bride in honor of her father who had been responsible for the couple meeting. It was good to see his brother’s family honored and Sherwin swelled with pride at his son’s thoughtfulness.

Afterwards came the leaders and dignitaries that had been invited, leaders of the Vestrugat, close allies of Esplandia and Alstenbek, and some who were invited in hopes of thawing or strengthening relations. Each group had been strategically chosen so as to avoid any confrontation between leaders that might not like each other. Sherwin saw his wife’s sister and her husband the Grand Emperor of Goyannes as well as their family. The Emperor of Syrixia came in as well and he was accompanied by Algon Chopra, Vizier of Austalgotha, who had specifically requested to be seated with the imperial family. And son on it went until the front gallery was filled and the rest of the seats began to fill up with dukes and counts and lesser nobles who’d been granted the honor of attending and then behind them were the wealthy but unlanded elites, and behind them commoners who had been randomly selected to attend as an honor.

And so the temple was filled and music from the choir sang Bredaltsung, traditional songs of marriage and love in the Hastfradic tradition. Though a handful of Aernish and Skaltic songs were mixed in as well and there was even an original composition of a Syrixian song which had been written for the occasion (and strategically played as Rajesh entered) and an old Ceretian song as well (chosen by the Tsar himself) to represent all the peoples of the Vestrugat.

After the last guest had been seated and the final song trailed away into silence, to the sides of the chapel hall trumpeters raised their instruments and announced the arrival of the groom. Prince Irwin came in from the left of the altar, dressed in a traditional outfit of spun white wool decorated in religious and elemental designs threaded in blues and greens and reds and purples, and strode up the steps. He greeted his father and then the archbishop. He then took his place next to the Altar and faced to the right as a second blast of trumpets announced the bride’s arrival.

Elaena entered the room from the right, escorted by her father. She was dressed in a white blouse, also made of wool and decorated in intricate designs mirroring the outfit of Irwin. She wore a long skirt which was striped in the colors of Esplandia (blue, gold, red, and white) and emblazoned with the falcon of the Vestrugat.

Her father led her to the Archbishop. He kissed the bride upon the cheek and addressed her, his voice projected out to the crowd by speakers. “Aela bless you. Avalus guide you. And all the Erujakir protect you.” The archbishop then took her hand and led her to Irwin, placing her hand in his. Together the bride and groom faced each other.

The Archbishop addressed the crowd and spoke, reciting the words of tradition. “Aela watches over this world and by his powers he has brought these two together, to be joined in marriage as he has seen fit. The ways of Aela are mysterious and powerful and in his wisdom he made us capable of love. Love is the power that binds us all and a gift from Aela to us. What is bound together by Aela in love can shape the world and lift us up into the divine. Praise Aela.” He then turned and faced the couple. “Irwin auf Drakosta, you have chosen to take this woman as your wife. Do you swear before Aela that you shall love her and defend her, bring joy and peace into her life, and give freely of yourself for her betterment and her happiness?”

“I swear it before Aela,” Irwin replied.

“And you Elaena Jorvikhaer have chosen to take this man as your husband. Do you swear before Aela that you shall love him and defend him, bring joy and peace into his life, and give freely of yourself for his betterment and her happiness?”

“I swear it before Aela,” she responded.

“What Aela has brought together, let not the world tear apart. By the will of Aela, you are now wed.”

Irwin and Elaena then came together and the prince kissed his bride, now his wife and a cheer went up from the crowd. Then Sherwin and Elaena’s father, Alfrekt, came forward, producing silk bands from their jackets and stepped close to the couple. Alfrekt tied their upper arms together, Irwin’s right and Elaena’s left, and when he was done Sherwin tied their wrists together.

The two father’s then stood together and in unison called for the Bansaegnerwen to “Guide this new family away and to their home,” and the chosen men, and woman, came forward and formed a circle around the couple leading them from the temple to the waiting transport.

As they left the crowd cheered and clapped and Sherwin felt tears welling up in his eyes as he watched them go. He saw his wife and the bride’s mother weeping openly. Though the bride and groom’s day would be over, the King still had many duties to perform. With Alfrekt Jorvikhaer at his side and following the Archbishop, they left the cathedral to head to an ancillary building where a feast for the honored guests and dignitaries had been prepared. He would now have to perform the duties of the host. As they left the Benkvagt began to line up again to lead their groups from the cathedral to the banquet.

Tobias' attention seemed to be drawn all over. The cathedral, every detail, seemed to be examined. His fellow dignitaries also caught his eye. He'd met Grand Emperor Anthony and his family of course, as well as the Royal family of Merilia, but he'd never been in the same room as the Syrixian Emperor before.

He took a deep breath as he took his seat, letting the calm that came with observing the proceedings wash over him. The Prydanian King had never seen a service like this before, but that's not what caught his attention. The wedding of Prince Irwin and Elaena...it was something wonderful. He didn't know either personally. He was invited more out of a courtesy than anything else he supposed. PGU ties perhaps. Still...he smiled as he observed the ceremony.
A family. The idea of one filled him with a sense of calm, if also a ping of dread. Still? The sublime ceremony seemed to put those doubts to rest, for now at least. He contemplated his own future. There wasn't much he could do here and now...though he suspected his appearance without a significant other might be noticed? Then again he was King from a small, battered, northern kingdom. He took some solace in the likelihood that his worries that anyone noticed him in a crowd were unfounded.
Still...family. His desire for it built in him, in a good way. Not nervous pressure or dread, like he was used to. He observed the ceremony and let what was happening wash over him.

---

Banquets...Axel called them shark-infested waters. Why did Axel's mind always go to sharks as a metaphor for something dangerous anyway? He'd have to ask.
Regardless, he wasn't one to let Axel's cynicism get him down.

"My sincerest congratulations" he remarked to King Sherwin.

Sherwin beamed a welcoming smile at the young man who had greeted him. “Tobias Lothbrok,” Sherwin said. He’d wondered to see who’d be the first to approach him with congratulations. He’d not expected the young Prydanian monarch, but it certainly spoke volumes about the youth. “I’m pleased to welcome you to Esplandia and the Vestrugat. I hope you find our little corner of Eras pleasant.” He took a moment to let the King answer.

“I met your father once,” Sherwin continued. “It was in Sion back in, oh I want to say ‘87. It was during talks about trade in the Phoenix Strait or something. Those damned straits.” Sherwin laughed heartily. “Prince Robert had a wonderful knowledge of Esplandian history I found. We had a lively discussion on Aelrik the Great’s reforms and the foundation of our Landesgrad system. I see you’ve inherited his good looks.”

Sherwin hoped he didn’t intimidate the young man and that talking about the boys departed father would warm the conversation. He knew Hastfradic bluntness often threw off visiting dignitaries, but some enjoyed being treated as friends and equals right off the bat. He waited for Tobias to respond.

Bernard Chauveau rose slowly from his seat, clapping as the newlywed couple embraced. He gingerly drew his handkerchief from his jacket pocket and dabbed his already tear-filled eyes. Weddings always made him cry. He could remember his own wedding as if it was yesterday. The dress his wife wore, the small Revenist church it took place in, and the overwhelming sense of happiness he felt throughout the proceedings. The royal couple must be ecstatic. After Chauveau had finished applauding, and the festivities began, he turned to Lucas and Chloe.

"Go on now, it's a wedding, have some fun."

As the Ambassadors dispersed into the crowd of visiting dignitaries, Chauveau made his way to King Sherwin to present his personal gift for the newlywed couple. To his surprise, the old King was talking with none other than Tobias Lothbrook of Prydania. As polite as he could, he interjected into the conversation.

"Pardon me, Sherwin. I know we aren't all too familiar. My name is Bernard Chauveau, President of Callise. I just wanted to congratulate you, and to give you these."

He presented two identical golden necklaces, ancient Ceretic inscriptions written along their chains.

"It's a Callisean wedding collar, used in Callisean weddings. The necklaces are engraved with romantic poetry promising the wearer to their significant other. I would be very grateful if you could give these to the bride and groom the next time you see them."

Sherwin turned from Tobias for a moment and greeted the newcomer. “Ah, President Chauveau. I’m glad to see you here. I will pass your sentiments along to my son and my daughter in-law.”

He took the offered gifts, politely holding them up to study the craftsmanship. “These will be appreciated and I know they will be treasured by the happy couple. Please, enjoy the feast that Esplandia has to offer. Today, we share our bounty.”

He then waved for a waiter to bring a tray of cheese and wine over to the Callisen.

President Carballaroca was coming late. Her plane arrived at the airport fifteen minutes after it was supposed to. So once she was on the ground, she didn't bother to wait for her people that came along and instead caught the first car that was sent over to her in order to hurry towards the venue.

She hoped she could still catch up.

And she would. In time, they reached the venue and rushed to the entrance, the President apologizing to the guards or doormen. She asked where she could go and she followed their instructions and made her way to the room where everyone else was, presenting her ID and invitation.

The black limousine had slowly made its way to the chapel with the top left of the car holding a little Malorian flag that waved in the wind and on the right a little Arrandalian flag to go with it. Inside of it were the Malorian Emperor and King of Arrandal themselves accompanied by their great-grandparents the Archduke and Archduchess of Maloria, Alexander and Wilhelmina Severyn. It had been decades since Wilhelmina or Alexander had been in Esplandia and now they were finally back.


Wilhelmina herself being an Esplandian Princess grew up in the Vestrugat and spent her childhood and teenage years there until she eventually met Prince Alexander on a diplomatic trip and kept correspondence with him ever since until their engagement was made official when she came of age and she immediately married the Malorian Prince. Returning at last, she welcomed the sight of her old homeland however she no longer identified with it considering herself now a Malorian. That did not stop her from showing her status in the Vestrugat though.


She was dressed in a white dress made of the finest materials with her hair worn up into her traditional bun with the finest pair of white Mykhajlenko-Tijhof shoes. Over top of her dress she wore a red sash with falcon imagery in gold lining imbedded in the seams that ran up and down it. To top it off she wore a navy blue cape over top of her dress and sash with golden falcons serving as the neck piece with ruby gem eyes and the golden chain linking the cape coming out of the falcon’s mouth.


Alexander and Marten were both matching in their white military uniforms with black ebon colored pants and shoes. Both like Wilhelmina wearing a red sash adorned with several metals dangling off of their sash. Alexander noticeably having more than Marten but the new Emperor surely had enough to compete with.


As the limousine came to a stop in front of the chapel, it’s inhabitants came outside of it and made their way up the chapel steps into the chapel. In almost a ceremonial way they came through the chapel in order from Wilhelmina to Jadzia to Alexander to Marten all keeping pace with each other and not losing a step. They took their seats with the other dignitaries and Wilhelmina listened to the choral music. During service in Maloria the choir was always her favorite part and it had always been her favorite part ever since she was a child growing up in Esplandia.


When the final song ended and the procession began she was reminded of how different her wedding was compared to the ones in her homeland. The weddings here seemed more peaceful and ritualistic and free. The ones in Maloria were more luxurious and focused on extravagance and tradition while the ones back home seemed freer even though she did love her wedding and it was one of the best nights of her life as that was the beginning of her life together with her husband, something just seemed more liberated despite these being the traditions for centuries.


All members of the Malorian Party were impressed by the ceremony, besides Alexander. He thought it was quite dull but how could a wedding compare to artillery raining down on the enemy? It couldn’t but he’d have to make due with the food and social interaction.


After the ceremony had ended they made their way to the new building and began participating in the feast.

_________________________________________________


After the Malorian Delegation came into the chapel it was followed by the President of the Presidium of Kaludgar and the First Lady, Winegar Roriksen and his wife Katharin. Winegar himself grew up in the aristocratic families of Kaludgar and in their political circles which one might argue could be seen as almost identical to that of the nobility of the Vestrugat but he detested monarchy and everything it stood for.


His wife was a different character having grown up in the Vestrugat as a princess herself, actually being the sister of the King of Esplandia. She found herself on the opposing view of her husband seeing monarchy as a stabilizing force for the countries that have it and the nobility as a good balance to the people by themselves. No matter their differences both still loved the Vestrugat and their people even though they may see a different future for it.


During the Feast of Saint Avalus was when they met in Karthied, Winegar being the son of the Ambassador to Esplandia from the Federation of Kaludgar and a member of the prestigious Roriksen Family. His smooth words and confidence were hard not to like but Katharin ended up more than just ending up with a liking for the socialite from Kaludgar. For hours and hours they danced and drank and got to know one another and by the end of it all they had fallen in love for each other.


Some say in Esplandia and in Kaludgar that Winegar manipulated her and told her everything she wanted to her so he would have a princess by his side but whatever those concerns once were they are longer present. Decades ago in Karthied royalty and commoner married and now once more in Esplandia it was happening again, even though the practice was common in the Vestrugat is still didn’t take any of the allure out of it. Now it was time for both to witness the same event that happened to them so long ago.


The limousine pulled up to the steps of the chapel and out came the President and his wife and up the chapel steps to its interior with Katharin wearing a blue dress with white pearl earrings and a golden ring alongside her wedding ring with a giant encrusted ruby in it. Finishing off her outfit with a golden necklace around her neck engraved with falcon emblems and rubies encrusted inside of it with it obviously being the main the piece of attention.


Winegar himself wearing a white suit with a black tie and dark-as-night shoes. He was not an impressive man but his sense of self confidence and control irradiated off of him and into the chapel as soon as he walked in. He might’ve been in his 70s but he still walked with a pop in his step as if he was 20.


They took their seat with the groom’s family as the music came to a close and the ceremony began. Both couldn’t help but have their memories flooded at this occasion by their own wedding. Both were proud of his Sherwin and Irwin, Sherwin finally had a daughter-in-law and they could tell Irwin was truly happy with this one.


As the ceremony ended, like the rest of the guests they made their way to the building and began in the feast.

Tobias found himself smiling at King Sherwin's bluntness. It hit him head on, but he found it liberating.
He nodded "thank you for the welcome, Sherwin" he said with a slight smile. He'd been on Icenia for Samhain in Merilia, but this was his first time in the Vestrugat Federation.

"I'm enjoying myself very much, thank you" he replied, having taken in Esplandia's architectural beauty. In many ways it reminded him of Prydania...if Prydania hadn't been blown to bits. The weather though...that was different.
"And I'm thankful for the warm weather! You can sometimes forget what the sun looks like back home!"

He blushed just a bit at Sherwin's complement.
"I'm glad someone thinks I got that from him" he said regarding his appearance.
A memory of his father surfaced, however. From a long time ago, in an old chair, reading a book. He had no idea if that book was one of Esplandian history. All but the most broad of details were fuzzy in his mind. Still, it made him smile. As did the mention of Aelrik the Great. His father never had the chance to instill a sense of history into him, but William had insisted he learn his subjects, as much as he could during the war.
"One of Esplandia's greatest leaders. Smart too. I admit he's been on my mind lately, given the task of rebuilding Prydania that we're faced with."

He turned to offer a hand to Mr. Chauveau after he had handed the charms over to Sherwin.
"Monsieur President" he offered.
"Forgive my Ceretian, but it's an honour to meet you."

“Well," Rajesh said to the Grand Vizier of Austalgotha as Irwin and Elaena sped off in their wedding car. "There they go. You know, I've always liked big galas like these, ones that attract delegates from all over the globe, whether it be for a wedding or an important conference or something of the sort. They're often both enjoyable and useful, spare the occasional technical difficulties."

Indeed, events such as these were hard to come by, though they served good use. So many world leaders in one place was always advantageous for politics. The last time he had met a foreign leader, it was in fact a state visit to Esplandia to witness the funeral of the recently-found Sherwin II, and following this he and Sherwin were on a first-name basis. This time, however, there were much more people. Of course Anthony was in attendance- he was a relation of the Drakostas. But there were many others.

Bernard Chauveau, the President of Callise, was also in attendance, as well as three prominent Severyns and the Presidents of Streyacora and Kaludgar. Of particular notice to him, however, was Tobias III, the famous Boy-King of Prydania. Rajesh could never hope to empathize with the poor child, who had seen horrors innumerable at such a young age, and was thereafter thrust into the throne of a nation, with all its eyes on him, at the age of 23. He did, however, hope to finally meet him face to face.

As the dignitaries visiting all got up from their seats and headed towards the ballroom, he got up as well, continuing as he did. "By the way, Algon; now that the ceremonies are mostly over, if I may- I would be remiss if I did not extend my personal congratulations on Austalgotha's recent growth in size. A very savvy deal- I'm happy to hear it worked out. How have things been going since?"

Algon Chopra beamed at the emperor’s praise. “Thank you,” he said. “But truthfully the praise should go to Sherwin. The deal was quite a coup for him, and any chance I get to stick it to King Raenhald, well I can’t pass that up.”

They entered into the room where refreshments were waiting as the crowd began to mingle. Algon saw Sherwin begin talking to a young man. “This does present an opportunity though,” Algon continued. “Sherwin is much friendlier to the Commonwealth than the Hastenfraktans. I’d like to discuss a telecommunications deal, bringing Syrixian news and television to the Vestrugat, as well as importing imperial technology. There’s certainly a market for it here. Perhaps we can meet in the future to discuss?”

Chauveau reached out and grabbed a liberal amount of cheese from the man serving him. He then took a small wine glass and returned to the discussion.

"And you must be Tobias Loðbrok! The honor is all mine."

Bernard Chauveau studied the face of the young king carefully. Callise had not been too kind to the fledgling constitutional monarchy in the arena of trade, and he wondered just what the Prydanian king might be thinking of him at this moment.

The elderly President gathered himself and continued the conversation.

"How are you enjoying the festivities, your majesty?"

"I think that's definitely something we can look into. I'll see to it that my government is informed." the Emperor replied, externally merely smiling but internally beaming just as wide if not wider than Algon. Hastenfrakta had been a thorn in the Empire's side both in the pre-modern and modern ages. Continuing, the Emperor remarked, "I'm especially interested in the possibility of Esplandian involvement in such a deal. I wonder if we should broach the subject to Sherwin now, if he's not already busy."